APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CHILD-RESISTANT VAPORIZATION DEVICES
A vaporization device could contain an amount of vaporization substance that is potentially harmful if ingested. Children may be particularly at risk. Child-resistant covers that releasably engage a chamber of a vaporization device and seal a vaporization substance in the chamber are disclosed. The vaporization device could also include a stem, an atomizer, a base, and a battery compartment. The child-resistant cover could require a user to perform multiple operations to disengage the child-resistant cover from the chamber. These operations could include, for example, one or more of: rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber; pushing at least a portion of the child-resistant cover towards the chamber; compressing a portion of the child-resistant cover; and pulling at least a portion of the child-resistant cover away from the chamber.
This application claims priority from Canadian patent application 3,017,562 filed on 17 Sep. 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELDThis application relates generally to vaporization devices, and in particular to such devices, or parts of such devices, with features to provide child-resistance.
BACKGROUNDA vaporization device is used to vaporize substances for inhalation. These substances are referred to herein as vaporization substances, and could include, for example, cannabis products, tobacco products, herbs, and/or flavorants. In some cases, active substances in cannabis, tobacco, or other plants or materials are extracted to generate concentrates. These active substances could include cannabinoids from cannabis, and nicotine from tobacco. In other cases, the synthetic active substances are artificially manufactured. Terpenes are common flavorant vaporization substances, and could be generated from natural essential oils or artificially.
Vaporization substances could be in the form of loose leaf in the case of cannabis, tobacco, and herbs, for example, or in the form of concentrates or derivative products such as liquids, waxes, or gels, for example. Active substances, whether intended for flavor or some other effect, could be mixed with other compounds such as propylene glycol, glycerin, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and/or water to adjust the viscosity of a final vaporization sub stance.
In a vaporization device, the vaporization substance is heated to the vaporization point of one or more active substances. This produces a vapor, which may also be referred to as an aerosol. The vapor is then inhaled by a user through an air channel that is provided in the vaporization device, and often through a hose or pipe that is part of or attached to the vaporization device.
SUMMARYAt least some vaporization substances are potentially harmful. For example, a vaporization substance could include an active substance in an amount that is harmful if ingested at once. As such, a need exists for vaporization substance containers, including vaporization devices and/or other types of containers for vaporization substances, with child-resistant features that inhibit access to the container.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for a vaporization device, the cartridge comprising: a chamber for a vaporization substance; and a child-resistant cover to releasably engage the chamber and seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover is configured to require a user to perform a plurality of operations to disengage the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover is further configured to require the user to perform the plurality of operations simultaneously.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises pushing at least a portion of the child-resistant cover towards the chamber.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises compressing a portion of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises pulling at least a portion of the child-resistant cover away from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises threads and the child-resistant cover comprises threads to engage the threads of the chamber.
In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a stem.
In some embodiments, the stem comprises threads and the child-resistant cover comprises threads to engage threads of the stem.
In some embodiments, the threads of the child-resistant cover comprise threads that extend radially outwards from a surface of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the threads of the child-resistant cover also or instead comprise threads extend radially inwards from a surface of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a mouth-piece.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a first component and a second component.
In some embodiments, the first component or the second component comprises a mouth-piece.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a cooperative engagement to connect the first component to the second component.
In some embodiments, the cooperative engagement permits rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a first protrusion and the second component comprises a second protrusion to engage the first protrusion and connect the first component to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion extends radially outwards and the second protrusion extends radially inwards.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion comprises a first annular protrusion and the second protrusion comprises a second annular protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a clutch to releasably engage the first component with the second component and inhibit rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a rib and the second component comprises a groove to engage the rib and inhibit rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component is biased relative to the second component by a resilient member.
In some embodiments, the first component and the second component are pushed apart by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the first component and the second component are pulled together by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the rib and the groove are reversibly disengaged by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the resilient member comprises at least one of a spring and a gasket.
In some embodiments, the groove comprises a slanted edge.
In some embodiments, the rib comprises a slanted edge.
In some embodiments, the rib and the groove are reversibly disengaged by the slanted edge of the groove and/or the slanted edge of the rib.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a first aperture to releasably engage with a rigid member and the second component comprises a second aperture to releasably engage with the rigid member, wherein the rigid member inhibits rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a sidewall to cover a portion of the second component.
In some embodiments, an outside wall of the second component comprises a bearing that is freely rotatable relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the bearing comprises a first aperture to releasably engage with a rigid member and the second component comprises a second aperture to releasably engage with the rigid member, wherein the rigid member inhibits rotation of the bearing relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a first protrusion and the child-resistant cover comprises a second protrusion to engage with the first protrusion and inhibit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a first protrusion and the child-resistant cover comprises a second protrusion to engage with the first protrusion, inhibit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber, and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion is an annular protrusion comprising a notch, and wherein the second protrusion comprises a tab that is passable through the notch to engage or disengage with the annular protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a resilient member, the resilient member comprising the second protrusion, wherein the resilient member is deformable to engage or disengage the second protrusion and the first protrusion.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a protrusion, the protrusion comprising a notch, and the child-resistant cover comprises a tab to engage the notch and inhibit a release of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the notch inhibits rotation of the tab relative to the protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a gasket to bias the child-resistant cover away from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the tab and the notch are reversibly engaged by the gasket.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a resilient member, the resilient member comprising the tab, wherein the resilient member is deformable to engage or disengage the tab and the notch.
In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a one-way lock to inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a direction.
In some embodiments, the one-way lock comprises a ratchet engagement.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a toothed surface and the child-resistant cover comprises a first pawl to engage with the toothed surface, inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a first direction, and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a second direction.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a resilient member to bias the first pawl towards the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the first pawl and the toothed surface are reversibly engaged by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a lever to disengage the first pawl and the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a second pawl to engage with the toothed surface, inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in the second direction and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in the first direction.
In some embodiments, the lever engages the second pawl and the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a one-way drive to enable the rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a first direction, and inhibit the rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a second direction.
In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a release mechanism to permit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a resilient member comprising a tab, and the child-resistant cover comprises a notch to reversibly engage the tab and inhibit movement of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the resilient member biases the tab into engagement with the notch.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises an aperture, located adjacent to the notch, to receive a key and permit disengagement of the tab from the notch.
In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises an atomizer to vaporize the vaporization substance; and a base coupled to the atomizer.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a child-resistant cover to releasably engage a vaporization device cartridge chamber and seal a vaporization substance in the chamber.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover is configured to require a user to perform a plurality of operations to disengage the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover is further configured to require the user to perform the plurality of operations simultaneously.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises pushing at least a portion of the child-resistant cover towards the chamber.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises compressing a portion of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises pulling at least a portion of the child-resistant cover away from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises threads and the child-resistant cover comprises threads to engage the threads of the chamber.
In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a stem inside the chamber.
In some embodiments, the stem comprises threads and the child-resistant cover comprises threads to engage threads of the stem.
In some embodiments, the threads of the child-resistant cover comprise threads that extend radially outwards from a surface of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the threads of the child-resistant cover also or instead comprise threads that extend radially inwards from a surface of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a mouth-piece.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a first component and a second component.
In some embodiments, the first component or the second component comprises a mouth-piece.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a cooperative engagement to connect the first component to the second component.
In some embodiments, the cooperative engagement permits rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a first protrusion and the second component comprises a second protrusion to engage the first protrusion and connect the first component to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion extends radially outwards and the second protrusion extends radially inwards.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion comprises a first annular protrusion and the second protrusion comprises a second annular protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a clutch to releasably engage the first component with the second component and inhibit rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a rib and the second component comprises a groove to engage the rib and inhibit rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component is biased relative to the second component by a resilient member.
In some embodiments, the first component and the second component are pushed apart by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the first component and the second component are pulled together by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the rib and the groove are reversibly disengaged by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the resilient member comprises at least one of a spring and a gasket.
In some embodiments, the groove comprises a slanted edge.
In some embodiments, the rib comprises a slanted edge.
In some embodiments, the rib and the groove are reversibly disengaged by the slanted edge of the rib and/or the slanted edge of the groove.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a first aperture to releasably engage with a rigid member and the second component comprises a second aperture to releasably engage with the rigid member, wherein the rigid member inhibits rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a sidewall to cover a portion of the second component.
In some embodiments, an outside wall of the second component comprises a bearing that is freely rotatable relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the bearing comprises a first aperture to releasably engage with a rigid member and the second component comprises a second aperture to releasably engage with the rigid member, wherein the rigid member inhibits rotation of the bearing relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a first protrusion and the child-resistant cover comprises a second protrusion to engage with the first protrusion and inhibit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a first protrusion and the child-resistant cover comprises a second protrusion to engage with the first protrusion, inhibit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber, and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion is an annular protrusion comprising a notch, and wherein the second protrusion comprises a tab that is passable through the notch to engage or disengage with the annular protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a resilient member, the resilient member comprising the second protrusion, wherein the resilient member is deformable to engage or disengage the second protrusion and the first protrusion.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a protrusion, the protrusion comprising a notch, and the child-resistant cover comprises a tab to engage the notch and inhibit a release of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the notch inhibits rotation of the tab relative to the protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a gasket to bias the child-resistant cover away from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the tab and the notch are reversibly engaged by the gasket.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a resilient member, the resilient member comprising the tab, wherein the resilient member is deformable to engage or disengage the tab and the notch.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a one-way lock to inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a direction.
In some embodiments, the one-way lock comprises a ratchet engagement.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a toothed surface and the child-resistant cover comprises a first pawl to engage with the toothed surface, inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a first direction, and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a second direction.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a resilient member to bias the first pawl towards the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the first pawl and the toothed surface are reversibly engaged by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a lever to disengage the first pawl and the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a second pawl to engage with the toothed surface, inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in the second direction and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in the first direction.
In some embodiments, the lever engages the second pawl and the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a one-way drive to enable the rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a first direction, and inhibit the rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a second direction.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a release mechanism to permit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a resilient member comprising a tab, and the child-resistant cover comprises a notch to reversibly engage the tab and inhibit movement of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the resilient member biases the tab into engagement with the notch.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises an aperture, located adjacent to the notch, to receive a key and permit disengagement of the tab from the notch.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vaporization device comprising: a cartridge for a vaporization substance; a child-resistant cap to releasably engage the cartridge and seal the vaporization substance in the cartridge; an atomizer to vaporize the vaporization substance; a base coupled to the atomizer; and a battery coupled to the base to power the atomizer.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover is configured to require a user to perform a plurality of operations to disengage the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover is further configured to require the user to perform the plurality of operations simultaneously.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises pushing at least a portion of the child-resistant cover towards the chamber.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises compressing a portion of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the plurality of operations comprises pulling at least a portion of the child-resistant cover away from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises threads and the child-resistant cover comprises threads to engage the threads of the chamber.
In some embodiments, the vaporization device further comprises a stem.
In some embodiments, the stem comprises threads and the child-resistant cover comprises threads to engage threads of the stem.
In some embodiments, the threads of the child-resistant cover comprise threads that extend radially outwards from a surface of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the threads of the threads of the child-resistant cover also or instead comprise threads that extend radially inwards from a surface of the child-resistant cover.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a mouth-piece.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a first component and a second component.
In some embodiments, the first component or the second component comprises a mouth-piece.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a cooperative engagement to connect the first component to the second component.
In some embodiments, the cooperative engagement permits rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a first protrusion and the second component comprises a second protrusion to engage the first protrusion and connect the first component to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion extends radially outwards and the second protrusion extends radially inwards.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion comprises a first annular protrusion and the second protrusion comprises a second annular protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a clutch to releasably engage the first component with the second component and inhibit rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a rib and the second component comprises a groove to engage the rib and inhibit rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component is biased relative to the second component by a resilient member.
In some embodiments, the first component and the second component are pushed apart by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the first component and the second component are pulled together by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the rib and the groove are reversibly disengaged by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the resilient member comprises at least one of a spring and a gasket.
In some embodiments, the groove comprises a slanted edge.
In some embodiments, the rib comprises a slanted edge.
In some embodiments, the rib and the groove are reversibly disengaged by the slanted edge of the rib and/or the slanted edge of the groove.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a first aperture to releasably engage with a rigid member and the second component comprises a second aperture to releasably engage with the rigid member, wherein the rigid member inhibits rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a sidewall to cover a portion of the second component.
In some embodiments, an outside wall of the second component comprises a bearing that is freely rotatable relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the bearing comprises a first aperture to releasably engage with a rigid member and the second component comprises a second aperture to releasably engage with the rigid member, wherein the rigid member inhibits rotation of the bearing relative to the second component.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a first protrusion and the child-resistant cover comprises a second protrusion to engage with the first protrusion and inhibit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a first protrusion and the child-resistant cover comprises a second protrusion to engage with the first protrusion, inhibit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber, and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion is an annular protrusion comprising a notch, and wherein the second protrusion comprises a tab that is passable through the notch to engage or disengage with the annular protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a resilient member, the resilient member comprising the second protrusion, wherein the resilient member is deformable to engage or disengage the second protrusion and the first protrusion.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a protrusion, the protrusion comprising a notch, and the child-resistant cover comprises a tab to engage the notch and inhibit a release of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the notch inhibits rotation of the tab relative to the protrusion.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a gasket to bias the child-resistant cover away from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the tab and the notch are reversibly engaged by the gasket.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a resilient member, the resilient member comprising the tab, wherein the resilient member is deformable to engage or disengage the tab and the notch.
In some embodiments, the vaporization device further comprises a one-way lock to inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a direction.
In some embodiments, the one-way lock comprises a ratchet engagement.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a toothed surface and the child-resistant cover comprises a first pawl to engage with the toothed surface, inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a first direction, and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a second direction.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a resilient member to bias the first pawl towards the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the first pawl and the toothed surface are reversibly engaged by the resilient member.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover comprises a lever to disengage the first pawl and the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises a second pawl to engage with the toothed surface, inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in the second direction and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in the first direction.
In some embodiments, the lever engages the second pawl and the toothed surface.
In some embodiments, the vaporization device further comprises a one-way drive to enable the rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a first direction, and inhibit the rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a second direction.
In some embodiments, the vaporization device further comprises a release mechanism to permit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a resilient member comprising a tab, and the child-resistant cover comprises a notch to reversibly engage the tab and inhibit movement of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In some embodiments, the resilient member biases the tab into engagement with the notch.
In some embodiments, the child-resistant cover further comprises an aperture, located adjacent to the notch, to receive a key and permit disengagement of the tab from the notch.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a cover to engage a vaporization device cartridge chamber and seal a vaporization substance in the chamber, the cover comprising: a first component; and a second component rotatable relative to the first component, wherein the first component or the second component comprises a mouth-piece.
In some embodiments, the cover further comprises a cooperative engagement to connect the first component to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first component comprises a first protrusion and the second component comprises a second protrusion to engage the first protrusion and connect the first component to the second component.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion extends radially outwards and the second protrusion extends radially inwards.
In some embodiments, the first protrusion comprises a first annular protrusion and the second protrusion comprises a second annular protrusion.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method comprising: providing a child-resistant cover to releasably engage a vaporization device cartridge chamber and seal a vaporization substance in the chamber.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing the chamber for the vaporization substance.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing an atomizer for vaporizing the vaporization substance; and providing a base coupled to the atomizer.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing the vaporization sub stance.
In some embodiments, providing the vaporization substance comprises at least partially filling the chamber with the vaporization substance.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing the vaporization substance; adding the vaporization substance to the chamber to at least partially fill the chamber; engaging the child-resistant cover with the chamber to seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing the vaporization substance; assembling the child-resistant cover, the chamber, and the base coupled to the atomizer, the assembling comprising engaging the child-resistant cover with the chamber to seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing a battery compartment.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing a battery compartment; assembling the child-resistant cover, the chamber, the base coupled to the atomizer, and the battery compartment.
In some embodiments, the assembling comprises engaging the base with the battery compartment, and the method further comprises: disengaging the battery compartment from the base; installing or replacing a battery in the battery compartment; engaging the battery compartment with the base.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a cartridge disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: compressing the first component and the second component; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a cartridge disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: aligning the first aperture and the second aperture; engaging the rigid member with the first aperture and the second aperture; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a cartridge disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: aligning the tab with the notch; and pushing or pulling the tab through the notch.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a cartridge disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: compressing the child-resistant cover and the chamber; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a cartridge disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: deforming the resilient member; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a cartridge disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: manipulating the lever to disengage the first pawl and the toothed surface; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of the cartridge disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: disengaging the tab from the notch; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a vaporization device disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: compressing the first component and the second component; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a vaporization device disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: aligning the first aperture and the second aperture; engaging the rigid member with the first aperture and the second aperture; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a vaporization device disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: aligning the tab with the notch; and pushing or pulling the tab through the notch.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a vaporization device disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: compressing the child-resistant cover and the chamber; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a vaporization device disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: deforming the resilient member; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a vaporization device disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: manipulating the lever to disengage the first pawl and the toothed surface; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a vaporization device disclosed herein for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising: disengaging the tab from the notch; and rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
For illustrative purposes, specific example embodiments will be explained in greater detail below in conjunction with the figures. It should be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure provides many applicable concepts that can be embodied in any of a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments could include additional, different, or fewer features than shown in the drawings. The figures are also not necessarily drawn to scale.
The present disclosure relates, in part, to vaporization devices for vaporization substances that include active substances such as cannabinoids or nicotine. However, the vaporization devices described herein could also or instead be used for vaporization substances without an active substance. As used herein, the term “cannabinoid” is generally understood to include any chemical compound that acts upon a cannabinoid receptor. Cannabinoids could include endocannabinoids (produced naturally by humans and animals), phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially).
Examples of phytocannabinoids include, but are not limited to, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM), cannabidiol-C4 (CBD-C4), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabionolic acid B (THCA-B), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-C4 (THCA-C4), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1), delta-7-cis-iso tetrahydrocannabivarin, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclovarin (CBLV), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol methylether (CBNM), cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabinol-C2 (CBN-C2), cannabiorcol (CBN-C1), cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabinodivarin (CBVD), cannabitriol (CBT), 10-ethoxy-9hydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol, 8,9-dihydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabitriolvarin (CBTV), ethoxy-cannabitriolvarin (CBTVE), dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF), cannabifuran (CBF), cannabichromanon (CBCN), cannabicitran (CBT), 10-oxo-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabionol (OTHC), delta-9-ci s-tetrahydrocannabinol (ci s-THC), 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-alpha-alpha-2-trimethyl-9-n-propyl-2, 6-methano-2H-1-benzoxocin-5-methanol (OH-iso-HHCV), cannabiripsol (CBR), trihydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), and derivatives thereof.
Examples of synthetic cannabinoids include, but are not limited to, naphthoylindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles, naphthylmethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles, cyclohexylphenols, tetramethylcyclopropylindoles, adamantoylindoles, indazole carboxamides, and quinolinyl esters.
A cannabinoid may be in an acid form or a non-acid form, the latter also being referred to as the decarboxylated form since the non-acid form can be generated by decarboxylating the acid form.
A vaporization substance may comprise a cannabinoid in its pure or isolated form or a source material comprising the cannabinoid. Examples of source materials comprising cannabinoids include, but are not limited to, cannabis or hemp plant material (e.g, flowers, seeds, trichomes, and kief), milled cannabis or hemp plant material, extracts obtained from cannabis or hemp plant material (e.g., resins, waxes and concentrates), and distilled extracts or kief. In some embodiments, pure or isolated cannabinoids and/or source materials comprising cannabinoids may be combined with water, lipids, hydrocarbons (e.g., butane), ethanol, acetone, isopropanol, or mixtures thereof.
In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is only psychoactive in its decarboxylated state. The carboxylic acid form (THCA) is non-psychoactive. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) produce the effects associated with cannabis by binding to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). The terms “cannabidiol” or “CBD” are generally understood to refer to one or more of the following compounds, and, unless a particular other stereoisomer or stereoisomers are specified, includes the compound “Δ2-cannabidiol.” These compounds are: (1) Δ5-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-5-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol); (2) Δ4-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-4-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol); (3) Δ3-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol); (4) Δ3,7-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methylenecyclohex-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol); (5) Δ2-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol); (6) Δ1-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol); and (7) Δ6-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-6-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol).
In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is a mixture of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The w/w ratio of THC to CBD a the vaporization substance may be about 1:1000, about 1:900, about 1:800, about 1:700, about 1:600, about 1:500, about 1:400, about 1:300, about 1:250, about 1:200, about 1:150, about 1:100, about 1:90, about 1:80, about 1:70, about 1:60, about 1:50, about 1:45, about 1:40, about 1:35, about 1:30, about 1:29, about 1:28, about 1:27, about 1:26, about 1:25, about 1:24, about 1:23, about 1:22, about 1:21, about 1:20, about 1:19, about 1:18, about 1:17, about 1:16, about 1:15, about 1:14, about 1:13, about 1:12, about 1:11, about 1:10, about 1:9, about 1:8, about 1:7, about 1:6, about 1:5, about 1:4.5, about 1:4, about 1:3.5, about 1:3, about 1:2.9, about 1:2.8, about 1:2.7, about 1:2.6, about 1:2.5, about 1:2.4, about 1:2.3, about 1:2.2, about 1:2.1, about 1:2, about 1:1.9, about 1:1.8, about 1:1.7, about 1:1.6, about 1:1.5, about 1:1.4, about 1:1.3, about 1:1.2, about 1:1.1, about 1:1, about 1.1:1, about 1.2:1, about 1.3:1, about 1.4:1, about 1.5:1, about 1.6:1, about 1.7:1, about 1.8:1, about 1.9:1, about 2:1, about 2.1:1, about 2.2:1, about 2.3:1, about 2.4:1, about 2.5:1, about 2.6:1, about 2.7:1, about 2.8:1, about 2.9:1, about 3:1, about 3.5:1, about 4:1, about 4.5:1, about 5:1, about 6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 9:1, about 10:1, about 11:1, about 12:1, about 13:1, about 14:1, about 15:1, about 16:1, about 17:1, about 18:1, about 19:1, about 20:1, about 21:1, about 22:1, about 23:1, about 24:1, about 25:1, about 26:1, about 27:1, about 28:1, about 29:1, about 30:1, about 35:1, about 40:1, about 45:1, about 50:1, about 60:1, about 70:1, about 80:1, about 90:1, about 100:1, about 150:1, about 200:1, about 250:1, about 300:1, about 400:1, about 500:1, about 600:1, about 700:1, about 800:1, about 900:1, or about 1000:1.
In some embodiments, a vaporization substance may include products of cannabinoid metabolism, including 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC).
These particulars of cannabinoids are intended solely for illustrative purposes. Other embodiments are also contemplated.
The cap 102 is an example of a lid or cover. Although embodiments are disclosed herein primarily with reference to a cap, a cover is not necessarily limited only to a cap that would be attached or otherwise installed at what might be considered a top or mouth-piece end of a chamber or cartridge. Child-resistant features could also or instead be provided in a cover that would be attached or otherwise installed at a bottom end of a chamber or cartridge, in the base 106, for example. The bottom end could also or instead be referred to as an atomizer end or battery end of a cartridge or chamber.
The cap 102 includes a tip 112 and sidewalls 114 and 115, which could be sides or parts of the same cylindrical sidewall in some embodiments. The cap 102, in addition to sealing an end of an interior space of the chamber 104, could also provide a mouth-piece through which a user can draw vapor from the vaporization device 100. The mouth-piece could be tapered, as shown, for a user's comfort. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular shape of the cap 102.
The cap 102 could be made from one or more materials including metals, plastics, elastomers and ceramics, for example. However, other materials could also or instead be used.
In other embodiments, the mouth-piece could be separate from the cap. For example, the cap could be connected to the mouth-piece by a hose or pipe. The hose or pipe could accommodate the flow of vapor from the cap to the mouth-piece. The hose or pipe could also be flexible, allowing a user to orient the mouth-piece independently from the cap.
The chamber 104 is an example of a vessel to store a vaporization substance prior to vaporization. Although embodiments are described herein primarily in the context of vaporization liquids such as oil concentrates, in general a chamber may store other forms of vaporization substances, including waxes and gels for example. In some embodiments, chambers could contain dry vaporization substances. The chamber 104 could also be referred to as a container, a housing or a tank.
The chamber 104 includes outer walls 118 and 120. The outer walls 118 and 120 of the chamber 104 could be made from one or more transparent or translucent materials, such as tempered glass or plastics, in order to enable a user to visibly determine the quantity of vaporization substance in the chamber. The outer walls 118 and 120 could instead be made from one or more opaque materials such as metal alloys, plastics or ceramics, to protect the vaporization substance from degradation by ultraviolet radiation, for example. The outer walls 118 and 120 of the chamber 104 could include markings to aid the user in determining the quantity of vaporization liquid in the chamber. The chamber 104 could be any of a number of different heights. Although multiple outer walls are shown in
The chamber 104 engages the cap, and could be coupled to the cap 102, via an engagement or connection at 116. A gasket or other sealing member could be provided between the chamber 104 and the cap 102 to seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
Although some chambers are “non-recloseable” and cannot be opened after initial filling, some embodiments disclosed herein apply to recloseable chambers in which the engagement at 116, between the cap 102 and the chamber 104, is releasable. For example, the cap 102 could be a cover that releasably engages the chamber 104 and seals a vaporization substance in the chamber 104. A releasable engagement could include, for example, a threaded engagement or other type of connection, or an abutment between the chamber 104 and the cap 102, without necessarily an actual connection between the chamber and the cap. Such a releasable engagement permits the cap 102 to be disengaged or removed from the chamber 104 so that the chamber can be cleaned, emptied, and/or filled with a vaporization substance, for example. The cap 102 could then re-engage with the chamber 104 to seal the vaporization substance. Several examples of releasable engagements are described herein.
Although labeled separately in
An atomizer 130 is provided at the base of the stem 110, inside the chamber 104. The atomizer 130 may also be referred to as a heating element, a core, or a ceramic core. The atomizer 130 includes sidewalls 131 and 133, which could actually be a single cylindrical or frustoconical wall in some embodiments, and a wicking hole or intake hole 134. The sidewalls of the atomizer 130 could be made from a metal alloy such as stainless steel, for example. The sidewalls of the atomizer 130 could be made from the same material as the stem 110, or from different materials.
The atomizer 130 engages, and could couple with, the stem 110 via an engagement 132, and with the base 106 via an engagement 136. Although the engagements 132 and 136 could be releasable, the stem 110, the atomizer 130, and the base 106 will likely be permanently attached together in most embodiments. The atomizer sidewalls 131 and 133 could even be formed with the stem 110 as an integrated single physical component.
In general, the atomizer 130 converts the vaporization substance in the chamber 104 into a vapor, which a user draws from the vaporization device 100 through the stem 110 and the cap 102. Vaporization liquid, for example, could be drawn into the atomizer 130 through the wicking hole 134 and a wick. The atomizer 130 could include a heating element, such as a resistance coil around a ceramic wick, to perform the conversion of vaporization liquid into vapor.
In some embodiments, the combination of the atomizer 130 and the chamber 104 is referred to as a cartomizer.
The base 106 supplies power to the atomizer 130, and may also be referred to as an atomizer base. The base 106 includes sidewalls 138 and 139, which could be a single sidewall such as a cylindrical sidewall. The base 106 engages, and could also be coupled to the chamber 104, via an engagement 128. The engagement 128 could be a fixed connection. However, in some embodiments, the engagement 128 is a releasable engagement, and the base 106 could be considered a form of a cover that releasably engages the chamber 104 and seals a vaporization substance in the chamber 104. In such embodiments, the engagement 128 could include a threaded engagement or connection or an abutment between the chamber 104 and the base 106, for example. A gasket or other sealing member could be provided between the chamber 104 and the base 106 to seal the vaporization substance in the chamber. Such a releasable engagement enables removal or disengagement of the base 106 from the chamber 104 to permit access to the interior of the chamber, so that the chamber can be emptied, cleaned, and/or filled with a vaporization substance, for example. The base 106 could then re-engage with the chamber 104 to seal the vaporization substance inside the chamber.
The base 106 generally includes circuitry to supply power to the atomizer 130. For example, the base 106 could include electrical contacts that connect to corresponding electrical contacts in the battery compartment 108. The base 106 could further include electrical contacts that connect to corresponding electrical contacts in the atomizer 130. The base 106 could reduce, regulate or otherwise control the power/voltage/current output from the battery compartment 108. However, this functionality could also or instead be provided by the battery compartment 108 itself. The base 106 could be made from one or more materials including metals, plastics, elastomers and ceramics, for example, to carry or otherwise support other base components such as contacts and/or circuitry. However, other materials could also or instead be used.
The combination of a cap 102, a chamber 104, a stem 110, an atomizer 130, and a base 106 is often referred to as a cartridge or “cart”.
The battery compartment 108 could also be referred to as a battery housing. The battery compartment 108 includes sidewalls 140 and 141, a bottom 142 and a button 144. The sidewalls 140 and 141, as noted above for other sidewalls, could be a single wall such as a cylindrical sidewall. The battery compartment 108 engages, and could also couple to, the base 106 via an engagement 146. The engagement 146 could be a releasable engagement such as a threaded connection or a magnetic connection, to provide access to the inside of the battery compartment 108. The battery compartment 108 could include single-use batteries or rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. A releasable engagement 146 enables replacement of single-use batteries and/or removal of rechargeable batteries for charging, for example. In some embodiments, rechargeable batteries could be recharged by an internal battery charger in the battery compartment 108 without removing them from the vaporization device 100. A charging port (not shown) could be provided in the bottom 142 or a sidewall 140, 141, for example. The battery compartment 108 could be made from the same material(s) as the base 106 or from one or more different materials.
Although shown in
The battery compartment 108 powers the vaporization device 100 and allows powered components of the vaporization device, including at least the atomizer 130, to operate. Other powered components could include, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers or other indicators of device power status (on/off), device usage status (on when a user is drawing vapor), etc. In some embodiments, speakers and/or other audible indicators could produce long, short or intermittent “beep” sounds as a form of indicator of different conditions.
As noted above, in some embodiments, the cap 102, the chamber 104, the stem 110, the atomizer 130, the base 106 and/or the battery compartment 108 are cylindrical in shape or otherwise shaped in a way such that sidewalls that are separately labeled in
The cap 102 further includes sealing members 210, 212, 214 and 216 abutting the shoulders 226, 228, 232 and 234. The sealing members 210, 212, 214 and 216 could be resilient and made from an elastomeric material, for example. In embodiments where the cap 102 is cylindrical in shape, the sealing members 210 and 212 could correspond to different parts of a first annular sealing member such as an O-ring, washer, or gasket, and sealing members 214 and 216 could correspond to different parts of a second annular sealing member.
In
Other configurations of the projections 202 and 204 and the sealing members 210 and 212 are also possible. For example, the projections 202 and 204 could instead be provided to engage the outer walls 118 and 120 of the chamber 104. In such embodiments, the projections 202 and 204 could include threads that extend radially inwards from the innermost walls of the projections to mate with threads on the chamber outer walls 118 and 120 that extend radially outwards. The sealing members 210 and 212 would then be located inside the projections 202 and 204. In an embodiment, a washer-type sealing member could be provided, and could extend between the projections 202/206 and 204/208 to seal between the bottom surface 230 of the cap 102 and the chamber outer walls 118 and 120.
The cap 102 could also or instead connect to the stem 110. When the cap 102 is connected to the chamber 104, the projections 206 and 208 abut the outer walls 122 and 124 of the stem 110, and the sealing members 214 and 216 abut the stem top surfaces 222 and 224. The projections 206 and 208 could include threads that extend radially inwards from the innermost walls of the projections, to mate with threads on the stem outer walls 122 and 124 that extend radially outwards. This creates a releasable engagement or connection between the cap 102 and the stem 110. The sealing members 214 and 216 are compressed against shoulders 232 and 234 on the cap 102 by the top surfaces 222 and 224 of the stem 110 as the cap is screwed onto the stem, to form a liquid-tight seal between the stem and the cap. With the seals formed by the sealing members 210/212 and 214/216, the internal space of the chamber 104, between the stem 110 and the outer walls 118 and 120, is sealed at one end.
Other configurations of the projections 206 and 208 and the sealing members 214 and 216 are also possible. For example, the projections 206 and 208 could instead engage the inner walls 123 and 125 of the stem 110. In such embodiments, the projections 206 and 208 could include threads that extend radially outwards from the outermost walls of the projections to mate with threads on the inner walls 123 and 125 that extend radially inwards. The sealing members 214 and 216 would then be located outside the projections 206 and 208. With projections 202 and 204 outside the outer walls 118 and 120 and projections 206 and 208 inside the inner walls 123 and 125, a single washer-type sealing member extending between the projections 202/206 and 204/208 could seal between the bottom surface 230 of the cap 102 and both the chamber 104 and the stem 110.
In some embodiments, both the stem 110 and the chamber 104 could include threads to engage with threads on the cap 102. In other embodiments, only one of the stem 110 and the chamber 104 has threads. This is one example of the chamber and stem engagements 116 and 126 (
Other variations in the example shown in
The dashed line 240 in
In a refillable and reclosable vaporization device, a chamber is typically filled with a vaporization liquid or other vaporization substance by removing the cap and, in the case of a liquid, pouring the vaporization liquid into the chamber. The chamber could contain an amount of vaporization substance that is potentially harmful if ingested. Children may be particularly at risk, because even relatively small volumes of vaporization substances could be harmful if ingested by a child. In addition, children might not recognize the dangers posed by ingesting vaporization substances. Thus, it may be desirable to limit access to the contents of a chamber by adding child-resistant features to the engagement between a cap and the chamber.
According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a push-to-turn mechanism is implemented to provide child-resistance for the cap of a vaporization device.
The first component 302 includes a tip 306 and a passage 308, which are illustrative examples of the tip 112 and the passage 200 described above with reference to
The second component 304 includes a central passage 326, which in combination with the central passage 308 forms an airway or air channel through the cap 300. The second component 304 also includes an outer wall 336, radial grooves 322 and 323, resilient members 324 and 325, annular protrusions 328 and 330, a sealing member 332, and an annular notch or shoulder 334.
The radial grooves 322 and 323 extend radially outwards from the passage 326. The resilient members 324 and 325 are positioned within the radial grooves 322 and 323. Annular protrusions 328 and 330 extend radially inwards inside the passage 326 in the example shown. A sealing member 332 abuts the bottom of the annular protrusion 330 inside the passage 326.
The second component 304 is configured to releasably engage with, and possibly connect to, a chamber, such as the chamber 104 illustrated in
The first component 302 and the second component 304 are connected by a cooperative engagement or connection that permits the first component to rotate relative to the second component. This illustrated in
With the different sizes of the radial protrusion 314 and the inner opening in the annular protrusion 328, it will be necessary to apply force to the first and second components 302 and 304 in order to move the end of the central protrusion 310 past the annular protrusion 328. In some embodiments, the bottom side (in the view shown in
This type of cooperative engagement or connection could also be referred to as a snap connection. Many other forms of snap connections between the first component 302 and the second component 304 are also possible. For example, the central protrusion 310 could instead extend from the second component 304 and be received by a passage in the first component 302 through an inward radial protrusion. Other numbers and configurations of protrusions and notches could also or instead be used in a snap connection.
Permitting the first component 302 to rotate freely relative to the second component 304 provides a form of child-resistance. For example, without otherwise engaging the first component 302 and the second component 304, simply gripping and turning the first component relative to a chamber will not turn the second component relative to the chamber, and therefore will not unscrew the second component from the chamber. This could inhibit a child's ability to open the chamber. The second component 304 could be sized such that the outer wall 336 is too small to grip in order to turn the second component relative to the chamber when the cap 102 is assembled with the first component 302 connected to the second component.
In order for a user of a vaporization device overcome the free rotation feature of the child-resistant cap 300, a push-to-turn mechanism is implemented. The ribs 312 and 313, in combination with the radial grooves 322 and 323, represent one example of a clutch engagement between the first component 302 and the second component 304. The clutch is engaged when the first component 302 is pushed towards the second component 304 and the ribs 312 and 313 are forced against the resilient members 324 and 325 and at least partially into the radial grooves 322 and 323. This inhibits rotation of the first component relative to the second component. The first component 302 and the second component 304 are pushed apart by the resilient members 324 and 325. Therefore, the ribs 312 and 313 and the radial grooves 322 and 323 are reversibly disengaged by the resilient members 324 and 325, when no pressure is applied between the first component 302 and the second component 304.
When sufficient force is applied between the first component 302 and the second component 304 to deform (compress in this example) the resilient members 324 and 325, the ribs 312 and 313 enter and engage walls of the radial grooves 322 and 323. This is illustrated in the cross-sectional view shown in
In some embodiments, the resilient members 324 and 325 are made of an elastomeric material which can be deformed under pressure. The resilient members 324 and 325 could be springs or gaskets, for example. In an embodiment, the resilient members 324 and 325 are implemented as a coil spring around the central protrusion 310, and the coil spring acts between the protrusion 328 and the ribs 312 and 313 to bias the first component away from the second component. Other possible embodiments include, for example: a coil spring around the ribs 312 and 313, and acting between a top surface of the second component 304 and a bottom surface of the first component 302 in the view shown in
In general, the child-resistant cap 300 could include any number of resilient members. Moreover, the position and orientation of the resilient members could be configured in any manner such that the first component 302 is biased away from the second component 304. In addition, although the above examples refer to resilient members that would be deformed by compression, a push-to-turn mechanism could also or instead be implemented using one or more resilient members in tension. A coil spring acting between the protrusions 314 and 328 inside the passage 326, for example, could bias the first and second components 302 and 304 away from each other, be extended when a force is applied between the first and second components, and then act in tension to return the first and second components to a position in which the ribs 312 and 313 disengage the grooves 324 and 325.
In some embodiments, the ribs 312 and 313 and the radial grooves 322 and 323 are themselves designed to inhibit turning of the second component 304 with the first component 302 in at least a certain direction. This is illustrated by way of example in
In the first turning direction, where the straight axial edge 344 abuts the straight axial edge 346, the force applied between the first component 302 and the second component 304 is only required to deform the resilient members 324 and 325 in order to maintain the engagement between the rib 313 and the radial groove 323. This turning direction may correspond to tightening the second component 302 onto a chamber. If the first component 302 is turned relative to the second component 304 in the other direction, such that the slanted edge 340 abuts the slanted edge 342, then relatively poor engagement is achieved between the rib 313 and the radial groove 323. The slanted edges 340 and 342 will tend to slide against each other in this turning direction, and therefore a larger force is required to maintain the engagement between the rib 313 and the groove 323. In effect, the slanted edges bias the first component 302 away from the second component 304 when turning in a certain direction. Therefore, the rib 313 and the radial groove 323 are reversibly disengaged by the slanted edges, when no pressure is applied between the first component 302 and the second component 304. This turning direction may correspond to unscrewing the second component 302 from the chamber, and could provide a more effective barrier against a child opening a chamber that is sealed using the child-resistant cap 300.
In some embodiments, ribs or lugs with slanted edges such as 340 and 342 could themselves provide sufficient child resistance, even without resilient members 324 and 325. Such slanted or tapered ribs, in conjunction with slanted or tapered grooves in some embodiments, could provide a form of one-way drive mechanism in the engagement between a cap and a chamber of a vaporization device, and/or between parts of a cap, to provide child-resistance. A one-way drive mechanism could enable the rotation of a child-resistant cap relative to a chamber in one direction, when flat surfaces of ribs and grooves are engaged, and inhibit the rotation of the child-resistant cap relative to the chamber in another direction, as tapered rib and/or groove surfaces would tend to slip without additional axial force being applied in an arrangement as shown in
Although the child-resistant cap 300 illustrates a push-to-turn mechanism, a pull-to-turn mechanism may also or instead be implemented in other embodiments. In pull-to-turn embodiments, a first component is engaged with a second component when they are pulled apart. The first component and the second component could be pulled together by one or more resilient members, thereby biasing the components into the disengaged state. For example, referring again to
Multiple child-resistance features could be implemented in combination. One or more pull-to-turn engagement structures could be provided in combination with the push-to-turn features shown in
The examples described with reference to
According to some aspects of the disclosure, a slip ring or bearing is implemented on a component of a multi-part cap to provide a form of child-resistance.
In
The bearing illustrated in
A slip ring could be similar to a bearing as shown in
According to some aspects of the disclosure, a key mechanism is implemented to provide child-resistance in a cap of a vaporization device.
In order for a user of a vaporization device overcome the free rotation feature of the child-resistant cap 450, a key mechanism is implemented. A user may push a key through the apertures 470 and 472 when the apertures are aligned, to engage the first component 452 and the second component 454. This inhibits rotation of the first component 452 relative to the second component 454, and enables the user to unscrew the second component from a chamber. The optional resilient member 462 could be implemented to bias the first component 452 away from the second component 454, such that a user must push the first component towards the second component to align the apertures 470 and 472.
A key is a rigid member capable of engaging the first component 452 and the second component 454. A key could be made of metal or plastic, for example. The apertures 470 and 472 could be circular bores, for example, or be formed with a distinct shape that corresponds to a specific key design. A key could be provided as part of a refill kit for a refillable chamber that also includes instructions for usage and refilling of the chamber, and/or could be packaged with a refillable chamber, for example.
In some embodiments, a child-resistant cap could include both a key mechanism and a bearing. For example, apertures could be formed in the outer bearing ring 436 and the body 444 of
Advantageously, the embodiments illustrated in
According to some aspects of the disclosure, an align-to-lift mechanism is implemented in the connection between a cap and a chamber in a vaporization device to provide child-resistance.
Referring to
The child-resistant cap 510 includes an outer wall 512, a tip 524 and an indicator 528. The indicator 528 marks the position of a tab 516 (shown in
The annular protrusion 506, the tab 516 and the protrusions 518 and 520 may form a snap connection. When the child-resistant cap 510 is pressed onto the top 504 of the chamber 500, the tab 516 and the protrusions 518 and 520 may engage with the bottom surface of the annular protrusion 506, such that the annular protrusion sits between the tab, the protrusions and the bottom surface 522. This engagement inhibits release of the child-resistant cap 510 from the chamber 500, while permitting the child-resistant cap to rotate relative to the chamber.
To release the child-resistant cap 510 from the chamber 500, the child-resistant cap may be rotated to align the tab 516 with the notch 508 using the indicators 526 and 528. The notch 508 is wide enough to accommodate the tab 516. Pushing or pulling the portion of the child-resistant cap 510 that corresponds to the location of the tab 516 will allow the tab to pass through the notch 508, disengaging this portion of the child-resistant cap 510. The protrusions 518 and 520 may be disengaged from the annular protrusion 506 once the tab 516 is disengaged from the annular protrusion. This type of method or mechanism for releasing the child-resistant cap 510 from the chamber 500 is referred to herein as align-to-lift or align-to-remove method or mechanism.
The chamber 500 and the child-resistant cap 510 described above with reference to
According to some aspects of the disclosure, a squeeze-to-turn mechanism is implemented in the engagement between a cap and a chamber of a vaporization device to provide child-resistance.
Referring to
The child-resistant cap 610 includes an outer wall 612, a tip 624, a tab 614, and a column 616. The column 616 comprises threads 618 (illustrated as dashed lines) that extend radially outwards. The threads 618 engage with threads (not shown) on the inside of the chamber 600, proximate the top 604, to couple the cap 610 with the chamber 600 and seal one end of the chamber.
The tab 614 is accommodated by the notch 608 when in the engaged or connected state illustrated in
In
Deforming the child-resistant cap 610 could also or instead allow a user to screw the child-resistant cap 610 onto the chamber 600. When tightening the threaded engagement 628, the tab 614 could abut against the top of the annular protrusion 606, inhibiting the child-resistant cap 610 from being tightening onto the chamber 600. When the sides of the child-resistant cap 610 are deformed as illustrated in
The chamber 600 and the child-resistant cap 610 described above with reference to
Although only one tab and one notch are illustrated in
According to some aspects of the disclosure, a push-to-turn mechanism is implemented in the connection between a cap and a chamber to provide child-resistance. Examples are described elsewhere herein, and a further example is shown in
Referring to
In
In
A squeeze-to-turn mechanism could also be implemented in the engagement between the cap 720 and the chamber 700 to provide child-resistance. Referring to
Although only one tab and one protrusion are illustrated in
The chamber 700 and the child-resistant cap 720 described above with reference to
According to some aspects of the disclosure, a one-way lock mechanism is implemented in the engagement between a cap and a chamber of a vaporization device to provide child-resistance. The one-way lock could include a ratchet engagement that permits the cap to be screwed onto the chamber, but inhibits the cap from being unscrewed unless the ratchet engagement is reversed or disabled.
Referring to
In
The resilient member 822 is connected to the outer wall 812. However, in other embodiments, a resilient member may instead be connected to other components of a child-resistant cap, such as an inner wall. The lever 820 could be biased toward the stop 824 by other forms of resilient member, such as by a flexible tab or leaf spring that is attached to or integrated with the outer wall 812 or the inner wall 814.
The cylindrical channel 830 is a hollow cylinder that protrudes axially from the bottom surface 828 about the central axis of the child-resistant cap 810. The cylindrical channel 830 contains the threads 832 that extend radially inwards into the cylindrical channel 830.
The child-resistant cap 810 may also include a passage and a mouth-piece (not shown) to accommodate the flow of vapor through the child-resistant cap.
The child-resistant cap 810 is inhibited from rotating clockwise relative to the chamber 800. During this rotation, when the lever 820 abuts a tooth 806, the stop 824 will inhibit the lever 820 from pivoting in a clockwise direction to clear the tooth. Therefore, the child-resistant cap 810 is inhibited from be unscrewed from the chamber 800. This may be considered to be a form of one-way lock, with the engagement between the child-resistant cap 810 and the chamber 800 considered to be a ratchet engagement.
The child-resistant cap 810 may be unscrewed and removed from the chamber 800 by manipulating the lever 820. This is illustrated in
Unscrewing the child-resistant cap 810 from the chamber 800 corresponds to the child-resistant cap 810 turning clockwise relative to the chamber 800 in
With the lever 820 pivoted toward the stop 826 as in
In some embodiments, the pawl 818 might not be included. Therefore, when the lever 820 is in the position illustrated in
Referring to
In
In
The child-resistant cap 910 may be unscrewed and removed from the chamber 900 by manipulating the lever 920. This is illustrated in
According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a release mechanism is used to provide child-resistance for the cap of a vaporization device. A release mechanism is a device that can be locked and/or unlocked through the use of a key. For example, when a key presses a component of a release mechanism on a vaporization device, the release mechanism could disengage, at least in part, a child-resistant cap from a chamber. The child-resistant cap and the chamber could be pressed or screwed together to reset the release mechanism.
Referring to
Examples of materials that could be used in a chamber and cap are disclosed elsewhere herein. The leaf spring 1016 includes a resilient material, which could be the same as a material from which the chamber 1000 and/or the cap 1010 are made in an embodiment. The tab 1018 could be made from the same material(s) as the leaf spring 1016 and/or from one or more different materials.
The leaf spring 1016 could be integral with or coupled to the chamber 1000, by adhesive for example. The tab 1018 could similarly be integral with or coupled to the leaf spring 1016, by adhesive or otherwise.
Referring again to
The child-resistant cap 1010 may also include a passage and a mouth-piece (not shown) to accommodate the flow of vapor through the child-resistant cap.
The aperture 1020 is provided adjacent to the notch 1022 to accommodate a key, which could be a key as described above with reference to
In other embodiments, a release mechanism may be provided for a child-resistant cap and a chamber without a threaded engagement. For example, a release mechanism could be provided for a child-resistant cap and a chamber that are engaged when pressed together. In this example, the leaf spring could extend, as least in part, in an axial direction, downwards along the chamber 1000 in the view shown in
In another embodiment, a leaf spring could extend in the opposite direction, upwards along the chamber 1000 in the view shown in
Other embodiments are also possible. For example, multiple leaf springs, tabs, and/or notches could be provided. Other types of resilient members could be used in addition to or instead of a leaf spring. A tab could have a different shape than shown in
The various embodiments shown in
In addition to providing a seal between chamber walls and a cap, a cap could also provide a seal with a stem of a chamber. Cap and chamber/stem sealing and/or connection options disclosed herein with reference to
According to the key mechanism illustrated in
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The example shown in
Similarly, multiple operations are also required to disengage the child-resistant cap 910 from the chamber 900 in
Referring now to
These examples of multiple operations all involve multiple manipulations of at least parts of the cap or chamber. Some actions that could be performed to open a non-child-resistant chamber are not considered to be distinct operations that disengage a cap from a chamber, as defined herein. By way of example, consider a cap screwed onto a chamber of a vaporization device. To open the chamber, a user may grasp the cap and the chamber, rotate the cap relative to the chamber, and lift the cap off of the chamber. However, in this example, only one manipulation operation to disengage the cap from the chamber has been performed. Gripping the cap and/or the chamber does not constitute a distinct operation to disengage the cap from the chamber, as this action has no direct effect on the cap or the chamber. Rotating the cap relative to the chamber does constitute a distinct operation to disengage the cap from the chamber, as the threads of the cap are disengaged from the threads of the chamber. Finally, lifting the cap off of the chamber also does not constitute an operation to disengage the cap from the chamber, as the cap and the chamber are not considered to be engaged after the cap has been unscrewed.
Requiring multiple operations to remove a cap from a chamber could inhibit a child from accessing the contents of a chamber, thereby providing child-resistance. For example, a child might not understand one or more of the operations that must be performed. A child might also lack the coordination to perform the multiple operations, especially if the operations must be performed simultaneously. A child might further lack the physical ability to perform one or more of the operations. Thus, requiring multiple operations to remove a cap from a chamber could provide an effective form of child-resistance for vaporization devices.
Although the embodiments above are described in the context of refillable vaporization devices, the aspects and concepts discussed also apply to other types of vaporization devices such as single-use devices and disposable devices. Furthermore, although some of the embodiments above are described in the context of vaporization devices for vaporization liquids, the aspects and concepts discussed above could also or instead apply to other forms of vaporization substances, such as loose leaf, waxes and gels.
Some of the embodiments described above relate to multi-part caps, where one part can rotate independent of another part. For example, in
Embodiments described above relate primarily to caps, covers and cartridges of vaporization devices, and methods of use for such devices or parts thereof. Other embodiments are also contemplated.
The operation 1802 and the optional operations 1804, 1806 and 1808 are shown separately for illustrative purposes, but need not be separate operations in all embodiments. For example, a vaporization device including a child resistant cover, a chamber, an atomizer, a base and/or a vaporization substance could be assembled together and provided in a single unit.
The example method 1800 is illustrative of one embodiment. Examples of various ways to perform the illustrated operations, additional operations that may be performed in some embodiments, or operations that could be omitted in some embodiments, could be inferred or apparent from the description and drawings. Further variations may be or become apparent.
For example, it should be appreciated that components and/or vaporization substances need not necessarily be provided as referenced herein in other ways than by directly producing or manufacturing them. Any one or more of these components and substances could be provided by purchasing or acquiring them from a manufacturer or producer, for example. Therefore, “providing” as used herein is not restricted to, and need not necessarily involve, production or manufacturing by an entity that assembles or uses any of the disclosed embodiments.
In embodiments that involve providing the vaporization substance, a method could involve adding the vaporization substance to the chamber to at least partially fill the chamber, and engaging the child-resistant cover with the chamber to seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
The vaporization substance could be provided with other components of a cartridge, and the child-resistant cover, the chamber, and the base coupled to the atomizer could be assembled by engaging the child-resistant cover with the chamber to seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
A method could involve disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, to initially add the vaporization substance to the chamber, to empty the chamber, to add more vaporization substance to the chamber, and/or to clean the chamber, for example.
Although not explicitly shown in
Other methods are also contemplated. For example, other components could be provided, and assembled together to construct a cartridge for a vaporization device, or a complete vaporization device that is ready for use by a user. One or more components could be provided separately for assembly. Components could be included in a kit, with instructions for assembly and/or use, for example.
Some of the methods of use as described above relate to opening a cartridge by disengaging a cover from a chamber. A cover could also or instead be operated, by performing method steps in a reverse order or direction, for example, to engage a cover with a chamber to seal a vaporization substance in a chamber. A cover might be installed or re-engaged with a chamber during initial assembly, after initially filling the chamber, after refilling the chamber, and/or after cleaning the chamber, for example.
The methods disclosed herein could also or instead be entirely or partially repeated, to install, remove, and then re-install a cover, to produce multiple vaporization chambers or parts thereof, and/or to assemble multiple vaporization chambers or parts thereof.
While the present invention has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the invention. The description and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of some embodiments of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention and potential advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of any process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
Claims
1. A cartridge for a vaporization device, the cartridge comprising:
- a chamber for a vaporization substance; and
- the apparatus of claim 58, comprising a child-resistant cover to releasably engage the chamber and seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
2-57. (canceled)
58. An apparatus comprising:
- a child-resistant cover to releasably engage a vaporization device cartridge chamber and seal a vaporization substance in the chamber.
59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the child-resistant cover is configured to require a user to perform a plurality of operations to disengage the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
60. (canceled)
61. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the plurality of operations comprises any one or more of: rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber; pushing at least a portion of the child-resistant cover towards the chamber; compressing a portion of the child-resistant cover; and pulling at least a portion of the child-resistant cover away from the chamber.
62-65. (canceled)
66. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the cartridge further comprises a stem inside the chamber, wherein the stem comprises threads and the child-resistant cover comprises threads to engage threads of the stem.
67-68. (canceled)
69. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the chamber comprises threads and the child-resistant cover further comprises threads to engage the threads of the chamber, wherein the threads of the child-resistant cover comprise threads that extend radially outwards from a surface of the child-resistant cover and threads that extend radially inwards from a surface of the child-resistant cover.
70. (canceled)
71. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the child-resistant cover comprises a first component and a second component, wherein the child-resistant cover further comprises a cooperative engagement to connect the first component to the second component.
72-77. (canceled)
78. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the child-resistant cover further comprises a clutch to releasably engage the first component with the second component and inhibit rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
79. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the first component comprises a rib and the second component comprises a groove to engage the rib and inhibit rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the first component is biased relative to the second component by a resilient member, wherein the first component and the second component are pushed apart or pulled together by the resilient member, wherein the rib and the groove are reversibly disengaged by the resilient member.
81-84. (canceled)
85. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the groove comprises a slanted edge, wherein the rib comprises a slanted edge, wherein the rib and the groove are reversibly disengaged by the slanted edge.
86-87. (canceled)
88. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the first component comprises a first aperture to releasably engage with a rigid member and the second component comprises a second aperture to releasably engage with the rigid member, wherein the rigid member inhibits rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
89-92. (canceled)
93. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the chamber comprises a first protrusion and the child-resistant cover comprises a second protrusion to engage with the first protrusion, inhibit disengagement of the child-resistant cover from the chamber, and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber, wherein: or
- the first protrusion is an annular protrusion comprising a notch, and the second protrusion comprises a tab that is passable through the notch to engage or disengage with the annular protrusion,
- the child-resistant cover comprises a resilient member, the resilient member comprising the second protrusion and being deformable to engage or disengage the second protrusion and the first protrusion.
94-95. (canceled)
96. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the chamber comprises a protrusion, the protrusion comprising a notch, and the child-resistant cover comprises a tab to engage the notch and inhibit a release of the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
97-100. (canceled)
101. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising a ratchet engagement to inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a direction,
- wherein the chamber comprises a toothed surface and the child-resistant cover comprises a first pawl to engage with the toothed surface, inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a first direction, and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a second direction,
- wherein the child-resistant cover comprises a resilient member to bias the first pawl towards the toothed surface,
- wherein the first pawl and the toothed surface are reversibly engaged by the resilient member,
- wherein the child-resistant cover comprises a lever to disengage the first pawl and the toothed surface,
- wherein the child-resistant cover further comprises a second pawl to engage with the toothed surface, inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in the second direction and permit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in the first direction,
- wherein the lever engages the second pawl and the toothed surface.
102-108. (canceled)
109. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein: or
- the apparatus further comprises a one-way drive to enable rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a first direction, and inhibit rotation of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber in a second direction,
- the chamber comprises a resilient member comprising a tab, the child-resistant cover comprises a notch to reversibly engage the tab and inhibit movement of the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber, the resilient member biases the tab into engagement with the notch, and the child-resistant cover further comprises an aperture, located adjacent to the notch, to receive a key and permit disengagement of the tab from the notch.
110-113. (canceled)
114. A vaporization device comprising:
- a chamber for a vaporization substance;
- the apparatus of claim 58, comprising a child-resistant cover to releasably engage the chamber and seal the vaporization substance in the chamber;
- an atomizer to vaporize the vaporization substance;
- a base coupled to the atomizer; and
- a battery coupled to the base to power the atomizer.
115-169. (canceled)
170. An apparatus comprising:
- a cover to engage a vaporization device cartridge chamber and seal a vaporization substance in the chamber, the cover comprising:
- a first component; and
- a second component rotatable relative to the first component, wherein the first component or the second component comprises a mouth-piece.
171-174. (canceled)
175. A method comprising:
- providing a child-resistant cover to releasably engage a vaporization device cartridge chamber and seal a vaporization substance in the chamber.
176-179. (canceled)
180. The method of claim 175, further comprising:
- providing the chamber for the vaporization substance;
- providing the vaporization substance;
- adding the vaporization substance to the chamber to at least partially fill the chamber;
- engaging the child-resistant cover with the chamber to seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
181. The method of claim 175, further comprising:
- providing the chamber for the vaporization substance,
- providing the vaporization substance;
- providing an atomizer for vaporizing the vaporization substance;
- providing a base coupled to the atomizer;
- assembling the child-resistant cover, the chamber, and the base coupled to the atomizer, the assembling comprising engaging the child-resistant cover with the chamber to seal the vaporization substance in the chamber.
182. The method of claim 181, further comprising:
- disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber.
183-185. (canceled)
186. A method of use of the apparatus of claim 71 with a chamber, for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising:
- compressing the first component and the second component; and
- rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
187. A method of use of the apparatus of claim 88 with a chamber, for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising:
- aligning the first aperture and the second aperture;
- engaging the rigid member with the first aperture and the second aperture; and
- rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
188. (canceled)
189. A method of use of the apparatus of claim 96 with a chamber, for disengaging the child-resistant cover from the chamber, the method comprising:
- compressing the child-resistant cover and the chamber; and
- rotating the child-resistant cover relative to the chamber.
190-199. (canceled)
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 16, 2019
Publication Date: Feb 3, 2022
Inventors: PATRICK WOODS (Ottawa), TIMOTHY KOO (Cambridge), ADAM MIRON (Ottawa)
Application Number: 17/276,715