CERAMIC VAPE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Systems and apparatus for a vaporizer device according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a vaporizer assembly and a battery. The vaporizer assembly may comprise a tubular body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface defining a receptacle cavity in the tubular body. The vaporizer assembly may also comprise an atomizer at least partially disposed within the tubular body, wherein the inner surface and the atomizer define an inner volume in the tubular body. The vaporizer assembly may further comprise a seal configured to contain a vaporizable material inside the inner volume and a heating element coupled to the atomizer. The battery may be connected to the heating element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/089,161, filed on Oct. 8, 2020, and incorporates the disclosure of the application in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

State of the Art

Vaporizer devices present an alternative to smoking and work by vaporizing a consumable flower or oil, such as cannabis, tobacco, etc. by heating the flower or oil at a lower temperature than an open flame so that a user can inhale the flower or oil in vapor form, rather than smoke.

A conventional vaporizer device typically has a chamber for holding oil, a small, heated coil in contact with the chamber, and one or more openings to allow a user to draw vapor toward the mouth of the user. A current is typically passed through the coil, thereby heating the chamber which in turn heats the oil. However, a conventional vaporizer device is configured in a manner that does not allow the oil to feely flow to the heated coil. Accordingly, a conventional vaporizer device is prone to leaving an oily residue in the chamber after repeated use, which may result in unpleasant flavors and aromas.

Accordingly, what is needed is an apparatus and system to reduce the number of components of the vaporizer device and provide the user with a high-quality vapor and improved flavor over the lifetime of the consumable flower or oil.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and apparatus for a vaporizer device according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a vaporizer assembly and a battery. The vaporizer assembly may comprise a tubular body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface defining a receptacle cavity in the tubular body. The vaporizer assembly may also comprise an atomizer at least partially disposed within the tubular body, wherein the inner surface and the atomizer define an inner volume in the tubular body. The vaporizer assembly may further comprise a seal configured to contain a vaporizable material inside the inner volume and a heating element coupled to the atomizer. The battery may be connected to the heating element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present technology may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a vaporizer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 1B is a section view of the vaporizer device shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B;

FIG. 1C is an enlarged section view of a portion of the vaporizer device shown in FIG. 1B taken along circle 1C;

FIG. 2 is a tubular body in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 3A is a side view of a vaporizer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 3B is a section view of the vaporizer assembly shown in FIG. 3A taken along line 3B-3B;

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the vaporizer assembly shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a top view of the vaporizer assembly shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a side view of a vaporizer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 4B is a section view of the vaporizer device shown in FIG. 4A taken along line 4B-4B;

FIG. 4C is an enlarged section view of a portion of the vaporizer device shown in FIG. 4B taken along circle 4C;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a vaporizer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 5B is a section view of the vaporizer assembly shown in FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B;

FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the vaporizer assembly shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a top view of the vaporizer assembly shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a vaporizer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 6B is a section view of the vaporizer device shown in FIG. 6A taken along line 5B-5B;

FIG. 6C is an enlarged section view of a portion of the vaporizer device shown in FIG. 6B taken along circle 6C;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a mouthpiece assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 7B is a section view of the mouthpiece assembly shown in FIG. 7A taken along line 7B-7B;

FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the mouthpiece assembly shown in FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the mouthpiece assembly shown in FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various atomizers, batteries, airflow channels, circuitry, coils, heating elements, housings, inlets, locking components, positioning elements, mouthpieces, mouthpiece assemblies, outlets, power supplies, plugs, power terminals, seals, tubular bodies, vaporizer devices, wires, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, the present technology may be practiced in conjunction with any one of various vaporizer systems, and the vaporizer assembly described herein is merely one exemplary application for the technology.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in various embodiments, a vaporizer system 100 may comprise a vaporizer assembly 105 adapted to be inserted into a housing 110 of a vaporizer device 115. The vaporizer assembly 105 may comprise a tubular body 120, an atomizer 125, a heating element 130, and a seal 135. In addition, the vaporizer system 100 may comprise a battery 140 for supplying power to various components of the vaporizer system 100.

The tubular body 120 may comprise any suitable size and shape so long as the tubular body 120 may be fitted into the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115. In one embodiment, the tubular body 120 may comprise an outer surface 122 and an inner surface 124 defining a receptacle cavity 126 in the tubular body 120, such as shown in FIG. 2. The inner surface 124 may be configured to receivably engage the atomizer 125. In addition, the tubular body 120 may comprise an open first end 132 terminating in a first peripheral annular edge 134 and a second open end 136 opposite the open first end 132 and terminating in a second peripheral annular edge 138. The tubular body 120 may be constructed from any suitable food-grade material that is capable of withstanding maximum atomizer heating temperatures, such as silicone, wax, or the like.

In some embodiments, the tubular body 120 may comprise a substrate 121 formed on the outer surface 122 of the tubular body 120, such as shown in FIG. 3A. The substrate 121 may comprise a layer of protective material to provide structural support. In other embodiments, the substrate 121 may be formed on an exterior surface (not shown) of the atomizer 125. The substrate 121 may comprise any suitable material capable of withstanding maximum dry atomizer heating temperatures, such as silicone, wax, or the like.

The atomizer 125 may operate in conjunction with the heating element 130 to absorb and heat the vaporizable material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the vaporizable material. It will be appreciated that the atomizer 125 may be constructed from a variety of suitable thermally conductive materials, such as metal, ceramic, silicone, glass, or any other combination of thermally conductive materials. In on embodiment, the atomizer 125 may be at least partially disposed within the tubular body 120, such as shown in FIGS. 4B-C, 5A-D, and 6A-C. Accordingly, the inner surface 124 of the tubular body 120 and the atomizer 125 may define an inner volume 148 in the tubular body 120 for holding the vaporizable material.

In on embodiment, the atomizer 125 may comprise a base 142 and a cylindrical-shaped body 144 coupled to the base 142. The cylindrical-shaped body 144 may comprise a circular outer edge 146, where the circular outer edge 146 may be flush with the inner surface 124 of the tubular body 120 and the base 142 may abut the second peripheral annular edge 138 of the tubular body 120 when receivably engaged with the tubular body 120, such as shown in FIGS. 4B-C, 5B-D, and 6B-C.

It will be appreciated that the inner volume 148 may comprise any suitable size and shape so long as the inner volume 148 is capable of holding a sufficient amount of vaporizable material to provide the user with a high-quality vapor and improved flavor over the lifetime of the material. For example, in one embodiment, the inner volume 148 may comprise a volume of approximately 0.05 to 2 cubic centimeters. In this regard, the inner volume 148 may be capable of holding approximately 0.05 to 2 grams of oil, concentrate, or flower.

In various embodiments, the seal 135 may be configured to contain the vaporizable material inside the inner volume 148. Specifically, the seal 135 may be coupled to the open first end 132 of the tubular body 120 to hold the vaporizable material in the inner volume 148. The seal 135 may be removable, meaning the user may disconnect or disengage the seal 135 from the open first end 132 before using the vaporizer device 115. Thus, the inner volume 148 may be filled with the vaporizable material via the open first end 132 when the seal 135 is removed, and the vaporizable material may be prevented from falling or leaking out of the inner volume 148 when the seal 135 is coupled to the open first end 132. The seal 135 may be constructed from any suitable food-grade material, such as silicone, wax, or the like.

It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the seal 135 without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, instead of the seal 135, a plug (not shown) may be inserted into the tubular body 120. Specifically, the plug (not shown) may comprise a circular outer edge (not shown), where the circular outer edge (not shown) may be flush with the inner surface 124 of the tubular body 120 immediately adjacent the first peripheral annular edge 134 of the tubular body 120 when receivably engaged with the tubular body 120. In this regard, the plug (not shown) may be configured to contain the vaporizable material inside the inner volume 148. The plug (not shown) may be constructed from any suitable food-grade material, such as silicone, wax, or the like. In some embodiments, the plug (not shown) may be removable, meaning the plug (not shown) may be removed by the user before using the vaporizer device 115. In other embodiments, the plug (not shown) may also function as a mouthpiece.

The heating element 130 may comprise any suitable resistive element, such as a coil, strip of wire, wire mesh, film, or the like, that dissipates heat when an electric current flows through it. The resistive element may comprise any suitable resistance so long as the resistive element may dissipate enough heat to heat the vaporizable material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the vaporizable material. As an example, in the case where the vaporizable material is oil or concentrate, the oil or concentrate within the inner volume 148 may be heated to a temperature of approximately 365 to 428° F. to create an aerosolized vapor therefrom. In the case where the vaporizable material is cannabis flower, the flower within the inner volume 148 may be heated to a temperature of approximately 215 to 480° F. to create an aerosolized vapor therefrom.

The heating element 130 may also comprise one or more wires (not shown) coupled to the heating element 130 for connecting the heating element 130 to various components of the vaporizer system 100, such as the battery 140. The heating element 130 may be in contact with the atomizer 125 and may heat the vaporizable material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the vaporizable material. In one embodiment, the heating element 130 may be embedded within the atomizer 125, such as shown in FIGS. 1B-C and 3B-D. In another embodiment, the heating element 130 may be coupled to the base 142 of the atomizer 125, such as shown in FIGS. 4B-C, 5A-D, and 6B-C. In yet another embodiment, the heating element 130 may be printed on the base 142 of the atomizer 125. The heating element 130 may, however, be coupled to the atomizer 125 in any suitably manner.

The battery 140 may be connected to various components of the vaporizer system 100, such as the heating element 130, and may be suitably configured to supply power to the components. For example, in one embodiment, the battery 140 may be coupled to the heating element 130 via a power terminal 149, such as shown in FIGS. 1C, 4C, and 6C. In another embodiment, the battery 140 may be coupled to the heating element 130 via one or more wires (not shown) coupled to the heating element 130. The battery 140 may comprise any suitable disposable, replaceable, or rechargeable battery, such as an alkaline battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, and the like. It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the battery 140 without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, instead of the battery 140, alternative energy sources, such as inductive, solar, and chemical energy sources, may be used to power various components of the vaporizer assembly 105, e.g., the heating element 130.

The vaporizer system 100 may further comprise a locking component 150 configured to constrain a movement of the vaporizer assembly 105 with respect to the battery 140. In addition, the locking component 150 may be configured to guide a movement of the vaporizer assembly 105 with respect to the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115. The locking component 150 may comprise any suitable device or system for locking and/or guiding the vaporizer assembly 105 to the battery 140. In addition, the locking component 150 may be further configured to disengage the vaporizer assembly 105 from the battery 140. For example, in one embodiment, the locking component 150 may be pivotal between a locked position wherein a movement of the vaporizer assembly 105 with respect to the battery 140 and the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 may be constrained, and an unlocked position wherein the vaporizer assembly 105 may be disengaged from the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking component 150 may be configured to couple the vaporizer assembly 105 to the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 in a locked position by pressing the vaporizer assembly 105 towards the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 to lock into position. Similarly, the locking component 150 may decouple the vaporizer assembly 105 from the housing 110 in an unlocked position, whereby the vaporizer assembly 105 is pushed into the unlocked position to disengage. For example, the locking component 150 may be received in a notch (not shown) formed in the tubular body 120 so that the vaporizer assembly 105 may be coupled to the battery 140 and the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115.

The vaporizer assembly 105 may further comprise a mouthpiece 155. The mouthpiece 155 may be inserted into the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 and may be coupled to the vaporizer assembly 105 when receivably engaged with the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-C and 4A-C. In addition, the mouthpiece 155 may be suitably configured to puncture the seal 135 when receivably engaged with the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 to allow the generated vapor to be mixed with air drawn into the mouthpiece 155. For example, the mouthpiece 155 may comprise an airflow channel 156 configured to puncture the seal 135. In one embodiment, air may be drawn through a gap 180 disposed between the atomizer 125 and the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 and into the atomizer 125 through a gap between the mouthpiece 155 and an inner surface (not shown) of the atomizer 125. Accordingly, the resulting aerosol (combination of vapor and airflow) may travel as an aerosol stream along airflow path A where it may be expelled via an outlet (not shown) of the mouthpiece 155 and then inhaled by the user, such as shown in FIG. 1C. The mouthpiece 155 may be constructed from any suitable food-grade material, such as silicone, wax, or the like. Further, the mouthpiece 155 may be capable of withstanding maximum atomizer heating temperatures.

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 155 and the vaporizer assembly 105 may be separate components of the vaporizer system 100, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-C and 4A-C. In an alternative embodiment, the vaporizer assembly 105 may be integrated with the mouthpiece 155 in the form of a mouthpiece assembly 157, such as shown in FIGS. 6A-C and 7A-D. As an example, the mouthpiece assembly 157 may comprise a cylindrical-shaped body 160, where the cylindrical-shaped body 160 may comprise an exterior surface 162 and an interior surface 164. The interior surface 164 may be configured to receivably engage the atomizer 125. In this regard, the atomizer 125 may be at least partially disposed within the mouthpiece assembly 157. The mouthpiece assembly 157 may further comprise a reservoir 165 positioned in the center of the cylindrical-shaped body 160 for holding the vaporizable material. The reservoir 165 may comprise an open bottom end 167 and a closed top end 169. The open bottom end 167 may be positioned against the atomizer 125 to form a fluid-tight seal in order to prevent the vaporizable material from falling or leaking out of the reservoir 165.

The mouthpiece assembly 157 may further comprise one or more inlets 170 positioned along the exterior surface 162 of the cylindrical-shaped body 160. Each inlet 170 may be in communication with a respective one of a plurality of channels 172 extending along a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece assembly 157. Further, each channel 172 may be in communication with a respective one of a plurality of outlets 174, such as shown in FIG. 7D. In this regard, air may be drawn into the mouthpiece assembly 157 through the plurality of inlets 170 where it may may mix with the vapor generated by the atomizer 125. The resulting aerosol (vapor and airflow) may then travel as an aerosol stream through the plurality of channels 172 where it may be expelled via the plurality of outlets 174 and inhaled through the mouthpiece assembly 157.

In operation, a user may fill the inner volume 148 of the vaporizer assembly 105 with the vaporizable material. Once the inner volume 148 has been filled with the vaporizable material, the user may attach the seal 135 to the second open end 136 of the tubular body 120 in in order to prevent the vaporizable material from falling or leaking out of the inner volume 148. Alternatively, instead of the seal 135, the user may insert a plug (not shown) into the tubular body 120 of the vaporizer assembly 105 in order to prevent the vaporizable material from falling or leaking out of the inner volume 148. At this point, the user may insert the vaporizer assembly 105 into the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 using the locking component 150, such as described in paragraphs [0039] and [0040] of this application. Further, in the case where the seal 135 is used, the user may then insert the mouthpiece 155 into the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 to couple the mouthpiece 155 to the vaporizer assembly 105. Because the seal 135 may be positioned between the inner volume 148 and the mouthpiece 155, the airflow channel 156 of the mouthpiece 155 may puncture the seal 135 when the mouthpiece 155 is receivably engaged with the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115.

Once the vaporizer assembly 105 has been inserted into the housing 110 of the vaporizer device 115 and the mouthpiece 155 is coupled to the vaporizer assembly 105, the vaporizer system 100 may be turned on by a sensor (not shown), which may be an airflow or other type of trigger sensor, or by pressing a button or switch. For example, in the case where the vaporizer device 115 is “draw-activated”, a user may turn on the vaporizer device 115 by drawing air into the vaporizer device 115 by inhaling through the mouthpiece 155. When the user inhales, a negative pressure may be induced inside the vaporizer device 115. The negative pressure induced inside the vaporizer device 115 may cause the sensor (not shown) to close a pressure switch (not shown), thereby closing the circuit between the battery 140 and the various components of the vaporizer system 100. Once the pressure switch (not shown) is closed, the battery 140 may supply power to the various components of the vaporizer system 100, including the heating element 130. Accordingly, the battery 140 may supply a current to the heating element 130. Because the heating element 130 may comprise a resistive element, the heating element 130 may dissipate heat when the current flows through it. Further, because the heating element 130 may be in contact or embedded within the atomizer 125, the resulting heat may be transferred to the inner volume 148. In this regard, the heating element 130 may vaporize a portion of the vaporizable material by heating the inner volume 148 to a temperature sufficient to generate the vapor. Once the vapor is produced, it may mix with the air drawn into the atomizer 125, and the resulting aerosol (vapor and airflow) may travel as an aerosol stream along the airflow path A where it may be expelled via an outlet (not shown) and inhaled through the mouthpiece 155.

The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the technology and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present technology in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the apparatus may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connections and points of contact shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary physical relationships between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.

In the foregoing description, the technology has been described with reference to specific embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present technology as set forth. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus embodiment may be combined in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied, or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

The present technology has been described above with reference to an embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment without departing from the scope of the present technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology.

Claims

1. A vaporizer assembly, comprising:

a tubular body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface defining a receptacle cavity in the tubular body;

an atomizer at least partially disposed within the tubular body, wherein the inner surface and the atomizer define an inner volume in the tubular body;

a seal configured to contain a vaporizable material inside the inner volume; and

a heating element coupled to the atomizer.

2. The vaporizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the tubular body further comprises an open first end terminating in a first peripheral annular edge and an open second end opposite the open first end and terminating in a second peripheral annular edge, and wherein the seal is coupled to the open first end.

3. The vaporizer assembly of claim 2, wherein the atomizer comprises a base and a cylindrical-shaped body coupled to the base, and wherein:

the cylindrical-shaped body comprises a circular outer edge; and

the circular outer edge is flush with the inner surface of the tubular body and the base abuts the second peripheral annular edge of the tubular body when receivably engaged with the tubular body.

4. The vaporizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal is removable.

5. The vaporizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the atomizer is comprised of ceramic.

6. The vaporizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal and tubular body are each comprised of a material selected from silicone or wax.

7. The vaporizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the tubular body is comprised of a material selected from silicone or wax.

8. A vaporizer system, comprising:

a vaporizer assembly, comprising: a tubular body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface defining a receptacle cavity in the tubular body; an atomizer at least partially disposed within the tubular body, wherein the inner surface and the atomizer define an inner volume in the tubular body; a seal configured to contain a vaporizable material inside the inner volume; a heating element coupled to the atomizer; and

a battery connected to the heating element.

9. The vaporizer system of claim 8, wherein the tubular body further comprises an open first end terminating in a first peripheral annular edge and an open second end opposite the open first end and terminating in a second peripheral annular edge, and wherein the seal is coupled to the open first end.

10. The vaporizer system of claim 9, wherein the atomizer comprises a base and a cylindrical-shaped body coupled to the base, and wherein:

the cylindrical-shaped body comprises a circular outer edge; and

the circular outer edge is flush with the inner surface of the tubular body and the base abuts the second peripheral annular edge of the tubular body when receivably engaged with the tubular body.

11. The vaporizer system of claim 8, further comprising a mouthpiece configured to puncture the seal when receivably engaged with the vaporizer assembly.

12. The vaporizer system of claim 8, wherein the seal is removable.

13. The vaporizer system of claim 8, wherein the atomizer is comprised of ceramic.

14. The vaporizer system of claim 8, wherein the seal and tubular body are each comprised of a material selected from silicone or wax.

15. The vaporizer system of claim 8, further comprising a locking component configured to constrain a movement of the vaporizer assembly with respect to the battery.

16. The vaporizer system of claim 15, wherein the locking component is further configured to disengage the vaporizer assembly from the battery.