PROTECTIVE SLEEVE FOR A PORTABLE VAPORIZING DEVICE

Abstract

A protective sleeve for a portable vaporizing device is provided. The portable vaporizing device may include a mouthpiece coupled to a cartridge having a tube formed of glass for containing a smoking substance. The vaporizing device may also include a heating element disposed within the tube to heat the smoking substance. The protective sleeve may include a tubular body formed of a compressible material and may be arranged to receive therein and frictionally engage with the cartridge and at least a portion of the mouthpiece, such that when impacted by an external force, the tubular body compresses and absorbs the force to prevent breakage of the tube of the cartridge.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/336,450 having a filing date of Apr. 29, 2022, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a protective sleeve for a portable vaporizing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sleeve configured to provide adequate protection and prevent breakage of the cylindrical glass tube portion of the vaporizing device. The glass tube is provided to contain an inhalable substance and is usually formed of breakable glass. Alternatively, in the event of a fall and breakage of the glass tube, the protective sleeve may serve as a temporary container for the substance contained within the glass tube until the substance can be retrieved and properly stored.

Vaporizing has become a popular form of smoking in recent years. People are using various devices such as vaporizers or vapes for vaporizing or atomizing smoking substances for inhalation. Plant substances are often preferably used in the vaporizing process. A variety of smoking substances, such as tobacco and cannabis, are used depending on the individual's preference.

Vaporizing devices are often powered by batteries to produce vapor and simulate smoking. “Vaping” is the action or practice of inhaling vapor containing nicotine or other substances by a device designed for this purpose. The vaporizing device is activated either by drawing on the mouthpiece or using a button located on the device, often referred to as a fire button. The vaporizing device can produce an aerosol or a vapor that is inhaled by the user. The user has a wide range of substances and oils that are available to consume for inhalation.

Currently, there exist many forms of vaporizers, but one of the most common is the cylindrical type. The major components of the vaporizer include, but are not limited to, a mouthpiece, a cartridge including a cylindrical glass tube for holding the substance to be vaporized and an atomizer for vaporizing the substance, and a power supply for containing a source of power, such as a battery. The glass tube is usually made of a breakable glass and can easily break due to accidents from falling or dropping the vaporizing device or some other mishap that could break the glass. Once the glass is broken, the cartridge attached mouthpiece must be replaced and the substance is no longer usable.

The glass of the cartridge can become slippery if it becomes damp or oily during use and the vaporizer assembly could be dropped. If the glass tube strikes a hard surface or is dropped from a height, the glass tube could be cracked or completely shattered, and the substance contained therein lost. If the vaporizer assembly is lying on a hard surface and is inadvertently struck with a hard object, the glass tube of the cartridge could break resulting in a loss of the substance.

Therefore, there is a need for a protective sleeve to secure the glass tube of the cartridge to safely prevent its breakage during use if dropped or struck with a hard object. Further, there is a need for a protective sleeve to provide sufficient grip on the cartridge and mouthpiece to help prevent the user from dropping the vaporizer on the floor or ground. Further, there is a need for a protective sleeve such that when secured over the cartridge, the protective sleeve obscures the contents of the cartridge to enable discreet usage of the vaporizing device to provide the user with a degree of privacy.

SUMMARY

Aspect 1: There is provided a protective sleeve for a portable vaporizing device. The portable vaporizing device includes a mouthpiece coupled to a cartridge. The cartridge includes a tube formed of glass or another suitable material that is breakable in which a smoking substance is contained. The vaporizing device may also include a heating element or coil disposed within the cartridge to heat the smoking substance. The protective sleeve may include a tubular body formed of a compressible material arranged to receive therein and frictionally engage with the tube and at least a portion of the mouthpiece. When impacted by an external force, the tubular body of the protective sleeve compresses and absorbs the force to prevent breakage of the tube of the cartridge.

Aspect 2: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve is formed of a flexible material.

Aspect 3: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve is formed from silicone rubber.

Aspect 4: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve comprises a food grade material.

Aspect 5: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve is removable from the cartridge and mouthpiece over which it is fitted.

Aspect 6: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve includes an outer surface having a decorative print, wherein the decorative print may be a print selected from a group of prints consisting of a text, an expression, a drawing, a logo, a symbol, an image, a slogan, and one or more decorative colors.

Aspect 7: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the mouthpiece of the portable vaporizing device is tapered and wherein the tubular body is arranged to taper in a manner corresponding to the tapered mouthpiece to provide air-tight engagement with the tapered mouthpiece.

Aspect 8: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve includes a length of between approximately 1.0 and 2.5 inches.

Aspect 9: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve includes an outer diameter of 0.38 inches.

Aspect 10: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve is slidable over the cartridge and mouthpiece coupled thereto.

Aspect 11: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein in the event of breakage of the glass tube of the cartridge, the protective sleeve will serve to contain the smoking substance.

Aspect 12: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve is open at both ends.

Aspect 13: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve is made of a grippy material.

Aspect 14: The protective sleeve of Aspect 9, wherein the protective sleeve includes an inner diameter of approximately 0.28 inches.

Aspect 15: The protective sleeve of Aspect 9, wherein the protective sleeve includes an inner diameter of approximately 0.31 inches.

Aspect 16: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protective sleeve includes a wall thickness between 0.07 and 0.10 inches.

Aspect 17: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the mouthpiece of the portable vaporizing device includes a straight-style mouthpiece that is generally cylindrical in shape and having a diameter that remains constant along its length thereof.

Aspect 18: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein at least a portion of the mouthpiece comprises a majority portion of the mouthpiece.

Aspect 19: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the glass tube of the cartridge is suited for containing a THC or CBD product.

Aspect 20: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the THC or CBD product is a concentrated product.

Aspect 21: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein when secured over the cartridge, the protective sleeve obscures the contents of the cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective sleeve of the present invention fitted over the mouthpiece and cartridge components of a prior art vaporizing device wherein the mouthpiece component is a straight style mouthpiece;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the protective sleeve of the present invention fitted over the mouthpiece and cartridge components of the vaporizing device, wherein the mouthpiece and cartridge components are coupled together and joined to a power supply for vaporizing materials disposed within the glass tube of the cartridge;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece and cartridge components of the vaporizing device showing details of these components;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece and cartridge components of a vaporizing device showing details of these components and wherein the mouthpiece is a tapered style mouthpiece;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the straight style mouthpiece and cartridge components coupled together and detached from the power supply;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the protective sleeve of the present invention fitted over the tapered style mouthpiece and cartridge components of the vaporizing device;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the straight style mouthpiece and cartridge components coupled together and attached to the power supply;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the protective sleeve of the present invention which includes a relatively thin sidewall;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the protective sleeve of FIG. 8 showing details relating to overall diameter and wall thickness;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the protective sleeve of the present invention which includes a relatively thick sidewall; and;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the protective sleeve embodiment of FIG. 10 showing details relating to overall diameter and wall thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, various views of the protective sleeve 10 of the present invention are shown in combination with a prior art portable vaporizing device 12.

As best shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, the prior art portable vaporizing device 12 is formed of several components including, but not limited to, a cartridge 18, a mouthpiece 34, and a power supply 26 (FIGS. 5 and 7) for storing a source of power, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. As best shown in FIG. 3, the mouthpiece 34 and the cartridge 18 are configured to be physically coupled together. For example, the mouthpiece 34 could be arranged to be pushed into an aperture (not shown) located in the top end 18a of the cartridge 18. In other examples, the cartridge 18 and the mouthpiece 34 could be physically coupled together by screwing one component into the other, or through a bayonet fitting, for example. The mouthpiece 34 may include one or more air inlets 36 so that air can be drawn into the mouthpiece 34 when a user inhales therethrough.

The cartridge 18 is generally cylindrically shaped and includes a glass tube 20 provided for storing and containing a substance (not shown) to be inhaled by a user, e.g., a CBD or THC oil substance. The glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may be of any suitable shape but is usually cylindrical, and may be formed of any suitable material, e.g., glass. Disc-shaped walls 28 may be provided at opposed ends of the cartridge 18 to define a space within the glass tube 20 in which the substance may be stored. Typically, cartridges 18 are available having glass tubes 20 of differing capacities, e.g., 500 ml or 1000 ml. Therefore, the length of the cartridge 18 may vary. The glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may be a translucent body or a transparent body, for example. The glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may be utilized as a window, so that the amount of substance contained therein can be visually assessed. The cartridge 18 may also include a coil 24 disposed within the glass tube 20 which upon being energized by the battery may vaporize the substance contained within the glass tube 20. The coil 24 may be formed of any suitable material, e.g., nickel, titanium, or stainless steel.

The mouthpiece 34 and cartridge 18 may be “single use.” That is, upon exhausting the substance from the cartridge 18, the intention is that the user disposes of the mouthpiece 34 and cartridge 18. In other embodiments, the glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may be refillable with the substance, thus making it intended for multiple uses.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, at its bottom end, the cartridge 18 may include a connector 22, for example, a threaded connector, to provide a secure connection between the cartridge 18 and the power supply 26. As best shown in FIG. 7, the power supply 26 may include a battery, e.g., a rechargeable battery, (not shown), housed internally within a housing 32 of the power supply 26. The power supply 26 may also include a charging port (not shown) in the event a rechargeable battery is housed therein. The power supply 26 may include a controller (not shown) that controls the supply of power from the power supply to the coil 24. The power supply 26 may provide power from the battery to the coil 24 upon actuation of a fire button 30 located on an outer wall of the power supply 26. Upon actuation of the fire button 30, energy is supplied from the battery to energize the coil 24 to vaporize the substance contained with the glass tube 20 for inhalation by the user. The user has a wide range of substances and oils that are available to consume by inhalation.

Two different styles of mouthpiece are commonly employed in combination with portable vaporizing devices 12 of the prior ar. Those styles are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the protective sleeve 10 of the present invention is arranged for use in combination with mouthpieces having other configurations in addition to those disclosed in the present application. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a first style mouthpiece is the straight style mouthpiece 34. The straight style mouthpiece 34 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a diameter that remains generally constant along the length of the mouthpiece 34 as it extends from the top end 18a of the cartridge 18 to a free end 34a. Referring now to FIG. 4, a second style of mouthpiece is a tapered-style mouthpiece 38. The tapered-style mouthpiece 38 tapers from a larger circular cross-section where the mouthpiece 38 is coupled to the top end 38a of the cartridge 18 to a flattened configuration at the free end 38a thereof.

As best shown in FIGS. 8-9, a first embodiment of the protective sleeve 10 includes a generally cylindrical-shaped tube having a length that extends between a lower edge 10a and an upper edge 10b. Referring now to FIG. 1, the protective sleeve 10 is shown fitted over the mouthpiece and cartridge components of a prior art vaporizing device. As shown in FIG. 1, the protective sleeve 10 includes a length that extends from a lower edge 10a to an upper edge 10b to cover the entire cartridge 18 and the entire straight style mouthpiece 34 components of the vaporizer 12. Alternatively, the protective sleeve 10 may include a length that is sufficient to cover the entire cartridge 18, but only a portion of the mouthpiece 34 coupled thereto leaving a free end tip portion of the mouthpiece 34 uncovered which may be desirable to user's wanting direct contact with the mouthpiece 34 during use. Likewise, as best shown in FIG. 6, the protective sleeve 10 may include a length that is sufficient to cover the entire cartridge 18, but only a portion of the tapered style mouthpiece 34 coupled to the cartridge 18 leaving a remaining portion of the mouthpiece 34 uncovered. The protective sleeve 10 may be any suitable length, e.g., approximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches in length, depending upon the length of the cartridge 18 with the mouthpiece 34 coupled thereto.

The cylindrical tube of the protective sleeve 10 may include a diameter sized to closely match or be slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer surface of the cartridge 18 coupled to the mouthpiece 34 to ensure a good frictional engagement between the sleeve 10 and these components such that the protective sleeve 10 is held in place until a user intentionally moves it, such as during adjustment or removal of the sleeve 10. For example, the protective sleeve 10 may be stretched a few thousands of an inch to snugly grip the mouthpiece 34 and cartridge 18 to ensure that the protective sleeve 10 remains in place thereover even when the vaporizing device 12 is harshly used. Yet, the protective sleeve 10 can easily be removed from the mouthpiece 34 and cartridge 18 when the glass tube 20 is depleted. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve 10 resists scrapes, household chemicals, body oils, and perspiration, and may be utilized over a wide range of operating temperatures.

To further aid this frictional engagement, the protective sleeve 10 is preferably made of a grippy material which increases friction between the protective sleeve 10 and the cartridge 18 and mouthpiece 34 to retain the protective sleeve 10 in a position which is desired by a user. For example, the protective sleeve 10 may be made of silicone or another rubber-like or tacky material. One suitable material is a soft flexible food grade tubing, e.g., a silicone rubber.

During use of the portable vaporizing device 12, the glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may often break as the result of accidents from falling or dropping the portable vaporizing device 12 or some other mishap that could break the glass. Once the glass is broken, the portable vaporizing device 12 must be replaced and the substance is no longer usable. The protective sleeve 10 is arranged to fit snugly over the entire length of the glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18. In an embodiment, the sleeve 10 may also extend up and over at least a portion of the mouthpiece 34, 38. The sleeve 10 is arranged to adequately protect the cartridge 18 including the glass tube 20 and the mouthpiece 34, 38 against breakage in the event of accidental dropping or striking on a hard floor. More specifically, in the event of accidental dropping, the sleeve 10 may prevent breakage of the glass tube 20 where the cartridge 18 otherwise would make direct contact with the hard floor or another hard surface. Alternatively, in the event of accidental dropping, the sleeve 10 may prevent breakage of the glass tube 20 in the event it is the mouthpiece 34 or 38 that directly contacts the hard floor or another hard surface and in turn exerts a force against the glass tube 20. Alternatively, in the event of accidental dropping and breakage of the glass tube 20, the sleeve 10 may serve as a temporary container for the substance until the substance can be retrieved and properly stored.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 may be designed to provide a user with an improved grip on the cartridge 18 and/or mouthpiece 34 or 38 of the portable vaporizing device 12 to prevent accidental dropping of the vaporizing device 12. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve 10 may be made of a material such as but not limited to a flexible material. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve 10 will protect the glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 from any impact such as dropping or striking on a hard surface. The sleeve 10 also provides for more discreet usage when in areas that might be exposed to people while using. In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 may be configured to be suitable for different sizes of portable vaporizing devices. In one embodiment, the glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 could be a glass tube containing an oil, a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil, or a cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in another embodiment, the protective sleeve 10 may improve balance of the portable vaporizing device 12 when the portable vaporizing device 12 is in a standing position on a horizontal surface such as a table with the protective sleeve 10 mounted thereto. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 8, and 9, the protective sleeve 10 may include a relatively low profile or a thin wall to improve such balance and prevent tipping of the portable vaporizing device 12 while in the standing position.

As best shown in the figures, the protective sleeve 10 securely grips the cartridge 18 during use. In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 could easily be removed and inserted to replacement cartridges 18 with a mouthpiece 34 or 38 attached thereto. In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 could be supplied in one or more colors, and tightly grip the cartridge 18 (including the glass tube 20) and mouthpiece 34 or 38 to provide a superior grip for the user, even if the protective sleeve 10 is damp or oily.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 is a molded part. In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 could be supplied in, but not limited to, at least 6 vibrant colors and could be imprinted with logos, images for advertising purposes and other types of decorative applications.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 is made of, but not limited to, a silicone rubber material. The user could easily remove and insert the sleeve 10 over the cartridge 18 and mouthpiece 34 or 38 without any effort. The sleeve 10 is strong and pliant. In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 covers the cartridge 18 for allowing a more discreet usage and protects the glass tube 20 from breakage from accidental falls or other mishaps.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, in a first exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 10 may be cylindrical or tubular in shape, and may include an outer diameter of approximately 0.38 inches and an inner diameter of approximately 0.31 inches resulting in a wall thickness of approximately, but not limited to, 0.07 inches. Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, in another exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 100 may be cylindrical or tubular in shape and including a bottom edge 100a and a top edge 100b. The sleeve may include an outer diameter of approximately 0.38 inches and an inner diameter of approximately 0.28 inches resulting in a wall thickness of approximately, but not limited to, 0.10 inches. The protective sleeve 100 may be any suitable length, e.g., approximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches in length, depending upon the length of the cartridge 18 and mouthpiece 34, 36.

The protective sleeve 10, 100 may be molded from brightly colored, room temperature vulcanizing, silicone rubber compound. The protective sleeve 10, 100 cushions the glass tube 20 from various impacts and improves the user's grip on the product. Inexpensive, brightly colored sleeves could be changed as desired to match, complement with the color of the power supply 26.

The glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may have a capacity of 0.5 ml. The batteries (not shown) may be rechargeable and provide energy to atomize the substance within the glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 for inhaling by the user.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 10, 100 could be used with any cartridge 18 and mouthpiece combination having different lengths. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve 10 could be supplied in at least, but not limited to, 6 standard colors with almost any other vibrant color available for large lot special orders. The 6 standard colors may be, but are not limited to, yellow, orange, red, black, blue, and green. The protective sleeve 10, 100 may be designed to be aesthetic and effective in application. The user benefits from improved grip and protection from breakage if inadvertently dropped, which should provide considerable market interest in the product.

The description herein is intended to illustrate possible implementations of the present invention and is not restrictive. While this disclosure has been made in connection with specific forms and embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that various modifications other than those discussed above may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives will become apparent to the skilled artisan upon review of the disclosure. For example, functionally equivalent elements or method steps may be substituted for those specifically shown and described, and certain features may be used independently of other features, and in certain cases, particular locations of elements or sequence of method steps may be reversed or interposed, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined herein. The scope of the claimed invention should therefore be determined with reference to the description above along with their full range of equivalents.

Claims

1. A protective sleeve for a portable vaporizing device, the portable vaporizing device including a mouthpiece coupled to a cartridge including a tube formed of a breakable material and for containing a smoking substance, and heating element disposed within the cartridge to heat the smoking substance, the protective sleeve comprising a tubular body formed of a compressible material, and arranged to receive therein and frictionally engage with the tube and at least a portion of the mouthpiece, wherein when impacted by an external force, the tubular body of the protective sleeve compresses to absorb the external force to prevent breakage of the tube of the cartridge.

2. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is formed of a flexible material.

3. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is formed from silicone rubber.

4. The protective sleeve of claim 3, wherein the protective sleeve comprises a food grade material.

5. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is removable from the cartridge and mouthpiece over which it is fitted.

6. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve includes an outer surface having a decorative print, wherein the decorative print may be a print selected from a group of prints consisting of a text, an expression, a drawing, a logo, a symbol, an image, a slogan, one or more decorative colors.

7. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece of the portable vaporizing device is tapered and wherein when coupled with the cartridge, the tubular body is arranged to taper in a manner corresponding to the tapered mouthpiece to provide air-tight engagement with the tapered mouthpiece.

8. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve includes a length of between approximately 1.0 and 2.5 inches.

9. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve includes an outer diameter of approximately 0.38 inches.

10. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is slidable over the cartridge and mouthpiece coupled thereto.

11. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein in the event of breakage of the tube of the cartridge, protective sleeve will serve to contain the smoking substance.

12. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is open at both ends.

13. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is made of a grippy material.

14. The protective sleeve of claim 9, wherein the protective sleeve includes an inner diameter of approximately 0.28 inches.

15. The protective sleeve of claim 9, wherein the protective sleeve includes an inner diameter of approximately 0.31 inches.

16. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve includes a wall thickness between 0.07 and 0.10 inches.

17. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece of the portable vaporizing device includes a straight-style mouthpiece that is generally cylindrical in shape and having a diameter that remains constant along its length thereof.

18. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the mouthpiece comprises a majority portion of the mouthpiece.

19. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the tube of the cartridge is suited for containing a THC or CBD product.

20. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein when secured over the cartridge, the protective sleeve obscures the contents of the glass tube of the cartridge.