VAPORIZER MIXER
Disclosed embodiments relate to vaporizer devices which may be configured to allow a user to blend two different substances capable of being vaporized and to adjust the blend. For example, the vaporizer may include a housing having two chambers holding the substances capable of being vaporized. A mechanical valve may be used to mechanically alter the airflow through the two chambers, thereby altering the vapor percentage of the substance in each chamber of the two chambers which reaches the user at a mouthpiece.
The present application claims the benefit of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/046157 filed Oct. 10, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/431,503 filed Dec. 9, 2022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDVaporizers are devices used to vaporize substances for inhalation. Commercially available vaporizers may include an outer case containing a cartridge for storing the substance, a vaporizing element (e.g., a heating element) to vaporize the substance, and a power source connected to the heating element. While vaporizers are available at a wide variety of price points and can incorporate a variety of additional features, disposable vaporizers (known as vape sticks) are popular for their portability, ease of use, and low purchase price. Such disposable vaporizers may be configured for independent, self-contained, stand-alone usage, without the need for any additional equipment, for example having a mouthpiece end configured for direct interaction with the user's mouth, as well as a heating element and/or power source.
Users may want to customize or mix two or more different substances for vaporization and inhalation. For example, some users may switch between two disposable vaporizers in rapid succession, or may inhale from the mouthpieces of multiple disposable vaporizers at a single time, in an attempt to mix two flavors or substances together in their mouth. This, however, can be awkward and imprecise.
Accordingly, there may be a need for a vaporizer mixer that allows a user to customize a blend of two or more commercially available disposable vaporizers, for example without the need for an external power source or heating element. There may further be a need for a vaporizer mixer that is adaptable to receive commercially available disposable vaporizers of varying sizes and dimensions for customized blending of the vaporizer output by the user. Additionally, there may be a need for precise control when mixing vaporizer output from two or more disposable vaporizers. There may also be a need for a disposable vaporizer capable of providing a customizable combination of two or more vaporized substances using an integrated switch provided in the disposable vaporizer.
SUMMARYEmbodiments of the disclosure are associated with a vaporizer mixer for receiving and mixing vapor output from more than one vaporizer, wherein each vaporizer has an integrated cartridge, a vaporizing element, and a power source. The vaporizer mixer may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A mouthpiece opening may be provided on the first end. A first vaporizer receiving opening and a second vaporizer receiving opening may be provided on the second end, and the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening may releasably but securely receive a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer. The vaporizer mixer may include a valve manifold disposed between the mouthpiece opening and the second end, and the valve manifold may provide fluid communication between the first vaporizer receiving opening, the second vaporizer receiving opening, and the mouthpiece opening. A valve may be provided in the valve manifold, and may allow for adjustment of the amount of fluid communication between the first vaporizer receiving opening, the second vaporizer receiving opening, and the mouthpiece opening.
Further embodiments of the disclosure are associated with a method of combining vapor output of more than one vaporizer. The method may include providing an unpowered vaporizer mixer, a first vaporizer, and a second vaporizer. The first vaporizer may have a first integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a first vaporizing element, and a first power source. The second vaporizer may have a second integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a second vaporizing element, and a second power source. The method may include connecting a first vaporizer mouthpiece end of the first vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer and connecting a second vaporizer mouthpiece end of the second vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer. The method may further include controlling the vaporizer mixer to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.
Additional embodiments of the disclosure are associated with a vaporizer mixer assembly including an unpowered vaporizer mixer having a first vaporizer receiving opening for receiving a first disposable vaporizer and a second vaporizer receiving opening configured for receiving a second disposable vaporizer. The vaporizer mixer assembly may include a first disposable vaporizer that produces and emits a vaporized material from a first vaporizer mouthpiece end of the first disposable vaporizer, and a second disposable vaporizer that produces and emits a vaporized material from a second vaporizer mouthpiece end of the second disposable vaporizer. The unpowered vaporizer mixer may allow mixing of the vaporized material from the first disposable vaporizer and the second disposable vaporizer.
Additional embodiments relate to a vaporizer. The vaporizer may have a housing with two chambers, each holding a substance capable of being vaporized. The housing may also have an air intake and an air outtake, which are in fluid communication with each other through both of the two chambers. The vaporizer may also include a valve configured to mechanically control airflow through the two chambers at the air intake or the air outtake (e.g., somewhere along the airflow path through the housing) so as to allow control of the mixing/blending of a vapor percentage for the air outtake (based on the percentage of airflow through each of the two chambers). In some embodiments, the valve may be configured to mechanically control airflow through chamber openings for both chambers (so as to allow control of the mixing/blending of a vapor percentage based on the percentage airflow through each of the two chambers).
In an illustrative embodiment, a vaporizer comprises a housing having at least two chambers, wherein each of the at least two chambers holds a substance capable of being vaporized, and a mouthpiece coupled to the housing. The vaporizer further comprises a valve configured to control vapor flow such that vaporized portions of the substance from each of the at least two chambers are mixed at respective percentages at at least an outlet portion of the mouthpiece.
Each of the at least two chambers may comprise a wick and a heating element configured to vaporize the substance from each of the at least two chambers. The vaporizer may further comprise at least two chamber openings, wherein the valve comprises a rotatable dial including at least two dial openings configured to rotate with respect to the at least two chamber openings, and the respective percentages are altered based on alignment of the at least two dial openings with the at least two chamber openings.
In another illustrative embodiment, a vaporizer comprises a housing having at least two chambers and an intake portion, wherein each of the at least two chambers is configured to hold a substance capable of being vaporized and includes a heating element and a chamber opening, and wherein the intake portion and the chamber opening for each of the at least two chambers are configured to be in fluid communication with each other. A valve is configured to control vapor flow through the chamber openings for the at least two chambers, such that respective percentages of vaporized portions of the substance from each of the at least two chambers are varied based on the position of the valve.
The valve may comprise a dial including at least two openings, wherein the dial is configured to rotate with respect to the chamber openings, and wherein the respective percentages of the vaporized portions is varied based on an amount of alignment of the at least two openings with the chamber openings. The valve may further comprise a rotational mounting mechanism providing rotational coupling of the dial to the housing, and one or more stop points defining a range of rotation of the dial with respect to the housing.
Spacing of the at least two openings with respect to each other may differ from spacing of the chamber openings with respect to each other. When the dial is rotated to a first stop point of the one or more stop points, a first opening of the at least two openings may be fully aligned with a first one of the chamber openings, and a second opening of the at least two openings may be fully misaligned with a second one of the chamber openings. When the dial is rotated to a second stop point of the one or more stop points, the second opening of the at least two openings may be fully aligned with the second one of the chamber openings, and the first opening of the at least two openings may be fully misaligned with the first one of the chamber openings.
The vaporizer may further comprise a mouthpiece coupled to the valve, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least two openings.
Further embodiments may relate to a vaporizer mix controller valve having a dial and a mouthpiece. The dial may have two dial openings in a base, a rotational mounting mechanism allowing rotational coupling of the dial to a vaporizer housing (e.g., having two chamber openings), and a stop mechanism defining a range of rotation of the dial with respect to the housing. The mouthpiece may be disposed opposite the base of the dial and is in fluid communication with the two dial openings. Rotation of the dial may allow adjustment/control/setting of a percentage of vapors from the two chamber openings (in fluid communication with the mouthpiece) based on percentage alignment of the dial openings with corresponding chamber openings.
In an illustrative embodiment, a vaporizer mix controller valve comprises a dial comprising at least two openings, wherein the dial is rotationally coupled to a housing of a vaporizer comprising at least two chambers each configured to hold a substance capable of being vaporized and at least two chamber openings respectively corresponding to the at least two chambers. The vaporizer mix controller valve further comprises a protrusion configured to engage with one or more stop points to define a range of rotation of the dial with respect to the housing. The dial is configured to rotate with respect to the at least two chamber openings, and wherein respective percentages of vaporized portions of the substance from each of the at least two chambers are varied based on an amount of alignment of the at least two openings with the at least two chamber openings.
Respective ones of the at least two openings may comprise at least one of a same shape and a same size as respective ones of the at least two chamber openings. Spacing of the at least two openings with respect to each other may differ from spacing of the at least two chamber openings with respect to each other. The at least two openings may be arc shaped. The at least two openings may be spaced apart from each other on a circle centered around a rotational mounting mechanism rotationally coupling the dial to the housing, and the at least two chamber openings may be spaced apart from each other on the circle centered around the rotational mounting mechanism.
When the protrusion engages a first stop point of the one or more stop points, a first opening of the at least two openings may be fully aligned with a first one of the at least two chamber openings, and a second opening of the at least two openings may be fully misaligned with a second one of the at least two chamber openings. When the protrusion engages a second stop point of the one or more stop points, the second opening of the at least two openings may be fully aligned with the second one of the at least two chamber openings, and the first opening of the at least two openings may be fully misaligned with the first one of the at least two chamber openings.
When the protrusion is between the first stop point and the second stop point, the first opening of the at least two openings may be partially aligned with the first one of the at least two chamber openings, and the second opening of the at least two openings may be partially aligned with the second one of the at least two chamber openings. The first stop point can be disposed at a first end of the range of rotation of the dial, and the second stop point can be disposed at a second end of the range of rotation of the dial.
The dial may comprise a hollow body extending away from a base of the dial, and a mouthpiece may be coupled to the hollow body at a side opposite the base. The mouthpiece may be tapered in a direction away from the dial.
In an illustrative embodiment, a method of combining vapor output of at least two vapor sources comprises providing a first chamber containing a first substance capable of being vaporized, wherein the first chamber comprises a first opening configured to permit a vaporized portion of the first substance to flow from the first chamber to a mouthpiece opening, and providing a second chamber containing a second substance capable of being vaporized, wherein the second chamber comprises a second opening configured to permit a vaporized portion of the second substance to flow from the second chamber to the mouthpiece opening. The vapor flow is controlled such that the vaporized portions of the first and second substances are mixed at respective percentages at the mouthpiece opening.
Controlling the vapor flow may comprise adjusting a valve disposed between the mouthpiece opening and the first and second openings to obstruct at least a portion of at least one of the first and second openings. The respective percentages are altered based on an amount of obstruction of at least one of the first and second openings. The method may further comprise applying a negative air pressure to the mouthpiece opening to cause the vapor flow, wherein applying the negative air pressure comprises inhaling through the mouthpiece opening.
To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.
Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and detailed description. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.
The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments. It is understood that reference to a particular “exemplary embodiment” of, e.g., a structure, assembly, component, configuration, method, etc. includes exemplary embodiments of, e.g., the associated features, subcomponents, method steps, etc. forming a part of the “exemplary embodiment.”
The vaporizers 102 may include a mouthpiece end 104 configured to be received by a user's mouth and to direct vaporized material out of the vaporizer for inhalation by the user. In each vaporizer of vaporizers 102, the mouthpiece end 104 may be in fluid communication with a vaporizer cartridge via an internal pathway. Upon inhalation through the mouthpiece end 104 by the user, the internal electrical circuit is closed and the power source and vaporizing element are activated to vaporize the substance in the cartridge, which is subsequently passed through the internal pathway for inhalation by the user.
As shown in
While
According to an aspect, the vaporizer mixer 204 may allow vaporized material to be drawn from each vaporizer (e.g., first, second, third, and fourth vaporizer). In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer 204 may be an unpowered (e.g., no power source and/or heating element) component to which one or more self-contained disposable vaporizers are coupled. In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer 204 may be operable to control the amount of fluid communication between each respective vaporizer in the vaporizer mixer assembly 202, without its own power source. For example, the vaporizer mixer 204 may be configured for use with vaporizers, which each are self-contained, stand-alone vaporizers with their own power source, and the vaporizer mixer 204 itself may be reliant on interaction with the vaporizers in order to produce vaporized material. For example, creation of the vaporized material may take place entirely within the vaporizer, with the vaporizer mixer 204 then allowing for simultaneous use, mixing, and/or control of the ratio of the vaporized material from two or more of the vaporizers (e.g., with the vaporized material created within each vaporizer being emitted out its mouthpiece end into the vaporizer mixer 204). Each vaporizer may have its own power source for vaporizing the material in its cartridge, and the vaporizer mixer 204 may be unpowered, relying on the user's breathing to draw in vaporized material. In other words, the vaporizer mixer 204 may operate via fluid pressure differential, and does not rely on its own electric power source.
The commercially available disposable vaporizers may be available in a variety of dimensions (e.g., sizes, shapes, profiles, and/or configurations), including, for example, vaporizers having mouthpiece ends that have a circular profile or a rectangular profile. In an aspect, the profile of the mouthpiece end of each vaporizer coupled to the vaporizer mixer 204 may correspond to a size and shape of each of the respective vaporizer receiving openings. In an aspect, each vaporizer receiving opening may have a diameter of approximately ½-inch. In a further aspect, each vaporizer receiving opening may be shaped in a manner to receive a particular profile shape/size/geometry of the vaporizer. For example, the vaporizer receiving opening may be rectangular in shape to receive a vaporizer mouthpiece end having a rectangular profile, or circular in shape to receive a vaporizer mouthpiece end having a circular profile.
In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer 204 may include a sealing element provided along an inner surface adjacent to each vaporizer receiving opening. The sealing element may be configured to provide a seal between the inner surface of the vaporizer mixer and an outer surface of the vaporizer provided in the respective vaporizer receiving opening. In an aspect, the sealing element may be an O-ring. The sealing element may be made from rubber, plastic, latex, silicone, or other materials known for use for a similar sealing application.
In some embodiments, the vaporizer mixer may be configured to allow for the simultaneous use of two or more vaporizers which are differently dimensioned (e.g., different brands of vaporizers, with different sizes, shapes, and/or profiles). According to an aspect, and with reference to
In an aspect, the adapter 302/310 may include an adapter opening formed in the deformable surface 306, for example, in the center of the deformable surface, to sealingly contact the outer surface of the vaporizer when the vaporizer is inserted in the respective vaporizer receiving opening. In some embodiments, the adapter opening 308 may be a circular opening (e.g., adapter opening 308 in
In an aspect, an adapter may only be used in one vaporizer receiving opening. For example, the adapter may be provided in one of the two or more vaporizer receiving openings to receive and sealingly contact a mouthpiece end of a first vaporizer having a first mouthpiece end profile, while a mouthpiece end of a second vaporizer having a second mouthpiece end profile may be inserted and sealed with a vaporizer receiving opening corresponding to the second mouthpiece end profile, without the use of an adapter. For example, a mouthpiece having a plurality of circular vaporizer receiving openings may receive and sealingly contact a first vaporizer with a circular mouthpiece end profile without the use of an adapter, and may also receive a second vaporizer with a rectangular mouthpiece end profile with the use of an adapter. In other embodiments and/or uses, multiple adapters may be used, for example with one adapter per vaporizer receiving opening. In some embodiments, each adapter may be substantially similar (and configured for use with a wide variety of dimensions of vaporizers). In other embodiments, the user may select from a plurality of different adapters, to choose the appropriate adapter for use with a specific vaporizer (e.g., based on dimensions). In embodiments in which the user selects form a plurality of adapters, each adapter may be specifically dimensioned to seal a specific vaporizer.
The vaporizer mixer 412 may include a mixer upper end 404 provided opposite to the vaporizer receiving openings and the lower end 426. A neck may be formed on the mixer upper end 404 to receive and retain a mouthpiece insert 402. While the exemplary embodiment shows the mouthpiece insert 402 as a separate component, it is contemplated that the mouthpiece may be formed integrally with the mixer upper end 404 in some embodiments. The mouthpiece insert 402 may include a mouthpiece outlet 406 extending through the mouthpiece insert 402, and aligned with an outlet channel (not shown) extending through the mixer upper end 404.
A valve manifold 410 may be formed in the vaporizer mixer 412 below the mixer upper end 404, and a valve 422 may be positioned in the valve manifold 410. The valve 422 may include a valve adjuster 424, which may be provided for the user to manually adjust a position of the valve 422, as well as to serve as a visual indication of the valve position.
A valve manifold lower wall 504 may define a closed end of each respective vaporizer receiving opening 502, 506. In the valve manifold lower wall 504 at each closed end of each respective vaporizer receiving opening 502, 506, there may be a valve manifold inlet 508, 512 that is formed as an opening in the valve manifold lower wall 504 for communication between the respective vaporizer receiving opening 502, 506 and the valve manifold 410. In the exemplary embodiment, each valve manifold inlet 508, 512 is formed as a slit extending along the valve manifold lower wall 504, and the valve manifold inlets 508, 512 may be offset from one another. For example, the valve manifold inlet 508 of the vaporizer receiving opening 502 may be formed closer to a front wall 514 of the vaporizer mixer 412, while the valve manifold inlet 512 of the vaporizer receiving opening 506 may be formed closer to a rear wall 516 of the vaporizer mixer 412.
The valve inlet 808 and valve inlet 810 may be provided as openings or slits extending along a portion of the valve side wall 804. As shown in
The valve adjuster 424 may be provided as a projection extending from the valve front wall 802, which may operate as a handle or knob. In the embodiment of
With reference to embodiments herein, a mixer (i.e., a valve) may be provided in the valve manifold 410 to control the flow of vapor output from each of the vaporizer receiving openings. In an aspect, the mixer may be an obstruction element, for example, a mechanical valve. The mechanical valve (or other obstruction element) may be coupled to a mixer control that is configured to operate the valve/mixer, for example to control the amount of obstruction of the flow of vapor output from one or more of the vaporizer receiving openings. In an aspect, the mixer control may be configured to switch the mixer between a first state (or position), a second state (or position), and/or a third state (or position). For example, in the first state, fluid communication between the first vaporizer receiving opening and the mouthpiece outlet may be obstructed (while fluid communication between the second vaporizer receiving opening and the mouthpiece outlet is fully open/non-obstructed). In the second state, fluid communication between the second vaporizer receiving opening and the mouthpiece outlet may be obstructed (while fluid communication between the first vaporizer receiving opening and the mouthpiece outlet is fully open/non-obstructed). In the third state, fluid communication between the mouthpiece outlet and each of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening may be partially obstructed. In some embodiments, the amount of obstruction for the first state and the second state may be set via the mixer control (e.g., within a desired range), while in other embodiments the first state and the second state may only have a single pre-set obstruction level. In some embodiments, the level of obstruction for the first state and the second state may be total obstruction (e.g., closing off one vaporizer completely, so that it is no longer in fluid communication with the mouthpiece outlet). In some embodiments, the level of obstruction (or the maximum level of obstruction) for the first state or the second state may be a pre-set percentage of the flow (e.g., 80% obstruction). The combination of vapor output may be selected by the user to create the desired blend of relative vapor outputs from each vaporizer. For example, a first pineapple-flavored vaporizer and a second coconut-flavored vaporizer may be coupled to the vaporizer mixer and be combined in a 1:1 ratio to produce a pina colada flavored vapor output. In a further embodiment, three vaporizers with different flavors (e.g., blueberry, strawberry, banana) may be coupled to the vaporizer mixer and the control set to provide a 1:1:1 ratio of vapor output to create a blended tropical fruit flavor. In a further embodiment, one or more of the vaporizers may contain an unflavored substance, and the unflavored vaporizer may be combined with a flavored vaporizer to add a flavor vapor to the unflavored substance. For example, an unflavored nicotine vaporizer may be combined with a separate vaporizer containing a flavor carrier (or a flavored nicotine or non-nicotine substance such as THC) to produce a flavored nicotine vapor output. Once the user sets the vaporizer mixer to create the desired blend of vapor output, the user may inhale through the mouthpiece, thereby applying a negative air pressure to the mouthpiece outlet to initiate the vaporizing element of each vaporizer via its internal power source.
In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer may be used for combining vapor output of more than one vaporizer using an unpowered vaporizer mixer as described hereinabove. A first vaporizer having a first integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a first vaporizing element, and a first power source, and a second vaporizer having a second integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a second vaporizing element, and a second power source, may be connected to the unpowered vaporizer mixer. In an aspect, a mouthpiece end of each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer may be connected to the vaporizer mixer. The user may control a mixer/valve within the vaporizer mixer to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from one or more of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer. In a further aspect, additional vaporizers as described herein may be connected to the vaporizer mixer. For example, a mouthpiece end of a third vaporizer having a third integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a third vaporizing element, and a third power source may be connected to the vaporizer mixer, and a mouthpiece end of a fourth vaporizer having a fourth integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a fourth vaporizing element, and a fourth power source may be connected to the vaporizer mixer. The user may control the mixer/valve to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from one or more of the first vaporizer, the second vaporizer, the third vaporizer, and the fourth vaporizer.
To combine the vapor output using the vaporizer mixer, the user may select a desired relative vapor output of each vaporizer and apply a negative air pressure to the mouthpiece of the vaporizer mixer. In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer may include a mechanical valve that may be adjusted or operated to select the desired relative vapor output. For example, the valve may be adjusted to at least partially obstruct the flow of vapor output from one or more of the vaporizers. In an aspect, the valve manifold may include a plurality of valves and associated switches such that each vaporizer provided in a vaporizer receiving opening of the vaporizer mixer has its own valve inlet and flowpath. For example, an assembly including the vaporizer mixer coupled to two vaporizers may include one valve; an assembly including the vaporizer mixer coupled to three vaporizers may include two valves; and an assembly including a vaporizer mixer coupled to four vaporizers may include three valves; and so on.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
The mouthpiece 1212 may be coupled to the vaporizer mixer 1202 at the upper end 1314. In an aspect, the mouthpiece 1212 may include a mouthpiece projection 1302 that is sized and shaped to securely fit into the mouthpiece receiving opening 1304 of the vaporizer mixer 1202. In an aspect, the wall 1312 may include a ridge or annular projection that provides a snap-fit engagement with the mouthpiece 1212 so that the mouthpiece 1212 is secured in place within the mouthpiece receiving opening 1304. The mouthpiece 1212 may include a mouthpiece outlet 1310 formed on a surface of the mouthpiece 1212 opposite the mouthpiece projection 1302, and the mouthpiece outlet 1310 may connect to one or more channels that align with the vaporizer mixer outlet(s) formed in the vaporizer mixer 1202.
A valve throughway 1406 may be formed through the valve body 1408 in a direction transverse to the length of the valve body 1408. The valve throughway 1406 may be aligned with an orientation of the valve adjuster 1404, so that the valve adjuster 1404 may serve as a visual indicator of the orientation of the valve throughway 1406 within the vaporizer mixer 1202. In an aspect, the valve 1204, valve 1206 may be rotated once positioned in the valve housing 1306, 1308, to open or close the valve and enable vapor to pass through the valve throughway 1406 from the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, vaporizer receiving opening 1210 to the mouthpiece 1212.
The valve adjuster 1404 may be provided as a projection extending from the valve front wall 1402, which may operate as a handle or knob. In an embodiment and as shown in
As shown in
The inner wall 1706 of each of the vaporizer receiving openings 1208, 1210 may be a graded or stepped surface, so that the diameter of the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 decreases approaching the valve housing inlet 1702, 1704. As such, the inner diameter of the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 may be configured to receive and secure a vaporizer having one of a range of outer profiles/diameters. While the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 shown is a circular opening, it is contemplated that the dimensions of the opening may be configured in any size or shape to receive and retain the vaporizer.
According to an aspect, a user may use a vaporizer mixer assembly, including an unpowered vaporizer mixer as detailed in the exemplary embodiments herein, a first vaporizer having a first integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a first vaporizing element, and a first power source, and a second vaporizer having a second integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a second vaporizing element, and a second power source, to combine the vapor output of one or more of the first vaporizer and second vaporizer. The user may connect the first vaporizer mouthpiece end of the first vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer, and connect a second vaporizer mouthpiece end of the second vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer. The user may control the vaporizer mixer to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.
To activate the integrated vaporizing element provided in the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer, the user may apply a negative air pressure to a mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer, for example, by inhaling through the mouthpiece opening. When a negative air pressure is applied to the mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer, an electrical circuit between the integrated vaporizing element and power source of each vaporizer is completed, in turn activating the vaporizing element within each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer, in order to produce vaporized material internally within each inserted vaporizer. The vaporized material from each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer then passes through the vaporizer mixer and out of the mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer.
The user may select a desired relative vapor output of each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer. In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer may comprise a mechanical valve that is in communication with the first vaporizer mouthpiece end of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer mouthpiece end of the second vaporizer. The user may adjust the valve to at least partially obstruct the flow of vapor output from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.
An exemplary embodiment may include a disposable vaporizer 1802 as shown in
The valve manifold 1906 may retain the valve selector 1808 and may provide a segment of a channel or flowpath from each vaporizer reservoir 1912, 1914 to the mouthpiece outlet 1902. The valve selector 1808 may be adjusted (e.g., by sliding the switch in either direction) to adjust a relative vapor output of each vaporizer assembly, for example, by opening or obstructing, partially or completely, either of the flowpaths from the first vaporizer reservoir 1912 or the second vaporizer reservoir 1914. While two vaporizer assemblies are shown, it is contemplated that the vaporizer 1802 may include more than two vaporizer assemblies. Further, while the two vaporizer reservoirs 1912, 1914 are shown in a side-by-side configuration, other arrangements are also contemplated, including for example, two or more vaporizer reservoirs stacked vertically in relation to the mouthpiece 1806. The valve manifold 1906 is spaced apart from the vaporizer reservoirs with an electrical circuit (described in detail hereinbelow) disposed between the valve manifold 1906 and the vaporizer reservoirs.
The power source 1920 may be a power source, such as a battery, that is connected to one or more of the vaporizer assemblies to provide power to heat the coil 1916, 1918 (or other internal heating element) used to vaporize the substance in the vaporizer reservoir 1912, 1914. While a single power source 1920 is shown, it is contemplated that each vaporizer assembly may have its own power source 1920. Further, while two coils are shown, it is also contemplated that the two or more vaporizer assemblies may operate with a shared heating element. In use, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 1806, an electrical circuit (including the coil 1916, 1918 and the power source 1920) is closed and the electrical circuit powers the coil 1916, coil 1918 to vaporize the substance in the vaporizer reservoir 1912, 1914. Each vaporizer reservoir 1912, 1914 may contain enough substance to provide a total of at least about 5,000 puffs and up to about 8,000 puffs. In an aspect, if one of the vaporizer reservoirs is emptied before the other, the vaporizer 1802 would remain usable until all other reservoirs are emptied. While not shown in the exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer 1802 may also include a controller (e.g., an electrical controller) coupled to the electrical circuit. The controller may be configured to control power supply to one or more coils for vaporization. Alternatively, the controller may be connected to an electrical switch that the user may control to set the relative ratio of vapor output from each vaporizer reservoir.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be configured so that airflow path through the housing (e.g., through the chambers/reservoirs of the housing) may be (mechanically) controlled. For example, a valve in fluid communication with the air intake and/or the air outtake may be configured to control the airflow path so that (1) all airflow through the vaporizer housing passes through a first chamber, (2) all airflow through the vaporizer housing passes through a second chamber, or (3) a percentage of the airflow passes through the first chamber and a percentage of the airflow passes through the second chamber (e.g., allowing the full range of blends of vapors from the different chambers, with the percentage of airflow through the first chamber plus the percentage of airflow through the second chamber equaling the full (100%) airflow through the housing). This approach may allow for the user to select the specific blend of vapors from the two chambers.
In some embodiments, the two chambers 2520a and 2520b may be formed by a septum 2545 in the housing 2510, which may divide and separate the housing 2510 into the two chambers 2520a and 2520b. In some embodiments, the two chambers 2520a and 2520b may be formed by two containers 2522a and 2522b disposed within the housing 2510.
The housing 2510 may include at least one air intake and at least one air outtake. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the air outtake through both chambers 2520a and 2520b. For example, the air intake in
Airflow through the housing 2510 (e.g., through the two chambers 2520a and 2520b) may be controlled by a valve 2530. The valve 2530 may be a purely mechanical valve 2530, such that control of the airflow may be purely mechanical. The valve 2530 may be configured to control the percentage of total airflow exiting the air outtake which passes through each chamber 2520a and 2520b (and thereby the blend of vapors from the two chambers 2520a and 2520b, which typically have different substances capable of being vaporized). For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, the valve 2530 may be configured to provide rotational control (e.g., switching/changing/altering) of the blend of vapors based on alignment of openings. In some embodiments, the valve 2530 may include a dial 2532, which may be rotatably attached to the extension 2517, top, and/or cover plate 2516 of the housing 2510. The dial 2532 may have two dial openings 2533a and 2533b. In
The dial openings 2533a and 2533b may each be sized and shaped similarly to the corresponding chamber openings 2515a and 2515b. For example, the dial openings 2533a and 2533b (and corresponding chamber openings 2515a and 2515b) may be openings shaped as arcs (e.g., portions of a circle). The dial openings 2533a and 2533b may be disposed on a base of the dial 2532. In some embodiments, the spacing of the dial openings 2533a and 2533b may differ from spacing of the two chamber openings 2515a and 2515b. In some embodiments, the chamber openings 2515a and 2515b of the housing 2510 may be disposed opposite one another (e.g., as opposing portions of a circle), while the dial openings 2533a and 2533b may be disposed in closer proximity to each other (e.g., being located on the same side of the circle). Other embodiments may reverse that orientation, to preserve the same relative positioning of the dial openings 2533a and 2533b to the chamber openings 2515a and 2515b through the range of rotation of the dial/valve 2530.
The dial 2532 may further include a hollow dial body 2534, enclosing a dial chamber 2535, which extends away from the base. The dial body 2534 may be configured to be rotatably mounted onto the extension 2517. In some embodiments, the dial 2532 may include a rotational mounting mechanism. For example, one or more axle projections 2536 may extend outward from the extension 2517 (or from the top of the housing 2510). For example, the one or more axle projections 2536 may be disposed between the chamber openings 2515a and 2515b for the first (left) and second (right) chambers 2520a and 2520b. In some embodiments, the chamber openings 2515a and 2515b may be arcs that are spaced part on a circle centered around the axle projections 2536. In some embodiments, the dial openings 2533a and 2533b may also be arcs that are spaced apart on the circle centered around the axle projections 2536 when disposed on the housing 2510 (e.g., the center of the dial). The base of the dial may have a well 2538 configured so that the one or more axle projections 2536 may extend therethrough (thereby rotationally attaching the dial to the housing 2510). The well 2538 may be centered within the dial chamber 2535. When the axle projections 2536 extend through the well 2538 (when the dial is rotatably mounted to the housing 2510), the dial openings 2533a and 2533b and the chamber openings 2515a and 2515b may all be located at a common radius from a common center point (e.g., the one or more axle projections 2536). In embodiments in which the degree of spacing between the dial openings 2533a and 2533b (e.g., amount of distance between the dial openings 2533a and 2533b as measured on the circle) differs from that of the chamber openings 2515a and 2515b, rotation of the dial may adjust the percentage of alignment of corresponding dial openings 2533a and 2533b with corresponding chamber openings 2515a and 2515b.
The valve 2530 may be configured with a stop mechanism, for example with two stop points 2537a and 2537b (also referred to herein as a first rotation limiting stop point 2537a and a second rotation limiting stop point 2537b (e.g., one corresponding to the position in which the first chamber opening 2515a is fully open and the second chamber opening 2515b is entirely closed—see
A mouthpiece 2570 may be in fluid communication with the dial chamber 2535 of the dial, and thereby to the valve 2530 openings. For example, the mouthpiece 2570 may be disposed on the dial 2532 opposite the base. The mouthpiece 2570 may include an opening passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 2570 is coupled to the dial body 2534 and may taper as it extends away from the dial body 2534 (e.g., having a narrower opening at its distal end than at its proximal end).
In some embodiments, each chamber 2520a and 2520b may also have its own air inlet 2524a and 2524b, respectively (e.g., in fluid communication with the air intake) and air outlet 2526a and 2526b, respectively (e.g., in fluid communication with the air outtake, for example in fluid communication with corresponding chamber openings 2515a and 2515b). For example, when the valve 2530 is configured to allow airflow through the chambers and a user sucks on the mouthpiece 2570 (to apply negative pressure to the air outtake), air may flow into the housing 2510 through the air intake, into the chambers 2520a and 2520b through their respective air inlets 2524a and 2524b, through the chambers 2520a and 2520b and out through their respective air outlets 2526a and 2524b, through the air outtake in the housing 2510 (e.g., the two chamber openings 2515a and 2515b), through the dial openings 2533a and 2533b, and out through the mouthpiece 2570. In
A power source, such as a battery 2580 (or in some embodiment one battery for each chamber 2520a and 2520b), may be configured to supply power to the heating elements. The heating element within each chamber 2520a and 2520b (which vaporizes the substance held therein) may be controlled/operated based on the amount of suction experienced in the corresponding chamber 2520a/2520b. For example, the amount of power supplied to the heating element of each chamber 2520a and 2520b may be controlled based the amount of suction (e.g., airflow) in the chamber 2520a/2520b (with more suction and/or airflow experienced in the chamber 2520a/2520b resulting in increased heating of the heating element to vaporize more of the substance). In some embodiments, each chamber 2520a and 2520b may have its own air flow sensor. For example, each airflow sensor may mechanically control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the corresponding heating element. In some embodiments, each chamber 2520a and 2520b (e.g., the airflow sensor and battery) may be electrically coupled to a light, such as an LED, which may be configured to illuminate when the airflow sensor for the chamber 2520a/2520b detects suction therethrough. In some embodiments, control of the heating element, power supplied, and/or LED may be similar to systems used in current vaporizer devices.
In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the dial may include a grip surface configured to assist in rotation of the dial 2532 (and thereby adjustment of the blend exiting the mouthpiece 2570). For example, the grip surface may include one or more of the following: a textured surface (e.g., projecting ridges and/or scoring) and a high friction surface (e.g., tacky material). In
In some embodiments, the housing 2510 may be configured so that once closed (e.g., with the base plate 2512 and cover plate 2516 attached to the main body shell 2518), the housing 2510 may not readily be opened (e.g., opening may result in damage to the housing 2510). In some embodiments, the housing 2510 may not have any openings (e.g., on the cover plate 2516, the base plate 2512, or the main body shell 2518) which would allow for the chambers 2520a and 2520b to be refilled with substance capable of being vaporized. For example, the vaporizer device of
In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer and any of its components, such as the valve, the sealing element and/or the adapter may be manufactured by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3-D printing), subtractive manufacturing (e.g., computer numerical control (CNC) machining), or injection molding. The vaporizer mixer and any of its components may be made from rubber, plastic, latex, silicone, or other known materials.
In an aspect, numerous vaporizer mixers can be attached to one another, enabling a user to have unlimited mixing capabilities. In an embodiment, a vaporizer mixer may be a modular or stackable component that can be coupled to one or more additional vaporizer mixers to provide a modular mixing system with a customizable number of vaporizer receiving openings. A first vaporizer mixer may have a first end with a mouthpiece opening and a second end opposite the first end having at least one receiving opening. The receiving opening may be configured for releasably but securely receiving a mouthpiece end of a second vaporizer mixer. The second vaporizer mixer may be inserted into the receiving opening of the first vaporizer mixer and may be identical to the first vaporizer mixer, i.e., may have a receiving opening for receiving a mouthpiece end of a third vaporizer mixer. In addition to the at least one receiving opening, each vaporizer mixer may have one or more vaporizer receiving openings for releasably but securely receiving a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer. The receiving opening and the vaporizer receiving opening may be identical in profile such that a vaporizer and a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer mixer may be interchangeably inserted into each of the receiving opening and the vaporizer receiving opening. In a further embodiment, the vaporizer mixer may be included in an assembly wherein the vaporizer mixer is coupled to a separate vaporizing or smoking apparatus, such as a bong. As described above, a sealing element or an adapter may be used for coupling a vaporizer mixer and/or a vaporizer to another vaporizer mixer or another vaporizing or smoking apparatus of the modular mixing system.
In a further embodiment, the vaporizer mixer may be valveless, or it may include no valves, such that a direct fluid pathway is provided from the vaporizer or vaporizers, coupled to the vaporizer mixer, to the mouthpiece outlet.
This disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatuses as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. This disclosure contemplates, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, the actual or optional use or inclusion of, e.g., components or processes as may be well-known or understood in the art and consistent with this disclosure though not depicted and/or described herein. The claims which follow are intended as part of this specification, and are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or “an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.
As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”
As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that the appended claims should cover variations in the ranges except where this disclosure makes clear the use of a particular range in certain embodiments.
The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.
This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description. This disclosure is not limited to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the Detailed Description of this disclosure, for example, various features of some exemplary embodiments are grouped together to representatively describe those and other contemplated embodiments, configurations, and aspects, to the extent that including in this disclosure a description of every potential embodiment, variant, and combination of features is not feasible. Thus, the features of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, and aspects not expressly discussed above. For example, the features recited in the following claims lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.
Advances in science and technology may provide variations that are not necessarily express in the terminology of this disclosure although the claims would not necessarily exclude these variations.
Claims
1. A vaporizer mixer for receiving and mixing vapor output from at least two vaporizers, the vaporizer mixer comprising:
- a first end comprising a mouthpiece opening;
- a second end opposite the first end comprising a first vaporizer receiving opening and a second vaporizer receiving opening, wherein each of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening is configured for receiving a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer of the at least two vaporizers;
- a valve manifold disposed between the mouthpiece opening and the second end; and
- a valve provided in the valve manifold, wherein the valve is configured to allow for adjustment of an amount of fluid communication between the mouthpiece opening and at least one of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening.
2. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein the vaporizer mixer lacks a power source.
3. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein respective ones of the at least two vaporizers comprise a cartridge, a vaporizing element, and a power source.
4. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein the fluid communication between the mouthpiece opening and at least one of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening is through at least the valve manifold.
5. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein:
- the first vaporizer receiving opening is configured to receive a first vaporizer of the at least two vaporizers, the first vaporizer being configured for independent, stand-alone usage; and
- the second vaporizer receiving opening is configured to receive a second vaporizer the at least two vaporizers, the second vaporizer being configured for independent, stand-alone usage.
6. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, further comprising:
- a sealing element provided in each of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening, wherein the sealing element is configured to provide a seal between the vaporizer mixer and an outer surface of a vaporizer the at least two vaporizers provided in respective ones of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening.
7. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein:
- the first vaporizer receiving opening comprises a first inner wall extending from the valve manifold; and
- the second vaporizer receiving opening comprises a second inner wall extending from the valve manifold,
- wherein an inner diameter of respective ones of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening decreases in a direction toward the valve manifold.
8. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein:
- the valve is configured to allow for adjustment of the amount of fluid communication between the mouthpiece opening and each of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening.
9. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein:
- the valve comprises a manually adjustable mechanical valve.
10. A method of combining vapor output of more than one vaporizer, the method comprising:
- providing an unpowered vaporizer mixer;
- providing a first vaporizer, the first vaporizer having a first cartridge of vaporizing material, a first vaporizing element, and a first power source;
- providing a second vaporizer, the second vaporizer having a second integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a second vaporizing element, and a second power source;
- connecting an end of the first vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer;
- connecting an end of the second vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer; and
- controlling the vaporizer mixer to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
- selecting a desired relative vapor output of each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer; and
- applying a negative air pressure to a mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein applying the negative air pressure comprises inhaling through the mouthpiece opening, and the method further comprising:
- completing an electrical circuit between the first vaporizing element and the first power source, and an electrical circuit between the second vaporizing element and the second power source to activate the first vaporizing element and the second vaporizing element and to produce vaporized material within each of the first vaporizing element and the second vaporizer, wherein the vaporized material from each of the first vaporizing element and the second vaporizer passes through the vaporizer mixer and out of a mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein:
- the vaporizer mixer comprises a valve, wherein the valve is disposed at the end of the first vaporizer and at the end of the second vaporizer; and
- controlling the vaporizer mixer comprises operating the valve to at least partially obstruct a flow of the vaporized substance from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein:
- the valve comprises a manually adjustable mechanical valve.
15. A vaporizer comprising:
- a housing having at least two chambers, wherein each of the at least two chambers holds a substance capable of being vaporized;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the housing; and
- a valve configured to control vapor flow such that vaporized portions of the substance from each of the at least two chambers are mixed at respective percentages at at least an outlet portion of the mouthpiece.
16. The vaporizer of claim 15, wherein each of the at least two chambers comprises a wick and a heating element configured to vaporize the substance from each of the at least two chambers.
17. The vaporizer of claim 15, further comprising at least two chamber openings, wherein:
- the valve comprises a rotatable dial including at least two dial openings configured to rotate with respect to the at least two chamber openings; and
- the respective percentages are altered based on alignment of the at least two dial openings with the at least two chamber openings.
18. The vaporizer of claim 17, wherein spacing of the at least two dial openings with respect to each other differs from spacing of the at least two chamber openings with respect to each other.
19. The vaporizer of claim 17, wherein the valve further comprises one or more stop points defining a range of rotation of the rotatable dial with respect to the housing.
20. The vaporizer of claim 19, wherein:
- when the rotatable dial is rotated to a first stop point of the one or more stop points, a first opening of the at least two dial openings is fully aligned with a first one of the at least two chamber openings, and a second opening of the at least two dial openings is fully misaligned with a second one of the at least two chamber openings; and
- when the rotatable dial is rotated to a second stop point of the one or more stop points, the second opening of the at least two dial openings is fully aligned with the second one of the at least two chamber openings, and the first opening of the at least two dial openings is fully misaligned with the first one of the at least two chamber openings.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 11, 2023
Publication Date: Apr 11, 2024
Inventor: Gary Upton (Mystic, CT)
Application Number: 18/535,468