SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIGHTING A VAPING DEVICE

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to vaporizing devices and systems. A vaping system can include a tank with a reservoir for holding a liquid to be vaporized. The tank can include one or more lightpipes, the lightpipes extending from a position on a distal end of the tank to a light emitting portion of the tank. An LED is in light communication with the lightpipe, such that light from the LED can travel through the lightpipe to the light emitting portion of the tank. An LED can be located on a PCB and powered when a heating element is powered to provide a visual indication for a user of activation of the heating element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63/422,970, filed on Nov. 5, 2022 (“the '970 Provisional Application) and 63/450,723, filed on Mar. 8, 2023 (“the '723 Provisional Application”). The entire disclosures of the '970 Provisional Application '723 Provisional Application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices using liquid inhalable precursors. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to systems for vaping devices, lighting vaping devices, and methods of manufacturing.

SUMMARY

In various aspects, vaping devices are disclosed. A vaping device of this disclosure includes a tank with a reservoir for holding a liquid to be vaporized, wherein the tank comprises a body with a proximal end for connection to a mouthpiece, a distal base portion, and a light emitting portion extending radially outwardly from the body of the tank, the light emitting portion for providing a visual light indication of activation of the vaping system for a user; and the tank having a lightpipe extending from the distal end to the light emitting portion, the lightpipe for extending a light from a light-emitting diode on a printed circuit board to the light emitting portion.

In another aspect, a vaping system includes: a housing for housing at least a portion of a tank sled; the tank sled attached to the housing; a mouthpiece attached to the tank sled; wherein the tank sled comprises a tank with a light bar extending radially outwardly, the light bar connected to a lightpipe extending from the light bar to a distal end of the tank, a battery, a printed circuit board including a first light emitting diode, the first light emitting diode in light communication with the lightpipe to transfer light from the first light emitting diode, through the lightpipe to the light bar.

In another aspect, a tank for use in a vaping system comprises: a proximal end for connection to a mouthpiece and a distal end for connection to a printed circuit board, a lightpipe extending from the distal end of the tank to a light diffusion portion.

In another aspect, a tank for use in a vaping system comprises: a proximal end for connection to a mouthpiece and a distal end for connection to a printed circuit board, and wherein the tank further comprises a lightpipe extending from the distal end of the tank to a light emitting portion.

In another aspect, a tank for use in a vaping system is disclosed, the tank comprising: a proximal end for connection to a mouthpiece and a distal end for connection to a printed circuit board, and wherein the tank further comprises a lightpipe extending from the distal end of the tank to a lightguide portion. In some configurations, the lightguide portion of the tank comprises a shelf extending radially outwardly, the shelf for emitting light from an LED of the printed circuit board.

In another aspect, a vaping system comprises: a tank with a reservoir for holding a liquid to be vaporized, wherein the tank comprises a proximal end for connection to a mouthpiece and a distal base portion, the tank further comprising a shelf extending radially outwardly to an outer edge of the vaping system forming a light bar, the light bar for providing an activation visual light indication for a user; and the tank having a lightpipe extending from the distal end to the light bar, the lightpipe for extending a light from a light-emitting diode on a printed circuit board to the light bar.

In another aspect, a vaping system comprises: a visual indicator for providing a visual light indication of activation of a heating element; a lightpipe in communication with the visual indicator; an LED in communication with the lightpipe, the LED for emitting a light to be transferred to the visual indicator via the lightpipe.

According to another aspect, a method of providing a visual indication of activation of a heating element of a vaping device includes: providing a PCB with an LED, the PCB in communication with a power source for the heating element; powering the LED when the power source for the heating element is powered; providing a tank with a reservoir for holding a liquid to be vaporized by the heating element, the tank having a light emitting portion and a lightpipe; and positioning the lightpipe in light communication with the LED such that light from the LED travels through the lightpipe to the light emitting portion.

According to another aspect, the tank portion of the electronic vaping system may be formed of a unitary structure, such as by molding (e.g., injection molding, etc.).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. Not every element of the disclosure can be clearly displayed in a single drawing, and as such not every drawing shows each element of the disclosure. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vaping device.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vaping device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vaping device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tank without a PCB board and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tank with a PCB board.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sled of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the tank of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of an embodiment of a tank sled.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the distal end of the embodiment of the tank sled of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the tank of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and device for vaping. As used herein, “proximal” refers to a portion of the system or device that is closer to the user's mouth when the vaping device is in use and “distal” refers to a portion of the system or device that is farther from the user's mouth when the vaping device is used. For example, the systems and methods herein may have a mouthpiece connectable to a proximal end of a tank, and a base connectable to a distal end of a tank.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of a vaping system 10. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a vaping system 10, including a housing 15, a shelf 30, and a mouthpiece 24. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the vaping system 10 of FIG. 1, where the vaping system 10 includes the housing 15, a sled 20 received by the housing 15, and the mouthpiece 24. The sled 20 includes a tank 35, where the shelf 30 extends radially outwardly from the tank 35 and/or a longitudinal axis of the sled 20. In some embodiments, the shelf 30 is disposed between the housing 15 and the mouthpiece 24, such that the shelf 30 provides an interface where the housing 15 and the mouthpiece 24 abut opposing surfaces of the shelf 30. The visible exterior of the vaping system 10 includes the housing 15, the shelf 30, and the mouthpiece 24 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). As discussed in more detail below, the shelf 30 is part of and/or contributes to a system to provide a visual indication to a user that the vaping system 10 is activated.

The tank 35 has a distal end 39 and a proximal end 41, with a body 35b extending from the distal end 39 to the proximal end 41. The distal end 39 can include one or more structures to increase the functionality of the vaping system 10, decrease the numbers of parts in the system, and/or improve the manufacturability of the system.

For example, the distal end 39 of the tank 35 may include structures to receive an atomizer or heating element for heating oil (e.g., liquid precursors) to create vapor. The distal end 39 of the tank 35 may include structures to receive one or more anodes or electrical connections of a battery system to provide power to the atomizer or heating element (for example, voids 43 as best seen in FIG. 6, can receive electrical connections). The distal end 39 of the tank 35 may include structures to receive a central lumen or center post for vapor to be transferred proximally to the mouthpiece 24 of the system 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vaping system 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated, the tank 35 is housed and received within the housing 15. The shelf 30 is disposed between the mouthpiece 24 and the housing 15, such that the mouthpiece 24 and the housing 15 abut opposing surfaces of the shelf 30. In some embodiments, a center post or central lumen 25 is received by the tank 35. In some embodiments, the central lumen 25 receives and/or houses an atomizer. Additionally, the central lumen 25 can be in fluid communication with a reservoir of the tank 35, such that a fluid contained within the tank 35 (e.g., within the reservoir) can flow into the central lumen 25 to be vaporized by the atomizer. The generated vapor can then be drawn proximally through the central lumen 25 and out of the mouthpiece 24 to be delivered to a user as a “hit”.

The tank 35 includes a light emitting portion 30. In some embodiments, the light emitting portion is integrated into the shelf 30 that extends radially outwardly. As used herein, the shelf 30 and the light emitting portion 30 can be referred to interchangeably. This shelf 30 forms a light bar or a light emitting portion of the tank 35. The light emitting portion 30 of the tank 35 can be any suitable shape and size, and can be located at any desired position on the tank 35. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the light emitting portion 30 is positioned towards a proximal end 41 of the tank 35. In other embodiments, the light emitting portion 30 is positioned towards the middle of the tank 35, or towards the distal end 39 of the tank 35. Or, in other embodiments, more than one light emitting portion 30 is provided (e.g., a first light emitting portion 30 at the proximal end 41 of the tank 35, a second light emitting portion 30 at the distal end 39 of the tank 35, etc.). Similarly, the light emitting portion 30 is shown in FIG. 4 as a relatively thin band extending around the circumference of the vaping system 10. In other embodiments, the light emitting portion 30 is thicker, thinner, is not a band but rather a polygonal shape, a plurality of shapes, etc.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the light emitting portion 30 is continuous around the circumference of the vaping system 10. In some embodiments, the light emitting portion 30 may be interrupted and/or may include a plurality of light emitting portions 30 disposed along or within the same plane.

In connection with the shelf or light emitting portion 30 is a lightpipe 45. In some embodiments, a single lightpipe 45 is provided. In other embodiments, two, three, four, or more lightpipes can be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, two lightpipes 45a and 45b are provided, with each lightpipe 45a, 45b in connection with the light emitting portion 30. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lightpipes 45a, 45b can be disposed on opposing sides (e.g., front and back) of the tank 35. The lightpipes 45a, 45b may be substantially cylindrical or can have another elongated shape, such as an elongated cuboid shape. As shown in FIG. 4B, a printed circuit board 50 may be associated with or attached to the distal end 39 of the tank 35. The lightpipes 45a, 45b may extend from the printed circuit board 50 to the shelf 30 and/or the proximal end 41 of the tank 35.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sled 20, showing the lightpipes 45a, 45b extending from the distal end 39 of the tank 35 to the shelf or light emitting portion 30. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end 39 of the tank 35 of FIG. 4A. As shown in FIG. 6, the distal end 39 of the tank 35 can include one or more voids 43 to receive electrical connections (e.g., anodes, cathodes, wires, etc.) for a power source, such as a battery. The power source or battery, when activated, supplies power to components of the vaporizing system 10 (e.g., an atomizer or heating element, light emitting diodes, lights, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, each lightpipe 45a, 45b may be in light communication with an LED 47 (light-emitting diode) on a printed circuit board (PCB) 50 located below the tank 35 and/or the distal end 39 of the tank 35. In some embodiments, the PCB 50 abuts the distal end 39 of the tank 35, such that light emitted by the LED 47 can be transported, transmitted, or illuminated along the lightpipes 45a, 45b. Light passes from the LED 47, through the lightpipes 45a, 45b, and to the light emitting portion 30 of the tank 35. Where the light emitting portion 30 is a radially outwardly extending shelf, the light can travel to the exterior of the vaping system 10 and is a visual indicator on the exterior of the system 10.

The LED 47 of the PCB 50 can typically be activated by a sensor that detects when a user takes a draw or pulls air proximally through a central lumen or center post. For example, a microphone can be used to detect when a user takes a draw, or an air pressure sensor can be used to detect a draw or inhalation, etc. As the user takes a draw, the sensor is triggered and the battery is powered to allow the atomizer to heat the fluid, liquid precursors, or oil to be vaped. Similarly, when the sensor is triggered, the LED 47 is powered. In some embodiments, the LED 47 is powered upon powering of the battery. In some embodiments, the LED 47 is powered substantially simultaneously to powering of the battery and/or activation of the vaporizing system 10. The LED 47 lights up to indicate the device or system 10 has been activated, the lightpipe 45 that is located in light communication with the LED 47 (typically immediately above the LED 47, see FIG. 8) receives light from the LED 47, and the light passes through the lightpipe 45 and to the light emitting portion 30 of the tank 35. Light passes to the exterior of the tank 35 through the light emitting portion 30 of the tank 35.

The lightpipe 45 transports light from an LED source 47 to an emitting area that is on a different surface from the actual location of the LED 47. For example, the light emitting area can be located on a surface at an opposing end of the tank 35 to the LED 47. The lightpipe(s) 45 can be made from an optically clear polymer, such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic (PMMA), etc. Lightpipes 45 can be used to simulate the LED 47 being at the top surface of the product or tank 35, even when positioned on a PCB 50 below the top surface. Long lines of light can be created by using long cuboid/square or cylindrical lightpipes 45a, 45b to emit light in radial patterns down their length. In some embodiments the lightpipes 45a, 45b are partially or fully concealed by the housing 15. In other embodiment the lightpipes 45a, 45b are not concealed by the housing 15.

Light diffusing portions, frosted portions, opaque portions, reflective portions, transparent portions, translucent portions, etc. can be used at the proximal end 41 of the tank 35 to block light from exiting the proximal end 41 and/or to direct light to the light emitting portion 30. Depending on the desired applications of the light and the desired lighting effects, frosting, etc., can be used to direct the light from the lightpipe 45 to the desired location. For example, a proximal cap 55 can be placed over the tank 35, and the cap 55 can be made of opaque materials. Or the proximal end 41 of the tank 35 may be frosted, etc.

In some embodiments, oil or liquid precursors stored in a reservoir of the tank 35 may act as a lens or diffuser for the light produced by the LED 47 upon activation of the vaping system 10. Often, the oil or liquid precursors stored in the reservoir of the tank 35 is transparent or substantially transparent. As such, the oil does not prevent light from passing through the reservoir and may assist in diffusing light from the LED 47 to the light emitting portion 30. In some embodiments, the reservoir is positioned adjacent to the LED 47, such that light emitted by the LED 47 can pass through the reservoir and any oil or liquid within the reservoir, as well as through the lightpipe 45.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the proximal end 41 of the sled 20 of FIG. 4. The sled 20 includes the shelf 31 and the tank 35 having a proximal end 41 and a distal end 39. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the shelf 31 extends around a circumference of the tank 35 and/or the proximal end 41. Also as illustrated, the shelf 31 is a band that surrounds hollows of the tank 35. For example, a first hollow H1 may receive or house a central lumen (see central lumen 25 of FIG. 3). The shelf or light emitting portion 31 surrounds or bounds the hollow H1 without covering the hollow H1. In some embodiments, the shelf or light emitting portion 31 may be solid rather than a band, such that the shelf 31 forms a floor of the proximal end 41 of the tank 35.

The description is only exemplary of the principles of the disclosure, and should not be viewed as narrowing the scope of the claims which follow, which claims define the full scope of the invention. Various aspects discussed in one drawing may be present and/or used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in another drawing, and each element shown in multiple drawings may be discussed only once. The described features, structures, or characteristics of configurations of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more configurations. In some cases, detailed description of well-known items or repeated description of substantially the same configurations may be omitted to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art by avoiding an unnecessarily redundant description. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Reference in the specification to “one configuration” “one embodiment,” “a configuration” “an example,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the configuration is included in at least one configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature, structure or characteristic be present in any particular configuration unless expressly set forth in the claims as being present. The appearances of the phrase “in one configuration” or “in one example” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the disclosure to a single configuration, rather the element may be included in other or all configurations discussed herein.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a circular groove” may include one or more of such circular grooves, and reference to “the mouthpiece” may include reference to one or more of such mouthpieces.

As used herein, the term “generally” refers to something that is more of the designated adjective than not, or the converse if used in the negative. As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range, for example, “about” may be within 10% of the given number or given range. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member.

While methods are described herein in discrete steps in a particular order for the sake of clarity, the steps do not require a particular order and more than one step may be performed at the same time. For example, a later step may begin before earlier step completes. Or, a later step may be completed before an earlier step is started. Additionally, the word “connected” and “coupled” is used throughout for clarity of the description and can include either a direct connection or an indirect connection.

Although the foregoing disclosure provides many specifics, such as use of the system in electronic vaping devices, it will be appreciated that other implementations are contemplated and these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the ensuing claims. Other embodiments and configurations may be devised which do not depart from the scopes of the claims. Features from different embodiments and configurations may be employed separately or in combination. Accordingly, all additions, deletions and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced thereby. The scope of each claim is indicated and limited only by its plain language and the full scope of available legal equivalents to its elements.

Furthermore, if any references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this disclosure, each of these references and printed publications are individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A vaporizing system comprising:

a tank with a reservoir for holding a liquid to be vaporized, the tank comprising a body with a proximal end for connection to a mouthpiece, a distal end, and a light emitting portion extending radially outwardly from the body of the tank, the light emitting portion for providing a visual light indication of activation of the vaping system for a user,

the tank having a lightpipe extending from the distal end to the light emitting portion, the lightpipe for channeling a light produced by a light-emitting diode on a printed circuit board to the light emitting portion.

2. The vaporizing system of claim 1, wherein the light emitting portion is continuous and disposed near the proximal end of the tank.

3. The vaporizing system of claim 1, wherein the light emitting portion is interrupted.

4. The vaporizing system of claim 1, wherein the light is produced by the light-emitting diode upon activation of the vaporizing system.

5. The vaporizing system of claim 1, wherein the light is produced by the light-emitting diode substantially simultaneously with activation of the vaporizing system.

6. The vaporizing system of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is attached to the distal end of the tank such that the lightpipe is positioned over the light-emitting diode of the printed circuit board.

7. The vaporizing system of claim 1, wherein the light emitting portion comprises more than one light emitting portions and a first light emitting portion is disposed near the proximal end of the tank.

8. A vaping system comprising:

a housing for receiving and housing at least a portion of a tank sled, the tank sled being attached to the housing; and

a mouthpiece attachable to the tank sled,

wherein the tank sled comprises:

a tank with a light bar extending radially outwardly from the tank, the light bar connected to a lightpipe extending from the light bar to a distal end of the tank, and

a printed circuit board including a first light-emitting diode, the first light-emitting diode in light communication with the lightpipe, such that light produced by the first light-emitting diode is transferred from the first light-emitting diode through the lightpipe to the light bar.

9. The vaping system of claim 8, wherein the mouthpiece and the housing each abut the light bar on opposing surfaces of the light bar.

10. The vaping system of claim 8, wherein the tank sled is attached to the housing via the light bar.

11. The vaping system of claim 8, wherein the light bar is continuous and disposed near a proximal end of the tank.

12. The vaping system of claim 8, wherein the light bar is continuous and disposed around a circumference of a proximal end of the tank.

13. The vaping system of claim 8, wherein the light bar is interrupted.

14. The vaping system of claim 8, wherein the light is produced by the first light-emitting diode upon activation of the vaping system.

15. The vaping system of claim 8, wherein the light is produced by the first light-emitting diode substantially simultaneously with activation of the vaping system.

16. A method of providing a visual indication of activation of a heating element of a vaping device, the method comprising:

providing a printed circuit board (PCB) with an LED, the PCB in communication with a power source for the heating element;

powering the LED when the power source for the heating element is powered; and

providing a tank with a reservoir for holding a liquid to be vaporized by the heating element, the tank having a light emitting portion and a lightpipe in communication with the light emitting portion such that light produced by the LED travels through the lightpipe to the light emitting portion, thereby providing the visual indication of activation of the heating element.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the light emitting portion is formed of an optically clear polymer.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the lightpipe is formed of an optically clear polymer.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the lightpipe is integral with the tank.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the lightpipe and the tank are molded from a unitary mold.