Accessory E-Cigarette And Filter Sleeve Assembly

Abstract

An accessory e-cigarette filter assembly that is essentially a protective sleeve for both a vaporizer and an exhale filter is disclosed. The device also allows for removably pairing an exhale filter to a vaporizer. In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve provides for the filter and e-cigarette to be juxtaposed however a mouthpiece for the filter and a mouthpiece for the e-cigarette are at opposite ends.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains generally to accessories for electronic smoking devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sleeve for receiving an exhale filter further accommodating and coupling to a vaporizer or e-cigarette, the filter for cleansing and scrubbing exhaled vapor.

Description of the Prior Art

Ever increasing in popularity, “electronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes” and vaporizers typically use an electrical heating element to heat a liquid usually containing a mixture of nicotine and flavorings/extract that produces a mist similar to smoke but without the excessive heat that causes combustion. A useful exemplary apparatus was proposed by Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,978, entitled “Electrical Smoking System for Delivering Flavors and Methods of Making Same,” and was awarded patent protection in 1997. This particular prior art device has a receptacle for receiving tobacco or “tobacco flavored material” and electrical heating elements configured to the device for heating the material in order to emit vapors or aerosol for delivery to a smoker.

Over the intervening years, e-cigarettes have evolved to pen types, stick or wafer types, or larger units fitting into a user's hand with a mouthpiece coupled thereto.

Further, as e-cigarette use has expanded and gained momentum, either as an alternative to typical cigarettes or smoked flower material, so have accessory items to accompany them. One such accessory currently on the market has been branded the Smoke Buddy®. This device is specifically an external filter for receiving exhaled mist; however, it's bulky, awkward and irregular in shape. Other e-cigarette accessories on the market include holders, containers, cases, and outer protectors such as typical for smart phones. Accordingly, the present invention herein is somewhat of a combination of these accessories further providing a novel and useful mating of a commercial vaporizer or e-cigarette with an original and unique filter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention, in a first aspect is an accessory sleeve for a vaporizer comprising: a first lengthwise channel in parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving the vaporizer; and a second lengthwise channel parallel to the first lengthwise channel for receiving a filter device, wherein the first and second channels are configured to friction fit said vaporizer and said filter device.

The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized in that it comprises a top end wall and a bottom end wall opposite the top end wall. Also, the first lengthwise channel further comprises a race track configuration through the top end wall and the bottom end wall, the race track configuration being a rectangle with rounded ends.

Additionally further, the race track configuration is defined as having a rounded carve out in each of two opposing sides to accommodate a curved surface on the vaporizer. Also further an interior wall separates the first and second lengthwise channels.

Still further in this aspect the invention may be characterized wherein both of the first and second lengthwise channels each comprise a cut out exposing an interior of the sleeve, the cut out for assisting a user in receiving and removing the vaporizer and the filter to and from the sleeve. Also in the preferred embodiment, the sleeve is made from soft silicon rubber for providing impact protection to the vaporizer and the filter and facilitating the friction fit.

Yet further notably the filter device comprises a mouthpiece, and further wherein the filter device mouthpiece rests upon a top end wall of the accessory sleeve also within the first lengthwise channel. In other words, the top end wall is an abutment to the filter device mouthpiece. Also in this aspect, the invention may be characterized in that the top end wall and bottom end wall each comprise apertures appropriately sized and shaped to allow for the filter and vaporizer to be secured with mouthpieces at opposite ends of the accessory sleeve.

In another aspect the invention may be characterized as an accessory sleeve for an exhale filter comprising a first lengthwise channel concentric to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving the exhale filter wherein the exhale filter includes a mouthpiece wherein the mouthpiece rests upon a top surface of the first lengthwise channel. Uniquely included to this particular embodiment, an eyelet is coupled to the sleeve at an end thereof, for connecting to a lanyard, or a key chain, or a clip as preferred by a user.

While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC § 112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC § 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC § 112, or similar applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a first exploded view of an accessory sleeve mating a filter device to an e-cigarette of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a second exploded view of the sleeve prepared to receive a pen-type vaporizer;

FIG. 1C is an isometric view of the sleeve of the present invention having received a pen-type e-cigarette, the view from an opposite underneath vantage point;

FIG. 1D is an additional exploded view of the sleeve prepared to receive a stick-type vaporizer;

FIG. 1E is an isometric view of the sleeve of the present invention having received a stick-type e-cigarette;

FIG. 1F is a top plan view of the sleeve particularly showing openings for 1^st and 2^nd lengthwise channels;

FIG. 1G is a top plan view alternative embodiment to the 1^st lengthwise channel;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an improved version of the sleeve with a more specific geometry in the top plan view;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view thereof taken about line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an isometric view of the 2^nd generation sleeve having received a stick-type e-cigarette or vaporizer;

FIG. 2D is an isometric view of the 2^nd generation sleeve of the present invention having received a pen-type e-cigarette;

FIG. 2E is an isometric view thereof from a rear vantage point;

FIG. 2F is a bottom plan view particularly showing the 1^st lengthwise channel having a pair of rounded carve outs for accommodating a pen-type device;

FIG. 2G is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of an additional sleeve embodiment containing magnets;

FIG. 3B is a first exploded view thereof from a frontal vantage point;

FIG. 3C is a second exploded view thereof from a rear vantage point;

FIG. 3D is yet a third exploded view of the sleeve embodiment containing magnets;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of an eyelet sleeve embodiment to receive a only the personal exhale filter;

FIG. 4B is an isometric view of the additional eyelet sleeve embodiment; and

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the eyelet sleeve embodiment coupled to a lanyard intended use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1A, an exploded view of a filter device 98 to be mated to an e-cigarette 96, 97 via a first preferred accessory sleeve 10 is shown. The accessory sleeve 10 is designed to integrate a Philter™ Solo/Pocket device 98 with existing off the shelf commercial vaporizer pens 96 (FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C), sticks 96 (FIG. 1D, FIG. 1C), and dry herb vaporizers.

Also referring to FIG. 1A through FIG. 1E, the adapter sleeve 10 will receive the personal exhale filtering device 98 on one side and the commercial vaporizer pen 97 or stick 96 on the other side in opposing directions. That is, a mouthpiece for the vaporizer will protrude from one end 14 while a mouthpiece 94 for the filter 98 will protrude from the opposite end 13. The user will operate the vaporizing device as normal, and then flip the device about its axis 99 and exhale into the filter device 98. This adapter sleeve 10 is preferably made from a compliant material such as silicone or other flexible polymer that can accommodate various sizes and geometries of commercial vaporizers. Specifically, the material will be slightly pliable to allow for a friction fit for either a pen or a stick having sizes that may vary slightly. Furthermore, the sleeve 10 material will provide impact resistance to the pen, stick and filter affording protection thereto. With regard to FIG. 1C, a cylindrical pen 97 easily fits within a rectilinear channel 11 due to the pliable silicone material having elastic properties.

An important aspect of the invention is the end view aspect FIG. 1F, FIG. 1G, FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G, of the sleeve that receives either the pen or the stick. Initially, the end view of the sleeve comprises a racetrack configuration for the first lengthwise channel 11, 21 that is essentially a rectangle with rounded corners 19; or the racetrack configuration could be a rectangle with rounded ends 18. An improvement to the rectangular end view with rounded ends is illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Herein, the racetrack configuration has a pair curved carve outs 29 in the two opposing sides to accommodate a curved surface of cylindrically shaped vaporizer pen 97. Importantly, regarding the present invention, the same sleeve 10, 20 can hold a cylindrical pen or rectilinear stick providing versatility. In addition it should be noted, for example in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1C, that the size of the apertures in the top end wall 13 corresponding to first channel 11 and second channel 12, together with apertures in bottom end wall 14 (FIG. 1C) allow for the filter and vaporizer to be secured with the vaporizer mouthpiece and the filter mouthpiece 94 at opposite ends of the accessory sleeve. More specifically, large aperture for the second lengthwise channel 12, 22 in top end wall 13, 23 is larger to accommodate the body of the filter 98 and smaller aperture for the second lengthwise 12, 22 channel in the bottom end wall 14, 24 acts as a stop for the filter only exposing the exhale vent clearly illustrated in FIG. 1C. And, the stick 96 or the pen 97 may be inserted in either lengthwise direction.

Also notably, first 11 and second 12 channels have end walls 13, 14, 23, 24 formed by the top surface 13, 23 and the bottom surface 14, 24. Further with regard to FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G, apertures in the end walls 13, 14, 23, 24 provide a beginning and an end of the first and second channels 11, 12, 21, 22. The apertures for the first lengthwise channel 11, 21 have an identical shape, either racetrack 18 or modified racetrack 19, 29. With regard to FIG. 2G, the apertures that accommodate the filter are either shaped like the filter 98 body, as in the top end wall 13, 23; or circular in shape to accommodate a filter exit vent in the bottom end wall 14, 24. The exit vent is clearly shown on FIG. 1C and FIG. 1E on the bottom surface 14 end wall 14.

Particularly with regard to FIG. 1B, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the filter device 98 is separate and distinct from the present invention 10, 20, 30, 40; and in other embodiments, the filter device mouthpiece 94 is included because of its interrelatedness with the sleeve 10, 20, 30, 40; specifically in that the mouthpiece 94 rests upon an outside of top surface end wall 13, 23 when the filter device is inserted down into second lengthwise channel 12, 22. Embodiments 30, 40 illustrated in FIG. 3D and FIG. 4B also show this arrangement. Due to the interrelatedness in some embodiments, the filter mouthpiece 94 is shown dashed lines in some illustration and in others, it 94 is not shown in dashed lines.

Also with regard to FIG. 1C, FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2E, the channels 11, 12, 21, 22 have carve outs 16, 17, 26, 27 or reliefs in the side exposing the pen or stick and the filter, These reliefs 16, 17, 26, 27 are useful to work either the pen, stick or filter out of sleeve 10, 20 by a user's thumb or finger. Additionally, the first 11, 21 and second 12, 22 channels are separated by a wall 28 at an interior to the sleeve 10, 20. In the case of the second generation embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2A the rounded cut outs 29 to the racetrack configuration 18 extend all the way down on that side of the wall 28 in the first channel.

FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D are illustrative of an additional sleeve embodiment 30 containing magnets. In this concept variation, an adapter sleeve 30 will house the personal exhale filter device 98 on one side 37 and have a magnetic receiver 39 the other 38 that will allow the user to attach via the magnetic connection. This allows the accessory sleeve to fit various diameter and larger geometric shaped vaporizers 95 and electronic cigarettes, since the accessory filter assembly 30 would not have to fit entirely over the vaporizer 95 as in other embodiments. The sleeve 30 further includes a curved surface 38 opposite a side 37 that holds the filter 98.

A slight variation contemplated herein has the attachment mechanism as in FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D comprising magnets 39, but instead of flipping the device around to exhale into it, the variation slides up using a slider button (or translational lever) and subsequently retracts. In this manner, the filter mouthpiece 94 is extended for exhale by a user and conveniently slides back when not in use.

FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C illustrate an additional sleeve embodiment 40 particularly for receiving a filter 98 (or possibly a vaporizer 95, 96, 97) via a channel 42. The sleeve 40 incorporates an eyelet 44 at an end thereof for connecting to a clip, a keychain and/or a lanyard 93, as shown in FIG. 4C.

As detailed herein, the invention in one aspect is accessory sleeve 10, 20 for a vaporizer 96, 97 comprising: a first lengthwise channel 11, 21, parallel to a longitudinal axis 99 of the sleeve, for receiving the vaporizer. Additionally, the accessory sleeve has a second lengthwise channel 12, 22 parallel or juxtaposed to the first lengthwise channel for receiving an exhale filter device 98, wherein the first and second channels are configured to friction fit both the vaporizer and the exhale filter device.

The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized in that the first lengthwise channel further comprises a race track 18 configuration in an end view. Further, the race track configuration comprises a rectangle with rounded ends. Alternatively, the end view racetrack has rounded corners 19 without rounded ends. An improvement to the racetrack end view, comprises a curved carve out 29 in each of two opposing sides to accommodate a curved surface on a pen-type 97 vaporizer.

In a similar aspect, the invention may be characterized as an accessory sleeve 30 for an exhale filter comprising: a first lengthwise channel between wall 37 and surface 38 (similar to embodiments 10, 20, second lengthwise channel 12, 22) parallel to a longitudinal axis 99 of the sleeve, for receiving an exhale filter device 98; and a first magnet 39 coupled at a lateral side 38 of the sleeve 30 for coupling to a side of the vaporizer 95.

In another aspect the invention may be characterized as an accessory sleeve 40 for an exhale filter comprising: a first lengthwise channel 42 (parallel to a longitudinal axis 99 of the sleeve) for receiving the exhale filter 98; and an eyelet 44 coupled to the sleeve 40 at an end thereof, for connecting to a lanyard 93, or a key chain, or a clip, as preferred by a user.

While the particular Accessory E-Cigarette And Filter Sleeve Assembly herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

Claims

1. An accessory sleeve for a vaporizer comprising: a first lengthwise channel in parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving the vaporizer; anda second lengthwise channel parallel to the first lengthwise channel for receiving a filter device, wherein the first and second channels are configured to friction fit said vaporizer and said filter device.

2. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1, further comprising: a top end wall; anda bottom end wall opposite the top end wall, the first lengthwise channel further comprising a race track configuration through the top end wall and the bottom end wall, the race track configuration comprising a rectangle with rounded ends.

3. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 2, the race track configuration comprising a rounded carve out in each of two opposing sides for contacting a curved surface on the vaporizer.

4. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1 further comprising an interior wall separating the first and second lengthwise channels.

5. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1, the first and second lengthwise channels each comprising a cut out exposing an interior of the sleeve, the cut out for assisting a user in receiving and removing the vaporizer and the filter to and from the sleeve.

6. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1 further comprising soft silicon rubber for providing impact protection to the vaporizer and the filter and for facilitating said friction fit.

7. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the filter device comprises a mouthpiece, and further wherein the filter device mouthpiece rests upon a top end wall of the accessory sleeve also within the first lengthwise channel.

8. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 2 wherein the top end wall and bottom end wall each comprise apertures appropriately sized and shaped to allow for the filter and vaporizer to be secured with mouthpieces at opposite ends of the accessory sleeve.

9. An accessory sleeve for an exhale filter comprising a first lengthwise channel concentric to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving the exhale filter wherein the exhale filter includes a mouthpiece wherein the mouthpiece rests upon a top surface of the first lengthwise channel.

10. The accessory sleeve for an exhale filter of claim 9 further comprising an eyelet coupled to the sleeve at an end thereof, for connecting to a lanyard, or a key chain, or a clip as preferred by a user.

11. An accessory sleeve for a vaporizer comprising: a first lengthwise channel in parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving the vaporizer; anda second lengthwise channel parallel to the first lengthwise channel for receiving a filter device, the first and second lengthwise channels each comprising a cut out exposing an interior of the sleeve, the cut out for assisting a user in receiving and removing the vaporizer and the filter to and from the sleeve.

12. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 11, further comprising: a top end wall; anda bottom end wall opposite the top end wall, the first lengthwise channel further comprising a race track configuration through the top end wall and the bottom end wall, the race track configuration comprising a rectangle with rounded ends.

13. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 12, the race track configuration comprising a rounded carve out in each of two opposing sides for contacting a curved surface on the vaporizer.

14. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 11 further comprising an interior wall separating the first and second lengthwise channels.

15. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 11 further comprising soft silicon rubber for providing impact protection to the vaporizer and the filter and for providing a friction fit between the first and second channels and the vaporizer and the filter device, respectively.

16. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 11, wherein the filter device comprises a mouthpiece, and further wherein the filter device mouthpiece rests upon a top end wall of the accessory sleeve also within the first lengthwise channel.

17. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 12 wherein the top end wall and bottom end wall each comprise apertures appropriately sized and shaped to allow for the filter and vaporizer to be secured with mouthpieces at opposite ends of the accessory sleeve.