DOSING CAPSULE FOR ELECTRONIC VAPORIZERS

Abstract

A dosing capsule for an electronic vaporizer holds a specific amount of material to be vaporized and can be used in heating chambers which have substantially flat top and bottom surfaces. The unique shape of the dosing capsule, with beveled surface, and air holes located along the beveled surfaces, insures that air and vapor is allowed to freely enter and exit the dosing capsule without appreciable resistance. The shape and size of the dosing capsule are selected based on the shape and size of the heating chamber and the amount of material to be vaporized. The dosing capsule substantially fills the heating chamber, allowing only intentional residual air channels. The dosing capsule maximizes heat transfer from the heating chamber, through both conduction and convestion.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the classification of Devices for Introducing Media Into, or Onto, the Body and one or more sub-classifications for Inhalators or Sprayers or Atomisers Specially Adapted for Therapeutic Purposes. Specifically, this invention is dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Electronic vaporization devices are commonly used to vaporize herbs, tobacco or other botanical products (“Material”) for the purpose of inhaling the released vapors. Otherwise referred to as personal vaporizers (“Vaporizers”) such devices typically have at least the following components: a power source, a power button, a heating element, a heating chamber, a mouthpiece and an airpath that connects the heating chamber to the mouthpiece.

FIGS. 1-3 show a typical prior art Vaporizer 1. The Vaporizer 1 has a mouthpiece 2, with openings 3 through which the Material is drawn and inhaled by the user. Inside a typical Vaporizer, there will other components such as electronic controls, a power source, and a heating element. The heating element would normally heat up the heating chamber 6, in which the Material is loaded. A heat chamber cover 7 partially seals the heat chamber 6 to hold the Material prior to vaporization. The heat cover 7 does not fully seal the heat chamber 6 so that air may pass into the heat chamber 6. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 2, air is drawing into the heating chamber 6, where it mixes with vapor from the heated Material, passes through a screen 5 and flows through the airpath 4 to the mouthpiece 2.

Although many users load the Material directly into the heating chamber 6, this has many drawbacks. Loading the Material directly into the heating chamber 6 is difficult due to space constraints, leading to spillage and lost material. The Material will disintegrate upon being heated, leaving a substantial amount of debris and sticky resin in the heating chamber 6. Controlling the amount of the Material is difficult, as it has to be measured before loading. Combined, this makes the loading and cleaning of the heating chamber 6 and the screen 5 very difficult.

A need exists for a container that can hold a specific amount, or dose, of the Material, while also fitting inside the heating chamber 6. Such a container will need to maintain the heat transfer from the device to the Material in order to allow for a complete vaporization of the Material. Additionally, the container will need to have evenly distributed air flow within itself while also not creating a resistance to the user's overall inhalation. In other words, the dosing capsule must be transparent to the end user as far as the quality of the vapor delivered by the Vaporizer is concerned.

No such solution exists today.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is intended to disclose the present invention, a dosing capsule. The embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to illustrate the invention and its utility, and are not intended to limit the invention or its use. In the illustrated embodiment, the dosing capsule is shown in conjunction with a prior art Vaporizer.

The dosing capsule is designed to fit within the interior of a heating chamber of a Vaporizer. The dosing capsule is comprised of two parts: the cap and the cup. The cup has an exterior surface, an interior volume, a periphery, at least one maximum linear dimension of the periphery, and an upper beveled surface with a plurality of air holes. The cap has an exterior surface, a rim having a periphery, at least one maximum linear dimension of the periphery, and a lower beveled surface with a plurality of air holes. In the illustrated embodiment, the cup has a periphery that is a discorectangle. Other shaped peripheries are possible, such as circular (leading to a cylindrical cup), square, triangular, and rectangular, depending on the Vaporizer heating chamber for which the dosing capsule is designed. With a discorectangular periphery, the at least one maximum linear dimension of the periphery is two maximum linear dimensions of the periphery: the maximum longitudinal dimension and the maximum transverse dimension.

The user fills the interior volume of the cup with Material. The fixed interior volume of the cup allows for repeatable dosing. When the periphery of the cap is aligned with the periphery of the cup, the user can attach the cap to the cup by pressing. When the cap is attached to the cup, the dosing capsule is in its sealed state. In the sealed state, the periphery of the cap is greater than the periphery of the cup at all points. For the illustrated embodiment where the periphery of the cup is a discorectangle, in the sealed state, the maximum longitudinal dimension of the cap is greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension of the cup; and the maximum transverse dimension of the cap is greater than the maximum transverse dimension of the cup. Typically, the cap is held to the cup with a friction fit, although other methods such as snap fits and mating protrusions can also be used.

The dosing cup comes with an optional removal tool for use with the dosing capsule. The removal tool is used to disengage the cap from the cup, taking the dosing capsule from the sealed state to the open state. The removal tool has a planar surface, a hole, two side edges, a top edge, and two bottom edges and a hook. The hole provides a convenient ergonomic grip for the removal tool. The bottom edges are separated from one another by the hook, The hook has a first segment and a second segment that are at an acute angle to one another. In this optional embodiment, the cap has a bottom surface with a slot. The hook of the removal tool can be inserted into the slot, engaging the cap. The removal tool allows the user to pull on the cap to remove the cap from the cup.

The upper beveled surface of the cup and the lower beveled surface of the cap are contoured so as to allow the heating chamber to accommodate the dosing capsule. The dosing capsule is inserted into the heating chamber. The heat chamber cover is placed over the dosing capsule and heat chamber. The plurality of air holes in the cup and the plurality of air holes in the cap of the dosing capsule allow for the user to inhale the vaporized Material through the air path and into the openings of the mouthpiece located in the top surface of the Vaporizer. The dosing capsule takes up substantially all of the heating chamber, although there are intentional residual air channels at the top and the bottom due to the beveled surfaces. The intentional residual air channels allow for ample air flow from the heat chamber cover and through the dosing capsule. The side surface of the heat chamber cover has a snug fit with the inner surface of the heating chamber, allowing a modicum of air to pass when a user inhales on the mouthpiece. The upper beveled surface of the cup and the lower beveled surface of the cap are designed so that no flat surface can block or cover the pluralities of air holes.

Each embodiment of the dosing capsule is designed to fit in a specific Vaporizer with a specific-sized heating chamber. It is important that the dosing capsule design not block air from entering the heating chamber.

The dosing capsule is made from a thin, heat conductive material, such as stainless steel or aluminium. Stainless steel or other resilient, springy metals may be preferred to improve the longevity and effectiveness of the cap and cup interface. However, other materials such as glass, ceramic, or silicon can also be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated with 10 figures on 7 sheets.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art Vaporizer.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section side view of a prior art Vaporizer, showing the internal structure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a prior art Vaporizer showing a removable feature.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a prior art Vaporizer used in conjunction with the present invention, a dosing capsule.

FIG. 5 is cross-section side view of a prior art Vaporizer with the dosing capsule in situ.

FIG. 6 is a side-view isolation cross-section showing the dosing capsule within the prior art Vaporizer.

FIG. 7 is an end-view isolation cross-section showing the dosing capsule within the prior art Vaporizer.

FIG. 8A is a side-view of the dosing capsule, with the cap detached in each; FIG. 8B is an end-view of the dosing capsule, with the cap detached in each; FIG. 8C is an interior view of the cap and cup of the dosing capsule.

FIG. 9A is an end-view of the dosing capsule showing the dosing capsule in an open state; FIG. 9B is an end-view of the dosing capsule showing the dosing capsule in a sealed state.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a removal tool and the dosing capsule with cap attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions are not meant to limit the invention, but rather to add to the summary of invention, and illustrate the present invention, by offering and illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, a dosing capsule 20. While embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described, the embodiments herein do not represent all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the descriptions, illustrations, and embodiments are intended to teach and inform one skilled in the art without limiting the scope of the invention.

The description of FIGS. 1-3 given in the Background section is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 4 shows the dosing capsule 20 is comprised of two parts: the cap 9 and the cup 8. FIG. 5 shows the dosing capsule 20 fits within the interior of the heating chamber 6.

FIGS. 8A-8C show the dosing cup 20 in detail. FIG. 8A shows a side view of the dosing cup 20; FIG. 8B shows an end view of the dosing cup 20; FIG. 8C (left image) shows the interior volume 35 of the cup 8 and the interior 36 of the cap 9. The cup has an exterior surface 80, an interior volume 35, a periphery 32, a maximum longitudinal dimension 16, a maximum transverse dimension 17, and an upper beveled surface 14 with a plurality of air holes 12. The cap has an exterior surface 81, a rim 82 having a periphery 82, a maximum longitudinal dimension 19, a maximum transferse dimension 18, and a lower beveled surface 15 with a plurality of air holes 13. The embodiment of the periphery of the dosing capsule 20 presented here is a stadium (aka discorectangle), with angled edges. For a discorectangle, there would be two maximum linear dimensions of the periphery: the maximum longitudinal dimension 16, 19 and the maximum transverse dimension 17, 18 for each of the cap 9 and cup 8. The maximum longitudinal dimension 16, 19 and the maximum transverse dimension 17, 18 can be referred to, collectively, as maximum linear dimensions of the periphery 16, 17, 18, 19. In this embodiment, there are two maximum linear dimension of the periphery 16, 17, 18, 19. If the dosing capsule 20 was cylindrical, there would only be one maximum linear dimension for the periphery, the radius for each of the cap 9 and cup 8. If the periphery of the dosing capsule 20 was triangular, there would potentially be three maximum linear dimensions of for the periphery.

FIG. 9A is an end view showing the cap 9 separated from the cup 8. This is called the “open state.” FIG. 9B is an end view showing the cap 9 mated to the cup 8. This is called the “sealed state.” Viewing FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9B, in the sealed state, the cap 9 snugly fit over the lower portion of the cup 8, securely attaching the cap 9 to the surface 80 of the cup 8. In the sealed state, the exterior surface 81 of the cap 9 fits over and outside of the exterior 80 of the cup 8. To go from the open state to the sealed state, a user merely aligns the cap 9 to the cup 8 and presses. The cap 9 is held to the cup 8 with a friction fit. In this embodiment, the sizing of the periphery 82 of the cap 9 and the periphery 32 of the cup 8; the maximum longitudinal dimension 19 of the cap 9 and the maximum longitudinal dimension 16 of the cup 8; and the maximum transverse dimension 18 of the cap 9 and maximum transverse dimension 17 of the cup 8 are all designed to create a frictional fit between the cap 9 and the cup 8.

When the periphery 82 of the cap 9 is aligned with the periphery 32 of the cup 8, the user can attach the cap to the cup by pressing. In the sealed state, the periphery 82 of the cap 9 is greater than the periphery 32 of the cup 8 at all points. For the illustrated embodiment where the periphery of the cup is a discorectangle, in the sealed state, the maximum longitudinal dimension 19 of the cap 9 is greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension 16 of the cup 8; and the maximum transverse dimension 18 of the cap 9 is greater than the maximum transverse dimension 17 of the cup 8.

FIG. 10 shows an optional removal tool 77 for use with the dosing capsule 20. The removal tool 77 is used to disengage the cap 9 from the cup 8, taking the dosing capsule 20 from the sealed state to the open state. The removal tool 77 has a planar surface 41, a hole 42, two side edges 40, a top edge 49, and two bottom edges 50, 51. The hole 42 provides a convenient ergonomic grip for the removal tool 77. The bottom edges are separated from one another by a hook 78, The hook 78 has a first segment 42 and a second segment 43. The first segment 42 and the second segment 43 are at an acute angle to one another.

In this alternative embodiment, the cap 9 has a bottom surface 76 with a slot 44. The hook 78 of the removal tool 77 can be inserted 79 into the slot 44. Once inserted 79 into the cap 9, the user moves the removal tool 77 such that the hook 78 captures the bottom surface 76 and allows the user to pull on the cap 9 to remove the cap 9 from the cup 8.

Viewing FIGS. 4 and 5 together, the dosing capsule 20 is sized so that it fits into the interior of the heating chamber 6. The upper beveled surface 14 of the cup 8 and the lower beveled surface 15 of the cap 9 are contoured so as to allow the heating chamber 6 to accommodate the dosing capsule 20. The dosing capsule 20 is inserted 22 into the heating chamber 6. The heat chamber cover 7 is placed over the dosing capsule 20 and heat chamber 6. The side surface 26 of the heat chamber cover 7 mates snuggly with the inner surface 27 of the heating chamber 6. The heating chamber 6 has a rim 23 that acts as a stop for the heat chamber cover 7. The heat chamber cover 7 has an external bottom 25. The Vaporizer has a body side 21 and a top 24. The mouthpiece 2 and its openings 3 are on the top 24 of the Vaporizer.

FIGS. 5-7 show the dosing capsule 20 inserted into the heat chamber 6 with the heat chamber cover 7 secured in place. The capsule 20 has a plurality of air holes 12 along the upper surface of the cup 8. The plurality of air holes 12 in the cup 8 and the plurality of air holes 13 in the cap 9 of the dosing capsule 20 allow for the user to inhale the vaporized Material through the air path 4 and into the openings 3 of the mouthpiece 2 located in the top surface of the Vaporizer 1. The dosing capsule 20 takes up substantially all of the heating chamber 6, although there are intentional residual air channels at the top 10 and the bottom 11 due to the beveled surfaces 14, 15. The intentional residual air channels 10, 11 allow for ample air flow from the heat chamber cover 7 and through the dosing capsule 20. The side surface 26 of the heat chamber cover 7 has a snug fit with the inner surface 27 of the heating chamber 6, allowing a modicum of air to pass when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 2.

The upper beveled surface 14 of the cup 8 and the lower beveled surface 15 of the cap 9 are designed so that no flat surface can block or cover the pluralities of air holes 12, 13. The size and number of air holes 12, 13, and the angle and size of the upper beveled surface 14 and the lower beveled surface 15 allow for proper airflow in the heating chamber 6 disclosed in FIGS. 1-3. The size and number of air holes 12, 13 can be changed and calibrated to optimize air flow. Air flow is optimized when air is forced through all of the holes in both the cap 9 and cup 8 without adding discernible resistance to the user when inhaling through the mouthpiece 2. If the air holes 12, 13 are too large, air only flows through some of the holes leading to uneven delivery of the vaporized substance. If the air holes 12, 13 are too small, the user notices discernible resistance when inhaling through the mouthpiece 2.

As should be clear to one skilled in the art from this disclosure, the dosing capsule 20 can take on a variety of form factors in order to fit within the heating chamber 6 of a variety of Vaporizers 1. For example, although the embodiment herein shows the dosing capsule 20 being a discorectangle, that shape is solely chosen so as to allow the dosing capsule 20 to fit within the heating chamber 6 disclosed in FIGS. 1-3. If, for example, the heating chamber was cylindrical, the dosing capsule would be designed to be cylindrical. The cup would have a circular periphery in such an embodiment.

If the dosing capsule 20 was cylindrical, the cap 9 could be attached with a screw top. Alternative methods of attaching the cap 9 to the cup 8 are also possible, such as snap fits and protrusions, such as bumps, which are captured by a mating feature.

Likewise, the beveled surfaces 14, 15 of the cup 8 and cap 9 can also be modified in order to allow the dosing capsule 20 to fit into a different heating chamber.

The dosing capsule 20 is made from a thin, heat conductive material, such as stainless steel or aluminium. Stainless steel or other resilient, springy metals may be preferred to improve the longevity and effectiveness of the cap 8 and cup 9 interface. However, other materials such as glass, ceramic, or silicon can also be used.

A dosing capsule 20 is made by first selecting a Vaporizer 1 and characterizing its heating chamber 6. One needs to determine where outside air enters the heating chamber 6 and where vapor will exit the heating chamber 6. The dosing capsule 20 is designed to maximally fill the space inside the heating chamber 6, while providing adequate air flow channels throughout the dosing capsule 20 and the heating chamber 6. In this embodiment, air enters around the periphery of the heat chamber cover 7. Other Vaporizers 1 have dedicated air holes in their heat chamber cover 7. Care shold be taken when designing a dosing capsule 8 not to block the in-flow of air into the heat chamber 6. Air holes, air channels and beveling are provided so as to direct air and vapor flow through the dosing capsule 20 and out the airpath 4. The exterior surface 80 of the cup 8 and the exterior surface 81 of the cap 9 need to be in near proximity with the heating chamber 6 walls, so that there is maximum heat transfer.

In order to use a dosing capsule 20, a user simply opens the dosing capsule 20 exposing the interior volume 35 of the cup 8. The user fills the interior volume 35 with the Material and seals the dosing capsule 20. By filling the fixed interior volume 35, the user to get a repeatable dose of the Material. The user removes the heating chamber cover 7 and inserts the dosing capsule 20 into the heating chamber 6. The heating chamber cover 7 is replaced. The user turns on the Vaporizer 1 and uses it. When the Material inside the dosing capsule 20 has been vaporized, the user can remove the spent dosing capsule 20. The process is repeated at the user's discretion.

Claims

1. A dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer comprised of a cup having, an exterior surface, an interior volume, a periphery, at least one maximum linear dimension of the periphery, and an upper beveled surface with a plurality of air holes; anda cap having a bottom surface, an exterior surface, a rim having a periphery, at least one maximum linear dimension of the periphery, and a lower beveled surface with a plurality of air holes;wherein a material to be vaporized can be placed in the interior volume of the cup;wherein the periphery of the cap can be aligned to the periphery of the cup and the cap can be pressed onto the cup so that the cap is attached to the cup, creating a sealed state;wherein, in the sealed state, the periphery of the cap is greater than the periphery of the cup at all points;wherein, in the sealed state, the at least one maximum linear dimension of the periphery of the cap is greater than the at least one maximum linear dimension of the periphery of the cup; andwherein the dosing capsule can be placed in a heating chamber of a vaporizer.

2. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the dosing capsule can be sealed in the heating chamber of the vaporizer with a heating chamber cover.

3. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 2, wherein the upper beveled surface and the lower beveled surface leave intentional residual air channels in the heating chamber at the top and the bottom of the dosing capsule.

4. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 3, wherein outside air can be drawn in the heating chamber through gaps between the heating chamber and the heating chamber cover.

5. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 4, wherein the dosing capsule is sized to take up substantially all of the heating chamber, allowing for effective heat transfer between the heating chamber and the dosing capsule by both convention and conduction.

6. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 5, wherein the plurality of air holes in the cup and the plurality of air holes in the cap are calibrated so as to force air to pass through each and every hole while not causing discernible resistance to a user when inhaling through a mouthpiece of the vaporizer.

7. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 6, wherein, a user can energize the vaporizor and inhale through a mouthpiece, drawing heated air through the dosing capsule.

8. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 7, wherein the material is vaporized due to the heat and air flow.

9. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 8, wherein the vaporized material is delivered to the user through an air flow path.

10. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 9, wherein the interior volume allows for a repeatable amount of a material to be vaporized to be introduced into the vaporizer.

11. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 10, wherein the periphery of the cup is a discorectangle shape.

12. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 11, wherein there are two maximum linear dimensions of the periphery, a maximum longitudinal dimension and a maximum transverse dimension.

13. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 12, wherein the maximum longitudinal dimension of the cap is greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension of the cup and the maximum transverse dimension of the cap is greater than the maximum transverse dimension of the cup.

14. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 10, wherein the dosing capsule is fabricated from a thin, heat conductive material.

15. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 14, wherein the dosing capsule is fabricated from stainless steel.

16. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 10, wherein the cap is attached to the cup with a friction fit.

17. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 10, wherein the cap is threaded and the cap is attached to the cup by screwing the cap to the cup.

18. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 10, wherein there is at least one protrusion in the cup in the proximity of the periphery which mate to like protrusions in the cap.

19. The dosing capsule for use with a vaporizer of claim 10, further comprising a removal tool having a planar body and hook; wherein bottom surface of the cap has a slot; andwherein the hook of the removal tool can engage with the slot of the cap, allowing a user to pry the cap from the cup.