Simulated Smoking Device and Heating Module

Abstract

The present simulated smoking device may be used to produce vapor from a vapor-producing material for inhalation. The device may include a heating module with a first portion adapted to contain a first material, which is a vapor-producing material that produces vapor in response to heat, and a second portion that includes a heat-producing material capable of undergoing an exothermic chemical reaction, thereby transferring heat to the first portion. The device may include a first channel through which air may enter the first portion, a second channel through which vapor may exit the first portion, and an aperture or mouthpiece through which a user may inhale the vapor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a view of one configuration of the present simulated smoking device.

FIG. 1B is a view of an optional tip, or mouthpiece, that may be used with the present simulated smoking device.

FIG. 2 is a view of the structure of the simulated smoking device shown in FIG. 1A, in which certain elements of the device are shown in a cutaway or exploded schematic view from an angled end-on perspective.

FIG. 3 is another view of the structure of the simulated smoking device shown in FIG. 1A, in which certain elements of the device are shown from an angled end-on perspective.

FIG. 4 is a view of another configuration of the present simulated smoking device.

FIG. 5 is a view of another configuration of the present simulated smoking device.

FIGS. 6A-6B are views of further alternative configurations of the present simulated smoking device.

FIG. 6C is a view of the present heating module.

FIGS. 6D-6E are views of further alternative configurations of the present simulated smoking device.

FIGS. 6F-6G are views of, respectively, a further alternative configuration of the present simulated smoking device, and a receptacle that may be used with the configuration shown in FIG. 6F.

FIG. 6H is a view depicting how the present heating module may be used with certain configurations of the present simulated smoking device.

FIGS. 7A-7C are views of alternative arrangements of certain elements of a simulated smoking device having the general configuration shown in FIGS. 1A, 2, and 3, shown from an angled end-on perspective.

FIGS. 7D-7K are views of possible configurations of the present heating module.

FIGS. 8A-8C are views of different arrangements by which outside air may enter the present simulated smoking device through the end distal to the mouthpiece.

FIGS. 9A-9B are views of a possible mode of activation of the exothermic chemical reaction.

FIG. 9C is another view of a possible mode of activation of the exothermic chemical reaction.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are additional possible modes of activation of the exothermic chemical reaction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is generally directed to a simulated smoking device and heating module. The simulated smoking device may be used to produce vapor from a vapor-producing material for inhalation by a user of the device.

The heating module may have a first portion adapted to contain a first material that is a vapor-producing material that produces vapor in response to heat, and a second portion that includes a heat-producing material capable of undergoing an exothermic chemical reaction. The exothermic chemical reaction may occur in response to an activation event. The exothermic chemical reaction produces heat which is transferred to the first portion, raising the temperature of at least a portion of the vapor-producing material sufficiently to result in the production of vapor.

The device may include a first channel through which air may enter the first portion, a second channel through which vapor may exit the first portion, and an aperture or mouthpiece through which a user may inhale the vapor.

The present device may be configured and used to enable a continuous release of vapor following a single, irreversible activation. In this context a single, irreversible activation can be analogized to lighting a combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, with a flame. After activation, production of vapor in the present device continues until the heating module no longer produces enough heat to cause production of vapor, or until the ability of the vapor-producing material to produce vapor has been substantially exhausted.

The present device is thus capable of simulating the user experience associated with a conventional, single-use smoking article while using a continuous-vaporization device, which may be provided in an environmentally sustainable package. The device may also provide the ability to measure dosage, in that each single-use device may be considered to provide a specific number of doses, including a single dose. The dose(s) may be correlated to the type, quantity, and/or concentration of vapor-producing material in the present simulated smoking device.

The vapor-producing material may be a solid, such as vegetable matter; a liquid, such as an extract of vegetable matter; or a combination of these. The vapor-producing material may be substantially the only material present in the first portion. Alternatively, the vapor-producing material may be suspended or dispersed in, commingled with, or otherwise combined with, a media, including but not limited to a porous media. The vegetable matter may be in any state suitable to permit the production of vapor in response to heat, including but not limited to being chopped and/or shredded.

Additional materials may be present in the device to affect the properties of the vapor produced by the vapor-producing material, such as by modifying the heat required to produce vapor, the length of time over which vapor is produced, the moisture content of the vapor, and/or the chemical composition of the vapor, such as in relation to the aroma and/or taste of the vapor. Such additional materials, such as a fourth material, may be present in the first portion, and may be commingled with or separate from the vapor-producing material. Alternatively or in addition, such additional materials may be provided in one or more channels that enable the flow of air and/or vapor to and/or from the first portion.

The present heating module may include a flameless chemical heater. This flameless chemical heater may be in any desired shape, including the shape of a cylinder. The cylinder may be linear, or curved such as in the shape or outline of a partial circle, a partial oval, or a partial ellipse. Other shapes are well within the scope of the present device. When activated, the heating module produces heat through an exothermic chemical reaction, which may be a solid-state exothermic chemical reaction. Activation does not require the addition of an element exogenous to the present device in order for activation to occur. The heating module may be composed of a number of natural and environmentally sustainable reactants, all of which fall into the class of oxidation-reduction reactions, including thermite-based reactions. The heating module may extend substantially throughout the body of the device, and may terminate before reaching the mouthpiece of the device.

The heat-producing materials present in the heating module may include at least a second material and a third material. The second material may be a first thermite reactant and the third material may be a second thermite reactant. The first thermite reactant may be, for example, at least one metal oxide, and the second thermite reactant may be, for example, at least one metal fuel.

More specifically, the exothermic chemical reaction may be produced using natural materials such as aluminum flake and silicon dioxide. The reaction may additionally or alternatively use thermite-class materials such as iron (III) oxide, iron (II,III) oxide, copper (II) oxide, copper (I) oxide, tin (IV) oxide, titanium (IV) oxide, manganese (III or IV) oxide, chromium (III) oxide, cobalt (II) oxide, silicon dioxide, nickel (II) oxide, vanadium (V) oxide, silver (I) oxide, and/or molybdenum (VI) oxide. The specific choice of reaction components is within the skill of those having ordinary skill in the art, and may be based on factors including cost and reaction characteristics. The reaction materials may also include filler components which increase the distribution and/or diffusion of the heat of the reaction, and prevent the reaction front from progressing more quickly than desired. In addition, the physical shape of the reaction components can be chosen to provide the desired the reaction characteristics; for example, flattened aluminum flake will provide different reaction properties from spherical aluminum material. Overall, the specific material(s) used, the amount of each such material, its physical size and shape, its arrangement in the heating module, and its combination with other materials may all be selected or adjusted as desired to provide the desired result without departing from the present scope.

The device includes an activation mechanism or module to initiate the exothermic chemical reaction. The activation module may provide for irreversible activation of the heating module. The activation may be “irreversible” in the sense that no user-actuable control is provided for stopping the production of heat once started; rather, after activation takes place the production of heat may continue until the exothermic chemical reaction is substantially complete, such as by substantial exhaustion of a reactant, or until some external event (for example, submersing the device in liquid or breaking/crushing the device) causes the production of heat to stop. The exothermic chemical reaction may initiate adjacent to, near, or in the vicinity of the activation module. Once initiated, the exothermic chemical reaction may take place progressively, moving away from its point of initiation in the direction of the distal end of the second portion.

Heat produced from the exothermic chemical reaction may be transferred to the first portion to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the vapor-producing material. The amount of heat produced by the exothermic chemical reaction should be sufficient to raise the temperature of the vapor-producing material to a level that results in the production of vapor. The duration of the exothermic chemical reaction may be selected to provide the desired experience or effect from use of the device. For example, the duration of the exothermic chemical reaction may be selected so as to substantially exhaust the ability of the vapor-producing material to produce vapor in quantities sufficient to be noticeable to, or have an effect on, the user. Alternatively, the duration of the exothermic chemical reaction may be selected so as to simulate the normal, average, approximate, or representative time in which a conventional, tobacco- or marijuana-using cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other smoking device is smoked in a single use. Further selection of the duration of the exothermic chemical reaction may be chosen as desired, including durations suitable for use with form factors for the device including but not limited to a bong, a water pipe, or a hookah. As specific but non-limiting examples, the exothermic chemical reaction may have a duration of any period of time from about five minutes up to and including about twenty minutes. It will be readily apparent that any duration may be selected to accommodate the intended use, and that durations of less than about five minutes and more than about twenty minutes are also within the present scope.

The desired result of the exothermic chemical reaction may be characterized as a predetermined reaction profile. The pre-determined reaction profile may include a temperature profile, a duration profile, or both a temperature profile and a duration profile. The predetermined reaction profile may include a targeted starting temperature, which may be higher than the subsequent temperature in order to result in the production of vapor more quickly than would take place at a lower starting temperature. Alternatively, the targeted starting temperature may be lower than the subsequent temperature, to increase the delay between activation of the heating module and the production of vapor. It is also within the present scope for the targeted starting temperature to be substantially the same as the subsequent temperature. At least a fifth material may be present in the first portion to provide the predetermined reaction profile, such as by prolonging, accelerating pausing, or otherwise modifying the exothermic chemical reaction.

By way of non-limiting example, the pre-determined reaction profile may include a duration of (i) about five minutes, (ii) about twenty minutes, (iii) from about five minutes to about twenty minutes, (iv) less than about five minutes, and (v) more than about twenty minutes, combined with a temperature of at least a portion of the vapor-producing material of (vi) about 180° C. or (vii) about 200° C. or (viii) from about 180° C. to about 220° C. or (ix) from about 200° C. to about 220° C. Other durations and/or temperatures and temperature ranges will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and may be selected to provide any desired reaction profile. It will also be understood that the heat generated by the exothermic chemical reaction may be subject to variation from any predetermined reaction profile at the time of activation, and/or at the time of exhaustion of the exothermic chemical reaction.

Regardless of the targeted starting temperature, the exothermic chemical reaction may thereafter produce heat for a period of time. That period of time will generally, but not necessarily, correspond to the intended duration of the single-use smoking experience provided by the present device. However, depending on the design of the device, the type and arrangement of vapor-producing material(s) in the device, the intended use of the device, and any other relevant factors, the exothermic chemical reaction may be designed to follow any desired temperature profile during the course of the reaction, including but not limited to remaining substantially constant during the reaction, increasing in temperature during the reaction, decreasing in temperature during the reaction, or both increasing in temperature and decreasing in temperature at different times during the reaction.

The exothermic chemical reaction may progress along a defined physical reaction path, and may proceed progressively such that heat is continuously produced along the second dimension of the second portion in a controlled manner. The reaction may be configured in such a way that the vapor-producing material in the first portion is progressively heated along the first dimension. Alternatively, the exothermic chemical reaction may be considered to have a reaction front which progresses along the second dimension, progressively heating the vapor-producing material along the first dimension to produce vapor.

For example, where the heating module is in the form of a cylinder the reaction path will be generally linear, progressing away from the point of activation towards the distal end of the cylinder, similar to the way in which a conventional tobacco cigarette burns from the end at which it is lit, towards the mouthpiece. The progressive mode of the exothermic chemical reaction may also be followed in any other configuration of the present heating module, in addition to cylindrical, and a wide variety of shapes and configurations for the reaction path are possible, will be readily apparent, and fall within the present scope. For example, the reaction path may follow the shape of a spiral, starting in the interior of the spiral and progressing towards the outer end; or, starting at the outer end and progressing towards the interior of the spiral. In another example, the present device may be a multi-user device with plural mouthpieces, in which the reaction path starts at a location interior to the device and progresses along plural paths in the direction of each mouthpiece. Such a device may have the outward profile of a star with any number of points, with activation taking place at the center and multiple reaction paths then progressing from a central area of activation outward along each arm of the star. Alternatively the device may have the outward profile of a spheroid, or ‘UFO’, with a continuous mouthpiece or with plural mouthpieces provided along the outer circumference; a central activation point; and, in the case of plural mouthpieces, reaction paths progressing from the central activation point outward towards each mouthpiece. In the star or spheroid forms, or in any other multi-user configuration, the reaction path may instead be selected to generate a common source of vapor which is available to each mouthpiece; for example, the reaction path may follow a spiral in the central area of the device.

As previously noted, the device may include a first portion adapted to contain a first, vapor-producing material. The first portion will have a first dimension; for example, a length, height, width, diameter, or radius. The device may further include a second portion adapted to contain a heat-producing material. The second portion will have a second dimension, which may similarly be a length, height, width, diameter, or radius. The first portion and second portion are in thermal communication, such that heat produced by the exothermic chemical reaction in the second portion may be transferred to the first portion, and so to at least a portion of the vapor-producing material. The first dimension and second dimension may be substantially co-extensive, at least with regards to those portions of the first portion and second portion that contain, respectively, the vapor-producing material and the heat-producing material. The first dimension and second dimension may be substantially linear, substantially arcuate, or may include both of one or more substantially linear portions and one or more substantially arcuate portions. The exothermic chemical reaction may take place progressively along the second dimension.

The exothermic chemical reaction may cause vapor to be produced in a continuous fashion, that is, without requiring the user to iteratively interact with the device. Production of vapor may take place substantially continuously until the exothermic chemical reaction subsides to a level, such as through exhaustion of one or more of the reactants, which no longer transfers sufficient heat to the vapor-producing material to result in the production of vapor.

The present device may further include one or more channels for the movement of air and/or vapor to and/or from the first portion, and an aperture or mouthpiece for user interaction. In order to facilitate the ability of the user to draw vapor from the device, the first portion may communicate with a first channel through which air, such as ambient or outside air, may flow into the first portion. The first channel may comprise a tube or similar passageway connecting the first portion to a source of air, such as by terminating on the exterior of the device. Alternatively, the first channel may comprise a porous interface between the first portion and a source of air, such as a mesh or similarly perforated portion of the surface of the device. The porous interface may comprise a terminal end of the first portion which terminates at the surface of the device, similar to the way in which a conventional tobacco cigarette allows air to be drawn in through the tip distal to the mouthpiece. The first channel may also include, or communicate with, a sixth material that is a filtering agent for incoming air; an aroma agent for the vapor; or a flavoring agent for the vapor.

The first portion may further communicate with a second channel through which vapor may be drawn to the mouth of the user. The second channel may comprise a tube or similar passageway connecting the first portion to an aperture or mouthpiece through which vapor may be drawn into the mouth of the user. Alternatively, the second channel may comprise a porous interface at a terminal end of the first portion, similar to the design by which a conventional unfiltered tobacco cigarette allows smoke to be drawn in directly through the tip distal to the burning end. The second channel may also include, communicate with, or terminate in a filtering agent for the vapor; an aroma agent for the vapor; or a flavoring agent for the vapor.

To maintain integrity of the device, the surface of the second portion that is in thermal communication with the first portion may be composed of, coated with, or covered with a layer of thermally conductive material which allows the exothermic chemical reaction to transfer heat to the first portion of the device while preventing heat from the exothermic chemical reaction from damaging the integrity of the first portion or of any other portion of the device.

The exothermic chemical reaction may be initiated in a number of known ways, including by use of an activation module or mechanism whose operation provides the activation event. The activation module may include a seal separating a seventh material from an eighth material that, upon contacting each other, generate sufficient heat to initiate the exothermic chemical reaction. For example, the activation module may include pyrophoric iron filings that are separated from but in thermal communication with the second portion. A seal may be provided to prevent air from contacting the pyrophoric iron filings unless and until the seal is breached, at which time the contact of oxygen with the pyrophoric iron filings will create sufficient heat to initiate the exothermic chemical reaction between the second and third (and any additional) materials in the second portion. Alternatively, the seventh material may be a strong oxidizer and the eighth material may be a liquid polyalcohol that react with each other to produce heat. The strong oxidizer and liquid polyalcohol may separated by the seal, and be separate from but in thermal communication with the second portion. When the seal is breached, the strong oxidizer and the liquid polyalcohol may come into contact with each other to create sufficient heat to initiate the exothermic chemical reaction between the second and third (and any additional) materials. As non-limiting examples, the strong oxidizer may be potassium permanganate, and the liquid polyalcohol may be glycerin or glycerol. Additional materials in addition to the seventh material and the eighth material may be present, and may participate in, or modify the effects of, the reaction between the seventh material and the eighth material.

The seal may be composed of any material that is both sufficiently impermeable to either prevent the passage of air, where a pyrophoric material is used in the activation module, or to prevent the strong oxidizer and liquid polyalcohol from coming into contact. Similarly, any suitable mechanism may be provided to enable the user to breach the seal. Such mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a portion of the device that may be moved relative to the seal to cause a puncture, tearing, or other breach of the seal. Alternatively, a portion of the device including or associated with the seal may be configured so that by twisting one portion of the device the seal is breached, either directly by the twisting force, or indirectly by a mechanism that responds to the twisting force. Many other mechanisms for breaching the seal will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill and are within the present scope.

The device may have a mouthpiece integral with or connectible to one end. When the activation module is present at or near one end of the device, the mouthpiece may be situated at the end opposite to that end.

With reference now to FIG. 1A, second portion 1, which contains the heat-producing material (at times referred to herein as the second material and third material) that undergoes an exothermic chemical reaction, is shown as the central element of the present device. Second portion 1 is then surrounded by inner layer 2. Inner layer 2 should have thermal properties that allow it to transmit sufficient heat from second portion 1 to first portion 3 to cause the production of vapor from the vapor-producing material, while preventing the transmission of excessive heat that may cause burning of or have other undesirable effects on the vapor-producing material and/or on other materials present in first portion 3. Inner layer 2 may be a thermally conductive and/or resistant material; may have the ability to receive heat produced by second portion 1 and to then release the heat over a different (longer or shorter) time duration, and/or at a different temperature, than would otherwise be provided by the exothermic chemical reaction; and/or may consist of or include a phase-change material having the ability to absorb and then release heat produced by second portion 1 at relatively constant temperature. Examples of such phase-change materials include biodegradable, vegetable-based phase change materials as well as solid-solid phase change materials, which may have a crystalline structure that changes from one lattice configuration to another at a fixed and well-defined temperature.

First portion 3, which contains the vapor-producing, or first, material, is shown surrounding inner layer 2. First portion 3 may include or consist of vegetable matter aggregated or otherwise combined with a binder, and/or may be a porous material in which the vapor-producing material is suspended or dispersed. This porous material may take the form of cotton, such as premium unbleached organic cotton. The cotton material may be of medical grade, to minimize or avoid leaching properties that could impact the flavor of the vapor. This porous material may have a temperature of combustion sufficiently high to remain functional at the temperatures necessary for the production of vapor from the vapor-producing material. The porous material may be capable of absorbing the vapor-producing material, which may for example include one or more of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, extract of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), extract of cannabidiol (CBD), and a terpene.

When first portion 3 is a porous or otherwise air-permeable material it may act as either or both of the first channel and the second channel. First portion 3 may therefore have a distal end through which air enters the first portion, and a proximal end through which vapor exits the first portion, either directly into the mouth of the user or through an aperture communicating with the proximal end. Air may therefore be drawn into the distal end in response to an inhalation by the user; entrain or become otherwise mixed or combined with vapor as it moves through the first portion 3 towards the proximal end; and thereby result in the exit of vapor from the proximal end. In addition or alternatively, apertures may be provided on the outer surface of first portion 3 to allow air to enter the first portion. Alternatively, either or both of the distal end and the proximal end of first portion 3 may communicate with, respectively, a channel which then communicates with outside air at the distal end, and/or the mouth of the user or an aperture adapted to receive the mouth of a user at the proximal end. Either or both channel may contain or communicate with one or more of a sixth material that is a filtering agent, a flavoring agent for the vapor, or an aroma agent for the vapor.

First portion 3 may be surrounded by intermediate layer 4. Intermediate layer 4 may function, for example, to retain vapor within first portion 3; as a thermal barrier between the inner and outer portions of the present simulated smoking device or heating module; and/or to provide structural support for the present device. Intermediate layer 4 may include or consist of an inert material able to prevent transmission of excessive heat outward from layer 3. Intermediate layer 4 may consist of material(s) that will not affect the characteristics of the vapor, such as moisture content, flavor, and aroma. One example of such a material would be a glass, such as soda-lime glass or borosilicate glass. The material(s) used should reduce or prevent heat transfer to the outside of the device, and substantially prevent the unintended introduction of exogenous substances to the vapor produced in layer 3.

Outer layer 5 of the present device is the outer layer or shell, which may be adapted to be held in the hand of a user. Outer layer 5 may be composed of any suitable material, including environmentally sustainable/renewable materials such as recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable material. Outer layer 5 may have or be provided with any surface properties suitable for contact with the hand of a user, including being smooth or textured, or having both smooth and textured portions. Outer layer 5 should provide sufficient thermal resistance to prevent excessive heat from the interior layers from transferring to the exterior of the device. In this context, “excessive” heat may mean, for example, heat sufficient to cause the exterior of the device to be noticeably warm to the touch while heat is being produced by or transferred by the first portion, and/or by inner layer 2 when inner layer 2 includes a phase-change material or other material than absorbs and then releases heat from the exothermic chemical reaction. Alternatively, “excessive” heat may mean heat sufficient to cause the skin of the user's hand to become uncomfortably warm when in contact with outer layer 5. The thickness of outer level 5 may be selected based on factors such as the durability of the material used, the heat resistance or insulating characteristics of the material used, the tactile feel of the material used, and the recyclability of the material used. Air spacers may be provided, such as between intermediate and outer layers 4 and 5, to add thermal resistance if desired, such as by corrugation.

FIG. 2 provides a cutaway view of the present device as depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 demonstrates that the present device may be configured such that the central element is first portion 3, and that second portion 1 may surround first portion 3, separated by inner layer 2. In other words, when the heat-producing material and the vapor-producing material are configured as concentric cylinders, either may surround the other. Of course, cylinders, concentric or otherwise, are not the only form in which the heat-producing material and the vapor-producing material may be configured. What is necessary is simply that the heat-producing material be sufficiently near the vapor-producing material so that heat produced by the heat-producing material results in the production of vapor from the vapor-producing material.

FIG. 1B is an example of a mouthpiece or tip 21 for use with the present simulated smoking device, and is intended to be inserted in the mouth and/or held between the lips or teeth of a user. Mouthpiece 21 may be formed as an integral part of the present simulated smoking device, or may be a separate piece. The particular shape and configuration shown in FIG. 1B is not limiting, and it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill that a wide range of shapes and sizes may be used, all of which are within the present scope. In addition, mouthpiece 21 may only provide a passage for vapor to be drawn into the mouth of the user, or may modify that vapor, such as by allowing vapor to mix with air entering the mouthpiece. For example, mouthpiece 21 may include one or more lateral apertures through which ambient air may drawn into and combined with the vapor. Alternatively or in addition, mouthpiece 21 may include a sixth material that is a filtering element, a flavoring agent, and/or an aroma agent which the vapor is passed through or adjacent to prior to exiting the mouthpiece.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict configurations in which the present simulated smoking device includes two portions having an angled relationship to each other. In FIGS. 4 and 5, aperture 6 connects with second channel 7, which itself connects with first portion 3 (not shown). The present simulated smoking device may originally be made in the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, whether for esthetic or other purposes. Alternatively, the present device may originally be made in a linear configuration with a mechanism for activating the heat-producing material that involves bending the device into a configuration of the type shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this configuration the device may be activated by exerting sufficient force on the upper portion to cause it to bend or rotate at a predetermined point, which results in activation of the exothermic chemical reaction. The resulting angle between the upper portion and the lower portion may be selected as desired consistent with the motion of the upper body being sufficient to cause activation. Therefore, depending on the design of the activation module, the angle between the upper portion and the lower portion following activation may be acute, obtuse, or a right angle.

FIGS. 6A and 6B provide further alternative configurations for use with the present heating module. Specifically, FIG. 6A represents a pipe shape having an approximate right-angle bend between the pipe bowl and the pipe stem, while FIG. 6B represents a pipe shape in which the stem and bowl of the pipe are present in a U-shaped configuration, as may be seen for example in certain meerschaum pipes. Any pipe configuration may be used, including without limitation Apple, Acorn, Author, Billiard, Blowfish, Brandy, Bulldog, Calabash, Canadian, Cavalier, Cherrywood, Chimney, Churchwarden, Cutty, Dublin, Egg, Elephant's Foot, Hawkbill, Horn, Liverpool, Lovat, Lumberman, Nosewarmer, Oom Paul, Panel, Poker, Pot, Prince, Ramses, Rhodesian, Squat Tomato, Tomato, Vest Pocket, Volcano, and Zulu, further including variations thereon such as Bent and Banded versions.

The forms shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B include passage 8 through which cartridge 10 may be inserted into, and optionally removed from, port 9. Cartridge 10 is based on the present heating module and, as shown in FIG. 6C, includes second portion 1, inner layer 2, first portion 3, intermediate layer 4, and outer layer 5. As discussed earlier, the arrangement of second portion 1 and first portion 3 may be reversed, with first portion 3 being in the center surrounded first by inner layer 2 and then by second portion 1, as shown in FIG. 3. Cartridge 10 may be inserted to port 9 via passage 8, before or after activation of the exothermic chemical reaction. In one embodiment the action of pressing or otherwise securing cartridge 10 in port 9 may also activate the exothermic chemical reaction; for example, the action of the user in pushing on the central region of cartridge 10 to seat it in port 9 may also operate a push-button-type mechanism that breaches a seal, thereby initiating, directly or indirectly, the exothermic chemical reaction. Alternatively, cartridge 10 may be capable of being secured or seated in port 9 without activation, which may take place at a later time of the user's choosing.

FIGS. 6D and 6E show further embodiments of the present simulated smoking device. FIG. 6D shows a cylindrical or “UFO” configuration including plural holes or apertures 11 spaced along the outer circumference, each of which may, but are not required to be, used by a different user. A plurality of channels, not shown, may connect each aperture 11 to a central portion in which vapor is generated. Alternatively, FIG. 6E shows a similar design in which annular opening 12 takes the place of plural apertures 11.

FIG. 6F shows another embodiment having the configuration of a water pipe, or ‘bong’, including mouthpiece 13, upper portion 14, downstem 16, and base 15. FIG. 6G shows bowl portion 17 which may be inserted into downstem 16.

As shown in FIG. 6H, cartridge 10 may be inserted into port 8 of the “UFO” configuration shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E, or into bowl portion 17 of the water pipe or ‘bong’ configuration as shown in FIG. 6F, to produce vapor. With regard to FIGS. 6D and 6E, the simulated smoking device may alternatively include an integrated heating module, rather than having port 8 for insertion of a cartridge.

Alternatively, the present simulated smoking device or heating module may be integral to the bowl portion 17. In this embodiment, instead of inserting a cartridge into the bowl portion, the user inserts a bowl portion having an integral heating module into the downstem.

FIGS. 7A-7C represent additional configurations of the first portion and the second portion. FIG. 7A shows second portion 1 in the center, surrounded in order by inner layer 2, first portion 3, and intermediate layer 4. FIG. 7B shows a configuration in which first portion 3 is in the center, surrounded in order by inner layer 2, second portion 1, and intermediate layer 4. FIG. 7C shows an alternative configuration in which first portion 3 and second portion 1 are configured as halves of a cylinder, separated by inner layer 2. The first portion and second portion may, depending on the particular configuration or class of configuration used, be in any relationship to each other as long as sufficient thermal communication is provided between them to result in the production of vapor by the heat from the exothermic chemical reaction, and many other configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill and fall within the present scope.

FIGS. 7D-7K represent some possible alternative configurations for first portion 3 and second portion 1. Depending on practicality and design requirements, these figures may represent only one of first portion 3 or second portion 1, which may be paired with a similarly-configured second portion 1 or first portion 3; or, the configurations shown may be considered as being bifurcated, with one half being first portion 3 and the other half being second portion 1, separated by inner layer 2.

FIGS. 8A through 8C depict some possible configurations of the first channel through which air may enter first portion 3. In FIG. 8A, first channel 18 is shown as an opening in the end of the simulated smoking device distal from the end which a user will put into their mouth. The opening leads into a passage or tunnel that communicates with first portion 3. FIG. 8B shows a mesh 19 at the end of the simulated smoking device distal from the end which a user will put into their mouth, which may communicate with an internal passage that itself communicates with first portion 3, or which may simply cover one end of first portion 3. FIG. 8C shows a configuration in which the end of the simulated smoking device distal from the end which a user will put into their mouth is also one end 20 of first portion 3. Mesh 19 of FIG. 8B may be placed over first channel 18 of FIG. 8A, or over end 20 of first portion 3.

As previously discussed, the exothermic chemical reaction used to produce vapor in the present simulated smoking device may be initiated by an activation module in which two or more materials generate activation heat after coming into contact with each other. Prior to use of the simulated smoking device, the two or more materials may be prevented from contacting each other by a seal. An activation event is then used to breach the seal. The composition and arrangement of the seal, and the mechanism provided to breach the seal, may be selected based on factors such as the configuration of the simulated smoking device, the durability and integrity of the seal, the materials being separated by the seal, and the mode of action chosen to breach the seal.

One such mode of action may involve creating a hole in the seal, such as by puncture. FIG. 9A shows a configuration in which inner cylinder portion 22, shown for purposes of illustration as a plunger, is positioned concentrically within an outer cylindrical element. Portion 22 terminates in seal 27, which is spaced apart from piercing element 25. As plunger element 22 is pressed, it moves in the direction of piercing element 25 and into the position shown in FIG. 9B, until seal 27 is punctured, allowing second material 23 and third material 24 (and any other materials present) to contact each other, producing heat to initiate the exothermic chemical reaction. Of course, the present device may instead be configured with piercing element 25 located on the end of plunger element 22, and with seal 27 located spaced apart from piercing element 25 until they are pressed together to breach the seal. Additionally, either of the portion having the piercing element and the portion having the seal may move towards the other portion, or they may both move towards each other. FIG. 9C is similar to FIG. 9A but includes second portion 1, in which the exothermic chemical reaction occurs.

With reference to FIG. 10A, in another mode of action inner cylinder portion 22 may include threads on a portion 26A of its exterior surface, which mate with threads on a portion 26B of the interior surface of the outer cylindrical element, such that twisting either or both of the inner and outer cylinders will cause piercing element 25 and seal 27 to come into contact, puncturing seal 27. Unintended activation in this configuration may be prevented in any suitable way, including by providing an adhesive connection between the inner and outer cylinders (for example, tape or glue) that the user must remove, shear, cut, or overpower in order to accomplish activation.

Another mode of action may involve applying a torsional or twisting force to the seal which causes the seal to tear or break.

Other methods of breaching the seal will be readily evident to those of ordinary skill, and may be used without departing from the present scope.

The present device may be operated without use of a wick or similar mechanism to transport a vaporizable liquid from a storage portion to a vapor-producing portion.

While the present simulated smoking device and heating module have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the intended scope. It will also be appreciated that certain portions of the present description may be presented in reference to the present simulated smoking device but are also applicable to, and shall therefore be considered to also describe, the present heating module. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to these teachings without departing from the intended scope. It is therefore intended that the scope not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but rather will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A simulated smoking device having a heating module, said heating module comprising: a) a first portion adapted to contain a first material that produces vapor in response to heat, said first portion having a first dimension;b) a second portion having a second dimension that is substantially co-extensive with said first dimension, said second portion in thermal communication with said first portion;c) said second portion adapted to contain at least a second material and a third material capable of interacting with each other to undergo an exothermic chemical reaction in response to an activation event, thereby transferring heat to said first portion; and,d) said second portion being adapted to contain the second material and the third material in a configuration such that, in response to the activation event, the exothermic chemical reaction takes place progressively along said second dimension until at least one of the second material and the third material is no longer present in an amount sufficient to support the exothermic chemical reaction.

2. The simulated smoking device of claim 1 wherein said first material comprises vegetable matter or an extract thereof.

3. The simulated smoking device of claim 1 wherein said first portion is further adapted to contain a fourth material adapted to modify at least one of: a) the heat required to produce vapor from the first material,b) a duration over which vapor is produced from the first material,c) a moisture content of the vapor produced from the first material, andd) a chemical composition of the vapor inhaled by a user of said simulated smoking device.

4. The simulated smoking device of claim 1 wherein said first dimension comprises at least one of (i) a substantially linear portion and (b) a substantially arcuate portion.

5. The simulated smoking device of claim 1 further comprising the second material and the third material, further wherein said second material and said third material comprise at least a first thermite reactant comprising at least one metal oxide, and a second thermite reactant comprising at least one metal fuel.

6. The simulated smoking device of claim 5 wherein said at least one metal oxide is at least one of iron (III) oxide, iron (II,III) oxide, copper (II) oxide, copper (I) oxide, tin (IV) oxide, titanium (IV) oxide, manganese(III or IV) oxide, chromium (III) oxide, cobalt (II) oxide, silicon dioxide, nickel (II) oxide, vanadium (V) oxide, silver (I) oxide, and molybdenum (VI) oxide, further wherein said at least one metal fuel is at least one of aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zinc, silicon, vanadium, and boron.

7. The simulated smoking device of claim 5 wherein said second material and said third material are selected and configured to provide a predetermined reaction profile of at least one of temperature and duration.

8. The simulated smoking device of claim 7 wherein said second portion is further adapted to contain a fifth material selected and configured to provide the predetermined reaction profile.

9. The simulated smoking device of claim 8 further comprising the fifth material, wherein said fifth material is a phase change material that absorbs and then releases heat from the exothermic chemical reaction.

10. The simulated smoking device of claim 7 wherein said predetermined reaction profile comprises at least one of: a) transferring heat to said first portion sufficient to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the first material to at least about 180° C., andb) a duration of the exothermic chemical reaction of at least about 5 minutes.

11. The simulated smoking device of claim 10 wherein said predetermined reaction profile comprises at least one of: a) transferring heat to said first portion sufficient to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the first material to from about 180° C. to about 220° C., andb) a duration of the exothermic chemical reaction of from about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes.

12. A simulated smoking device having a heating module, said heating module comprising: a) a first portion adapted to contain a first material that produces vapor in response to heat, said first portion having a first dimension;b) a second portion having a second dimension that is substantially co-extensive with said first dimension, said second portion in thermal communication with said first portion;c) said second portion comprising at least a second material and a third material capable of interacting with each other to undergo an exothermic chemical reaction in response to an activation event, thereby transferring heat to said first portion; andd) said second material and said third material selected and configured within said second portion so that, in response to the activation event, the exothermic chemical reaction takes place progressively along said second dimension, thereby transferring heat to said first portion sufficient to raise a temperature of at least a portion of the first material to from about 180° C. to about 220° C. for a duration of from about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes.

13. The simulated smoking device of claim 12 further comprising an activation module in thermal communication with said second portion to provide the activation event, said activation module comprising; a) a seventh material whose contact with an eighth material produces sufficient heat to initiate the exothermic chemical reaction, andb) a seal preventing said seventh material from contacting the eighth material, the activation event comprising breaching said seal to allow said seventh material to contact the eighth material.

14. The simulated smoking device of claim 13 wherein said seventh material comprises pyrophoric iron filings and the eighth material comprises oxygen.

15. The simulated smoking device of claim 13 wherein said seventh material comprises an oxidizer and the eighth material comprises a liquid polyalcohol.

16. The simulated smoking device of claim 13 further comprising a movable portion adjacent said seal and actuable by a user to breach said seal.

17. A simulated smoking device having a heating module, said heating module comprising: a) a first portion adapted to contain a first material that produces vapor in response to heat, said first portion having a first dimension;b) a first channel in communication with said first portion through which air may enter said first portion;c) a second channel in communication with said first portion through which vapor may exit said first portion;d) an aperture in communication with said second channel through which a user may draw the vapor into their mouth;e) a second portion having a second dimension that is substantially co-extensive with said first dimension, said second portion in thermal communication with said first portion; andf) said second portion comprising at least a second material and a third material capable of interacting with each other to undergo an exothermic chemical reaction in response to an activation event; said second material and said third material configured such that, in response to the activation event, the exothermic chemical reaction takes place progressively along said second dimension until at least one of said second material and said third material is no longer present in an amount sufficient to support the exothermic chemical reaction, thereby transferring heat to said first portion sufficient to raise a temperature of at least a portion of the first material to from about 180° C. to about 220° C. for a duration of from about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes.

18. The simulated smoking device of claim 17 wherein at least one of said second channel and said aperture comprises a sixth material, said sixth material comprising at least one of: a) a filtering agent for the vapor,b) a flavoring agent for the vapor, andc) an aroma agent for the vapor.

19. The simulated smoking device of claim 17 wherein said aperture is configured to perform at least one of a) condensing, andb) cooling the vapor entering said aperture from said first portion.

20. A simulated smoking device comprising: a) an outer layer adapted to be held in a hand of a user;b) a first portion interior to said outer layer and adapted to contain a first material that produces vapor in response to heat;c) a second portion interior to said outer layer and adapted to contain at least a second material and a third material capable of interacting with each other to undergo an exothermic chemical reaction in response to an activation event;d) said first portion and said second portion being in thermal communication along at least one, substantially co-extensive dimension; and,e) an activation module configured to initiate the activation event, whereby the exothermic chemical reaction continues until at least one of the second material and the third material is no longer present in an amount sufficient to support the exothermic chemical reaction.