Vaporizer Control Interface For Single Handed Operation

Abstract

A smoking device includes a handle and a smoking device control interface. All inputs of the smoking device control interface are disposed above the handle or along a finger contact surface of the handle thereby providing single handed operating functionality. An operator is able to control various operating characteristics during operation with the same hand that grips the smoking device without having to readjust their grip or adjust the smoking device. All outputs of the control interface are visible during use. This provides ease of use and permits the operator to perform other functions with their free hand. No inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface are disposed between contact surfaces of the handle. At least part of the smoking device control interface is disposed above the handle. The inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface are within two-thirds of a height of the handle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to smoking instruments, and more specifically to the operation of smoking devices.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

As an alternative to cigarettes, an electronic cigarette “e-cigarette” is mainly used to simulate the feeling of smoking without affecting health. The existing electronic cigarette includes two parts, a smoking device and an atomizer. The smoking device includes a battery that supplies power. The atomizer includes a heating element and smoking material, such as smoking or vaping oil, solid, or other homogeneous mixture. When the atomizer is installed in the smoking device, a mechanical or pneumatic switch at one end of the smoking device can be activated to complete an electrical circuit between the heating element and the battery. The smoking material is atomized by the heating element and discharged from another end of the atomizer, thereby allowing a user to inhale smoke. The smoking material that is contained in the atomizer determines the quality and taste of the smoke.

SUMMARY

A smoking device includes a handle and a smoking device control interface. All inputs of the smoking device control interface are disposed above the handle or along a finger contact surface of the handle thereby providing single handed operating functionality. An operator need not readjust their grip, or the smoking device, to control the smoking device. The operator is able to control various operating characteristics during operation with the same hand that grips the smoking device. All outputs of the control interface are visible during use. This provides ease of use and permits the operator to perform other functions with their free hand. No inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface are disposed between contact surfaces of the handle. At least part of the smoking device control interface is disposed above the handle. The inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface are within two-thirds of a height of the handle.

The smoking device control interface comprises the inputs and/or outputs that control and indicate various operating characteristics and information of the smoking device. These characteristics and information may include temperature, duration, battery life, authentication parameters, and other operating parameters. The smoking device control interface for single handed operation allows the user to access the inputs and outputs of the smoking device control interface with a single hand during use.

Further details, embodiments, and methods are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components, illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view diagram of a smoking device with a smoking device control interface for single handed operation.

FIG. 2 is a front view diagram of a smoking device with a smoking device control interface for single handed operation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of hand ergonomics.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface in use.

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface.

FIG. 6 is a side view diagram of one embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface in use.

FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface.

FIG. 9 is a side view diagram of another embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface.

FIG. 10 is a perspective diagram of yet another embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface in use.

FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of yet another embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface.

FIG. 12 is a side view diagram of yet another embodiment of a smoking device with a single handed smoking device control interface.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the method 100 of manufacture of a smoking device having a smoking device control interface for single handed operation.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the method 200 of operating a smoking device having a smoking device control interface for single handed operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a side view of a smoking device 10 having a smoking device control interface 11 and handle 12. The novel smoking device control interface 11 provides single handed operation of the smoking device 10. An operator of the smoking device 10 uses and controls the smoking device 10 without releasing or readjusting their grip or adjusting the smoking device 10. The operator is able to control various operating characteristics during operation with the same hand that grips the smoking device 10. This provides ease and comfort during use and permits the operator to perform other functions with their free hand. Prior manufacturers and developers of smoking devices had not recognized these advantages. Examples of how a user operates the novel smoking device control interface 11 are described in connection with embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 10.

The handle comprises a first contact surface 13 and a second contact surface 14. The first contact surface 13 is opposite the second contact surface 14. The first contact surface 13 and second contact surface 14 include non-linear surfaces, such as multiple curves, that fit contours of an operator's hand. In other embodiments, the first contact surface 13 and second contact surface 14 are linear and include no curvatures, yet still yield single handed operation functionality. In this example, the first contact surface 13 is a palm contact surface and the second contact surface 14 is a finger contact surface.

The smoking device control interface 11 includes at least one input and at least one output. Inputs include any suitable input, including buttons, switches, toggle switches, fingerprint scanners, touch displays, pressure sensors, or other inputs. Outputs include any suitable output, including display, speaker, haptic feedback, or other outputs. At least part of the smoking device control interface 11 is disposed above the handle 12. Providing at least one input above the handle 12 permits the operator to control such inputs with their thumb and without requiring readjustment of their grip or adjusting the smoking device 10. In the view shown in FIG. 1, inputs 15 and 17 are shown. Input 15 controls an operating characteristic such as temperature of the smoking device 10. Input 17 controls the smoking device 10 on and off. Example outputs are shown in the view of FIG. 2.

The handle 12 comprises the palm contact surface 13 and the finger contact surface 14. No inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface 11 are disposed on the handle 12 between the palm contact surface 13 and the finger contact surface 14. Novel placement of the inputs and outputs away from the sides of the handle 12 prevents the operator's palm or grip from blocking or otherwise interfering with access to or view of the inputs or outputs.

Each of the inputs 15 and outputs 16 is disposed on the finger contact surface 14 or above the handle 12. All inputs and outputs of the smoking device control interface 11 are within a radius CD of axis 24. In one embodiment, the radius CD is less than two-thirds a length (HL) of the handle 12. In another embodiment, the radius CD is less than half a length (HL) of the handle 12. These novel dimensions provide ease of use, comfort, and ergonomic characteristics.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a front view of a smoking device 10 having a smoking device control interface 11 and handle 12.

The inputs 15 to the smoking device control interface 11 control an operating characteristic of the smoking device 10. Operating characteristics comprise temperature, duration, battery life, authentication parameters, or any other operation parameter. The outputs 16 of the smoking device control interface 11 indicate operating information 18 of the smoking device 10. Operating information 18 comprise temperature, duration, battery life, authentication parameters, or any other operation parameter. The operating characteristic controlled by the inputs 15 does not have to be the same as the operating information 18 that is indicated by outputs 16.

The handle 12, with handle length 22, is below an axis 24. The inputs 15 and outputs 16 are within a control distance 23 of axis 24. Control distance 23 is less than two-thirds handle length 22. In addition, control distance 23 is less than four inches.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing ergonomic features of a smoking device with single hand operation alongside a typical hand. The typical ratio of thumb length 25 to hand height 26 is slightly less than two-thirds. Because the thumb 28 and index finger 30 are the most common methods of tactile input, limiting the ratio of control distance 23 to handle length 24 to be less than two-thirds allows for easy access to inputs 15 and inputs 17 with the thumb 28 and index finger 30 without requiring a grip adjustment. Limiting the control distance 23 to less than four inches ensures that the smoking device control interface 11 and handle 12 complex is sufficiently large for the typical adult hand.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a smoking device 110 in accordance with one embodiment. The smoking device 110 has a novel smoking device control interface as described above. In this example, the smoking device 110 is a vaporizer. While in use, the outputs 16 are not obscured by the hand of the user. This allows for the user to see the operating parameters of the smoking device 110 during use.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a perspective view of a smoking device 110 in accordance with one embodiment. The smoking device 110 comprises a smoking device control 20, and outlet port 21.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a side view of a smoking device 110 in accordance with one embodiment. The handle 12 with handle length 22 comprises a palm contact surface 13 and a finger contact surface 14, and is below axis 24.

All inputs 15 and outputs 16 are disposed above the handle 12 or along the finger contact surface 14 within a control distance 23 of axis 24. In this embodiment control distance 23 is less than two-thirds handle length 22. In other embodiments, control distance 23 is less than one half handle length 22. In this embodiment, the control distance 23 is less than four inches. In other embodiments, the control distance 23 is less than three inches. In yet other embodiments, the control distance 23 is less than two inches. These dimensions allow for a smoking device 10 to be designed for users of varying hand sizes.

For additional information on the structure and function of smoking device 110, including how to manufacture and operate, see Chinese Publication CN220369503U, the entire subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a smoking device 210 in accordance with another embodiment. In this example, the smoking device 210 is a vertical vaporizer.

While in use, the outputs 16 are not obscured by the hand of the user.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a perspective view of smoking device 210 in accordance with another embodiment. The smoking device 210 comprises a smoking device control 20, and outlet port 21.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a side view of smoking device 210 in accordance with another embodiment. The handle 12 with handle length 22 comprises a palm contact surface 13 and a finger contact surface 14, and is below axis 24.

For additional information on the structure and function of smoking device 210, including how to manufacture and operate, see Chinese Publication CN219745180U, the entire subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of smoking device 310 in accordance with yet another embodiment. In this example, the smoking device 310 is a vaporizer.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a perspective view of smoking device 310 in accordance with yet another embodiment. The smoking device 310 comprises a smoking device control interface 11, a handle 12, and a charging port 19.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a side view of smoking device 310 in accordance with yet another embodiment. The handle 12 with handle length 22 comprises a palm contact surface 13 and a finger contact surface 14, and is below axis 24. For additional information on the structure and function of smoking device 310, including how to manufacture and operate, see Chinese Publication CN220236043U, the entire subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method 100. Method 100 is a method of manufacturing a smoking device having a smoking device control interface for single handed operation. In a first step (101), a handle that includes a palm contact surface and a finger contact surface is formed.

In a second step (102), a smoking device control interface that includes an input or an output, where at least part of the smoking device control interface is disposed above the handle is formed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of method 200. Method 200 is a method of operation of a smoking device having a smoking device control interface for single handed operation. In a first step (201), a smoking device with a handle that has a finger contact surface and where all inputs to the smoking device control interface are disposed above the handle or along the finger contact surface of the handle is operated.

Although certain specific embodiments are described above for instructional purposes, the teachings of this patent document have general applicability and are not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A smoking device comprising: a handle that includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface; anda smoking device control interface that includes an input or an output, wherein at least part of the smoking device control interface is disposed above the handle.

2. The smoking device of claim 1, wherein the inputs to the smoking device control interface control an operating characteristic, wherein the outputs indicate operating information about the smoking device, wherein the first contact surface is a palm contact surface, and wherein the second contact surface is a finger contact surface.

3. The smoking device of claim 2, wherein the smoking device is a vaporizer or a vertical vaporizer, and wherein the operating characteristic is a temperature characteristic, a duration characteristic, a battery life characteristic, an authentication characteristic, or another operation parameter.

4. The smoking device of claim 1, wherein the first contact surface is opposite the second contact surface, and wherein no inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface are disposed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface on the handle.

5. The smoking device of claim 1, wherein all inputs of the smoking device control interface are disposed above the handle or along the second contact surface of the handle.

6. The smoking device of claim 1, further comprising: a charging port disposed along the handle, wherein the charging port is not part of the smoking device control interface.

7. The smoking device of claim 1, further comprising: one or more inlet ports; andan outlet port.

8. The smoking device of claim 1, wherein the handle has a length HL, is below an axis, and wherein the inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface are within a distance CD of the axis.

9. The smoking device of claim 8, wherein the distance CD is less than two-thirds HL.

10. The smoking device of claim 8, wherein the distance CD is less than four inches.

11. The smoking device of claim 8, wherein all outputs of the smoking device control interface are not obscured when the smoking device is held in front of the body as during use.

12. The smoking device of claim 8, wherein the smoking device has at least one input and one output, wherein the at least one input is selected from the group consisting of: a button, a switch, a toggle switch, a fingerprint scanner, a touch display, and a pressure sensor, or other inputs, and wherein the at least one output is selected from the group consisting of: a display, a touch display, a haptic feedback device, and a speaker.

13. A method comprising: forming a handle with a first contact surface and a second contact surface; andforming a smoking device control interface that includes an input or an output, wherein at least part of the smoking device control interface is disposed above the handle.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the input of the smoking device control interface controls an operating characteristic, and wherein the output indicates operating information about the smoking device.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein all inputs of the smoking device control interface are disposed above the handle or along the second contact surface of the handle.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the handle has length HL, is below an axis, and wherein the inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface are within a distance CD of the axis, where CD is less than two-thirds HL.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the handle has length HL, is below an axis, and wherein the inputs or outputs of the smoking device control interface are within a distance CD of the axis, where CD is less than four inches.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein all outputs of the smoking device control interface are visible to a user and not obscured when the smoking device is held in front of the user.

19. A smoking device comprising: a handle, wherein the handle has a first contact surface, a second contact surface, and has length HL; andmeans for operating the device, wherein part of the means is disposed above the handle or along the finger contact surface of the handle.

20. The smoking device of claim 19, wherein the means is a smoking device control interface having an input or an output.

21-29. (canceled)