VAPORIZING DEVICES WITH A BYPASS CHANNEL AND MULTIPLE AIR PATHWAYS

Abstract

Disclosed vaporizing device include a housing connectable to a mouthpiece, where the housing includes a body extending between proximal and distal ends and at least one air inlet disposed on a side surface of the body. The vaporizing device also include a cartridge received by the housing, where the cartridge includes a bypass channel isolated from an internal reservoir, and a distal projection having at least one slot and at least one pin. The vaporizing device also includes a base connectable to the distal projection of the cartridge. The distal projection of the cartridge and a proximal end of the base may define a chamber in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet and the bypass channel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to vaporizing devices and, more specifically, vaporizing devices having a bypass channel and multiple air flow pathways.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are systems, devices, and/or methods of use thereof regarding vaporizing devices and, more specifically, vaporizing devices having a bypass channel and multiple air flow pathways. In various aspects, a vaporizing device includes a housing connectable to a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the housing. The housing may include the proximal end, a distal end, a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, and at least one air inlet disposed on a side of the body. The vaporizing device may also include a cartridge received by the housing. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes an internal reservoir, a bypass channel isolated from the internal reservoir, and a distal projection. The vaporizing device may further include a base received by the housing and connectable to the distal projection of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the distal projection of the cartridge and a proximal end of the base define a chamber. The chamber may be in fluid communication with (i) the at least one air inlet of the housing, (ii) a microphone, and/or (iii) the bypass channel of the cartridge. In some embodiments, air may flow from outside of the housing, through the at least one air inlet, into the chamber, into and through the bypass channel, and out of the mouthpiece.

In various aspects, a vaporizing device includes a housing connectable to a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the housing. The housing may include the proximal end, a distal end, a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a pair of air inlets disposed on opposite sides of the body. The vaporizing device may also include a cartridge received by the housing. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes an internal reservoir for receiving a center post, a bypass channel isolated from the internal reservoir, and a distal projection having at least one slot and at least one pin. The vaporizing device may further include a base received by the housing and connectable to the distal projection of the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the base includes a proximal end having a plurality of through-holes, where a first through-hole of the plurality may be for receiving the at least one pin of the distal projection of the cartridge. The base may also include an annular groove in fluid communication with the pair of air inlets of the housing, a first chamber defined in the proximal end, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The first chamber may have a first aperture fluidly connecting the first chamber and the bypass channel, where the first chamber is also in fluid communication with the annular groove. The second chamber may be for receiving a microphone, where the microphone is also in fluid communication with the first chamber. In some embodiments, air may flow from outside of the housing, through the pair of air inlets, through the annular groove into the first chamber, through the aperture and into the bypass channel, and out of the mouthpiece.

In various aspects, a vaporizing device includes a housing connectable to a mouthpiece, where the housing includes a proximal end for connection to the mouthpiece, a distal end, a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, and at least one air inlet disposed on a side surface of the body. The vaporizing device may also include a cartridge received by the housing. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes an internal reservoir for receiving a center post, a bypass channel isolated from the internal reservoir, and a distal projection having at least one slot and at least one pin. The vaporizing device may further include a base received by the housing and connectable to the distal projection of the cartridge. The distal projection of the cartridge and a proximal end of the base may define a chamber that is in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet and the bypass channel. The vaporizing device may additionally include a mouthpiece gasket positioned at a proximal end of the cartridge, and a central gasket positioned around the distal projection of the cartridge and the proximal end of the base. The mouthpiece gasket may be for interfacing with the mouthpiece. The central gasket may include a central cavity for receiving the distal projection of the cartridge and a bypass aperture for fluidly connecting the at least one air inlet and the bypass channel.

In various aspects, a flow of air through a vaporizing device includes entering a housing through at least one air inlet and flowing into an annular groove of a base received within the housing. The flow of air additionally includes flowing around an electrode through-hole and into a bypass through-hole adjacent to the electrode through-hole. Further, the flow of air includes flowing from the bypass through-hole into chamber and from the chamber into a microphone aperture, such that the flow of air may be detected by a microphone. Detection of the flow of air by the microphone may activate a heating element.

In various aspects, a flow of air through a vaporizing device includes entering a housing through at least one air inlet and flowing into an annular groove of a base received within the housing. The flow of air additionally includes flowing around an electrode through-hole and into a chamber. Further, the flow of air includes flowing from the chamber through a heating element and into a central lumen of a center post of a cartridge within the housing.

In various aspects, a flow of air through a vaporizing device includes entering a housing through at least one air inlet and flowing into an annular groove of a base received within the housing. The flow of air additionally includes flowing through at least one through-hole of the base and into a chamber. Further, the flow of air includes flowing from the chamber through a bypass aperture into a bypass channel, then into a mouthpiece connected to the housing and exiting through a mouthpiece outlet. The flow of air does not pass any electronic components before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vaporizing device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vaporizing device of FIG. 1 with the housing removed;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the vaporizing device of FIG. 2, with the mouthpiece removed;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the vaporizing device of FIG. 3 with the gaskets removed;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a connection between a cartridge and a base of the vaporizing device of FIGS. 1-4B;

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various views of a cartridge for the vaporizing device of FIGS. 1-5;

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate various views of a base for the vaporizing device of FIGS. 1-5;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a central gasket for using with the vaporizing device of FIGS. 1-5;

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of one embodiment of a mouthpiece gasket for using with the vaporizing device of FIGS. 1-5;

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of a mouthpiece gasket for using with the vaporizing device of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cartridge and base taken through a frontal plane of the housing and, specifically, through air inlets of the housing;

FIG. 12A illustrates the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 and, specifically, illustrates a first flow of air through the vaporizing device;

FIG. 12B illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the base and, specifically, provides another view of the first flow of air through the vaporizing device;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vaporizing device;

FIG. 14A illustrates a close-up perspective view of the proximal end of the base that forms part of the air chamber 34;

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 14A taken through line B of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 14A taken through line C of FIG. 14A; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the cross-section of FIG. 12 and a third flow of air through the vaporizing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Vaporizing devices, or vaping devices, are used to vaporize a liquid or oil, such as an oil that may or may not contain one or more cannabinoids, to form a vapor. The vaporizing device may include a reservoir that holds the liquid or oil and a heating element that vaporizes the liquid or oil by applying heat to at least a portion of the liquid or oil. Vaporizing devices are often sold and shipped directly to local oil manufacturers in two or more pieces, such as a cartridge piece and a capping mouthpiece. The devices are filled by the local oil manufactures with a pre-vapor formulation, and then capped with the mouthpiece.

In use, a user may draw on a mouthpiece of the vaporizing device to trigger activation of the heating element. Upon activation, the heating element heats and vaporizes the liquid or oil stored within the reservoir. As vapor is produced, the vapor travels from the heating element, through the vaporizing device, and out of the mouthpiece to be inhaled by the user. To facilitate the flow of vapor through the device, an air inlet is provided somewhere on or in the device to allow air from outside the device to flow into and through the device. Typically, the air inlet is provided within a port, such as a USB-C or other USB-type port that provides power to the device or charges a battery of the device. As the port is already included with the device (for powering and/or charging), using the port as the air inlet provides a simplified and inexpensive method for facilitating a flow of vapor through the device.

However, a drawback to utilizing this type of port is that the air entering the device must pass all the electronic elements within the device. For example, the air entering the vaporizing device must pass through, at least, (i) the USB port, (ii) a battery or other power source, (iii) wires connecting the battery to the heating element, (iv) electrodes, and (v) the heating element. After air has passed over and through the heating element, the air flow joins the produced vapor in travelling through a center post and out of the mouthpiece.

As air passes these electronic elements, the air may undesirably acquire a metallic taste. Additionally, as air passes these electronic elements, the air may be heated, which can contribute to a decreased heating efficiency of the heating element. A decreased efficiency of the heating element generally results in less vapor produced from the liquid or oil, resulting in poor quality inhalations or “hits” for the user. Further, with continued use of the vaporizing device, the vapor pathway from the heating element and through the center post gets clogged, also resulting in poor quality hits for a user. As the only air inlet provided in conventional vaporizing devices is the port, there are no other inlets to assist in the flow of vapor through the device and in unclogging the vapor pathway. This leads to wasting of the liquid or oil stored within the reservoir, as well as premature disposal of at least the cartridge of the vaporizing device. Air passing over various electronic elements may also cause additional wear and tear on the elements.

Embodiments of the present disclosure address these and other problems with vaporizing devices. In various aspects, a vaporizing device includes a housing connectable to a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the housing. The housing may include the proximal end, a distal end, a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, and at least one air inlet disposed on a side of the body. The vaporizing device may also include a cartridge received by the housing. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes an internal reservoir, a bypass channel isolated from the internal reservoir, and a distal projection. The vaporizing device may further include a base received by the housing and connectable to the distal projection of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the distal projection of the cartridge and a proximal end of the base define a chamber. The chamber may be in fluid communication with (i) the at least one air inlet of the housing, (ii) a microphone, and/or (iii) the bypass channel of the cartridge. In some embodiments, air may flow from outside of the housing, through the at least one air inlet, into the chamber, into and through the bypass channel, and out of the mouthpiece.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vaporizing device 1000 having a housing 10 and a mouthpiece 20, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vaporizing device 1000 with the housing 10 removed, and FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the vaporizing device 1000 with the mouthpiece 20 removed. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the vaporizing device 1000 includes the housing 10 and the mouthpiece 20. The housing 10 may have a proximal end 11, a distal end 12, and a body 13 extending there between. The body 13 additionally includes a first air inlet 15 disposed on a side surface 14 and a second air inlet 16 disposed on an opposing side surface 14 (not illustrated). Disposed on a top surface of the body 13 may be lights 17, which may indicate (i) a power or battery level for the device 1000 and/or (ii) an activation state of the device 1000 (e.g., on/off). Additionally, and/or alternatively, the lights 17 may simply be decorative or not included. Still alternatively, the lights 17 may be cut-outs or a window rather than actual lights, allowing a user to see a level of liquid or oil within the vaporizing device 1000.

The mouthpiece 20 may be connectable to the proximal end 11 of the housing 10. Specifically, a distal end 22 of the mouthpiece 20 may connect or otherwise interface with the proximal end 11 of the housing 10. A proximal end 21 of the mouthpiece 20 may include and/or define an outlet 23. The outlet 23 may provide an exit for vapor produced by the vaporizing device 1000 and through which a user may inhale a hit of vapor produced by the vaporizing device 1000.

The housing 10 may receive or hold a cartridge 40 and a base 30, seen in FIGS. 2-3. The base 30 may have a proximal end 31 connectable to a distal end 42 of the cartridge 40, a distal end 32, and a body 33 extending there between. The body 33 may house or receive a power source 100, which may be a battery for powering the vaporizing device 1000. The distal end 32 of the base 30 may include or receive a port 110 for charging the power source 100. In some embodiments, the port is a USB-type port (e.g., a USB-C, a micro-USB, etc.), or a lighting port. In other embodiments, a port is not needed as the device may be capable of inductive changing or other wireless charging technology (e.g., solar, etc.).

As discussed, the proximal end 31 of the base 30 may receive a central gasket 70 and the central gasket 70 may abut an annular groove 37 of the base 30. The annular groove 37 is in fluid communication with the air inlets 15, 16 of the housing 10, such that air from outside of the housing 10 may flow into the air inlets 15, 16 and into the annular groove 37, before flowing elsewhere throughout the vaporizing device 1000.

For example, in some embodiments, a flow of air through the device may pass first through the air inlets 15, 16, through the annular groove 37, and into a chamber. Once in the chamber, air may flow through a bypass channel of the cartridge 40 and/or through a center post to mix with vapor produced by the vaporizing device 1000 before flowing out of the mouthpiece outlet 23. When the center post is clogged, the flow of air through the bypass channel may increase, causing a microphone to be triggered. Triggering the microphone may cause the vaporizing device 1000 to activate a heating element to assist in clearing out the clogged material from the center post. In this way, an equilibrium may be re-established such that air flows through the center post and through the bypass channel.

The cartridge 40 similarly has a proximal end 41 (see FIG. 3) that engages with the mouthpiece 20, a distal end 42 that is connectable to the proximal end 31 of the base 30, and a body 43 extending there between. Though not illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the distal end 42 of the cartridge 40 includes a distal projection for connection to the proximal end 31 of the base 30 (see FIGS. 6A-6B).

Referring to FIG. 3, the proximal end 41 of the cartridge 40 includes one or more clips 52 for engaging the mouthpiece 20. For example, the mouthpiece 20 may engage the one or more clips 52 through a snap, clip, or friction fit. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 20 is one-way press fit over the proximal end 41 of the cartridge 40 to make the device tamper-resistant. In other embodiments, it may be a removable connection. In some embodiments, the one or more clips 52 interface with one or more interior ridges of the mouthpiece 20 to secure the mouthpiece 20 to the cartridge 40. The proximal end 41 of the cartridge 40 additionally receives or interfaces with a mouthpiece gasket 60, which may facilitate a leak-proof and sealed connection between the mouthpiece 20 and the cartridge 40.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the vaporizing device 1000 of FIG. 3 with the gaskets 60, 70 removed. As before, the vaporizing device 1000 includes the base 30 and the cartridge 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the distal end 42 of the cartridge 40 includes a distal projection 44 which is connectable to the proximal end 31 of the base 30. Disposed near the proximal end 31 is the annular groove 37 and a secondary groove or flange 39, which may be for receiving a seal or gasket. As discussed, the proximal end 31 includes or defines a plurality of through-holes, with at least one of the plurality of through-holes for receiving an electrode 120. Only one electrode 120 is illustrated; however, the vaporizing device 1000 may include more than one electrode 120, such as two electrodes disposed on opposing sides of the proximal end 31. The electrode(s) 120 is in electrical communication with the power source 100 housed within the body 33 of the base 30 and a heating element housed within the cartridge 40. Also illustrated is the port 110, which may be for charging the power source 100 or otherwise providing power to the vaporizing device 1000.

The cartridge 40 may house a center post 80, where a proximal end 81 of the center post 80 extends proximally beyond the proximal end 41 of the cartridge 40. The cartridge 40 also includes a bypass channel 49, which may be in fluid communication with the air inlets 15, 16 of the housing 10. In this way, air may flow from outside of the housing 10, through the air inlets 15, 16, through the annular groove 37 of the base 30, and through the bypass channel 49. As discussed more fully below, the annular groove 37 is also in fluid communication with the bypass channel 49. The bypass channel 49 may also be in fluid communication with the outlet 23 of the mouthpiece 20 and, as such, may provide a cooling effect to a hit inhaled or received by a user. In some embodiments, the bypass channel 49 may be formed integrally into the cartridge 40; and, in other embodiments it may be a separate element and not integral to the cartridge 40.

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a connection between the cartridge 40 and the base 30 of the vaporizing device 1000 of FIGS. 1-4, where the central gasket 70 is shown in phantom. Specifically illustrated is the connection between the distal end 42 of the cartridge 40 and the proximal end 31 of the base 30. The distal end 42 of the cartridge 40 may include a distal projection 44 which may have at least one pin (see FIGS. 6A-6D) for mating with at least one void at the proximal end 31 of the base 30. The central gasket 70 may be disposed about the distal projection 44 and the proximal end 31, while abutting against the annular groove 37.

Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is the electrode 120 received by a through-hole defined in the proximal end 31 of the base 30. The electrode 120 may be in electrical communication with the power source 100 through one or more wires 105, which may extend from the port 110, through the power source 100, and to the electrode(s) 120. In some embodiments, the wires 105 are also in electrical communication with a microphone, such that activation or triggering of the microphone may activate the power source 100 to thereby activate a heating element. Another through-hole 35 in the proximal end 31 of the base 30 is illustrated, which places the annular groove 37 in fluid communication with the bypass channel of the cartridge 40. Specifically, the distal end 42 of the cartridge 40 includes a bypass aperture 48 for fluidly connecting the annular groove 37 and the air inlets 15, 16 with the bypass channel 49.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various views of the cartridge 40 for the vaporizing device 1000 of FIGS. 1-5. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-B, the cartridge 40 has a proximal end 41, a distal end 42, and a body 43 extending there between. Extending distally from the distal end 42 is the distal projection 44, which has a cavity 53, two pins 45 extending distally therefrom and two slots 46 formed therein. In some embodiments, the distal projection 44 together with the proximal end 31 of the base 30 defines a chamber that is in fluid communication with the air inlets 15, 16 of the housing 10 (see FIGS. 7A-7D and 11). The two pins 45 extending distally may be used to connect the cartridge 40 to the proximal end 31 of the base 30. The cavity 53 and two slots 46 may be for receiving wires from a heating element and connecting them to the electrodes 120. By positioning the wires from the heating element within the slots 46, the wires may be insulated from any other elements of the device 1000 and thus improve an electrical connection between the wires and the electrodes 120.

Also at the distal end 42 of the cartridge 40 are indentations 47 and the bypass aperture 48. The indentations 47 may interface with a top or proximal end of the electrodes 120 but do not actually receive the electrodes 120. The bypass aperture 48 provides an access point for air to flow into the bypass channel 49, which extends proximally beyond the proximal end 41 of the cartridge 40.

Referring to FIGS. 6C-6D, the cartridge 40 (e.g., the body 43) defines an internal reservoir 50 for receiving a center post 80 (see FIGS. 4 and 11-14). The bypass channel 49 is clearly illustrated as isolated from the reservoir 50, with no fluid communication between the reservoir 50 and the bypass channel 49. Disposed at a floor of the internal reservoir 50 (corresponding to the distal end 42 of the cartridge 40) is a seat 51 for receiving a distal end of the center post 80. Specifically, the seat 51 may include a raised portion that defines the cavity 53 and a groove for receiving the distal end of the center post 80. The seat 51 may assist in maintaining a position of the center post 80 throughout manufacture, filling, and shipping of the cartridge 40, as well as during use of the vaporizing device 1000.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate various views of the base 30 for the vaporizing device of 1000FIGS. 1-5. As illustrated, the base 30 includes the proximal end 31, the distal end 32, and the body 33 extending there between. The body 33 defines a cavity 101 for receiving, for example, the power source 100 and the port 110. The proximal end 31 of the base 30 includes a plurality of voids 35a and through-holes 35b, and defines a chamber 34, which is recessed from the proximal end 31. In some embodiments, at least one of the voids 35a is for receiving a pin 45 of the cartridge 40 to connect the base 30 to the cartridge 40. The through-holes 35b may be for receiving an electrode 120.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 7B, the proximal end 31 also includes at least one through-hole 35c, which places the chamber 34 in fluid communication with the annular groove 37. In some embodiments, only one bypass through-hole 35c is provided; in other embodiments, more than one bypass through hole 35c is provided. The bypass through holes 35c are in fluid communication with the annular groove 37, such that air may flow into the vaporizing device 1000 from the air inlets 15, 16, into the annular groove 37, through the plurality of through holes and voids 35a-c, and into the chamber 34. Additionally, air may flow through the air inlets 15, 16, into the annular groove 37, through the bypass plurality of through holes 35c directly into the bypass channel 49 (through bypass aperture 48 at the distal end 42 of the cartridge 40). In this way, a flow of air through the bypass channel 49 does not flow past any electronic components, such as the electrodes 120, the heating element, or through the port 110.

The proximal end 31 and/or the chamber 34 of the base 30 also includes a microphone aperture 36 for fluidly connecting the chamber 34 with a microphone 135 stored or housed within a second chamber 38 (see FIG. 7D). The microphone 135 may be housed within the second chamber 38 and surrounded, cushioned, or isolated by a microphone gasket 137. The microphone aperture 36 fluidly connects the microphone 135 to the chamber 34 so the microphone may detect a draw of air through the device 1000 via the chamber 34. In some embodiments, the draw of air through the device 1000 triggers the microphone 135, which in turn causes the vaporizing device 1000 to activate a heating element to produce vapor from a liquid or oil stored within the reservoir 50 of the cartridge 40. Activation of the heating element may also assist in clearing a clogged center post, allowing air to flow through the center post as well as the bypass channel 49.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the central gasket 70 for use with the vaporizing device 1000 of FIGS. 1-5. The central gasket 70 includes a proximal face 71 for interfacing with the distal end 42 of the cartridge, a distal face 72 for interfacing with the proximal end 31 of the base 30, and a body 73 extending there between. The proximal face 71 of the gasket 70 may define one or more apertures, such as electrode apertures 74 and a bypass aperture 75. Additionally, a central cavity 76 is defined through the body 73. The central cavity 76 may be for receiving the distal projection 44 of the cartridge 40, to help facilitate a connection between the cartridge 40 and the base 30. The body 73 may define an internal recess 78 into which the various apertures extend. For example, referring to FIG. 8B, the electrode apertures 74 and the bypass aperture 75 extend from the proximal face 71 into the recess 78. The bypass aperture 75 is discussed in more detail below with respect to the bypass air pathway that flows from the chamber 34, through the bypass aperture 75 of the central gasket, and to the bypass channel 49.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of one embodiment of a mouthpiece gasket 60 for use with the vaporizing device 1000 of FIGS. 1-5. The mouthpiece gasket 60 includes a proximal end 61 for interfacing with the mouthpiece 20, a distal end 62 for interfacing with the proximal end 41 of the cartridge 40, and a body 63 extending there between. The proximal end 61 of the gasket 60 may define one or more apertures, such as a center post aperture 64, and a bypass aperture 65. The gasket 60 may also include one or more indentations or apertures 66, 67, that may interface with projections on the mouthpiece 20 to connect the mouthpiece 20 to the mouthpiece gasket 60.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 9B, the center post aperture 64 extends from the proximal end 61 through the body 63 to the distal end 62. As illustrated, the body 63 does not have the same footprint as the proximal end 61. In some embodiments, a shape of the body 63 matches or corresponds to a shape of the cartridge 40 and, specifically, a shape of the interior reservoir 50. For example, as illustrated, the body 63 projects distally from the proximal end 61, such that apertures 64, 66 extend from the proximal end 61 to the distal end 62. The body 63 includes a cut-out 68 that accounts or allows for the presence of the bypass channel 49 within the internal reservoir 50 of the cartridge 40. Disposed within the cut-out 68 (e.g., extending from the proximal end 61 to the cut-out 68 space) is the bypass aperture 65, which receives a proximal end of the bypass channel 49. In this way, the mouthpiece gasket 60 may fit snugly within the internal reservoir 50 of the cartridge 40 and may receive (i) the center post, (ii) the bypass channel 49, and/or (iii) one or more projections of the mouthpiece.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of a mouthpiece gasket 60 for using with the vaporizing device 1000 of FIGS. 1-5. The mouthpiece gasket 60 includes a proximal end 61 for interfacing with the mouthpiece 20, a distal end 62 for interfacing with the proximal end 41 of the cartridge 40, and a body 63 extending there between. The proximal end 61 of the gasket 60 may define one or more apertures, such as a center post aperture 64 and a bypass aperture 65. The gasket 60 may also include one or more indentations or apertures 66, 67, that may interface with projections on the mouthpiece 20 to connect the mouthpiece 20 to the mouthpiece gasket 60.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 10B, the center post aperture 64 and secondary aperture 66 extend from the proximal end 61 through the body 63 to the distal end 62. As illustrated, the body 63 does not have the same footprint as the proximal end 61. In some embodiments, a shape of the body 63 matches or corresponds to a shape of the cartridge 40 and, specifically, a shape of the interior reservoir 50. For example, as illustrated, the body 63 projects distally from the proximal end 61, such that apertures 64, 66 extend from the proximal end 61 to the distal end 62. The body 63 includes a cut-out 68 that accounts for the presence of the bypass channel 49 within the internal reservoir 50 of the cartridge. Disposed “within” the cut-out 68 (e.g., extending from the proximal end 61 to the cut-out 68 space) is the bypass aperture 65, which receives a proximal end of the bypass channel 49. In this way, the mouthpiece gasket 60 may fit snugly within the internal reservoir 50 of the cartridge and may receive (i) the center post and (ii) the bypass channel. Compared to the gasket illustrated in FIGS. 9A-B, the gasket shown in FIGS. 10-B may extend more distally into the reservoir 50 of the cartridge 40, and thus reduce any headspace of the cartridge 40 to allow the cartridge 40 to hold a smaller volume of oil without requiring a new size of cartridge 40 to be manufactured.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 40 and base 30 taken through a frontal plane of the housing 10 and, specifically, through air inlets 15, 16 of the housing 10. The distal end 42 of the cartridge 40 is illustrated connected to the proximal end 31 of the base 30. Disposed within the internal reservoir 50 of the cartridge 40 is the center post 80. Specifically, a distal end or portion 82 of the center post 80 is illustrated as received and seated within the seat 51 (e.g., within a groove of the seat). Disposed within the distal portion 82 (e.g., within a cavity defined by the distal portion 82) is a heating element 90, which may include a wick 93 and wires 92 extending from the heating element 90 to be in electrical contact or communication with the electrodes 120. The wires 92 may be disposed within slots 46 of the distal projection 44.

Liquid or oil stored within the reservoir 50 may flow from the reservoir 50 through one or more voids 85 defined within the distal portion 82 of the center post 80 to the heating element 90 to be vaporized by the heating element 90. Vapor produced by the vaporization will travel proximally through a central lumen 84 of the center post 80 and out of the mouthpiece 20 (e.g., outlet 23). The central lumen 84 may be defined by a body 83 of the center post 80.

The electrodes 120 are illustrated as received within their respective through-holes 35 (not visible) of the proximal end 31 of the base 30 (see FIG. 7B). In some embodiments, the electrodes 120 are each received by two aligned through-holes 35, such that the electrodes 120 are in electrical communication with (i) the power source 100 and (ii) the wires 92 of the heating element 90.

The distal projection 44 of the cartridge 40 together with the proximal end 31 of the base 30 may define the chamber 34. The microphone aperture 36 defined by the proximal end 31 fluidly connects the chamber 34 with the microphone 135. In this way, a draw of air within the chamber 34 (either via the bypass channel 49 or via the central lumen 84) may be detected by the microphone 135. Specifically, the microphone 135 may detect a sound produced by the draw of air within the chamber 34. The microphone 135 may be in communication with the power source 100 through wires 105, such that the microphone 135 can activate the power source 100 when the microphone 135 detects a threshold value of air flow.

In some embodiments, the microphone 135 is received by a seal or gasket 136, which may isolate the microphone 135 such that the microphone 135 is substantially triggered by a draw of air within the chamber 34 (either via the bypass channel 49 or via the central lumen 84).

Also illustrated is the annular groove 37 of the base 30. The annular groove 37 is aligned with the air inlets 15, 16 of the housing such that the annular groove 37 is in fluid communication with the air inlets 15, 16. The secondary groove or flange 39 is illustrated having received a gasket 130, where the gasket 130 facilitates a connection between the housing 10 and the base 30 (e.g., a friction fit of the base 30 within the housing 10). The central gasket 70 is illustrated disposed about both the distal projection 44 of the cartridge 40 and the proximal end 31 of the base 30.

FIG. 12A illustrates the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 and, specifically, illustrates a first flow of air (indicated generally at arrow 200) through the vaporizing device 1000. FIG. 12B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the base that forms the air chamber 34 and the flow of air into the chamber 34. The first flow of air 200 is illustrated on one side of the housing 10, though the flow of air 200 will also occur on the opposing side of the housing 10. Air from outside of the housing 10 or the vaporizing device 1000 may enter the housing 10 through air inlets 15, 16. Air will pass through the air inlets 15, 16 into the annular groove 37 disposed near the proximal end 31 of the base 30. Once in the annular groove 37, the air will flow around and behind the electrode through-holes 35b (not illustrated) and into through holes 35c (illustrated by the dashed arrow).

Referring to FIG. 12B, air will flow from the annular groove 37 into the through-holes 35c which are adjacent to the through-holes 35b for holding the electrodes 120. Specifically, the air will flow around the electrode through-holes 35b and not contact the electrodes 120. Alternatively, the electrode through-holes 35 may receive the electrodes 120 with a tolerance that allows for air to pass through the electrode through-holes 35b. After passing through the through-holes 35c (behind the through-holes 35b), the air will enter the chamber 34. From the chamber 34, air can flow through the microphone aperture 36 to be detected by the microphone 135. When the air flow detected by the microphone 135 satisfies a threshold value, the microphone 135 may activate the power source 100 (and the heating element 90). Such activation may clear a clog within the central lumen 84 of the center post 80 as the oil or liquid clogged within the central lumen 84 may heat up and be vaporized. Air may also be drawn proximally through the center lumen 84 to the mouthpiece 20.

FIG. 13 illustrates the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 and a second flow of air 300 through the vaporizing device 1000. The second flow of air is 300 illustrated on one side of the housing 10, though the flow of air 300 will also occur on the opposing side of the housing 10. Air from outside of the housing 10 or the vaporizing device 1000 may enter the housing 10 through air inlets 15, 16. Air will pass through the air inlets 15, 16 into the annular groove 37 disposed near the proximal end 31 of the base 30. Once in the annular groove 37, the air will flow around the electrode through-holes 35b (not illustrated) and into the chamber 34 via hole 35c. As before, the air will flow around the electrode through-holes 35b and not contact the electrodes 120. After passing around and behind the electrode through-holes 35b and through bypass through-hole 35c, the air will enter the chamber 34. From the chamber 34, air can flow through the heating element 90 and into the central lumen 84 of the center post 80. In this way, air can mix with vapor produced by the heating element 90 (e.g., by vaporizing liquid within the reservoir 50) and exit the vaporizing device 1000 through the mouthpiece outlet 23.

FIGS. 14A-C illustrate the proximal portion 31 of the base 30 that forms the chamber 34, as well as the air pathway 300 (best seen in FIG. 14C) of air flowing into the main chamber 34.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the cross-section of FIGS. 11-12 and a third flow of air 400 through the vaporizing device 1000. The third flow of air 400 is illustrated on one side of the housing 10, though the flow of air will also occur on the opposing side of the housing 10. Air from outside of the housing 10 or the vaporizing device 1000 may enter the housing 10 through air inlets 15, 16. Air will pass through the air inlets 15, 16 into the annular groove 37 disposed near the proximal end 31 of the base 30. Once in the annular groove 37, the air will flow through one of the through-holes 35 (i.e., through hole 35c located adjacent or behind electrode through holes 35b) defined within the proximal end 31 of the base 30. Specifically, the air will flow through a bypass through-hole 35c, which may be located adjacent to an electrode through-hole 35.

After flowing through a bypass through-hole 35c and into the chamber 34, air can flow to the bypass air pathway by passing through the bypass aperture 75 of the central gasket 70, and to the bypass channel 49. That is, the chamber 34 is fluidly connected to the bypass channel 49 via the bypass aperture 75 in the central gasket 70. The bypass channel 49 may terminate within the mouthpiece 20. In this way, air can mix with vapor in the mouthpiece 20 and exit the vaporizing device 1000 through the mouthpiece outlet 23. The air from the bypass channel 49 may provide a cooling effect to the vapor to provide a more comfortable hit for a user. Notably, air within the third air flow does not pass any electronic components before being mixed with vapor to be inhaled by a user.

The bypass through-hole 35c may be in fluid communication with the chamber 34 and, indirectly, in fluid communication with the microphone 135. The microphone 135 may be configured to detect the first, second, and third flows of air through the vaporizing device 1000. As a user uses the vaporizing device 1000, the flow of air through the first, second, and third flows may change and this change may be detected by the microphone 135. For example, when the central lumen 84 of the center post 80 becomes clogged, the second flow of air may not be detected by the microphone 135. This may cause the third flow of air (through the bypass channel 49) to trigger the microphone 135 and activate the heating element 90. Activation of the heating element 90 may assist in clearing the clog from the central lumen 84, such that the second flow of air may be restored.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. Structures of the vaporizing device that are closer to a user when a user is using the device are referred to as more “proximal” while structures that extend away from the user are referred to as “distal.” For example, a proximal side of the mouthpiece faces the user.

In one embodiment, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to numerical parameters within 10% of the indicated range. The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents used in the context of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the author(s) of this disclosure for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The author(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the author(s) intends for the embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of this disclosure so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

Although this disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims that follow, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and of their elements and features, may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A vaporizing device comprising: a housing connectable to a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the housing, the housing comprising: the proximal end,a distal end,a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, andat least one air inlet disposed on a side of the body;a cartridge received by the housing, the cartridge comprising: an internal reservoir,a bypass channel isolated from the internal reservoir, anda distal projection; anda base received by the housing and connectable to the distal projection of the cartridge,the distal projection of the cartridge and a proximal end of the base defining a chamber,wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with (i) the at least one air inlet of the housing, (ii) a microphone, and (iii) the bypass channel of the cartridge,such that air may flow from outside of the housing, through the at least one air inlet, into the chamber, into and through the bypass channel, and out of the mouthpiece.

2. The vaporizing device of claim 1, further comprising a first gasket disposed at the proximal end of the housing and received by the mouthpiece.

3. The vaporizing device of claim 2, wherein the first gasket comprises a first aperture for receiving a proximal end of the center post and a second aperture for receiving a proximal end of the bypass channel.

4. The vaporizing device of claim 1, further comprising a second gasket disposed about the proximal end of the base, the second gasket comprising: a first aperture for receiving the microphone; anda second aperture in fluid communication with the chamber and the bypass channel.

5. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein air may additionally flow from the chamber through a chamber aperture and around the microphone, wherein the microphone detects a flow of air around the microphone.

6. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the bypass channel provides a cooling effect to the air flow.

7. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein a draw of air through the bypass channel triggers the microphone when the draw of air through the bypass channel satisfies a threshold value.

8. The vaporizing device of claim 7, wherein triggering the microphone causes the vaporizing device to activate a heating element.

9. A vaporizing device comprising: a housing connectable to a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the housing, the housing comprising: the proximal end,a distal end,a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, anda pair of air inlets disposed on opposite sides of the body;a cartridge received by the housing, the cartridge comprising: an internal reservoir for receiving a center post,a bypass channel isolated from the internal reservoir, anda distal projection having at least one slot and at least one pin; anda base received by the housing and connectable to the distal projection of the cartridge, the base comprising: a proximal end having a plurality of through-holes, a first through-hole of the plurality of through-holes for receiving the at least one pin of the distal projection of the cartridge,an annular groove in fluid communication with the pair of air inlets of the housing,a first chamber defined in the proximal end and having a first aperture fluidly connecting the first chamber and the bypass channel, the first chamber in fluid communication with the annular groove, anda second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber, the second chamber for receiving a microphone, the microphone also in fluid communication with the first chamber,such that air may flow from outside of the housing, through the pair of air inlets, through the annular groove into the first chamber, through the aperture and into the bypass channel, and out of the mouthpiece.

10. The vaporizing device of claim 9, wherein air flowing through the device does not pass any electronic components.

11. The vaporizing device of claim 9, wherein the microphone detects a flow of air through the first chamber and the bypass channel.

12. The vaporizing device of claim 9, wherein the at least one slot of the distal projection of the cartridge is for receiving a wire from a heating element housed within a distal portion of the center post.

13. The vaporizing device of claim 9, further comprising at least one electrode received by a second through-hole of the plurality of through-holes of the proximal end of the base.

14. The vaporizing device of claim 9, wherein the first chamber includes a microphone aperture placing the microphone in fluid communication with the first chamber.

15. The vaporizing device of claim 9, wherein air may flow from outside of the housing, through the pair of air inlets, through the annular groove into the first chamber, from the first chamber into a central lumen of the center post, and through the central lumen and out of an outlet defined in a proximal end of the mouthpiece.

16. The vaporizing device of claim 15, wherein air flowing through the central lumen of the center post mixes with vapor produced by a heating element housed within a distal portion of the center post.

17. A vaporizing device comprising: a housing connectable to a mouthpiece, the housing comprising: a proximal end for connection to the mouthpiece,a distal end,a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, andat least one air inlet disposed on a side surface of the body;a cartridge received by the housing, the cartridge comprising: an internal reservoir for receiving a center post,a bypass channel isolated from the internal reservoir, anda distal projection having at least one slot and at least one pin;a base received by the housing and connectable to the distal projection of the cartridge, the distal projection of the cartridge and a proximal end of the base defining a chamber, the chamber being in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet and the bypass channel;a mouthpiece gasket positioned at a proximal end of the cartridge, the mouthpiece gasket for interfacing with the mouthpiece; anda central gasket positioned around the distal projection of the cartridge and the proximal end of the base, the central gasket comprising a central cavity for receiving the distal projection of the cartridge and a bypass aperture for fluidly connecting the at least one air inlet and the bypass channel.

18. The vaporizing device of claim 17, wherein the base comprises: a plurality of through-holes disposed at the proximal end,a first through-hole of the plurality of through-holes for receiving the at least one pin of the distal projection of the cartridge, anda second through-hole of the plurality of through-holes for receiving at least one electrode; an annular groove in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet of the housing;the chamber defined in the proximal end, the chamber having a first aperture fluidly connecting the chamber and the bypass channel, the chamber in fluid communication with the annular groove, anda second chamber in fluid communication with the chamber, the second chamber for receiving a microphone, the microphone also in fluid communication with the chamber.

19. The vaporizing device of claim 17, wherein the mouthpiece gasket comprises a center post aperture for receiving a proximal end of the center post and a bypass aperture for receiving a proximal end of the bypass channel.

20. The vaporizing device of claim 18, wherein air may flow from outside of the housing, through the at least one air inlet, through the annular groove into the chamber, through the aperture and into the bypass channel, and out of the mouthpiece.

21. A vaporizing device comprising: a main air chamber, the main air chamber formed by a bottom face of a gasket, a distal end of a cartridge, and a proximal portion of a base of the vaporizing device;the proximal portion of the base of the vaporizing device comprising at least one air inlet through-hole to place the main air chamber in fluid connection with an air inlet to receive air externally from the vaporizing device;the proximal portion of the base of the vaporizing device comprising a microphone air inlet through-hole to place the main air chamber in fluid connection with a microphone;the cartridge having a cavity at the distal end to place the cartridge in fluid connection with the main air chamber, the cartridge further comprising a bypass channel; andthe gasket having a bypass through-hole to fluidly couple the bypass channel of the cartridge to the main air chamber.