Vapor dispenser system

A handheld vapor dispenser with rapidly interchangeable vapor tubes extending outside of the dispenser housing. A first exemplary embodiment uses a battery and a timing circuit to volatize the vapor-producing material and a positive air pressure source, such as a squeeze bulb, to expel the vapor from the tube. A second exemplary embodiment is rechargeable and has multiple vapor tubes in parallel spaced-apart proximity extending from the housing. A recharging station for multiple vapor dispensers that also provides vapor tube storage and access is disclosed. A third exemplary embodiment couples positive air pressure to the air inlet of an electronic cigarette to expel vapor from the mouthpiece for flavoring drinks. A dispensing tube that sealingly attaches to the mouthpiece is also disclosed. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to providing a vapor dispensing system for dispensing flavored and/or scented vapors into beverages. In particular, this invention relates to providing a handheld vapor-dispenser unit with interchangeable flavor/scent tubes.

BACKGROUND

With the evolution of electronic cigarettes, it has been found that flavored and drugged vapors can be substituted for cigarette smoke, to avoid harmful tars and cyanides while providing a suction-based nicotine delivery system. Flavored vapors have progressed into the food service industry for providing scented vapors served over food to enhance the dining experience. Flavored vapors have also been added to beverages by percolating the flavored vapor into the beverage. Existing devices for this purpose are table top models that generate a large volume of vapor but which cannot change vapor flavors quickly.

Expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,901 discloses a puff-activated drug delivery system having a disposable air-permeable, battery-powered, resistance heated tubular member that contains an aerosol-forming material and a non-disposable portion that contains a battery, a puff-actuated current actuation means, and a regulator for the heater. Expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,875 discloses a puff-activated flavor delivery system similar to U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,901 except that the emphasis is on producing a flavored aerosol for direct oral use.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,591 discloses a charging case for a personal vaporizing inhaler. U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,591 discloses a personal vaporizer with two conductive surfaces that activates the vaporizer when both are touched (lips and hand). The two conductive surfaces can also be used to recharge the battery. The material to be vaporized is contained in a replaceable cartridge that is punctured to conduct the liquid contents to a wick near a heating element. A microprocessor is employed to detect when the cartridge is empty. A rechargeable battery-powered recharging cradle for one or two personal vaporizing units is provided.

US Published Patent Application 20110120482 discloses the use of a fan to blow air at a constant rate through a heater and through a solid vaporizable material to provide vapor to a mouthpiece.

A vaporizer for flavoring food is disclosed at www.volcanovaporizer which shows a tabletop vaporizer that produces scented or flavored vapor that is captured in a plastic bag and dispensed from the bag for various purposes. The material to be vaporized has to be prepared and loaded into the device. Cleaning appears to be required when changing flavors.

Therefore, a need exists for a handheld vaporizer that enables changing flavors quickly. A need also exists for a handheld vaporizer that can provide combinations of flavors quickly. A need also exists for a handheld vaporizer that propels the vapor out, rather than relying on suction. A need also exists for a handheld vaporizer that can be easily used by a bartender or other user to directly flavor drinks. A need also exists for a base station for one or more handheld vaporizers that includes electrical recharging and also provides easy-access storage for flavor tubes.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and fulfill the above-mentioned needs.

Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system that can dispense vapors from a handheld unit. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that enables rapid changes in the flavor of vapors to be dispensed. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that enables multiple flavors of vapors to be dispensed concurrently. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that takes up little countertop space for storage and recharging. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to be useful for flavoring beverages.

It is an additional primary object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the present invention provides a system that can dispense vapors from a handheld unit. The system comprises apparatus for making rapid changes in the flavor of vapors to be dispensed. The system may also include a system that enables multiple flavors of vapors to be dispensed concurrently. The system also provides a system that takes up little countertop space for storage and recharging. The system is also useful for flavoring beverages.

More particularly, the invention includes a vapor dispenser, including a collar for releasably supporting respective a flavor tube; a power source for providing volatilizing energy to the flavor tube when the flavor tube is installed in the collar; a fluidic coupling between a positive air pressure source and the collar; and a housing configured to support the collar, the power source, and the fluidic coupling, where the housing is further sized and configured to be handheld. The vapor dispenser, where the flavor tube is supported to extend outside the housing. The vapor dispenser, where the positive air pressure source includes a squeeze bulb. The vapor dispenser, where the positive air pressure source includes a squeeze bulb and a one-way valve. The vapor dispenser, where the positive air pressure source includes a squeeze bulb extending at least partially outside the housing. The vapor dispenser, where the positive air pressure source includes a fluidic coupling to an air inlet of an electronic cigarette. The vapor dispenser, further including a dispensing tube extending from a resilient coupling adapted to sealingly fit onto a mouth piece of the electronic cigarette. The vapor dispenser, where the positive air pressure source includes a squeeze bulb and a one-way valve. The vapor dispenser, where the collar includes a resilient collar operable to frictionally and releasably retain respective a flavor tube. The vapor dispenser, where the positive air pressure source includes a fan. The vapor dispenser, where the collar includes first, second, and third collars arranged to releasably support respective first, second, and third interchangeable flavor tubes in parallel spaced apart proximity. The vapor dispenser, including first, second, and third automatic closures operable to independently close respective first, second, and third collars to fluid flow when no flavor tube is installed. The vapor dispenser, where the power source includes a rechargeable battery and a recharging station. The vapor dispenser, where the recharging station is configured to concurrently recharge a first plurality of the vapor dispensers and to support a second plurality of interchangeable flavor tubes.

Additional embodiments include a vapor dispenser, including one or more resilient collars operable to frictionally receive, releasably retain, and support respective flavor tubes; a power source coupled to provide volatilizing energy to the flavor tube when the flavor tube is installed in the collar; a fluidic coupling between a positive air pressure source and the collar; and a housing configured to support the collar, the power source, the fluidic coupling, and the positive air pressure source, where the housing is further configured to be handheld. The vapor dispenser, where the flavor tube is supported to extend outside the housing. The vapor dispenser, where the positive air pressure source includes a one-way valve through a squeeze bulb extending at least partially outside the housing or a fan. The vapor dispenser, further including an electronic cigarette; a squeeze bulb fluidically coupled to an air inlet of the electronic cigarette; a one-way valve through the squeeze bulb; and a dispensing tube extending from a resilient coupling adapted to sealingly fit onto a mouth piece of the electronic cigarette. The vapor dispenser, where: the collar includes first, second, and third collars arranged to releasably support respective first, second, and third interchangeable flavor tubes in parallel spaced apart proximity; first, second, and third automatic closures operable to independently close respective first, second, and third collars to fluid flow when no flavor tube is installed; and the power source includes a rechargeable battery and a recharging station configured to concurrently recharge a first plurality of the vapor dispensers and to support a second plurality of interchangeable flavor tubes. \

A final embodiment includes a vapor dispenser, including one or more resilient collars operable to frictionally receive, releasably retain, and support respective flavor tubes; a power source for providing volatilizing energy to the flavor tube when the flavor tube is installed in the collar; a fluidic coupling between a positive air pressure source and the collar; and a housing configured to support the collar, the power source, and the fluidic coupling, where the housing is further configured to be handheld and the collar supports the respective flavor tube to extend outside the housing; where the positive air pressure source includes a one-way valve through a squeeze bulb extending at least partially outside the housing or a fan; and where the vapor dispenser further includes an electronic cigarette, where the positive air pressure source includes a squeeze bulb fluidically coupled to an air inlet of the electronic cigarette; a one-way valve through the squeeze bulb; and a dispensing tube extending from either a resilient coupling adapted to sealingly fit onto a mouth piece of the electronic cigarette or the squeeze bulb; the one or more collars, including first, second, and third collars arranged to releasably support respective first, second, and third interchangeable flavor tubes in parallel spaced apart proximity; first, second, and third automatic closures operable to independently close respective first, second, and third collars to fluid flow when no flavor tube is installed; and the power source includes a rechargeable battery and a recharging station configured to concurrently recharge a first plurality of the vapor dispensers and to support a second plurality of interchangeable flavor tubes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The term “flavor tube” as defined and used herein refers to an annular tube having between its inner and outer circumferential walls a heater, a supply of flavored material that can be vaporized with heat from the heater, and a vapor-permeable inner circumferential wall. Terms such as “bottom”, “top”, “right”, “left” and other terms of relative location and orientation are defined relative to the particular drawing to which the description refers, and are not intended to imply that changes in orientation are limited. Like reference numbers on various figures refer to the same object. The hundreds digit(s) of each reference number refers to the number of the first figure in which the part is referenced.

FIG. 1is a top right front perspective view illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Vapor dispenser100includes a housing122that includes front housing panel102, battery compartment cover104, rear housing panel112, top panel106, and bottom panel108. Housing122supports the positive air pressure source (illustrated as a squeeze bulb114) and the collar120that supports flavor tube116to extend outside the housing122. Front housing panel102receives and releasably retains battery compartment cover104and attaches to rear housing panel112. Top panel106and bottom panel108attach to front housing panel102and rear housing panel112to complete the housing122. Push button110extends from front housing panel102. An exemplary fluid propulsion device114, or positive air pressure source, illustrated as a resilient squeeze bulb114, is mounted in the rear housing panel112of vapor dispenser100and extends partially outside the housing. Those of skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, will appreciate the various fluid propulsion devices114that may be used in vapor dispenser system100. Flavor tube116is resiliently received and releasably frictionally retained in resilient collar120of top panel106. Flavor tube116has a hole118defined by the inner circumferential wall of flavor tube116.

When electrical power is applied by using the pushbutton110, a heating element within flavor tube116is activated vaporizing flavored material within the flavor tube116and allowing the vapors to be dispensed by a user squeezing squeeze bulb114. One push of push button110provides about five seconds worth of heating, which is sufficient for producing enough vapor for flavoring one cocktail. Each flavor tube116preferably has sufficient flavor material for flavoring fifty cocktails. In operation, the top end of flavor tube116is inserted into the beverage and the vapor is squeezed into the beverage using the squeeze bulb114. Part of the vapor dissolves in the beverage and part percolates to the surface and forms an attractive flavored and scented mist in the beverage glass above the beverage. In another operation, the vapor may be deposited into a beverage container on top of a beverage. In particular embodiments, the system may include covers, optionally disposable, for covering drink glasses to retain the vapor in the glass when being carried through the restaurant or bar by wait persons. Each flavor tube116can be easily and quickly manually removed and replaced with another flavor tube116, to replace a depleted flavor tube116or to change flavors. In use in a bar room, speed is of the essence, as the many customers' various tastes must be accommodated in a timely manner.

FIG. 2is a top left rear perspective view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Squeeze bulb114and rear housing panel112can be more clearly seen in this view.

FIG. 3is a top right rear perspective view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a particular embodiment, top plate106may accommodate more than one collar120and more than one flavor tube116, and be wired to supply power to each. Whether there are multiple or single collars120, each collar preferably has an automatic closure for closing the opening of the collar120when no flavor tube116is installed. The automatic closure may be as simple as a spring-biased flapper valve that is pushed open when a flavor tube116is installed. Such valves are well known in the art and will not be further detailed here.

FIG. 4is a bottom right rear perspective view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Inlet402in bottom plate108allows air into a one-way intake valve606(seeFIG. 6) and further into chamber624(seeFIG. 6) within the housing122. The cross-sectional shape of the housing122is not a limitation of the invention. Various shapes, consistent with the constraint of being a handheld device, are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5is a bottom left rear perspective view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, inlet402may be of various shapes and sizes, and may be located in any functional and convenient place.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional side elevation view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Power source602, illustrated as battery602, is releasably secured in battery compartment604behind battery compartment door104. Battery602is preferably a replaceable battery602. In various embodiments, battery602may be a rechargeable battery602. Power source602provides energy for volatilizing the vapor-producing material within the flavor tube116. Battery602is electrically connected to circuit board616which, in turn, is electrically connected to flavor tube116. The wiring is not shown as it is known in the art and would needlessly complicate the drawing.

One-way intake valve606extends from the top of bottom plate108and opens to allow air into chamber624responsive to squeeze bulb114expanding resiliently after initially being compressed. One-way intake valve606works cooperatively with one-way exhaust valve614that extends from the underside of top plate106. When one-way intake valve606is open, one-way exhaust valve614is closed, and vice versa, enabling air to first be forced out of chamber624through one-way exhaust valve614and hole118responsive to squeeze bulb114being compressed and then drawing air into chamber624responsive to squeeze bulb114expanding resiliently after initially being compressed. Aperture620accelerates the airflow out through the hole118, thereby lowering the air pressure and entraining the heat-volatized vapor into the air stream. Edges608and610are cutaway edges of the rear housing panel112along the boundary with squeeze bulb114, and do not form a boundary of chamber624. Edge612is the boundary between rear housing panel112and front housing panel102, and does not define a boundary of chamber624.

Circuit board616is mounted on fastener receivers618and includes a switch (not shown) activated by push button110. When the button is pushed, circuit board616switches power to the flavor tube116and initiates a counter that counts for five seconds before removing power from the flavor tube116. The five second limit is used for portion control and limiting the temperature of the flavor tube116.

FIG. 7is a top plan view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser100system ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Aperture620can be seen centered at the bottom of hole118inside flavor tube116installed in collar120on elliptical top plate106. Squeeze bulb114extends outward in an uncompressed state, as shown.

FIG. 8is a rear elevation view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Rear housing panel112has a narrow middle portion, such that portions of front housing panel102can be seen in this view.

FIG. 9is a front elevation view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser100system ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Battery compartment door104is shown as rectangular in this view. In various embodiments, various other shapes may be used, within the constraint of functioning as a battery compartment door.

FIG. 10is a bottom plan view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser100system ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. One-way intake valve606can be seen centered in inlet402on elliptical bottom plate108. Squeeze bulb114extends outward in an uncompressed state, as shown.

FIG. 11is a right front perspective exploded view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flavor tube116has a bottom extension1102with a smaller diameter than the remainder of flavor tube116. Bottom extension1102is the portion of flavor tube116sized and shaped to be received in collar120. Thus, there is no preferred radial orientation for inserting flavor tube116into collar120, making changing out flavor tubes116easier and quicker. Aperture620is fixed within a bottom portion of hole118.

Bottom plate has an inner circumferential rim1106to assist in supporting rear housing panel112and front housing panel102. Circuit board616has fastener openings1108(one of two labeled) for receiving fasteners that couple with fastener receivers618.

FIG. 12is a right rear perspective exploded view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Opening1202in front housing panel102receives the pushbutton110.

FIG. 13is a side elevation exploded view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A rear portion of battery compartment604can be seen in this view.

FIG. 14is a top front perspective view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of a vapor dispenser system1400, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Base1402supports two hand-held vapor dispensers1416in base sockets1414. Hand-held vapor dispensers have base panels1414that fit in base sockets1414and support main housing1404. Base sockets1414are recharging sockets for hand-held vapor dispensers1416. Base1402also supports storage rack1410, which supports a plurality of interchangeable flavor tubes1406(one of seven labeled). In addition, the base1402also directly supports another plurality of interchangeable flavor tubes1406(one of seven labeled). Each hand-held vapor dispenser1416has up to three flavor tubes1406fluidically coupled to a positive pressure air supply and electrically coupled to an electrical power supply. Flavor tubes1406are similar to flavor tubes116, as previously discussed. The capacity for multiple flavor tubes1406enables simultaneous delivery of various flavored vapors. For example, a vodka cocktail could be simultaneously flavored with chocolate, cherry, and vanilla. Less than all three vapor tubes1406may be used at one time, as sockets1926(seeFIG. 19) automatically close if no flavor tube1406is installed. Fastener openings1412assist in fastening each hand-held vapor dispenser1416together.

FIG. 15is a top front perspective exploded view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Base electrical connectors1502couple to complimentary connectors in the base panels1414of each hand-held vapor dispenser1416. An electrical power cord (not shown), extends from base1402to an external power supply (not shown) and provides power to base electrical connectors1502. The power is used to recharge power storage within the hand-held vapor dispenser1416. Storage sockets1504resiliently receive, frictionally retain, and support flavor tubes1406in parallel, spaced apart proximity, as shown. In various additional embodiments, a base1402may support more than two hand-held vapor dispensers1416. Top panels1506are secured through fastener openings1412and have three tube sockets, or collars,1926(seeFIG. 19) each. In a particular embodiment, top panels1506may have more or fewer collars1926.

FIG. 16is a top plan view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated shapes of base1402and hand-held vapor dispensers1416are not limitations of the invention.

FIG. 17is a front elevation view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preferred spacing between flavor tubes1406is ergonomically determined to maximize ease of use. In addition, flavor tubes1406may be colored or otherwise marked to indicate the various flavors provided.

FIG. 18is a top front perspective view illustrating a handheld vapor dispenser1416of the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Housing1404is preferably plastic, but the invention is not so limited. Housing1404may be colored or have an emblem or design on the outer surface of housing1404.

FIG. 19is a top front perspective exploded view illustrating a handheld vapor dispenser1416of the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Base panel1414has an open grill1902to provide input air for the handheld vapor dispenser1416. Base panel also has fastener holes1904for assisting in coupling base panel to housing1404and electrical contacts1906for conducting power from base electrical connectors1502for use within housing1404. Housing1404is supported on base panel1414and fastened to base panel1414using fasteners assisted by fastener holes1906. Housing1404has internal support ribs1928providing rib fastener holes1912and defining inner chamber1908. Electrical fan1910rests on open grill1902in chamber1908and supports device1916, which contains the power storage means and provides an air flow channel1924. The power storage means is preferably a rechargeable battery, but that is not a limitation of the invention. Device1916has a bottom flange1914for coupling to fan1910. Circuit boards1920and1918attach to the outside opposing surfaces of device1916and support circuits operable to control power and timing for vapor production. A five-second application of power to the flavor tubes1406may be initiated by a manual switch or, optionally, by lifting the handheld vapor dispenser1416out of base1402. Device1916has a top flange1922which fits conformally into chamber1908and abuts top panel1506when installed. Top panel is fastened, via fastener openings1412and rib fastener holes1912to housing1404. Sockets1926(one of three labeled) resiliently receive and frictionally retain flavor tubes1406and each socket1926automatically closes when no flavor tube1406is installed.

FIG. 20is a top plan view illustrating a handheld vapor dispenser1416of the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fasteners2002(one of two labeled) can be seen in fastener openings1412(one of two labeled) in this view.

FIG. 21is a front elevation view illustrating a handheld vapor dispenser1416of the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Housing1404is preferably formed of injection molded plastic.

FIG. 22is a side elevation view illustrating a handheld vapor dispenser1416of the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Arrangement of the three flavor tubes1406is illustrated as being in a straight line, but the invention is not so limited. Any pattern may be used, within the constraint that all flavor tubes are in sufficient proximity to concurrently flavor the same beverage with vapor.

FIG. 23is a bottom plan view illustrating a handheld vapor dispenser1416of the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fan1910can be seen behind open grill1902in this view.

FIG. 24is a bottom plan view illustrating an exemplary flavor tube116and1406of the first and second exemplary embodiments of the vapor dispenser system100and1400ofFIG. 1andFIG. 14and defining cross section AA′, according to first and second preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the flavor tube116and1406is labeled for the first embodiment in the drawings ofFIGS. 24-26, the drawings implicitly illustrate identical flavor tube1406. Bottom extension1102is the negative electrode for conducting power to the heater within flavor tube116. Insulator2402isolates positive electrode2404from bottom extension1102. Hole118receives aperture620, as previously described.

FIG. 25is a cross sectional view through cross section AA′ illustrating an exemplary flavor tube116of the second exemplary embodiment of the vapor dispenser system1400ofFIG. 14, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Positive electrode2404is recessed relative to a bottom surface2502of bottom extension1102. Insulator2402does not fully cover positive electrode2404or bottom extension1102.

FIG. 26is a cross sectional view through cross section AA′ illustrating exemplary flavor tubes116and1406of the first and second exemplary embodiments of the vapor dispenser systems100and1400ofFIG. 1andFIG. 14installed in a collar120in socket1110, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Socket1110in top panel106retains collar120which, in turn, resiliently receives and frictionally retains bottom extension1102. Top plate106has a conductor2606which is illustrated as an annular conductor around top plate bore2614, but the annular shape of conductor2606is not a limitation of the invention. Conductor2606extends above the bottom surface1112of socket1110to contact positive electrode2404and is insulated from top panel106by an enclosing insulator2602. Conductor2606has a first power supply wire contact2604for connecting a power supply wire to conductor2606. Bottom extension102makes contact with bottom surface1112of socket1110and thereby, top panel106. Top panel106has a second power supply wire contact2608for connecting a power supply wire to top panel106to provide power to bottom extension1102, which serves as the negative electrode. Positive electrode2404has a first heater wire contact2612and bottom extension1102(negative electrode) has a second heater wire contact2610for coupling a heater within flavor tube116or1406to the electrodes2404and1102.

FIG. 27is a side elevation view illustrating a prior art oral vapor dispenser2700. Oral vapor dispenser2700, also known as an electronic cigarette2700, includes a body2702, a switch2704, and air inlet2706, a mouthpiece2708, and a vapor outlet2710. The Oral vapor dispenser2700may be, for example, an eGo C Twist manufactured by Joyetech™ and distributed through us.Joyetech.com. Air inlet2706is illustrated in exaggerated scale in order to make it visible in the drawing. Air inlet2706may be one of a plurality of air inlets2706. The size of air inlets2706is kept small to create the drag that users expect when puffing on a cigarette. In operation, a user activates the switch2704(illustrated as a push-button switch2704) to initiate vapor production within the oral vapor dispenser2700and then sucks on the mouthpiece to draw air into the dispenser2700through air inlet2706to entrain the vapor into the user's mouth.

FIG. 28is a side elevation view illustrating the prior art oral vapor dispenser2700ofFIG. 27with a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of a vapor dispenser2800. Flexible, resilient, and generally cylindrical silicone squeeze bulb2802receives an oral vapor dispenser2700through resilient sealing opening2806and encloses at least the air inlet2706. In the illustrated embodiment, squeeze bulb2802includes an adaptation2804for accessing the switch2704. In various other embodiments, with this or various other oral vapor dispensers, the squeeze bulb2802may not cover the switch2704. Squeeze bulb2802also includes a one-way inlet valve2808, which allows air to enter the squeeze bulb2800as it resiliently recovers from being squeezed. While squeeze bulb2802is illustrated with an entire bottom end2816, other embodiments may feature a bottom seal, similar to the resilient sealing opening2806, that can sealingly engage the oral vapor dispenser2700. In a preferred embodiment, the axial extent of the enclosure, whether by the squeeze bulb2802directly or by other means, for the oral vapor dispenser2700is reduced to allow for easy changing of vapor tubes within the oral vapor dispenser2700, within the constraint of fluidically accessing the air inlet2706.

In operation, the switch2704is activated and vapor is produced within the oral vapor dispenser2700. Then the squeeze bulb2802is squeezed, forcing air into air inlet2706which entrains the vapor and forces the vapor/air mixture out the vapor outlet2710in mouthpiece2708. Thus, the vapor may be deposited in a beverage container on top of a beverage in order to impart flavor and/or aroma to the beverage.

Vapor dispenser2800may optionally include dispensing tube2812, which includes resilient sealing mouthpiece fitting2810and vent2814. In operation, vapor exiting vapor outlet2710travels through dispensing tube2812and out vent2814. Dispensing tube2812enables the user to dispense vapors into the beverage itself by inserting the dispensing tube2812into the beverage while dispensing vapor.

The illustrated third embodiment is merely exemplary, and not a limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will appreciate that a wide variety of configurations for the third embodiment are within the scope of the invention. For non-limiting example, a loose sleeve extending from the bottom rim of the resilient sealing mouthpiece fitting2810and receiving only enough of the oral vapor dispenser2700to enclose the air inlet2706may have a resilient sealing end and a fluidic connection to a squeeze bulb having a one-way valve. Such a device could be installed over the mouthpiece end of the oral vapor dispenser2700. Various embodiments that fluidically connect a positive air pressure source, exemplified as a squeeze bulb2802, to the air inlet2706of an oral vapor dispenser2700are within the scope of the present invention.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only as provided in the above specification and the claims below.

Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions.