Portable hand-held vaporizer heating assembly

A portable hand-held vaporizer assembly that has a body shaped to fit substantially within a standard-sized clothing pocket with the body including an airflow chamber defining an airflow passage and having a proximal end and a distal end, opposite to the proximal end, defining a distal opening that places the airflow passage in fluid communication with an outside environment, the airflow chamber being at least partially encapsulated within the body. The body further having a convection-based heating element assembly with a heating element having a portion thermally coupled to the airflow passage, a herb placement zone in fluid communication with the airflow passage, and a conductive conduit that places the airflow passage in fluid communication with the outside environment, with a first position where a distal end of the conduit is substantially recessed within the body and second position where the distal end extends a length away from the body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vaporizer for inhalation of active ingredients within a plant material, and more particularly relates to a portable, concealable, hand-held, vaporizer utilizing convection heating that provides vapor for inhalation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A vaporizer is a device used to extract the active ingredients of plant material, e.g., tobacco, or other herbs or blends, for inhalation by a human. Vaporization involves heating a material so that its active compounds boil off into a vapor. As opposed to smoking, i.e., burning, vaporization avoids the production of irritating, toxic, and carcinogenic by-products. In fact, no combustion occurs, so no smoke or taste of smoke is present. Studies show that vapor contains substantially zero particulate matter or tar, and, in comparison to smoking, significantly lower concentrations of noxious gases such as carbon monoxide. It has also been shown that, in comparison to other drug delivery methods, such as ingestion, vaporization has a more rapid onset of pharmacological effect, direct delivery into the bloodstream (via the lungs), and more precise titration such that the desired level is reached and not exceeded, enabling consistent and appropriate dosage.

Generally, those vaporizers utilizing convection-based heating methods employ the use of a heating element by which air passes through, or is in contact with, such that the temperature of the air is heated sufficiently to extract an herb's natural ingredients. To remove an herb's active ingredients the effective vapor temperature varies depending on the type of supplied herb, but generally ranges from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After the active ingredients from the herb are boiled off into a vapor, it generally is too hot to be comfortably and/or safely inhaled by a human being. As such, many vaporizes utilize hoses (also called “whips”), elongated chambers, and large heat sinks to reduce the temperature of the vapor so it is safe and comfortable for human inhalation. For most known vaporizers, the vaporization process requires an assembly or casing that is cumbersome and not easily portable. Those assemblies that are portable are too large to conceal within a standard-sized pant pocket and do not allow the device to be effectively and conveniently transported. Most of these vaporizes also require the unit to be plugged in to an electric outlet, which is inconvenient for those persons without access to electricity.

To effectively reduce the temperature of the vapor so it can be consumed, many hand-held vaporizers utilize an elongated chamber that reduces the vapor to a desired temperature. This elongated chamber commonly creates an assembly that is in the general shape of a flashlight with a nozzle-type mouthpiece at the end. There are numerous disadvantages associated with the elongated shape of the vaporizer. With the mouthpiece coupled to the end of the device it becomes readily identifiable as a smoking-type apparatus, which many users find undesirable. Few, if any, of those hand-held vaporizers easily conceal the mouth piece, without removal into multiple components, which can be easily misplaced and/or dropped. As most mouth pieces are not easily concealable, and because they generally have at least one opening disposed to the outside environment to inhale the vapor, the device also becomes susceptible to liquids and debris from entering, which may contaminate the device's functionality. Those vaporizers that are shaped in an elongated fashion also typically require the vaporizer to be subject to the time-intensive task of disassembling it into multiple components in order for the user to insert the herbs. As such, few vaporizers allow a user to insert and remove herbs into the vapor chamber quickly and efficiently without at least partially disassembling the device.

To allow the vapor temperature to reduce to comfortable and safe ranges, many known vaporizers have their heating element at a location 4-6 inches away from the mouthpiece or inhaling area. In such configurations, which are in-line with most known vaporizers that are elongated, the vapor is given more time to dissipate the heat. This, however, negatively creates an inconsistent temperature at the mouthpiece that is dependent on the inhaling rate of the user. For example, as a user inhales faster, the air from the outside environment passes more quickly past the heating element which in turn reduces the temperature at the mouthpiece. A slower inhale rate produces a higher temperature at the mouthpiece because the incoming air is in contact with the heating element longer. This can lead to a less effective release of the active ingredients in the herbs, should the user inhale very fast. Furthermore, as the temperature generally varies, depending on the inhaling rate, many hand-held vaporizers require a user to inconveniently adjust their breathing rate to produce the desired temperature at the mouth piece. As the temperature generally varies, most known portable hand-held vaporizers do not allow the user to have an optimized air flow, a safe vapor temperature at the mouth piece, and a highly potent vapor containing the herb's active ingredients.

To compensate for the sporadic temperature at the mouthpiece and to form a more compact body of the vaporizer, many known vaporizers utilize conduction-based, as opposed to convection-based, heating, i.e. direct contact of the herb with a heated material. These known vaporizers overcome sporadic vapor temperatures by placing the heating element closer to the mouthpiece. These vaporizers are able to accomplish this as there is no fluid that is required to be heated. Conduction vaporizers have their own set of problems, however, and are generally considered inferior to convection-based heated vaporizers. Convection heating is more efficient as the heated fluid, “air,” is in contact with more surface area of the herb. This in turn provides a more potent vapor and does not require the user to adjust the herbs. Convection-based heating vaporizers further allow a user to control the heating element more effectively than those conventional conduction-based heated vaporizers. This also allows for a generally more potent vapor, as the user increases the chances that all of the herb's active ingredients are boiled off into the vapor. As such, few, if any, known vaporizers are able to utilize convection heating into a compact discrete design that creates safe and comfortable vapor temperatures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a portable hand-held vaporizer assembly that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and provides a device that utilizes convection-based heating, while producing vapors for a user to inhale at a safe and comfortable temperature. The invention also provides a portable vaporizer that is discrete and not readable identifiable to the viewing public and easily transportable within a pant or other type of pocket, e.g., shirt, jacket, etc., of a user.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a portable hand-held vaporizer assembly that includes a body shaped to fit substantially within a standard-sized clothes pocket, e.g., 10″×8″, with the body that has an airflow chamber defining an airflow passage, the air flow chamber having a proximal end and a distal end, opposite to the proximal end, the distal end defining a distal opening that places the airflow passage in fluid communication with an outside environment and being at least partially encapsulated within the body. The body further has a heating element assembly having a portion thermally coupled to the airflow passage, an herb placement zone in fluid communication with the airflow passage, and a conductive conduit that places the airflow passage in fluid communication with the outside environment, the conduit having a first position where a distal end of the conduit is substantially placed within the body and a second position where the distal end extends a length away from the body.

In accordance with another feature, one embodiment of the present invention includes the body with an upper end, a lower end, opposite to the upper end, and a body height separating the upper and lower end that is at most approximately 6 inches.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the body is in the general shape of a standard-sized cellular phone.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the herb placement zone having a screen that separates the herb placement zone from the airflow channel and an upper edge that is at most approximately 2 inches away from a lower portion of the conduit.

In accordance with one feature of the present invention, the conduit is metallic.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the conduit has a substantially non-conductive mouthpiece coupled thereto.

In accordance with another feature of present invention, the substantially non-conductive mouthpiece is adjustable a variable length away from the distal end of the conduit.

In accordance with one more feature of the present invention, body includes a cover that is coupled to the body and removably-couplable to a portion of the conduit when the conduit is in either in either the first or second positions.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the cover is rotatable and made from a conductive material.

In accordance yet another feature of the present invention, the conduit is rotatable along a rotation path, defined by the conduit, to either the first position or the second position.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the conduit is slidably-rotatable to either the first position or the second position.

In accordance with one more feature of the present invention, the conduit is slidable along a translation path defined by the conduit to either the first position or the second position.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the conduit is operable to be placed in a third position that at least partially exposes the herb placement zone.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a body shaped to fit substantially within a standard-sized pocket that includes a multidirectional airflow chamber defining a multidirectional airflow passage, the multidirectional airflow chamber that has a proximal end, a distal end, opposite to the proximal end, and a chamber length separating the proximal and distal ends, the distal end defining a distal opening that places the multidirectional airflow passage in fluid communication with an outside environment. The multidirectional chamber also has at least two separate portions along a chamber length that at least partially overlap one another and is at least partially encapsulated within the body. The body further includes a heating element assembly having a portion thermally coupled to the multidirectional airflow passage, an herb placement zone in fluid communication with the multidirectional airflow passage, and a conductive conduit that places the multidirectional airflow passage in fluid communication with the outside environment.

In accordance an additional feature of the present in invention, the body has a lower end, an upper end, opposite to the lower end, and a body height separating the lower end and the upper end, wherein the chamber length is greater than the body height.

In one more embodiment of the present invention, the assembly has a body that defines an inner area, with the body having a lower end, an upper end, and a body length of at most approximately 6 inches separating the lower end and upper end, a multidirectional airflow chamber defining a multidirectional airflow passage, with the multidirectional airflow chamber having a proximal end and a distal end, opposite to the proximal end, the distal end defining a distal opening that places the multidirectional airflow passage in fluid communication with an outside environment and being at least partially encapsulated within body. The body further includes a heating element assembly having a portion thermally coupled to the multidirectional airflow passage, an herb placement zone in fluid communication with the multidirectional airflow passage, and a conductive conduit coupled to the body that places the multidirectional airflow passage in fluid communication with the outside environment, the conduit being operable to be either slidable or rotatable to a first position where the body substantially conceals the conduit and a second position where the conduit extends outwardly away from the inner area.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the heating element. The term “heating element,” as used herein, indicates a structure that actively produces heat and are directly physically coupled to such structures, as opposed to nearby structures that receive heat via convection and possibly transfer heat to other areas. The term “downstream,” as used herein indicates a location along a path of flow that is further down the path of flow and occurs after a reference point in that path of flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a novel and efficient portable hand-held vaporizer assembly that provides the discreteness and transportability that many users desire along with the effectiveness and efficiency of convection-based vaporizing that is typically accomplished only with the larger, non-concealable, vaporizers. Embodiments of the invention provide a vaporizer that fits within a standard-sized pant pocket that conceals all functional components of the devices such that it resembles the shape of a smart phone. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide a device that dissipates the heat generated from the vaporization process quickly and efficiently before the vapor reaches the mouth of the user.

Referring now toFIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an elevational, partially cross-sectional, view. The figures of the instant application show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a portable hand-held vaporizer assembly100, as shown inFIG. 1, includes a body102, an air flow chamber104, a heating element assembly106, an herb placement zone108, and a conductive conduit110. At first glance, the shape of the body102can be readily appreciated to be much more discrete and compact than that of prior-art vaporizers generally known in the art. The body102is generally shaped to fit within a standard-sized clothing pocket so it can be easily transportable and not readily identifiable by the viewing public. A standard-sized clothing pocket generally ranges in dimensions approximately from 2×5 (width×height) inches to 8×10 inches.FIG. 1, along many other figures shown herein, is partially cross-sectional as only the portion of the body102with the airflow chamber104, a portion of the heating element assembly106, herb placement zone108, and conductive conduit110is cross-sectional.

The body102can be seen having an upper end112and a lower end114, opposite to the upper end112, separated by a body height116. In one embodiment, the body height116is at most approximately 6 inches to allow the assembly100to fit within a standard-sized clothing pocket and be transportable. In other embodiments, the body height116is greater than 6 inches, but sufficiently sized to be fitted within a standard-sized clothing, e.g., pants, pocket. The body102may also have a cover120which protects the inside of the body102and the conduit110, should the conduit110be concealed within the body102. The upper end112of the body102will therefore be the point on the body102where the cover120is in a closed position, rather than an open position—the closed position being exemplified inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the body102is made completely from an outer shell of durable plastic. In other embodiments, the body102has portions, such as the front face118and back face (not shown), made of plastic or other heat resistant materials and the side portions600(one of which is shown inFIG. 6) of the body102made from metallic or other conductive materials. In yet further embodiments, the entire body102, or portions thereof, may be made from a metallic, composite, ceramic, or other material or any of the above combinations.

As components of the heating element assembly106reach temperatures around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, portions of the body102, where it is handled by a user, should be protected with a non-conductive material. The body102generally has four sides, which includes the front face118, and two ends112,114such that it surrounds what may be referred to herein as the body102“inner area.” The inner area is generally where the components of the assembly100are at least partially encapsulated.

In one embodiment, the body102is in the general shape of a standard-sized cellular phone. A standard-sized cellular phone has dimensions generally ranging from 3.5×2×0.25 (body height×width×thickness) to 5.5×4×1. Now, a portable, convection-based vaporizer is available that assimilates those cellular phones presently available on the market. With the body102emulating the shape of a standard-sized cellular phone, the assembly100provides the user with the ability to transport and reveal the vaporizer100without the body102itself advertising that it is an herb-smoking-type apparatus. As there remains a contingency of the general public that scoff at the idea of smoking, regardless the desired herb, discreetness is much desired by many users. The portable vaporizer100may be sized to fall outside those specifications of standard-sized cellular phones, but should readily fit inside a pant pocket and has at least one configuration where the body102is in the general shape of a standard-sized cell phone.

Referring now to bothFIGS. 2 and 3, portions airflow chamber104can be seen will now be described in detail. Specifically,FIG. 2illustrates a cross-section of the airflow chamber104which defines an airflow passage200.FIG. 3illustrates a bottom plan view of the body102showing the outside view of the airflow chamber104being in the general shape of a circle that generally extends upwardly through the body102. In other embodiments, the airflow chamber104may be in the shape of a rectangle, may be slotted, or has apertures that extend upwardly through the body102and has at least a portion that reaches the herb placement zone108. The airflow chamber104has a proximal end202and a distal end204, opposite to the proximal end202. The proximal end202can be seen adjacent to the herb placement zone108. The distal end204of the chamber104defines a distal opening206that places the airflow passage200in fluid communication with an outside environment. The airflow passage200can be seen traveling through the chamber104, into the herb placement zone108, and out through the conduit110. In one embodiment, the airflow chamber104may be formed integrally at least partially within the body102by using a mold. In other embodiments, the chamber104may be formed separately from the body102and coupled thereto with various attachments such was epoxy, clasps, and the like.

In one embodiment, the distal opening206(shown inFIG. 3) is directly adjacent to the outside environment, as shown in the figures, but it should not be necessarily limited as such. In other embodiments, the distal opening206is disposed at a location within the body102and the body102has one or more apertures from which the outside air is drawn. Further, the body102may also have a fan or blower that pulls outside ambient air into the distal opening206, which may facilitate the user with inhaling the herb's active ingredients. Regardless the configuration, the distal opening206provides the assembly100with a steady stream of fluid, i.e. air, used for the convection heating process, which is more effective and efficient than other heating methods used by prior-art vaporizers. In one embodiment, the airflow chamber104is open at both ends202,204such that it should not be considered completely enclosed. In other embodiments, the chamber104may be partially closed at the distal end204, with a fan or blower therein.

Referring specifically toFIG. 2, the airflow chamber104is illustrated as completely encapsulated within the body102. The term “encapsulated” is defined herein as having some portion lying in between the referenced structure, plane, or object. In other embodiments, portions of the airflow chamber104may extend outside the body such that the chamber104would still be said to be at least partially encapsulated within the body102. It is preferable, however, that the chamber104be completely encapsulated to reduce and resist impacts that could compromise the chamber's integrity.

To achieve the superior convection-based heating typically accomplished by larger, non-hand-held, vaporizers, the airflow chamber104is multidirectional.FIG. 4illustrates a close-up view of the air flow chamber104in accordance with the present invention. As the body102is advantageously designed to fit within a standard-sized clothing, e.g., pant, pocket and the air is required to reach 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, the airflow chamber104can be seen having at least two portions400a-balong a chamber length that at least partially overlap one another. With the airflow chamber104defining an air path that directs the air in multiple directions, i.e., turning 180 degrees, the airflow passage200is thermally coupled longer to the heating element106. Due to the compact design of the vaporizer assembly100, the design of the airflow chamber104, allows the incoming air to reach the effective vaporizing temperature without utilizing elongated chambers generally associated with prior hand-held convection-based vaporizers. In one embodiment, the chamber104can be seen incorporating one or more dividers412that separate the chamber104into different paths, i.e., “multidirectional,” that effectively channel the incoming air, while utilizing as little distance as possible. In other embodiments, the chamber104may wrap around the actual heating element406such that the divider412, which separates the chamber104into two channels in the opposite direction would, not be required.

The multidirectional—i.e. having a general direction changing in one or more angles—path defined by the chamber104provides the assembly with air with an effective and relatively constant vaporizing temperature when it reaches the herb placement zone108.

The airflow chamber104has a longitudinal central axis that passes through a center of the chamber104, i.e., substantially equidistant from all portions of an interior wall of the chamber104, and is parallel to the direction of airflow when the assembly100is operated. This longitudinal central axis is represented by a dashed line402shown in the view ofFIG. 4and is also equivalent to the chamber length. As indicated with the dashed line402, the chamber length extends from the distal end204to the proximal end202of the chamber104. As mentioned, the chamber104may be in various configurations, i.e. slotted or having apertures, such that one side of the chamber104, indicated with double arrows404, may not be included. As such, the chamber length is defined as the length extending from just one portion of the distal end204to the proximal end202. To effectively heat the airflow passage200, in one embodiment, the chamber length is greater than the body height116. With the ability of the airflow passage200to be thermally coupled to the heating element106for a longer period of time, the body102is able to be reduced to dimensions not previously accomplished with prior known, non-fueled, convection-based vaporizers.

Also shown in theFIG. 4is the heating element assembly106. The heating element assembly106has a portion, or an actual heating element406, that is thermally coupled to the airflow passage200to reach the desired vaporizing temperature. The entire heating assembly106, or one or more portions thereof, e.g. the heating element406, may also be referred to as the “heat engine” or “heating engine” as it is this component that thermally charges the incoming outside ambient air to a proper vaporizing temperature. The term thermally coupled is defined as having a first and second object or matter in relative proximity such that heat is effectively exchanged from the first object to the referenced second object or matter. In one embodiment, the heating element406is a tungsten-based metallic alloy in the form of a coil that is disposed at least partially within the airflow passage200. In other embodiments, the heating element406is made from nickel-chrome, other types of metals, or metal-based composites that have a general low thermal resistivity and are generally safe to pass air through for human consumption. In further embodiments, the heating element406may be in the form of a plate or other shape, and may be located within a piece of glass or in close proximity to the airflow passage200, but yet still able to effectively transfer heat.

The heating element assembly106includes one or more batteries used to provide energy to the heating element406when in operation. The assembly100is designed to run on standard-sized batteries which includes lithium-ion based batteries. This is advantageous over prior known vaporizers that utilize fuel-based systems to heat the air to the vaporizing temperature because those fuel-based systems produce foul-tasting by-products and are generally loud and bring attention to the device. As such, the hand-held vaporizing assembly can be operated on 2.8 to 3.3 volts, with the possibility of recharging the batteries after continued use with an optional charging port408. The charging port408may be located on the side of the body102, as shown, or may be located on any other portion of the body102. In such an embodiment, the batteries may charge with the assembly100operating fully on the supplied electricity from an outside source. The batteries are also at least partially encapsulated within the body102in a battery storage portion410of the body102(not shown). The voltage of any power source used with the present invention is in no way limited to any specific voltages or range of voltages.

Referring now toFIG. 5, the assembly is shown again in an elevational front view. When in operation, the user turns on the device100which in turn supplies power to the heating element406, for example, by depressing a button520on the front face of the device. After a period of time, the heating element406will have reached a temperature sufficient to transfer heat to airflow passage200in order for the air to reach a desired vaporizing temperature. In one embodiment, the heating element assembly106may come with a temperature dial502and/or a thermostat (not shown) for regulating the temperature of the heating element406or the temperature of the airflow passage200. In other embodiments, the heating element406may be supplied power to reach a predetermined temperature or may have a display indicating to the user what the temperature is or that the device is ready for use. In one embodiment, all or at least a portion of the circuits, wiring, and other electronics are at least partially encapsulated within and located on an upper portion122of the body102, shown inFIG. 1as being directly above the battery compartment. In other embodiments, the aforementioned electronics are located in other areas of the body102and may have one or more portions partially exposed outside of the body102.

In one embodiment, after the heating element406reaches the desired temperature, a user inhales from the air sealed conduit110, which pulls the outside air500through the chamber104out through a distal end504of the conduit110. The path of the air through the airflow passage200, which is also referred to herein as the multidirectional airflow passage, is represented in the figure as a plurality of arrows506. As the chamber104is relatively “air tight,” when the user inhales on the distal end504, the air chamber104inner pressure decreases and the outside ambient air500, which is at a higher pressure, is forced into the distal opening206. In other embodiments, air flows into the airflow passage200through the use of a fan or blower, as mentioned above.

FIG. 5also illustrates the airflow passage200being in fluid communication with the herb placement zone108. Just as it sounds, the herb placement zone108is where the user places the desired material to be vaporized. In one embodiment, the herb placement zone108has a screen508located at least partially in the path of the airflow passage200that separates the placement zone108from the airflow chamber104. The screen508, which is generally known in the art, allows air to enter and supports the herb, but resists the herb, or debris from the herb, from entering the airflow passage200. In other embodiments, the herb placement zone108may not have a screen508, such that the herb is supported by the side walls of the placement zone108.

In one embodiment, an upper edge510of the herb placement zone108is at most approximately 2 inches away from a lower portion512of the conduit110. This prevents the temperature of the vapor at the distal end504of the conduit110from varying based upon how fast or slow the user inhales which as symptomatic of those prior known vaporizers. In other embodiments, the upper edge510is greater than 2 inches away from the lower portion512of the conduit110, but the configuration of the airflow chamber104might be required to be changed. Now a hand-held vaporizer has the ability to be small enough to fit within a clothing pocket, be in the shape of stand-sized cellular phone, and advantageously provides consistent inhale temperatures regardless of the inhale rate of the user.

InFIG. 5, the conduit110is shown placing the airflow passage200in fluid communication with the outside environment. To conceal the purpose of the assembly100, leaving it relatively unidentifiable to the viewing public, the conduit110has a first position where the distal end504is at least partially within the body102(shown inFIG. 6) and a second position where the distal end extends a length514away from the body102(shown inFIG. 5). As the conduit110has two positions it serves two goals of the present invention, which are to be discrete and to have a small convection-based vaporizer that generates vapor at a consistent and safe temperature. In one embodiment, the length514is approximately 2 inches. In other embodiments, the length514will vary depending on what position the conduit in, but should be a length514sufficient such that it fits within the confines of the body102. As such, the conduit would be said to be placed substantially within the body102. Although in certain embodiments of the invention, the conduit110may be completely concealed or recessed within the body102when in the first position, it should not be so limited. In other embodiments, portions of the conduit110, including the distal end504, may slightly protrude outside the body102. Generally, however, most portions of the conduit110should be placed within the body102, when in the first position, to prevent damage and so the assembly does not attract attention.

In one embodiment, to effectively expel heat generated from the vaporization process, the conduit110is conductive, or has the ability to transfer heat across the material at a generally high rate. In one embodiment, the conduit110is made from a metal, such as aluminum or copper. In other embodiments, the conduit110is made from conductive polymers, composites, or other metallic-based materials with conductive properties. As the herb placement zone108is generally close to conduit110, the conduit110plays the important role of reducing the vapor temperature. As the vapor travels through the conduit110, it is in contact with the inner surface of the conduit110thereby reducing the temperature so it can be subsequently inhaled by the user. The conduit110may also have one or more portions that are not conductive, to allow a user to comfortably place the conduit110in the first position within the body102.

FIGS. 5 and 6also illustrate the conduit110having a substantially non-conductive mouthpiece516coupled to the conduit110. As the mouthpiece516is non-conductive, a user can safely place his or her mouth on the mouthpiece516to create a “suction effect” and inhale the generated vapors. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece516is made with glass, which may or may not be transparent, and is disposed at least partially within the distal end504of the conduit110. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece516is made from a non-conductive polymer or other non-conductive material that resists the transfer of heat through the material. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece516may also overlap the distal end504of the conduit110and be telescopic. To prevent a user from touching the distal end504of the conduit110during operation of the assembly100and to facilitate storing the conduit110within the body102, the mouthpiece516is adjustable a variable length518away from the distal end504of the conduit110. Regardless of the embodiment, the mouthpiece516creates an “air tight” seal with the conduit to prevent vapors from escaping.

Specifically referring now toFIG. 6, the cover120is shown coupled to the body102and being removably-couplable to a portion of the conduit110when the conduit110is in either the first or second position. The purpose of the cover120is two-fold. First, it protects the components disposed within the body102and the conduit110from outside impact and environmental debris or liquid. Second, it serves as another heat sink that facilitates in reducing vapor temperature before it is inhaled by the user. As such, in one embodiment, the cover120is made from a conductive material, similar to those described for the conduit110. In other embodiments, the cover120is only rotatable to allow the conduit110to move from the first to the second position and may be generally non-conductive. In further embodiments, the cover120has a portion602shaped to receive the conduit110when it is in either the first and second position so there is one or more coupling contact points with the conduit110.

Referring now to bothFIGS. 6 and 7,FIG. 7illustrates one embodiment of the present invention with the cover120and top portion of the body700removed. In one embodiment, the conduit702is rotatable along a rotation path704defined by the conduit702to either the first or second position. The first position706of the conduit702is shown inFIG. 7with dashed lines. In one such method, the conduit702has two portions604a-bthat are non-rotatable and a center spout portion606which would rotate in between the two portions604a-b(shown inFIG. 6) having air tight seals in between to substantially prevent vapor from escaping. To further facilitate reducing the vapor temperature, the two portions608a-bof the cover120are removably-couplable to and mate with the corresponding two portions604a-bof the conduit702, respectively. The conduit702may also be rotatable using other methods that do not compromise the integrity of the airflow passage200, such that vapor would not escape.

The rotation path704may be in the form a variety of different non-linear paths and various planes, both horizontal and vertical. If the assembly708is only rotatable then the device might provide access to the herb placement zone108through other methods, such as removing or opening a portion707of the body700. Now, the assembly100can be quickly and effectively converted from a device, most of the viewing public would perceive as cellular phone, to an effective and efficient convection-heated vaporizer assembly708.

There are multiple variations or configurations of the conduit110that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.FIG. 8illustrates another embodiment the conduit800. InFIG. 8, the conduit800is both slidable and rototable. As with the embodiment ofFIG. 7, the conduit800may be rotatable to the first position706, but may also be slidably-placed into the first position. The conduit800is slidable along a translation path802defined by the conduit800(shown by the arrow). Although the conduit800is shown translating laterally, or left to right, it should not be limited as such. The conduit800may also translate, or rotate, horizontally along a thickness1000(shown inFIG. 10) of the body806.FIG. 8illustrates how the conduit800may be moved to the left, or a third position810(indicated with dashed lines), that at least partially exposes the herb placement zone108. The conduit800may be translated using one or more tracks, which would unlock to move the conduit800and lock into place when the assembly808is in operation. The conduit800would then need to be rotated slightly along the rotation path704(shown inFIG. 7) to provide better access to the herb placement zone108.

To provide better access to the herb placement zone108, in one embodiment the assembly808has an upper screen814has one or more hooks816. The upper screen814prevents any herb located within the zone108from being removed when the user draws on the conduit800or when the assembly808is turned upside-down. The hook(s)816facilitate the removal of the upper screen814, but are not necessarily required. In other embodiments, the screen814may be connected to a removable side wall818that defines the herb placement zone108. As described, the hooks816would remove the side wall818to allow a user to clean and/or refill the herb placement zone108. The side wall818may also be connected to the screen508adjacent to the proximal end202of the airflow chamber104such that access to the chamber104may be accomplished. In further embodiments, the body806may not have any upper screen814such that the assembly808may be turned upside-down and the herb is forcibly removed.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the conduit800may not be rotatable, but is rather placed into the first and second positions by sliding the conduit800along or more tracks, as described. As such, a top portion804of the body806would be sufficiently spaced to allow the conduit to translate laterally through the translation path802. When in the first position, the herb placement zone108would then be open to the outside environment, such that a cover120(as shown inFIG. 6) would be preferably utilized. When the user desires to use the assembly808, the user would slide the conduit800over the herb placement zone108, thereby creating a substantially air tight seal and extending a distal end812of the conduit800away from the body806.

FIGS. 9-12illustrate examples of the assembly900in various views as the conduit904is placed both in the first and second positions in accord with embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 9shows the assembly900with the conduit904completely recessed within the body902. The cover120can also be seen overlaying the conduit110to provide further protection to the conduit904and other components located within the body902of the assembly900.FIG. 10shows the assembly900at an elevational side view, also with the conduit904completely recessed within the body902.FIG. 11shows the assembly900from a top plan view, with the conduit904completely recessed within and the cover120substantially enclosing the conduit904.FIGS. 9-11demonstrate the advantageous compact and unassuming nature of the assembly900that is relatively inconspicuous to the public as a convection-based vaporizer.

FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate one embodiment of the assembly900while the conduit is in the second position extending away from the body902. Specifically,FIG. 12shows the assembly900from a top plan view with the cover120enclosed on conduit904to prevent any debris from entering the body904. As previously mentioned, the cover120also serves as a heat sink for the vapor passing though the conduit904. Both figures also illustrate the mouthpiece1200disposed at least partially within the conduit904in accord with an embodiment of the present invention.

A portable hand-held vaporizer has been disclosed that provides a body in the shape that is able to fit within a standard-sized pant pocket and also resembling a standard-sized cellular phone. This novel vaporizer utilizes the more effective and efficient convection-based heating while still maintaining a compact design. To achieve this, the vaporizer discloses an airflow chamber directing outside ambient air through a heating element into an herb placement zone, which is located in the near proximity to a distal end of a conduit where it is subsequently inhaled by a user. When the vapor reaches the user, the temperature has reduced to a range that is safe and comfortable for the user. The vaporizer further provides that the conduit may be advantageously placed in a first and second position that allows the purpose and nature of the device to be relatively unidentifiable to the viewing public.