Abstract:
A vaporization lighter device includes a heat source for producing a flame and directing the same in a horizontal direction. The heat source is perpendicularly aligned with a flame filter via a main body. The flame filter includes an elongated chamber having an open front end, an open second end, and an aperture along the central portion. A non-combustible filter material is positioned within the elongated chamber and spans the central aperture. Ambient air is drawn through the open first end, across the filter material where it absorbs heat, and leaves the second end as super-heated air.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/090,639 filed on Dec. 11, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to heat producing devices, and more particularly to a vaporization lighter. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0004]    According to recent estimates, more than 42.1 million Americans routinely smoke tobacco and/or other types of herbs which are typically packed within a pipe, a cigarette, or a cigar, for example. In either instance, these and other such smoking materials are typically burned by a lighter, at which time the smoke and/or soot produced by the burning process is inhaled by the smoker. 
         [0005]    Although this process has been the norm for hundreds of years, it is well known and documented that long term exposure to such smoke has extremely deleterious effects on human lungs, and can cause diseases such as COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and/or lung cancer, for example. In an effort to reduce the amount of smoke and soot that is generated by applying a direct flame to the smoking material, recent advances in technology have seen the introduction of various heat sources (e.g., vaporizers) that can reduce lung irritation, improve the taste of the smoking material, and reduce lingering odors associated with the smoking material. 
         [0006]    Unfortunately, owing to the high cost, large size and uneven results produced by such devices, many smokers continue to utilize a traditional lighter to burn their smoking material. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a small, lightweight and durable vaporization lighter that does not suffer from the drawbacks described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a vaporization lighter device. One embodiment of the present invention can include a heat source such as a jet flame lighter, for example, that is capable of producing a flame and directing the same in a horizontal direction. The invention can also include a flame filter that is positioned in line with the heat source via the main body. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the flame filter includes a heat conducting chamber that is filled with a non-combustible filter material. An aperture can be disposed along the center of the chamber and allows the flame produced by the heat source to directly impact the filter material. Openings along each end of the filter chamber draw air across the filter material, which are directed onto a smoking material. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of the present invention can include a removable and insulated cap that can encompass the flame filter. Yet another embodiment of the present invention can also include a stir stick that is removably secured to the main body and/or the cap. 
         [0010]    This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is an exploded parts view of the vaporization lighter device that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the main body of the vaporization lighter device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the flame filter of the vaporization lighter device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the vaporization lighter device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the vaporization lighter device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    A vaporization lighter is described below with respect to the figures. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. 
         [0018]    Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
         [0019]    Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0020]    As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated. 
         [0021]    As will be known to those of skill in the art, the term “vaporization” and derivatives thereof refers to a process of providing heat to a smoking material at a sufficient temperature to cause the oils and crystalline constituents of the material gasify. This temperature is usually within the range of approximately 300-425° F., and is performed without exposing the material to a direct flame. In this regard, when a smoking material is vaporized, the product can be inhaled without the carcinogens that would otherwise be generated by burning the material. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is an exploded parts view of one embodiment of a vaporization lighter device  10  that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the device  10  can include a heat source  15 , a main body  20 , and a flame filter  30 . 
         [0023]    In the preferred embodiment, the heat source  15  can include or comprise a butane-fueled torch flame lighter having a lighter body  15   a,  a flame activation button  15   b  and a flame igniter/dispenser  15   c  along the top end thereof. Of course, the device is not limited to the use of a torch flame lighter, as the heat source  15  can include or comprise any number of different devices that are capable of generating a sustained heat output in the horizontal direction of at approximately 2,600° F. As will be described below, the ability of the heat source to produce a high temperature flame horizontally is particularly important for a highly efficient device. 
         [0024]    The main body  20  can function to receive and align the heat source  15  and flame filter  30  in a generally perpendicular orientation to one another. As shown in  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the main body can include an elongated, hollow and generally rectangular member  21  having an open bottom end  21   a,  an open top end  21   b,  and a continuous lip  21   c  for receiving a removable cap  23 . 
         [0025]    The main body is designed to receive heat source  15 , which can be inserted through the open bottom end  21   a,  until the heat source button  15   b  is located within the main body opening  21   d.  Although not illustrated, any number of ridges or other such channels can be provided within the hollow central portion of the main body, so as to ensure the heat source fits tightly within the main body, thereby preventing an inadvertent separation of the same. 
         [0026]    As described herein, the main body  20  can preferably be constructed from a durable, lightweight and non-heat conducting material such as plastic, for example, and can also include any number of decorative elements such as various colors, markings, words, shapes, symbols, logos, designs, lights, types of materials, texturing of materials, patterns, images, and the like. These decorative elements can be secured onto and/or into the main body in accordance with known techniques so as to be flush with the surface of the main body or can be raised/protruding outward from the main body so as to give a three dimensional effect. 
         [0027]    As shown, one or more filter holders  22  can extend upward from the rectangular member  21  and can function to engage the below described flame filter  30 , so as to securely position the same above the open top end  21   b.  In this regard, the filter holder can be constructed from the same material as the main body, or can be constructed from a different material, so as to accommodate mating with the flame filter. 
         [0028]    The cap  23  can include a generally hollow member having an opening  23   a  along the bottom end. The cap includes a dimension that corresponds to the lip  21   c  of the main body, so as to be removably positioned thereon (See arrow a). When so positioned, the cap can function to enclose the flame filter, so as to prevent inadvertent contact between a device user and the extremely hot filter  30 . As such, the cap  23  will also preferably be constructed from a lightweight non-heat conducting material, and can also include additional layers of insulation which can be provided within the interior portion of the cap. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the cap  23  can also include a sleeve  24  for receiving a stir stick  25 , as shown by arrow b. The stir stick can be utilized to periodically stir a smoking material that is being heated with the device. Of course, other embodiments are also contemplated wherein the sleeve and stir stick are positioned at other locations, such as the rectangular member, for example. 
         [0030]    Although described above with respect to a particular shape and/or material, this is for illustrative purposes only, as those of skill in the art will recognize that the main body can include virtually any shape, and can be constructed from any number of different materials that are suitable for engaging and aligning the heat source  15  and the flame filter  30  in a generally perpendicular relationship, so as to allow the device to perform the described functionality. Moreover, although described for use with a removable heat source, other embodiments are also contemplated wherein the heat source can be permanently incorporated within the main body. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the flame filter  30  that includes a chamber  31  having a filter material  35  positioned therein. As shown, the chamber  31  can comprise an elongated, generally tubular member having openings  31   a  and  31   b  along the ends thereof. An aperture  32  can be positioned along the center of the chamber  31 , so as to allow a portion of the filter material  35  contained within the chamber to be exposed. 
         [0032]    In the preferred embodiment, the chamber  31  will be constructed from steel, and opening  31   a  will include a diameter that is less than the diameter of the opening  31   b.  The chamber  31  can be permanently connected to the distal end of the filter holder  22  via an adhesive bond, welds, or via physical connectors such as nuts and bolts, for example. Of course the chamber is not limited to any particular construction material, shape or attachment mechanism. To this end, any number of other metals and/or heat conducting materials are also contemplated, and the openings may each include virtually any diameter. 
         [0033]    The filter material  35  can be positioned within the chamber and will span across the entirety of the aperture  32 . The filter material is preferably constructed from a non-combustible and generally porous material such as silicon carbide, glass particles, and/or stacked porous discs, for example. As will be described below, the filter material spanning the aperture will be in direct contact with the flame, and can function to absorb the heat in a manner similar to coal, so as to maintain a high temperature for extended periods of time. The filter material also functions to prevent the flame itself from exiting the chamber openings. 
         [0034]    In various embodiments, it is preferred that the filter holder  23  include a length that is sufficient to position the flame filter approximately 0.25 and 1.25 inches, for example, from the flame dispenser portion  15   c  of the heat source. When used in the preferred embodiment with the illustrated torch lighter  15 , this dimension positions the flame filter within the top ⅓ of the produced flame. This position having been determined to be the most efficient placement for generating heat via the flame filter, and without allowing the flames to escape the same. Of course, other embodiments having different placement distances are also contemplated. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the assembled vaporization lighter  10 . As shown, the flame filter is secured along the upper portion of the holder  22 , so as to align the chamber  31  in a generally perpendicular orientation with the heat source  15 . In this regard, the portion of the filter  35  located within the aperture  32  is in direct contact with the flame  5  that is produced by the heat source. 
         [0036]    Owing to the fact that smoking materials such as tobacco, for example are typically lit from above, it is important that the device  10  be able to produce a stream of super-heated air directly downward (i.e., vertically) so as to be extremely efficient. In this regard, it is important that the heat source be able to generate a sustained flame horizontally, so as to make contact with the flame filter. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of the vaporization lighter in operation. As shown, the device  10  is preferably used wherein the body  21  is at a horizontal orientation, and the flame filter  31  at a vertical orientation. As described above, the heat source can direct a sustained flame  5  horizontally, across the length of the holder  23  and directly onto the filter material  35  that is exposed via the aperture  32 . 
         [0038]    As the filter material gets hot, fresh air A is drawn in through the opening  31   a  and passes over the filter material  35 . This process causes the air to carry the heat generated by the flame and filter material out of the opening  31   b  as super-heated air H which can be directed onto the smoking material  1 . For example, when receiving a flame  5  at a temperature of approximately 2,600° F., the flame filter can produce super-heated air H at a temperature of approximately 400° F., without having to apply a direct flame to the material  1 . In this regard, the flame filter and the channel act as a heat capacitor that heats the surrounding air more than the flame alone, and allows a device user to distribute a constant stream of super-heated air on demand. 
         [0039]    Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the opening  31   b  can be placed adjacent to the bowl  2   a  of a smoking pipe  2 . When so located, a user can draw the heated air H through the pipe. This action causing additional fresh air A to be drawn through the opening  31   a.  Accordingly, the above described vaporization lighter device can function as a lightweight portable heat source that is capable of repeatedly generating a concentrated stream of super-heated air in a unique manner. 
         [0040]    As described herein, one or more elements of the vaporization lighter device  10  can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individual elements such as the filter holder  22  and the filter chamber  31 , for example, may be formed together as one continuous element, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof. 
         [0041]    As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
         [0042]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0043]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.