Patent Publication Number: US-2020275694-A1

Title: E-vapor devices including pre-sealed cartridges

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional under 35 U.S.C. § 121 of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/239,304, filed Aug. 17, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/998,040 (converted to non-provisional from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/151,248), filed Apr. 22, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to electronic vapor devices including self-contained articles including pre-vapor formulations. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Some e-vapor devices include a first section coupled to a second section via a threaded connection. The first section may be a replaceable cartridge, and the second section may be a reusable fixture. The threaded connection may be a combination of a male threaded member on the first section and a female threaded receiver on the second section. The first section includes an outer tube (or housing) extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube within the outer tube. The inner tube may be coaxially positioned within the outer tube. The second section may also include the outer tube (or housing) extending in a longitudinal direction. The e-vapor device includes a central air passage defined in part by the inner tube and an upstream seal. Additionally, the e-vapor device includes a reservoir. The reservoir is configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation and optionally a storage medium operable to store the pre-vapor formulation therein. The reservoir is contained in an outer annulus between the outer tube and the inner tube. The outer annulus is sealed by the seal at an upstream end and by a stopper at a downstream end so as to prevent leakage of the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir. 
     SUMMARY 
     An e-vapor device may include a cartridge configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation therein. The e-vapor device may additionally include a dispensing body including a ratchet assembly and configured to receive a vaporizer to interact with the ratchet assembly. The vaporizer is configured to access the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge via a coupling action and to heat the pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. The ratchet assembly is configured to undergo a mechanical incrementation with each coupling action to facilitate a simultaneous removal of the cartridge with the vaporizer coupled thereto after a designated number of coupling actions. 
     The cartridge may be in a form of a mouthpiece. The cartridge may be a hermetically-sealed container. The cartridge may be sealed with a ball check valve arrangement. 
     The vaporizer may be configured to press against a ball structure of the ball check valve arrangement to release the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge during the coupling action. The vaporizer may be configured to unite with the cartridge via a snap-fit arrangement during the coupling action. 
     The ratchet assembly may be configured to rotate in response to the coupling action as part of the mechanical incrementation. The ratchet assembly may be configured to initially latch onto the vaporizer during the coupling action and to incrementally disengage from the vaporizer with each coupling action such that the vaporizer is released from the ratchet assembly after the designated number of coupling actions. Alternatively, the ratchet assembly may be configured to incrementally engage the vaporizer to the cartridge with each coupling action such that the vaporizer is conjoined to the cartridge after the designated number of coupling actions. The ratchet assembly may be configured to facilitate the simultaneous removal of the cartridge with the vaporizer coupled thereto after two to ten coupling actions (e.g., three to six coupling actions). 
     The e-vapor device may further include a mouthpiece structure configured to house the cartridge and to connect with the dispensing body such that the cartridge is between the mouthpiece structure and the dispensing body. An outer surface of the cartridge may be configured to conform to an inner surface of the mouthpiece structure. The cartridge may be integrated with the mouthpiece structure. 
     An e-vapor device may include a cartridge configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation therein, the cartridge being a sealed container. The e-vapor device may additionally include a dispensing body including a mouthpiece end and a vaporizer at an opposing base end. The base end is configured to couple with the cartridge such that the pre-vapor formulation is in fluidic communication with the vaporizer. The vaporizer is configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. 
     The cartridge may be sealed with a ball check valve arrangement. The dispensing body may further include a battery between the mouthpiece end and the vaporizer. 
     An e-vapor device may include a cartridge including a plurality of compartments, each of the plurality of compartments configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation therein. The e-vapor device may additionally include a dispensing body including a vaporizer. The cartridge may be rotatably-mounted on the dispensing body via the vaporizer. The cartridge is configured to rotate around the vaporizer such that one of the plurality of compartments is aligned so as to be in fluidic communication with the vaporizer. 
     The cartridge may be disk-shaped. The plurality of compartments are fluidically-isolated from each other. The vaporizer may be configured to remain stationary during a rotation of the cartridge. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an e-vapor device with a mouthpiece/cartridge configuration according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is another partially exploded view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a simultaneous removal of the mouthpiece structure and vaporizer of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the mouthpiece structure and vaporizer that were simultaneously removed in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the mouthpiece structure in  FIG. 6  without the vaporizer coupled thereto. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the vaporizer in  FIG. 6  without the mouthpiece structure coupled thereto. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the dispensing body in  FIG. 1  without the mouthpiece structure coupled thereto. 
         FIG. 10  is a partially exploded view of the dispensing body in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the ratchet assembly in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an e-vapor device with a cartridge-in-base configuration according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the cartridge, inner collar, and vaporizer in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an e-vapor device with a disk cartridge configuration according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged view of the vaporizer in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged view of the cartridge in  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. 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 “includes,” “including,” “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. 
     Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an e-vapor device with a mouthpiece/cartridge configuration according to an example embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 1 , an e-vapor device  100  includes a mouthpiece structure  102  that is removably connected to a dispensing body  104 . The mouthpiece structure  102  and the dispensing body  104  are shaped so as to provide a relatively smooth transition between their respective surfaces when joined together to form the e-vapor device  100 . In an example embodiment, the e-vapor device  100  may have a flattened form so as to be wider than it is tall. Additionally, the dispensing body  104  may constitute a majority of the length of the e-vapor device  100 . The back of the e-vapor device  100  (e.g., upper surface shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be flatter than the underside of the e-vapor device  100 . For instance, the underside of the e-vapor device  100  may have a belly that is fuller (e.g. more extended) at the adjoining portions of the mouthpiece structure  102  and the dispensing body  104  than at the end portions of the e-vapor device  100 . 
     The mouthpiece structure  102  may include a cartridge that is configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation (e.g., e-liquid) therein. A pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers such as glycerine and propylene glycol. The cartridge may be a hermetically-sealed container. The cartridge will be discussed in further detail in connection with subsequent figures. The vapor generated is drawn out of the e-vapor device  100  via the proximal end of the mouthpiece structure  102  (which is opposite to the end that is connected to the dispensing body  104 ). The mouthpiece structure  102  may taper toward the proximal end to form a snout-like configuration, which defines an outlet for the vapor. The dispensing body  104  may also taper toward the distal end (which is opposite to the end that is connected to the mouthpiece structure  102 ) to form a flattened tail-like structure. However, it should be understood that the mouthpiece structure  102 , the dispensing body  104 , and the overall e-vapor device  100  are not limited to the above examples and, thus, may have other suitable shapes, configurations, and forms (e.g., symmetrical shape). 
     The mouthpiece structure  102  may be integrated with the cartridge so as to engage with (and disengage from) the dispensing body  104  as a combined structure. In such an instance, the cartridge will not separate from the mouthpiece structure  102  during a normal operation of the e-vapor device  100 . As a result, detaching the mouthpiece structure  102  from the dispensing body  104  will also result in the removal of the cartridge. Consequently, the mouthpiece structure  102  may be a single-use structure that is discarded with the cartridge (e.g., when replacing the cartridge). 
     Additionally, rather than a combined structure, the cartridge itself may be in a form of the mouthpiece structure  102  so as to be a single structure (instead of a plurality of integrated elements) that is configured to be attached/detached from the dispensing body  104 . The cartridge may be the mouthpiece structure  102 , and the mouthpiece structure  102  may be the cartridge (instead of integrating an element that will function as the mouthpiece structure  102  with another element that will function as the cartridge to form a combined structure). In such an example, the internal volume of the mouthpiece structure  102  (other than the vapor passage extending therethrough) may contain the pre-vapor formulation. 
     Alternatively, the mouthpiece structure  102  may be an independent element that houses the cartridge such that the cartridge may be separated from the mouthpiece structure  102  during a normal operation of the e-vapor device. For example, the cartridge may be configured to initially connect to the dispensing body  104  prior to connecting the mouthpiece structure  102  to the dispensing body  104  (and/or to the cartridge). The removal of the mouthpiece structure  102  and the cartridge may occur in the reverse order of their connection to the dispensing body  104 . For instance, to replace the cartridge of the e-vapor device  100 , the mouthpiece structure  102  may be initially detached from the dispensing body  104  to expose the cartridge, and then the cartridge may be detached from the dispensing body  104 . After connecting the replacement cartridge to the dispensing body  104 , the mouthpiece structure  102  may be reconnected to the dispensing body  104  so as to cover the cartridge. 
     Because the mouthpiece structure  102  may be configured as a permanent or semi-permanent element of the e-vapor device  100  and, thus, does not need to be discarded each time the cartridge is replaced, the mouthpiece structure  102  may be provided with aesthetic effects. Notably, the mouthpiece structure  102  may, in addition to its intended functionality, provide a visual or other sensory appeal to the adult vaper. In particular, the mouthpiece structure  102  may be formed of an ornamental material (e.g., wood, metal, ceramic, plastic) and/or include designs (e.g., patterns, images, characters). Thus, the mouthpiece structure  102  may be customized so as to provide an expression of personality and individuality by an adult vaper. 
     The dispensing body  104  may include a ratchet assembly and is configured to receive a vaporizer to interact with the ratchet assembly. The ratchet assembly will be discussed in further detail in connection with subsequent figures. The vaporizer is configured to access the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge via a coupling action and to heat the pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. In an example embodiment, the ratchet assembly is configured to undergo a mechanical incrementation with each coupling action (between the vaporizer and the cartridge) to facilitate a simultaneous removal of the cartridge with the vaporizer coupled thereto after a designated number of coupling actions. As a result, the potential for overuse of the vaporizer (and the adverse sensory effects stemming therefrom) can be reduced or prevented. 
       FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the dispensing body  104  is configured to receive a vaporizer  106 . The vaporizer  106  may be cylindrically shaped with one or more guide structures on its outer side wall. The one or more guide structures may be in the form of one or more parallel ridges that extend along a partial length of the vaporizer  106 . For instance, the ridges may be in the form of two parallel strips on opposite sides of the vaporizer  106 , wherein the strips extend longitudinally from an end of the vaporizer  106  (that will be received by the dispensing body  104 ) along a partial length of the vaporizer  106  (e.g., along one-third to two-thirds a length of the vaporizer  106 ), although example embodiments are not limited thereto. When assembled, the mouthpiece structure  102  is configured to engage the concave end of the vaporizer  106  as well as the dispensing body  104 . 
       FIG. 3  is another partially exploded view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the dispensing body  104  includes a recess configured to accommodate the cylindrical shape of the vaporizer  106  and the guide structures on the outer side wall thereof so as to interact with a ratchet assembly within the dispensing body  104 . The depth of the recess is such that the vaporizer  106  protrudes therefrom when in a neutral, resting position in the recess. In an example embodiment, the guide structures on the outer side wall of the vaporizer  106  also protrude from the recess when the vaporizer  106  is at equilibrium therein (e.g., in the absence of an external force pushing the vaporizer  106  into the recess). Because at least the surface defining the opening to the recess may be contoured to correspond to the circular cross-section of the vaporizer  106  and the guide structures on the outer side wall thereof, the vaporizer  106  may remain aligned in the recess and, thus, prevented from rotating therein while the guide structures overlap with the surface defining the opening to the recess. On the other hand, below the surface defining the opening to the recess, the volume of the recess may have a cylindrical shape that is larger than the cylindrical shape of the vaporizer  106  in order to accommodate the guide structures on the outer side wall thereof. As a result, the vaporizer  106  will be able to rotate if the vaporizer  106  is pushed into the dispensing body  104  such that the guide structures no longer overlap with the surface defining the opening to the recess. 
     Alternatively, the volume of the recess (in addition to the surface defining the opening thereto) may also correspond to the cylindrical shape of the vaporizer  106  and the guide structures on the outer side wall thereof such that the vaporizer  106  will remained aligned and, thus, unable to rotate while in the recess (regardless of whether an external force is applied to push vaporizer  106  into the dispensing body  104  such that the guide structures are below the surface defining the opening to the recess). However, it should be understood that example embodiments are not limited to the above, and other suitable configurations are possible depending on the intended interaction between the vaporizer  106  and the dispensing body  104  and/or the ratchet assembly (which will be discussed in further detail below). 
       FIG. 4  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the mouthpiece structure  102  is configured to house the cartridge  108  and to connect with the dispensing body  104  such that the cartridge  108  is between the mouthpiece structure  102  and the dispensing body  104 . An outer surface of the cartridge  108  may be configured to conform to an inner surface of the mouthpiece structure  102 . The mouthpiece structure  102  and the cartridge  108  may be configured as two independent elements that are designed to be separated during a normal operation of the e-vapor device  100 . In such an instance, the mouthpiece structure  102  may be reusable, while the cartridge  108  may be disposable. 
     Alternatively, the mouthpiece structure  102  and the cartridge  108  may be integrated so as to form a single, combined structure that is not designed to be separated during a normal operation of the e-vapor device  100 . In such an instance, the combined mouthpiece structure  102  and cartridge  108  may be disposable. Furthermore, the cartridge  108  itself may be in the form of the mouthpiece structure  102  (and vice versa) such that an internal volume therein (other than the vapor passage  118 ) may be filled with the pre-vapor formulation. 
     The cartridge  108  may connect with the vaporizer  106  via a number of possible configurations. Additionally, the mouthpiece structure  102  may engage with the dispensing body  104  to fortify the connection between the cartridge  108  and the vaporizer  106 . Suitable attachment structures that may be provided on the applicable surfaces of the e-vapor device  100  to be joined include mating member/recess type arrangements and magnetic arrangements, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. 
     For instance, the attachment structure may include a mating member that is formed on a first surface of the e-vapor device  100  and a corresponding recess that is formed on a second surface of the e-vapor device  100 . In a non-limiting embodiment, the mating member may be a rounded structure to facilitate the engagement/disengagement of the attachment structure, while the recess may be a concave indentation that corresponds to the curvature of the rounded structure. The mating member may also be spring-loaded so as to retract (via spring compression) during an initial insertion and to protract (via spring decompression) when mating member becomes aligned with the corresponding recess. The engagement of the mating member with the corresponding recess may result in an audible click, which notifies the adult vaper of a proper connection. 
     In another example, the attachment structure may include a magnetic arrangement. For instance, a first magnet may be arranged in a first surface of the e-vapor device  100  and a second magnet may be arranged in a second surface of the e-vapor device  100 . The first and/or second magnets may be exposed or hidden from view behind a layer of material. The first and second magnets are oriented so as to be attracted to each other, and a plurality of pairs of the first and second magnets may be provided to ensure a proper connection between the desired surfaces. 
     In an example embodiment, the cartridge  108  may be structured to have a lower protruding portion (that is opposite the end adjacent to the vapor outlet of the mouthpiece structure  102 ) that is configured to engage with the concave end of the vaporizer  106 . The cartridge  108  may be configured to unite with the vaporizer  106  via a friction-fit arrangement or a snap-fit arrangement, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, a coupling action may occur so that the vaporizer  106  can access (e.g., be in fluidic communication with) the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge  108 . The coupling action may occur simultaneously with or subsequent to the connection of the cartridge  108  to the vaporizer  106 . 
     Access to the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge  108  is restricted by a seal  110 . The seal  110  may be in a form of a ball check valve arrangement. In such an instance, the vaporizer  106  may include an access member that is configured to press against a ball structure of the ball check valve arrangement to release the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge  108  during the coupling action. The access member of the vaporizer  106  may draw the pre-vapor formulation (e.g., via capillary action) from the cartridge  108  into the vaporizer  106 . Because the ball structure of the ball check valve arrangement is spring-biased, the ball structure will press against an inner surface of the outlet of the cartridge  108  to reseal the cartridge  108  when the cartridge  108  is detached from the vaporizer  106  (e.g., during replacement of the cartridge  108 ). In another example, the seal  110  may be an impermeable material that is designed to be pierced by the access member of the vaporizer  106  in order to access the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge  108 . 
     The coupling action may involve pressing the mouthpiece structure  102  against the dispensing body  104  to obtain the proper connection. In particular, the cartridge  108  may be pushed against the corresponding portion of the vaporizer  106  to establish the requisite fluidic communication therebetween. During the operation of the e-vapor device  100 , air may enter via an inlet  114  and exit via an outlet  116 . The vapor may be dispensed via the vapor passage  118 . The force applied to achieve the coupling action may result in a temporary, longitudinal displacement of the vaporizer  106 . The vaporizer  106  interacts with the ratchet assembly  112  in the dispensing body  104 , and a spring may be arranged under the ratchet assembly  112 . The ratchet assembly  112  may include a toothed structure and a pawl configured to engage the teeth of the toothed structure so as to permit only a one-way advancement (e.g., one direction of movement) of the toothed structure. 
     As noted above, the ratchet assembly  112  may be configured to undergo a mechanical incrementation with each coupling action between the cartridge  108  and the vaporizer  106 . In particular, when a new cartridge  108  is loaded in the e-vapor device  100  by pushing the new cartridge  108  against the corresponding portion of the vaporizer  106  to perform the coupling action, the force from the pushing will additionally cause the vaporizer  106  and the ratchet assembly  112  to undergo a temporary, longitudinal displacement into the dispensing body  104  via the spring while also causing the ratchet assembly to mechanically advance. For example, the ratchet assembly  112  may be configured to rotate in response to the coupling action as part of the mechanical incrementation. With the mechanical incrementation, the ratchet assembly  112  is configured to initially engage and hold the vaporizer  106  and to subsequently release the vaporizer  106  for simultaneous removal with the cartridge  108  after a designated number of mechanical incrementations. 
     In an example embodiment, the ratchet assembly  112  may be configured to initially latch onto the vaporizer  106  during the coupling action and to incrementally disengage from the vaporizer  106  with each coupling action such that the vaporizer  106  is released from the ratchet assembly  112  after the designated number of coupling actions. In particular, the ratchet assembly  112  may include a rim structure that is configured to rotate and obstruct the guide structures on the outer side wall of the vaporizer  106  when the vaporizer  106  undergoes a temporary, longitudinal displacement into the dispensing body  104  during a coupling action. As a result, the cartridge  108 , when spent, will be detached from the e-vapor device  100  without also removing the vaporizer  106 . The rim structure of the ratchet assembly  112  may be configured to rotate with each coupling action (e.g., insertion of a new cartridge  108 ) until a notched section (or similar arrangement) is reached that corresponds to each guide structure of the vaporizer  106 , which will allow the guides structures to pass through via the notched sections, thereby releasing the vaporizer  106  for removal with the cartridge  108 . Accordingly, the vaporizer  106  can be discarded after utilization with a designated number of cartridges  108 , thus reducing or preventing the overuse of the vaporizer  106  and the potentially unpleasant sensory effects associated therewith. 
     Alternatively, the ratchet assembly  112  may be configured to incrementally engage the vaporizer  106  to the cartridge  108  with each coupling action such that the vaporizer  106  is conjoined to the cartridge  108  after the designated number of coupling actions. In such an instance, the cartridge  108  may be fluidically connected to the vaporizer  106  during the coupling action without establishing a mechanical connection therebetween that would be sufficient to allow the cartridge  108  and the vaporizer  106  to be simultaneously removed. Instead, the ratchet assembly  112  can be configured to establish such a mechanical connection after a designated number of coupling actions. 
       FIG. 5  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a simultaneous removal of the mouthpiece structure and vaporizer of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , the ratchet assembly  112  may be configured to facilitate the simultaneous removal of the mouthpiece structure  102  with the vaporizer  106  coupled thereto after two to ten coupling actions (e.g., three to six coupling actions or four to five coupling actions). As a result, the cartridge  108  may be removed along with the mouthpiece structure  102  and at the same time as the vaporizer  106 . In an example embodiment, each coupling action may correspond to the connection of a new cartridge  108  to the vaporizer  106 . For instance, the e-vapor device  100  may be configured such that an adult vaper may replace the cartridge  108  three times (for every one time the vaporizer  106  is replaced), and upon depletion of the third replacement cartridge  108 , the vaporizer  106  may be pulled out together with the depleted third replacement cartridge  108  and discarded. The frequency of replacement for the vaporizer  106  may depend on the pre-vapor formulation of the cartridge  108  and/or operating parameters of the e-vapor device  100 . There is no particular limit on the number of cartridges  108  and vaporizers  106  that can be used during the life of the e-vapor device  100 , since the total will depend on a variety of factors, including the vaping environment and handling habits of the adult vaper. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the mouthpiece structure and vaporizer that were simultaneously removed in  FIG. 5 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the mouthpiece structure  102  with the vaporizer  106  coupled thereto are intended to be discarded when detached from the dispensing body  104 . As a result, the cartridge  108  (e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) within the mouthpiece structure  102  will be discarded as well. As discussed supra, the e-vapor device  100  is designed such that the vaporizer  106  will be removed after a certain number of cartridges  108  have been used. With such a design, an adult vaper does not need to consciously track the number of cartridges  108  used for purposes of determining when the vaporizer  106  should be replaced. Rather, the vaporizer  106  will be automatically removed with the cartridge  108  (and the mouthpiece structure  102  depending on the example embodiment) in accordance with the device design (e.g., replace the vaporizer together with the removal of the fourth or fifth cartridge). Otherwise, the vaporizer  106  will remain in the dispensing body  104  if the replacement time has not yet been reached in accordance with the device design. Consequently, the risk of overusing the vaporizer  106  (which can result in an undesirable taste) can be reduced or prevented. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the mouthpiece structure in  FIG. 6  without the vaporizer coupled thereto. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the mouthpiece structure  102  has a lower protruding portion that is configured to engage with the concave end of the vaporizer  106 . The lower protruding portion is on an opposite end of the mouthpiece structure  102  from the vapor outlet. The vapor passage  118  extends through the mouthpiece structure  102  to the vapor outlet. Access to the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge  108  (within the mouthpiece structure  102 ) is restricted by a seal  110 . The seal  110  may be in a form of a ball check valve arrangement. For instance, such an arrangement may include a ball structure that is spring-biased such that the ball structure will press against an inner surface of the outlet at the lower protruding portion so as to seal the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge  108 . Because a spring-biased ball structure is used in this instance, the pre-vapor formulation can be readily resealed within the cartridge  108  when the cartridge  108  is detached from the vaporizer  106  (e.g., during replacement of the cartridge  108 ). In another example, the seal  110  may be an impermeable material that is designed to be pierced by the access member of the vaporizer  106  in order to access the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge  108 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the vaporizer in  FIG. 6  without the mouthpiece structure coupled thereto. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the vaporizer  106  may be cylindrically shaped with guide structures  106   a  on its outer side wall. Although the vaporizer is shown with two guide structures  106   a , it should be understood that example embodiments are not limited thereto. As will be described in more detail below, the guide structures  106   a  may play a role in timing when the vaporizer  106  should be removed together with the cartridge  108  in the mouthpiece structure  102 . In addition, the vaporizer  106  has a concave end with an access member  106   b  that is configured to interact with the seal  110  of the mouthpiece structure  102  to release the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge  108  during the coupling action. The access member  106   b  of the vaporizer  106  may draw the pre-vapor formulation (e.g., via capillary action) from the cartridge  108  into the vaporizer  106 . In a non-limiting embodiment, the access member  106   b  may be in the form of a relatively slender, tubular structure. When in the form of a tubular structure, the channel extending through the access member  106   b  may be sized appropriately to achieve the desired capillary effect. Furthermore, the channel may optionally include a wick to help draw or otherwise control the supply of pre-vapor formulation from the cartridge  108  to the vaporizer  106 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the dispensing body in  FIG. 1  without the mouthpiece structure coupled thereto. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the dispensing body  104  includes a body section  104   c , a body end plate  104   b , and an opening  104   a  defined by the body end plate  104   b . The opening  104   a  in the dispensing body  104  is designed to receive the vaporizer  106  and, thus, is shaped to correspond to a circumferential profile of the vaporizer  106 . For instance, the opening  104   a  may be circular with two oppositely-arranged indentations. In such an instance, the circular shape of the opening  104   a  is designed to accommodate the cylindrical shape of the vaporizer  106 , while the indentations are designed to accommodate the guide structures  106   a  of the vaporizer  106 . Similarly, in an example embodiment, the ratchet assembly  112  within the dispensing body  104  defines a recess that accommodates the contours of the vaporizer  106 . The recess defined by the ratchet assembly  112  may be a cylindrical cavity with two oppositely-arranged indentations and dimensioned similarly (e.g., similar aperture size) to the opening  104   a  defined by the body end plate  104   b  so as to facilitate the seating of the vaporizer  106 . 
       FIG. 10  is a partially exploded view of the dispensing body in  FIG. 9 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the ratchet assembly  112  includes an inner race  112   a  and an outer race  112   b . When the dispensing body  104  is assembled, the inner race  112   a  is situated within the outer race  112   b , and the ratchet assembly  112  is enclosed by the body end plate  104   b  and the body section  104   c . The inner race  112   a  has a first set of teeth at an end adjacent to the body end plate  104   b  and a second set of teeth on a side surface of the inner race  112   a . The first set of teeth of the inner race  112   a  is configured to engage with a set of teeth on the underside of the body end plate  104   b . Although not shown in this view, the outer race  112   b  has an annular set of teeth on its inner sidewall. The second set of teeth of the inner race  112   a  is configured to engage the annular set of teeth within the outer race  112   b . A spring is arranged between the inner race  112   a  and the outer race  112   b  to alternately engage the inner race  112   a  with the body end plate  104   b  and the outer race  112   b . The operation of the ratchet assembly  112  will be discussed in further detail below. 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the ratchet assembly in  FIG. 10 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , the inner race  112   a  of the ratchet assembly  112  has oppositely-arranged indentations on its inner sidewall. The oppositely-arranged indentations of the inner race  112   a  are configured to accommodate the guide structures  106   a  of the vaporizer  106 . The first set of teeth of the inner race  112   a  may be arranged around the rim of the inner race  112   a  other than at the portions corresponding to the indentations. The outer race  112   b  has an annular set of teeth on its inner sidewall. The outer race  112   b  may also be rendered stationary (e.g., so as to not rotate or otherwise move) within the dispensing body  104 . As discussed in connection with  FIG. 10 , a spring will be arranged between the inner race  112   a  and the outer race  112   b.    
     When a vaporizer  106  is loaded in the opening  104   a  of the dispensing body  104  and initially seated in the inner race  112   a , the vaporizer  106  will come to rest at a neutral position based on the underlying spring, which is in an uncompressed state. Next, when a mouthpiece structure  102  is connected to the dispensing body  104 , the lower protruding portion of the mouthpiece structure  102  will engage with the vaporizer  106  while also pushing the vaporizer  106  and consequently the inner race  112   a  so as to overcome the resilient nature of the spring and transition the spring to a compressed state. As a result, the second set of teeth of the inner race  112   a  will engage with the annular set of teeth within the outer race  112   b . The second set of teeth of the inner race  112   a  may be offset relative to the annular set of teeth within the outer race  112   b . In addition, because the second set of teeth of the inner race  112   a  and the annular set of teeth within the outer race  112   b  are angled, the mating of the teeth will cause the inner race  112   a  (and the vaporizer  106  seated therein) to rotate. The combination of the vaporizer  106  being pushed into the dispensing body  104  and rotated will result in the guide structures  106   a  of the vaporizer  106  being underneath the body end plate  104   b  (and, thus, no longer aligned with the corresponding indentations of the opening  104   a ). 
     Consequently, when the mouthpiece structure  102  is disconnected from the dispensing body  104  (e.g., to replace a depleted cartridge  108 ), the mouthpiece structure  102  can be disengaged without the vaporizer  106  being removed at the same time. In the absence of the mouthpiece structure  102 , the spring will decompress and cause the first set of teeth of the inner race  112   a  to engage with the set of teeth on the underside of the body end plate  104   b . When the mouthpiece structure  102  (e.g., new mouthpiece structure  102  with a full cartridge  108 ) is subsequently connected to the dispensing body  104 , the cycle repeats and the vaporizer  106  will be pushed inward and rotated via the inner race  112   a . In this manner, the vaporizer  106  can be rotated in increments with the changing of the mouthpiece structure  102  until the guide structures  106   a  of the vaporizer  106  become aligned with the corresponding indentations of the opening  104   a  so as to release the vaporizer  106  for simultaneous removal during the replacement of the mouthpiece structure  102 . Such a design ensures that the vaporizer  106  will be replaced regularly (e.g., every five cartridges  108 ) without requiring an additional conscious effort from an adult vaper, thereby enhancing the vaping experience. It should be understood that the ratchet assembly  112  can be modified as needed in accordance with the teachings herein in order to achieve the predetermined or desired timing/frequency for replacing the vaporizer  106 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an e-vapor device with a cartridge-in-base configuration according to an example embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 12 , the e-vapor device  200  includes a base structure  212  that is connected to a dispensing body  204 . The dispensing body  204  includes a mouthpiece end with a mouthpiece structure  202  and a vaporizer at an opposing base end. The base end is configured to couple with a cartridge  208  such that a pre-vapor formulation is in fluidic communication with the vaporizer. The cartridge  208  is configured to hold the pre-vapor formulation therein. The cartridge  208  may be a sealed container. The vaporizer is configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. 
       FIG. 13  is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 12 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , the dispensing body  204  may taper toward the mouthpiece structure  202 . The base structure  212  may be attached to the dispensing body  204  via a threaded arrangement, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. The cartridge  208  is configured for insertion into the base structure  212  and may be secured via a number of suitable arrangements. 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 12 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , access to the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge  208  may be restricted with a seal  210 . The seal  210  may be a ball check valve arrangement, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. The vaporizer  206  is arranged within the base end of the dispensing body  204 . A vapor passage  218  extends within the dispensing body  204  from the vaporizer  206  to the mouthpiece structure  202 . The dispensing body  204  may further include a battery between the mouthpiece structure  202  at the mouthpiece end and the vaporizer  206  at the opposing base end. 
       FIG. 15  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 12 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , the ball structure of the ball check valve arrangement of the seal  210  is pushed inward when the cartridge  208  is coupled to the vaporizer  206 , thereby allowing the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge  208  to be in fluidic communication with the vaporizer  206 . Air may flow into the vaporizer  206  via an inlet  214 . The vapor generated by the vaporizer  206  is directed through the vapor passage  218  to the mouthpiece structure  202 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the cartridge, inner collar, and vaporizer in  FIG. 15 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , the cartridge  208  is configured to engage the inner collar at one end, while the vaporizer  206  is configured to engage the inner collar at an opposing end. When assembled, the cartridge  208  will be coupled to the vaporizer  206  (within the inner collar), thereby allowing the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge  208  to be in fluidic communication with the vaporizer  206 . A plurality of inlets  214  for air may extend through a threaded portion of the inner collar, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an e-vapor device with a disk cartridge configuration according to an example embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 17 , the e-vapor device  300  includes a dispensing body  304  having a disk-like or egg-like shape. However, other suitable shapes (e.g., elliptical shape) may also be suitable. The mouthpiece structure  302  is connected to a side surface of the dispensing body  304 . The vaporizer  306  is visible through a top surface of the dispensing body  304 . 
       FIG. 18  is a side view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 17 . Referring to  FIG. 18 , the e-vapor device  300  has a length that is greater than its height. The edges of the e-vapor device  300  may also be tapered to provide a more sleek appearance, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. A portion of the cartridge  308  is exposed through the dispensing body  304  to permit handling by an adult vaper (e.g., rotating the cartridge  308  to access the various compartments of pre-vapor formulation within). 
       FIG. 19  is a top view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 17 . Referring to  FIG. 19 , the e-vapor device  300  has a length that is greater than its width. The cartridge  308  (the edges of which are partially exposed) is configured to rotate around the vaporizer  306 . The cartridge  308  may be provided with ridged side surface to enhance the ease of handling by an adult vaper. 
       FIG. 20  is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 17 . Referring to  FIG. 20 , the dispensing body  304  includes a pivotable lid structure that is configured to open/close to receive (or remove) a cartridge  308  having a disk shape. The cartridge  308  includes a plurality of compartments  309 . Although three compartments  309  are shown in  FIG. 20 , it should be understood that example embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, the cartridge  308  may include two, four, or more compartments  309 . Each of the plurality of compartments  309  is configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation therein. In addition, the plurality of compartments  309  are fluidically-isolated from each other. As a result, each compartment  309  of the cartridge  308  may hold a pre-vapor formulation of a different flavor and/or composition. 
     The vaporizer  306  may be structured to be a part of the dispensing body  304  or the cartridge  308 . When the vaporizer  306  is structured to be a part of the dispensing body  304 , the cartridge  308  may be structured to have an opening that is configured to engage the vaporizer  306 . On the other hand, when the vaporizer  306  is structured to be a part of the cartridge  308 , the dispensing body  304  may be configured to allow an engagement with the vaporizer  306 . The cartridge  308  may be rotatably-mounted on the dispensing body  304  via the vaporizer  306 . The cartridge  308  is configured to rotate around the vaporizer  306  such that one of the plurality of compartments  309  is aligned so as to be in fluidic communication with the vaporizer  306 . 
       FIG. 21  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device in  FIG. 17 . Referring to  FIG. 21 , the vaporizer  306  is configured to remain stationary during a rotation of the cartridge  308 . The feed passage  311  is configured to supply a pre-vapor formulation from the cartridge  308  to the vaporizer  306 . Each of the plurality of compartments  309  includes a feed outlet that is configured to align with the feed inlet of the vaporizer  306  (upon rotation of the cartridge  308 ) to form the feed passage  311 . Various arrangements may be used to help ensure a proper alignment of the feed passage  311  (e.g., mating member/recess type arrangements, magnetic arrangements). A seal  310  may be provided between vaporizer  306  and the vapor passage  318 . During an operation of the e-vapor device  300 , air may enter the vaporizer  306  from an opening in its top surface. The vapor generated by the vaporizer  306  is directed through the vapor passage  318  to the mouthpiece structure  302 . 
       FIG. 22  is an enlarged view of the vaporizer in  FIG. 17 . Referring to  FIG. 22 , the vaporizer  306  has a feed inlet  311   a  that is configured to align with a feed outlet  311   b  of the cartridge  308  to form the feed passage  311  for supplying pre-vapor formulation from the cartridge  308  to the vaporizer  306 . The vaporizer  306  is configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. 
       FIG. 23  is an enlarged view of the cartridge in  FIG. 17 . Referring to  FIG. 23 , the cartridge  308  includes a plurality of compartments  309  configured to hold pre-vapor formulation. The pre-vapor formulation held in the plurality of compartments  309  may be of the same type or of a different type (e.g., different flavor, smell, color, strength, and/or base ingredient). Each of the plurality of compartments  309  has a feed outlet  311   b  that is configured to align with the feed inlet  311   a  of the vaporizer  306  to form the feed passage  311  for supplying pre-vapor formulation from the cartridge  308  to the vaporizer  306 . 
     The e-vapor devices disclosed herein may be provided with memory devices and the associated circuitry so as to allow the receipt, storage, and transmission of information to/from other electronic devices. The smart capability, connecting features, and other related aspects of the mouthpiece structure, cartridge, dispensing body, and overall e-vapor device are additionally discussed in U.S. Application No. 62/151,148 (Atty. Dkt. No. 24000-000174-US-PS1 (ALCS2829)), U.S. Application No. 62/151,160 (Atty. Dkt. No. 24000-000200-US-PS1 (ALCS2853)), and U.S. Application No. 62/151,179 (Atty. Dkt. No. 24000-000201-US-PS1 (ALCS2854)), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Furthermore, the control circuitry may include a heater activation light that is configured to glow when the heater structure (of the vaporizer) is activated. The heater activation light may include an LED and may be arranged at an upstream end of the e-vapor device (distal end relative to an adult vaper) so that the heater activation light takes on the appearance of a burning coal during the application of negative pressure. Alternatively, the heater activation light may be arranged on the side of the e-vapor device so as to be more visible to the adult vaper and/or to provide a desired aesthetic appeal. The heater activation light may have various shapes, sizes, quantities, and configurations. For instance, the heater activation light may have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape (for one or more such lights). In another instance, the heater activation light may have a linear or annular form that is continuous or segmented. For example, the heater activation light may be provided as an elongated strip that extends along the body of the e-vapor device. In another example, the heater activation light may be provided as a ring that extends around the body of the e-vapor device. The ring may be in the first section (e.g., cartridge section) or the second section (e.g., battery section) of the e-vapor device. It should be understood that the heater activation light can be arranged on the end(s) and/or the sides of the e-vapor device. Moreover, the heater activation light can be utilized for e-vapor system diagnostics. The heater activation light can also be configured such that an adult vaper can activate and/or deactivate the heater activation light for privacy, such that, if desired, the heater activation light will not activate during vaping. 
     While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.