Patent Publication Number: US-10321721-B2

Title: Vaporizer and power source

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/279,098, filed Sep. 28, 2016, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/233,919, which was filed Sep. 28, 2015, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to the field of apparatus and methods for vaporizing essential oils, e-liquids and waxes. 
     A vaporizer is a device used to vaporize a vaporizing medium for the purpose of inhalation. Vaporization is an alternative to burning (smoking) that avoids the inhalation of many irritating toxic and carcinogenic by-products. In some forms, the media that is vaporized is an extract of plant material in the form of an oil or a wax. Some vaporizers, such as electronic cigarettes, vaporize e-liquids, which are liquid solutions that typically include chemicals such as one or more of propylene glycol, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol  400 , often combined with tobacco-derived nicotine. 
     In some vaporization processes, the vaporizing medium is vaporized in a water pipe. The user may use a handheld blowtorch to heat a metal surface until the metal surface reaches a desired temperature, which may be indicated by a glowing orange hue. The user then places a drop of vaporizing medium on the hot surface with an implement, such as a glass rod or a dental pick. The media then melts, boils, and is atomized, forming a vapor when the atomized medium is entrained in surrounding air. The user then inhales through the water pipe to draw the vapor into the user&#39;s lungs. This process is not only cumbersome, but also potentially dangerous, since it involves use of a handheld blowtorch and an exposed, glowing hot titanium surface. Some vaporizers incorporate a heating element, such as a flame-based or electricity-based heating element. However, such self-contained vaporizers may be complex and bulky for use with water pipes. 
     SUMMARY 
     There is a need in the art for a simpler and safer alternative for vaporizing essential oils and waxes. 
     In some embodiments, the present specification provides a vaporizer having a power receiver formed on a housing of vaporizer, and an external power supply is releasably connectable to the power receiver. Power from the power supply is communicated to the vaporizer through the power receiver. In some such embodiments, the external power supply is selectively magnetically retained in engagement with the power receiver. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the present specification provides a vaporizing apparatus, comprising a tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and an atomizer cup arranged within the housing. The atomizer cup comprises a heating element and opens toward the proximal end of the housing, and the heating element has a first end and a second end. A vapor path is defined within the housing between the atomizer cup and the distal end. A power source receiver is arranged on the housing, and has a first node and a second node that are electrically insulated relative to one another. The first node is electrically connected to the first end of the heating element, and the second node is electrically connected to the second end of the heating element. The power source receiver additionally comprises a magnet. A power wand comprises a battery and a wand connector. The wand connector has a first wand node, a second wand node, an insulator electrically insulating the first wand node relative to the second wand node, and a wand magnet having a polarity opposite a polarity of the power source receiver magnet. The first wand node electrically communicates with a first pole of the battery. The second wand node electrically communicates with a second pole of the battery. The first and second poles have opposite polarity. The wand connector is configured to fit complementarily onto the power source receiver so that the power source receiver magnet and the wand magnet hold the wand connector in place on the power connector so that the first wand node engages the first node and the second wand node engages the second node. When the wand connector is fit onto the power source receiver, the heating element is energized. 
     In some embodiments, a tapered part of the housing has a tapered outer diameter that decreases moving toward the distal end of the housing. In additional embodiments, a proximal portion of the housing has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of a distal portion of the housing, and the tapered part is in the distal portion of the housing. 
     Further embodiments are configured for use in connection with a water pipe having a downstem with a downstem inner diameter, wherein a first portion of the tapered part has a diameter less than the downstem inner diameter and a second portion of the tapered part has a diameter greater than or equal to the downstem inner diameter. The tapered part engages an inner surface of the downstem and some of the tapered part extends into the downstem. 
     Some embodiments additionally comprise a controller configured to control power delivery to the heating element. In some such embodiments, the controller is configured to prevent energizing of the heating element beyond an elapsed time. In other embodiments, the controller is configured so that a user can select between a plurality of control modes by actuating an interface. In yet further embodiments, the controller is disposed within one of the vaporizer and power wand. In yet additional embodiments, in a first mode the controller is configured to energize the heating elements for a specified time period when the actuator button is actuated. 
     Yet additional embodiments additionally comprise a lid configured to be removably attached to the proximal end of the housing so as to define a vaporizing chamber between the lid and the heating surface when the lid is attached. 
     In still further embodiments, the power source receiver is formed on a side wall of the vaporizer housing. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the present specification provides a method of using a vaporizing apparatus, comprising placing a vaporizing medium on a heating surface of an atomizer cup arranged in a tubular housing of the vaporizing apparatus, placing the vaporizing apparatus into a downstem of a water pipe so that a portion of the tubular housing of the vaporizing apparatus extends into the downstem and a portion of the tubular housing engages an inner surface of the downstem, engaging a separately-formed power wand with a wand receiver formed on the housing so that power from the power wand is communicated to the atomizer cup, and drawing a vapor along a vapor path from the heating surface, through the tubular housing and into the downstem, and further through the water pipe. 
     Some embodiments additionally comprise leaving the power wand engaged with the wand receiver, and a controller automatically stops delivery of power to the atomizer cup after a specified time. 
     Additional embodiments comprise positioning the power wand so that it is generally aligned with the wand receiver and releasing the power wand so that magnets on the power wand and wand receiver hold the power wand and wand receiver together so that electrical poles of the power wand and wand receiver are properly aligned so that electric power from the power wand is communicated from the power want through the wand receiver. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a vaporizer engaged with a water pipe; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a vaporizer; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded perspective view of a power supply in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the power supply of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a connector of a power supply taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the arrangement of  FIG. 1  having a power supply attached to the vaporizer; and 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a vaporizing apparatus, or vaporizer  10 , is disclosed in conjunction with a typical water pipe  12 , which is also commonly referred to as a bong. The water pipe  12  includes a reservoir  14  for holding water  16 , a tubular downstem  18  extending through an opening  20  in the sidewall  22  of the reservoir  14 , and a tubular stem  26  extending upward from the reservoir  14 . A lower or distal opening  24  of the downstem  18  is disposed below the waterline so that the lower opening  24  is submerged in the water  16 . An upper or proximal end  28  of the downstem is arranged outside the reservoir  14 , and preferably includes an upper or proximal opening  30  which, in the illustrated embodiment, is flared. 
     During use, vapor from the vaporizing apparatus  10  is drawn through the flared upper opening  30  through the lower opening  24  and into the water  16 , from which it is further drawn through the stem  26  before being inhaled by the user. The water  16  in the reservoir  14  filters and cools the vapor from the vaporizing apparatus  10  prior to the vapor passing into the user&#39;s lungs, as described in further detail below. The reservoir  14  is typically filled only partially with water  16 , with sufficient water  16  being added to submerge the lower opening  24  of the downstem  18  but with a substantial volume of air filling the remainder of the reservoir  14  above the waterline. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the illustrated vaporizing apparatus comprises a housing  31  having a lower or distal portion  32  and an upper or proximal portion  34 . As shown, the upper portion  34  has a greater diameter than the lower portion  32 . More specifically, the lower portion  32  is sized so that at least a portion of the lower portion  32  fits through the upper opening  30  of the downstem  18 , and extends into the downstem  18 , while the upper portion  34  has a diameter greater than that of the downstem  18 . A shoulder  36  can be interposed between the proximal and distal portions. While in some embodiments the diameter of the lower portion may be constant, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the lower portion  32  is tapered so that part of the lower portion  32  fits into the downstem  18 , and another part of the lower portion  32  engages the upper end  28  of the downstem. In some embodiments, the entire distal portion  32  fits into the down stem so that the shoulder  36  engages the upper opening  30 . 
     A typical downstem  18  has a length within the range of about 2″ to about 6″, and an inner diameter within the range of about 10 mm to about 20 mm, with variations outside these ranges for manufacturing tolerances, and with shorter, longer, narrower, and wider downstems also being available. Thus, in some embodiments the lower portion  32  of the vaporizing apparatus  10  may have a length within the range of about 1″ to about 5″, and an outer diameter within the range of about 9.5 mm to about 19.5 mm, with variations outside these ranges for manufacturing tolerances and certain preferences. The vaporizing apparatus  10  is thus configured to be compatible with off-the-shelf water pipes that are manufactured according to industry standards. However, it should be understood that the present embodiments are not limited by any of the dimensions specified herein. 
     Applicant&#39;s copending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/658,091, filed Mar. 13, 2015 and entitled, “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR VAPORIZING ESSENTIAL OILS AND WAXES”, further describes some embodiments of vaporizer technology and structure. The entirety of this copending application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the illustrated vaporizer  10  includes a power wand receiver  40  formed on a side of the housing  31  in the proximal portion  34 . Also, a lid  38 , or carb cap, can be releasably attached to the proximal end of the housing  31 . 
       FIG. 2  presents a cross-sectional view of the vaporizer  10  depicted in  FIG. 1  taken along lines  2 - 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the removable lid  38  is arranged at the proximal end of the housing  31 . The illustrated lid  38  has an inlet  42  formed therethrough so that ambient air A can be drawn into the housing  31 . An atomizer cup  50  is arranged in the proximal portion  34  of the housing  31 . The atomizer cup  50  includes a cup bottom wall  52  and a cup side wall  54 . The atomizer cup  50  is configured to receive a vaporizing medium M such as a combustible oil, e-liquid or wax therein. A vaporizing chamber  60  is defined between the cup bottom wall  52  and the lid  38 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the atomizer cup  50  is constructed of a ceramic material and has a heating element (not shown) encased therewithin. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element comprises a resistance wire that heats when subjected to an electrical current. A first end of the resistance wire terminates at a first wire pole  62  that extends from the cup bottom wall  52 . A second end of the resistance wire terminates at a second wire pole  64  that extends from the cup side wall  54 . As such, when electric power is applied across the first and second wire poles  62 ,  64 , the heating element wire is energized, heating the atomizer cup  50 , and correspondingly atomizing any vaporizing medium M within the cup. Such atomized medium becomes entrained in air A flowing within the vaporizing chamber  60 , forming a vapor V. The illustrated atomizer cup  50  includes an exit passage  66 , which provides a passage for vapor to pass from the vaporizing chamber  60  distally past or through the cup  50  into the housing  31  and eventually out of an outlet  68  at the distal end  32  of the housing  31 . 
     As noted above, a power wand receiver  40 , or power supply receiver, is provided at a side wall in the proximal portion  34  of the housing  31 . The illustrated power wand receiver  40  includes an elongated vaporizer pin  70  that extends from a pin base  72  to a pin tip  74  and is electrically conductive. A vaporizer insulator  76  surrounds the vaporizer pin  70  and is electrically nonconductive. Both the vaporizer pin  70  and insulator  76  extend through an aperture formed in the housing  31 . The illustrated vaporizer insulator  76  includes a flange  78  that engages an inner surface of the housing  31 . The insulator  76  electrically insulates the vaporizer pin  70  from the housing  31  which, in the illustrated embodiment, is electrically conductive. A ring-shaped receiver magnet  80  is attached to the outer surface of the housing  31  adjacent the vaporizer insulator  76 . A raised portion  82  of the housing  31  encircles the receiver magnet  80  and defines a seat surface  84 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the vaporizer pin tip  74  extends outwardly a distance relative to the vaporizer insulator  76 , receiver magnet  80  and seat surface  84 . The pin  70  in this embodiment comprises a first electrical node. The seat surface  84  in this embodiment comprises a second electrical node. The pin base  72  engages a connector member  88  that is electrically conductive and is engaged with the first pole  62  of the heating element. The second pole  64  of the heating element is engaged with the inner surface of the housing  31 . As such, an electrical path is defined from the pin tip  74 , or first node, through the heating element via the first and second poles  62 ,  64  to the housing  31 , and further to the seat surface  84  or second node. In some embodiments, and insulative and/or decorative skin may be applied to the outer surface of the housing  31  except in the receiver  40 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the connector member  88  is shown schematically. It is to be understood that the connector member can have any of several structures, ranging from as simple as a wire to a conductive one-way valve to a circuit board having complex control circuitry. Further, the illustrated atomizer cup  50  includes a heating element encased therewithin. However, in other embodiments, the atomizer cup may include a separately-formed heating element arranged therein. For example, in one embodiment, one or more exposed wire coils, each of which may communicate with the first and second nodes via various electrical structures such as wires, may be arranged within the atomizer cup. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the vaporizer  10  includes no electronic controls. As such, when power is applied between the first and second nodes, the heating element is energized, and the temperature to which the atomizer cup is heated is largely dependent upon the condition of the supplied power. In some embodiments, however, a controller  89  can be provided, such as within the connector member  88  or supported by other structures of the vaporizer. The controller  89  may employ various strategies and electronic componentry to control the time that the heating element is energized, the temperature of the atomizer cup, or the like as are described in embodiments discussed in copending application Ser. No. 14/658,091, which is incorporated by reference. 
     With reference next to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a power wand  90 , or power supply, comprises a battery module  92  and a connector module  94 . The battery module  92  and connector module  94  are shown separated in  FIG. 3 , but it is to be understood that in operation the battery module  92  and connector module  94  are connected to one another. In further embodiments, the battery module  92  and connector module  94  can be a single piece or can share a single case. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and additional reference to  FIG. 8 , the battery module  92  preferably comprises an electrically conductive case  95  that encloses a battery  96  that can, in some embodiments, be spring-loaded so that the battery  96  is biased proximally. A first battery pole  97  is provided centrally in a proximal end of the battery  96 . A second battery pole  98  electrically has opposite polarity to the first battery pole  97 , and communicates with the case  95  via a spring  100  so that the case  95  has the same polarity as the second battery pole  98 . 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , which are cross-sections taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 , the connector module  94  comprises a wand connector case  102  having distal threads  104  at its distal end, which distal threads  104  are configured to engage proximal threads  106  at the proximal end of the battery case  95 . An engagement surface  110  of the wand connector case  102  is defined at its proximal end. Preferably, the connector case  102  is constructed of an electrically conductive material so as to electrically communicate with the second battery pole  98  via the conductive battery casing  95 . 
     A wand magnet seat  112  is defined by the wand connector case  102 , and a disk shaped wand magnet  120  is supported thereupon, preferably being held in place by the wand connector case  102 . The wand magnet  120  preferably has a polarity opposite that of the receiver magnet  80 , and thus is attracted to the receiver magnet. The wand magnet  120  has an aperture through which an insulator sleeve  122  extends. A radially outwardly-extending flange  124  of the insulator sleeve  122  engages an opposing side of the wand magnet seat  112 . An elongated wand pin  130  is positioned within an aperture formed in the insulator sleeve  122  so that the wand pin  130  is electrically insulated from the wand connector case  102 . A proximal tip  132  of the pin  130  is thus arranged centrally in the proximal end of the connector module  94 . A distal end or base  134  of the pin  130  extends distally out of the insulator sleeve  122 , and preferably extends distally of the distal end of the wand connector case  102 . As such, the pin distal end  134  engages the first battery pole, which is biased into connection with the pin. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a ridge  136  is formed on the wand pin  130  between the pin proximal tip  132  and the base  134  so that the base has a greater diameter than the proximal tip. The ridge  136  is configured to engage the insulator sleeve  122  to prevent the pin  130  from being pushed proximally through the insulator sleeve  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, the battery  96  is biased proximally against the distal end  134  of the pin  130 . Thus, the biased battery  96  urges the pin ridge  138  into contact with the insulator sleeve  122 . In this configuration, the conductive wand pin  130  electrically communicates with the first battery pole  97  and the wand engagement surface  110  electrically communicates with the second battery pole  98 . Further, the pin  130  and the engagement surface  110  are electrically insulated from one another. 
     With reference next to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the power wand  90  can be engaged with the vaporizer wand receiver  40  in order to complete a circuit and energize the vaporizer heating element so as to trigger atomizing of any vaporizing medium within the atomizer cup  50 . As best shown in  FIG. 8 , when the proximal end of the power wand  90  is brought into proximity with the wand receiver  40 , the receiver magnet  80  and wand magnet  120 , which have opposing polarity, attract one another to naturally align the wand pin  130  and vaporizer pin  70  and draw the pin tips into contact with one another. In this action, the engagement surface  110  of the power wand  90  is also aligned with and brought into engagement with the seat  84  of the receiver  40 . With the magnets engaged, the pins are held tightly against one another, the engagement surface and the seat are held tightly against one another, and the power wand is maintained in such a position on the wand receiver of the vaporizer. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, engagement of the power wand  90  with the wand receiver  40  also completes the power circuit, and current flows from the first pole  97  of the battery  96  through the wand and vaporizer pins  130 ,  70  and to the heating element and further from the heating element through the housing  31  to and through the seat  84  and the engagement surface  110  to the second pole  98  of the battery  96 . As such, engaging the power wand  90  with the wand receiver  40  provides electric power to energize the heating element, and thus a vaporizing medium M within the atomizer cup is heated and atomized. If the vaporizer is disposed with its lower or distal portion in the downstem  18  of a water pipe  12 , and a user draws a breath through the pipe while the heating element is energized, ambient air A is drawn through the inlet  42  into the vaporizing chamber  60  where it is mixed with atomized medium M. Atomized medium M becomes entrained with the air A, forming a vapor V. The vapor V is drawn through the exit passage(s)  66  into and through the housing  31  and out of the outlet  68 . Vapor V that flows out of the outlet  68  enters the downstem  18  of the water pipe  12  and is drawn through the pipe, eventually being delivered to the user. 
     In one embodiment, the heating element is energized for as long as the power wand is engaged with the wand receiver, and the only on/off control comprises the user attaching and detaching the power wand from the wand receiver. In additional embodiments, the vaporizer includes a controller that limits the time that the heating element is energized before it is automatically turned off, regardless of whether the power wand has been removed. The controller can also have other roles, such as conditioning an input power and controlling power delivery across the heating element to control the maximum temperature, control a routine for how quickly the temperature rises, how long the heating element remains energized, and the like. In some such embodiments, the controller is not accessible or modifiable by a user. In additional embodiments, the vaporizer can include a housing display and/or interface through which a user can program or select options provided by the controller. In still other embodiments, a button can be provided extending through the housing of the vaporizer and configured to interact with a controller so as to allow a user to control the vaporizer via the button. For example, in such embodiments the heating element is not automatically energized when the power wand is applied, and instead actuation of the button on the vaporizer triggers energization of the heating element. 
     In still other embodiments, in addition to or instead of a controller being disposed in the vaporizer, a controller and/or button as discussed above can be arranged in the power wand. Such a controller can be configured to be used to accomplish all the options as discussed above in connection with the vaporizer. In still further embodiments, the power wand can employ a user interface for selecting various options such as energizing time, temperature, operating modes, or the like. In some such embodiments, the vaporizer has no controller. 
     In some embodiments, a controller can be supplied in both the vaporizer and the power wand. When the power wand is attached to the vaporizer, information can be exchanged so that the power wand recognizes a particular model of vaporizer and applies or controls power delivery optimized for that particular model of vaporizer. In such embodiments, a single power wand can be employed to work with many different types and models of vaporizer, and can be configured to provide customized power delivery to each different type of vaporizer. In still further embodiments, the power wand  90  may include electrical controls but the vaporizer  10  includes simple connections and no controls. 
     As just discussed, it is contemplated that various control features can be accomplished in additional embodiments, including control features that involve interaction with various sensors, and including all of the control features, structures and aspects as discussed in Applicant&#39;s copending application Ser. No. 14/658,091, which is incorporated by reference. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, when the power wand  90  is engaged with the wand receiver  40  as shown in  FIG. 8 , the vaporizer pin  70 , urges the proximally-biased wand pin  130  distally. For example, in  FIG. 8 , the wand pin  130  has been urged distally so that the pin ridge  136  is spaced from the insulator sleeve  122  and the biasing spring  100  is compressed. As such, there is reliable electrical contact between the vaporizer pin and wand pin. Also, in this configuration the vaporizer pin is partially inserted into power wand structure, strengthening a mechanical connection between the vaporizer and the power wand. In additional embodiments, the vaporizer pin can be spring-biased instead of or in addition to the wand pin being spring-biased. In still further embodiments, one or more of the seat, engagement surface, and magnets can be spring-biased instead of or in addition to the pin(s). 
     With specific reference again to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in the illustrated embodiment, the wand magnet  120  extends proximally a slight distance from both the engagement surface  110  and the insulator sleeve/pin proximal tip. More specifically, a first axial space  140  is defined between the proximal face of the wand magnet  120  and the proximal end of both the insulator sleeve  122  and the pin proximal tip  132 , and a second axial space  142  is defined between the proximal face of the wand magnet  120  and the engagement surface  110 . In some embodiments, an axial space complementary to the second axial space is defined between the receiver magnet and the seat so as to facilitate connection of the wand and receiver magnets and also the seat and the engagement surface. In further embodiments, the receiver magnet may extend distally relative to the seat and the wand magnet may be placed so that the wand magnet and wand engagement surface are arranged complementary to the receiver magnet and seat. In further embodiments, the surfaces of each magnet and its adjacent seat or engagement surface are substantially coplanar. In additional embodiments, one or more of the wand and receiver magnets can be mounted so as to have some play so that the magnets fully engage one another, but the spring-biased connectors still urge both the seat and the engagement surface into tight engagement and the vaporizer and wand pin into tight engagement so as to facilitate good and consistent electrical communication and mechanical engagement through the engaged surfaces. 
     It is to be understood that several different specific structures can employ aspects discussed herein. For example, in additional embodiments, only one or the other of the wand pin and wand receiver may employ a magnet, with the structure without the magnet including a material to which the magnet will be drawn. Also, in additional embodiments, each of the power wand and wand receiver may include multiple pins, with first and second pins communicating with the first and second poles, respectively, of the battery. 
     It is also to be understood that various battery configurations can be employed. For example, some embodiments may employ typical AA or AAA batteries enclosed within the case. In additional embodiments, the battery module comprises a rechargeable battery. Some such embodiments can also include a battery charger into which the power wand may be placed in order to charge the battery. Such a battery charger may interact with the power wand through a wand receiver having structure similar to the wand receiver of the vaporizer housing as discussed above. 
     In still additional embodiments, the power wand may not include a battery, but may be wired to receive power from a standard wall plug connection. In such embodiments, the power wand may have power conditioning circuitry therewithin to control the power delivered to the vaporizer. 
     In yet further embodiments, rather than the battery and/or vaporizer casings being constructed of an electrically-conductive material, conductive paths, such as conductive traces, can be formed thereon. Still further embodiments may employ conductors such as wires. 
     In still further embodiments, different types of vaporizers, including table-top vaporizers or personal, mobile vaporizers, can be configured to receive power via a power wand having aspects of any of the embodiments discussed herewithin. 
     In yet additional embodiments, the water pipe itself may have a structure for releasably holding the power wand. In still additional embodiments, the water pipe may have a structure for accommodating the power wand recharger. 
     The embodiments of vaporizing apparatus and power delivery apparatus discussed herein provide numerous advantages. For example, embodiments of the present vaporizing apparatus are sized and configured to be used with typical, or “off-the-shelf,” water pipes. Further, the user doesn&#39;t need to operate a handheld blowtorch in order to produce the heat necessary to vaporize the combustible material. Further, the heating surface is advantageously recessed within the vaporizing apparatus, thereby reducing the likelihood that a user will inadvertently touch the hot heating surface. 
     The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures with substantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosing and discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapes and interactions. 
     Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventive subject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.