Patent Publication Number: US-2021169147-A1

Title: Multi-Stage Draw Indication System for a Vaporization Device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a vaporization device or atomizer. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vaporization device or atomizer having a set of indicators that illuminate upon inhalation by a user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vaporization devices, also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, having a light source visible to a user when the device is operating are known in the prior art. For example, Liu, U.S. Pat. No. 9,949,510 discloses a lamp assembly comprised of one or more light-emitting diode (LED) lights, where the lamp assembly is disclosed to function as an indication to alert a user that an atomizer assembly is on. 
     In another example, Alarcon, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 10,143,241 discloses a plurality of LEDs having an intensity of illumination that is dependent upon a user&#39;s draw strength. The intensity of each of the plurality of LEDs can also be individually varied to create a smoldering effect to mimic a conventional cigarette. 
     In another prior art example, Bowen, U.S. Pat. No. 10,231,486 discloses a vaporization device having an entertainment or game mode that comprises illumination of a plurality of LEDs comprising one or more colors. In one embodiment, a user puts the device into the entertainment mode by “drawing on the device in a particular pattern, duration or frequency.” In another embodiment, the plurality of LEDs illuminates in a pattern dependent upon the orientation of the device. 
     In yet another example, Leung U.S. Pat. No. 10,334,878 discloses an LED light element that illuminates with an intensity dependent upon the strength of a user&#39;s draw. To indicate dosage, battery level, and other parameters, the LED light element displays various colors and flashing sequences. It can be useful to a user of a vaporization device to know the length of their draws on the device. However, the prior art does not disclose a system for indicating the length of a draw to a user. Therefore, a need exists for a multi-stage indicator of a user&#39;s draw on a vaporization device. A visual indication, for example, one or more lights that illuminate in a sequence or pattern of illumination in response to the length of a user&#39;s draw is an effective way to indicate the length of the user&#39;s draw to the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a vaporization device comprises a body, a plurality of illuminating indicators disposed within or on the body and visible from outside the body, and control circuitry disposed within the body. The control circuitry operatively connects one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators with a power source disposed within the body to illuminate the one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators in a sequence in response to a predetermined event. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a vaporization device comprises a body having an airflow aperture disposed through an exterior surface of the body, a plurality of illuminating indicators disposed within or on the body and visible from outside the body, and a sensor disposed within the device in fluid communication with the airflow aperture. Control circuitry disposed within the device is operatively connected to the sensor, a power source disposed within the body, and the plurality of illuminating indicators. The control circuitry provides one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators with power from the power source to illuminate the one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators in a sequence in response to a draw on the airflow aperture. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, a draw indicator for a vaporization device comprises a plurality of illuminating indicators disposed within or on the vaporization device and visible at an exterior surface of the device. An airflow aperture is disposed through an exterior surface of the device. A sensor is disposed within the device in fluid communication with the airflow aperture. Control circuitry is disposed within the device, wherein the control circuitry is operatively connected to the sensor, a power source disposed within the body, and the plurality of illuminating indicators. The control circuitry provides one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators with power from the power source to illuminate the one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators in a sequence in response to a draw on the airflow aperture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vaporization device; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the vaporization device; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the vaporization device illustrating the plurality of illuminating indicators; and 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the vaporization device illustrating further illustrating internal components. 
     
    
    
     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have similar reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed embodiments presented herein are for illustrative purposes. That is, these detailed embodiments are intended to be exemplary of the present invention for the purposes of providing and aiding a person skilled in the pertinent art to readily understand how to make and use of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of vaporization device  100  has an elongate body  101 , having a first end  110 , a second end  120 , and a side surface  130 . In one embodiment the vaporization device  100  has a cylindrical elongate body  101  having a circular cross-section, so there is one continuous side surface  130 . In other embodiments the elongate body  101  may have other cross sections, for example without limitation, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a pentagonal cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, or any other regular or irregular polygonal cross-section, and so may have 3, 4, 5, 6, or more side surfaces  130 . 
     In one embodiment the vaporization device  100  has an airflow aperture  111  disposed through an exterior surface of the body  101 , for example, through the first end  110  thereof. In other embodiments the airflow aperture  111  is disposed through the exterior surface of the body  101  at other positions on the body  101 . In one embodiment a window  115  is disposed on the side surface  130  to provide visual access to the contents of an electronic vaporizing liquid (e-liquid) tank or reservoir  150  (see  FIG. 2 ) disposed within the elongate body  101 . 
     The vaporization device  100  includes a visual indicator  140 . For example, in one embodiment the visual indicator comprises a plurality of illuminating indicators  140 . In one embodiment the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  (described in further detail below with regard to  FIGS. 2, 3, and 3A ) is positioned to be visible from outside of the body  101 , for example, on the side surface  130 . In another embodiment the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  is visible from outside of the body, for example, through a plurality of openings  102  (see  FIGS. 2, 3, and 3A ) disposed through the side surface  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of the vaporization device illustrates internal components thereof. For example, in one embodiment the e-liquid reservoir  150  is disposed near the first end  110 . In one embodiment a heating element or heating coil  151  detachably connects with an end of the e-liquid reservoir  150 . In other embodiments the e-liquid reservoir  150  and the heating coil  151  are integral components of an assembly that do not detach. Regardless of whether the connection between the e-liquid reservoir  150  and the heating coil  151  is detachable or not, as known in the art e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir  150  is supplied to the heating coil  151  by a wick or other porous material (not shown). 
     As known in the art, the wick or other porous material (not shown) contacts and transports the e-liquid by capillary action from the e-liquid reservoir  150  to the heating coil  151 . In some embodiments the wick or other porous material (not shown) contacts the heating coil  151  but in other embodiments the wick or other porous material (not shown) does not contact the heating coil  151 , but is disposed, for example, within or in proximity to the heating coil  151 . Regardless of the relative geometry of the heating coil  151  to the wick or other porous material (not shown), the heating coil  151  produces sufficient heat to vaporize the e-liquid delivered thereto from the e-liquid reservoir  150  for ultimate inhalation by a user. 
     In one embodiment the vaporization device  100  includes a power source  160  within the body  101 . For example, in one embodiment the power source  160  comprises a battery  160  disposed inside the elongate body  101  positioned between the e-liquid reservoir  150  and the second end  120  as indicated schematically by the brackets in  FIG. 2 . The battery  160  may be a rechargeable or single use battery or battery pack of any composition as may be known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3A , control circuitry  170  and a sensor  175  are operatively connected and disposed within the body  101  near the second end  120 . The control circuitry  170  is operatively connected to the power source  160 , and the plurality of illuminating indicators  140 , as well as to other components within the vaporization device. An operative connection to the control circuitry comprises, for example, an electrical connection via one or more of wires, traces, or other conductive paths disposed within independent structures, including for example without limitation switches, or disposed through or on the body  101 , or otherwise as known in the art, and/or a telecommunicative connection via a transmitter and a receiver disposed in sending and receiving components, respectively. 
     In one embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 3A  the control circuitry  170  comprises a printed circuit board  172  with one or more electronic components disposed thereon as may be known in the art. In other embodiments, the control circuitry comprises one or more microprocessors, microchips, microcontrollers, programmable chips, or other control devices alone or in combination with a printed circuit board  172  as may be known in the art. In one embodiment the sensor  175  comprises a pressure sensor. In other embodiments the sensor  175  comprises, for example without limitation, a gas flow sensor, an optical sensor, or another sensor capable of sensing a drop in pressure or a flow of gas around it. 
     As is known in the art, the control circuitry  170  electrically connects the power source  160 , the heating coil  151 , and the sensor  175 . The sensor  175  is further disposed within a portion of the body  101  that is in fluid communication with the airflow aperture  111 . In operation, when a user provides a suction or vacuum on the airflow aperture  111 , where such suction or vacuum is commonly referred to as a draw, the sensor  175  detects the draw, for example without limitation, by one or more of a resultant drop in pressure or a flow of gas thereby. The sensor  175  signals detection of the draw, for example without limitation, by a change in output voltage, to the control circuitry  170 , which in response to the signal activates the heating coil  151  by connecting it to the power source  160  to vaporize e-liquid for inhalation by the user. In addition to activating the heating coil  151 , in the current invention the control circuitry  170  also provides one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  with power from the power source  160  to activate the one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  as is further described hereinbelow. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  are illustrated exploded out of the vaporization device  100  near the second end  120 . In one embodiment the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  are light emitting diodes (LEDs). In other embodiments the plurality of illuminating indicators comprises, for example without limitation, liquid crystals (LCDs), incandescent lights, or other lights as may be known in the art. In one embodiment the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  comprises a plurality of different colors, for example without limitation, yellow, red, green, blue, orange, pink, brown, black, or other colors. In another embodiment the plurality of illuminating indicators comprises a single color. 
     In one exemplary embodiment the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  is configured in a V-shape as visible in  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the exemplary V-shaped configuration is provided on two opposite sides of the side surface  130 , but in other embodiments the V-shaped configuration is provided at only one location on the side surface  130 . Each of the V-shaped configurations includes a first pair of illuminating indicators  141  having a first color, a second pair of illuminating indicators  142  having a second color, a first single illuminating indicator  143  having a third color, and a second single illuminating indicator  144  having a fourth color. In other embodiments, the plurality of illuminating indicators comprises other configurations, including for example without limitation, one or more alphanumeric characters, one or more symbols, one or more geometric shapes, one or more lines, one or more curves, and combinations of any two or more of the above listed configurations. 
     In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 3A  the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  is visible through the plurality of openings  102  disposed through the side surface  130 . In other embodiments the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  is disposed on the side surface  130 . Independent of where the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  is disposed, the control circuitry  170  electrically and operatively connects the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  with the power source  160 . 
     In operation the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  provides an indication of the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, in one embodiment the predetermined event is that a user is drawing on the airflow aperture  111 . In another embodiment, the predetermined event is that a user has stopped drawing on the airflow aperture  111 , or alternatively, an end of the predetermined event is when the user has stopped drawing on the airflow aperture  111 . 
     In another embodiment, the predetermined event is the pressing of a switch or pushbutton, for example without limitation, pushbutton  185  disposed anywhere on the vaporization device  100 , and illustrated in different positions in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this embodiment the pushbutton  185  is electrically connected to the control circuitry  170  so that pressing on the pushbutton  185  closes a switch that is connected with the control circuitry  170  and triggers an indication of the occurrence of the predetermined event. 
     In a further embodiment, the predetermined event is the connection of the vaporization device  100  to a charger (not shown) for the purpose of recharging the power source  160 , for example, a rechargeable battery  160 . The connection to the charger may be via a wired connection or an unwired connection utilizing inductive charging of the power source  160 . In the case of a wired connection, a jack or plug  190  is disposed anywhere on the vaporization device  100 , and illustrated in different positions in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The jack or plug  190  can be any suitable male or female plug or plug receptacle as known in the art, for example without limitation, a USB port, a micro-USB port, a simple pair of contacts, or the like. The jack or plug  190  is electrically connected to the control circuitry  170  so that connection of the jack or plug  190  with an external source of power triggers an indication of the occurrence of the predetermined event. In the case of a wireless connection, internal structure (not shown) as known in the art and electrically connected with the control circuitry  170  charges the power source  160  when the vaporization device  100  is placed on an inductive charging surface, for example without limitation, a charging pad or plate (not shown). The start of inductive charging resulting from the vaporization device  100  being placed on the charging pad or plate triggers an indication of the occurrence of the predetermined event. 
     In one embodiment, the indication that a predetermined event has occurred comprises a visual indication. In one embodiment the visual indication comprises one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  illuminating steadily for a predetermined time. In another embodiment the visual indication comprises a flashing of one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140 , where each flash comprises a predetermined period of illumination followed by a predetermined period of no illumination. 
     In another embodiment, a visual indication comprises a sequence or pattern of illumination where, for example, a first one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  illuminates or flashes and is followed after a first predetermined time period by a second one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  illuminating or flashing. The first one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  remains illuminated or continues to flash in this embodiment; however, in other embodiments upon illumination of the second one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  the first one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators is turned off. In some embodiments, a third one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  illuminates or flashes after a second predetermined time period. The first and second one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  remain illuminated or continue to flash in one embodiment; however, in other embodiments upon illumination of the third one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  the first and/or the second one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators is turned off. 
     In other embodiments the sequence of illuminations can continue to a fourth one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  illuminating or flashing after a third predetermined time period, and to a fifth one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  illuminating or flashing after a fourth predetermined time period, and so on, for as many of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  that exist. After each new illumination in the sequence, one or more of the prior one or more illuminated indicators  140  can remain illuminated or continue flashing or can be turned off. After a last one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  is illuminated or flashes for a last predetermined time period, one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators are turned off. 
     In other embodiments the indication that a predetermined event has occurred comprises a combination of two or more visual indications, for example without limitation, as described above. Any of the predetermined time periods for illumination can comprise any length of time as needed to achieve any desired visual effect, for example without limitation, any predetermined time period for illumination can be as short as about 0.00001 second or as long as about 60 minutes. 
     In addition, in an embodiment having one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  flashing, flashes are defined as sequentially repeating cycles consisting of a period of flash illumination followed by a period of no illumination. Any of the periods of flash illumination and no illumination for a flashing indicator can comprise any lengths of time as needed to achieve any desired visual effect. For example without limitation, any predetermined time period of flash illumination for any flashing indicator can be as short as about 0.00001 second or as long as about 60 minutes. Further, for example without limitation, any predetermined time period of no illumination for any flashing indicator can be as short as about 0.00001 second or as long as about 60 minutes. 
     Given that one exemplary predetermined event comprises a user&#39;s draw on the airflow aperture  111 , the predetermined periods for illumination or flash illumination (or for no illumination) in one embodiment generally correspond to the length of the user&#39;s draw. For example, in one embodiment any predetermined time period for illumination or flash illumination (or for no illumination) can range between about 0.0001 second and about 60 seconds. In another embodiment any predetermined time period for illumination or flash illumination (or for no illumination) can range between about 0.001 second and about 10 seconds. In a further embodiment any predetermined time period for illumination or flash illumination (or for no illumination) can range between about 0.01 second and about 5 seconds, or between about 0.01 second and about 1 second. 
     In another embodiment any of the predetermined time periods for illumination, flash illumination, or no illumination except for the last predetermined time period in a sequence can be in a range between about 0.00001 second and about 30 seconds, and the last predetermined time period in the sequence can be in a range between about 0.00001 second and about 60 seconds. 
     Applicable to any of the embodiments for any of the sequences of visual indications described herein, if the predetermined event is continuing, for example, if a user is still drawing on the airflow aperture  111 , all of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  that are illuminated or flashing at that point remain illuminated or flashing until the predetermined event stops, for example, until the user stops drawing on the airflow aperture  111 , at which time all of the illuminating indicators  140  are turned off. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment upon the draw of a user upon the airflow aperture  111  the sensor  175  detects the draw and signals detection of the draw as is known in the art to the control circuitry  170 , which in response to the signal activates the heating coil  151  and also activates the illuminating indicators  140  to provide an indication that the user is drawing on the airflow aperture  111 . Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment an exemplary indication begins with the first pair of illuminating indicators  141  illuminating in a first color, for example, yellow. 
     After a first predetermined time period, for example, 0.75 second, the second pair of illuminating indicators  142  illuminates in a second color, for example, red, while the first pair of illuminating indicators  141  remains illuminated. In other embodiments upon illumination of the second pair of illuminating indicators  142  the first pair of illuminating indicators  141  is turned off. In other embodiments, if the draw of the user stops before passage of the first predetermined time period, then the first pair of illuminating indicators  141  turn off when the draw stops, so that the second pair of illuminating indicators  142  do not illuminate. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment after a second predetermined time period, for example, 0.75 second, the first single illuminating indicator  143  illuminates a third color, for example, green, while the first and second pairs of illuminating indicators  141 ,  142  remain illuminated. In other embodiments, upon illumination of the first single illuminating indicator  143  the first and second pairs of illuminating indicators  141 ,  142  are turned off. In other embodiments, if the draw of the user stops before passage of the second predetermined time period, then the first and second pairs of illuminating indicators  141  and  142  turn off when the draw stops, so that the first single illuminating indicator  143  does not illuminate. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment after a third predetermined time period, for example, 0.75 second, the second single illuminating indicator  144  illuminates a fourth color, for example, blue, while the first and second pairs of illuminating indicators  141 ,  142 , and the first single illuminating indicator  143  remain illuminated. In other embodiments, upon illumination of the second single illuminating indicator  144  the first and second pairs of illuminating indicators  141 ,  142 , and the first single illuminating indicator  143  are turned off. In other embodiments, if the draw of the user stops before passage of the third predetermined time period, then the first and second pairs of illuminating indicators  141  and  142 , and the first single illuminating indicator  143  turn off when the draw stops, so that the second single illuminating indicator  144  does not illuminate. 
     In one embodiment, after illumination of the second single illuminating indicator  144 , which is the last of the one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  being illuminated in this visual indication sequence, all of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  remain illuminated for a fourth predetermined time period, for example, 2.75 seconds, after which all of the illuminating indicators  140  are turned off. In another embodiment, if the user is still drawing on the airflow aperture  111  after the third predetermined time period has passed, all of the plurality of illuminating indicators  140  remain illuminated until the user stops drawing on the airflow aperture  111 , at which time all of the illuminating indicators  140  are turned off. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described, and that each embodiment is also provided with features that may be applicable to other embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope. The invention also includes all the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     A vaporization device is provided with a draw indicator that provides an indication of a user&#39;s length of draw on the device. The draw indicator comprises a plurality of illuminating indicators disposed within or on the vaporization device and visible at an exterior surface of the device. Control circuitry disposed within the device receives a signal from a sensor indicating a user&#39;s draw. In response to the signal the control circuitry provides one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators with power from a power source within the device to illuminate the one or more of the plurality of illuminating indicators in a sequence. The vaporization device can be manufactured in industry for use by consumers. 
     Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. It is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved. All patents, patent publications and applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.