Patent Publication Number: US-9888721-B2

Title: E-cigarette with segregated cartridge for selective disbursement of liquid solution flavors

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an e-cigarette with segregated cartridge for selective disbursement of different flavored liquid solutions. More so, an e-cigarette provides a single atomizer operational in an atomizing chamber having a plurality of chamber openings, and a cartridge having a plurality of cartridge openings; whereby the cartridge contains a plurality of liquid solutions segregated into compartments with a rotatable barrier; whereby the plurality of liquid solutions are selectively dispensed into the atomizing chamber by rotating a rotatable plate having a plate plug and a plate opening; whereby the plate plug restricts passage of a first flavor of liquid solution from a first compartment to the atomizer; whereby the plate opening enables passage of a second flavor of liquid solution from a second compartment to the atomizing chamber for vaporization, so as to enable simulated smoking with a desired flavor through the e-cigarette. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known that e-cigarettes emulate tobacco cigarette smoking by producing smoke replacement that may be similar in its physical sensation, general appearance, and sometimes flavor, i.e., with tobacco fragrance, menthol taste, added nicotine etc. In an effort to accommodate the prohibition against smoking indoors in public areas, electronic cigarettes have been provided. Electronic cigarettes allow a smoker to mimic the ritual of smoking while indoors in a public area. 
     The electronic cigarette is typically a plastic stick that uses a nicotine filter cartridge to simulate the traditional smoking experience. Unlike the traditional smoking experience, however, there is no smoke or tar. Nearly all electronic cigarettes have the shape of a regular cigarette and provide the user with either a mixture of tobacco aromas, tobacco substitutes, or nicotine/nicotine substitutes as replacements for an all tobacco cigarette. 
     Typically, the e-cigarette is battery-powered. The e-cigarette may be automatically activated by taking a puff. Though some e-cigarettes may be actuated by pressing a button manually. E-cigarettes are generally cylindrical, so as to simulate a real cigarette. A battery portion of the e-cigarette includes a controller and rechargeable battery for providing electrical power. Sometimes, a cartomizer generates an aerosol mist that is a replacement for cigarette smoke. 
     In many instances, the e-liquid solution has a flavor. The e-liquid solution for producing vapor in electronic cigarettes, may also be known as e-juice or e-liquid, and comprised from a solution of Propylene Glycol (PG) and/or Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and/or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) mixed with concentrated flavors, and optionally, a variable percent of a liquid nicotine concentrate. These e-liquid solutions are often sold in a bottle or as pre-filled disposable cartridges. Myriad flavors which resemble the taste of regular tobacco, menthol cigarette menthol, vanilla, coffee, cola and various fruits, having varying nicotine concentrations are also available. 
     Other proposals have involved flavorings for use in e-cigarettes. The problem with these devices is that they are not vaporized by a single atomizer, and the flavors overlap each other. Thus, an unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. Even though the above cited methods for flavored liquid solutions in e-cigarettes meets some of the needs of the market, an e-cigarette with segregated cartridge for selective disbursement of different flavored liquid solutions is still desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an e-cigarette that provides multi-flavored, simulated smoking enjoyment. The e-cigarette enables selective disbursement of a plurality of liquid solutions having different flavors for vaporization and simulated smoking. A cartridge segregates a plurality of liquid solutions having unique flavors into distinct compartments. A rotatable barrier is used to segregate the liquid solutions in the cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of cartridge openings that enable passage of the liquid solutions from their respective compartments to an atomizing chamber containing an atomizer. The atomizing chamber comprises a plurality of chamber openings that align with the cartridge openings. 
     The e-cigarette enables selectivity of the desired liquid solution through use of a rotatable plate that is incrementally rotated with the rotation barrier. The rotatable plate includes at least one plate plug and at least one plate opening. The plate plug and the plate opening selectively block or enables passage of the liquid solutions between the cartridge and the atomizing chamber. In this manner, the rotatable plate regulates passage of a desired liquid solution to the atomizer. Thus, a user may easily rotate the rotation mechanism to select the desired flavored liquid solution while simultaneously enjoying simulated smoking. 
     In one embodiment, the e-cigarette comprises a cartridge defined by an inhalation end, a base end, and a cartridge cavity. The cartridge is segregated into a plurality of compartments by a rotatable barrier. The rotatable barrier extends along the length of the cartridge, engaging both the inhalation end and the base end. The plurality of compartments contain a plurality of liquid solutions. Each liquid solution has a unique flavor that is extenuated when the liquid solution is vaporized. The rotatable barrier maintains each liquid solution in its respective compartment. 
     The inhalation end of the cartridge is in communication with a mouthpiece that is configured to enable inhalation of the plurality of liquid solutions in their vaporized form. The base end of the cartridge includes a plurality of cartridge openings that enable passage of the liquid solution. Each compartment has a cartridge opening. 
     The e-cigarette further comprises an atomizing chamber that is disposed generally concentric to the cartridge cavity. The atomizing chamber is defined by a first end, a second end, and a chamber cavity. The second end comprises a plurality of chamber openings. The plurality of chamber openings are in communication with the plurality of cartridge openings, whereby each compartment is in communication with a cartridge opening and a chamber opening. Because the cartridge is segregated into a plurality of compartments, only one of the plurality of liquid solutions may pass through the chamber opening, and into the cartridge opening at any time. 
     The chamber cavity is configured to retain an atomizer. The atomizer is configured to vaporize the liquid solution received from the cartridge. It is significant to note that a single atomizer is used for vaporizing all of the liquid solutions. After the selected liquid solution is vaporized by the atomizer, a vapor channel carries the vaporized liquid solution from the atomizing chamber to the mouthpiece. A battery is configured to heat the atomizer, so as to achieve sufficient heat to vaporize the liquid solutions. 
     A rotatable plate is disposed between the cartridge opening and the chamber opening, generally coplanar to the base end of the cartridge. The rotatable plate joins with the rotatable barrier. The rotatable plate includes a plate opening and a plate plug. Though rotatable manipulation of the plate opening and the plate plug, the rotatable plate may be manipulated to selectively block or enables passage of the different flavored liquid solutions between the compartments of the cartridge and the atomizing chamber by either plugging the openings with the plate plug, or enabling passage between the opening with the plate opening. 
     For example, the plate plug intervenes between the cartridge opening and the chamber opening of a first compartment to restrict passage of a first liquid solution from the first compartment. Simultaneously, the plate opening enables passage of a second liquid solution through the cartridge opening and the chamber opening from a second compartment. In this manner, the rotatable plate regulates passage of the second liquid solution from the second compartment to the atomizer. 
     A rotation mechanism is operably attached to the inhalation end of the cartridge. The rotation mechanism is configured to simultaneously rotate both the rotatable barrier and the rotatable plate. Thus, a user may easily rotate the rotation mechanism to select the desired flavored liquid solution from a compartment while simultaneously enjoying the simulated smoking. 
     In operation, the liquid solutions are selectively dispensed into the atomizing chamber by incrementally rotating the rotatable barrier and rotatable plate with the rotation mechanism. By aligning the plate opening with the cartridge opening and the chamber opening, a passage is created for one of the liquid solutions to dispense into the atomizing chamber for vaporization by the atomizer. Accessing a different flavor of liquid solution is possible by rotating the rotation mechanism to move the plate opening to a different compartment, and thereby a different flavor of liquid solution. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, an e-cigarette with segregated cartridge for selective disbursement of flavored liquid solutions, the e-cigarette comprising:
         a cartridge, the cartridge defined by an inhalation end, a base end, and a cartridge cavity, the cartridge cavity segregated into a plurality of compartments by a rotatable barrier, the rotatable barrier disposed to extend along the length of the cartridge, the plurality of compartments containing a plurality of liquid solutions, each liquid solution having a unique flavor, whereby the rotatable barrier segregates each liquid solution in a respective compartment;   a plurality of cartridge openings, the plurality of cartridge openings disposed at the base end of the cartridge, the plurality of cartridge openings configured to enable passage of the plurality of liquid solutions from the plurality of compartments, whereby each compartment has a cartridge opening;   a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece in communication with the inhalation end of the cartridge, the mouthpiece configured to enable inhalation of the plurality of liquid solutions;   an atomizing chamber, the atomizing chamber disposed generally concentric to the cartridge cavity, the atomizing chamber defined by a first end, a second end, and a chamber cavity, the second end comprising a plurality of chamber openings, the plurality of chamber openings configured to be in communication with the plurality of cartridge openings;   an atomizer, the atomizer disposed in the chamber cavity, the atomizer configured to at least partially vaporize the plurality of liquid solutions from the cartridge;   a vapor channel, the vapor channel configured to carry the vaporized liquid solution from the atomizing chamber to the mouthpiece;   a rotatable plate, the rotatable plate disposed between the plurality of cartridge openings and the plurality of chamber openings, the rotatable plate further disposed generally coplanar to the base end of the cartridge, the rotatable plate configured to join with the rotatable barrier, the rotatable plate comprising at least one plate opening and at least one plate plug, the rotatable plate further configured to selectively block or enable passage of the plurality of liquid solutions to the atomizing chamber by intervening the at least one plate plug or the at least one plate opening between the plurality of cartridge openings and the plurality of chamber openings; and   a rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism configured to operably attach to the inhalation end of the cartridge for rotating the rotatable barrier and the rotatable plate.       

     One objective of the present invention is to provide multiple flavors of liquid solution in one e-cigarette. 
     Another objective is to enable interchangeability of the flavors of liquid solutions. 
     Another objective is to provide an e-cigarette that can interchangeably vaporize nicotine e-liquid solutions, non-nicotine e-liquid solutions, cannabis oil, and cannabis based solutions. 
     Another objective is to enable selectivity of the desired flavor through simple rotation of a knob at the inhalation end of the cartridge. 
     Another objective is to vaporize the plurality of liquid solutions with a single atomizer. 
     Another objective is to provide an interchangeable cartridge containing the plurality of liquid solutions. 
     Yet another objective is to replace the atomizer with a cartomizer that houses a heating element for vaporizing the e-liquid solutions. 
     Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture an e-cigarette that enables simulated smoking of a plurality of flavored liquid solutions. 
     Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary e-cigarette with segregated cartridge for selective disbursement of flavored liquid solutions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing FIGURES, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention referenced in  FIG. 1 , an e-cigarette  100  provides segregated cartridges that contain a plurality of flavored liquid solutions. Each liquid solution has a unique flavor, and is individually selected from its respective compartment for simulated smoking enjoyment. 
     The e-cigarette  100  enables selective disbursement of the flavored liquid solutions for vaporization and inhalation. The liquid solutions are vaporized in an atomizing chamber  108  through a single atomizer  112 . Thus, through the segregated retention of liquid solutions, the e-cigarette  100  uses only one atomizer  112  to vaporize all of the liquid solutions; thereby minimizing the undesirable intermingling of flavors between liquid solutions. 
     As referenced in  FIG. 1 , the e-cigarette  100  is generally elongated and cylindrical, so as to simulate a real cigarette known in the art. Though, any number of shapes may be used. In one embodiment, the e-cigarette  100  is configured to operate with a nicotine delivery system, or a cannabinoid delivery system. In one possible embodiment, the e-cigarette  100  is a plastic stick that uses a nicotine filter cartridge to simulate the traditional smoking experience while dispensing controlled amounts of nicotine that are flavored. Unlike the traditional smoking experience, however, the e-cigarette  100  does not contain smoke or tar. 
     In one embodiment, the e-cigarette  100  comprises a cartridge  102  that is defined by an inhalation end  128 , a base end  130 , and a cartridge cavity. The cartridge cavity is segregated into a plurality of compartments  104   a - b  by a rotatable barrier  118 . The rotatable barrier  118  extends along the length of the cartridge  102 , engaging both the inhalation end  128  and the base end  130 . In one embodiment, the rotatable barrier  118  is a flat panel that segregates the cartridge  102  cavity into two separate compartments  104   a - b . Though in other embodiments, the rotatable barrier  118  may have additional panels that segregate the cartridge cavity into three or more compartments  104   a - b.    
     The plurality of compartments  104   a - b  contain a plurality of liquid solutions. Each liquid solution has a unique flavor that is extenuated when the liquid solution is vaporized. The rotatable barrier  118  extends along the length of the cartridge  102 , sealing the base end  130  and the inhalation end  128 , such that each liquid solution is fully segregated in its respective compartment  104   a - b . In this manner, undesirable mixture of flavors is inhibited. 
     The liquid solutions may include, without limitation, a nicotine e-liquid, a non-nicotine e-liquid, and cannabis oil. In one embodiment, the composition of the liquid solution comprises at least one ingredient of the following: propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, water, flavorings, and mixtures thereof. The flavors of the liquid solutions may include, without limitation, fruit, flowers, desserts, tobacco, vanilla, bubble gum, mint menthol, coffee, licorice, fresh mountain air, and combinations thereof. In any case, myriad flavors for the liquid solutions can be selectively vaporized for simulated smoking enjoyment through the e-cigarette  100 . 
     The inhalation end  128  of the cartridge  102  is in communication with a mouthpiece  116 . The mouthpiece  116  is configured to enable inhalation of the plurality of liquid solutions in their vaporized form. The mouthpiece  116  extends from the inhalation end  128  and is shaped and dimensioned to by operable by a mouth for sucking, inhaling, and tasting the flavors of the vaporized liquid solutions. 
     The base end  130  of the cartridge  102  includes a plurality of cartridge openings  106  that is configured to enable passage of the liquid solution. The cartridge openings  106  may include a slit, a hole, and a filtered aperture. The sucking force from the user or gravitational force may be used to force the liquid solution through the cartridge opening  106 . In any case, the liquid solution can easily pass through the cartridge opening  106 . 
     The cartridge  102  can be used independently by itself, or interchanged to operate with personal vaporizers, or utilized in a single/multi use e-cigarette design, or a customizable component for a personal vaporizer, clearomizer, or cartomizer. 
     The e-cigarette  100  further comprises an atomizing chamber  108  that is disposed generally concentric to the cartridge  102 . The atomizing chamber  108  is defined by a first end  132 , a second end  134 , and a chamber cavity. The second end  134  of the atomizing chamber  108  comprises a plurality of chamber openings  110 . The plurality of chamber openings  110  are in communication with the plurality of cartridge openings  106 . In this manner, each compartment  104   a - b  is in communication with a respective cartridge opening  106  and chamber opening  110 . 
     In one possible embodiment, the cartridge openings  106  align with the chamber openings  110 . However, because the cartridge  102  is segregated into a plurality of compartments  104   a - b , only one of the plurality of liquid solutions may pass through the chamber opening  110 , and into the cartridge opening  106  at any time. In some embodiments, each compartment  104   a - b  maintains communication with one distinct chamber opening  110  and one distinct cartridge opening  106 . 
     The chamber cavity is configured to retain an atomizer  112 . The atomizer  112  is configured to vaporize the liquid solution that is received from the cartridge  102 . It is significant to note that a single atomizer  112  is used for vaporizing all of the liquid solutions. The atomizer  112  may include a battery that heats the atomizer  112  to a desired temperature efficacious for optimizing the vaporization of the liquid solutions. The battery may include an electrode and a cathode that are configured to heat the atomizer  112 , so as to achieve sufficient heat to vaporize the liquid solutions. In one embodiment, the atomizer  112  combines and heats the liquid solutions with air to form a uniform, full bodied mist. 
     In some embodiments, the amount and speed of airflow permitted into the atomizer  112  may be adjustable through at least one air inlet hole. An adjustment ring near the mouthpiece  116  regulates the air inlet hole by rotatably increasing the air flow when rotated in a first direction, and decreasing the air flow through the air inlet hole when rotated in a second direction. After the selected liquid solution is vaporized by the atomizer  112 , a vapor channel  114  carries the vaporized liquid solution from the atomizing chamber  108  to the mouthpiece  116 . The vapor channel  114  may include an elongated tube that carries the vaporized liquid solution to the mouthpiece  116 . 
     In one alternative embodiment, a cartomizer may be used for vaporizing the liquid solutions. The cartomizer generates an aerosol mist that is a replacement for cigarette smoke. In particular, the cartomizer may use heat, ultrasonic energy, or other means to vaporize the liquid solutions. In one embodiment, the cartomizer includes a heating element to vaporize the liquid solutions. 
     Looking back at  FIG. 1 , the e-cigarette  100  utilizes a rotatable plate  120  that is disposed between the cartridge opening  106  and the chamber opening  110 . The rotatable plate  120  is generally coplanar to the base end  130  of the cartridge  102 . The rotatable plate  120  joins with the rotatable barrier  118  at a perpendicular orientation, such that engagement with the sidewalls of the cartridge  102  are sealed by the rotatable barrier  118  and the rotatable plate  120 . The rotatable plate  120  has a diameter that enables a snug fit inside the cartridge  102 . 
     The rotatable plate  120  includes at least one plate opening  124  and at least one plate plug  122 . Though rotatable manipulation of the plate opening  124  and the plate plug  122 , the rotatable plate  120  may be manipulated to selectively block or enables passage of the different flavored liquid solutions between the compartments  104   a - b  of the cartridge  102  and the atomizing chamber  108  by either plugging the openings  106 ,  110  with the plate plug  122 , or enabling passage between the openings  106 ,  110  and the plate opening  124 . 
     For example, the plate plug  122  intervenes between the cartridge opening  106  and the chamber opening  110  of a first compartment  104   a  to restrict passage of a first liquid solution from the first compartment  104   a . Simultaneously, the plate opening  124  enables passage of a second liquid solution through the cartridge opening  106  and the chamber opening  110  from a second compartment  104   b . In this manner, the rotatable plate  120  regulates passage of the second liquid solution from the second compartment  104   b  to the atomizer  112 . Thus, a user may easily rotate the rotation mechanism  126  to select the desired flavored liquid solution while in the process of enjoying simulated smoking. 
     A rotation mechanism  126  is operably attached to the inhalation end  128  of the cartridge  102 . The rotation mechanism  126  is configured to simultaneously rotate both the rotatable barrier  118  and the rotatable plate  120 . In one embodiment, the rotation mechanism  126  is a knob that encircles the circumference of the inhalation end  128  of the cartridge  102  while attached to the rotatable barrier  118 . Though other mechanisms known in the art that enable rotation of the rotatable barrier  118  and the rotatable plate  120  are possible. 
     In operation, the e-cigarette  100  provides simulated smoking in much the same manner as other e-cigarettes known in the art. However, the selection of flavors from the liquid solutions, and the vaporizing of all the liquid solutions through a single atomizer  112  create a unique smoking experience. In one possible embodiment, the liquid solutions are selectively dispensed into the atomizing chamber  108  by incrementally rotating the rotatable barrier  118  and rotatable plate  120  with the rotation mechanism  126 . 
     Thus, by aligning the plate opening  124  with the cartridge opening  106  and the chamber opening  110 , a passage is created for one of the liquid solutions from a compartment  104   a  to dispense into the atomizing chamber  108 . Accessing a different flavor of liquid solution is possible by rotating the rotation mechanism  126  to move the plate opening  124  to a different compartment  104   b , and thereby a different flavor of liquid solution. In this manner, selectivity of a plurality of flavored liquid solutions are vaporized through a single atomizer  112  so as to enable simulated smoking with the e-cigarette  100 . 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.