Abstract:
The present invention provides a personal vaporizer apparatus having a holding cartridge for storing a pressurized mixture. The holding cartridge contains a bottom end and an outlet end. The bottom end may contain a refill valve. The outlet end gets threaded unto a pressure regulating mechanism having a first valve. The pressurized mixture exits through the valve into a discharge channel, where the mixture exits through the mouthpiece in form of vapor. The holding cartridge may be replaced, with the rest of the device remaining intact. The pressurized mixture may be introduced into the external contain directly. The entire operation of the personal vaporizer apparatus is mechanical requiring no electronic power source to fuel operation.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a personal control vapor emitter device for expelling pressurized liquids in gaseous form or in form of fine particle vapor, or aerosol. In particular, the invention relates to a puffer or cigarette like device for discharging externally stored liquid cocktails of a controlled substance into a user&#39;s oral cavity. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention aims to provide an alternative to electronic cigarette, as well as traditional tobacco burning cigarettes. More importantly, the device embodied by the present invention is another step forward in the drive to eliminate widespread smoking of traditional cigarettes. Some research has shown that non-tobacco burning cigarettes carry significantly lower health concerns than the traditional cigarettes. 
         [0003]    Electronic cigarettes have been around since 2003. Their use has been gradually increasing, driven both by those trying to switch from traditional tobacco cigarettes and by first time smokers, attracted by the social allure of group smoking and modernity factor of the device. As the electronic cigarette gains in popularity, the variety of different puffing solutions, including the healthy nicotine and tobacco free alternatives are emerging in greater numbers. While the existence of puff market has slightly reduced operating costs of existing puffing devices, the actual price of the electronic device itself will remain quite high, especially since users will need to replace spent batteries to continue using such a device. 
         [0004]    Another downside of an electronic cigarette is that it requires an external source of power to extract the puffing cocktail. Until now, the external source of power has been the lithium ion battery, which has been especially manufactured to fit snugly into the limited dimensions of the electronic cigarette device. A user of such device must not only worry about puffer refills, but must also ensure that the device&#39;s battery contains sufficient charge to power the next smoking session. Since these are not standard batteries used for larger electronic devices, the user&#39;s ability to enjoy his device may be frustrated by extended periods of time until the user is able to secure replacement batteries in specialty stores or by mail order. 
         [0005]    On the contrary, the present invention is designed to eliminate the need of battery power. User can enjoy the device as long as the pressurized solution has not been completely spent. The absence of additional electronic parts and cheaper composite materials required to manufacture the device subject to the present invention will definitely reduce costs and availability of such devices. Easy access and low maintenance usage is likely to divert further smokers from conventional cigarettes, thereby improving the health of the overall populace. Therefore the only thing that separates a user from getting a few puffs, is only the possible insufficient level of the puffing solution within the device. 
         [0006]    Vapor emitting devices have been known in the industry, but generally suffer from shortcomings as described above. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,777 discloses a High vacuum ion source for use with a mass spectro-meter to analyze solid substances. A thermally conductive body having the substance to be analyzed supported on a surface thereof is disposed in the ionization chamber with the substance supporting surface facing the ionization region of the chamber. A heat source, such as an electron emitting device, is directed toward the opposite surface of the body to heat the body and cause the substance to vaporize. The heating of the body in turn heats the chamber surfaces to prevent condensation of the vaporized substance. The vaporized substance can be ionized by particle bombardment or field emission. The body may take the form of a flat plate or a cylindrical or other box-like structure. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,714,161 relates to an electronic cigarette with solid tobacco substance, which includes a shell with a mouthpiece at one end; a reservoir in the shell for storing tobacco substance; an atomizing device in the shell having an atomizing cup, an atomizer in the atomizing cup for vaporizing tobacco substance; and an aerosol passage connecting the mouthpiece with the atomizing cup; and a guiding unit for drawing tobacco substance from the reservoir to the atomizing device. The atomizing cup is accommodated in the reservoir, the guiding unit penetrates sidewall of the atomizing cup and extends in the reservoir, and solid tobacco substance encases the atomizing cup and guiding unit therein. The present invention solves the problem of solid tobacco substance melting slowly and uneasy assembly of the cigarette; and obtains to improve the melting efficiency of solid tobacco substance and facilitate the assembly. 
         [0009]    Various implements are known in the art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the invention described herein. One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention provides a personal vaporizer apparatus having a holding cartridge for storing a pressurized mixture. The holding cartridge contains a bottom end and an outlet end. The bottom end may contain a refill valve. The outlet end gets threaded unto a pressure regulating mechanism having a first valve. The pressurized mixture exits through the valve into a discharge channel, where the mixture exits through the mouthpiece in form of vapor. 
         [0011]    It is an object of present invention to provide a vaporizer apparatus having an inhaling cocktail. 
         [0012]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a vaporizing apparatus that is cheap to operate. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a vaporizer apparatus that does not require battery power to operate. 
         [0014]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vaporizer apparatus that is easy to use. 
         [0015]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vaporizer apparatus that is reusable. 
         [0016]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a vaporizer apparatus that is able to accommodate a refillable cartridge. 
         [0017]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of using plastic holding canisters for pressurized inhaling cocktail. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIGS. 1A, 1B  are a demonstration of a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 2A-2C  are various views of the assembled personal vaporizer apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 3A, 3B  are exploded diagrams of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4A, 4B  are exploded diagrams of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 5A, 5B  are cross sectional diagrams of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0024]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0025]    Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate a personal vaporizer device  10 . The personal vaporizer device  10  may be shaped as a conventional electronic cigarette device as shown, or may be embodied in a less conventional fashion, such as a pipe device of various sorts. The shown embodiment is preferred since it is more compatible with conventional CO 2  cartridges known in the art and used for anything from tire inflation devices to soda aerators. However, other adaptations may accommodate the same conventional CO2 canisters in embodiments of personal vaporizer device  10  that does not resemble a conventional or electronic cigarette. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are cross section views of the preferred embodiment. Shown are personal vaporizer apparatus  10 , a holding cartridge  20 , a pressurized mixture  30 , a bottom end  40 , an outlet end  50 , a pressure regulating mechanism  60 , a first valve  70 , at least one discharge channel  80 , at least one opening  90 , a mouthpiece  100 , a textured outer surface  110 , an external fill chamber  120 , an exit opening  130 , an linear force  140 , a discharge position  150 , a closed position  160 , at least one variably opening air intake valve  180 , an acute angle  190 , a second valve  200 , a fill chamber  210 , said second valve opening  220 , a pressure regulator  230 , an internal fill chamber  240 , an external container  250 , a sealing membrane  260 , a refill valve  270 , a puncture pin  280 , and an activator  290 . 
         [0027]    A pressurized mixture is loaded into the holding cartridge  20 . The holding cartridge  20  may be made of metal or of a reinforced composite material such as reinforced plastic, or metal composite or a pressure resistant polymer such as but not limited to a geopolymer, or a silicone. A wood based or a cellulose fiber based material may also be used. Material and shape of the holding cartridge  20  will be generally dictated by the pressure of the stored payload or the pressurized mixture  30 . The holding cartridge  20  may be a substantially elliptical, bottle like shape, which may be desirable for holding highly pressurized mixtures  30 . However other shapes are possible, such as spherical, cylindrical, rectangular, oblong, quadrilateral or rhombic, or have a combination of shapes either grouped together or one flowing into another. 
         [0028]    The pressurized mixture  30  in the holding cartridge  20  is a pressurized liquid. The liquid is interspersed with a pressurized gas propellant such as propylene glycol, butane, nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide, or any other non-toxic or low-toxic gas known in the industry for its propellant qualities. The gas will be mixed together with a pressurized liquefied solution which may or may not include tobacco or other stimulants, medicine, water or liquid fragrances and flavored liquids. The holding cartridge  20  preferably tolerates between 12 pounds per square inch (PSI) to 40 PSI, depending on the size and shape of the holding cartridge  20 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 1A  demonstrates the flow of the pressurized mixture  30 , which originates as payload  31  inside the holding cartridge  20 . As more payload  31  is expelled, additional amounts of the liquefied pressurized mixture  30  evaporates into the outlet end of the holding cartridge, until the pressure inside the holding cartridge is reestablished. The payload  32  then flows through the first valve  70  into the internal fill chamber  240  as shown by arrow  32 . Then, once the first valve  70  closes, the second valve opening  220  opens forcing the pressurized mixture  30  through the second valve opening  220  of the second valve  200  and into the fill chamber  210 . Then, as shown in with arrow  33 , the payload  31  continues through the regulator  230 . The regular  230  is a substantially tubular chamber having a valve  233 , which may be a pressure sensitive swing valve. If a pressure sensitive swing value is used for the valve  233 , then if payload pressure within the chamber  230  reaches a certain predetermined maximum, the regulator  230  will swing out into the discharge chamber  80 . The regulator  230  may be opened by the linear force  140 , by the volume of gas inside the fill chamber  210 , or through action of an external agitator (not shown). The pressurized mixture  31  then flows into the discharge cylinder  80  and then through the openings  90  into the external fill chamber  120  and then out of the external fill chamber  120  toward the exit opening  130 , as shown by arrow  34 . Throughout the flow of the payload  31 , the steps are designed to lower the ultimate PSI pressure of the pressurized mixture  30  that manifests itself at the exit opening  130  from approximately 12-25 psi to two approximately 5 PSI or lower. The essential concept is to use a pressurized solution which turns to gas at room temperature without the use of energy consuming heat. The solution is therefore to release the gas, but slow it in stages until it is fit for inhaling. This can be accomplished through any combination of chambers, gates or valves. 
         [0030]    The air intake valve  180  in the mouthpiece  100  that functions to direct the payload exiting through the openings  90 , as shown with directional arrows  32 , in the direction of the exit opening  130 . The intake valve  180  creates a stream of air that channels the pressurized mixture  30  towards the exit opening  130 . An air intake valve  180  contains a flap  182  that is biased to adhere to the sidewall  112  and cover an opening  181  through the sidewall  112 . The flap  182  is preferably manufactured out of soft and flexible material, such as thin rubber, plastic, or silicone, and would flex in the direction away from the sidewall  112 , as demonstrated in  FIG. 1A , to allow admittance of the air through the opening  181  into the external fill chamber  120 . The flap  182  flexes away from the sidewall  112  when the user takes a drag, sucks or inhales air through exit opening  130 . This creates a suction force that causes the flaps  182  to flex away from the sidewall  112 . The desired flap operation may also be induced by the external linear force  140 , when the sidewall flexes  112  thereby disturbing the perfectly flush association of the flap  182  with the sidewall  112 . 
         [0031]    The mouthpiece  100  may contain at least one or a plurality of such air intake valves  180 , which may be disposed anywhere along the sidewall  112 . The desired diameter of an opening  181  is between one and four millimeters and depends on the desired strength and dilution levels of the desired payload reaching the exit opening  130 . Similarly, there may be at least one or a plurality of openings  90  with a diameter of between one and three millimeters and located anywhere along the length of the discharge channel  80 . The diameters and sizes found in this application are merely preferences and are not intended to limit the number and scope of variations designed to fulfill functional or aesthetic purposes. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1B  illustrates the same components except that pressure regulator  60  releases the pressurized mixture  30  through the second valve opening  220  directly into the discharge channel  80  without entering the fill chamber  210 . The configuration not having the fill chamber  210  may be more desirable if the pressurized mixture  30  contains payload  31  at a lower PSI than the payload in  FIG. 1A . Alternatively the configuration in  FIG. 1B  is more desirable if the user wants the payload  31  being expelled through the openings  90  at a higher PSI levels of approximately 10 PSI and lower. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  demonstrate the external force that causes payload ejection from the holding cartridge  20 . In  FIG. 1A , the sidewalls  112  are perfectly flush with the sidewall  251  of the external container  250 . Furthermore the spring  292  is not compressed, meaning that all valves, such as the first valve  70 , or the second valve  200  or the pressure regulator  230  are in closed position. During normal usage, the mouthpiece  100  is inserted into a user&#39;s mouth and held between lips. The mouthpiece  100  is coated with textured surface  110 , to make the sidewall  112  of the mouthpiece  100  more appealing and less jarring upon touch. A user then grasps the external container  250  and pulls it linearly toward the mouthpiece  100 . Alternatively, a user may push said mouthpiece  100  against the external container  250 , thus inducing the linear force  149  that compresses the personal vaporizer apparatus  10 , producing the bulge  148  as seen in  FIG. 2B . The initial pressure causes first valve to open and internal fill chamber to fill with payload  31 . Then as the pressure continues the first valve  70  closes and the second valve  200  opens, ejecting the payload  31  into the fill chamber  210  or directly into the discharge channel  80 . The pressure regulating mechanism  60  is only one embodiment of pressure regulating mechanism that may accomplish the task of releasing the pressurized mixture  30 , while lowering the PSI of the mixture being released. However other embodiments and configurations may achieve the same results, and this description does include those embodiments, which are known in the art, but are not disclosed herein. 
         [0034]    The preferred overall dimensions of the personal vaporizer apparatus  10  are approximately between three and five inches in length  300  and between ¾ and ⅛ of an inch in a diameter or width  301 . These are preferred dimensions and alternative dimensions may be possible. As demonstrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the overall shape of the personal vaporizer apparatus  10  is cylindrical with the width  301  being substantially uniform throughout the length  301 . Alternatively the corpus of the personal vaporizer apparatus  10  may be in a shape of a pipe, spherical, cubic or rectangular. The external container  250  may have substantially the same width  301  throughout or may have a narrower width at the connecting end  302 , thus appearing trapezoidal to the onlooker, or at the terminal end  303 , thus appearing conical to the onlooker. 
         [0035]    The mouthpiece  100  preferably contains a neck indentation  102  as shown, throughout the circumference of the circumference  104 . The neck indentation  102  may be desired to provide additional comfort to the lips of a user. Alternatively the neck indentation  102  may appear just on two sides of the mouthpiece  100 , to further simulate lips clamping down. A user, after inserting the oral end  103  of the personal vaporizer apparatus  10  into mouth, would place lips onto indentation  102 . Furthermore, one of the activating ways is to compress the external container  250  and the mouthpiece  100  together (reference lines  147 ). In so doing, a user would be simultaneously pressing with lips in the direction  146 , and, while holding onto the external container  250 , would be pulling in the direction  147 . The neck indentation  102  would thus provide a better grip forming surface for lips. Similarly, the sidewall  253  of the storage container  250  may contain grip lines or indentations on the surface of the sidewall  253  (not shown). Also shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C  is the refill valve  270  and a cover for the refill valve  272 . The cover for the refill valve prevents the internal contents of the external container  250  from falling out, spilling or leaking out during operation of the apparatus  10 . The mouthpiece  100  and the external container  250  may be made of same or different materials. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  present an exploded diagram of the present invention. Shown are personal vaporizer apparatus  10 , a pressure regulating mechanism  60 , a mouthpiece  100 , an exit opening  130 , at least one variably opening air intake valve  180 , an external container  250 , a refill valve  270 , a puncture pin  280 , and an activator  290 . Shown are the external dimensions of the pressure regulating mechanism  60 . The second valve opening  200  is shown in the side of the second valve  200 . Shown is actually the external casing of the second valve  200 . The thread  62  corresponds to the thread  63  for an airtight fit between the pressure regulating mechanism  60  and the external container  250 . In the embodiment shown, the external container  250  actually stores the pressurized mixture  30  and there is no holding cartridge  20 . 
         [0037]    The regulating mechanism  60  is mounted within the mouthpiece  100 , at the connection end  106 . The sidewall  66  is lodged securely within the face  105  of the mouthpiece  100 . The spring  292  and the pressure regulating mechanism  60  combine to form an activator  290 . The first end  294  of the spring  292  is mounted against the bottom end of the discharge channel  80  ( FIG. 1A ), while the second end  293  rests on top of flange  65 . These are support surfaces that act as resisting surfaces when the spring  292  is compressed as a result of the linear forces  149 . The terminal flange  64  at the connector end  302  may or may not form an airtight seal with the connection end  106  since the pressure regulating mechanism  60  serves as a hermetic conduit of the pressurized mixture  30  from the external container  250  into the mouthpiece  100 . 
         [0038]    The variable size opening  180  varies in diameter depending on an embodiment. It is also varies as far as to what extent the opening is open to the air. The last factor is determinative on the drag or suction force that a user applies at the exit opening  130  while inhaling. 
         [0039]    The refill valve  270  forms a hermetic seal with the external container  250 . In the embodiment shown, the refill valve  270  may be utilized to reintroduce the pressurized mixture  30  without actually removing the refill valve cover  272 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  demonstrate a rechargeable embodiment of the present invention. Shown in this invention is the holding cartridge  20 . The holding cartridge  20  may be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to metals, plastics, resins, wood, or ceramics. The spherical shape of the holding cartridge  20 , as well as external or internal reinforcing structural element provide ample strength to contain the pressurized mixture  30 . The pressure regulating mechanism  60  is now threaded unto the thread  63  until an airtight coupling is achieved. The threads  63  and the thread on the pressure regulating mechanism  60  may contain rubberized material or a resinous or polymeric coating to better seal the gaps. As the pressure regulating mechanism  60  is threaded onto the threads  63 , the puncture pin presses on top of the membrane  260 , eventually puncturing it. The membrane seals itself around the puncture pin  280 . The first valve  70  may be disposed on the puncture pin  280  or may be further up on the main corpus of the regulating mechanism  60 . 
         [0041]    The external container  250  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  may be threaded or snapped onto the female thread  255  or snap receiver in the connecting end  106 . A magnetized or a frictional coupling may be utilized as well. In order to replace or recharge the holding cartridge  20 , a user would need to remove the external container  250  from the female thread  255  and then detach the holding cartridge  20  from the regulating mechanism  60 . Some of the buildup and trapped payload may escape during the process of disassembly. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  demonstrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Shown are personal vaporizer apparatus  10 , a pressurized mixture  30 , a bottom end  40 , an outlet end  50 , a pressure regulating mechanism  60 , a first valve  70 , at least one discharge channel  80 , at least one opening of said discharge  90 , a mouthpiece  100 , a textured outer surface  110 , an external fill chamber  120 , an exit opening  130 , an external force  140 , a discharge position  150 , a closed position  160 , an external actuator  170 , at least one variably opening air intake valve  180 , an acute angle  190 , a second valve  200 , a valve opening  220 , an internal fill chamber  240 , an external container  250 , a sealing membrane  260 , a refill valve  270 , a puncture pin  280 , an activator  290 , an internal cavity  300 . The embodiment shown does not contain a holding cartridge  20 , therefore the pressurized mixture is held within the storage container  250 . To ensure perfectly hermetic coupling a sealing membrane  260  surrounds the threaded coupling surface of the pressure regulating mechanism  60 . 
         [0043]    Shown also is the external actuator  170 , which is an external device having an arm  231  that extends through the sidewall  112  of the mouthpiece  100  and into the discharge channel  80 . The arm  231  connects to the trigger arm  232  which then connects to the second valve  200 . The arm  231  may move radially in a direction perpendicular to the linear force  140  or in substantially straight line in a reciprocal lateral motion  311  as shown, which may be in addition to or as an alternative to the linear force  140 . The external actuator  170  that is external to the mouthpiece  100  is shown in this embodiment, but may be just as effectively practiced with embodiments shown in other figs demonstrated in this invention. 
         [0044]    To create a reusable device from figs shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5B  the refill valve  270  must be resealing after refills. Alternatively, the valve  270  may be a fill once and seal type, where a user will replace the storage containers  250 , keeping the mouthpiece  100  and the pressure regulating mechanism as the replaceable components of the present invention. 
         [0045]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.