Patent Description:
Portable electronic vaporizers have become very popular in the United States and abroad. While many types of portable electronic vaporizers exist, ones with replaceable cartridges that come pre-filled with the liquid-to-be-vaporized command a large portion of the market share.

With the ubiquity of these replaceable vaporizer cartridges, many branding and white-labeling opportunities have appeared, as companies want to put advertising on the cartridges themselves, or want to offer cartridges as company-branded merchandise. However, the reality of this type of advertising is that large quantities of branded vaporizer cartridges must be ordered, and many of these branded vaporizer cartridges sit unused in a warehouse or desk drawer, or worse, end up unused and in a landfill.

To that end, there exists a need for vaporizer cartridges that can be adorned with ornamental information such as company branding, where the branding can be easily removed and replaced with alternative, or no, branding.

In the present disclosure, where a document, act, or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act, item of knowledge, or any combination thereof that was known at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the present disclosure is concerned. <CIT> discloses an atomizer and an electronic smoking set, wherein the atomizer comprises a shell, a central column and a heating body; the central column is located in the shell and is a hollow yttria-stabilized zirconia body, an airflow channel is formed in the hollow portion of the central column, and the central column and the shell form a liquid storage cavity used for storing atomized liquid; the heating body is located in the central column and used for atomizing the atomized liquid in the liquid storage cavity. <CIT> also discloses an atomizer and an electronic cigarette, wherein the atomizer comprises: an atomizer body and the atomizer body is provided with a smoking extremity and an atomizing component used for atomizing an e-liquid, wherein the atomizing component comprises an atomizing sleeve, an atomizing core, a ventilation pipe, an e-liquid storage cavity, a first sealing ring, and a second sealing ring. <CIT> discloses an atomizer and an electronic cigarette, wherein the atomizer comprises a smoking end and an atomization assembly, wherein the atomization assembly comprises an atomization sleeve. <CIT> discloses a vaporization assembly and an electronic cigarette; said vaporization assembly comprises a mouthpiece assembly, a liquid storage assembly, and a vaporization core assembly; a refueling port is formed on the end face of one end of said liquid storage assembly; the vaporization core is fixedly interposed inside the liquid storage assembly; the vaporization core assembly comprises a vaporizer base, a liquid-absorbing member sleeved inside the vaporizer base, an electric heating wire sleeved inside the liquid-absorbing member, and an inner electrode assembly and ventilation tube arranged on one end of the vaporizer base; the vaporizer base is fixedly connected to the liquid storage member in a tensioned manner; the electric heating wire is wound to form a hollow cylindrical structure, and the hollow area of said electric heating wire forms a vaporization chamber arranged extending lengthwise along the vaporization assembly; the inside wall of the liquid-absorbing member and the electric heating wire are joined together; the inner electrode assembly is electrically connected to the electric heating wire and is used for connecting to a battery assembly; one end of the ventilation tube is connected to the vaporizer base, and the other end of the ventilation tube extends out of the refueling port and is inserted in said mouthpiece assembly.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects are disclaimed. It is contemplated that the claims may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

The present disclosure provides for a vaporizer cartridge that is equipped with a removable ring. The vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure has a central member having a top end with a first opening, a bottom end with a second opening and a threaded section, and a flared member therebetween. The central member also contains a heating element. The flared member has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first attachment means, where the threaded section is beneath the flared member.

The vaporizer cartridge also features a container having a flat top and a tapered bottom, the container being configured to rest on the top surface and extends towards the top end, and where the container is sized to substantially contain the heating element. In a highly preferred embodiment, the container is constructed with a translucent or otherwise "see-through" material. The container also creates a fluid-impermeable barrier with the top surface. The vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure also features a mouthpiece disposed on the top end, the mouthpiece having a fluid passthrough which is in fluid communication with the first opening and the second opening.

The vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure also includes a first ring sized to interface with and overlap with the flared member via the first attachment means on the bottom surface. The first ring is removably attached to the first attachment means when removable attached the first ring does not overlap with the threaded section. In various embodiments, this first ring has ornamentation printed thereon.

In some embodiments of the vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure features a second ring sized to interface with and abut against the flat top and the mouthpiece. In these embodiments, the mouthpiece is equipped with a second attachment means, and the second ring is affixed to the mouthpiece via a second attachment means.

Further embodiments of the vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure exist where the only attachment means is the attachment means that the mouthpiece is equipped with, such that only one ring can be removably attached to said vaporizer cartridge.

The present disclosure also contemplates a method in accordance with claim <NUM> of removably attaching one or more rings to the vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure. The method begins by providing vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure, as described above, as well as a first ring sized to interface with and overlap with the flared member via the first attachment means on the bottom surface. Some embodiments of the method also provide for a second ring sized to interface and abut against the flat top and the mouthpiece.

The method then proceeds to the step of removably attaching the first ring to the attachment means such that the first ring does not overlap with the threaded section when interfaced with the first attachment means. In embodiments where a second ring is provided, the method also includes removably attaching the second ring to the mouthpiece via the second attachment means.

The claims should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed hereinabove. To the accomplishment of the above, this disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the disclosure.

Implementations may include one or a combination of any two or more of the aforementioned features.

These and other aspects, features, implementations, and advantages can be expressed as methods, apparatuses, systems, components, program products, business methods, and means or steps for performing functions, or some combination thereof.

Other features, aspects, implementations, and advantages will become apparent from the descriptions, the drawings, and the claims.

In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various example embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete, and fully conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

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.

Reference will now be made in detail to each 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.

Referring to <FIG>, a front view of an embodiment of the vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Here the vaporizer cartridge <NUM> has a central member <NUM>, a container <NUM>, and a mouthpiece <NUM>. The central member <NUM> has a top end 102A with a first opening <NUM> and a bottom end 102B with a second opening <NUM>. Between the top end 102A and the bottom end 102B exists heating element <NUM>. The central member <NUM> also includes a flared member <NUM>, which has a top surface 110A and a bottom surface 110B. The flared member <NUM> is located between the top end 102A and the bottom end 102B. The container <NUM> extends from the top surface 110A to the top end 102A and envelops the heating element <NUM>. Preferably the container <NUM> is constructed with a translucent or see-through material and has a flat top 120A and a tapered bottom 120B. The tapered bottom 120B forms a fluid-impermeable barrier <NUM> with the top surface 110A. The container <NUM> is configured to be able to hold and retain a liquid.

Beneath the flared member <NUM> is a threaded portion <NUM> which envelops the bottom opening <NUM>. The flared member <NUM> is equipped with a first means for attachment <NUM>, which is used to provide for the removable attachment of a first ring <NUM> to the vaporizer cartridge <NUM>. When interfaced with the first attachment means <NUM>, the first ring <NUM> leaves the threaded section <NUM> at least partially exposed such that the vaporizer cartridge <NUM> may interface with a battery (not pictured).

Referring to <FIG>, a vaporizer cartridge <NUM> is shown which is not encompassed by the wording of the claims but is considered as useful for understanding the invention. Here, a second ring <NUM> is shown, but in every aspect the second ring <NUM> is interchangeable with the first ring <NUM>. For the avoidance of doubt, any reference to any aspect or element of the first ring <NUM> is perfectly interchangeable with the second ring <NUM>.

In this the vaporizer cartridge of <FIG>, the mouthpiece <NUM> features additional structural elements, namely a second means for attachment <NUM>. Similarity to the first ring <NUM> and the second right <NUM>, any reference to any aspect or element of the first means for attachment <NUM> is perfectly interchangeable with any aspect or element of the second means for attachment <NUM>. Specifically, this embodiment of the vaporizer cartridge has the second ring <NUM> in between the flat top 120A and the mouthpiece <NUM>. Also visible in this embodiment is a depression located on the mouthpiece <NUM>.

Here, the mouthpiece <NUM> includes a fluid passthrough <NUM>, which provides for the fluid communication between the bottom opening <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM>. Also present in the vaporizer cartridge of <FIG>is the fluid-impermeable barrier <NUM>, although the container <NUM> the vaporizer cartridge of <FIG>does not have the tapered bottom 120B. Note in the vaporizer cartridge of <FIG>, that as the mouthpiece <NUM> abuts against the flat top 120A another fluid impermeable barrier is formed. In various embodiments the container <NUM> will be filled with liquid during the assembly of the vaporizer cartridge <NUM>. In other embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge <NUM> is easily disassembled such that the container <NUM> can be filled with liquid after the vaporizer cartridge <NUM> has been initially assembled.

<FIG> show various embodiments of the first attachment means <NUM> and second attachment means in accordance with the present disclosure. In these figures, a first interfacing means <NUM> is shown on the first ring, where the first attachment means <NUM> and the first interfacing <NUM> operate in a "male-female" relationship. That is, the first attachment means <NUM> often serves as a "male" attachment to a corresponding "female" interfacing element in the first interfacing means <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first attachment means <NUM> often serves as a "female" attachment to a corresponding "male" interfacing element in the first interfacing means <NUM>.

Moreover, in <FIG>, reference numbers for only the first attachment means <NUM> is shown, as the embodiments depicted therein show the first attachment means <NUM> on the flared member <NUM>. However, the first attachment means <NUM> and the second attachment means in accordance with the present disclosure are perfectly interchangeable. That is, any attachment means utilized to provide for the removable attachment of the first ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM> can also be used to provide for the removable attachment of the second ring to the mouthpiece, via the second attachment means.

In the below descriptions of <FIG>, any reference to the first attachment means <NUM> is interchangeable with the second attachment means, any reference to the flared member <NUM> is interchangeable for the mouthpiece, any reference to the first ring <NUM> is interchangeable with the second ring, and any reference to the first interfacing means <NUM> is interchangeable with the second interfacing means.

Further, embodiments exist where the vaporizer cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure is equipped with both a first ring <NUM>, a first attachment means <NUM>, a second ring, and a second attachment means, all while allowing the container <NUM> to hold and retain any liquid inserted therein.

<FIG> shows a first embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the attachment means <NUM> is a recessed portion on the bottom of the flared member <NUM> where the recess is concave in shape. Here, the first ring <NUM> has a first interfacing means <NUM> which is a convex protrusion, sized to create a releasable pressure-fit when the first ring <NUM> is disposed on the flared member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a second embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the attachment means <NUM> is a recessed portion on the top of the flared member <NUM> where the recess is also concave in shape. Here, the first ring <NUM> has a first interfacing means <NUM> which is also a convex protrusion, sized to create a releasable pressure-fit when the first ring <NUM> is disposed on the flared member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a third embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the attachment means <NUM> is a recessed portion on the middle of the flared member <NUM> where the recess is also concave in shape. Here, the first ring <NUM> has a first interfacing means <NUM> which is also a convex protrusion, sized to create a releasable pressure-fit when the first ring <NUM> is disposed on the flared member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fourth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the attachment means <NUM> is a recessed portion on the bottom of the flared member <NUM> where the recess is concave in shape, with a plurality of small bumps adding to the protrusion. Here, six bumps are shown atop the concave protrusion, but embodiments of different numbers of bumps are also contemplated. In this embodiment, the first ring <NUM> has a first interfacing means <NUM> which is a convex protrusion adorned with bumps that correspond to the bumps on the threaded member <NUM>, sized to create a releasable pressure-fit when the first ring <NUM> is disposed on the flared member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fifth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the attachment means <NUM> is a recessed portion on the bottom of the flared member <NUM> where the recess is concave in shape, with a plurality of small channels adding to the protrusion. Here, eight channels are shown atop the concave protrusion, but embodiments of different numbers of channels are also contemplated. In this embodiment, the first ring <NUM> has a first interfacing means <NUM> which is a convex protrusion adorned with additional convex protrusions that correspond to the channels on the threaded member <NUM>, sized to create a releasable pressure-fit when the first ring <NUM> is disposed on the flared member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a sixth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>, where the attachment means <NUM> are two recesses on opposite ends of the top of flared member <NUM>. These recesses are preferably not of a uniform depth and have a substantially perpendicular portion to serve as a ledge. In this embodiment, the first interfacing means <NUM> of the ring <NUM> is a pair of clips sized to releasably hook into the recesses and press against each ledge of the attachment means <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a seventh embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>, where the attachment means <NUM> are two recesses on opposite ends of the bottom of flared member <NUM>. These recesses are preferably not of a uniform depth and have a substantially perpendicular portion to serve as a ledge. In this embodiment, the first interfacing means <NUM> of the ring <NUM> is a pair of clips sized to releasably hook into the recesses and press against each ledge of the attachment means <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an eight embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the attachment means <NUM> is a smooth wall. Here, the first ring <NUM> has a first interfacing means <NUM> which is a convex protrusion with a perpendicular slit going up a wall of the ring, enabling the ring to releasable snap onto the flared member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a ninth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the attachment means <NUM> is three recessed portions, one on the top, one on the bottom, and one on the middle of the flared member <NUM> where the recesses are all concave in shape. Here, the first ring <NUM> has a first interfacing means <NUM> which is three convex protrusions, each sized to create a releasable pressure-fit when the first ring <NUM> is disposed on the flared member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a tenth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the attachment means <NUM> is a standard thread running along the wall of the flared member <NUM>. In this embodiment the ring <NUM> has the interfacing means <NUM> as threads corresponding to the threads of the flared member <NUM>. The ring <NUM> attaches to the flared member <NUM> by being rotating against the flared member <NUM> until the threads engage.

<FIG> shows an eleventh embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the walls of the threaded member <NUM> are concave, creating this embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ring <NUM> has convex walls with a curvature to match that of the flared member <NUM>, which serves as the interfacing means <NUM> in this embodiment. To attach the ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM>, the ring is merely pushed onto the flared member <NUM> to create a releasable pressure fit between the two components.

<FIG>shows a twelfth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the walls of the threaded member <NUM> are concave with a plurality of depressions in the middle of the flared member <NUM>, creating this embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ring <NUM> has convex walls with a curvature to match that of the flared member <NUM> the convex walls being adorned with a plurality of bumps that correspond to the plurality of depressions, which serves as the interfacing means <NUM> in this embodiment. To attach the ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM>, the ring is merely pushed onto the flared member <NUM> to create a releasable pressure fit between the two components. In this embodiment, six bumps are shown but any number of bumps/depressions are contemplated by this disclosure.

<FIG> shows a thirteenth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the walls of the threaded member <NUM> are convex, creating this embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ring <NUM> has concave walls with a curvature to match that of the flared member <NUM>, which serves as the interfacing means <NUM> in this embodiment. To attach the ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM>, the ring is merely pushed onto the flared member <NUM> to create a releasable pressure fit between the two components.

<FIG> shows a fourteenth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the walls of the threaded member <NUM> are convex with a plurality of depressions in the middle of the flared member <NUM>, creating this embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ring <NUM> has concave walls with a curvature to match that of the flared member <NUM> the concave walls being adorned with a plurality of bumps that correspond to the plurality of depressions, which serves as the interfacing means <NUM> in this embodiment. To attach the ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM>, the ring is merely pushed onto the flared member <NUM> to create a releasable pressure fit between the two components. In this embodiment, six bumps are shown but any number of bumps/protrusions are contemplated by this disclosure.

<FIG> shows a fifteenth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the walls of the threaded member <NUM> are concave with a plurality of channels in the middle of the flared member <NUM>, creating this embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ring <NUM> has convex walls with a curvature to match that of the flared member <NUM> the convex walls being adorned with a plurality of additional protrusions that correspond to the number of channels, which serves as the interfacing means <NUM> in this embodiment. To attach the ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM>, the ring is merely pushed onto the flared member <NUM> to create a releasable pressure fit between the two components. In this embodiment, eight channels are shown but any number of channels/additional protrusions are contemplated by this disclosure.

<FIG> shows a sixteenth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the walls of the threaded member <NUM> are convex with a plurality of channels in the middle of the flared member <NUM>, creating this embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ring <NUM> has concave walls with a curvature to match that of the flared member <NUM> the concave walls being adorned with a plurality of additional protrusions that correspond to the number of channels, which serves as the interfacing means <NUM> in this embodiment. To attach the ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM>, the ring is merely pushed onto the flared member <NUM> to create a releasable pressure fit between the two components. In this embodiment, eight channels are shown but any number of channels/additional protrusions are contemplated by this disclosure.

<FIG> shows a seventeenth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the walls of the threaded member <NUM> are sloped inward, creating this embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ring <NUM> has walls that are sloped outward, with a slope that corresponds to that of the flared member <NUM>, which serves as the interfacing means <NUM> in this embodiment. To attach the ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM>, the ring is merely pushed onto the flared member <NUM> to create a releasable pressure fit between the two components.

<FIG> shows an eighteenth embodiment of the attachment means <NUM> where the walls of the threaded member <NUM> are sloped outward, creating this embodiment of the attachment means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ring <NUM> has walls that are sloped inward, with a slope that corresponds to that of the flared member <NUM>, which serves as the interfacing means <NUM> in this embodiment. To attach the ring <NUM> to the flared member <NUM>, the ring is merely pushed onto the flared member <NUM> to create a releasable pressure fit between the two components.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective "another," when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

It is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween.

Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.

It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, "first," "second," and "third," are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer and/or section from another element, component, region, layer and/or section. Thus, a "first element," "component," "region," "layer" and/or "section" discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer and/or section without departing from the teachings herein.

Features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment.

Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper" and the like, are used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated <NUM> degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

As the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.

Claim 1:
A vaporizer cartridge (<NUM>), comprising:
a central member (<NUM>) having a top end (102A) with a first opening (<NUM>), a bottom end (102B) with a second opening (<NUM>) and a threaded section (<NUM>),
and a flared member (<NUM>) therebetween,
wherein the flared member (<NUM>) has a top surface (110A), a bottom surface (110B), and a first attachment means (<NUM>),
wherein the central member (<NUM>) contains a heating element (<NUM>),
wherein the threaded section (<NUM>) is beneath the flared member (<NUM>);
a container (<NUM>) having a flat top (120A) and a tapered bottom (120B), the container (<NUM>) being configured to rest on the top surface (110A) and extends towards the top end (102A),
wherein the container (<NUM>) is sized to substantially contain the heating element (<NUM>),
a mouthpiece (<NUM>) disposed on the top end (102A), the mouthpiece (<NUM>) having a fluid passthrough which is in fluid communication with the first opening (<NUM>) and the second opening (<NUM>); and
a first ring (<NUM>) sized to interface with and overlap with the flared member (<NUM>) via the first attachment means (<NUM>) on the bottom surface (110B),
wherein the first ring (<NUM>) is removably attached to the first attachment means (<NUM>), and
wherein the first ring (<NUM>) does not overlap with the threaded section (<NUM>) when interfaced with the first attachment means (<NUM>);
characterized in that the container (<NUM>) creates a fluid-impermeable barrier (<NUM>) with the top surface (110A).