Patent ID: 12207686

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative configurations are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed configurations. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as examples only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Many personal vaporizers have poorly designed airflow pathways that create turbulence or irregular flow patterns instead of a vortex. These poorly designed pathways have to improper chamber geometry within the personal vaporizer, resulting in dead zones and a loss of momentum in the vortex. As a result, uneven heating and vaporization may occur, therefore diminishing the user experience and reducing the overall performance of the personal vaporizer.

In an effort to improve the generation of a vortex airflow, the present disclosure relates to a vortexer for a cap of the personal vaporizer. The vortexer may be accommodated within the cap of the personal vaporizer. Further, the vortexer may include at least one inlet configured to generate a vortex airflow with an inhalation action created by the user. The present disclosure explains the vortexer in detail, in conjunction withFIGS.1-52.

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view100of a personal vaporizer102. The personal vaporizer102may include a cap104, a heating pod106, and a power source108. The heating pod106may be configured to accommodate and heat a vaporizer product such as e-liquid or vape juice. The vaporizer product may be heated by a heating mechanism in the heating pod106(such as heating coils, not shown herein) by using electrical power from the power source108. Further, the user may be configured to create an inhalation, or a “sucking” action at the cap104, which may generate a vortex airflow that mixes with the vapors emitted by heating the vaporizer product. The vortex airflow is generated using a vortexer accommodated within the cap104. The vortexer is explained in detail hereon.

FIG.2illustrates a schematic200of a cap104disconnected from the heating pod106of the personal vaporizer102ofFIG.1, andFIG.3illustrates an exploded view300of the personal vaporizer102ofFIG.1.

As explained earlier, the cap104may be configured to accommodate a vortexer202. The cap104and the vortexer202may be assembled to form a mouthpiece of the personal vaporizer102. Furthermore, the vortexer202may be accommodated within the cap104with various techniques, such as but not limited to snap-fitting, push-fitting, and the like. Alternatively, the vortexer202may be formed with the cap104as a singular structure. Further, the cap104may be adjoined to the heating pod106using a snap-fit arrangement, or fastened together using screw threads, and the like. Furthermore, the heating pod106may be connected to the power source108using similar methods.

The cap104may include a proximal cap end302, and a distal cap end304oppositely formed to the proximal cap end302. Further, the cap104may include an outer cap surface306formed between the proximal cap end302and the distal cap end304. Further, the cap104may include an inner cap surface308configured to interface with the vortexer202. Further, the cap104may include one or more cap inlets310running throughout the outer cap surface306and the inner cap surface308. The one or more cap inlets310may be configured to draw air surrounding the personal vaporizer102within a space between the inner cap surface308and the vortexer202.

The vortexer202may include a first inlet204, a second inlet206, and a central outlet208disposed between the first inlet204and the second inlet206. It must be noted that when the cap104may be connected to the heating pod106, the vortexer202may be disposed above, and vertically separated by a predefined gap from a heating chamber210of the heating pod106. The heating chamber210may be configured to accommodate and heat the vaporizer product. The vapors of the vaporizer product emitted from the heating chamber210may be mixed with a vortex airflow created by the first inlet204and the second inlet206. After mixing with the vortex airflow, a fluid mixture may be formed which may exit the vortexer202from the central outlet208. The various configurations of the vortexer202are illustrated in detail, hereinafter.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view400of a vortexer202, andFIG.5illustrates a bottom-perspective view500of a vortexer202. The vortexer202may include a proximal end402configured to adjoin to the heating pod106of the personal vaporizer102, and a distal end404which may protrude from the proximal cap end302. The distal end404may emerge from the inner cap surface308and the proximal cap end302and may be configured to interface with the mouth of the user. The vortexer202may further include a tube406protruding between the proximal end402and the distal end404. The tube406may define a central axis Pc(refer toFIG.3), which may coincide with a central axis of the cap104. Further, the tube406may include an inner wall408concentrically formed about the central axis Pc. The vortexer202may further include an outer wall410concentrically formed about the central axis Pc. Further, the vortexer202may include a shoulder412protruding from the proximal end402towards the distal end404. The shoulder412may include a bottom face414co-planar to the proximal end402of the vortexer and perpendicular to the central axis Pc, and a top face416parallel to and offset from the bottom face414. The top face416may be perpendicular to the central axis Pc. Further, the shoulder412may include an outer perimeter418concentrically formed about the central axis Pcbetween the bottom face414and the top face416. It must be noted that the tube406may be formed as a single product with the shoulder412, or may be separately manufactured and adjoined to the shoulder412.

In an illustrative configuration, the shoulder412may further include a first detent420and a second detent422formed in the outer perimeter418. The second detent422may be oppositely disposed from the first detent420. The first detent420and the second detent422may include a locking detent, such as but not limited to a circular slot, a square slot, and the like. Further, the first detent420and the second detent422are configured to axially align the vortexer202relative to the cap104. Particularly, the first detent420and the second detent422may be configured to engage with one or more lock tabs (not shown) in the proximal cap end302to align and lock the vortexer202within the cap104. Moreover, a sealant205(refer toFIG.2) may be disposed between the shoulder412and the proximal cap end302. The sealant205may be configured to seal the shoulder412and the proximal cap end302, thereby preventing any passage of air therebetween.

As explained earlier, the heating chamber210may be configured to accommodate and heat the vaporizer product, which as a result, may produce vapors at a high temperature that may contact the vortexer202. Such vapors, upon contact, may cause overheating of the vortexer202, which may be made of metals such as but limited to stainless steel, titanium dioxide, aluminum, and the like. The overheating of the vortexer202may also cause a burning effect in the mouth of the user during the inhalation action, especially when the mouth of the user interfaces with the distal end404of the vortexer202. Therefore, to prevent overheating and ensure that the vortexer202may operate within thermal limits, a heat-convector and an insulated coating405may be formed on the vortexer202. This is explained inFIG.5.

FIG.6illustrates a partial sectional view600of the vortexer202. The tube406of the vortexer202herein, may further include a mouth portion602at the distal end404. The mouth portion602may be configured to interface with the mouth of the user. The mouth portion602may include an insulated coating405. Alternatively, the insulated coating405may be formed throughout the length of the tube406. The insulated coating405may be formed with, but not limited to, at least a metal coating dissimilar to a composition of the tube, a polymer resin, an insulated texture, and the like. Moreover, the insulated coating405formed on the mouth portion602with manufacturing processes such as but not limited to spray-coating, dipping in a liquid insulation solution, brushing, and the like. The insulated coating405ensures that the mouth portion602may not overheat due to overheating of the vortexer202, thereby preventing burns on the mouth of the user.

With continued reference toFIG.6, the tube406may further include a heat-convector504formed between the top face416and the insulated coating405. Alternatively, the heat-convector504may be formed throughout the length of the tube406. The heat-convector504may be formed as at least one circumferential fin formed on the outer wall410. In the case of the heat-convector504formed throughout the length of the tube406, the heat-convector504may include a plurality of radial flanges formed on the length of the tube406. The heat-convector504may be configured to absorb and transmit excess heat resulting from the overheating of the vortexer202, through the outer wall410using convection mode of heat transfer. The transmitted heat may be trapped within the cap104, and may eventually heat the surrounding airflow which may be transformed into the vortex airflow using the first inlet204, and the second inlet206.

The first inlet204and the second inlet206may be configured to generate the vortex airflow. The first inlet204and the second inlet206may be designed radially-offset from, nonparallel-to, and non-intersecting the central axis Pc. Particularly, the first inlet204defines a first inlet axis. The first inlet axis is radially-offset from, nonparallel-to, and non-intersecting with the central axis Pcby a first predefined angle. Moreover, the second inlet206defines a second inlet axis. The second inlet axis is radially-offset-from, nonparallel-to, non-intersecting the central axis Pcby a second predefined angle. The configurations of the first inlet axis and the second inlet axis are illustrated in detail, in conjunction withFIGS.7-13.

FIG.7is an illustrative schematic700representing one configuration of the first inlet axis and the second inlet axis. As explained earlier, the first inlet axis and the second inlet axis are defined by the first inlet204(FIG.2) and the second inlet206(FIG.2) respectively, and may be concentrically opposite or non-eccentric to each other. Particularly, the second inlet axis is concentrically opposite to the first inlet axis. In other words, the first inlet axis may appear to be transposed to the second inlet axis about a common center. This is visualized clearly in the schematic700, in which a first elongated member702may pass through the first inlet axis, and a second elongated member704may pass through the second inlet axis. As seen, the first elongated member702may appear transposed or distinctively oriented to the second elongated member704about a common center (which may be the shoulder412). Such transposed configuration of the first inlet204and the second inlet206, along with being radially-offset from, nonparallel-to, non-intersecting the central axis Pcmay enable generation of the vortex airflow. The configuration of the first inlet204, and the second inlet206is explained in conjunction withFIGS.8-13.

FIG.8illustrates a top view800of the vortexer202, andFIG.9illustrates a bottom view900of the vortexer202. Referring to the top view800, the first inlet204and the second inlet206may be formed along a horizontal axis Ph. Further, the first detent420and the second detent422may be formed along a vertical axis Pv. As such, in some configurations, the first inlet204and the second inlet206may be interchangeably formed along the vertical axis Pv, and the first detent420and the second detent422may be formed along the horizontal axis Ph.

With continued reference toFIGS.8-9, the first inlet204and the second inlet206may be formed as an elliptical-shaped groove, progressing from the bottom face414to the top face416. Moreover, the first inlet204and the second inlet206may not intersect the central axis Pc. The central axis Pcmay pass through, and may be perpendicular to a point of intersection of the vertical axis Pvand the horizontal axis Ph. Therefore, the intersection of the first inlet204and the second inlet206, or the intersection of the first inlet204and the second inlet206with the central outlet208may be prevented. Hence, the first inlet204and the second inlet206may be separated from the central outlet208, which also results in an efficient generation of the vortex airflow.

To prepare an effective vortex airflow, in addition to the non-intersection of the first inlet and the second inlet with the central outlet, the first inlet the first inlet204, and the second inlet206may be radially offset from the central axis Pcby a predefined angle. This is explained in conjunction withFIG.10.

FIG.10illustrates another bottom view1000of the vortexer202. As described herein, axis11-11may define a section of the vortexer202along the first inlet204, and axis13-13may define a section of the vortexer202along the second inlet206. Further, as seen in the bottom view1000, an axis12-12may define a section along the central outlet. It must be noted that the axis11-11, the axis12-12, and the axis13-13are co-parallel, i.e., parallel and mutually equidistant. Therefore, the sections defined herein, by each of the axis11-11, the axis12-12, and the axis13-13respectively are mutually parallel and equidistant by a predefined distance, which may include for example, an outer diameter of the tube406.

As explained earlier, the vortexer202and the first inlet204may be radially offset from a central axis Pcby a predefined angle. For example, the first inlet204may be radially offset, or radially run out from the central axis Pcby a predefined angle A1. Similarly, the second inlet206may be radially offset, or radially run out from the central axis Pcby a predefined angle A1. In some implementations, the predefined angle A1may range from 5 to 85 degrees, in other implementations a range of 30 to 60, and in one specific configuration 30 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees. As such, in some configurations, the angle A1is measured as an angle subtended by the section defined by axis12-12on a point Pi, which may be a point of intersection of the axis12-12, the central axis Pc, and the vertical axis Pv. Further, as the section defined by the axis12-12is parallel to the section defined by the axis11-11and the section defined by the axis13-13, the orientation of the axis12-12may be similar to the orientation of the axis11-11and the axis13-13. This orientation of the axis12-12, when measured relative to the vertical axis Pv, may determine the angle subtended by the axis12-12on the point Pi. Therefore, the extent of inclination of the axis12-12may indicate the first inlet204and the second inlet206being inclined or radially offset to or run out from the central axis Pcby the predefined angle A1. This may result in a symmetrical orientation of the first inlet204and the second inlet206within the vortexer202(when viewed relative to the vertical axis Pv). As a result, a symmetrical chamber geometry of the vortexer202may be formed, which eventually may result in a proper formation of the vortex airflow.

In addition to being non-intersecting and radially offset to the central axis Pc, the first inlet204and the second inlet206as explained earlier may also be non-parallel to the central axis Pc. Particularly, the first inlet204and the second inlet206may also be inclined longitudinally by a predefined angle from the central axis Pc. This is explained in detail, in conjunction withFIGS.11-13.

FIG.11illustrates a sectional view1100of the vortexer202along the axis11-11,FIG.12illustrates a sectional view1200of the vortexer202along the axis12-12, andFIG.13illustrates a sectional view1300of the vortexer202along the axis13-13.

With continued reference toFIGS.11-13, the central axis Pccan be seen as the axis passing longitudinally, and through the center of the vortexer202. Moreover, the first inlet axis Fi may define the axis of the first inlet204, and a second inlet axis Si may define the axis of the second inlet206. The first inlet axis Fi may pass through the first inlet204and the second inlet axis Si may pass through the second inlet206.

In an illustrative configuration, with continued reference toFIG.11, the first inlet axis Fi may be oriented relative to the central axis Pcby a predefined angle A2. The predefined angle A2herein may be measured in a clockwise direction from the central axis Pc. Similarly, the second inlet axis Si may be oriented relative to the central axis Pcby a predefined angle A2′. It must be noted that the angle A2′ herein may be measured in a counterclockwise direction from the central axis Pc. The magnitude of the predefined angle A2′ may be similar to the magnitude of the predefined angle A2. Hence, the first inlet axis Fi and the second inlet axis Si may be symmetrically oriented about the central axis Pc. As may be appreciated, the symmetric orientation of the first inlet axis Fi and the second inlet axis Si relative to the central axis Pcmay demonstrate the symmetric orientation of the first inlet204and the second inlet206relative to the central outlet. In some configurations the predefined angle A2may be between five and eight-five degrees, while in another configuration it may be 30 to 60 degrees, and it may be 35 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees.

FIG.14illustrates a perspective view1400of a top portion of the personal vaporizer102, illustrating the formation of the vortex airflow therein. As such, in some configurations, a first chamber1402may be formed between an inner cap surface and the outer wall410surrounding the tube406, and a second chamber1404may be formed between the heating pod106and the vortexer202.

In an illustrative configuration, the vortex airflow may be created when the user creates an inhalation action at the distal end404. When the inhalation action is initiated, a vacuum may be generated within the first chamber1402and the second chamber1404. Consequently, the air surrounding the cap104may enter the first chamber1402via one or more cap inlets310in a streamline flow or a vortex flow (as indicated by an indicia1406). The air in the first chamber1402may progress via the first inlet204and the second inlet206into the second chamber1404. As explained earlier, the air exiting the first inlet204and the second inlet206may be configured to be formed as a vortex airflow. Particularly, the vortex airflow may be generated in the second chamber1404.

The second chamber1404herein may be formed between the shoulder412of the vortexer202and the heating pod106. As the vortex airflow may be formed in the second chamber1404, consequently, the vortex airflow may be generated above the heating pod106. The vortex airflow may be configured to be mixed with the vapors generated in the heating pod106, which is explained in conjunction withFIGS.15-16.

FIG.15illustrates a sectional top view1500of the vortexer202illustrating transmission of the air from the first chamber1402to the second chamber1404, andFIG.16illustrates a sectional view1600of the vortexer202taken along the section16-16inFIG.15.

As explained earlier, the air may enter the second chamber1404from the first chamber1402to be reformed as the vortex airflow by the first inlet204and the second inlet206over the heating pod106. Therefore, the vortex airflow may be configured to mix with the vapors of the vaporizer product generated by the heating pod106. The resulting mixture of the vapors with the vortex airflow may be further transmitted to the distal end404via the central outlet208, towards the mouth of the user.

In an alternative configuration,FIG.17illustrates a perspective view1700of another configuration of the vortexer202,FIG.18illustrates a bottom perspective view1800of a vortexer202ofFIG.17,FIG.19illustrates a top view1900of the vortexer202ofFIG.17, FIG. illustrates a bottom view2000of the vortexer202ofFIG.17,FIG.21illustrates a front view2100of the vortexer ofFIG.17, andFIG.22illustrates a sectional view2200taken along axis22-22of the vortexer ofFIG.17.

In an alternative configuration, the vortexer202may include an extended base1704protruding vertically downwards from the shoulder412. The extended base1704may be formed of a diameter smaller than a diameter of the shoulder412. Preferably, the diameter of the extended base1704may be similar to a diameter of the heating chamber210. As such, the extended base1704may be configured to engage the heating chamber210as the cap104is assembled to the heating pod106.

It must be noted that conventional personal vaporizers also suffer from the disadvantage of the buildup of vapors above, or close to the heating chamber. Accordingly, the generation of the vortex airflow may be obstructed by the buildup of vapors. To ensure proper generation of the vortex airflow, the cap along with the vortexer may be disengaged repeatedly from the heating chamber after every session to remove the buildup of the vapors. Hence, the vortexer202ofFIG.17may include a central outlet208which may act as a carb, i.e., a groove designed to mix the buildup of the vapors with the vortex airflow when the personal vaporizer102may not be activated, and the buildup of the vapors may be removed without the removal of the cap104. Accordingly, when not activated, the personal vaporizer102may be activated to generate the vortex airflow via the first inlet204and the second inlet206.

In an alternative configuration, the vortexer202may also include a plurality of discs or flanges formed on the outer surface of the tube406. The plurality of the discs may include a first disc1702aand a second disc1702b. The plurality of discs may be configured to act as the heat convector (similar to heat-convector504) or may be configured to dissipate heat from the vortexer202.

FIG.23illustrates a flowchart2300of an airflow generation method for generating a vortex airflow for the personal vaporizer102. The airflow-generation method may be configured to generate a vortex airflow within the personal vaporizer using a vortexer202, which is explained via one or more steps hereinafter.

At step2302, a cap104may be provided. The cap104may include a proximal cap end302and a distal cap end304oppositely formed to the proximal cap end302. Further, the cap104may include an outer cap surface306formed between the proximal cap end302and the distal cap end304, and an inner cap surface308defining a central cap axis. Further, the cap104may include one or more cap inlets310running from the outer cap surface306to the inner cap surface308.

At step2304, a vortexer202may be provided. The vortexer202may be accommodated within the cap104. Further, the vortexer202may include a proximal end402, vertically offset to the proximal cap end302, and a distal end404emerging from the distal cap end304and configured to interface with a mouth of a user.

At step2306, a tube406may be provided. The tube406may protrude between the proximal end402and the distal end404. Further, the tube406may define a central axis Pc. Further, the tube406may include an inner wall408concentrically formed about the central axis Pc, and an outer wall410concentrically formed about the central axis Pc. Further, the outer wall410of the tube406may include an insulated coating405and a heat-convector504which may collectively regulate the temperature of the vortexer202.

At step2308, a shoulder412may be provided. The shoulder412may protrude from the proximal end402towards the distal end404. The shoulder412may include a bottom face414, coplanar to the proximal end402of the vortexer and perpendicular to the central axis. Further, the shoulder412may include a top face416parallel to and offset from the bottom face414, wherein the top face416is perpendicular to the central axis Pc. Further, the shoulder412may include an outer perimeter concentrically formed about the central axis Pcbetween the bottom face414and the top face416. The shoulder412may include a first inlet204formed between the top face416and the bottom face414. The first inlet defines a first inlet axis Fi. Further, the first inlet axis Fi is radially-offset from, nonparallel-to, and non-intersecting the central axis Pc. Further, the shoulder412may include a second inlet206formed between the top face416and the bottom face414. The second inlet206defines a second inlet axis Si. Further, the second inlet axis Si is radially-offset from, nonparallel-to, non-intersecting the central axis Pc, and concentrically opposite from the first inlet204. At step2310, a vortex airflow may be generated from the proximal end402by the first inlet204and the second inlet206when subjected to an inhalation action by the user at the distal end404.

With reference toFIGS.24-28, an ornamental appearance of a vortexer202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated, modified, and/or removed. For example, the first inlet and the second inlet may be positioned at a predefined angle from the central axis.

With reference toFIGS.29-33, an ornamental appearance of a vortexer202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated, modified, and/or removed. For example, the vortexer202herein may first inlet and the second inlet may be positioned at a predefined angle from the central axis, and the insulated coating405may be formed throughout the tube.

With reference toFIGS.34-38, an ornamental appearance of a vortexer202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated, modified, and/or removed. For example, the vortexer202may include the distal end of the tube formed as a tapered structure.

With reference toFIGS.39-43, an ornamental appearance of a vortexer202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated, modified, and/or removed. For example, the vortexer202may include the tube comprising at least one flange formed on an outer surface thereon.

With reference toFIGS.44-48, an ornamental appearance of a vortexer202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated, modified, and/or removed. For example, the vortexer202may include the shoulder adjoined to an extended base, and the extended base may further include the first inlet and a second inlet.

With reference toFIGS.49-52, an ornamental appearance of a vortexer202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated, modified, and/or removed as illustrated inFIGS.18-42.

The methods, systems, devices, graphs, and/or tables discussed herein are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. Additionally, the techniques discussed herein may provide differing results with different types of context awareness classifiers.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. “About” and/or “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of +20% or +10%, +5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. “Substantially” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical characteristic vectors (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of +20% or +10%, +5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein.

As used herein, including in the claims, “and” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” or “one or more of” indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and/or machine-readable media have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art. While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure.