VAPING DEVICES HAVING REMOVABLE PROTECTIVE SLEEVES

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/666,099 filed on Jun. 28, 2024 and titled, “VAPING DEVICES HAVING REMOVABLE PROTECTIVE SLEEVES,” the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to aerosolization or vaping devices, such as vaporizers, capable of receiving cartridges of different sizes and having protective sleeves or covers.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are systems, devices, and/or methods of use thereof regarding aerosolization or vaping devices, such as vaporizers, capable of receiving cartridges or oil tanks of different sizes and having protective sleeves or covers. In various aspects, an aerosolization device includes a battery having a base portion and a tower portion or extension portion adjacent to the base portion. The base portion may define a void for receiving a cartridge of a first size and/or a cartridge of a second size different than the first size. The vaping device may also include a sleeve for receiving the battery. The sleeve defines a first void for receiving the cartridge of a first size and a second void for receiving the cartridge of a second size different than the first size.

In various aspects, a vaping device includes a battery for receiving a cartridge of a first size and/or a cartridge of a second size different than the first size. The vaping device may also include a sleeve removably coupled to the battery. The sleeve may be for receiving the cartridge of a first size in a first orientation and for receiving the cartridge of a second size in a second orientation.

In various aspects, a method of cleaning or maintaining a battery of a vaping device includes removing a sleeve from the battery of the vaping device and accessing an opening of the battery. The opening may be for receiving a cartridge and include electrical connections of the battery. The method may also include cleaning or maintaining the opening and the electrical connections of the battery.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of a vaping system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the vaping system of either FIG. 1A or 1B;

FIG. 3 illustrates a battery of the vaping system of FIG. 1A or 1B in a connected configuration with a first cartridge of a first size;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side, perspective view of the vaping system of FIG. 1A or 1B with the sleeve in a first orientation;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom, perspective view of the vaping system of FIG. 1A or 1B with the sleeve in a second orientation;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a controller for use with the vaping system of FIG. 1A or 1B;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of one example method of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another example method of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of use to allow a user to aerosolize cartridges of different sizes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Most aerosolization or vaping devices on the market presently are limited to use with a single cartridge or oil tank of a single size. That is, the battery or another component of the vaping device is limited to supporting a single cartridge of a single size and cannot be used with cartridges of other sizes. This limits the variability of use for a user who may have many cartridges of many different sizes. Such a user would require a first sized battery to match a first sized cartridge, a second sized battery to match a second sized cartridge, and so on. This also leads to increased waste production (both in terms of wasted money and trash generation) as users continually need to purchase batteries to match their inventory of cartridges or oil tanks.

Additionally, most aerosolization or vaping devices are transported or stored in pockets, purses, and bags. It is highly undesirable for the substance stored in the cartridges to leak into these carriers. It is also highly undesirable for the vaping devices to be accidentally powered on, increasing the risk of leakage from the cartridge. Leakage from the cartridge also increases the likelihood that the cartridge is blocked or clogged with debris, as debris will readily adhere to the leaked material.

Storing these devices in pockets, purses, and bags also makes the device dirty (through the accumulation of dust, grime, debris, etc.). This impacts the efficiency and lifespan of the devices. However, many devices lack any protective mechanism against debris or leakage. Currently, no devices provide a way to access the cartridge connection point or the electrical components to service the device. This also leads to increased waste production (both in terms of wasted money and trash generation) as users continually need to purchase batteries to replace dirty and worn out batteries.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of an aerosolization or vaping device 100 and FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the vaping device 100 of either FIG. 1A or 1B. The aerosolization or vaping device 100 includes a battery 10 and a sleeve 20 for receiving a portion of the battery 10, or for being placed over to cover a portion of the battery 10. Both the battery 10 and the sleeve 20 are capable of accommodating a cartridge of a first size 30a and a cartridge of a second size 30b. The first size may be greater than the second size (e.g., a greater diameter, etc.). The sleeve 20 can accommodate the cartridge of a first size 30a in a first orientation and can accommodate the cartridge of the second size 30b in a second orientation. The sleeve 20 may be slidable over the battery 10 and may be secured to the battery 10 via snaps, clips, detents, a friction-fit, or through any appropriate securement mechanism.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the sleeve 20 includes a body 21 extending between a top end 22 and a bottom end 23. The body 21 defines a cavity 24 for receiving the battery 10 and a portion of the oil tank 30 (of either the first size 30a or the second size 30b). Defined at or near the top end 22 are a first void 25 for receiving the cartridge of a first size 30a and second void 26 for receiving the cartridge of a second size 30b. The first void 25 may have a diameter greater than that of the second void 26 to accommodate the cartridge of a first size 30a. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second void 26 includes a chamfer 27 which partially supports the cartridge of the second size 30b when the oil tank 30b is received by the second void 26. The sleeve 20 may also define at least one window 28. In some embodiments, the sleeve 20 defines two windows, such as a first window 28a and a second window 28b. In such embodiments, the windows 28a, 28b may be positioned substantially opposite from each other about the body 21 of the sleeve 20. Additionally, the windows 28a, 28b may be substantially aligned with each other. In other embodiments, a window 28 may not be provided. The sleeve 20 may be formed of transparent material. Transparent material may allow, for example, a portion of the oil tank 30 to be visible through the sleeve. In other embodiments, the sleeve 20 may be formed of non-transparent material, have no windows, have one window, have two windows, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates the battery 10 of the vaping device of FIG. 1A or 1B in a connected configuration with an oil tank 30 of either a first size or a second size (and without the sleeve 20 for illustrative purposes). The battery 10 includes a base portion 11 and a tower portion or extension portion 12 adjacent to and extending from the base portion 11. The base portion 11 has a top surface 15 that defines a receptacle (not illustrated) for receiving or otherwise connecting with a distal end 33 of the oil tank 30. The receptacle provides a connection point for the oil tank 30 to attach to the battery 10 and be activated by the battery 10. In some embodiments, the receptacle is a void (e.g., a threaded void, etc.) to receive a distal end 33 of the cartridge or oil tank 30. In other embodiments, the receptacle includes means for electrical connection of the battery 10 to the oil tank 30. The receptacle provides the electrical connections to electrically connect the battery 10 to the oil tank 30. In one embodiment, the receptacle is a void that is sized to receive multiple types of oil tanks 30. The distal end 33 of the oil tank 30 for either the first size or the second size may be the same size and type of connection. For example, the distal end 33 may include a 510-threaded connection, which is the same size for the cartridge or oil tank 30 of either the first size 30a or the second size 30b. Additionally, and/or alternative, the receptacle can include one or more magnets to connect with an oil tank 30. Still additionally, and/or alternatively, the receptacle can include gaskets to receive the distal end 33 through a friction fit. Further additionally, and/or alternatively, the receptacle may include snaps or clips to receive the distal end 33 through a snapped or clipped-in fit.

The oil tank 30 extends between a proximal end 31 (also referred to as a mouthpiece end) and the distal end 33. The oil tank 30 also has a reservoir 32 for holding a substance, such as oil, to be vaporized. The cartridge or oil tank of the first size 30a may have a diameter greater than that of the cartridge or oil tank of the second size 30b, such that the cartridge of the first size 30a may hold a greater volume of the substance, such as oil, to be vaporized.

The tower portion 12 of the battery 10 extends from the base portion 11 to a top surface 13. Disposed at the top surface 13 may be a first actuator 18, which may be for powering the battery 10 on and/or off. The first actuator 18 may be a button, switch, toggle, slide, multi-level button, or any other appropriate actuation mechanism. Disposing the first actuator 18 at the top surface 13 makes the actuator more accessible and ergonomic for a user of the vaping device 100. Specifically, a user can easily access the first actuator 18 with a pointer finger or thumb. Additionally, disposition of the first actuator 18 at the top surface 13 provides an automatic orientation or position of the vaping device 100 for a user. Further, the top surface 13 is a secondary surface of the vaping device 100 and placement of the first actuator at or near the top surface 13 minimizes the risk of accidental actuation of the first actuator 18.

The tower portion 12 also has a side surface 14. Disposed on the side surface 14 may be a second actuator 19 and/or a user interface 17. The second actuator 19 may be for adjusting one or more of a voltage, a temperature, a time, or a warm-up sequence for the vaping device 100. The user interface 17 may concomitantly display one or more of a voltage, a temperature, a time, or a warm-up sequence for the vaping device 100. The second actuator 19 may be a button, switch, toggle, slide, multi-level button, or any other appropriate actuation mechanism.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side, perspective view of the vaping device 100 of FIG. 1A or 1B with the sleeve 20 in a first orientation. In the first orientation, the user interface 17 is visible through the at least one window 28. Additionally, the first actuator 18 is accessible through the second void 26, and the cartridge of a first size 30a is partially received within the first void 25. The first void 25 of the sleeve 20 is aligned with the opening of the battery 10, such that the first void 25 may receive the cartridge of the first size 30a in the first orientation. When the sleeve 20 has received the battery 10 in any orientation, the sleeve 20 will cover the second actuator 19, thereby preventing accidental actuation of the second actuator 19 (such as when the device is in a user's pocket, etc.). This also prevents accidental adjustment of any current settings for the vaping device 100. Once the settings for the vaping device 100 have been set using the first and/or second actuator 18, 19, the sleeve 20 may be placed over the battery 10 and accidental adjustment may be avoided. Further, the sleeve 20 may assist in actuator prioritization through covering actuators or functions that are unnecessary at any given moment or have been previously set (e.g., covering second actuator 19 after initiating the warm-up sequence, etc.).

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom, perspective view of the vaping device of FIG. 1A or 1B with the sleeve 20 in a second orientation. The second void 26 of the sleeve 20 is aligned with the opening of the battery 10, such that the second void 26 may receive the cartridge of the second size 30b in the second orientation. In the second orientation, a level of oil within the reservoir 32 of the oil tank 30 (either oil tank 30a or 30b) is visible through the at least one window 28. Also visible in FIG. 5 is a port 60 (e.g., USB, USB-C, lighting, micro-USB, etc.), which may be for charging the battery 10.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a controller 50 for use with the vaping device 100 of FIG. 1A or 1B. The controller 50 may control one or more of a voltage, a charging time, a temperature, a mobile application connectivity, an activation, and/or any other appropriate setting for the vaping device 100. In order to control the settings, the controller 50 may include a communications module 51 allowing the controller 50 to facilitate communication with another controller 50 or other components of the vaping device 100; a network or cloud module 52 to facilitate connection and/or communication with a mobile application (e.g., an application downloaded on a smart phone or other mobile device); a power adjustment module 53 to facilitate a change in voltage or resistance; a timer 54; one or more microprocessor units 55; one or more sensors 56; and a temperature adjustment module 57.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 56 include a microphone, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or any other appropriate sensor. The one or more sensors 56 may also detect a presence of a cartridge of a first size 30a and/or a cartridge of a second size 30b. The temperature adjustment module 57 may be in communication with the power adjustment module 53 in order to control and set a temperature for vaping the oil or substance contained within a cartridge or oil tank 30 of the vaping device 100. In some embodiments, the temperature and/or the voltage are controlled based on detection of a cartridge of a first size 30a and/or a cartridge of a second size 30b.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method 300 of cleaning/maintaining a battery of a vaping device, such as the vaping device 100 of FIGS. 1A through 6. The method 300 may include removing a sleeve from the battery of the vaping device, at 305, and accessing an opening of the battery, at 310. The opening may be for receiving a cartridge and may include electrical connections of the battery. The method 300 may also include cleaning the opening and the electrical connections of the battery, at 315.

Removing a sleeve from the battery may include disconnecting a coupling between the sleeve and a body of the battery (e.g., disconnecting a snap, clip, friction fit, etc.), and sliding the sleeve off the body of the battery. The method 300 may also include placing the sleeve over the battery to protect the opening after it has been cleaned.

Cleaning the opening and the electrical connections of the battery may include removing dust, lint, or other debris from the opening and electrical connections of the battery. Further, may include removing any substance leaked out of the cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 of use of the vaping system. The method 400 may include removing a sleeve from a battery of the device, at 405. Removing the sleeve may provide access to a user interface or other means for adjusting a setting of the vaping device. The method 400 may also include selecting desired settings from a user interface of the battery, at 410. The method 400 may further include replacing the sleeve to prevent undesired accidental adjustment of a setting, at 415. The sleeve may be the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 through 5, such that replacement of the sleeve over the battery covers or otherwise protects an actuator from accidental activation or adjustment. The battery may be the battery 10 of FIGS. 1 through 5, and the user interface may be disposed on an extension portion or tower portion of the battery.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 of use to allow a user to aerosolize cartridges of different sizes. The method 500 may include, at 505, selecting an aerosolization device having a battery portion with electrical contacts for operative coupling to an aerosol cartridge and an open-ended sleeve dimensioned to receive at least a part of the battery portion, the sleeve being reversibly positionable on the battery portion in first and second orientations. The method 500 may also include, at 510, disposing the sleeve over the battery portion in a first orientation in which a first void of the sleeve is aligned with the electrical contacts such that a first aerosol cartridge of a first size may be received by the first void and coupled to the electrical contacts. This allows the user to use an aerosolization cartridge of the first size. The method 500 may further include, at 515, decoupling the first aerosol cartridge from the electrical contacts and axially withdrawing the sleeve off of the battery portion. Still further, the method 500 may include, at 520, reversing the orientation of the sleeve and disposing the sleeve back onto the battery portion in a second orientation in which in which a second void of the sleeve is aligned with the electrical contacts such that a second aerosol cartridge of a second size may be received by the second void and coupled to the electrical contacts. This allows the user to use an aerosolization cartridge of the second size.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It should also be noted that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may have been disclosed in relation to a particular vaping system (e.g., independent vaping devices); however, other vaping systems (e.g., cartridges, pod systems, etc.) are also contemplated. A proximal side of a vaping device faces the user and the user's mouth during vaping, and a distal side or end of the vaping device faces away from the user during vaping.

In one embodiment, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to numerical parameters within 10% of the indicated range. The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents used in the context of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the author(s) of this disclosure for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The author(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the author(s) intends for the embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of this disclosure so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

Although this disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims that follow, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and of their elements and features, may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.

EMBODIMENTS

• • Embodiment 1. A aerosolization device comprising: a battery having a base portion and a tower portion adjacent to the base portion, the base portion defining a void for receiving a cartridge of a first size and/or a cartridge of a second size different than the first size; and a sleeve for receiving the battery, the sleeve defining a first void for receiving the cartridge of a first size and a second void for receiving the cartridge of a second size different than the first size.
  • Embodiment 2. The aerosolization device of Embodiment 1, wherein the tower portion of the battery comprises a first actuator disposed at a top end of the tower portion, the first actuator for turning the aerosolization device on or off.
  • Embodiment 3. The aerosolization device of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the tower portion of the battery comprises a second actuator disposed on a side of the tower portion, the second actuator for adjusting one or more of a voltage, a temperature, a time, or a warm-up sequence for the aerosolization device.
  • Embodiment 4. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 1 through 3, wherein the tower portion of the battery comprises a user interface disposed on a side of the tower portion, the user interface for displaying one or more of a charge level, a temperature, a time, a setting, or an identity of a cartridge attached to the battery for the aerosolization device.
  • Embodiment 5. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 1 through 4, wherein the sleeve comprises: a body extending between a bottom end and a top end, the body defining a cavity for receiving the battery; the first void for receiving a portion of the cartridge of a first size defined in the top end of the body; the second void for receiving a portion of the cartridge of a second size defined in the top end of the body adjacent to the first void; and at least one window for aligning with a user interface of the battery, such that a user of the aerosolization device can view the user interface of the battery through the at least one window.
  • Embodiment 6. The aerosolization device of Embodiment 5, wherein the at least one window comprises two windows, a first window for aligning with the user interface of the battery and a second window opposite the first window, the second window for viewing a level of oil within the cartridge of a first size and/or the cartridge of a second size different than the first size.
  • Embodiment 7. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 1 through 6, wherein the sleeve is transparent.
  • Embodiment 8. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 1 through 7, wherein the sleeve is removable from the battery, allowing a user to access the void of the battery for maintenance.
  • Embodiment 9. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 1 through 8, wherein the cartridge of a first size has a diameter greater than a diameter of the cartridge of the second size.
  • Embodiment 10. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 1 through 9, wherein the battery comprises a controller for setting a temperature, a time, a voltage, a setting, a connectivity, or a display of the aerosolization device.
  • Embodiment 11. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 1 through 10, wherein the sleeve covers an actuator disposed on a side surface of the tower portion of the battery when the battery is received within the sleeve, thereby preventing accidental activation of the actuator.
  • Embodiment 12. A aerosolization device comprising: a battery for receiving a cartridge of a first size and/or a cartridge of a second size different than the first size; and a sleeve removably coupled to the battery, the sleeve for receiving the cartridge of a first size in a first orientation and for receiving the cartridge of a second size in a second orientation.
  • Embodiment 13. The aerosolization device of Embodiment 12, wherein the battery comprises: a base portion for receiving the cartridge of a first size and/or the cartridge of a second size different than the first size; and a tower portion adjacent to the base portion and extending away from the base portion.
  • Embodiment 14. The aerosolization device of Embodiment 12 or Embodiment 13, wherein the sleeve comprises a first void that aligns with an opening of the battery in the first orientation, the first void of the sleeve for receiving the cartridge of a first size.
  • Embodiment 15. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 12 through 14, wherein the sleeve comprises a second void that aligns with an opening of the battery in the second orientation, the second void of the sleeve for receiving the cartridge of a second size.
  • Embodiment 16. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 12 through 15, wherein the sleeve is removably coupled to the battery such that removal of the sleeve provides access to an opening of the battery, allowing a user of the aerosolization device to maintain the opening of the battery, thereby prolonging a lifespan of the aerosolization device.
  • Embodiment 17. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 12 through 16, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one window, the at least one window for viewing a user interface of the battery when the sleeve is in the first orientation.
  • Embodiment 18. The aerosolization device of any one of Embodiments 12 through 17, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one window, the at least one window for viewing an oil level of the cartridge of a second size when the sleeve is in the second orientation.
  • Embodiment 19. A method of cleaning/maintaining a battery of a aerosolization device, the method comprising: removing a sleeve from the battery of the aerosolization device; accessing an opening of the battery, the opening for receiving a cartridge and including electrical connections of the battery; and cleaning the opening and the electrical connections of the battery.
  • Embodiment 20. The method of Embodiment 19, wherein removing a sleeve from the battery comprises: disconnecting a coupling between the sleeve and a body of the battery; and sliding the sleeve off the body of the battery.
  • Embodiment 21. The method of Embodiment 19 or 20, wherein cleaning the opening and the electrical connections of the battery comprises removing dust, lint, or other debris from the opening and electrical connections of the battery.
  • Embodiment 22. The method of any one of Embodiments 19 through 21, wherein cleaning the opening and the electrical connections of the battery further comprises removing any substance leaked out of the cartridge.
  • Embodiment 23. The method of any one of Embodiments 19 through 22, further comprising placing the sleeve over the battery to protect the opening after it has been cleaned.
  • Embodiment 24. A method of aerosolizing cartridges of different sizes, the method comprising:
    • (a) selecting an aerosolization device comprising a battery portion with electrical contacts for operative coupling to an aerosol cartridge and an open-ended sleeve dimensioned to receive at least a part of the battery portion, the sleeve being reversibly positionable on the battery portion in first and second orientations:
    • (b) disposing the sleeve over the battery portion in a first orientation in which a first void of the sleeve is aligned with the electrical contacts such that a first aerosol cartridge of a first size may be received by the first void and coupled to the electrical contacts;
    • (c) decoupling the first aerosol cartridge from the electrical contacts and axially withdrawing the sleeve off of the battery portion; and
    • (d) reversing the orientation of the sleeve and disposing the sleeve back onto the battery portion in a second orientation in which in which a second void of the sleeve is aligned with the electrical contacts such that a second aerosol cartridge of a second size may be received by the second void and coupled to the electrical contacts, wherein the reversible placement of the sleeve in the first and second orientations selectively configures the effective radius of the cavity adjacent the electrical contacts without requiring any separate adapters, additional structural components, or modification to the battery portion, thereby permitting a single vaporization device to accommodate and vaporize cartridges of at least two different radial dimensions.