APPARATUSES FOR FILTERING RESPIRATORY EMISSIONS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/689,233, filed Aug. 30, 2024, entitled “Apparatus for Filtering Respiratory Emissions with Use of an Electronic Cigarette”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This specification generally relates to an apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions and, more specifically, an apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions in an electronic cigarette.

BACKGROUND

Electronic cigarette usage has increased in popularity and use in recent years as a substitute to the use of traditional cigarettes. During the use of electronic cigarettes, vaporized fluids comprising various flavorings, nicotine composition, etc. are inhaled into the lungs of a user and metabolized by the user's body. The byproducts of the metabolization of the vaporized fluids are then exhaled from the user's body as respiratory emissions. The respiratory emissions may have various odors and may also have various chemical compositions that may be inhaled secondhand by others.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions includes a housing. The housing includes a mouthpiece defining a port, a body at least partially defining a filter cavity, and a flange at least partially defining a passageway in fluid communication with the port and extending into the filter cavity. The apparatus includes a filter disposed within the filter cavity and fluidly coupled to the port via the flange. The filter is configured to receive respiratory emissions from the port and emit therefrom filtered respiratory emissions.

In another aspect, an apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions includes a housing. The housing includes a mouthpiece defining a port, a body at least partially defining a filter cavity and an exhaust in fluid communication with the filter cavity, a flange at least partially defining a passageway in fluid communication with the port and extending into the filter cavity, and a frame longitudinally aligned with the passageway of the flange. The apparatus includes a filter disposed within the filter cavity and fluidly coupled to the port via the flange. The filter defines a pocket in fluid communication with the passageway and configured to receive respiratory emissions therein from the port. The frame extends into the pocket of the filter to support the filter and direct the respiratory emissions into the pocket. The filter is spaced from body within the filter cavity to facilitate transmission through the filter by a positive pressure gradient within the pocket and emit from the filter as filtered respiratory emissions that pass through the exhaust out of the apparatus.

In yet another aspect, an apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions includes a housing. The housing includes a mouthpiece defining a port, a body at least partially defining a filter cavity and a docking cavity adjacent the filter cavity, and a flange at least partially defining a first passageway in fluid communication with the port and extending into the filter cavity. The housing defines one or more first openings in fluid communication with the filter cavity and one or more second openings in fluid communication with the docking cavity and a second passageway that opens into the docking cavity and merges with the first passageway adjacent the port. The docking cavity is configured to position the electronic cigarette therein and allow use of the electronic cigarette through the port by inhaling air through the one or more second openings into the docking cavity. The apparatus includes a filter disposed within the filter cavity and fluidly coupled to the port via the flange. The filter is configured to receive respiratory emissions from the port. The respiratory emissions are configured to transmit through the filter and emit from the filter as filtered respiratory emissions that pass through the one or more first openings out of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a first check valve disposed within the first passageway adjacent the filter and having an inlet facing the filter. The apparatus includes a second check valve disposed within the second passageway and having an inlet facing the port.

These and additional features provided by the aspects described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claim. The following detailed description of the illustrative aspects can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1A schematically depicts a side elevational view of an apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions with use of an electronic cigarette, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

FIG. 1B schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts another perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a perspective view of a mouthpiece and a frame of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a perspective view of the mouthpiece, the frame, and a filter of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another aspect of the apparatus, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another aspect of the apparatus, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein; and

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another aspect of the apparatus, according to one or more aspects shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to various aspects of apparatuses that are configured to receive respiratory emissions from a user, particularly emissions that result from operation of an electronic cigarette. An electronic cigarette (also referred to as an e-cigarette, e-cig, vape pen, vape, etc.) is a device that simulates tobacco smoking by using an atomizer that vaporizes a liquid solution comprising components like propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavoring, etc. The vaporized liquid solution may then be inhaled by the user. The apparatus as illustrated generally includes a housing having a mouthpiece and a body. The housing defines a port and a filter cavity. The apparatus includes a filter disposed within the filter cavity and in fluid communication with the port. The apparatus may be a standalone component that is separate from the electronic cigarette or the apparatus may be a sub-component of an electronic cigarette.

During typical operation of an electronic cigarette, a user inhales vapor from the electronic cigarette. The vapor is processed in the lungs of the user during a typical respiration cycle. The respiration cycle produces the respiratory emissions that are exhaled by the user. The respiratory emissions may comprise gaseous, liquid, and/or solid components. Typically, the user exhales the respiratory emissions into the surrounding environment. Odors and chemicals within the respiratory emissions may be bothersome, harmful, or the like to others near the user. The apparatuses of the present disclosure address this issue by providing the user with an ability to filter the exhaled emissions. More specifically, the apparatuses described herein are utilized by the user by exhaling into the apparatus (e.g., through the mouth and/or the nose of the user). The apparatuses described herein filter the respiratory emissions and emit filtered respiratory emissions therefrom. The filtered respiratory emissions generally have a lower amount of particulates, chemical compounds (such as volatile organic compounds), heavy metals, etc., relative to the respiratory emissions that enter the apparatus and/or would otherwise be exhaled by the user. Accordingly, odors and chemicals within the respiratory emissions are less likely to be transmitted second-hand to others within the vicinity of the user. Various aspects and benefits of the apparatuses, and the operation of the apparatuses, will be described in more detail herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-3, an apparatus 20 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus 20 includes a housing 22. The housing 22 may include a body 24 (e.g., an elongate body) and a mouthpiece 26, with the mouthpiece 26 sized and shaped for placement within the mouth of the user. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the body 24 and the mouthpiece 26 may be separable for assembly of various components of the apparatus 20 and/or for replacement of various components of the apparatus 20. In other aspects, the body 24 and the mouthpiece 26 may be formed of a single piece, monolithic construction.

With reference to FIG. 4, the housing 22 defines a filter cavity 28 and a port 30 in fluid communication with one another. In the present aspect, the port 30 may act as an inlet that receives exhaled emissions from a user. However, it should be appreciated that the port 30 may be an outlet or both an inlet and an outlet in other aspects, as described in greater detail herein. The port 30 may be positioned at the mouthpiece 26 for receiving the respiratory emissions from the mouth of the user. The filter cavity 28 may be defined by the body 24 and/or the mouthpiece 26. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mouthpiece 26 of the housing 22 includes a flange 32 that is configured to extend into the filter cavity 28. The flange 32 defines a passageway 34 that fluidly connects the port 30 with the filter cavity 28.

With reference to FIG. 2, the housing may further include at least one crossmember 33 (shown in the FIG. 2 as two crossmembers 33) coupled to the flange 32 and extending laterally across the passageway 34. The at least one crossmember 33 in the aspect of FIG. 2 comprises two crossmembers 33 disposed orthogonal to one another and extending across the passageway 34 such that the crossmembers 33 intersect in a cross-hair pattern. However, any number of crossmembers 33 may be used in any suitable pattern that allows the respiratory emissions to flow through the passageway 34 and around the crossmembers 33. With reference to FIGS. 4-5, the housing 22 may further include a frame 35 that is longitudinally aligned with the passageway 34 of the flange 32 and extends away from the port 30 (e.g., along the +x/−x axis of the coordinate axes of FIGS. 4-5). The frame 35 may be coupled to crossmembers 33 as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, in which the frame 35 is coupled at the intersection of the crossmembers 33. Accordingly, the frame 35 is supported by the crossmembers 33, allowing the respiratory emissions to flow through the passageway 34, between the crossmember 33, and along the frame 35. However, it should be understood that the frame 35 may be coupled to any suitable portion of the crossmembers 33. As a result, the frame 35 is positionally fixed to the mouthpiece 26. In some aspects, the frame 35 has a cylindrical configuration (FIGS. 4-5). However, such a configuration is not limiting and the frame 35 may have any suitable shape or configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, the apparatus 20 further includes a filter 36 disposed within the filter cavity 28 and configured to receive the respiratory emissions from the port 30. The filter 36 may be formed from carbon, wool, plastic, glass, cellulose, charcoal, and/or any other material suitable for filtering respiratory emissions (e.g., removing odors, chemicals, and components within the respiratory emissions odors and chemicals). The filter 36 may include a media portion 38 for filtering respiratory emissions and a coupling portion 40 that seals against the housing 22 and receives the respiratory emissions therethrough into the media portion 38. More specifically, the filter 36 may define a pocket 39 that is in fluid communication with the passageway 34 and configured to receive the respiratory emissions therein. The pocket 39 may be sized to extend within the filter cavity 28 along the +x/−x axis. The length and circumference of the pocket 39 allows for increased surface area of the filter 36 (compared to a flat filter that extends along a plane across the passageway) allowing for greater contact between the filter 36 and respiratory emissions and for improved airflow. In addition, the filter 36 may be spaced from the body 24 within the filter cavity 28 (e.g., radially about the filter 36) to facilitate transmission through the filter 36 by a positive pressure gradient within the pocket 39.

The coupling portion 40 may surround and form a seal against the flange 32 of the housing 22. As such, the respiratory emissions that transmit through the passageway 34 are substantially directed into the media portion 38 for filtration. The coupling portion 40 may be secured to the housing 22 by clamps, bands, mechanical fasteners, bonding, interference fit, or by any other suitable manner. In addition to the basic idea of using the filter 36 to filter the respiratory emissions, the filter 36 may be designed, or otherwise configured, to accommodate a particular amount of use. For example, the filter 36 may incorporate an amount of filtering media that corresponds average amount of use of an electronic cigarette. More specifically, if an electronic cigarette is designed to allow for n-amount of inhales by the user, the filter 36 of the apparatus 20 may be similarly configured to allow for at least n-amount of exhales by the user. It is to be appreciated that filter 36 may be designed, or otherwise configured, for any number of exhales by the user. Accordingly, the filter 36 is consumable. In some aspects, the filter 36 is configured for periodic replacement withing the housing 22 as it is used. In other aspects, the apparatus 20 may be configured for disposal when the filter 36 is fully consumed as the filter 36 may not be replaceable within the housing 22.

The frame 35 extends into the pocket 39 of the filter 36 to support the filter 36 and direct respiratory emissions into the pocket 39. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the frame 35 may extend into the filter 36 and may have a length that is approximately equivalent to a depth of the pocket 39. The frame 35 ensures the filter 36 remains elongated within the filter cavity 28. For example, if a user were to inhale on the mouthpiece 26, creating a vacuum, the frame 35 would engage the filter 36 and prevent the filter 36 from being retracted against the mouthpiece 26. Retraction of the filter 36 towards the mouthpiece 26 reduces the surface area of the filter 36 that is available for filtering the respiratory emissions. Furthermore, retraction of the filter 36 can create perforations, folds, crumpling, etc. in the filter 36 that could otherwise prevent the filter 36 from being returned to its original shape and/or prevent the ability to effectively filter subsequent emissions. The frame 35 also promotes laminar flow of the respiratory emissions by creating a boundary layer along the frame 35 that directs the remaining respiratory emissions there along in laminar flow. The laminar flow of the respiratory emissions allows the respiratory emissions to efficiently pass through the filter 36.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the housing 22 of the apparatus 20 further includes an exhaust 42 disposed opposite the mouthpiece 26. The body 24 and the exhaust 42 may be formed of single, monolithic construction, with the mouthpiece 26 and the body 24 separable for assembly of the filter 36 within the filter cavity 28. In other aspects, the body 24 and the exhaust 42 may be separable for assembly or replacement of the filter 36 within the filter cavity 28.

The exhaust 42 may define one or more openings 44 in fluid communication with the filter cavity 28, through which the filtered respiratory emissions pass out of the apparatus 20. More specifically, the respiratory emissions pass through the filter 36 due to a positive pressure gradient at the port 30 (e.g., as a result of a user exhaling the respiratory emissions into port 30). After passing through the filter 36, the respiratory emissions become the filtered respiratory emissions, as the particulate matter within the respiratory emissions are trapped by the filter media, as described herein. The filtered respiratory emissions continue passing through the filter cavity 28 due to the positive pressure gradient and exit the one or more openings 44 of the exhaust 42.

The exhaust 42 may include grating 46 that further defines the one or more openings 44. As shown in FIG. 3, the grating 46 may define a plurality of holes that allow the filtered respiratory emissions to flow therethrough. The grating 46 may include slots or any other suitable configuration to allow the filtered respiratory emissions to flow therethrough. The apparatus 20 may further include a secondary filter 48 positioned across the one or more openings 44 along the grating 46. The secondary filter 48 may provide additional filtration to the filtered respiratory emissions passing through the one or more openings 44. The secondary filter 48 may also prevent the intrusion of debris and other sediment into the filter cavity 28 of the housing 22, which may degrade and inhibit the use and operation of the apparatus 20.

To operate the apparatus 20 shown in FIGS. 1A-6, the user exhales the respiratory emissions into the port 30 of the mouthpiece 26. The respiratory emissions are transmitted through the passageway 34 and into the pocket 39 of the filter 36. The positive pressure gradient caused by the exhaled respiratory emissions on the filter 36 causes the respiratory emissions to pass through and emit from the filter 36 as filtered respiratory emissions, and out of the apparatus 20 through the one or more openings 44 of the exhaust 42.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another aspect of the apparatus 20 is shown in which the apparatus 20A is configured to dock, or otherwise integrate, an electronic cigarette 50. Said differently, the electronic cigarette in its entirety, rather than a portion thereof (e.g., a cartridge) is docked within the apparatus, which allows for compatibility with a wide variety of existing products. Brands of electronic cigarettes that may be docked to, or otherwise integrated with, the apparatus 20 include, but are not limited to, Breeze Smoke®, JUUL®, Aspire®, Vuse®, EBDESIGN®, and NJOY®. In the aspect shown, the apparatus 20A is substantially similar to the apparatus 20 shown in FIGS. 1A-6 and described above such that like reference numerals are used to identify like components.

As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 22 of the apparatus 20A further defines a docking cavity 52 adjacent the filter cavity 28. The docking cavity 52 is in fluid communication with the port 30. More specifically, the housing 22 further defines a second passageway 54 that opens into the docking cavity 52 and merges with the passageway 34 adjacent the port 30. The docking cavity 52 may be sized and shaped to position and retain the electronic cigarette 50 therein. In the aspect depicted in FIG. 7, the one or more openings 44 may be referred to as the one or more first openings 44. The housing further defines one or more second openings 74 in fluid communication with the docking cavity 52, through which air may be drawn into the docking cavity 52 for operating the electronic cigarette 50. The apparatus 20A may include a seal 56 surrounding the second passageway 54 against which a mouthpiece 26 of the electronic cigarette 50 abuts. In doing so, the user may inhale air through the electronic cigarette 50 into and through the second passageway 54, through the passageway 34, and through the port 30 into the mouth of the user. The apparatus 20A may further include a screen 57 disposed within the passageway 34 adjacent the port 30 to prevent debris from transferring from the user into the apparatus 20A during exhaling and/or to prevent debris from transferring from the apparatus 20A to the user during inhaling.

The apparatus 20A further includes a first check valve 58 within the passageway 34 between the junction with the second passageway 54 and the filter 36 and a second check valve 60 within the second passageway 54. Each of the first check valve 58 and the second check valve 60 includes an inlet 59A, 59B, an outlet 61A, 61B, a seat 63A, 63B adjacent the inlet 59A, 59B (respectively), a plunger 65A, 65B adjacent the outlet 61A, 61B (respectively) that selectively engages the seat 63A, 63B (respectively), and a biasing member 67A, 67B that biases the plunger 65A, 65B (respectively) towards the seat 63A, 63B (respectively).

The first check valve 58 is positioned to allow flow of the respiratory emissions therethrough in a first direction (e.g., flow caused by a user exhaling into the apparatus through the port 30), allowing use of the filter 36. Furthermore, the first check valve 58 prevents flow of air therethrough in a second direction, opposite the first direction (e.g., flow caused by a user inhaling on the apparatus through the port 30). The inlet 59A faces the port 30 and the outlet 61A faces the filter 36. The biasing member 67A of the first check valve 58 biases the plunger 65A into engagement with the seat 63A, closing flow through the first check valve 58 in the second direction. During operation, if the user exhales into the port 30, pressure exerted on the plunger 65A overcomes the bias of the biasing member 67A, causing the first check valve 58 to open and permit flow of the respiratory emissions in the first direction to the filter 36. If the user inhales through the port 30, the pressure exerted on the plunger 65A acts in the same direction as the biasing member 67A, causing the first check valve 58 to remain closed and preventing flow of air in the second direction through the filter 36.

The second check valve 60 is positioned to allow flow of air therethrough in the second direction (e.g., inhaling on the apparatus through the port 30), allowing use of the electronic cigarette 50. Furthermore, the second check valve 60 prevents flow of air therethrough in the first direction (e.g., flow caused as a result of a user exhaling into the apparatus through the port 30). The inlet 59B faces the electronic cigarette 50 and the outlet 61B faces the port 30. The biasing member 67B of the second check valve 60 biases the plunger 65B into engagement with the seat 63B, closing flow through the second check valve 60 in the first direction. During operation, if the user inhales through the port 30, pressure exerted on the plunger 65B overcomes the bias of the biasing member 67B, causing the second check valve 60 to open and permit flow of air in the second direction through the electronic cigarette 50 and to the port 30. If the user exhales into the port 30, the pressure exerted on the plunger 65B acts in the same direction as the biasing member 67B, causing the second check valve 60 to remain closed and preventing flow of the respiratory emissions in the first direction through the electronic cigarette 50.

Accordingly, the first check valve 58 is configured to be closed when the user inhales air into their mouth and is configured to be open when the user exhales the respiratory emissions out of their mouth. The second check valve 60 is configured to be open when the user inhales air into their mouth and is configured to be closed when the user exhales the respiratory emissions out of their mouth. Collectively, the first check valve 58 and the second check valve 60 allow for the use of both the electronic cigarette 50 and the filter 36 through the mouthpiece 26. More specifically, when the user inhales air through the electronic cigarette 50, the first check valve 58 and the second check valve 60 collectively cause air to be received by the user is from the electronic cigarette 50, rather than air from the filter 36. Likewise, when the user expels the respiratory emissions through the filter 36, the first check valve 58 and the second check valve 60 collectively cause respiratory emissions to be received by the filter 36 for filtering, rather than being directed to the electronic cigarette 50. It is to be appreciated that the first check valve 58 and the second check valve 60 are generally not limited by this disclosure, and may each be any one way valve, including, but not limited to, a swing check valve, a wafer check valve, a disc check valve, a ball check valve, a butterfly check valve, a duckbill valve, a diaphragm check valve, or the like. In addition, alternative valves that allow for fluid flow as described herein (e.g., actively controlled valves or the like) may be used in addition to, or in lieu of the first check valve 58 and/or the second check valve 60.

To operate the filter 36 of the apparatus 20A shown in FIG. 7, the user exhales the respiratory emissions into the port 30 of the mouthpiece 26. The pressure exerted by the respiratory emissions causes the second check valve 60 to be closed and the first check valve 58 to be open, directing the respiratory emissions to flow through the passageway 34 and into the pocket 39 of the filter 36. The positive pressure gradient caused by the exhaled respiratory emissions on the filter 36 causes the respiratory emissions to pass through and emit from the filter 36 as filtered respiratory emissions, and out of the apparatus 20A through the one or more first openings 44 of the exhaust 42. To operate the electronic cigarette 50 within the apparatus 20A shown in FIG. 7, the user inhales on the port 30 of the mouthpiece 26, which causes a negative pressure differential within the docking cavity 52 containing the electronic cigarette 50, which draws air in through the one or more second openings 74, through the electronic cigarette 50, and into the second passageway 54. The pressure exerted by the air causes the first check valve 58 to be closed and the second check valve 60 to be open, directing the airflow through the port 30 and into the mouth of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another aspect of the apparatus 20 is shown in which the apparatus 20B is configured to include components of an electronic cigarette, such that the apparatus 20B serves the function of filtering respiratory emissions as well as the function of an electronic cigarette as unitary component (e.g., without having to dock an electronic cigarette thereto). In the aspect shown, the apparatus 20B is substantially similar to the apparatuses 20, 20A shown in FIGS. 1A-7 and described above such that like reference numerals are used to identify like components.

As shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 20B may include components typically found in an electronic cigarette, including, but not limited to, a reservoir 62 for storing electronic cigarette fluid, an atomizer 64 for vaporizing the electronic cigarette fluid, a battery 65 for powering the atomizer 64, and a switch 66 configured to be engaged by a user for operating the atomizer 64. The atomizer 64 may be in fluid communication with the reservoir 62 for receiving the electronic cigarette fluid. The second passageway 54 may be in fluid communication with the atomizer 64. The housing 22 further defines a third passageway 68 in fluid communication with the atomizer 64 and an exterior of the apparatus 20B, through which air may be drawn into the atomizer 64 for use as an electronic cigarette.

Similar to the aspect described above and shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 20B shown in FIG. 8 is configured for use of both the filter 36 and the components forming an electronic cigarette through the mouthpiece 26. More specifically, when the user desires to inhale in air through the third passageway 68 and the atomizer 64, the first check valve 58 and the second check valve 60 collectively cause air to be received by the user is from the atomizer 64, rather than a portion from the filter 36. Likewise, when the user desires to expel the respiratory emissions through the filter 36, the first check valve 58 and the second check valve 60 collectively cause the respiratory emissions to be received by the filter 36 for filtering, rather than a portion of the respiratory emissions being directed to the atomizer 64.

To operate the filter 36 of the apparatus 20B shown in FIG. 8, the user exhales the respiratory emissions into the port 30 of the mouthpiece 26. The pressure exerted by the respiratory emissions causes the second check valve 60 to be closed and the first check valve 58 to be open, directing the respiratory emissions to flow through the passageway 34 and into the pocket 39 of the filter 36. The positive pressure gradient caused by the exhaled respiratory emissions on the filter 36 causes the respiratory emissions pass through and emit from the filter 36 as filtered respiratory emissions, and out of the apparatus 20B through the one or more first openings 44 of the exhaust 42. To operate the components that form an electronic cigarette within the apparatus 20B shown in FIG. 8, the user inhales on the port 30 of the mouthpiece 26, which draws air in through the one or more second openings 74, through the atomizer 64, and into the third passageway 68. The pressure exerted by the air causes the first check valve 58 to be closed and the second check valve 60 to be open, directing the airflow through the port 30 and into the mouth of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another aspect of the apparatus 20 is shown in which the apparatus 20C is configured to include the components of an electronic cigarette, similar to the aspect described above and shown in FIG. 8. However, in the present aspect, the filter 36 and the components of the electronic cigarette are operated using both a first end 76 and a second end 78 of the apparatus 20C. In the aspect shown, the apparatus 20C is substantially similar to the apparatuses 20, 20A, 20B shown and described above such that like reference numerals are used to identify like components. The port 30 is referred to herein as the first port 30A. The mouthpiece 26 is referred to herein as a first mouthpiece 26A.

As shown in FIG. 9, the housing 22 includes a second mouthpiece 26B positioned opposite the first mouthpiece 26A and defining a second port 30B. The second passageway 54 is in fluid communication with the second port 30B and the atomizer 64. The one or more first openings 44 of the filter cavity 28 is adjacent to, but spaced from, the second mouthpiece 26B. The third passageway 68 and the one or more second openings 74 are positioned adjacent to, but spaced from, the first mouthpiece 26A.

To operate the filter 36 of the apparatus 20B shown in FIG. 9, the user exhales the respiratory emissions into the first port 30A of the first mouthpiece 26A. The respiratory emissions are transmitted through the first passageway 34 and into the pocket 39 of the filter 36. The positive pressure gradient caused by the exhaled respiratory emissions on the filter 36 causes the respiratory emissions pass through and emit from the filter 36 as filtered respiratory emissions, and out of the apparatus 20C through the one or more first openings 44 of the exhaust 42. To operate the components that form an electronic cigarette within the apparatus 20C shown in FIG. 9, the user turns the apparatus 20C approximately 180° to position the second mouthpiece 26B at the mouth of the user. The user inhales on the second port 30B of the second mouthpiece 26B, which draws air in the second opening 74, through the third passageway 68, through the atomizer 64, through the second passageway 54, through the second port 30B, and into the mouth of the user.

From the above, it is to be appreciated that defined herein is an apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions with use of an electronic cigarette includes a housing. The housing includes a mouthpiece defining a port, a body at least partially defining a filter cavity, and a flange at least partially defining a passageway in fluid communication with the port and extending into the filter cavity. The apparatus includes a filter disposed within the filter cavity and connected to the flange opposite the port. The filter is in fluid communication with the port through the passageway and is configured to receive respiratory emissions from the port. The respiratory emissions are configured to transmit through the filter and emit from the filter as filtered respiratory emissions.

The aspects described herein allow a user of electronic cigarettes to exhale respiratory emissions formed by processing electronic cigarette vapors in the lungs of the user into the mouthpiece of the apparatus. The apparatus filters the respiratory emissions and emits from the apparatus filtered respiratory emissions, which is closer in composition to the ambient air than the respiratory emissions that enter the apparatus. Accordingly, odors and chemicals within the respiratory emissions are less likely to be transmitted second-hand to others within the vicinity of the user.

Further aspects of the aspects described herein are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

An apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a mouthpiece defining a port; a body at least partially defining a filter cavity; and a flange at least partially defining a passageway in fluid communication with the port and extending into the filter cavity; and a filter disposed within the filter cavity and fluidly coupled to the inlet port via the flange, the filter configured to receive respiratory emissions from the port and emit therefrom filtered respiratory emissions.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the mouthpiece and the body are selectively separable.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the filter defines a pocket in fluid communication with the passageway and configured to receive the respiratory emissions therein.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the filter is spaced from the body within the filter cavity to facilitate transmission through the filter by a positive pressure gradient within the pocket.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the housing further comprises a frame extending into the pocket of the filter to support the filter and direct the respiratory emissions into the pocket.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the frame is longitudinally aligned with the passageway of the flange.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the housing further comprises at least one crossmember coupled to the flange and extending laterally across the passageway, the frame coupled to the crossmember.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the housing includes an exhaust defining one or more openings in fluid communication with the filter cavity.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising a secondary filter positioned at the exhaust.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the exhaust further comprises a grating extending over the one or more openings, the secondary filter positioned at and supported by the grating.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the housing defines a docking cavity adjacent the filter cavity and in fluid communication with the port.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the passageway is a first passageway and the housing defines a second passageway that opens into the docking cavity and merges with the passageway adjacent the port.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising: a first check valve disposed within the first passageway adjacent the filter and having an inlet facing the filter; and a second check valve disposed within the second passageway and having an inlet facing the port.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the housing includes an exhaust defining one or more openings that are in fluid communication with the docking cavity.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising: a reservoir for storing electronic cigarette fluid; and an atomizer for vaporizing the electronic cigarette fluid, the atomizer in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving the electronic cigarette fluid.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the passageway is a first passageway and the housing defines: a second passageway in fluid communication with the atomizer and the passageway adjacent the port; and a third passageway in fluid communication with the atomizer and an exterior of the apparatus.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising: a first check valve disposed within the first passageway adjacent the filter and having an inlet facing the filter; and a second check valve disposed within the second passageway and having an inlet facing the port.

The apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the housing includes a second mouthpiece positioned opposite the mouthpiece and defining a second port, the housing defining: a second passageway in fluid communication with the atomizer and the second port; and a third passageway in fluid communication with the atomizer and an exterior of the apparatus.

An apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a mouthpiece defining a port; a body at least partially defining a filter cavity and an exhaust in fluid communication with the filter cavity; a flange at least partially defining a passageway in fluid communication with the port and extending into the filter cavity; and a frame longitudinally aligned with the passageway of the flange; and a filter disposed within the filter cavity and fluidly coupled to the port via the flange, the filter defining a pocket in fluid communication with the passageway and configured to receive respiratory emissions therein from the port, the frame extending into the pocket of the filter to support the filter and direct the respiratory emissions into the pocket, the filter spaced from body within the filter cavity to facilitate transmission through the filter by a positive pressure gradient within the pocket and emit from the filter as filtered respiratory emissions that pass through the exhaust out of the apparatus.

An apparatus for filtering respiratory emissions, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a mouthpiece defining a port; a body at least partially defining a filter cavity and a docking cavity adjacent the filter cavity; and a flange at least partially defining a first passageway in fluid communication with the port and extending into the filter cavity, wherein the housing defines one or more first openings in fluid communication with the filter cavity and one or more second openings in fluid communication with the docking cavity, and a second passageway that opens into the docking cavity and merges with the first passageway adjacent the port, the docking cavity configured to position the electronic cigarette therein and allow use of the electronic cigarette through the port by inhaling air through the one or more second openings into the docking cavity; a filter disposed within the filter cavity and fluidly coupled to the port via the flange, the filter configured to receive respiratory emissions from the port, the respiratory emissions configured to transmit through the filter and emit from the filter as filtered respiratory emissions that pass through the one or more first openings and out of the apparatus; a first check valve disposed within the first passageway adjacent the filter and having an inlet facing the filter; and a second check valve disposed within the second passageway and having an inlet facing the port.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

While particular aspects 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 is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.