Multi-Function Rotary Switch for Vaporizer Pod

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/689,828 filed on Sep. 2, 2024. The entire disclosure of the prior application is considered to be part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to vaporizer pods for smoking. In particular, the field of invention relates to a vaporizer pod capable of holding a plurality of cartridges, wherein an electromechanical switch allows the user to draw infused air from any one cartridge, from multiple cartridges, or from all the cartridges.

2. Description of the Related Art

A number of smoking products have been developed and marketed to consumers with the goal of replacing cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking with a product that is as enjoyable but without the harmful nicotine content that comes from smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. The most successful products utilize aerosol precursor compositions of various flavors, often without nicotine, which are sold as cartridges. This allows for easy replacement when one cartridge is expended. These aerosol precursors within the cartridge are heated to create a vapor that is inhaled by the user, thus giving these products the name “vaporizer pods.” Initially, vaporizer pods were only able to hold one cartridge, but consumer demand has led many manufacturers to seek to create vaporizer pods that could hold multiple cartridges.

One such vaporizer pod is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,842,188 to Bless et al titled “Smoking article for selective delivery of an aerosol precursor composition, a cartridge, and a related method.” The Bless patent discloses a cartridge for selective delivery of aerosol precursor compositions includes a housing, and a reservoir disposed within the housing and defining three chambers each having an aerosol precursor composition therein. The reservoir is in fluid communication with an aerosol forming arrangement configured to form an aerosol from any of the aerosol precursor compositions. A selector defines one or more dispensing selectively aligned with one or more of the three chambers, such that the aerosol precursor composition disposed within each of the three chambers is capable of being dispensed therefrom through the selectively aligned dispensing ports to the aerosol forming arrangement. The cartridge further includes a flow tube extending longitudinally through a central axis of the reservoir and the selector so that each of the three chambers is arranged circumferentially around the flow tube, the flow tube being disposed so that the formed aerosol is transported through the flow tube.

Another product was disclosed in a Chinese patent 110167367 to Reevell titled “Aerosol generating device.” The Reevell patent discloses an aerosol-generating device that comprises a device housing and a mouthpiece. The device housing comprises a first receiving chamber for receiving and containing a first consumer product, and a second receiving chamber for receiving and containing a second consumer product. The device also includes a selection member that can be arranged in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the selection member passes through the first receiving chamber, which is opened, and the air flow path through the second receiving chamber is closed. In the second position, the selection member closes the air flow passage through the first receiving chamber and enables the air flow passage through the second receiving chamber.

These products, typical of early generation models, did not allow the user to mix the flavors. Limiting their choice to just a single cartridge at a time. Other models would allow mixing of flavors within a single heating assembly, leading to a complex system for selectively delivering the aerosol precursor to the heating assembly.

What is needed is a multi-cartridge vaporizer pod that is easy to manufacture, reliable, and user-friendly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a device, a vaporizer pod, for vaporizing smokable materials for personal inhalation by a user. The vaporizer pod may hold multiple cartridges, each containing a flavoring element. The user can selectively activate various circuits, which in turn select one, two, or all of the cartridges to receive power and vaporize the aerosol precursors contained within. The vaporizer pod comprises two or more cartridges capable of vaporizing smokable materials contained therein, an upper housing capable of receiving said cartridges, the upper housing comprising a power source, an interface circuit board to receive said cartridges electrically, and a traces circuit board comprising a substrate with a plurality of traces on its upper surface, a plurality of traces on its lower surface, and a plurality of through-holes connecting said traces; and a lower housing axially adjacent to said upper housing whereby the user of said device may change its angular rotation or its axial proximity as to said upper housing, comprising a connector capable of creating circuits from traces on said traces circuit board.

In another aspect of the vaporizer pod, a switch may be included that would turn the vaporizer pod on and off by opening or closing the circuit at one of the terminals of the power source. Such a switch may be manually activated by the user toggling the switch or such a switch may be automatically activated by the user's touch or when the user draws air through the vaporizer pod by inhaling.

In yet another aspect of the vaporizer pod, the user may select from any one or two cartridges by rotating an electromechanical switch.

In yet another aspect of the vaporizer pod, the user may select all of the cartridges by pressing on an electromechanical switch.

Neither this summary nor the following detailed description defines or limits the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the invention. Dimensions disclosed or shown are exemplary only. In the drawings, like reference numerals may designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the vaporizer pod being disclosed.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the vaporizer pod, illustrating the partial rotation of the lower housing, which serves as a rotary switch.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the vaporizer pod.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the upper housing.

FIG. 5 shows the inner assembly of the upper housing and the lower housing.

FIG. 6A shows a top view of the traces circuit board.

FIG. 6B shows a side view of the traces circuit board.

FIG. 6C shows a top view of the traces circuit board as viewed from the perspective of A in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6D shows a lower isometric view of the traces circuit board with the spring pin in its extended position.

FIG. 6E shows a lower isometric view of the traces circuit board with the spring pin in its collapsed position.

FIG. 7A shows an isometric view of the connector circuit board.

FIG. 7B shows a schematic view of the connector.

FIG. 8A shows the assembly of the traces circuit board and the connector circuit board.

FIG. 8B shows the assembly of the traces circuit board and the connector circuit board, omitting the substrate of the connector circuit board to improve clarity.

FIG. 9A shows a top schematic view of the traces circuit board.

FIG. 9B shows a schematic view of the bottom of the traces circuit board as viewed through the top of the traces circuit board.

FIG. 10 shows the schematic of the vaporizer pod's interface circuit board and traces circuit board when the vaporizer pod is configured without any cartridges and the user is not drawing any air through the vaporizer pod. The heavy circuit traces show those portions of the circuit that are energized.

FIG. 11 shows the schematic of the vaporizer pod's interface circuit board, traces circuit board, and the connector circuit board when the vaporizer pod is configured with three cartridges, the user is drawing air through the vaporizer pod, and the connector circuit board's connector is at zero degrees. The heavy circuit traces show those portions of the circuit that are energized.

FIG. 12 shows the schematic of the vaporizer pod's interface circuit board, traces circuit board, and the connector circuit board when the vaporizer pod is configured with three cartridges, the user is drawing air through the vaporizer pod, and the connector circuit board's connector is at 60 degrees. The heavy circuit traces show those portions of the circuit that are energized.

FIG. 13 shows the schematic of the vaporizer pod's interface circuit board, traces circuit board, and the connector circuit board when the vaporizer pod is configured with three cartridges, the user is drawing air through the vaporizer pod, and the connector circuit board's connector is at 120 degrees. The heavy circuit traces show those portions of the circuit that are energized.

FIG. 14 shows the schematic of the vaporizer pod's interface circuit board, traces circuit board, and the connector circuit board when the vaporizer pod is configured with three cartridges, the user is drawing air through the vaporizer pod, and the connector circuit board's connector is at 180 degrees. The heavy circuit traces show those portions of the circuit that are energized.

FIG. 15 shows the schematic of the vaporizer pod's interface circuit board, traces circuit board, and the connector circuit board when the vaporizer pod is configured with three cartridges, the user is drawing air through the vaporizer pod, and the connector circuit board's connector is at 240 degrees. The heavy circuit traces show those portions of the circuit that are energized.

FIG. 16 shows the schematic of the vaporizer pod's interface circuit board, traces circuit board, and the connector circuit board when the vaporizer pod is configured with three cartridges, the user is drawing air through the vaporizer pod, and the connector circuit board's connector is at 300 degrees. The heavy circuit traces show those portions of the circuit that are energized.

FIG. 17 shows the schematic of the vaporizer pod's interface circuit board, traces circuit board, and the connector circuit board when the vaporizer pod is configured with three cartridges, the user is drawing air through the vaporizer pod, and the traces circuit board's spring pin has been pushed in, energizing the push traces. The heavy circuit traces show those portions of the circuit that are energized.

FIG. 18 shows an isometric view of the second embodiment of the vaporizer pod.

FIG. 19 shows an isometric view of the third embodiment of the vaporizer pod.

FIG. 20 shows an isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the vaporizer pod.

DEFINITIONS

Cartridge: A vaporizer cartridge is a self-contained, removable component for an aerosol-generating device, comprising a fluid reservoir for storing a vaporizable substance, an atomizing assembly configured to convert said substance into a vapor or aerosol, and a mouthpiece for the user to inhale the vapor or aerosol. The cartridge is configured to be removably coupled with a power source and control unit of the aerosol-generating device. The atomizing assembly, which may be integrated or replaceable, includes at least one heating element and a wicking material for drawing the vaporizable substance to the heating element.

Through-Hole: A through-hole is a structural feature of a printed circuit board (PCB), defined as a drilled or otherwise formed aperture that extends entirely through one or more layers of a non-conductive substrate. The through-hole is configured to provide an electrical pathway between the layers of the PCB as the interior surface of the through-hole is plated with a conductive material, such as copper, thereby establishing a continuous conductive path.

Trace; A trace is a conductive electrical pathway of a defined width and thickness. It is an integral component of a circuit board's conductive layer, fabricated to connect a plurality of electronic components or component pads electrically. The trace is typically composed of a metal, such as copper, and is configured to route electrical signals and power throughout the circuit board. These traces are patterned onto one or more layers of a non-conductive substrate, where one layer may be electrically connected to another layer by through-holes.

Vaporizer Pod: A vaporizer pod, also referred to as an electronic cigarette, personal vaporizer, or aerosol-generating device, is an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable substance, without combustion. The device comprises a main body containing a power source and control circuitry, and a heating element configured to receive the vaporizable substance. Upon activation, the control circuitry directs power to the heating element, which heats the substance to a temperature sufficient to create a vapor or aerosol, but below its combustion point. The apparatus is configured to provide an air pathway for a user to draw the generated vapor or aerosol through a mouthpiece, thereby simulating the act of smoking without the production of smoke, tar, or other combustion by-products. The vaporizable substance may be a liquid, a solid, a plant material, or a concentrate, and may be provided in a pre-filled, replaceable cartridge or an integrated, refillable tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein, example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of vaporizer pod 10 of the present disclosure is shown. At the top of vaporizer pod 10 are found cartridges 100. In the preferred embodiment, vaporizer pod 10 may be configured with up to three cartridges. Other embodiments may have more or fewer cartridges than vaporizer pod 10. Here, cartridges 100 is comprised of first cartridge 102, second cartridge 104, and third cartridge 106. Since only the nozzle of third cartridge 106 is shown, the remaining being behind first cartridge 102 and second cartridge 104, third cartridge 106 is not referenced. Below cartridges 100 is found upper housing 20. Within upper housing 20 will be found many components of vaporizer pod 10 that will be extensively discussed in the following paragraphs, including circuit boards and the power source. Below upper housing 20 is found lower housing 80. As with upper housing 20, lower housing 80 holds many components of vaporizer pod 10 that will be extensively discussed in the following paragraphs. The user may select a single cartridges 100 or multiple cartridges 100 by rotating lower housing 80. As will be described below, lower housing 80 contains an electrical conductor that makes contact with electrical traces in a circuit board found in upper housing 20. As lower housing 80 is rotated, this electrical conductor will connect between electrical traces in the circuit board found in upper housing 20 and cause circuits that deliver power to each cartridges 100 to be connected or disconnected from the battery. To assist the user of vaporizer pod 10 as to which cartridges 100 has been selected, indicator 94 may serve as a mark. FIG. 2 shows the vaporizer pod 10 of FIG. 1, but illustrating lower housing 80 in a partially rotated position.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of vaporizer pod 10 in an exploded view. At the top of vaporizer pod 10 are found cartridges 100. In the preferred embodiment, vaporizer pod 10 may be configured with up to three cartridges. Other embodiments may have more or fewer cartridges than vaporizer pod 10. Here, cartridges 100 is comprised of first cartridge 102, second cartridge 104, and third cartridge 106. Because third cartridge 106 is found behind first cartridge 102 and second cartridge 104, it is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Below cartridges 100 is found upper housing 20. Within upper housing 20 will be found many components of vaporizer pod 10 that will be extensively discussed in the following paragraphs. One component that is partially visible in FIG. 3 are the one or more pins 28 at the top opening of upper housing 20. Below upper housing 20 is found lower housing 80. As with upper housing 20, lower housing 80 holds many components of vaporizer pod 10 that will be extensively discussed in the following paragraphs. Visible at the top of lower housing 80 is connector circuit board 82. Mounted on connector circuit board 82 is an electrical conductor that makes contact with electrical traces in a circuit board found in upper housing 20. As lower housing 80 is rotated, this electrical conductor will connect between electrical traces in the circuit board found in upper housing 20 and cause circuits that deliver power to each cartridges 100 to be connected or disconnected from the battery. Thus, the user of vaporizer pod 10, by rotating lower housing 80, may enable and disable the desired cartridges 100.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of upper housing 20 along with one or more cartridges 100 above and lower housing 80 with connector circuit board 82 below. In this view, power source 22 is visible and is of sufficient capacity to provide the user with a satisfying experience when using vaporizer pod 10. Also partially visible within upper housing 20 are interface circuit board 24 and traces circuit board 50. Interface circuit board 24 is comprised mainly of pins 28, not shown here in FIG. 4 but briefly shown in FIG. 3 and discussed thoroughly in the paragraphs below. Pins 28 are used to couple each cartridges 100 with the circuitry found in vaporizer pod 10. Traces circuit board 50, shown at the base of upper housing 20, works in conjunction with connector circuit board 82 to enable and disable each cartridges 100 as the user rotates lower housing 80. The interaction between traces circuit board 50 and connector circuit board 82, and how cartridges 100 are enabled and disabled by that electromechanical interaction, is fully discussed in the paragraphs below.

FIG. 5 shows the major electrical components of vaporizer pod 10, including details of interface circuit board 24. On interface circuit board 24, an arrangement of pins 28 is found, two for each cartridge. For each cartridges 100, one pin may be connected to the positive terminal of power source 22, while the other pin may be connected to the negative terminal of power source 22. Depending upon the angular relationship between traces circuit board 50 and connector circuit board 82, one or two of cartridges 100 may be connected to power source 22 by connecting or disconnecting the corresponding pins 28 from power source 22. The user may also, by pressing lower housing 80 into upper housing 20, may connect every cartridges 100 to power source 22 to allow the user to draw air from every cartridge connected to pins 28. In this disclosure, each individual pin is identified as to each cartridges 100 it is associated with and to which terminal on power source 22 it is connected to by a suffix enclosed in parentheses. The first character within the parentheses is a digit that signifies which cartridges 100 the pin is connected to. The second character is a plus sign or a negative sign that indicates which power source 22 terminal the pin is connected to. For example, “pin(3−)” denotes that this pin is connected to third cartridge 106 and to power source 22 negative terminal. The arrangement of pins 28 allows first cartridge 102 to be connected to the positive terminal of power source 22 via pin(1+) 32 and to the negative terminal of power source 22 via pin(1−) 30. Likewise, second cartridge 104 may be connected to the positive terminal of power source 22 via pin(3+) 40 and to the negative terminal of power source 22 via pin(2−) 34. Finally, third cartridge 106 may be connected to the positive terminal of power source 22 via pin(3+) 40 and to the negative terminal of power source 22 via pin(3−) 38. In addition to pins 28, interface circuit board 24 contains power switch 26. In the preferred embodiment of vaporizer pod 10, power switch 26 is controlled by the passage of air through it. When vaporizer pod 10 is not in use, that is, the user is not drawing any air from any nozzle belonging to cartridges 100, power switch 26 is in the open position, thereby disconnecting every cartridges 100 from power source 22. When vaporizer pod 10 is in use, that is, the user is drawing air from any nozzle belonging to cartridges 100, power switch 26 will be in the closed position, thereby connecting every cartridges 100 to power source 22. Power switch 26 may be a physical switch that the user can toggle or a touch-sensitive switch that is activated upon user touch. Below interface circuit board 24, power source 22 is found having a capacity to provide the user of vaporizer pod 10 with a pleasurable experience. Below power source 22 is found traces circuit board 50, which is in an electromechanical relationship with connector circuit board 82.

FIG. 6 comprises an arrangement of five figures, each depicting traces circuit board 50 in some orientation. FIG. 6A shows a top view, FIG. 6B shows a side view, FIG. 6C shows a view from the perspective of A in FIG. 6B, FIG. 6D shows a lower isometric view with spring pin 52 in its extended configuration, and FIG. 6E shows a lower isometric view with spring pin 52 in its collapsed configuration. Spring pin 52 is made from an electrically conductive material. Traces circuit board 50 is shown here generally as a disk, but may be configured in other geometries as required by the housing it is contained within. Traces circuit board 50 is comprised of substrate 70 with multiple electrical traces on both its upper and lower surfaces. Connecting traces on its upper surface with traces on its lower surface are multiple through-hole 54. Only one through-hole 54 is identified by a reference in order to improve clarity. On the top surface of traces circuit board 50 are found battery trace 72, upper first trace 56, upper second trace 58, and upper third trace 60. Battery trace 72 is connected to the positive terminal of power source 22, and by means of the through-hole found within battery trace 72, electrical current may pass through spring pin 52. When the user wishes to draw air through each cartridges 100 simultaneously, the user may push lower housing 80 into upper housing 20. There are many means of mechanically allowing lower housing 80 to be lightly pushed into upper housing 20 that are known to one skilled in the art. By pushing lower housing 80 into upper housing 20, the user will cause spring pin 52 to collapse. When spring pin 52 is in its collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 6E, the three push trace 62 found on the lower surface of traces circuit board 50 come into contact with spring pin 52. Any current that is flowing from power source 22 and through spring pin 52 will also flow through each of the three push trace 62 when spring pin 52 is in its collapsed configuration. To best understand the importance of the angular relationship between traces circuit board 50 and connector circuit board 82, when that relationship is being discussed, the lower surface of traces circuit board 50 will be shown from the perspective of A in FIG. 6B as seen in FIG. 6C or from the perspective when viewing the top surface of traces circuit board 50. In this manner, the traces on the lower surface of traces circuit board 50 will align with the traces on the upper surface of traces circuit board 50 rather than being reversed when viewing the lower surface directly. As such, lower first trace 64, lower second trace 66, lower third trace 68, push trace 62, and spring pin 52 in FIG. 6C are shown as dashed lines. However, when the lower surface of traces circuit board 50 is shown schematically, traces found on the lower surface will not be shown as dashed lines to clarify the importance of the placement of the traces on the upper and lower surfaces. It will also be noted that numeric words first, second, and third used in the naming of traces found on the upper or lower surface of traces circuit board 50 correspond to the same numeric words used to identify each of cartridges 100. Thus, as an example, lower second trace 66 and upper second trace 58 form part of the circuit that is connected to second cartridge 104.

FIG. 7A shows an isometric view of connector circuit board 82, which is comprised of substrate 84 and connector 86. Features of connector 86 essential to the operation of vaporizer pod 10 include connector pad 88, first connector wiper 90, and second connector wiper 92. As shown in FIG. 2, lower housing 80 may be rotated by the user, causing connector circuit board 82 to rotate as well. As connector circuit board 82 is rotated, first connector wiper 90 and second connector wiper 92 will slide along the lower side of traces circuit board 50 and come into contact with the traces found there. Given the geometry of lower first trace 64, lower second trace 66, and lower third trace 68, as connector circuit board 82 rotates, first connector wiper 90 and second connector wiper 92 will come into contact with one or two of these traces. As will be shown in the following paragraphs, this will result in either one or two of cartridges 100 being electrically connected to the positive terminal of power source 22. FIG. 7B shows a schematic view of connector 86, identifying the connector pad 88, first connector wiper 90, and second connector wiper 92 in a diamond hatch pattern. The schematic view of connector 86 will be used in many of the following figures.

FIG. 8A and B show the assembly of traces circuit board 50 and connector circuit board 82 together in isometric views to help better understand the critical role that geometry plays in selecting one or more cartridges 100 as lower housing 80 is rotated. Shown in FIG. 8A is traces circuit board 50 contained in upper housing 20, positioned above connector circuit board 82 contained in lower housing 80. Upper housing 20 and lower housing 80 are not shown in either of these figures to improve clarity. The direction line indicates that connector circuit board 82 can be rotated to the right or left in relation to traces circuit board 50. As connector circuit board 82 is rotated, connector 86, being affixed to connector circuit board 82, will correspondingly rotate as well. As explained earlier, spring pin 52 is connected to the positive terminal of power source 22 via through-hole 54 found within battery trace 72, with battery trace 72 itself being connected to the positive terminal of power source 22. Since spring pin 52 is in electrical connection with the positive terminal of power source 22, connector 86, being electrically conductive itself and electrically connected to spring pin 52 by connector pad 88, is also electrically connected to the positive terminal of power source 22. In FIG. 8A, connector 86 is positioned such that first connector wiper 90 is in electrical contact with lower second trace 66 while second connector wiper 92 is not in contact with any traces on the lower surface of traces circuit board 50. As a result of first connector wiper 90 being in electrical contact with lower second trace 66, upper second trace 58, via the through-hole 54 found within lower second trace 66 and upper second trace 58, is in electrical contact with the positive terminal of power source 22. Eventually, this electrical path will lead to pin(2+) 36. Thus, when the user draws air through the nozzles of vaporizer pod 10, power switch 26 will close to connect pin(2−) 34 to the negative terminal of power source 22. This will complete the circuit and second cartridge 104 will be activated. FIG. 8B shows a slightly different angular relationship between traces circuit board 50 and connector circuit board 82. Here, first connector wiper 90 is in contact with lower second trace 66 while second connector wiper 92 is in contact with lower first trace 64. As a result of first connector wiper 90 being in electrical contact with lower second trace 66, upper second trace 58, via the through-hole 54 found within lower second trace 66 and upper second trace 58, is in electrical contact with the positive terminal of power source 22. Eventually, this electrical path will lead to pin(2+) 36. Likewise, since second connector wiper 92 is in electrical contact with lower first trace 64, upper first trace 56, via the through-hole 54 found within lower first trace 64 and upper first trace 56, is in electrical contact with the positive terminal of power source 22. Eventually, this electrical path will lead to pin(1+) 32. Now, when the user draws air through the nozzles of vaporizer pod 10, power switch 26 will close to connect pin(1−) 30 and pin(2−) 34 to the negative terminal of power source 22. This will complete the circuit, and both first cartridge 102 and second cartridge 104 will be activated.

FIG. 9A shows a schematic view of the upper surface of traces circuit board 50 while FIG. 9B shows a schematic view of the lower surface of traces circuit board 50. As in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the lower surface is shown in the same orientation as the upper surface, as if the lower surface is being viewed from the perspective of A in FIG. 6B. However, in FIG. 9B, the traces are not shown in dashed lines as in FIG. 6C. This was done to improve clarity in the schematic FIGS. 10 through 17. Additionally, to improve clarity, the features of traces circuit board 50 that are referenced in FIG. 9A and B are not referenced in the schematic FIGS. 10 through 17. When features of traces circuit board 50 are referenced in the schematic FIGS. 10 through 17, the reader is encouraged to return to FIG. 9A and B. In FIG. 9A, the upper surface of traces circuit board 50 is schematically shown. Substrate 70 has on its upper surface, upper first trace 56, upper second trace 58, and upper third trace 60. Found on the lower surface of substrate 70 will be lower first trace 64, lower second trace 66, and lower third trace 68. Lower first trace 64 is electrically connected to upper first trace 56 via through-hole 54, which is found between these two traces. Likewise, lower second trace 66 is electrically connected to upper second trace 58 via through-hole 54, which is found between these two traces. Finally, lower third trace 68 is electrically connected to upper third trace 60 via through-hole 54, which is found between these two traces. In like manner, the three push trace 62 found on the lower surface of traces circuit board 50 are in electrical connection with each trace found on the upper surface of traces circuit board 50 via through-hole 54 found between each push trace 62 and each trace found on the upper surface. First push trace 62a is electrically connected to upper first trace 56 via through-hole 54, which is found between these two traces. Likewise, second push trace 62b is electrically connected to upper second trace 58 via through-hole 54, which is found between these two traces. Finally, third push trace 62c is electrically connected to upper third trace 60 via through-hole 54, which is found between these two traces. In FIG. 9A, the letter A schematically represents a connection to the positive terminal of power source 22. Moreover, the letters B, C, and D schematically represent connections to pin(3+) 40, pin(2+) 36, and pin(1+) 32, respectively.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the circuit within upper housing 20, without showing connector 86 in lower housing 80. The thicker circuit lines show those parts of the circuit that are in contact with the positive and negative terminals of power source 22. The circuit shows power switch 26 in its open configuration. This is representative of the case when the user is not drawing air through any of the nozzles belonging to cartridges 100. One end of power switch 26 is connected to pin(1−) 30, pin(2−) 34, and pin(3−) 38, while the other end of power switch 26 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22. First cartridge 102, when inserted into vaporizer pod 10, closes pin(1+) 32 and pin(1−) 30. Likewise, second cartridge 104, when inserted into vaporizer pod 10, closes pin(2+) 36 and pin(2−) 34. Finally, third cartridge 106, when inserted into vaporizer pod 10, closes pin(3+) 40 and pin(3−) 38. In FIG. 11 through 17, all of the pins are simply shown as pins 28 to improve clarity. In FIG. 10, all cartridges 100 are shown as not being inserted into vaporizer pod 10, whereas in FIG. 11 through 17, all cartridges 100 are shown as being inserted into vaporizer pod 10.

FIG. 11 schematically shows the circuit within upper housing 20 when connector 86 in lower housing 80 is at zero degrees, all cartridges 100 are inserted into vaporizer pod 10, and power switch 26 is in its closed configuration. Power switch 26 is in its closed configuration when the user is drawing air through any of the nozzles belonging to cartridges 100. The pins of interface circuit board 24 are shown together as pins 28. Refer to FIG. 10 to see them individually referenced. The thicker circuit lines show those parts of the circuit that are in contact with the positive and negative terminals of power source 22. When connector 86 is at zero degrees, first connector wiper 90 is shown in contact with lower first trace 64, and second connector wiper 92 is shown in contact with lower third trace 68. Because connector 86 is electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22 via through-hole 54 in battery trace 72, lower first trace 64 and lower third trace 68 are also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Because of through-hole 54 found between lower first trace 64 and upper first trace 56, upper first trace 56 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Additionally, because of through-hole 54 found between lower third trace 68 and upper third trace 60, upper third trace 60 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. First cartridge 102 becomes part of the circuit because pin(1+) 32 is connected to upper first trace 56 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(1−) 30 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Third cartridge 106 becomes part of the circuit because pin(3+) 40 is connected to upper third trace 60 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(3−) 38 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Thus, we see that when connector 86 is at zero degrees, first cartridge 102 and third cartridge 106 are part of the circuit. In this electrical configuration, when the user draws air through the nozzles of cartridges 100, they will be drawing air through both first cartridge 102 and third cartridge 106.

FIG. 12 schematically shows the circuit within upper housing 20 when connector 86 in lower housing 80 is at 60 degrees, all cartridges 100 are inserted into vaporizer pod 10, and power switch 26 is in its closed configuration. Power switch 26 is in its closed configuration when the user is drawing air through any of the nozzles belonging to cartridges 100. The pins of interface circuit board 24 are shown together as pins 28. Refer to FIG. 10 to see them individually referenced. The thicker circuit lines show those parts of the circuit that are in contact with the positive and negative terminals of power source 22. When connector 86 is at 60 degrees, second connector wiper 92 is shown in contact with lower first trace 64. Because connector 86 is electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22 via through-hole 54 in battery trace 72, lower first trace 64 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Because of through-hole 54 found between lower first trace 64 and upper first trace 56, upper first trace 56 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. First cartridge 102 becomes part of the circuit because pin(1+) 32 is connected to upper first trace 56 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(1−) 30 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Thus, we see that when connector 86 is at 60 degrees, first cartridge 102 is part of the circuit. In this electrical configuration, when the user draws air through the nozzles of cartridges 100, they will draw air through first cartridge 102 only.

FIG. 13 schematically shows the circuit within upper housing 20 when connector 86 in lower housing 80 is at 120 degrees, all cartridges 100 are inserted into vaporizer pod 10, and power switch 26 is in its closed configuration. Power switch 26 is in its closed configuration when the user is drawing air through any of the nozzles belonging to cartridges 100. The pins of interface circuit board 24 are shown together as pins 28. Refer to FIG. 10 to see them individually referenced. The thicker circuit lines show those parts of the circuit that are in contact with the positive and negative terminals of power source 22. When connector 86 is at 120 degrees, first connector wiper 90 is shown in contact with lower second trace 66, and second connector wiper 92 is shown in contact with lower first trace 64. Because connector 86 is electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22 via through-hole 54 in battery trace 72, lower first trace 64 and lower second trace 66 are also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Because of through-hole 54 found between lower first trace 64 and upper first trace 56, upper first trace 56 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Additionally, because of through-hole 54 found between lower second trace 66 and upper second trace 58, upper second trace 58 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. First cartridge 102 becomes part of the circuit because pin(1+) 32 is connected to upper first trace 56 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(1−) 30 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Second cartridge 104 becomes part of the circuit because pin(2+) 36 is connected to upper second trace 58 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(2−) 34 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Thus, we see that when connector 86 is at 120 degrees, first cartridge 102 and second cartridge 104 are part of the circuit. In this electrical configuration, when the user draws air through the nozzles of cartridges 100, they will be drawing air through both first cartridge 102 and second cartridge 104.

FIG. 14 schematically shows the circuit within upper housing 20 when connector 86 in lower housing 80 is at 180 degrees, all cartridges 100 are inserted into vaporizer pod 10, and power switch 26 is in its closed configuration. Power switch 26 is in its closed configuration when the user is drawing air through any of the nozzles belonging to cartridges 100. The pins of interface circuit board 24 are shown together as pins 28. Refer to FIG. 10 to see them individually referenced. The thicker circuit lines show those parts of the circuit that are in contact with the positive and negative terminals of power source 22. When connector 86 is at 180 degrees, second connector wiper 92 is shown in contact with lower second trace 66. Because connector 86 is electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22 via through-hole 54 in battery trace 72, lower second trace 66 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Because of through-hole 54 found between lower second trace 66 and upper second trace 58, upper second trace 58 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Second cartridge 104 becomes part of the circuit because pin(2+) 36 is connected to upper second trace 58 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(2−) 34 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Thus, we see that when connector 86 is at 180 degrees, second cartridge 104 is part of the circuit. In this electrical configuration, when the user draws air through the nozzles of cartridges 100, they will draw air through second cartridge 104 only.

FIG. 15 schematically shows the circuit within upper housing 20 when connector 86 in lower housing 80 is at 240 degrees, all cartridges 100 are inserted into vaporizer pod 10, and power switch 26 is in its closed configuration. Power switch 26 is in its closed configuration when the user is drawing air through any of the nozzles belonging to cartridges 100. The pins of interface circuit board 24 are shown together as pins 28. Refer to FIG. 10 to see them individually referenced. The thicker circuit lines show those parts of the circuit that are in contact with the positive and negative terminals of power source 22. When connector 86 is at 240 degrees, first connector wiper 90 is shown in contact with lower third trace 68, and second connector wiper 92 is shown in contact with lower second trace 66. Because connector 86 is electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22 via through-hole 54 in battery trace 72, lower second trace 66 and lower third trace 68 are also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Because of through-hole 54 found between lower second trace 66 and upper second trace 58, upper second trace 58 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Additionally, because of through-hole 54 found between lower third trace 68 and upper third trace 60, upper third trace 60 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Second cartridge 104 becomes part of the circuit because pin(2+) 36 is connected to upper second trace 58 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(2−) 34 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Third cartridge 106 becomes part of the circuit because pin(3+) 40 is connected to upper third trace 60 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(3−) 38 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Thus, we see that when connector 86 is at 240 degrees, second cartridge 104 and third cartridge 106 are part of the circuit. In this electrical configuration, when the user draws air through the nozzles of cartridges 100, they will be drawing air through both second cartridge 104 and third cartridge 106.

FIG. 16 schematically shows the circuit within upper housing 20 when connector 86 in lower housing 80 is at 300 degrees, all cartridges 100 are inserted into vaporizer pod 10, and power switch 26 is in its closed configuration. Power switch 26 is in its closed configuration when the user is drawing air through any of the nozzles belonging to cartridges 100. The pins of interface circuit board 24 are shown together as pins 28. Refer to FIG. 10 to see them individually referenced. The thicker circuit lines show those parts of the circuit that are in contact with the positive and negative terminals of power source 22. When connector 86 is at 300 degrees, second connector wiper 92 is shown in contact with lower third trace 68. Because connector 86 is electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22 via through-hole 54 in battery trace 72, lower third trace 68 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Because of through-hole 54 found between lower third trace 68 and upper third trace 60, upper third trace 60 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Third cartridge 106 becomes part of the circuit because pin(3+) 40 is connected to upper third trace 60 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(2−) 34 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Thus, we see that when connector 86 is at 300 degrees, third cartridge 106 is part of the circuit. In this electrical configuration, when the user draws air through the nozzles of cartridges 100, they will draw air through third cartridge 106 only.

FIG. 17 schematically shows the circuit within upper housing 20 when connector 86 is pushed into upper housing 20, all cartridges 100 are inserted into vaporizer pod 10, and power switch 26 is in its closed configuration. Power switch 26 is in its closed configuration when the user is drawing air through any of the nozzles belonging to cartridges 100. The pins of interface circuit board 24 are shown together as pins 28. Refer to FIG. 10 to see them individually referenced. The thicker circuit lines show those parts of the circuit that are in contact with the positive and negative terminals of power source 22. When lower housing 80 is pushed into upper housing 20, spring pin 52 will collapse onto the lower surface of traces circuit board 50 as shown in FIG. 6E. In its collapsed configuration, spring pin 52 comes in electrical contact with each push trace 62. Since spring pin 52 is electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22 via through-hole 54 in battery trace 72, each push trace 62 is also electrically connected with the positive terminal of power source 22. Via through-hole 54 found in push trace 62, upper first trace 56, upper second trace 58, and upper third trace 60 on the upper surface of traces circuit board 50 are also electrically connected to the positive terminal of power source 22. First cartridge 102 becomes part of the circuit because pin(1+) 32 is connected to upper first trace 56 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(1−) 30 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Second cartridge 104 becomes part of the circuit because pin(2+) 36 is connected to upper second trace 58 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(2−) 34 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Third cartridge 106 becomes part of the circuit because pin(3+) 40 is connected to upper third trace 60 and thus to the positive terminal of power source 22, and pin(3−) 38 is connected to the negative terminal of power source 22 through closed power switch 26. Thus, we see that when lower housing 80 is push into upper housing 20, thereby collapsing spring pin 52, first cartridge 102, second cartridge 104, and third cartridge 106 are all part of the circuit. In this electrical configuration, when the user draws air through the nozzles of cartridges 100, they will draw air through all cartridges 100.

FIG. 18 shows second embodiment 120 of the present disclosure. Here, a vaporizer pod is shown with four cartridges. It may be understood by one with skill in the art that the upper circuit board will contain an arrangement of eight pins, the middle circuit board will contain an arrangement of four traces on its upper and lower surfaces along with traces for power and for when the lower housing is pushed into the upper housing, and that the leaf connector in the lower housing will be similar to but have dimensions differing to connector 86 of the preferred embodiment vaporizer pod 10. These inventive concepts disclosed herein may also be applied to third embodiment 130 shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 shows yet another embodiment of the vaporizer of the present disclosure. Here, fourth embodiment 140 is comprised of three individual vaporizer pods that are designed to fit together to give an appearance that the user is handling a single vaporizer pod when, in actuality, the user is handling multiple vaporizer pods. Although FIG. 20 shows three vaporizer pods that come together to give the appearance of a single vaporizer pod 10: first vaporizer 142, second vaporizer 144, and third vaporizer 146, there could be more or fewer than three vaporizer pods. Each vaporizer pod 10 in fourth embodiment 140 may be divided into an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing contains the vaporizable substance along with a heating element configured to receive the vaporizable substance. The lower housing includes a power source, a switch to activate or deactivate the particular vaporizer pod, and a charging port for the power source. An air switch found within the upper housing is used to complete the circuit. The air switch is normally open, and the circuit is incomplete. When the user draws air from the vaporizer pod, the air switch will close to complete the circuit. Once the circuit is completed, the power source will send electrical current to the heating element to convert the vaporizer substance into an aerosol that the user may inhale. Magnets along the sides of each vaporizer pod are designed to keep each vaporizer pod together as a single structure. The user can select a set of vaporizer pods by toggling the switch at the base of each pod, allowing for a combined flavor when drawing air through the nozzles. The user may also select all of the vaporizer pods in this manner.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the relevant art(s) (including the contents of the documents cited and incorporated by reference herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s).