Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MULTI-CARTRLDGE VAPORIZER
10011
Technical Field
10021 The present invention relates to personal, portable vaporizers or
other apparatus for
vaporized delivery of a substance.
Background
10031 Various types of personal vaporizers can be used to deliver a
substance to the lungs.
Generally speaking, vaporizing devices are configured to electrically heat a
liquid substance into
a vapor and provide the vapor for inhalation. A typical vaporizer may include
(1) a cartridge that
holds a liquid solution to be vaporized, (2) an atomizer or heating element
for vaporizing the
liquid, (3) a power source, such as, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion
battery, for powering
the atomizer and/or delivery system, and (4) a mouthpiece to enable inhalation
of the vapor.
When a button is pressed, the heating element fires to atomize the liquid as
it is drawn across the
heating element. Suction pressure is simultaneously supplied by the user at
the mouthpiece,
pulling the vaporized liquid through a barrel or delivery tube and through the
mouthpiece.
10041 With the recent growth in vaping and legalization of certain cannabis-
based products,
the demand for personal vaporizers that can deliver various strains of
cannabis and other
products has risen dramatically. Such vaporizers are typically portable, self-
contained devices
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that come in varying sizes and/or forms, including, for example, cylindrical
"vape pens," slim
rectangular housings designed to fit comfortably within a hand, as well as
others. In addition,
personal vaporizers may be disposable or reusable, as a whole. In the case of
reusable devices,
the vaporizer may include replaceable and/or refillable components. For
example, once the liquid
within the cartridge has been depleted, the user may choose to refill the
cartridge with more
liquid or replace the empty cartridge with one that is pre-filled with liquid,
depending on the type
of vaporizer. Reusable vaporizers have the added advantage of allowing the
user to change the
makeup or composition of the substance or liquid being vaporized and inhaled.
For example,
cannabis-based products may come in different blends or strains, and a user
may want different
products or strains at different times or for different needs. At the same
time, reusable vaporizers
are relatively more expensive and therefore, are more costly to replace if
lost.
Summary of the Invention
10051 Embodiments include a dual cartridge, or multi-cartridge, vaporizer
comprising a
plurality of containers for separately storing different contents and a
delivery system configured
to simultaneously or alternatively deliver the contents of each cartridge
based on a user selection.
The vaporizer, or vaporizing device, may be implemented using one or more
embodiments, or a
combination thereof Certain embodiments can include a locating system to
identify a current
location of the device, a dosing system to indicate when the device is in use
and control the
delivery and/or provide accurate dosing, and/or a selection system that
enables toggling between,
or blending of, the contents of the different cartridges (e.g., different
substances or strains).
[006] One exemplary embodiment includes a vaporizer with adjacent, or side-
by-side,
cartridges coupled between a removable mouthpiece and an electronics
compartment comprising
a power source and other electronic components. The vaporizer also includes a
selection device
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configured to enable selection of a single cartridge or both cartridges for
delivery of vaporized
content through the mouthpiece.
[007] Another exemplary embodiment includes a vaporizer with an extendible
main body
comprising a movable sleeve surrounding two cartridges and an electronics
compartment
coupled thereto. The sleeve is configured to slide up or down between opposing
ends of the main
body. In some embodiments, the vaporizer also includes a mouthpiece disposed
on each of two
opposing ends of the main body and coupled to a respective one of the
cartridges. In such
embodiments, the user can select which of the two cartridges to use by
extending out, from the
sleeve, the mouthpiece that is coupled to the selected cartridge. In other
embodiments, the sleeve
is slidable to provide access to one or more components or features of the
vaporizer, such as, for
example, a charging port for coupling to a charging cable. In such cases, the
charging port can be
electronically coupled to a rechargeable battery included in the electronics
compartment of the
vaporize, and can be configured for receiving power from a power source
electronically coupled
to the charging cable.
[008] In another exemplary embodiment, a vaporizer with two retractable
and/or extendible
cartridges coupled atop a main body is provided. The two cartridges are
positioned side-by-side,
and each cartridge includes a mouthpiece on its top end. A lower portion of
each cartridge is
housed within the main body when the cartridge is not in use. A selection
device is configured to
lengthen a selected cartridge, so that the lower portion of the selected
cartridge extends out from
the main body and the mouthpiece of the selected cartridge stands taller than
the other
mouthpiece. The main body also includes an electronics compartment comprising
a power
source and other electronic components.
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[009] Yet another exemplary embodiment provides a vaporizer with two
cartridges located
on opposing ends of a main body, each cartridge having its own mouthpiece
facing away from
the main body. The main body includes an electronics compartment CO1T1pri si
ng a power source
and other electronic components.
100101 While certain features and embodiments are referenced above, these
and other
features and embodiments of the present invention will be, or will become,
apparent to one
having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional embodiments and features
included within this
description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by
the accompanying
claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0011] The present invention can be better understood with reference to the
following
drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In
the drawings, like
reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
100121 FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example multi-cartridge
vaporizer in
accordance with certain embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer
shown in FIG. l
coupled to a base, in accordance with certain embodiments.
100141 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronics system of the
multi-cartridge
vaporizer shown in FTG. 1, in accordance with certain embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a mouthpiece of the multi-cartridge
vaporizer shown
in FIG. 1, in accordance with certain embodiments.
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[0016] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 3A, in
accordance with
certain embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of another exemplary multi-cartridge
vaporizer, in accordance
with certain embodiments.
100181 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary multi-cartridge
vaporizer, in
accordance with certain embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vaporizer shown in FIG. 6 in a
first use mode, in
accordance with certain embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary multi-cartridge
vaporizer, in
accordance with certain embodiments.
100211 FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer
shown in FIG. 9
with transparent top and bottom surfaces, in accordance with certain
embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary multi-
cartridge vaporizer,
in accordance with certain embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer
shown in FIG. 10
with an outer sleeve of the vaporizer moved to an open position, in accordance
with certain
embodiments.
[0024] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and I2C are exploded views of various portions of
the multi-
cartridge vaporizer shown in FIG. 10, in accordance with certain embodiments.
100251 FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are cross-sectional views illustrating
assembly of a first
cartridge and attachment of the first cartridge to a mouthpiece of an
exemplary multi-cartridge
vaporizer, in accordance with certain embodiments.
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[0026] FIG. 14A is a bottom end view of an exemplary multi-cartridge
vaporizer illustrating
user selection of a first operational state, in accordance with certain
embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer
of FTG. I 4A
illustrating cartridge operation during the first operational state, in
accordance with certain
embodiments.
[0028] "FIG. 15A is a bottom end view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer of
FIG. 14B
illustrating user selection of a blended operational state, in accordance with
certain embodiments.
100291 FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer
of FIG. 15A
illustrating cartridge operation during the blended operational state, in
accordance with certain
embodiments.
100301 FIG. 16A is a bottom end view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer of
FIG 14B
illustrating user selection of a second operational state, in accordance with
certain embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer
of FIG 16A
illustrating cartridge operation during the second operational state, in
accordance with certain
embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for operating a
multi-cartridge
vaporizer comprising first and second cartridges, in accordance with certain
embodiments
[0033] FIG. 18A is a front view of an exemplary multi-cartridge vaporizer
with a slidable,
outer sleeve placed in a lowered position, in accordance with certain
embodiments.
100341 FIG. 18B is a front view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer of FIG.
18A with the
slidable, outer sleeve placed in an elevated position, in accordance with
certain embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 18C is a back view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer shown in
FIG. 18A, in
accordance with certain embodiments.
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[0036] FIG. 18D is a back view of the multi-cartridge vaporizer of FIG.
18B, in accordance
with certain embodiments.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a front view of another exemplary multi-cartridge
vaporizer, in accordance
with certain embodiments.
Detailed Description
[0038] The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies
one or more
particular embodiments of the present invention in accordance with its
principles. This
description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments
described herein, but rather
to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable
one of ordinary skill
in the art to understand these principles and, .with that understanding, be
able to apply them to
practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments
that may come
to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the present
invention is intended to
cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended
claims, either literally
or under the doctrine of equivalents.
100391 FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary vaporizer 100 configured to provide
multiple vaping
options within a single device, in accordance with embodiments. As shown, the
vaporizer 100
has a flattened or substantially rectangular body 101 with two cartridges 102
and 104 positioned
side-by-side, or in parallel to each other, within a top half of the body 101.
In the illustrated
embodiment, the cartridges 102 and 104 (also referred to herein as "barrels")
have a generally
cylindrical shape, though other shapes are also contemplated. While the
embodiments shown and
described herein include two cartridges, other embodiments may include more
than two
cartridges to accommodate a greater variety of contents. Also, while the
vaporizer 100 is shown
as having a tall and slim profile that is akin to a "vape pen," other
embodiments may have
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different overall shapes or configurations to accommodate, for example, more
than two
cartridges or cartridges having a different shape or profile.
[0040] Each of the cartridges 102 and 104 comprises a storage compartment
configured to
store a substance (e.g., liquid solution or dry materials) to be vaporized. In
some embodiments,
each cartridge 102, 104 may be entirely or partially transparent, across all
or a portion of an outer
surface of the cartridge 102, 104, to reveal the contents of its storage
compartment (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 10). In other embodiments, the cartridges 102 and 104 may have a
solid or opaque
outer surface that fully or partially hides the contents of the storage
compartments (e.g., as shown
in FIG. 19).
[0041] In embodiments, the cartridges 102, 104 may be removable,
replaceable, and/or
refillable. The cartridges 102, 104 may be configured to store one or more of
the following:
cannabis extracts, terpenes, nutraceuticals, essential oils, cannabinoids, or
the like. In some
embodiments, the vaporizer 100 can be configured to vaporize the contents of
the one or more
cartridges 102, 104 using an atomizer that includes a ceramic heating element
or coil (not
shown). In such cases, the cartridges 102, 104 may be implemented using CCELL
cartridges or
other suitable ceramic-compatible cartridge. The cartridges 102 and 104 can be
individually
removable from the vaporizer 100 for refilling arid/or replacing (e.g., as
shown in FIGS. 13A-C).
For example, in some cases, each cartridge 102, 104 can be refilled with a
desired solution or
substance. In other cases, the entire cartridge 102 or 104 may be replaced
with another cartridge.
100421 The cartridges 102 and 104 can be coupled to the vaporizer 100 using
a magnetic
connector, a threaded fastener, any other suitable fastening device, or a
combination thereof. In
some embodiments, instead of requiring a separate coupling device, the bottom
end of each
cartridge 102, 104 may present threads (e.g., a 510 thread) that can be
screwed into a mating
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housing (not shown) permanently attached to the main body 101 of the vaporizer
100. In other
embodiments, the threaded ends of each cartridge 102, 104 may be coupled to an
adapter having
an internal threaded surface configured for coupling to a given threaded end
and ar external
body configured for coupling with the main body 101 of the vaporizer 100
(e.g., as shown in
FIG. 12B).
[0043] Each cartridge *102, 104 may store or contain a different substance
or solution, a
different blend of materials, a different strain or flavor of the same
substance, or any
combination thereof, and a user of the vaporizer 100 can choose to
individually use one of the
cartridge(s) 102, 104 for vaping, or blend the contents of the two cartridges
102 and 104 to create
a mixed output or pull (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 14B, 15B, and 16B). For
example, the vaporizer
100 may be configured to selectively operate in one of a plurality of modes,
including (1) a first
mode for enabling vaporization of the contents of the first cartridge 102, (2)
a second mode for
enabling vaporization of the contents of the second cartridge 104, and (3) a
third or blended
mode for enabling simultaneous vaporization of the contents of both cartridges
102 and 104. To
enable multi-mode operation, the vaporizer 100 can include a selection device
106 (also referred
to herein as a "user input device") capable of activating either one of the
cartridges 102 and 104
or both simultaneously, in response to a user selection or input. As an
example, the user selection
can cause activation of the selected cartridge(s) by powering the heating
element therein, which
can heat the substance within the cartridge until a vapor forms.
100441 In embodiments, the selection device 106 may be configured for
switching or
toggling between a first position corresponding to selection of the first
operating mode, a second
position corresponding to selection of the second operating mode, and a third
position
con-esponding to activation of the third operating mode (e.g., as shown in
FIGS. 14A-16B). FIG.
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2 depicts the selection device 106 as a slider configured Lo move
horizontally, or more
specifically, along a first axis parallel to a bottom end 107 of the vaporizer
100. In the illustrated
example, the first operating mode may be selected when the slider 106 is
aligned with the first
cartridge 102, the second operating mode may be selected when the slider 106
is aligned with the
second cartridge 104, and the third operating mode may be selected when the
slider 106 is held
in a middle position between the first and second cartridges 102 and 104.
[0045] Though a specific implementation is shown in the FIG. 2, in other
embodiments, the
selection device 106 may be positioned in a different location (e.g., along a
side of the vaporizer
as shown in FIG. 5) and/or may have a different shape or functionality (e.g.,
as shown in FIGS. 6
and 7). For example, the selection device 106 may comprise one or more
buttons, switches, or
any other type of device capable of changing or toggling between different
operating modes
based on user input. In some embodiments, the selection device 106 may be an
electronic device
configured to receive user inputs, such as a touch screen, a control panel, or
the like. In some
embodiments, the selection device may present in a format that allows a user
to select any
combination of mixture from the two cartridges. For example, the selection
device could present
in the form of a twist knob that controls a baffle (mechanically or
electrically) that dictates which
cartridge is open to allow the contents to pass across the heating element.
When twisted fully in a
first direction, only cartridge 102 would be open. As the knob is turned in a
second, opposing
direction, cartridge 104 begins to open as cartridge 102 begins to close. A
full turn in the second
direction would seal cartridge 102 and allow discharge only from cartridge
104.
[0046] The vaporizer 100 further comprises an electronics compartment 108
disposed within
the main body 101 for providing power to and/or controlling one or more
electronic components
of the vaporizer 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13A). In particular, the
electronics compartment 108
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includes a power source for powering various components of the vaporizer 100.
In some
embodiments, the power source may be used to power both of the cartridges 102
and 104, as
well as other components. The power source may be a rechargeable battery or
other type of
battery. The main body 101 and/or the electronics compartment 108 may include
one or more
receiving ports (see, e.g., ports 780 and 782 in FIG. 14B) configured to
receive the cartridges
102 and 104 and electrically couple each cartridge 102, 104 to the electronics
compartment 108
for receiving power and/or control signals therefrom.
100471 FIG. 2 shows the vaporizer 100 coupled to a base 110 that may be
used to recharge
the battery. The base 110 may include an induction charging device or any
other charging device
suitable for recharging the power source of the vaporizer 100. In other
embodiments, instead of a
charging base, the electronics compartment 108 includes a charging port for
receiving a charging
cable coupled to an external power source for recharging the battery (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 11).
In some embodiments, the electronics compartment 108 may also include one or
more internal
components (not shown) for coupling the selection device 106 to the cartridges
102 and 104 and
for enabling activation of the appropriate cartridge(s) 102, 104 in response
to a user input
received through the selection device 106 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14B)
100481 FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary electronics system 200 that may be
included in the
electronics compartment 108, in accordance with embodiments. The electronics
system 200 may
be implemented, at least in part, on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs)
(e.g., as shown in
FIG. 14B) that are electronically coupled (e.g., using vvires or cables) to
one or more other
components of the vaporizer 100, including, for example, the selection device
106 and the
cartridges 102 and 104. In some embodiments, the electronics system 200 is
electrically coupled
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to a rechargeable battery of the vaporizer 100. In other embodiments, the
electronics system 200
includes the rechargeable battery.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the electronics system 200 includes a processor
202 and a
memory element 204 for storing software that may be executed by the processor
202 to
implement one or more functions of the vaporizer 100. The processor 202 may
use or instruct
one or more other electronic devices or systems of the electronics system 200
in order to
implement these functions, as described below. The processor 202 may
communicate with the
memory element 204 and any other components of the electronics system 200
using a data bus
(not shown) or other appropriate medium. The electronics system 200 also
includes a battery 206
for powering the electronics system 200. In some cases, the battery 206 also
supplies power to
the cartridges 102 and 104 of the vaporizer 100. In other cases, the battery
206 is separate from
the power source for powering the cartridges 102 and 104.
[0050] In embodiments, the processor 202 (e.g., data processor) can
comprise one or more of
a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic array, an
application-specific
integrated circuit, a logic device, or other electronic device for processing,
inputting, outputting,
manipulating, storing, or retrieving data. The memory element 204 (e.g, data
storage device)
can comprise one or more of electronic memory, nonvolatile random access
memory (e.g.,
RAM), flip-flops, a computer-writable or computer-readable storage medium, a
magnetic or
optical data storage device, a magnetic or optical disc drive, a hard disk
drive, or other electronic
device for storing, retrieving, reading, or writing data. The memory element
204 may store one
or more software program modules or software instructions for execution by the
processor 202,
including, for example, a program module or software instructions
corresponding to method 800
shown in FIG. 17.
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[0051] In embodiments, the electronics system 200 includes a communications
module 208
configured to facilitate wireless communications between the vaporizer 100 and
an external or
remote device, such as, e.g., a mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet,
laptop, etc.) or other
computing device of the user. The communications module 208 itlay comprise one
or more
transceivers, ports, modems, or other communications devices for facilitating
communications
using Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, or other wireless communications technology.
[0052] According to embodiments, the electronics system 200 also includes
an indicating
system 210 configured to convey various types of information related to the
vaporizer 100, such
as indicating a currently selected operating mode of the vaporizer 100,
providing information
about the cartridges 102 and 104, and/or notifying the user in response to
other functionalities of
the vaporizer 100. For example, the indicating system 210 may be configured to
indicate or
convey which cartridge(s) are currently selected, in use, and/or are available
for use; whether a
dose has been completed for the cartridge that is in use; error messages
related to operation of
the cartridges 102 and 104, the battery 206, and/or other aspects of the
vaporizer 100; lbw or
depleted contents for a given cartridge; and/or various other detectable
condition(s). The
indicating system 210 can include one or more lights (e.g., light-emitting
diodes (LEDs)), haptic
devices (e.g., a vibrating motor or actuator), audio devices (e.g., a speaker
or tweeter), and/or
display devices (e.g., a touchscreen or LCD). In some embodiments, the
indicating system 210
includes a haptic device configured to provide dynamic feedback to the user
during a vaping
session. For example, the haptic device may be configured to vibrate once a
single dose is
complete and/or each time the user has completed a dose, where a dose
comprises a pre-
determined amount or content of vaporized liquid and/or corresponds to a pull
or inhale lasting a
predetermined length of time (e.g., two seconds).
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[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the indicating
system 210
includes light indicators 112 and 114 respectively coupled to the cartridges
102 and 104 and
adjacent to a top end of the electronics compartment 108, so that the light
indicators I 12 and 114
are visible outside of the electronics compartment 108. In one embodiment,
using software
stored in the memory 204 and executed by the processor 202, the light
indicators 112 and 114
can be configured to light up when the corresponding cartridge 102, 104 is in
use and to blink on
and off when a first condition is met, such as, e.g,, completion of a dose.
When both cartridges
102 and 104 are in use (e.g., during the blended mode), both indicators 112
and 114 may be
turned on or activated. In some cases, each of the light indicators 112 and
114 may include a
different colored LED to help differentiate between the two cartridges 102 and
104. In other
cases, each indicator 112, 114 may include multiple LEDs of different colors,
and each color
may represent a different message (e.g., red meaning depleted contents or
error message, green
meaning ready to use, blue meaning dosing complete, etc.).
100541 In embodiments, the electronics system 200 can include a locating
system 212
configured to help the user locate or track the vaporizer 100 if misplaced.
The locating system
212 may be in communication with the processor 202, and the memory 204 may
store computer
program modules or software instructions that, when executed by the processor
202, implement a
locating mode of the vaporizer 100. In some embodiments, the locating mode
causes the
vaporizer 100 to play an audible alert (e.g., beeping sound) to help guide the
user to the vaporizer
100. In other embodiments, the locating mode causes the vaporizer 100 to
broadcast its location
to enable real-time tracking of the vaporizer 100 on another device, such as,
e.g., the user's
mobile phone.
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[0055] In some embodiments, the locating system 212 can be configured to
operate as a
standalone system that comprises, for example, a beacon, a sensor, an antenna,
a wireless
receiver and/or transmitter, an audio device, a light device, and/or other
electronic device(s)
required to implement the locating mode. In other cases, the locating system
212 can be
configured to operate in combination with one or more other components of the
electronics
system 200, For example, the locating system 212 may utilize the
communications module 208
to broadcast a current location of the misplaced vaporizer 100 or otherwise
communicate with a
remote device being used to locate the vaporizer 100. As another example, the
locating system
212 may utilize the indicating system 210 to provide audible alerts or other
notifications
designed to help the user locate the misplaced vaporizer 100.
100561 In one exemplary embodiment, when location services are required,
the user may use
a software application (e.g., mobile app) stored on a remote device (e.g., a
smartphone, tablet,
laptop, or other computing device) to transmit a wireless signal (e.g., using
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
technology) to the vaporizer 100. The locating system 212 can be configured to
scan for the
wireless signal, either continuously or periodically, using one or more
wireless receivers of the
communications module 208 or the locating system 212. Once the wireless signal
is received or
detected, the locating system 212 may provide the received signal to the
processor 202 for
processing, or otherwise cause the processor 202 to initiate a locating mode
of the vaporizer 100
[0057] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the wireless signal,
the processor ::02
may send an instruction to an audio device of the indicating system 210 or
locating system :!12
to play an audible alert. The audio device can be configured to generate and
play a
predetermined sound or audible waveform for a set period of time and/or
continuously, until the
locating mode is turned off. The user may follow the sound to locate the
vaporizer 100.
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100581 In other embodiments, in response to receiving the wireless signal
(e.g., ping), the
processor 202 may send an instruction to a wireless transmitter of the
communications module
208 or the locating system 212 to broadcast a real-time or current location of
the vapolizer 100.
The wireless transmitter may receive location information (e.g., geographic
coordinates) from
another component, such as, e.g., a location determining receiver (e.g., GPS
receiver), included
in either the locating system 212 or the communications module 208. The user's
remote device
may receive the transmitted location information and provide the same to the
software
application for locating the vaporizer 100. The software application may be
configured to display
a real-time location of the vaporizer 100 on a map or other graphical user
interface configured to
guide the user to the vaporizer 100,
100591 As shown in FIG. 3, the electronics system 200 may also include one
or more sensors
214 configured to facilitate operation of the vaporizer 100. In embodiments,
the sensor(s) 214
can include one or more accelerometers or other motion sensors, temperature
sensors, air-flow
sensors to facilitate vaping operation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14B), touch
sensors configured to
wake up" the electronics system 200 once a human touch is detected on a
surface of the
vaporizer 100, and/or other appropriate sensing devices.
100601 Referring back to FIG. 1 and additionally to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the
vaporizer 100
includes a mouthpiece 116 positioned at a top end 117 of the vaporizer 100,
opposite the bottom
end 107, for delivering vapor to a user. In embodiments, the mouthpiece 116
may be removably
coupled to the top ends (also referred to herein as "cartridge tips") of the
cartridges 102 and 104
using a magnetic connector (not shown), a press-fit mechanism, or any other
suitable connection
mechanism. As shown in FIG. 4B, the mouthpiece 116 may have a removable and/or
replaceable
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filter 118 (e.g., a micro filter) coupled to an open end of tl mouthpiece 116
for easy cleaning.
The mouthpiece 116 may be made of silicone, plastic, or any other suitable
material.
[0061] During operation, the user may place the mouthpiece 116 (or "tip")
at least partially
in their mouth in order to pull the vapor produced by the vaporizer 100. The
vapor may travel out
from the tips of the selected cartridge(s) 102, 104, into an airway within the
mouthpiece 116, and
out through the filter 118 at the open end of the mouthpiece 116 (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 14B).
The mouthpiece 116 may be configured to seal the cartridges 102 and 104 in
order to optimize
airflow during operation. In some embodiments, each of the cartridges 102 and
104 may include
an opening (not shown) that remains sealed, by the mouthpiece 116 or the
cartridge itself, until
the respective cartridge is activated or selected for vaping. For example,
each cartridge's opening
may be individually sealed to prevent mixing when single cartridge operation
is selected. Upon
activation of a given cartridge 102, 104 via the selection device 106, the
opening of the selected
cartridge(s) 102, 104 may be unsealed and placed in communication with the
airway within the
mouthpiece 116 for delivery of the resulting vapor. In some embodiments, the
mouthpiece 116
may include a one-way seal, that allows the vapor to escape but does not allow
liquid or debris to
enter into the vaporizer 100 through the mouthpiece 116.
100621 In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 116 includes two airways that
are respectively
coupled to the cartridges 102 and 104 and are completely or substantially
isolated from each
other (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14B). Each airway may be dedicated to, or in
communication with,
a respective one of the cartridges 102 and 104, and may be individually
opened, or partially
opened, depending on the selected operating mode. For example, if a first or
second operating
mode is selected, the selection device 106 of the vaporizer 100 may be
configured to cause the
appropriate airway to fully open, so that the selected cartridge 102, 104 can
be connected to the
17
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
mouthpiece 116 for vaping. If the third operating mode is selected, the
selection device 106 may
be configured to cause both airways to at least partially open, so that a
blended vapor may be
delivered through the mouthpiece 116. In some cases, the mouthpiece 116 may be
configured to
keep the airway that is not in use sealed or closed, to optimize airflow and
prevent undesired
mixing. In some embodiments, the selection device 106 may be configured to
allow the user to
control the exact makeup of the blended vapor by varying the extent to which
each airway is
opened. For example, if the user wants a blended vapor that includes a greater
percentage of the
first substance, a larger portion of the corresponding first airway may be
opened, while a smaller
portion of the second airway may be left open.
[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary vaporizer 300 that is at least
somewhat similar to
the vaporizer 100, in accordance with embodiments. 1n particular, like the
vaporizer 100, the
vaporizer 300 has a generally flattened body 301 comprising two side-by-side
barrels 302 and
304 for storing two different contents (e.g., strains, blends, substances,
solutions, etc.), a
selection device 306 for selecting either one or both of the barrels 302, 304,
and a mouthpiece
316 at a top end 317 of the vaporizer 300 for delivering vapor to the user.
Moreover, like the
selection device 106 shown in FIG. 2, the selection device 306 includes a
slider capable of
moving horizontally between a first position corresponding to selection of the
first barrel 302, a
second position corresponding to selection of the second barrel 304, and a
third or intermediate
position between the first and second positions for blending the contents of
the two barrels 302,
304. However, unlike the slider 106, the slider 306 is positioned on a side
surface 309 of the
vaporizer 300 adjacent to the barrels 302 and 304.
[0064] In some embodiments, the vaporizer 300 is configured to include two
mouthpieces
316 and 319 at opposing ends of the main body 301 and a movable sleeve or
component 320
is
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
coupled to a mid-section of the main body 301. Each mouthpiece 316, 319 may be
in
communication with a respective one of the cartridges 302, 304 through an
appropriate airway
(not shown). The sleeve 320 may be configured to move laterally or across the
main body 301
between a top end 317 adjacent the first mouthpiece 316 and a bottom end 307
adjacent the
second mouthpiece 319. In such cases, the sleeve 320 may be configured to
operate as a selection
device for selecting different operating modes for the vaporizer 300. For
example, sliding the
sleeve 320 towards the first mouthpiece 316 may activate the first operating
mode (i.e. selection
of the first cartridge 302), while sliding the sleeve 320 towards the second
mouthpiece 319 may
activate the second operating mode (i.e. selection of the second cartridge
304). In some
embodiments, the sleeve 320 may be configured to open the airway between the
selected
mouthpiece and cartridge and/or activate the atomizer of the selected
cartridge in response to
movement of the sleeve 320. In some embodiments, the cartridges 302 and 304
may be
individually activated based on airflow through the corresponding mouthpiece
303, 305. In some
cases, the slider 306 may be omitted or modified to enable unobstructed
movement of the sleeve
320, as will be appreciated. In one exemplary case, the slider 306 may be
modified to enable
activation of the third operating mode, or selection of both cartridges 302
and 304 for a blended
vapor.
[0065] FIG.
6 illustrates another exemplary vaporizer 400 having a flattened main body 401
and two cylindrical cartridges 402 and 404, in accordance with embodiments.
The main body
401 may include a power source and one or more electronic components for
controlling
operation of the vaporizer 400. As shown, the cartridges 402 and 404 are
coupled to the main
body 401 such that a first or lower portion of each cartridge 402, 404 is
embedded within the
body 401 and a second or upper portion of each cartridge 402, 404 extends
above a top end 417
19
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of the main body 401, The upper portion of each cartridge 402, 404 may serve
as a mouthpiece
416, 419, respectively, for emitting or delivering vapor produced by the
corresponding cartridge
402, 404. The lower portion of each cartridge 402, 404 may include an airway
(not shown) that
connects the corresponding mouthpiece 416, 419 to a storage compartment (not
shown) within
the cartridge 402, 404 for storing the substance to be vaporized.
[00661 In some embodiments, the cartridges 402 and 404 are configured to be
individually or
separately activated based on airflow through the corresponding mouthpiece
416, 419. For
example, to use one of the cartridges 402 and 404, the user can simply draw on
the mouthpiece
416, 419 that is coupled to the desired cartridge 402, 404. If the user wants
a blend of the two
cartridges 402 and 404, the user can draw on both of the mouthpieces 416 and
419
simultaneously. In other embodiments, the cartridges 402 and 404 (or the
heating elements
therein) may need to be activated before the user draws on the mouthpieces 416
and 419, in order
to produce a vapor.
100671 The vaporizer 400 includes at least one selection device 406 to
enable selection
and/or activation of either one or both of the cartridges 402 and 404. In
embodiments, the
selection device 406 is configured to lengthen one or both of the cartridges
402 and 404 to inake
it easier for the user to access the mouthpiece of the selected cartridge. In
some embodiments,
the selection device 406 may also be configured to actiN ate or deactivate the
selected cartridge
402, 404, like the selection device 106 described herein.
100681 In the illustrated example, the selection device 406 includes a
slider coupled to a side
wall 421 of the vaporizer 400 and moveable in a vertical direction, or along a
longitudinal axis of
the vaporizer 400. As shown in FIG. 7, pushing the slider 406 upwards may
cause the lower
portion of the cartridge 402 to extend or pop out from within the main body
101 and move into a
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
use position. This extended position makes the mouthpieL:e 416 of the selected
cartridge 402
more accessible and may place the mouthpiece 416 into communication with a
strain of liquid
associated with the first cartridge. Pulling or sliding the slider 406 down
can cause the first
cartridge 402 to move downwards, or drop the lower portion back into the main
body 401. Both
cartridges 402 and 404 may be aligned in height when they are in their resting
positions or side-
by-side, as shown in FIG. 6. As will be appreciated, though a slider is shown,
other embodiments
may include other types of selection devices, such as, e.g., a button, switch,
touch screen, control
panel, etc.
[0069] In some embodiments, the slider 406 may be configured to also enable
extension or
selection of the second cartridge 404 and/or simultaneous extension of both
cartridges 402 and
404 for a blended mode. in other embodiments, the vaporizer 400 may include a
second selection
device or slider (not shown) positioned on an opposing side wall 422 adjacent
the second
cartridge 404 for selecting and/or deselecting the second cartridge 404. In
such cases, the
blended mode may be selected by using both sliders to extend both cartridges
402 and 404
simultaneously.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary vaporizer 500 having an
elongated body 501
comprised of two cartridges 502 and 504 located at opposite ends of the body
501, in accordance
with embodiments. As shown, the cartridges 502 and 504 are coupled to opposing
ends of an
electronics compartment 508 situated in or near a center of the body 501. The
electronic
compartment 508 may include a power source, such as, e.g., a rechargeable
battery, and one or
more electronic components for controlling the vaporizer 500. Though the
illustrated
embodiment shows the vaporizer 500 having a generally cylindrical shape, other
embodiments
may have different shapes, including, foi example, a flattened or more
rectangular shape.
2 I
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
[0071] The cartridges 502 and 504 may be configured to store different
blends, strains, or
substances, like the cartridges 102 and 104 shown in FIG. 1. In some cases,
the cartridges 502
and 504 may have external indicators to indicate its contents, such as, for
example, different
colors, lights, or symbols. As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the
cartridges 502 and 504
may have at least partially transparent surfaces, so that the contents of the
cartridges 502 and 504
can be visible to the user. Each end of the vaporizer 500 includes a
mouthpiece 516, 519 for
accessing the contents of the cartridge 502, 504 coupled thereto. The
cartridges 502 and 504 may
be individually or separately activated based on airflow through the
corresponding mouthpieces
516 and 519. For example, to initiate vaping of the contents in the first
cartridge 502, the user
may simply draw on the mouthpiece 516. Or to initiate vaping of the contents
in the second
cartridge 504, the user can draw on the mouthpiece 519.
[0072] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another exemplary multi-cartridge
vaporizer 600 (also
referred to herein as a "vaping system") configured to deliver, either
individually or
simultaneously, different substances, solutions, strains, blends, or any
combination thereof, in
accordance with embodiments, The vaporizer 600 is substantially similar to the
vaporizer 100
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the vaporizer 600 comprises a mouthpiece
616 at a top
end 617 of the vaporizer 600, similar to the mouthpiece 116 of the vaporizer
100. The vaporizer
600 also includes first and second cartridges 602 and 604 coupled to the
mouthpiece 616 and
extending vertically into a main body or housing 601 of the vaporizer 600,
similar to the
cartridges 102 and 104 and main body 101 of the vaporizer 100. In addition,
the vaporizer 600
includes a selection device 606 located at a bottom end 607 of the main body
601 for toggling
between the cartridges 602 and 604, similar to the selection device 106 of the
vaporizer 100. The
vaporizer 600 further comprises an electronics compartment or housing 608
within the main
22
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body 601 that comprises a rechargeable battery 624, similar to the electronics
compartment 108
included in the vaporizer 100. In embodiments, the electronics compartment 608
also includes an
electronics system for controlling operation of the vaporizer 600, similar to
the electronics
system 200 shown in FIG. 2.
100731 In embodiments, the multi-cartridge vaporizer 600 further comprises
a charging port
626 operatively coupled to the battery 624 and located adjacent to the bottom
end 607 of the
vaporizer 600, as shown in FIG. 11, The charging port 626 may be a Universal
Serial Bus (USB)
port (e.g., USB-A, USB-C, mini-USB, micro-USB, etc.), a lightning port, or any
other type of
port suitable for electrically coupling to a charging cable connected to an
external power supply.
As will be appreciated, the charging port 624 may be coupled to internal
circuitry (not shown)
for transferring the received power to the battery 624.
[0074] Also in embodiments, the vaporizer 600 comprises a movable sleeve or
component
620 configured to move laterally across the vaporizer 600 between the top and
bottom ends 617,
607 of the vaporizer 600, similar to the sleeve 320 of the vaporizer 300 shown
in FIG. 5. During
use, the movable sleeve 620 may be slid down or positioned adjacent to the
bottom end 607, so
that the mouthpiece 616 at the top end 617 of the vaporizer 600 is exposed and
accessible for
use, as shown in FIG. 10. This use position causes the sleeve 620 to cover the
charging port 626,
as a bottom edge 628 of the sleeve 620 is aligned with, or adjacent to, the
bottom end 607 of the
vaporizer 600. To access the charging port 626, the movable sleeve 620 may be
slid up towards
the top end 617 of the vaporizer 600 into a charging position, or until the
charging port 626 is
exposed and/or a top edge 630 of the sleeve 620 is aligned with, or adjacent
to, a top end of the
mouthpiece 616, as shown in FIG. 11. Thus, the charging port 626 remains
hidden and protected
from debris during vaping operation and can be uncovered or revealed for
charging operation.
23
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
[0075] FIGS. 12A-C are partially exploded views of various components of
the multi-
cartridge vaporizer 600, including the mouthpiece 616, the cartridges 602 and
604, the
electronics compartment 608, and the movable sleeve 620, in accordance with
embodiments In
particular, FIG. 12A shows the mouthpiece 616 disconnected from the cartridges
602 and 604. In
embodiments, the mouthpiece 616 may be configured for easy removal from the
cartridges 602
and 604 for cleaning purposes, for example, as also shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
The mouthpiece
616 may be configured to receive and seal, or cap, both of the cartridges 602,
604 at once. In the
illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece 616 includes two apertures 632 and 634
configured to
individually receive the cartridges 602 and 604. For example, each cartridge
602, 604 may
include a respective top end 636, 638 (also referred to herein as a "tip")
that is configured for
insertion into one of the apertures 632 and 634. In embodiments, the
cartridges 602 and 604 may
have identical top ends 636 and 638 and the mouthpiece 616 may have identical
apertures 632
and 634 to allow for interchangeable placement of the cartridges 602 and 604,
or any other
similar cartridge, within the mouthpiece 616. Each of the apertures 632, 634
may be configured
to form an airway that is isolated from the other, in order to individually
deliver vapor from the
cartridge 602, 604 coupled thereto. In embodiments, the mouthpiece 616 may be
made of
silicone, plastic, or other suitable material and may be configured to form a
snug fit on top of the
cartridges 602 and 604, so as to avoid extra airflow into or through the
vaporizer 600.
[0076] FIG. 12B shows base connectors 640 and 642 disconnected from the
cartridges 602
and 604, respectively. In embodiments, the base connectors 640 and 642 may be
coupled to
threaded ends 644 and 646 of the cartridges 602 and 604 using, for example,
magnetic, threaded,
or press-fit mechanisms. In one example embodiment, the base connectors 640
and 642 include
internal threading configured for coupling to the respective threaded ends 644
and 646 of the
24
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
cartridges 602 and 604 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13A). As an example, the
threaded end'S 644 and
646 may be a standard 510 thread that can be screwed into the base connectors
640 and 642. The
base connectors 640 and 642 may be identical in shape and size to allow
coupling with either of
the ends 644, 646. In some embodiments, the base connectors 640 and 642 may be
configured
for attachment to mating receptacles (not shown) in a top end of the
electronics component 608,
and the mating receptacles may be configured to operatively couple the
'cartridges 602 and 604 to
the electronics components 608. In one example embodiment, the base connectors
640 and 642
are magnetically coupled to the mating receptacles of the electronics
compartment 608.
[0077] In some cases, the base connectors 640 and 642 may operate as
adapters configured
to convert the threaded ends 644 and 646 of the cartridges 602 and 604 into,
compatible
connectors for coupling with the electronics compartment 608. In such cases,
the threaded ends
644 and 646 may be used for coupling to other embodiments in which the mating
receptacles of
the electronics compartment contain threaded surfaces configured for
attachment to the threaded
ends 644 and 646. In other embodiments, the base connectors 640 and 642 may be
permanently
coupled to the cartridges 602 and 604.
[0078] FIG. 12C shows the electronics compartment 608, which comprises the
battery 624,
disassembled from the sleeve 620. The sleeve 620 may have a hollow body with
two opposing,
open ends forming top and bottom edges 630 and 628, thus allowing the sleeve
620 to move
laterally across the vaporizer 600, for example, as shown in FIG. 11. During
assembly, a bottom
end of the electronics compartment 608 may be inserted into the top, open end
of the sleeve 620
and slid down until the electronics compartment 608 is fully covered by the
sleeve 620. In some
embodiments, once the electronics compartment 608 is coupled to the sleeve
620, the two pieces
become permanently, but slidably, attached. In other embodiments, the
electronics compartment
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
608 may be removably attached to the sleeve 620, for example, to troubleshoot
a component of
the electronics compartment 608. In the illustrated embodiment, the
electronics compartment 608
includes a metal clip 648 coupled to a mechanical stop 649 and configured to
enable slidable
attachment to the sleeve 620, as shown in FIGS. 18A-D and described below.
100791 FIGS. 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of an exemplary cartridge
702 being
coupled to an exemplary mouthpiece 716, prior to attachment to a vaporizer, in
accordance with
embodiments. FIGS. 14A-B, 15A-B, and 16A-B are various views of an exemplary
multi-
cartridge vaporizer 700 with the mouthpiece 716 and two cartridges 702 and 704
installed
therein, during first, second, and third operational modes, in accordance with
embodiments. As
shown, the first cartridge 702 and a second cartridge 704 are both coupled to
the same
mouthpiece 716 (also referred to as a "dual tip"). The vaporizer 700 may be
substantially similar
to the vaporizer 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 and/or the multi-cartridge vaporizer
600 shown in
FIGS. 10-12. In particular, the cartridges 702 and 704 may be substantially
similar to either of
the cartridges 102 and 104 shown in FIG. 1 and/or either of the cartridges 602
and 604 shown in
FIG. 12A. Likewise, the mouthpiece 716 may be substantially similar to the
mouthpiece 116
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and/or the mouthpiece 616 shown in FIG. 12A. Also,
the vaporizer
700 includes an electronics compartment 708 that is substantially similar to
the electronics
compartment 108 shown in FIGS. I and 3 and/or the electronics compartment 608
shown in FIG.
12C.
100801 As shown in FIG. 13A, a base connector or adapter 740 may be
removably coupled to
a bottom end 744 of the cartridge 702. The base connector 740 may be
configured for attachment
to the bottom end 744 using techniques similar to the base connector 640 shown
in FIG. 12B.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base connector 740 comprises a
threaded
26
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
interface surface that may be configured for attachment to a threaded outer
surface of the bottom
end 744, e.g., similar to the threaded bottom 644 shown in FIG. 12B. In other
embodiments, the
base connector 740 may be magnetically coupled to the bottom end 744, or using
any other
suitable attachment mechanism. Also like the base connector 640, the base
connector 740 may be
configured for attachment to a mating receptacle, or receiving port, disposed
in a top end of the
electronics compartment 708 of the vaporizer 700, such as, for example, one of
the receiving
ports 780 and 782 shown in FIG. 14B. In embodiments, power and/or control
signals may be
provided to the cartridge 702 through electrical connections formed between
the bottom end 744
and the base connector 740, and between the base connector 740 and the
corresponding receiving
port 780, 782,
100811 As
also shown in FIG. 13A, the cartridge 702 comprises a top end or tip 736, a
storage compartment 750 for storing a substance 752 to be vaporized, and a
central air passage
754 (also referred to as a "chimney") for delivering vapor through the top end
736. The cartridge
702 further comprises a heating chamber 756 operatively coupled to the air
passage 754 and the
storage compartment 750. In some embodiments, the heating chamber 756, which
may include a
ceramic heating coil, can be located within the storage compartment 750, and
the air passage 754
may be a thin tube or cannula that extends from the heating chamber 756
through the storage
compartment 750 and is communicatively coupled to an opening 758 in the top
end 736 of the
cartridge 702. During operation, the heating chamber 756 heats, or vaporizes,
the substance 752,
and the resulting vapor travels up the air passage 754, out through the
opening 758 of the top end
736, and ultimately exits through the mouthpiece 716 coupled thereto, as shown
in FIG. 14B, for
example. It should be appreciated that the second cartridge 704 operates in
substantially the same
way as the first cartridge 702, except a storage compartment 751 of the second
cartridge 704
27
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
contains a second substance 753 different form the first substance 752 stored
in the first cartridge
702, such as, e.g., a different flavor, strain, blend, solution, and/or other
variation of a given
product.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 13B, the mouthpiece 716 includes two apertures or
openings 732
and 734 configured for receiving the cartridges 702 and 704, similar to the
apertures 632 and 634
shown in FIG. 12A. As shown in FIG. 13C, the mouthpiece 716 may be configured
!..) hold the
two cartridges 702 and 704 adjacent to each other and in parallel, with top
ends 736 and 738
substantially hidden within the mouthpiece 716. The apertures 732 and 734 may
be formed by
internal walls of the mouthpiece 716, including opposing sidewalls 760 and 762
and a central
wall 764 for bisecting an internal chamber 766 formed between the sidewalls
760 and 762.
Internal top surfaces formed from the sidewalls 760 and 762 and the central
wall 764 create a top
wall 768 against which the top ends 736 and 738 of the cartridges 702 and 704
abut, once
installed as shown in FIG. 13C.
100831 In embodiments, the apertures 732 and 734 may be configured to form
a snug fit
around the cartridge tips 736 and 738, so that the mouthpiece 716 remains
firmly in place and
airflow is optimized. For example, in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the top end 738 of
the second
cartridge 704 has already been fully inserted into the second aperture 734 and
fits securely within
the internal walls that form the second aperture 734. The first cartridge 702
can be secured to the
first aperture 732 by first inserting a tip of the top end 736 at an angle
into an open end of the
aperture 732, as shown in FIG. 13B, and then straightening the cartridge 702
as the remainder of
the top end 736 is slid into the aperture 732 until the tip is flush with
internal top wall 768 of the
mouthpiece 716. In some embodiments, each of the mouthpiece 716 and the top
ends 736 and
738 may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to create the secure connection
shown in FIG.
28
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
13C. For example, the top ends 736 and 738 and/or the internal walls of the
mouthpiece 716 may
be specifically molded to create an interference or press fit between the
cartridges 702 and 704
and the mouthpiece 716. In other embodiments, a magnetic attachment or other
suitable
fastening mechanism may be used to securely couple the cartridges 702 and 704
to the
mouthpiece 716.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 13C, the internal walls of the mouthpiece 716 are
configured to
form two airways 770 and 772 that are in communication with the apertures 732
and 734,
respectively. As shown in FIGS. 14B, 15B, and 16B, either one or both of the
airways 770 and
772 may be used for vapor delivery depending on= whether the cartridge 702,
704 coupled to the
corresponding aperture 732, 734 has been activated. This selection process
using the vaporizer
700 will be described below in conjunction with FIG. 17. In some embodiments,
the airways 770
and 772 may be individually sealed when not in use, or partially sealed in
order to blend the
vapors produced by both cartridges 702 and 704.
100851 In some embodiments, the airways 770 and 772 may be configured to be
either
uniformly (e.g., 50/50) or non-uniformly (e.g., 75/25) opened during a blended
operation in order
to allow the user to control the exact makeup of the blended vapor. For
example, if the user
wants a blended vapor that includes a greater percentage of a first substance
752 stored in the
first cartridge 702 than a second substance 753 stored in the second cartridge
704, a larger
surface area of the first airway 770 may be opened and/or a larger surface
area of the second
airway 772 may be left closed. In such cases, a selection device 706 of the
vaporizer 700 can be
configured to enable the user to select a specific mixing ratio for the
blended vapor, in addition
to selecting between individual or blended operation. For example, where the
selection device
706 is a slider, moving the selection device 706 to a middle position (i.e.
halfway between a first
29
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
position and a second position) may cause the airways 770 and 772 to uniformly
open, thus
creating a blended vapor with equal portions of the two substances 752 and
753. And sliding the
selection device 706 half way between the first position and the middle
position may open the
first airway 770 more than the second airway 772, thus creating a blended
vapor that contains
more of the first substance 752 (e.g., 75%) and less of the second substance
753 (e.g., 25%). In
embodiments, the selection device 706 may be movable to any point between the
first and
second positions in order to allow the user to fine tune the mixing ratio and
create a customized
blend of vapors using the vaporizer 700.
[0086] Referring additionally to FIG. 17, shown is a method 800 of
delivering one or more
vaporized substances using a personal vaporizer comprising at least two
cartridges coupled
between a single mouthpiece and a single power source, in accordance with
embodiments. As an
example, the method 800 may be carried out by the vaporizer 700 shown in FIGS.
I 4B, 15B, and
16B, with mouthpiece 716 coupled to cartridges 702 and 704, each of which
comprises a
different substance 752, 753, respectively.
[0087] In some embodiments, the method 800 may be carried out by an
electronics
compartment of the vaporizer (e.g., electronics compartment 708 shown in FIG.
14B, 15B, and
163), or more specifically, using software stored on a memory (e.g., memory
204) and executing
on one or more processors (e.g., processor 202) of an electronics module or
system (e.g.,
electronics system 200 shown in FIG. 3) included therein. For example, the
vaporizer 700
include an electronics compartment 708 within a main body or housing 701 of
the vaporizer 700
(e.g., similar to electronics compartment 608 shown in FIG. 12C). The
electronics compartment
708 comprises a rechargeable battery 724 (e.g., similar to battery 624 shown
in FIG. 11) and
other components that form an electronics system similar to the electronics
system 200 shown in
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
FIG. 3. In particular, the electronics compartment 708 comprises a printed
circuit board (PCB)
774 that houses various components of the electronics system, such as, e.g.,
at least one
processor, at least one memory element, a communications module, etc. The
electronics
compartment 708 further comprises sensors 776 and 778, which may be
operatively coupled to
the PCB 774 and to a respective one of the cartridges 702 and 704, as shown in
FIGS. 14B, 15B,
and l 6B. In some embodiments, the electronics compartment 708, and/or the
main body 701,
further comprises receiving ports 780 and 782 configured to receive the bottom
ends of the
cartridges 702 and 704 and electrically couple the cartridges 702 and 704 to
the sensors 776 and
778, respectively, and/or other components of the electronics system. The
electronics
compartment 708 may further include circuitry and/or other components (not
shown) that
operatively couple a selection device 706 of the vaporizer 700 to the PCB 774.
[0088] In embodiments, the method 800 comprises receiving, via a user input
device, user
selection of one of a plurality of operating modes, and activating one or more
of the cartridges
based on the selected operating mode. The operating modes can include a first
operating mode
for enabling operation of the first cartridge only, a second operating mode
for enabling operation
of the second cartridge only, and a third operating mode for enabling
simultaneous operation of
both cartridges. These operating modes are illustrated as separate steps in
FIG. 17 for ease of
explanation.
[0089] More specifically, the method 800 may include, at step 802,
receiving a first user
input through a selection device of the vaporizer. In embodiments, the first
user input may
correspond to the user moving the selection device to a first selector
position. For example,
FIGS. 14A and 14B show the vaporizer 700 as having selection device 706 on a
bottom end 707
of the vaporizer 700, similar to the selection device 106 shown in FIG. 2
and/or selection device
31
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
606 shown in FIG. 10. The illustrated selection device 706 is a slider capable
of moving between
a far left selector position, as shown in FIGS. 14A-B, a far right selector
position, as shown in
FIGS. 16A-B, and a middle selector position, as shown in FIGS. 15A-B. In an
exemplary
embodiment, step 802 may be completed once the user moves the selection device
706 to the
first position. It should be appreciated that other types of selection devices
may be used, such as,
for example, a touchscreen or other suitable digital input device, or other
types of manual input
devices (e.g., knobs, levers, buttons, etc.).
100901 At step 804, a first cartridge is individually activated in response
to receiving the first
user input. For example, the selection device 706 shown in FIGS. 14A, =15A,
and 16A may be
operatively coupled to the electronics components 708 of the vaporizer 700,
and receipt of the
first user input, upon the user moving the selection device 706 to the first
selector position, may
cause the PCB 774 to activate one or more of the cartridges 702 and 704. in
some embodiments,
each of the selector positions corresponds to, and/or causes activation of,
either a select one of
the cartridges 702 and 704 or both of the cartridges 702 and 704. For example,
in FIGS. 14B,
15B, and 16B, the far left selector position (also referred to herein as
"first position") is
configured to cause activation of the first cartridge 702, the far right
selector position (also
referred to herein as "second position") is configured to cause activation of
the second cartridge
704, and the middle selector position (also referred to herein as "third
position") is configured to
cause activation of both cartridges 702 and 704 simultaneously.
100911 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the cartridges 702 and 704 is
operatively
coupled to a respective one of the sensors 776 and 778, for example, via the
receiving ports 780
and 782. In response to the user input, the corresponding cartridge(s) 702,
704 may be activated,
individually or simultaneously, by turning on the respective sensor(s) 776,
778. In certain
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embodiments, the sensors 776 and 778 may be airflow sensors that are
configured to activate the
corresponding cartridge 702, 704 upon detecting airflow through said
cartridge, e.g., as a result
of the user pulling air through the mouthpiece 716. The airflow sensors 776
and 778 may be
electrically coupled to the processor 702, as well as to heating chambers 756
and 757 included in
cartridges 702 and 704, respectively, For example, the airflow sensors 776 and
778 may be
electrically connected to the receiving ports 780 and 782, respectively, and
each port 780, 782
may be electrically coupled to the cartridge 702, 704 disposed within that
port via the
corresponding bottom end 744 and/or base connector 740 of the cartridge.
During operation, the
processor 702 may send a signal to the corresponding sensor(s) 776, 778 upon
detecting a new
selector position at the selection device 706. In response to receiving this
signal, the airflow
sensor(s) 776, 778 may activate, or turn on, and, upon detecting airflow
through the
corresponding cartridge 702, 704, may cause the heating chamber 756, 757
coupled thereto to
turn on and heat the substance 752, 753 stored in the corresponding cartridge
702, 704. In some
cases, this process may include the sensor(s) 776, 778 sending a control
signal to the
corresponding cartridge 702, 704 directing the cartridge to turn on its
heating chamber. In other
cases, the process may include the processor 702 directing the battery 724 to
deliver power to the
corresponding cartridge 702, 704 in response to receiving a signal or other
indication from the
sensor(s) 776, 778 that airflow has been detected. The heating chamber 756,
757 may continue to
heat the substance 752, 753 until a vapor forms, or for a preset amount of
time, and the resulting
vapor can be delivered to the user through the corresponding airway 770, 772
of the mouthpiece
716. it is contemplated that other techniques may be used to activate a given
cartridge in
response to receiving a user input indicating selection of that cartridge and
such implementations
are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.
33
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
[0092] Referring back to FIG. 14B, shown is an exemplary use case for
selection of the first
cartridge 702, or a first operational state, for example, in accordance with
steps 802 and 804 of
the method 800. As shown, the first airflow sensor 776 has been activated by
the processor 702
in response to the selection device 706 being moved to the first, or far left,
position. In turn, the
first sensor 776 has activated the first heating chamber 756, which has
heated, and vaporized, the
first substance 752 within the first cartridge 702. The resulting vapors exit
the mouthpiece 716
through the first airway 770 coupled to the first cartridge 702.
100931 Continuing with the method 800 shown in FIG. 17, at step 806, a
second user input is
received through the selection device of the vaporizer. The second user input
may correspond to
the user moving the selection device to a second selector position. At step
808, a second
cartridge is individually activated in response to receiving the second user
input. As an example,
FIGS. 16A and I 6B illustrate an exemplary use case for selection of the
second cartridge 704, or
a second operational state. As shown, the second airflow sensor 778 has been
activated by the
processor 702 in response to the selection device 706 being moved to the
second, or far right,
position. In turn, the second sensor 778 has activated the second heating
chamber 757, which has
heated the second substance 753 within the second cartridge 704 into a vapor.
The resulting
vapors can exit the mouthpiece 716 through the second airway 772 coupled to
the second
cartridge 704.
[0094] The method 800 also includes step 810, wherein a third user input is
received through
the selection device of the vaporizer. The third user input may correspond to
the user moving the
selection device to a third selection position. At step 812, the first and
second cartridges are
simultaneously activated in response to receiving the third user input. As an
example, FIGS. 15A
and 15B illustrate an exemplary use case for selection of both cartridges 702
and 704, also
34
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
known as a third or blended operational state. As shown, both airflow sensors
776 and 778 have
been activated by the processor 702 in response to the selection device 706
being moved to the
third, or middle, position. In turn, the two sensors 776 and 778 have
respectively activated the
two heating chambers 756 and 757, causing both of the substances 752 and 753
to be heated into
a vapor. The resulting vapors simultaneously exit the mouthpiece 716 through
the airways 770
and 772, respectively, thus delivering a blended output comprising both
substances 752 and 753
to the user.
100951 While the steps of method 800 are shown in FIG. 17 and described
herein using a
particular order, it should be understood that the steps 802-812 are not
necessarily chronological.
For example, in some cases, user selection of the second cartridge 704 in
accordance with steps
806 and 808 (e.g., the second operational state) may occur before user
selection of the first
cartridge 702 in accordance with steps 802 and 804 (e.g., the first
operational state) and/or user
selection of both cartridges 702 and 704 in accordance with steps 810, and 812
(e.g., the third or
blended operational state). Likewise, user selection of both cartridges 702
and 704 may occur at
any time relative to user selection of an individual cartridge 702, 704. Tn
other cases, the user
may choose to use one of the cartridges repeatedly and only use the other
cartridge for blended
operation. Also, while the method 800 and the FIGS. 14A-B, 15A-B, and 16A-B
refer to a
double or two cartridge vaporizer 700, other implementations comprising three
or more
cartridges are also contemplated in accordance with the techniques described
herein and are
intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.
[0096] FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate an exemplary multi-cartridge vaporizer 900
that is
substantially similar to the vaporizer 600 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and/or the
vaporizer 700
shown in FIGS. 14B, 15B, and 16B, in accordance with embodiments. For example,
like the
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
vaporizer 600, the vaporizer 900 includes removable and/or refillable first
and second cartridges
902 and 904, each comprising or storing a different substance to be vaporized.
The cartridges
902 and 904 are operatively coupled to a mouthpiece 916 configured to deliver
vapors to the user
from either or both of the cartridges 902, 904 (e.g., similar to mouthpiece
716 shown in FIG.
15B). The vaporizer 900 also includes an electronics compartment or housing
908 (also referred
to herein as a "core body") comprising a battery and an electronics system for
controlling the
vaporizer 900, similar to the electronics compartment 608 shown in FIG. 12C.
100971 As illustrated in FIGS. 18A-D, the vaporizer 900 further includes an
outer sleeve 920
that is slidable or movable between a top end 917 and a bottom end 907 of the
vaporizer 900,
similar to the outer sleeve 620 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In embodiments, the
top end 917 of
the vaporizer 900 may correspond to a top of the mouthpiece 916 and the bottom
end 907 of the
vaporizer 900 may correspond to the bottom of the electronics compartment 908,
as illustrated.
The sleeve 920 can be configured to move laterally between a lowered position
wherein a bottom
edge 928 of the sleeve 920 is adjacent to the bottom end 907 of the vaporizer,
as shown in FIGS.
18A and BC and an elevated position wherein a top edge 930 of the sleeve 920
is adjacent to the
top end 917 of the vaporizer, as shown in FIGS. 18B and D.
100981 In embodiments, the sleeve 920 is configured so that, while in the
lowered position,
the sleeve 920 is substantially clear of the mouthpiece 916 to allow vaping
through the
mouthpiece 916, and while in the elevated position, the sleeve 920 reveals a
bottom portion of
the electronics compartment 908 for battery charging purposes. For example,
though not shown
in FIGS. 18B and D, the electronics compartment 908 may include a charging
port on one side of
the bottom portion of the compartment 908, similar to the charging port 626
shown in FIG. 11.
The outer sleeve 920 may cover the charging port when in the lowered or use
position, to protect
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CA 3068712 2020-01-17
the port from debris, water damage, etc., and may uncover, or provide access
to, the charging
port when in the elevated or charging position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10 and
11). In the
illustrated embodiment, the length of the outer sleeve 920 is configured such
that the top edge
930 is adjacent to the top of the mouthpiece 916 when in the elevated
position, thus preventing
use of the vaporizer 900. In other embodiments, the outer sleeve 920 may be
configured (e.g.,
sized and/or shaped) to allow access to the mouthpiece 916 while the charging
port is revealed,
so that the user can use the vaporizer 900 for vaping while also charging the
battery of the
vaporizer 900.
[00991 In
FIGS. 18A--D, the outer sleeve 920 is drawn as being fully transparent to
illustrate
exemplary internal mechanisms configured to slidably couple the sleeve 920 to
the core body
908 of the vaporizer 900, in accordance with embodiments. In particular, the
vaporizer 900 may
include a spring mechanism 948, a catch mechanism 949, and a magnetic
mechanism 979 that
work in conjunction to create a slidable attachment between the sleeve 920 and
the core body
908. In embodiments, an inner surface of the sleeve 920 may be configured to
engage the spring
mechanism 948 and move up and down along the core body 908 as the spring
mechanism 948
travels within the catch mechanism 949. Moreover, the magnetic mechanism 979
may be
configured to urge the spring mechanism 948, and the sleeve 920 coupled
thereto, to jump to a
first mechanical stop 949a of the catch mechanism 949, which corresponds to
the elevated
position of the sleeve 920 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 18B and D) and/or jump to
a second
mechanical stop 949b of the catch mechanism 949, which corresponds to the
lowered position of
the sleeve 920 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. A and C).
[00100] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the spring mechanism 948
includes a
spring steel clip fastened to, or wrapped around, a side wall 980 of the core
body 908, similar to
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CA 3068712 2020-01-17
the metal clip 648 shown in FIG. 12C. The spring steel clip 948 may have a
"TJ" shape with a
first or front end 948a attached to a front surface 982 of the core body 908,
as shown in FIGS.
18A-B, and a second or back end 948b attached to a back surface 984 of the
core body 908, as
shown in FIGS. 18C-D. The spring steel clip 948 may exert a spring force on
the core body 908
that must be overcome in order to slide the sleeve 920 up or down.
[00101] As shown, the catch mechanism 949 includes first and second mechanical
stops 949a
and 949b provided by recesses embedded or formed into the front surface 982 of
the core body
908. The stops 949a and 949b are configured to engage the front end 982 of the
spring steel clip
as the spring mechanism 948 moves up and down, respectively, similar to the
mechanical stop
649 shown in FIG. 12C. The mechanical stops 949a and 949b are also configured
to prevent the
sleeve 920 from sliding off of, or being removed from, the core body 908
altogether. As shown
in FIGS. l 8A and 18B, the catch mechanism 949 has a generally elongated shape
that extends
lengthwise along the core body 908, with the first mechanical stop 949a
forming a top end of the
catch mechanism 949 and the second mechanical stop 949b forming a bottom end
of the catch
mechanism 949. The catch mechanism 949 may also include a central portion or
recess 949c
connecting the first and second mechanical stops 949a and 949b.
1001021 In embodiments, each of the mechanical stops 949a and 949b may be
configured for
receiving the front end 948a of the spring clip 948. For example, the stops
949a and 949b may be
sized and shaped to match a size and shape of the front end 948a of the spring
clip 948, so that
the spring clip 948 can slide into the first mechanical stop 949a as the
sleeve 920 moves up, as
shown in FIG. 18B, and slide into the second mechanical stop 949b as the
sleeve moves down, as
shown in FIG. 18A. The central portion 949c has a greater width than the stops
949a and 949b
and corresponds to, or is aligned with a recess or slot 986 formed into the
core body 908 (e.g., as
38
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
,
also shown in FIG. 12C). The recess 986 forms a "U" shape like the spring clip
948, extending
across a portion of the front surface 982, around the side 980, and across a
portion of the back
surface 984 of the core body 908. The recess 986 may be configured to catch or
hold the spring
clip 948 in a neutral state that places the sleeve 920 between the lowered
position and the
elevated position. The spring force exerted by the metal clip may bias the
spring mechanism 948
towards this neutral state. During operation, the user may need to exert a
force greater than the
spring force in order to slide the sleeve 920 upwards or downwards.
1001031 In embodiments, the force required to move the sleeve 920 may also
need to
counteract, or accommodate for, a magnetic force exerted by the magnetic
mechanism 979 on the
spring mechanism 948. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic
mechanism
979 includes an upper magnet 979a coupled to the back surface 984 and
positioned opposite the
first mechanical stop 949a on the front surface 982 of the core body 908. The
' magnetic
mechanism 979 also includes a lower magnet 979b coupled to the back surface ,
984 aid
positioned opposite the second mechanical stop 949b on the front surface 982
of the core body
908. As the spring mechanism 948 is moved up or down, the magnetic mechanism
979 may
operate to pull the spring clip 948 towards the nearest magnet 979a, 979b, for
example, once the
spring clip 948 enters a magnetic field of that magnet.
[00104] In one example, when the sleeve 920 is slid upwards from the lowered
position
shown in FIG. 18C to the elevated position shown in FIG. 18D, a magnetic force
exerted by the
upper magnet 979a may cause the spring clip 948 to be pulled towards, or jump
onto, the upper
magnet 979a. Initially, in order to pull the spring clip 948 away from the
lower magnet 979b, the
force exerted by the user on the sleeve 920 may need to be greater than a
magnetic force exerted
by the lower magnet 979b on the spring clip 948. As the spring clip 948 nears
the upper magnet
39
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
979a, the amount of force required to keep moving the sleeve 920 upwards may
decrease as the
magnetic force exerted by the upper magnet 979a takes over, or begins pulling
the spring clip
948 to the magnet 979a, it should be understood that a similar process occurs
as the sleeve 920 is
slid down from the elevated position to the lowered position, ultimately
causing the spring clip
948 to jump into place on top of the lower magnet 979b, as shown in FIG. 18C.
[00105] Other techniques for slidably coupling the outer sleeve 920 to the
core body 908 are
also contemplated, and such implementations are intended to be within the
scope of the present
disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, the internal mechanisms may
include sliding
structures that are included on both the sleeve 920 and the core body 908 and
are configured to
cooperatively engage to enable movement of the sleeve 920 relative to the core
body 908.
1001061 Many of the embodiments described herein are shown with a fully or
partially
transparent outer sleeve that reveals all or portions of the cartridges
included in the vaporizer,
such as, e.g., vaporizer 600 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, vaporizer 300 shown in
FIG. 5, and
vaporizer 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary multi-
cartridge vaporizer
1000 that has a solid outer sleeve 1020 and a solid mouthpiece 1016 that
completely conceal the
other components of the vaporizer 1000, including multiple cartridges and the
different
substances contained in each.
[00107] In certain embodiments, the process descriptions or blocks in the
figures, such as FIG.
17, can represent modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or
more executable
instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the
process. Any alternate
implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described
herein, in which
functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including
substantially
CA 3068712 2020-01-17
concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as
would be
understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.
[00108] It
will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and
equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel
and non-obvious
techniques disclosed in this application. Therefore, it is intended that the
novel teachings of the
present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but
that they will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
41
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