US20220079249A1

US20220079249A1 - Reservoir-less vaping-alternative devices and related methods

Info

Publication number: US20220079249A1
Application number: US17/404,925
Authority: US
Inventors: Brendan Wang
Original assignee: Capnos LLC
Current assignee: Capnos Inc
Priority date: 2020-09-16
Filing date: 2021-08-17
Publication date: 2022-03-17
Also published as: CN116490091A; EP4203736A4; EP4203736A1; WO2022060797A1

Abstract

Described herein are reservoir-less vaping-alternative devices. A device may include a housing defining a first cavity therein and including a valve assembly. The first cavity of the housing is in fluid communication with an environment external to the housing via the valve assembly. A device may further include a cap defining a second cavity and a first end defining a first aperture, and a second end defining a second aperture. The first end is for interaction with a mouth of a user and the second end is reversibly couplable to the housing. The cap cavity is in fluid communication with the housing cavity when the second end of the cap is coupled to the housing. A device may further include at least one wick pre-soaked in a fluid and positioned in the cap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/079,181, filed Sep. 16, 2020, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of leisure activities and/or recreational activities, and more specifically to the field of vaping. Described herein are reservoir-less devices and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Vaping, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, etc. are increasingly common and dangerous. In 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. In 2017, 2.8 percent of U.S. adults were current e-cigarette users. However, the dangers of vaping are ever increasing.
E-cigarette devices can explode causing serious bodily injury, fires, and even death in some instances. Further, the composition of the liquid in e-cigarettes has led to children and adults being poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing the e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes. Concerningly, a 2018 National Academy of Medicine report found that there was some evidence that e-cigarette use increases the frequency and amount of cigarette smoking in the future.
Despite these negative effects, e-cigarette use provides community, as users congregate together to share e-cigarettes and stories, and apparent stress relief as well as satisfying oral fixation tendencies. Further, e-cigarettes were originally sold as a safe alternative to cigarettes resulting in their widespread adoption.
Accordingly, there exists a need for safe alternatives to cigarettes, vaping, and e-cigarettes.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is a reservoir-less vaping-alternative device including a housing defining a first cavity therein and including a valve assembly. In some embodiments, the first cavity is in fluid communication with an environment external to the housing via the valve assembly. The device further includes a cap defining a second cavity and including a first end defining a first aperture, the first end being configured for interaction with a mouth of a user, and a second end defining a second aperture, the second end being reversibly couplable to the housing. In some embodiments, the second cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity when the second end is coupled to the housing. The device further includes at least one wick configured to be pre-soaked in a fluid and positioned in the cap.
In some embodiments, the housing further includes a base that includes the valve assembly.
In some embodiments, the base and the housing are monolithic.
In some embodiments, the base is on an opposing end of the housing, opposite the cap when the cap is coupled to the housing.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a valve, a bottom portion configured to support the valve, and a top portion configured to apply a compressive force to the valve positioned between the top and bottom portions.
In some embodiments, the valve is configured to open or close upon application of a partial vacuum force through the first aperture defined by the first end of the cap.
In some embodiments, application of the partial vacuum force is configured to open the valve to produce an audible sound.
In some embodiments, the partial vacuum force has a pressure that ranges from about 0.005 to about 0.03 MPa, from about 0.008 to about 0.025 MPa, from about 0.01 to about 0.02 MPa.
In some embodiments, the valve includes a pressure valve.
In some embodiments, the valve includes silicone.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly is configured to allow air to enter the first cavity and the second cavity to interact with the at least one wick and exit the first end of the cap when the cap is coupled to the housing and the partial vacuum force is applied to the first aperture defined by the first end of the cap.
In some embodiments, the cap further includes at least one slot configured to receive the at least one wick.
In some embodiments, the cap includes a plurality of sidewalls that define the first cavity and connect the first end to the second end.
In some embodiments, the cap further includes at least one slot configured to receive the at least one wick, such that the at least one slot is coupled to an inner surface of at least one of the plurality of sidewalls.
In some embodiments, the device includes two wicks.
In some embodiments, the cap includes two slots, each configured to receive a wick therein, such that each slot is coupled to an inner surface of opposing sidewalls.
In some embodiments, the at least one wick includes condensed cotton.
In some embodiments, the fluid is selected from the group consisting of: an extract, an essential oil, an alcohol, a base, or a combination thereof.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of assembling a reservoir-less vaping device, including providing a device; soaking the at least one wick in a fluid; inserting the at least one wick in the cap of the device; and the cap to the housing.
In some embodiments, the device includes a housing defining a first cavity therein, the housing including a valve assembly in fluid communication with an environment external to the housing. In some embodiments, the device includes a cap defining a second cavity and including: a first end defining a first aperture, the first end being configured for interaction with a mouth of a user, and a second end defining a second aperture, the second end being reversibly couplable to the housing. In some embodiments, the second cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity when the second end is coupled to the housing.
In some embodiments, soaking further includes soaking the at least one wick in about 1 to about 10 drops of the fluid.
In some embodiments, the cap further includes at least one slot position on an inner surface of the cap and configured to receive the at least one wick, such that inserting includes inserting the at least one wick in the at least one slot in the cap of the device.
In some embodiments, inserting includes securing the at least one wick in the at least one slot, such that when air flows through the first and second cavities, the wick is retained by the at least one slot.
In some embodiments, coupling includes snapping the second end of the cap to the housing.
In some embodiments, the housing further includes a base that includes the valve assembly, such that the method includes bonding the base to the housing.
In some embodiments, providing the device includes producing the housing and the cap via injection molding.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a reservoir-less vaping-alternative device comprising a monolithic housing comprising a first and second end and defining a cavity therebetween. In some embodiments, the first end defines a first aperture being configured for interaction with a mouth of a user. In some embodiments, the second end defines a second aperture being configured to couple with a valve assembly. In some embodiments, the cavity is in fluid communication with an environment external to the monolithic housing via the valve assembly.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly comprises a valve, a bottom portion configured to support the valve, and a top portion configured to apply a compressive force to the valve positioned between the top and bottom portions.
In some embodiments, the valve comprises a deformable aperture that flexes and opens when an at least partial vacuum force is applied to the valve.
In some embodiments, the valve comprises one or more apertures configured to communicate with the external environment.
In some embodiments, the external environment enters the cavity when at least partial vacuum force is applied to the first end.
In some embodiments, the at least partial vacuum force has a pressure that ranges from about 0.005 to about 0.03 MPa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology are described below in connection with various embodiments, with reference made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the cap of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates another embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 2D illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a cap of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective side view of another embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first end view of the cap of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4A illustrates a second end view of one embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second end view of the cap of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second end of the cap of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a first end of the cap of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a housing of a vaping-alternative-alternative device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the housing of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a base of the housing of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve assembly of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 10B illustrates another embodiment of a bottom portion of a valve assembly of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of a bottom portion of the valve assembly of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the bottom portion of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13A illustrates a bottom view of a top portion of the valve assembly of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 13B illustrates a perspective view of the top portion of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an interaction between a top portion and a bottom portion of a valve assembly.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 17 illustrates another perspective view of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates a second end perspective view of a cap of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 illustrates a first end perspective view of the cap of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a top portion of a valve assembly of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom portion complementary to the top portion of a valve assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates a second end perspective view of another embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 23 illustrates a first end perspective view of the cap of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of a valve of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a valve holder of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 illustrates a second end view of another embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 29 illustrates a first end view of the cap of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 illustrates a method of assembling a reservoir-less vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 31A illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a bottom portion of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 31B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom portion of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 33A illustrates a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a valve of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 33B illustrates a top perspective view of the valve of FIG. 33A.

FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 35A illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a top portion of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 34.

FIG. 35B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the top portion of FIG. 35A.

FIG. 36A illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a bottom portion of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom portion of FIG. 36A.

The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The schematics are drawn to illustrate features and concepts and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology will now be described in connection with various embodiments. The inclusion of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the contemplated invention(s). Other embodiments may be utilized, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. Aspects of the disclosure, as described and illustrated herein, can be arranged, combined, modified, and designed in a variety of different formulations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.
Disclosed herein are reservoir-less devices and related methods. As used herein, reservoir-less means that the device is not configured to store a liquid in a reservoir, container, or otherwise.
In some embodiments, the devices described herein may be operational without circuits, electronics, heating means to generate vapor, etc. such that the device does not present an explosion or fire hazard or risk.
In some embodiments, the devices described herein use non-toxic, non-chemical, and/or non-nicotine flavorings to simulate a vaping experience. The liquid used on the wicks may be natural, organic, pure, raw, etc. For example, the flavoring may include mango, blue raspberry, minty watermelon, mint, watermelon, apple, banana, caramel, spearmint, peppermint, or any other flavoring known to one of skill in the art.
As used herein, fluid includes a substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure, for example a gas or a liquid. As such, fluid communication, as used herein, includes fluid flow or exchange between two or more spaces, cavities, etc.
As used herein, vapor includes a substance diffused or suspended in the air, especially one normally liquid or solid. The vapor may be formed by a user applying at least a partial vacuum pressure to a fluid-soaked wick, such that air is drawn through the wick and at least partially produces a vapor from the fluid in the wick.
In general, as shown and described herein, a vaping-alternative device may include a housing defining a first cavity therein and including a valve assembly therein. The first cavity is in fluid communication with an environment external to the housing via the valve assembly. The external environment may include atmospheric air; air around a user of the vaping-alternative device; air in a room or structure in which the user resides, etc. Further, a vaping-alternative device includes a cap defining a second cavity that is in fluid communication with the first cavity defined by the housing when the cap is coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, the cap and housing are separate components that are reversibly couplable to one another; in other embodiments, the cap and housing form a monolithic component such that they are irreversibly coupled. In some embodiments, a cap includes a first end defining a first aperture, and a second end defining a second aperture. The first end is configured for interaction with a mouth of a user, for example via applying suction, biting, applying pressure, etc. The second end of the cap may be reversibly couplable to the housing. For example, a manufacturer, when assembling the device, may couple a cap to the housing. In other embodiments, a user may couple a cap to a housing or may exchange a first cap for a second cap, and therefore remove or uncouple the first cap from the housing and attach or couple the second cap to the housing. Alternatively, the cap and housing are provided as a monolithic body. Further, a vaping-alternative device may include at least one wick configured to be pre-soaked in a fluid. After pre-soaking or before pre-soaking, the at least one wick may be positioned in the cap, either by a manufacturer or by a user. The following figures show various examples and embodiments of vaping-alternative devices as described herein.
Described herein are vaping-alternative kits. In some embodiments, a kit may include one or more caps and one or more housings. The kit may optionally include one or more wicks inserted into the one or more caps or the one or more wicks may need to be inserted by a user before use, such that the one or more wicks are provided separately in the kit. The one or more caps and/or one or more housings may be of different sizes, shapes, colors, etc. such that a user may select which cap to use. Further, the one or more wicks may come pre-soaked in a fluid (e.g., flavoring), or the kit may include one or more fluids in which to soak the one or more wicks.
As shown and described herein, any cap may be configured to work with any housing, base, wick, or valve assembly; any housing may be configured to work with any cap, base, wick, or valve assembly; any base may be configured to work with any housing cap, wick, or valve assembly; any wick (i.e., pre-soaked or unsoaked) may be configured to work with any cap, housing, base, or valve assembly; and/or any valve assembly may be configured to work with any cap, housing, base, or wick.
In any of the described embodiments, a cap may couple to a housing via a snap-fit connection, threaded connection, hinged connection, sliding connection, pressure seal, latching mechanism, or any other connection or coupling mechanism known to one of skill in the art. Alternatively, any one or more of the cap, housing, top portion of the valve assembly, bottom portion of the valve assembly, or valve of the valve assembly may be formed as a monolithic structure such that swapping between components is limited.
As shown and described herein, an overall vaping-alternative device height may be between about 5 cm to about 20 cm, about 7 cm to about 12 cm, about 10 cm to about 12 cm, about 8 cm to about 11 cm, or substantially 10 cm. A width of a housing of a vaping-alternative device may be about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm, about 1 cm to about 4 cm, about 1 cm to about 3 cm, about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm, or substantially 2 cm. A depth of a housing of a vaping-alternative device may be about 0.25 cm to about 1 cm, about 0.5 cm to about 0.75 cm, or substantially 0.5 cm. A base of a vaping-alternative device may have a diameter or width of about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm, about 2 cm to about 3 cm, about 2.3 cm to about 2.5 cm, or substantially 2.3 cm, substantially 2.4 cm, or substantially 2.5 cm.
As shown and described herein, a volume defined by a cap of a vaping-alternative device may be in the range of between about 1250 mm³to about 1350 mm³, about 1300 mm³to about 1400 mm³, about 1320 mm³to about 1350 mm³, or substantially 1340 mm³. A volume defined by a housing of a vaping-alternative device may be in the range of between about 16000 mm³to about 17000 mm³, about 16300 mm³to about 16500 mm³, about 16700 mm³to about 17200 mm³, or substantially 16900 mm³. A volume defined by a combined bottom portion and top portion (in which the valve sits) of a vaping-alternative device may be in the range of between about 1850 mm³to about 1950 mm³, about 1880 mm³to about 1920 mm³, about 1900 mm³to about 1920 mm³, or substantially 1910 mm³. A volume of a wick of a vaping-alternative device may be in the range of between about 80 mm³to about 120 mm³, about 90 mm³to about 110 mm³, about 100 mm³to about 105 mm³, or substantially 99 mm³. A total volume defined by a vaping-alternative device may be in the range of between about 10000 mm³to about 30000 mm³, about 15000 mm³to about 25000 mm³, about 18000 mm³to about 22000 mm³, or substantially 20180 mm³.
As shown and described herein, a cap may be configured to receive and hold one or more wicks. A wick inserted into a cap of a vaping-alternative device may utilize in the range of between about 2% to about 20%, about 5% to about 10%, about 2% to about 10%, about 1% to about 10%, about 5% to about 9%, or substantially 7% of the volume defined by the cap. Two wicks inserted into a cap of a vaping-alternative device may utilize in the range of between about 4% to about 40%, about 10% to about 20%, about 12% to about 18%, about 5% to about 25%, or substantially 15% of the volume defined by the cap. A wick inserted into a vaping-alternative device may utilize in the range of between about 0.1% to about 0.6%, about 0.25% to about 0.75%, about 0.4% to about 0.6%, about 0.1% to about 1%, about 0.1% to about 5%, 0.1% to about 2.5%, or substantially 0.5% of the volume defined by the vaping-alternative device. Two wicks inserted into a vaping-alternative device may utilize in the range of between about 0.5% to about 1.5%, about 0.75% to about 1.25%, about 0.5% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 2%, about 0.1% to about 5%, or substantially 1% of the volume defined by the vaping-alternative device.
In any of the embodiments described herein, a cap may include one or more indents or grooves so that a material (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.) can be placed over an opening of the cap so that a user can bite the cap or apply an at least partial force, vacuum, or pressure to the cap.
In any of the embodiments described herein, a housing may include beveling or finger grooves for enhanced grip or ergonomic gripping or may include a substantially flat, smooth, or unbeveled profile or surface.
Any of the embodiments described herein may include one or more flavored wicks, valves, or a combination thereof. The wicks and/or valves may be flavored through misting, dipping, dripping flavor onto the surface, spray coating, submersion, positioning in a chamber filled with or to be filled with a flavored gas, etc.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a reservoir-less, vaping-alternative device. As shown, a reservoir-less, vaping-alternative device includes a cap 100, housing 170, and valve assembly 1000, each of which will be described in turn below.
FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various embodiments of caps, configured for use with any of the vaping-alternative devices described elsewhere herein. FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a side and top view, respectively, of one embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device. Cap 100 defines a first end 110 of cap 100, the first end 110 (also described herein as user end or suction end) configured for interaction with a mouth of a user. Cap 100 further defines a second end 120 (also described herein as a cap coupling end) of cap 100, the second end 120 being reversibly couplable to the housing 170 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7-8), at least in some embodiments. Cap 100 defines cavity 132 (shown in FIG. 4B), also described herein as a cap cavity or second cavity, which is in fluid communication with a first cavity or housing cavity when the second end 120 of the cap 100 is coupled to the housing 170. One or more sidewalls 140 a, 140 b define cap 100. Cap further includes male connector defined by sidewalls 144 a, 144 b for coupling to a female end of housing 170. FIG. 2C shows another embodiment of a cap 101 that includes a bite section 103, such that a user may bite or suck on bite section 103. Bite section 103 may comprise or be formed of, at least partially, silicone, rubber, or any other material known to one of skill in the art. FIG. 2D shows another embodiment of a cap 105 that includes groove 150 which is configured to receive an O-ring, gasket, or similar sealing element to firmly but reversibly couple cap 105 to a housing. FIG. 2E shows another embodiment of cap 105 that includes one or more indentations 155 that couple with a latch, or tab, on an interior surface of a housing. When cap 105 is coupled with a housing, the latch, or tab, of the housing clicks into the one or more indentations 155, firmly coupling cap 105 to the housing.
FIGS. 3-6 illustrate various views of a cap of a vaping-alternative device. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, sidewalls 140, 144 define cap cavity 132 and connect the first end 110 to the second end 120, as described above. The first end 110 of cap 100 defines a first aperture 150 and the second end 120 of cap 100 defines a second aperture 160. An at least partial vacuum pressure is applied by a user to the first aperture 150 (also described herein as a user aperture), and the second aperture 160 is couplable to the housing so that the cap cavity 132 defined by the cap is in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the housing when the cap is coupled to the housing. Cap 100 further includes at least one slot 130 sized and shaped to receive and retain at least one wick therein. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the at least one slot 130 is coupled to an inner surface 146 of at least one of the plurality of sidewalls 140, 144. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, cap 100 includes two slots 130, each sized and shaped to receive and retain a wick therein. In such embodiments with two or more slots, the slots may be coupled to an inner surface of opposing sidewalls, adjacent sidewalls, or on the same sidewall. Each wick may be inserted into a slot through slot end 130 b and vapors may at least partially exit wick inserted in slot 130 through slot end 130 a. Slot end 130 b may be at least partially or substantially sealed or closed after the wick is inserted to maintain wick in the slot. Slot end 130 a may include mesh, struts, spokes, etc. to allow vapor from wick to exit the slot and therefore the first end of the cap. In some embodiments of a cap 105, as shown in FIG. 4A, slots 130 include slit 131 that extends between slot end 130 a and slot end 130 b. In some embodiments, slit 131 functions to allow more air to interact with the wick for more vapor particles to be released upon application of the at least partial vacuum force. Additionally, or alternatively, slit 131 functions to receive a wick therethrough during manufacturing or assembly. In alternative embodiments, one or more wicks may reside in a cavity defined by the housing. For example, in embodiments where the cap and housing form a monolithic component, one or more wicks may be perceived as residing in a cavity defined by the housing, a cavity defined by the cap, or in a cavity defined by the combined cap and housing.
In any of the embodiments described herein, a wick may include or be at least partially formed of condensed cotton, polyester fibers, or other absorbent material that has the ability to retain fluids when soaked. The wick may be pre-soaked, soaked during use, soaked during insertion into the cap or housing, or otherwise soaked with a fluid. The fluid may include or comprise an extract (e.g., natural plant extract, a synthetic extract, etc.), an essential oil, an oil (e.g., vegetable oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, etc.) an alcohol, a base (e.g., vegetable glycerin base), etc. or a combination thereof.
FIGS. 7-9 illustrate various views and embodiments of a housing of a vaping-alternative device. Housing 170 is configured to house a valve assembly and enable external air entering through the valve assembly to enter a cavity defined by the cap, so that the external air may interact with the wick and therefore one or more fluids therein. Alternatively, a valve assembly may reside in a cap of a vaping-alternative device. The housing may comprise or be formed of aluminum, plastic, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), plastic resins, polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG), etc. Housing 170 defines a first cavity or a housing cavity 190 and includes a valve assembly at least partially therein. Housing 170 may be defined by a plurality of sidewalls 174, as shown in FIGS. 7-8. The housing cavity 190 is in fluid communication with an environment external to the housing 170 via the valve assembly. Housing cavity 190 may extend a length of housing 170, from a proximal end that couples to a cap to a distal end that comprises a base and/or valve assembly. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the housing may be rectangular in shape. However, as one will appreciate based on the embodiments described herein and based on the level of one of skill in the art, the housing may be a circular shape, oval shape, square shape, hexagonal shape, etc. without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, housing 170 may further include base 180. Base 180 may include the valve assembly. Alternatively, any portion of housing 170 may include the valve assembly. In some embodiments, housing 170 and base 180 are monolithic; in other embodiments, housing 170 and base 180 are formed separately and either reversibly or irreversibly coupled during manufacturing or use. Base 180 may be a circular or cylindrical shape while housing is a rectangular shape. Although, as one of skill in the art will appreciate, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the housing 170 and base 180 may be the same shape or different shapes. For example, as shown elsewhere herein, base may also be a square or rectangle. A transition point or section 178 between housing 170 and base 180 may gradually taper, transform, or become the shape of base 180. For example, transition section 178 may comprise a cone shape 184 to gradually transition a shape of the housing to a shape 182 of the base. Alternatively, the transition point 178 between housing 170 and base 180 may be abrupt or sharp such that transition point 178 is a connection or coupling point between housing 170 and base 180. In embodiments in which the vaping-alternative device includes a base, the base 180 may be positioned on an opposing end of the housing 170, opposite the cap 100 when the cap 100 is coupled to the housing 170.
FIGS. 10A-14 illustrate various views and embodiments of a valve assembly 1000 of a vaping-alternative device. Valve assembly 1000 includes a bottom portion 1006 and a top portion 1008. Valve 2000 (e.g., pressure valve, silicone valve, umbrella valve, etc.), as shown in FIG. 10C, is positioned between the top portion 1008 and the bottom portion 1006. The bottom portion 1006 is configured to support the valve 2000, and a top portion 1008 is configured to apply a compressive force to the valve 2000 positioned between the top and bottom portions 1008, 1006. Valve 2000 defines a deformable aperture 2010 that opens upon application of an at least partial vacuum force (through the first aperture defined by the first end or user end of the cap 100) so that the housing cavity, defined by the housing, is in fluid communication or is in increased fluid communication with the external environment when valve 2000 is open. Valve 2000 further includes rim 2030 which is configured to rest on inner perimeter 1016 of a valve assembly bottom portion so that inner perimeter 1022 of a valve assembly top portion acts as a compressive force upon rim 2030 (shown in FIGS. 12-13). Valve assembly 1000 defines valve aperture 1004, which aligns with deformable aperture 2010, so that the housing cavity defined by housing is in fluid communication or increased fluid communication with an external environment (i.e., air passes through valve deformable aperture, and thus the valve assembly aperture, when pressure is applied). In a resting state, no air is being pulled through the valve 2000, and the deformable aperture 2010 remains in a closed position. In an active state, a force of air being pulled through the valve 2000 exceeds a certain threshold, such that when enough force is present, the valve 2000 at least partially opens, allowing for greater airflow to pass therethrough. As such, airflow through the valve is substantially unidirectional, for example from a bottom of the housing or from a base of the housing up through a cap of the device. Application of the at least partial vacuum force through the valve is configured to open the valve 2000 to produce an audible sound. For example, the audible sound may include a popping or clicking sound. The valve assembly 1000 is configured to allow air to enter the housing cavity and the cap cavity to interact with the at least one wick and exit the first end of the cap when the cap is coupled to the housing.
More specifically, when a vacuum of an appreciable pressure is applied at the suction end 110 of the cap 100, the deformable aperture 2010 opens creating an audible sound and pulls external air into the housing cavity, defined by the housing. The pressure required to open the deformable aperture 2010 may range from about 0.005 MPa to about 0.03 MPa, from about 0.008 MPa to about 0.025 MPa, from about 0.01 MPa to about 0.02 MPa, etc. It will be appreciated that the vacuum may have a pressure larger than those stated, thereby allowing more air volume into the housing cavity, passing through the one or more wicks and exiting the suction end 110 of the cap 100. The deformable aperture 2010 remains open until the vacuum on the suction end 110 is released, and the deformable aperture 2010 returns to a closed position. In other embodiments, the valve 2000 may be configured using softer or harder material in order to provide a range of pressures required to open deformable apertures 2010 therein. For instance, a softer material may require a smaller or lighter vacuum in order to open, and a harder material may require a larger or harder vacuum in order to open, thereby allowing variability.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, bottom portion 1006 of valve assembly 1000 includes inner perimeter 1016 and outer perimeter 1014 that together define groove 1012 therebetween. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10B, a bottom portion 1007 defines aperture 1004 which includes grating, netting, mesh, etc. 1005. Such mesh 1005 functions, at least in part, to prevent removal of a valve from the assembly. Returning to FIGS. 11-12, valve 2000 rests in or on the groove 1012 when positioned in the valve assembly 1000.
As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, top portion 1008 of valve assembly 1000 includes outer perimeter 1018 and inner perimeter 1022 and bevel 1024. The outer perimeter 1018 is shaped and sized to be received within a housing 170 of a vaping-alternative device. An inner edge of surface 1009 or surface 1009 of top portion 1008 of valve assembly contacts the valve and applies a compressive force onto valve rim 2030 (shown in FIG. 10C). As such, valve rim 2030 is positioned between surface 1009 and outer perimeter 1014 of bottom portion 1006 to secure the valve 2000 between the top and bottom portions 1008, 1006, as shown in FIG. 14. Valve 2000 may be circular, square, rectangular, etc. in shape. For example, valve 2000 may match a shape of the housing or base or a shape of valve 2000 may be independent of a shape of the housing or base.
FIG. 15 and FIGS. 16-17 illustrate various views of a rectangular and a square embodiment, respectively, of a vaping-alternative device. The vaping-alternative devices of FIGS. 15-17 are similar to that described above in FIGS. 1-14, including cap 1500 defining first 1510 and second 1520 apertures; housing 1570 defining cavity 1590; and valve assembly 1502 including a top portion 1508 and bottom portion 1506. However, in this embodiment, housing 1570 includes a male coupling end 1592 for coupling to a female coupling end of cap 1500. Further, valve assembly 1502 includes one or more apertures 1504 defined by bottom portion 1506 to allow fluid communication with external environment. In some embodiments, there is one aperture, for example a pinhole; in other embodiments, there is more than one aperture.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, cap 1800 (defining first end 1810 and second end 1820) may include a male coupling end 1892 for coupling to a female coupling end of a housing, as in FIGS. 1-14.
FIGS. 20-21 illustrate another embodiment of a valve assembly including a top portion 2008 and a bottom portion 2006. As shown in FIG. 21, bottom portion 2006 includes inner perimeter 2016 and outer perimeter 2014 that together define groove 2012 therebetween on which a valve rests. The valve assembly shown in FIGS. 20-21 define aperture 2004. As shown in FIG. 20, top portion 2008 includes outer perimeter 2018 and inner perimeter 2022 and bevel 2024 that secures the valve in groove 2012 of the bottom portion 2006 and between the top and bottom portions 2008, 2006. As shown in FIGS. 20-21, the top and bottom portions 2008, 2006 are complementary but different in shape, which differs from the valve design of FIGS. 1-14, in which top and bottom portions are complementary and substantially the same shape.
FIGS. 22-23 illustrate another embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device. Cap 2200 includes coupling elements 2026 comprising posts or flanges that are matingly received into complementary grooves or slots on an end of a housing to secure the cap to the housing. Similar to other caps described herein, cap 2200 includes a first end 2210 that defines first aperture 2050 and a second end 2220 that defines a second aperture 2060.
FIGS. 24-25 illustrate another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device. In contrast to other embodiments described elsewhere herein, vaping-alternative device 2500 includes cap 2502 including a first end 2210 which defines an aperture 2450; and a housing 2470. Valve assembly 2400 is positioned between cap 2502 and housing 2470, either as a part of housing 2470 or as a part of cap 2502. In contrast to the wick embodiments described elsewhere herein, valve assembly 2400 may comprise a flavored valve (as opposed to or in addition to having wicks).
FIGS. 26-27 illustrate another embodiment of a valve of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 24. Silicone valve 2600 (may or may not be flavored) defines deformable aperture 2652 that flexes and at least partially opens when an at least partial vacuum force is applied to the valve 2600. Silicone valve holder 2700, as shown in FIG. 27, defines one or more slots 2654 that allow air from an external environment to enter the cavity defined by the housing to interact with the valve and pass to the mouth of the user.
FIGS. 28-29 illustrate another embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device. Cap 3300 includes a first end 2810 defining a first aperture 2850 and a second end 2820 defining a second aperture 2860. A second end 2820 of cap 3300, as shown in FIG. 29, gradually tapers to the first end 2810 of cap 3300. Further, as shown in FIGS. 28-29, a first end 2810 of cap 3300 is substantially rectangular, while a second end 2820 of cap 3300 is substantially circular. However, as one of skill in the art will appreciate, in any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second ends of the cap may have the same or substantially same profile or shape or a different profile or shape.
FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate a top and a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a bottom portion of a vaping-alternative device. In conjunction with FIGS. 15-17, the valve assembly 1502, which can be square or rectangular, is shown including the top portion 1508 and coupled bottom portion 1506. The one or more apertures 1504 are defined by bottom portion 1506 to allow fluid communication with an external environment. In some embodiments, there is one aperture, for example a pinhole; in other embodiments there is more than one aperture.
FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device. In contrast to other embodiments described elsewhere herein, vaping-alternative device 3200 includes cap 3205 including a first end 3210 which defines an aperture 3215; and a housing 3220. Valve assembly 3225 is positioned between cap 3205 and housing 3220, either as a part of housing 3220 or as a part of cap 3205. In contrast to the wick embodiments described elsewhere herein, valve assembly 3225 may comprise a flavored valve (as opposed to or in addition to having wicks). A second end of the housing 3220 defines one or more apertures 3240 that allow fluid communication with the external environment. It will be appreciated that the second end 3230 may be integrated into the housing 3220 or a mating piece, such as shown in FIGS. 31A-31B.
FIGS. 33A-33B illustrates a bottom and top perspective view of another embodiment of a valve of a vaping-alternative device. Silicone valve 3300 may be positioned on an end of the housing 170 exposing a bottom 3305 of the valve 3300. Silicone valve 3300 (may or may not be flavored) defines deformable aperture 3310 that flexes and at least partially opens when an at least partial vacuum force is applied to the valve 3300, as described further herein. Deformable aperture 3310 may be a concave section of the valve, as shown in FIG. 33A but may also be convex or substantially planar. A top portion 3320 of silicone valve 3300, as shown in FIG. 33B, defines an inner grove 3325 that couples the valve 3300 to the housing 170. It will be appreciated that the silicone valve 3300 may come in various flavors, such as mango, blue raspberry, minty watermelon, mint, watermelon, apple, banana, caramel, spearmint, peppermint, or any other flavoring known to one of skill in the art, and in various colors, such as clear, white, black, red, blue, green, pink, etc., that can be selected by a user.
FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device. In contrast to other embodiments described elsewhere herein, vaping-alternative device 3400 is monolithic that includes an integrated cap and housing. A valve assembly 3410 is coupled at a bottom of the monolithic device 3400.
FIGS. 35A-35B illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a top portion 3510 of the valve assembly of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 34. The top portion 3510 of FIG. 35A is similar to that shown in FIG. 14, except that the top portion 3510 includes outer rim 3530, a first inner perimeter 3515, and second inner perimeter 3520 that define a shelf 3525 that is configured to mate with the bottom of the housing, such as housing 3400. A valve rim is positioned between surface 3540 of the top portion and a bottom portion (shown in FIGS. 35A-35B) to secure the valve between the top and bottom portions and apply a force to the valve positioned between the top and bottom portions.
FIGS. 36A-36B illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a bottom portion of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 34. As shown, bottom portion 3610 includes a first inner perimeter 3620 and second inner perimeter 3630 on which a valve is positioned or rests. First inner perimeter 3620 of bottom portion 3610 mates with or is complementary to surface 3540 of the top portion of FIG. 35B, which together sandwich a valve therebetween. One or more apertures 3640 are defined by the bottom portion 3610. The bottom portion 3610 defines an outer perimeter 3660 that may include a circular ridge, or alternatively, a groove, that mates with the bottom of the housing, such as the housing 3400. The bottom portion 3610 also serves to secure the valve assembly within the housing. It will be appreciated that the bottom portions 3610 can be configured in various colors, such as clear, white, black, red, blue, green, pink, etc., that can be selected by a user.
Turning to FIG. 30, which shows a method 3000 of assembling a reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of any of the preceding embodiments. Method 3000 includes providing a vaping-alternative device of any of the preceding embodiments described herein, at block S3010; soaking at least one wick in a fluid at block S3020; inserting the at least one wick in the cap of the device at block S3030; and coupling the cap to the housing at block S3040.
In some embodiments, providing at block S3010 includes producing a housing and a cap of the vaping-alternative device, of any of the preceding embodiments, via injection molding, or other manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, providing, additionally or alternatively, includes using an ultrawave or ultrasonic welding method (e.g., using heat) of coupling the bottom and top portions of the valve assembly. In some embodiments, providing, additionally or alternatively, includes using an overmolding technique to include a soft, rubber mouth tip on a first end of a cap of a vaping-alternative device.
In some embodiments, soaking at block S3020 includes soaking the at least one wick in about 1 to about 10 drops, about 2 drops to about 8 drops, about 3 drops to about 6 drops, about 3 drops to about 5 drops of the fluid. In some embodiments, a wick has the dimensions of substantially 3 mm in diameter by about 10 mm length; about 2 mm by about 15 mm; about 5 mm by about 15 mm; etc.
In some embodiments, inserting at block S3030 includes securing the at least one wick in the at least one slot, such that when air flows through the first and second cavities, the wick is retained by the at least one slot. Securing may include at least partially closing or at least partially blocking one or more ends of the slot, gluing the wick in the slot, ensuring the wick is sized to be snuggly received within the slot but not dislodged from the slot, etc.
In some embodiments, coupling at block S3040 includes snapping, threading, gluing, bonding, fitting, inserting etc. a second end of the cap to the housing.
In some embodiments, the method 3000 may include securing a base to a housing of the vaping-alternative device. For example, securing may include bonding, welding, soldering, coupling, snap-fitting, threading, etc.
As used in the description and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “wick” may include, and is contemplated to include, a plurality of wicks. At times, the claims and disclosure may include terms such as “a plurality,” “one or more,” or “at least one;” however, the absence of such terms is not intended to mean, and should not be interpreted to mean, that a plurality is not conceived.
The term “about” or “approximately,” when used before a numerical designation or range (e.g., to define a length or pressure), indicates approximations which may vary by (+) or (−) 5%, 1% or 0.1%. All numerical ranges provided herein are inclusive of the stated start and end numbers. The term “substantially” indicates mostly (i.e., greater than 50%) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.
As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is intended to mean that the devices and methods include the recited elements and may additionally include any other elements. “Consisting essentially of” shall mean that the devices and methods include the recited elements and exclude other elements of essential significance to the combination for the stated purpose. Thus, a device or method consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude other materials, features, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed disclosure. “Consisting of” shall mean that the devices and methods include the recited elements and exclude anything more than a trivial or inconsequential element or step. Embodiments defined by each of these transitional terms are within the scope of this disclosure.
The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Claims

1-2. (canceled)

3. A reservoir-less vaping-alternative device, comprising:

a housing defining a first cavity therein and comprising a valve assembly, wherein the first cavity is in fluid communication with an environment external to the housing via the valve assembly;

a cap defining a second cavity and comprising:

a first end defining a first aperture, the first end being configured for interaction with a mouth of a user, and

a second end defining a second aperture, the second end being reversibly couplable to the housing, wherein the second cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity when the second end is coupled to the housing; and

at least one wick configured to be pre-soaked in a fluid, wherein the at least one wick is positioned in the cap.

4. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 3, wherein at least one wick utilizes between about 5% to about 10% of the volume defined by the cap.

5. The reservoir-less vaping alternative device of claim 3, wherein the reservoir-less vaping-alterative device comprises two wicks that together utilize between about 10% to about 20% of the volume defined by the cap.

6. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 3, wherein the housing further comprises a base that comprises the valve assembly.

7. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 6, wherein the base is on an opposing end of the housing, opposite the cap when the cap is coupled to the housing.

8. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 3, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve, a bottom portion configured to support the valve, and a top portion configured to apply a compressive force to the valve positioned between the top and bottom portions.

9. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 8, wherein the valve is configured to open or close upon application of a partial vacuum force through the first aperture defined by the first end of the cap.

10. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 9, wherein application of the partial vacuum force is configured to open the valve to produce an audible sound.

11. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 8, wherein the valve comprises a pressure valve.

12. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 9, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow air to enter the first cavity and the second cavity to interact with the at least one wick and exit the first end of the cap when the cap is coupled to the housing and the partial vacuum force is applied to the first aperture defined by the first end of the cap.

13. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 3, wherein the cap comprises a plurality of sidewalls that define the first cavity and connect the first end to the second end.

14. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 13, wherein the cap further comprises at least one slot configured to receive the at least one wick, wherein the at least one slot is coupled to an inner surface of at least one of the plurality of sidewalls.

15-20. (canceled)

21. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 3, wherein the at least one wick utilizes between about 0.1% to about 1% of the volume defined by the vaping-alternative device.

22. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 9, wherein the at least partial vacuum force has a pressure that ranges from about 0.005 MPa to about 0.03 MPa.