US20240114956A1

US20240114956A1 - Vaporizer mixer

Info

Publication number: US20240114956A1
Application number: US18/535,468
Authority: US
Inventors: Gary Upton
Original assignee: Vape Mixer Corp
Current assignee: Vape Mixer Corp
Priority date: 2022-10-10
Filing date: 2023-12-11
Publication date: 2024-04-11
Also published as: WO2024124236A1

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments relate to vaporizer devices which may be configured to allow a user to blend two different substances capable of being vaporized and to adjust the blend. For example, the vaporizer may include a housing having two chambers holding the substances capable of being vaporized. A mechanical valve may be used to mechanically alter the airflow through the two chambers, thereby altering the vapor percentage of the substance in each chamber of the two chambers which reaches the user at a mouthpiece.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/046157 filed Oct. 10, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/431,503 filed Dec. 9, 2022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Vaporizers are devices used to vaporize substances for inhalation. Commercially available vaporizers may include an outer case containing a cartridge for storing the substance, a vaporizing element (e.g., a heating element) to vaporize the substance, and a power source connected to the heating element. While vaporizers are available at a wide variety of price points and can incorporate a variety of additional features, disposable vaporizers (known as vape sticks) are popular for their portability, ease of use, and low purchase price. Such disposable vaporizers may be configured for independent, self-contained, stand-alone usage, without the need for any additional equipment, for example having a mouthpiece end configured for direct interaction with the user's mouth, as well as a heating element and/or power source.
Users may want to customize or mix two or more different substances for vaporization and inhalation. For example, some users may switch between two disposable vaporizers in rapid succession, or may inhale from the mouthpieces of multiple disposable vaporizers at a single time, in an attempt to mix two flavors or substances together in their mouth. This, however, can be awkward and imprecise.
Accordingly, there may be a need for a vaporizer mixer that allows a user to customize a blend of two or more commercially available disposable vaporizers, for example without the need for an external power source or heating element. There may further be a need for a vaporizer mixer that is adaptable to receive commercially available disposable vaporizers of varying sizes and dimensions for customized blending of the vaporizer output by the user. Additionally, there may be a need for precise control when mixing vaporizer output from two or more disposable vaporizers. There may also be a need for a disposable vaporizer capable of providing a customizable combination of two or more vaporized substances using an integrated switch provided in the disposable vaporizer.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure are associated with a vaporizer mixer for receiving and mixing vapor output from more than one vaporizer, wherein each vaporizer has an integrated cartridge, a vaporizing element, and a power source. The vaporizer mixer may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A mouthpiece opening may be provided on the first end. A first vaporizer receiving opening and a second vaporizer receiving opening may be provided on the second end, and the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening may releasably but securely receive a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer. The vaporizer mixer may include a valve manifold disposed between the mouthpiece opening and the second end, and the valve manifold may provide fluid communication between the first vaporizer receiving opening, the second vaporizer receiving opening, and the mouthpiece opening. A valve may be provided in the valve manifold, and may allow for adjustment of the amount of fluid communication between the first vaporizer receiving opening, the second vaporizer receiving opening, and the mouthpiece opening.
Further embodiments of the disclosure are associated with a method of combining vapor output of more than one vaporizer. The method may include providing an unpowered vaporizer mixer, a first vaporizer, and a second vaporizer. The first vaporizer may have a first integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a first vaporizing element, and a first power source. The second vaporizer may have a second integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a second vaporizing element, and a second power source. The method may include connecting a first vaporizer mouthpiece end of the first vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer and connecting a second vaporizer mouthpiece end of the second vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer. The method may further include controlling the vaporizer mixer to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.
Additional embodiments of the disclosure are associated with a vaporizer mixer assembly including an unpowered vaporizer mixer having a first vaporizer receiving opening for receiving a first disposable vaporizer and a second vaporizer receiving opening configured for receiving a second disposable vaporizer. The vaporizer mixer assembly may include a first disposable vaporizer that produces and emits a vaporized material from a first vaporizer mouthpiece end of the first disposable vaporizer, and a second disposable vaporizer that produces and emits a vaporized material from a second vaporizer mouthpiece end of the second disposable vaporizer. The unpowered vaporizer mixer may allow mixing of the vaporized material from the first disposable vaporizer and the second disposable vaporizer.
Additional embodiments relate to a vaporizer. The vaporizer may have a housing with two chambers, each holding a substance capable of being vaporized. The housing may also have an air intake and an air outtake, which are in fluid communication with each other through both of the two chambers. The vaporizer may also include a valve configured to mechanically control airflow through the two chambers at the air intake or the air outtake (e.g., somewhere along the airflow path through the housing) so as to allow control of the mixing/blending of a vapor percentage for the air outtake (based on the percentage of airflow through each of the two chambers). In some embodiments, the valve may be configured to mechanically control airflow through chamber openings for both chambers (so as to allow control of the mixing/blending of a vapor percentage based on the percentage airflow through each of the two chambers).
In an illustrative embodiment, a vaporizer comprises a housing having at least two chambers, wherein each of the at least two chambers holds a substance capable of being vaporized, and a mouthpiece coupled to the housing. The vaporizer further comprises a valve configured to control vapor flow such that vaporized portions of the substance from each of the at least two chambers are mixed at respective percentages at at least an outlet portion of the mouthpiece.
Each of the at least two chambers may comprise a wick and a heating element configured to vaporize the substance from each of the at least two chambers. The vaporizer may further comprise at least two chamber openings, wherein the valve comprises a rotatable dial including at least two dial openings configured to rotate with respect to the at least two chamber openings, and the respective percentages are altered based on alignment of the at least two dial openings with the at least two chamber openings.
In another illustrative embodiment, a vaporizer comprises a housing having at least two chambers and an intake portion, wherein each of the at least two chambers is configured to hold a substance capable of being vaporized and includes a heating element and a chamber opening, and wherein the intake portion and the chamber opening for each of the at least two chambers are configured to be in fluid communication with each other. A valve is configured to control vapor flow through the chamber openings for the at least two chambers, such that respective percentages of vaporized portions of the substance from each of the at least two chambers are varied based on the position of the valve.
The valve may comprise a dial including at least two openings, wherein the dial is configured to rotate with respect to the chamber openings, and wherein the respective percentages of the vaporized portions is varied based on an amount of alignment of the at least two openings with the chamber openings. The valve may further comprise a rotational mounting mechanism providing rotational coupling of the dial to the housing, and one or more stop points defining a range of rotation of the dial with respect to the housing.
Spacing of the at least two openings with respect to each other may differ from spacing of the chamber openings with respect to each other. When the dial is rotated to a first stop point of the one or more stop points, a first opening of the at least two openings may be fully aligned with a first one of the chamber openings, and a second opening of the at least two openings may be fully misaligned with a second one of the chamber openings. When the dial is rotated to a second stop point of the one or more stop points, the second opening of the at least two openings may be fully aligned with the second one of the chamber openings, and the first opening of the at least two openings may be fully misaligned with the first one of the chamber openings.
The vaporizer may further comprise a mouthpiece coupled to the valve, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least two openings.
Further embodiments may relate to a vaporizer mix controller valve having a dial and a mouthpiece. The dial may have two dial openings in a base, a rotational mounting mechanism allowing rotational coupling of the dial to a vaporizer housing (e.g., having two chamber openings), and a stop mechanism defining a range of rotation of the dial with respect to the housing. The mouthpiece may be disposed opposite the base of the dial and is in fluid communication with the two dial openings. Rotation of the dial may allow adjustment/control/setting of a percentage of vapors from the two chamber openings (in fluid communication with the mouthpiece) based on percentage alignment of the dial openings with corresponding chamber openings.
In an illustrative embodiment, a vaporizer mix controller valve comprises a dial comprising at least two openings, wherein the dial is rotationally coupled to a housing of a vaporizer comprising at least two chambers each configured to hold a substance capable of being vaporized and at least two chamber openings respectively corresponding to the at least two chambers. The vaporizer mix controller valve further comprises a protrusion configured to engage with one or more stop points to define a range of rotation of the dial with respect to the housing. The dial is configured to rotate with respect to the at least two chamber openings, and wherein respective percentages of vaporized portions of the substance from each of the at least two chambers are varied based on an amount of alignment of the at least two openings with the at least two chamber openings.
Respective ones of the at least two openings may comprise at least one of a same shape and a same size as respective ones of the at least two chamber openings. Spacing of the at least two openings with respect to each other may differ from spacing of the at least two chamber openings with respect to each other. The at least two openings may be arc shaped. The at least two openings may be spaced apart from each other on a circle centered around a rotational mounting mechanism rotationally coupling the dial to the housing, and the at least two chamber openings may be spaced apart from each other on the circle centered around the rotational mounting mechanism.
When the protrusion engages a first stop point of the one or more stop points, a first opening of the at least two openings may be fully aligned with a first one of the at least two chamber openings, and a second opening of the at least two openings may be fully misaligned with a second one of the at least two chamber openings. When the protrusion engages a second stop point of the one or more stop points, the second opening of the at least two openings may be fully aligned with the second one of the at least two chamber openings, and the first opening of the at least two openings may be fully misaligned with the first one of the at least two chamber openings.
When the protrusion is between the first stop point and the second stop point, the first opening of the at least two openings may be partially aligned with the first one of the at least two chamber openings, and the second opening of the at least two openings may be partially aligned with the second one of the at least two chamber openings. The first stop point can be disposed at a first end of the range of rotation of the dial, and the second stop point can be disposed at a second end of the range of rotation of the dial.
The dial may comprise a hollow body extending away from a base of the dial, and a mouthpiece may be coupled to the hollow body at a side opposite the base. The mouthpiece may be tapered in a direction away from the dial.
In an illustrative embodiment, a method of combining vapor output of at least two vapor sources comprises providing a first chamber containing a first substance capable of being vaporized, wherein the first chamber comprises a first opening configured to permit a vaporized portion of the first substance to flow from the first chamber to a mouthpiece opening, and providing a second chamber containing a second substance capable of being vaporized, wherein the second chamber comprises a second opening configured to permit a vaporized portion of the second substance to flow from the second chamber to the mouthpiece opening. The vapor flow is controlled such that the vaporized portions of the first and second substances are mixed at respective percentages at the mouthpiece opening.
Controlling the vapor flow may comprise adjusting a valve disposed between the mouthpiece opening and the first and second openings to obstruct at least a portion of at least one of the first and second openings. The respective percentages are altered based on an amount of obstruction of at least one of the first and second openings. The method may further comprise applying a negative air pressure to the mouthpiece opening to cause the vapor flow, wherein applying the negative air pressure comprises inhaling through the mouthpiece opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two exemplary disposable vaporizers according to the prior art;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a vaporizer mixer assembly including a vaporizer mixer coupled to two disposable vaporizers, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the vaporizer mixer shown in FIG. 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a front view of an adapter for use with a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a front view of an adapter for use with a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a partial cutaway front view of a vaporizer mixer including an adapter, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a vaporizer mixer assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a bottom-up view of a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an internal side view of a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7A is an internal front view of a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a top-down cross-section view of the vaporizer mixer of FIG. 7A, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a front view of a valve adjuster for use with a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a top-down cross-section view of a valve adjuster for use with a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8C is a side view of a valve adjuster for use with a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8D is a side view of a valve adjuster for use with a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8E is a bottom-up cross-section view of a valve adjuster for use with a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective front view of a vaporizer mixer assembly showing the valve in a first position, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of a vaporizer mixer assembly showing the valve in a second position, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a vaporizer mixer assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a top-down view of valve adjusters for use with a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a top-down view of a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a top-down view of a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a bottom-up view of a vaporizer mixer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a vaporizer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 is an internal schematic view of the vaporizer of FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a vaporizer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the vaporizer of FIG. 20 , according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 20 , according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 20 , according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 24A-H illustrate another vaporizer in various views, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25A illustrates an exploded perspective view of yet another vaporizer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25B illustrates a perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 25A, with the valve shown in exploded view according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25C illustrates a cross-section view of the vaporizer of FIG. 25A, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIGS. 25D-F illustrate schematically operation of the valve of the vaporizer of FIG. 25A according to an embodiment.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and detailed description. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.
The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments. It is understood that reference to a particular “exemplary embodiment” of, e.g., a structure, assembly, component, configuration, method, etc. includes exemplary embodiments of, e.g., the associated features, subcomponents, method steps, etc. forming a part of the “exemplary embodiment.”
FIG. 1 is a drawing of exemplary vaporizers 102 (or “vape sticks”) that are well-known and commercially available. For each, the vaporizers 102 may include a cartridge storing a liquid substance or a solid substance that can be heated to produce vapors that are inhaled by the user through a mouthpiece end 104 of the respective vaporizer. The vaporizers 102 may include a concealed (e.g., internally within the vaporizer) power source, such as a capacitor or a battery, which is electrically connected to a concealed/internal vaporizing element, such as a heating element (e.g., a coil). In an aspect, the user may inhale through the mouthpiece end 104 of the vaporizers 102 to close an internal electrical circuit and connect the power source to the heating element, which in turn heats the cartridge and vaporizes a portion of the substance in the cartridge. The vaporizers 102 may be disposable in that the cartridge is not intended to be refilled and the power source is not intended to be rechargeable. Once either the substance in cartridge is depleted or the power source is depleted, the vaporizers 102 may be disposed of and/or replaced. A variety of vaporizer flavor options are commercially available, as are unflavored vaporizers. In additional embodiments, one or both of the substance cartridge or the power source may be replaceable, and/or the power source may be rechargeable. As discussed herein, these types of vaporizers may be used with a vaporizer mixer, which may be configured to allow mixing of two or more vaporizers.
The vaporizers 102 may include a mouthpiece end 104 configured to be received by a user's mouth and to direct vaporized material out of the vaporizer for inhalation by the user. In each vaporizer of vaporizers 102, the mouthpiece end 104 may be in fluid communication with a vaporizer cartridge via an internal pathway. Upon inhalation through the mouthpiece end 104 by the user, the internal electrical circuit is closed and the power source and vaporizing element are activated to vaporize the substance in the cartridge, which is subsequently passed through the internal pathway for inhalation by the user.
FIG. 2A is an exemplary embodiment of a vaporizer mixer assembly 202, including a vaporizer mixer 204 and two commercially available disposable vaporizers 208, 210 coupled to the vaporizer mixer 204. The vaporizer mixer 204 may include a tactile valve adjuster 212 for manual adjustment of a valve provided inside the vaporizer mixer 204, as discussed in greater detail below. The vaporizer mixer 204 may include a mouthpiece (mixer mouthpiece) 206 that the user may inhale through to inhale the vaporized substances from the vaporizers 208, 210.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the vaporizer mixer 204 may include a first vaporizer receiving opening 214 and a second vaporizer receiving opening 216. A disposable vaporizer (i.e., a mouthpiece end 104 of the disposable vaporizer) may be inserted into each of the vaporizer receiving openings 214, 216 to complete the vaporizer mixer assembly. Once inserted, the user inhales through the mouthpiece 206 of the vaporizer mixer 204 to activate one or both of the vaporizers as described above (i.e., by inhaling to apply a negative air pressure to the individual vaporizers, causing the elements in the internal circuit of the vaporizer to touch and activate). Each of the vaporizers may similarly be removed from the vaporizer receiving opening 214, 216, either to dispose and replace upon expiration (e.g., when no longer functional) or to swap with another vaporizer containing a different flavor or substance.
While FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a vaporizer mixer 204 configured for two vaporizers 208, 210, it is contemplated that the vaporizer mixer assembly 202 may include more than two vaporizers. For example, a third vaporizer receiving opening and/or a fourth vaporizer receiving opening (and the like) may be provided in the vaporizer mixer 204 for coupling to further vaporizers.
According to an aspect, the vaporizer mixer 204 may allow vaporized material to be drawn from each vaporizer (e.g., first, second, third, and fourth vaporizer). In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer 204 may be an unpowered (e.g., no power source and/or heating element) component to which one or more self-contained disposable vaporizers are coupled. In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer 204 may be operable to control the amount of fluid communication between each respective vaporizer in the vaporizer mixer assembly 202, without its own power source. For example, the vaporizer mixer 204 may be configured for use with vaporizers, which each are self-contained, stand-alone vaporizers with their own power source, and the vaporizer mixer 204 itself may be reliant on interaction with the vaporizers in order to produce vaporized material. For example, creation of the vaporized material may take place entirely within the vaporizer, with the vaporizer mixer 204 then allowing for simultaneous use, mixing, and/or control of the ratio of the vaporized material from two or more of the vaporizers (e.g., with the vaporized material created within each vaporizer being emitted out its mouthpiece end into the vaporizer mixer 204). Each vaporizer may have its own power source for vaporizing the material in its cartridge, and the vaporizer mixer 204 may be unpowered, relying on the user's breathing to draw in vaporized material. In other words, the vaporizer mixer 204 may operate via fluid pressure differential, and does not rely on its own electric power source.
The commercially available disposable vaporizers may be available in a variety of dimensions (e.g., sizes, shapes, profiles, and/or configurations), including, for example, vaporizers having mouthpiece ends that have a circular profile or a rectangular profile. In an aspect, the profile of the mouthpiece end of each vaporizer coupled to the vaporizer mixer 204 may correspond to a size and shape of each of the respective vaporizer receiving openings. In an aspect, each vaporizer receiving opening may have a diameter of approximately ½-inch. In a further aspect, each vaporizer receiving opening may be shaped in a manner to receive a particular profile shape/size/geometry of the vaporizer. For example, the vaporizer receiving opening may be rectangular in shape to receive a vaporizer mouthpiece end having a rectangular profile, or circular in shape to receive a vaporizer mouthpiece end having a circular profile.
In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer 204 may include a sealing element provided along an inner surface adjacent to each vaporizer receiving opening. The sealing element may be configured to provide a seal between the inner surface of the vaporizer mixer and an outer surface of the vaporizer provided in the respective vaporizer receiving opening. In an aspect, the sealing element may be an O-ring. The sealing element may be made from rubber, plastic, latex, silicone, or other materials known for use for a similar sealing application.
In some embodiments, the vaporizer mixer may be configured to allow for the simultaneous use of two or more vaporizers which are differently dimensioned (e.g., different brands of vaporizers, with different sizes, shapes, and/or profiles). According to an aspect, and with reference to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, a vaporizer mixer may include an adapter 302/310 coupled to or inserted in the vaporizer receiving opening (e.g., an adapter for each vaporizer receiving opening). The adapter 302/310 may enable coupling and sealing contact between the outer surface of a vaporizer and the vaporizer mixer 204, for example, when the profile of the vaporizer is dissimilar to the shape of the vaporizer receiving opening. In some embodiments, the adapter may be configured to allow for the coupling of differently dimensioned vaporizers with uniform vaporizer receiving openings of a vaporizer mixer. The adapter 302/310 may include an adapter perimeter 304 that is correspondingly shaped and sized to frictionally contact an inner surface of the vaporizer mixer 204 adjacent to the vaporizer receiving opening. The adapter 302/310 may include a deformable surface 306, which may cover the vaporizer receiving opening when the adapter is positioned in the vaporizer receiving opening. The deformable surface 306 may be configured to receive and seal around the mouthpiece end 104 of the vaporizer.
In an aspect, the adapter 302/310 may include an adapter opening formed in the deformable surface 306, for example, in the center of the deformable surface, to sealingly contact the outer surface of the vaporizer when the vaporizer is inserted in the respective vaporizer receiving opening. In some embodiments, the adapter opening 308 may be a circular opening (e.g., adapter opening 308 in FIG. 3A) or one or more slits extending along a length of the deformable surface (e.g., adapter opening 312 in FIG. 3B). The adapter 302/310 may be made from rubber, plastic, latex, silicone, or other materials known for use for a similar sealing application.
In an aspect, an adapter may only be used in one vaporizer receiving opening. For example, the adapter may be provided in one of the two or more vaporizer receiving openings to receive and sealingly contact a mouthpiece end of a first vaporizer having a first mouthpiece end profile, while a mouthpiece end of a second vaporizer having a second mouthpiece end profile may be inserted and sealed with a vaporizer receiving opening corresponding to the second mouthpiece end profile, without the use of an adapter. For example, a mouthpiece having a plurality of circular vaporizer receiving openings may receive and sealingly contact a first vaporizer with a circular mouthpiece end profile without the use of an adapter, and may also receive a second vaporizer with a rectangular mouthpiece end profile with the use of an adapter. In other embodiments and/or uses, multiple adapters may be used, for example with one adapter per vaporizer receiving opening. In some embodiments, each adapter may be substantially similar (and configured for use with a wide variety of dimensions of vaporizers). In other embodiments, the user may select from a plurality of different adapters, to choose the appropriate adapter for use with a specific vaporizer (e.g., based on dimensions). In embodiments in which the user selects form a plurality of adapters, each adapter may be specifically dimensioned to seal a specific vaporizer.
FIG. 3C shows a cross section view of an exemplary vaporizer mixer 204, including a first vaporizer 208 and a second vaporizer 210 provided in the respective vaporizer receiving openings and secured in place with the adapter 302/310. In an aspect, the adapter perimeter 304 is aligned with the adapter opening. When the vaporizer 208 is inserted in the vaporizer receiving opening, the deformable surface 306 of the adapter 302/310 may be pushed inward into the adapter by the vaporizer 208 and a seal may be formed between the vaporizer 208 and the adapter 302/310.
FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an exemplary vaporizer mixer assembly 408, including a vaporizer mixer 412, a first vaporizer 414, and a second vaporizer 416. As detailed above, a first vaporizer mouthpiece end 418 of the first vaporizer 414 and a second vaporizer mouthpiece end 420 of the second vaporizer 416 may be inserted into a respective vaporizer receiving opening (not shown) provided on a lower end 426 of the vaporizer mixer 412 for coupling thereto.
The vaporizer mixer 412 may include a mixer upper end 404 provided opposite to the vaporizer receiving openings and the lower end 426. A neck may be formed on the mixer upper end 404 to receive and retain a mouthpiece insert 402. While the exemplary embodiment shows the mouthpiece insert 402 as a separate component, it is contemplated that the mouthpiece may be formed integrally with the mixer upper end 404 in some embodiments. The mouthpiece insert 402 may include a mouthpiece outlet 406 extending through the mouthpiece insert 402, and aligned with an outlet channel (not shown) extending through the mixer upper end 404.
A valve manifold 410 may be formed in the vaporizer mixer 412 below the mixer upper end 404, and a valve 422 may be positioned in the valve manifold 410. The valve 422 may include a valve adjuster 424, which may be provided for the user to manually adjust a position of the valve 422, as well as to serve as a visual indication of the valve position.
FIG. 5 through FIG. 7A show an exemplary embodiment of the vaporizer mixer 412 in greater detail. FIG. 5 shows a bottom-up view of the vaporizer mixer 412. A first vaporizer receiving opening 502 and a second vaporizer receiving opening 506 may be provided on the lower end 426. Each vaporizer receiving opening 502, 506 may be defined by an inner surface 510 of the vaporizer mixer 412, and may include a graduated or stepped surface wherein an inner diameter of the respective vaporizer receiving opening decreases approaching the valve manifold. Each of the vaporizer receiving openings may be configured for releasably but securely receiving a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer (e.g., a disposable vaporizer).
A valve manifold lower wall 504 may define a closed end of each respective vaporizer receiving opening 502, 506. In the valve manifold lower wall 504 at each closed end of each respective vaporizer receiving opening 502, 506, there may be a valve manifold inlet 508, 512 that is formed as an opening in the valve manifold lower wall 504 for communication between the respective vaporizer receiving opening 502, 506 and the valve manifold 410. In the exemplary embodiment, each valve manifold inlet 508, 512 is formed as a slit extending along the valve manifold lower wall 504, and the valve manifold inlets 508, 512 may be offset from one another. For example, the valve manifold inlet 508 of the vaporizer receiving opening 502 may be formed closer to a front wall 514 of the vaporizer mixer 412, while the valve manifold inlet 512 of the vaporizer receiving opening 506 may be formed closer to a rear wall 516 of the vaporizer mixer 412.
FIG. 6 shows a side view showing an interior of the vaporizer mixer 412. In addition to the valve manifold inlet 508 associated with the vaporizer receiving opening 502 and the valve manifold inlet 512 associated with the vaporizer receiving opening 506, the valve manifold 410 may include a valve manifold outlet 602 provided adjacent the mixer upper end 404 and extending along a valve manifold upper wall 604. The valve manifold outlet 602 may be offset from each of the valve manifold inlet 508 and the valve manifold inlet 512 (e.g., so they do not align when viewed from the bottom and/or side). For example, the valve manifold outlet 602 may be formed along a medial plane of the vaporizer mixer 412 (e.g., when viewed from the side as in FIG. 6 ), between the valve manifold inlet 508 and the valve manifold inlet 512. Valve manifold inlet 508 may be located on one side of the medial plane, while valve manifold inlet 512 may be located on the opposite side of the medial plane. In an aspect, the mouthpiece outlet 406 (not shown) may align with the valve manifold outlet 602 to form an outlet pathway from the valve manifold 410 to the mouthpiece outlet 406.
FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional front view of the vaporizer mixer 412 including the valve manifold 410. The valve manifold 410 may include a valve manifold interior 702 that is a substantially hollow and open space, defined by the valve manifold upper wall 604, the valve manifold lower wall 504, and a valve manifold rear wall 704. The valve manifold interior 702 and walls 604, 504, 704, may be dimensioned to receive a valve component, for example, as detailed with respect to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E. The valve component may enclose the valve manifold interior (e.g., opposite the valve manifold rear wall 704) when positioned in place in the valve manifold 410.
FIG. 7B shows a cross-section top-down view of the valve manifold 410. A valve manifold opening 708 may be provided opposite the valve manifold rear wall 704, and the valve manifold opening 708 may be sized to receive the valve component. In an aspect, the valve may be retained in the valve manifold 410 by a frictional engagement. For example, a channel 706 may be formed in the walls of the valve manifold to provide a snap fit engagement with the valve component. When the valve component is in place, it may seal the valve manifold opening 708, so vapor can be directed within the valve manifold (i.e., from the vaporizers through valve manifold inlet 508 and/or valve manifold inlet 512, through valve manifold outlet 602 and through mouthpiece outlet 406) via the valve.
FIG. 8A through FIG. 8E show various views of an exemplary valve 422 and its features. FIG. 8A is a front view of the valve 422 including the valve adjuster 424 provided on a valve front wall 802.
FIG. 8B is a top-down cross-section view of the valve 422 from line 8B of FIG. 8A. A valve side wall 804 may extend longitudinally (i.e., along reference line 816) from the valve front wall 802 to define a valve interior 814 that is substantially hollow and open. When the valve 422 is inserted in the valve manifold (e.g., of FIG. 4 ), the valve interior 814 is closed off by the valve manifold rear wall 704. A valve side wall projection 812 may extend outward from the valve side wall 804, and be configured to fit into the channel 706 formed in the valve manifold walls for retention of the valve 422 within the valve manifold interior.
The valve inlet 808 and valve inlet 810 may be provided as openings or slits extending along a portion of the valve side wall 804. As shown in FIG. 8B, in some embodiments the valve inlet 808 may be longitudinally spaced from the valve inlet 810 and/or may be substantially disposed on opposites sides of the longitudinal centerline (shown as reference line 816) of the valve 422. The valve inlets 808 and 810 may be configured (e.g., sized and relatively located with respect to one another) to allow for full alignment respectively with the valve manifold inlets 508 and 512 when the valve is in a first position. When the valve 422 is positioned in the valve manifold in the first position (e.g., rotationally), the valve inlet 808 may align with the valve manifold inlet 508, and the valve inlet 810 may align with the valve manifold inlet 512. Depending on the rotational position of the valve 422, the alignment of the valve manifold inlet 508, the valve inlet 808, the valve manifold inlet 512, and the valve inlet 810 may provide a fluid pathway between the vaporizer receiving openings 502, 506, and the valve interior 814, allowing fluid flow. The amount of fluid flow (e.g., from each vaporizer into the valve interior 814) may depend, for example, on the amount of alignment of the valve inlets 808, 810 and the valve manifold inlets 508, 512. In some embodiments, the amount of alignment may be adjustable based on rotation of the valve 422 (e.g., by the valve adjuster 424).
FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D are side views of the valve 422 showing the relative positioning of each of the valve outlet 806, the valve inlet 808, and the valve inlet 810 in the valve side wall 804. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve inlet 808 is provided closer to the valve front wall 802, the valve inlet 810 is provided away from the valve front wall 802. A valve outlet 806 may be provided as an opening or slit extending along a portion of the valve side wall 804. The valve outlet 806 may align with the valve manifold outlet 602, when the valve 422 is disposed in the valve manifold opening 708, and may be provided between the valve inlet 808 and the valve inlet 810. In some embodiments, each of the valve inlets 808, 810 may be sized similarly to the corresponding valve manifold inlets 508, 512. In some embodiments, the valve inlets 808, 810 may be substantially identical in size and shape.
FIG. 8E is a bottom-up view of the valve 422 from line 8E, showing the features of the valve 422 described in connection with FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, and FIG. 8D. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve outlet 806 is an elongated opening extending across a portion of the valve side wall 804 In some embodiments, the valve outlet 806 may extend along the width of the valve 422, so that there is always an open, fluid pathway between the valve interior 814 and the valve manifold outlet 602, regardless of the rotational position of the valve 422.
The valve adjuster 424 may be provided as a projection extending from the valve front wall 802, which may operate as a handle or knob. In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the valve adjuster 424 is a vertical projection when the valve adjuster 424 is in the first position, although other orientations are similarly contemplated. In an aspect, the valve adjuster 424 may serve as a visual indicator of the rotational position of the valve 422. The valve adjuster 424 may be formed on the valve front wall 802 so that the valve adjuster 424 is aligned with a plane extending transverse to a midpoint of the valve outlet 806. In an aspect, when the valve adjuster 424 is positioned in the first position (e.g., vertically in the embodiment of FIG. 8A), the valve manifold outlet 602 aligns with the midpoint of the valve outlet 806 and/or the valve inlets 808, 810 may fully align respectively with the valve manifold inlets 508, 512. While the exemplary embodiments include a rotationally adjusted valve, it is contemplated that any adjustable flowpath control (mechanical valve, electrical switch, etc.) may be used.
With reference to embodiments herein, a mixer (i.e., a valve) may be provided in the valve manifold 410 to control the flow of vapor output from each of the vaporizer receiving openings. In an aspect, the mixer may be an obstruction element, for example, a mechanical valve. The mechanical valve (or other obstruction element) may be coupled to a mixer control that is configured to operate the valve/mixer, for example to control the amount of obstruction of the flow of vapor output from one or more of the vaporizer receiving openings. In an aspect, the mixer control may be configured to switch the mixer between a first state (or position), a second state (or position), and/or a third state (or position). For example, in the first state, fluid communication between the first vaporizer receiving opening and the mouthpiece outlet may be obstructed (while fluid communication between the second vaporizer receiving opening and the mouthpiece outlet is fully open/non-obstructed). In the second state, fluid communication between the second vaporizer receiving opening and the mouthpiece outlet may be obstructed (while fluid communication between the first vaporizer receiving opening and the mouthpiece outlet is fully open/non-obstructed). In the third state, fluid communication between the mouthpiece outlet and each of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening may be partially obstructed. In some embodiments, the amount of obstruction for the first state and the second state may be set via the mixer control (e.g., within a desired range), while in other embodiments the first state and the second state may only have a single pre-set obstruction level. In some embodiments, the level of obstruction for the first state and the second state may be total obstruction (e.g., closing off one vaporizer completely, so that it is no longer in fluid communication with the mouthpiece outlet). In some embodiments, the level of obstruction (or the maximum level of obstruction) for the first state or the second state may be a pre-set percentage of the flow (e.g., 80% obstruction). The combination of vapor output may be selected by the user to create the desired blend of relative vapor outputs from each vaporizer. For example, a first pineapple-flavored vaporizer and a second coconut-flavored vaporizer may be coupled to the vaporizer mixer and be combined in a 1:1 ratio to produce a pina colada flavored vapor output. In a further embodiment, three vaporizers with different flavors (e.g., blueberry, strawberry, banana) may be coupled to the vaporizer mixer and the control set to provide a 1:1:1 ratio of vapor output to create a blended tropical fruit flavor. In a further embodiment, one or more of the vaporizers may contain an unflavored substance, and the unflavored vaporizer may be combined with a flavored vaporizer to add a flavor vapor to the unflavored substance. For example, an unflavored nicotine vaporizer may be combined with a separate vaporizer containing a flavor carrier (or a flavored nicotine or non-nicotine substance such as THC) to produce a flavored nicotine vapor output. Once the user sets the vaporizer mixer to create the desired blend of vapor output, the user may inhale through the mouthpiece, thereby applying a negative air pressure to the mouthpiece outlet to initiate the vaporizing element of each vaporizer via its internal power source.
In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer may be used for combining vapor output of more than one vaporizer using an unpowered vaporizer mixer as described hereinabove. A first vaporizer having a first integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a first vaporizing element, and a first power source, and a second vaporizer having a second integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a second vaporizing element, and a second power source, may be connected to the unpowered vaporizer mixer. In an aspect, a mouthpiece end of each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer may be connected to the vaporizer mixer. The user may control a mixer/valve within the vaporizer mixer to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from one or more of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer. In a further aspect, additional vaporizers as described herein may be connected to the vaporizer mixer. For example, a mouthpiece end of a third vaporizer having a third integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a third vaporizing element, and a third power source may be connected to the vaporizer mixer, and a mouthpiece end of a fourth vaporizer having a fourth integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a fourth vaporizing element, and a fourth power source may be connected to the vaporizer mixer. The user may control the mixer/valve to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from one or more of the first vaporizer, the second vaporizer, the third vaporizer, and the fourth vaporizer.
To combine the vapor output using the vaporizer mixer, the user may select a desired relative vapor output of each vaporizer and apply a negative air pressure to the mouthpiece of the vaporizer mixer. In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer may include a mechanical valve that may be adjusted or operated to select the desired relative vapor output. For example, the valve may be adjusted to at least partially obstruct the flow of vapor output from one or more of the vaporizers. In an aspect, the valve manifold may include a plurality of valves and associated switches such that each vaporizer provided in a vaporizer receiving opening of the vaporizer mixer has its own valve inlet and flowpath. For example, an assembly including the vaporizer mixer coupled to two vaporizers may include one valve; an assembly including the vaporizer mixer coupled to three vaporizers may include two valves; and an assembly including a vaporizer mixer coupled to four vaporizers may include three valves; and so on.
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a vaporizer mixer assembly 902 with a valve 906 in an exemplary first position 904. In the first position, a valve adjuster 908 of the valve 906 is in a vertical orientation. In the first position, the valve manifold outlet and the mouthpiece outlet may be aligned with a midpoint of the valve outlet. Simultaneously, at least a portion of the valve manifold inlet may be aligned with at least a portion of the valve inlet associated with a first vaporizer receiving opening 910, and at least a portion of the valve manifold inlet may be aligned with at least a portion of the valve inlet associated with a second vaporizer receiving opening 912. In other words, an open, fluid pathway may be provided from each of the vaporizers 208, vaporizer 210, through the valve interior, to the mouthpiece outlet.
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the vaporizer mixer assembly 902 with the valve 906 in an exemplary second position 1002. In the second position, the valve adjuster 908 is in a non-vertical orientation. In this position, the valve manifold outlet and the mouthpiece outlet may be aligned with a point of the valve outlet that is not the midpoint of the valve outlet (but still sufficiently aligned to allow fluid flow therethrough). Simultaneously, one of the valve manifold inlets and associated valve inlets may be misaligned so that they do not overlap, blocking the fluid pathway between one of the vaporizer receiving openings 910, 912 and the valve interior. For example, when the valve manifold inlet associated with the first vaporizer receiving opening 910 is misaligned or not overlapping with the valve inlet associated with the first vaporizer receiving opening 910, then fluid flow from the vaporizer receiving opening 910 is blocked. Similarly, when the valve manifold inlet associated with the second vaporizer receiving opening 912 is misaligned or not overlapping with the valve inlet associated with the second vaporizer receiving opening 912, then fluid flow from the vaporizer receiving opening 912 is blocked. The valve inlets and the valve manifold inlets may be arranged so that when one of the valve inlet and its corresponding valve manifold inlet is blocked, the other (or more than one of the other) valve inlet and its corresponding valve manifold inlet is not blocked, allowing fluid flow from the associated vaporizer receiving opening.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , a vaporizer mixer assembly 1102 may include a vaporizer mixer 1104 with two disposable vaporizers 1106, 1108, a mouthpiece 1114, and a designated valve and valve adjuster 1110, 1112 for each vaporizer 1106, 1108. In other words, each valve may be an on-off valve that may be independently adjusted to either allow the flow of vapor from each vaporizer to the mouthpiece, or impede the flow of vapor. In an aspect, these valves may be incrementally adjustable so that the user may more precisely control the ratio of flow output of the multiple vaporizers. For example, the user may select to set the valve adapter for a first vaporizer 1106 to 80% open, and set the valve adapter for a second vaporizer 1108 to 20% open, to create the desired blend ratio of vapor output. While FIG. 11 shows two vaporizers, it is contemplated that more than two vaporizers may be used in the assembly, in which case each vaporizer coupled to the vaporizer mixer would have its own independent on-off valve. For example, a third vaporizer coupled to the vaporizer mixer would have a dedicated and independent third valve, a fourth vaporizer coupled to the vaporizer mixer would have a dedicated and independent fourth valve, and so on.
FIG. 12 shows a vaporizer mixer 1202 according to an exemplary embodiment. The vaporizer mixer 1202 may include a first valve 1204 and a second valve 1206 and be configured for independently adjusting the flow of vapor output from an associated vaporizer. Each of the valves 1204, 1206 controls the flowpath from a respective vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 as discussed above with reference to FIG. 11 . The vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 may be configured to securely receive a vaporizer. A mouthpiece 1212 may be provided on the vaporizer mixer 1202 at the upper end opposite the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 and may be configured for the user to inhale the vapor output from the vaporizer mixer 1202 when vaporizers are inserted into the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 and the user inhales. In an aspect, the mouthpiece 1212 may be formed together with the vaporizer mixer 1202 as a unitary and monolithic structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 1212 may be a separate component that is removably coupled to the vaporizer mixer 1202.
FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the vaporizer mixer 1202. A first valve 1204 and a second valve 1206 are positioned respectively in a first valve housing 1306 and a second valve housing 1308. The valve housing 1306, 1308 may be sized and shaped to securely receive and retain the valve 1204, 1206. A wall 1312 may be formed at an upper end 1314 of the vaporizer mixer 1202, and the wall 1312 may surround a vaporizer mixer outlet (not shown) associated with each of the valve housings as discussed in connection with FIG. 15 . The wall 1312 may define a mouthpiece receiving opening 1304 of the vaporizer mixer 1202.
The mouthpiece 1212 may be coupled to the vaporizer mixer 1202 at the upper end 1314. In an aspect, the mouthpiece 1212 may include a mouthpiece projection 1302 that is sized and shaped to securely fit into the mouthpiece receiving opening 1304 of the vaporizer mixer 1202. In an aspect, the wall 1312 may include a ridge or annular projection that provides a snap-fit engagement with the mouthpiece 1212 so that the mouthpiece 1212 is secured in place within the mouthpiece receiving opening 1304. The mouthpiece 1212 may include a mouthpiece outlet 1310 formed on a surface of the mouthpiece 1212 opposite the mouthpiece projection 1302, and the mouthpiece outlet 1310 may connect to one or more channels that align with the vaporizer mixer outlet(s) formed in the vaporizer mixer 1202.
FIG. 14 shows a top view of the valves 1204, 1206. In an exemplary embodiment, the valves 1204, 1206 may be identical and the features described with respect to the first valve 1204 may be present in the second valve 1206. It is also contemplated that in an embodiment, the first valve 1204 may be different in size, dimension, functionality, and the like, in comparison to the second valve 1206. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve 1204 may include a valve front wall 1402 and a valve adjuster 1404 provided on the valve front wall 1402. The valve adjuster 1404 may be a tactile projection extending from the valve front wall 1402 which may be provided for the user to manually adjust a position of the valve 1204, 1206, as well as to serve as a visual indication of the valve position. A valve body 1408 may extend from the valve front wall 1402 and may be defined by a valve side wall 1410. The length of the valve body 1408 may be substantially equal to a depth of the valve housing 1306 and the diameter of the valve body 1408 may be substantially equal to an inner diameter of the valve housing 1306, such that when the valve 1204, 1206 is positioned in the valve housing 1306, 1308, the valve side wall 1410 contacts an inner surface of the valve housing 1306 to effectively prevent vapor from passing between the valve side wall 1410 and the valve housing 1306.
A valve throughway 1406 may be formed through the valve body 1408 in a direction transverse to the length of the valve body 1408. The valve throughway 1406 may be aligned with an orientation of the valve adjuster 1404, so that the valve adjuster 1404 may serve as a visual indicator of the orientation of the valve throughway 1406 within the vaporizer mixer 1202. In an aspect, the valve 1204, valve 1206 may be rotated once positioned in the valve housing 1306, 1308, to open or close the valve and enable vapor to pass through the valve throughway 1406 from the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, vaporizer receiving opening 1210 to the mouthpiece 1212.
The valve adjuster 1404 may be provided as a projection extending from the valve front wall 1402, which may operate as a handle or knob. In an embodiment and as shown in FIG. 12 , the valve adjuster 1404 may be a vertical projection when the valve adjuster 1404 is in the first position, although other orientations are similarly contemplated. In said first position, the flowpath from the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 to the mouthpiece 1212 is completely open. In another aspect, the valve adjuster 1404 may be in a non-vertical position, in which the flowpath from the vaporizer receiving opening 1208 to the 1210 is partially or completely obstructed by the valve body 1408 and valve side wall 1410. For example, in a position in which the valve adjuster 1404 is a horizontal projection, the valve throughway 1406 is positioned transverse to the flowpath extending from the vaporizer receiving opening 1208 to the mouthpiece 1212. In this position, the valve body 1408 and valve side wall 1410 may completely obstruct the flowpath so that no vapor output passes through the valve 1204 to the mouthpiece 1212.
FIG. 15 is a top-down view of the vaporizer mixer 1202 without the mouthpiece 1212. A first vaporizer mixer outlet 1502 and a second vaporizer mixer outlet 1504 may be provided on the upper end 1314 of the vaporizer mixer 1202 and may extend from the upper end 1314 to the valve housing 1306, 1308. In an exemplary embodiment, the vaporizer mixer 1202 includes two isolated flowpaths. The first flowpath may be between the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, the valve housing 1306, and the vaporizer mixer outlet 1502. The second flowpath may extend between the vaporizer receiving opening 1210, the valve housing 1308, and the vaporizer mixer outlet 1504. The first flowpath and second flowpath may be independently controlled (i.e., opened, closed, or partially obstructed) by the respective valve 1204, 1206 associated with each flowpath. The vaporizer mixer outlet 1502, 1504 may connect to channels formed in the mouthpiece 1212 which converge into the single mouthpiece receiving opening 1304, at which point the vapors from each flowpath are mixed and inhaled by the user.
As shown in FIG. 15 , the wall 1312 formed on the upper end 1314 of the mouthpiece 1212 surrounds the vaporizer mixer outlets 1502, 1504. In this way, when the mouthpiece 1212 is positioned in the mouthpiece receiving opening 1304 and coupled to the vaporizer mixer 1202, the vaporizer mixer outlets 1502, 1504 are aligned with the channels formed in the mouthpiece 1212.
FIG. 16 shows a top-down view of the vaporizer mixer 1202 with the mouthpiece 1212. In the exemplary embodiment, both valve 1204 and valve 1206 are in a vertical orientation, in which both the first flowpath and the second flowpath are open.
FIG. 17 shows a bottom-up view of the vaporizer mixer 1202. Each of the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 may be provided in the vaporizer mixer 1202 and may include an inner wall 1706 defining a portion of the flowpath from the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 to the mouthpiece 1212. A valve housing inlet 1702, 1704 may be provided at the end of the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 between the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 and the respective valve housing 1306, 1308, to connect the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 to the valve housing 1306, 1308.
The inner wall 1706 of each of the vaporizer receiving openings 1208, 1210 may be a graded or stepped surface, so that the diameter of the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 decreases approaching the valve housing inlet 1702, 1704. As such, the inner diameter of the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 may be configured to receive and secure a vaporizer having one of a range of outer profiles/diameters. While the vaporizer receiving opening 1208, 1210 shown is a circular opening, it is contemplated that the dimensions of the opening may be configured in any size or shape to receive and retain the vaporizer.
According to an aspect, a user may use a vaporizer mixer assembly, including an unpowered vaporizer mixer as detailed in the exemplary embodiments herein, a first vaporizer having a first integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a first vaporizing element, and a first power source, and a second vaporizer having a second integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a second vaporizing element, and a second power source, to combine the vapor output of one or more of the first vaporizer and second vaporizer. The user may connect the first vaporizer mouthpiece end of the first vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer, and connect a second vaporizer mouthpiece end of the second vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer. The user may control the vaporizer mixer to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.
To activate the integrated vaporizing element provided in the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer, the user may apply a negative air pressure to a mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer, for example, by inhaling through the mouthpiece opening. When a negative air pressure is applied to the mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer, an electrical circuit between the integrated vaporizing element and power source of each vaporizer is completed, in turn activating the vaporizing element within each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer, in order to produce vaporized material internally within each inserted vaporizer. The vaporized material from each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer then passes through the vaporizer mixer and out of the mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer.
The user may select a desired relative vapor output of each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer. In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer may comprise a mechanical valve that is in communication with the first vaporizer mouthpiece end of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer mouthpiece end of the second vaporizer. The user may adjust the valve to at least partially obstruct the flow of vapor output from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.
An exemplary embodiment may include a disposable vaporizer 1802 as shown in FIG. 18 . The disposable vaporizer 1802 may include a vaporizer housing 1804, a mouthpiece 1806 extending from the vaporizer housing 1804, and a valve selector 1808 (which may be a lever, knob, slide adjuster, etc. for example) provided on a surface of the vaporizer housing 1804. The valve selector 1808 may be configured to adjust a relative vapor output of two or more vaporizers or vaporizer assemblies provided in the vaporizer housing 1804. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve selector 1808 is shown as a sliding mechanical switch retained in an adjustment track 1810, however, it is contemplated that the valve selector 1808 may be provided as another type of mechanical mechanism, such as, for example, a rotating valve as described in embodiments above, or as an electrical switch including one or more control buttons.
FIG. 19 shows an internal schematic view of the vaporizer 1802 of FIG. 18 . The mouthpiece 1806 of the vaporizer 1802 may have a mouthpiece outlet 1902 extending through the mouthpiece 1806 and connecting to a valve manifold 1906 provided in the vaporizer housing 1804. The valve manifold 1906 may also include one or more valve manifold inlets 1908, 1910, which are connected to the vaporizer assemblies housed within the vaporizer housing 1804. In the exemplary embodiment, the vaporizer 1802 includes a first vaporizer assembly including a vaporizer reservoir 1912 containing the substance to be vaporized, a vaporizer channel 1922 extending between the vaporizer reservoir 1912 and the valve manifold inlet 1908, and a coil 1916 connected to a power source 1920 (e.g., a battery). The second vaporizer assembly includes a vaporizer reservoir 1914 containing a substance to be vaporized, a vaporizer channel 1924 extending between the vaporizer reservoir 1914 and the valve manifold inlet 1910, and a coil 1918 connected to the power source 1920.
The valve manifold 1906 may retain the valve selector 1808 and may provide a segment of a channel or flowpath from each vaporizer reservoir 1912, 1914 to the mouthpiece outlet 1902. The valve selector 1808 may be adjusted (e.g., by sliding the switch in either direction) to adjust a relative vapor output of each vaporizer assembly, for example, by opening or obstructing, partially or completely, either of the flowpaths from the first vaporizer reservoir 1912 or the second vaporizer reservoir 1914. While two vaporizer assemblies are shown, it is contemplated that the vaporizer 1802 may include more than two vaporizer assemblies. Further, while the two vaporizer reservoirs 1912, 1914 are shown in a side-by-side configuration, other arrangements are also contemplated, including for example, two or more vaporizer reservoirs stacked vertically in relation to the mouthpiece 1806. The valve manifold 1906 is spaced apart from the vaporizer reservoirs with an electrical circuit (described in detail hereinbelow) disposed between the valve manifold 1906 and the vaporizer reservoirs.
The power source 1920 may be a power source, such as a battery, that is connected to one or more of the vaporizer assemblies to provide power to heat the coil 1916, 1918 (or other internal heating element) used to vaporize the substance in the vaporizer reservoir 1912, 1914. While a single power source 1920 is shown, it is contemplated that each vaporizer assembly may have its own power source 1920. Further, while two coils are shown, it is also contemplated that the two or more vaporizer assemblies may operate with a shared heating element. In use, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 1806, an electrical circuit (including the coil 1916, 1918 and the power source 1920) is closed and the electrical circuit powers the coil 1916, coil 1918 to vaporize the substance in the vaporizer reservoir 1912, 1914. Each vaporizer reservoir 1912, 1914 may contain enough substance to provide a total of at least about 5,000 puffs and up to about 8,000 puffs. In an aspect, if one of the vaporizer reservoirs is emptied before the other, the vaporizer 1802 would remain usable until all other reservoirs are emptied. While not shown in the exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer 1802 may also include a controller (e.g., an electrical controller) coupled to the electrical circuit. The controller may be configured to control power supply to one or more coils for vaporization. Alternatively, the controller may be connected to an electrical switch that the user may control to set the relative ratio of vapor output from each vaporizer reservoir.
FIG. 20 shows a front view of a vaporizer 2002, according to an exemplary embodiment. The vaporizer 2002 may include a vaporizer housing 2004 defined by one or more housing walls 2010. The vaporizer assemblies and/or components of the vaporizer 2002 (e.g., the vaporizer reservoirs, the valve manifold, the vaporizer channels, the heating element, the power supply, etc.) may be housed within the vaporizer housing 2004. A valve adjuster 2006 may be provided adjacent to the vaporizer housing 2004. In an aspect, the valve adjuster 2006 may be a cylindrical projection extending from the vaporizer housing 2004. The valve adjuster 2006 may be rotatable for adjustment of a relative vapor output of the two (or more) vaporizer assemblies in the vaporizer housing 2004, as described hereinabove. In an aspect, the valve adjuster 2006 may have a textured or tactile surface. The textured or tactile surface may help to provide additional grip or friction that aids a user securely rotating the valve adjuster 2006 from a first position to a plurality of positions to adjust the relative vapor output. A mouthpiece 2008 may be provided adjacent to the valve adjuster 2006, on an opposite end of the valve adjuster 2006 from the vaporizer housing 2004.
FIG. 21 shows a rear view of the vaporizer 2002.
As shown in FIG. 22 , a mouthpiece opening 2104 may be formed in the mouthpiece 2008. The mouthpiece opening 2104 may extend through the mouthpiece 2008 and into the valve manifold (not shown), as described hereinabove. The vaporizer housing 2004 may be defined by an upper wall 2102, from which the valve adjuster 2006 and mouthpiece 2008 extend.
FIG. 23 shows a bottom perspective view of the vaporizer 2002. The vaporizer housing 2004 may be defined by a bottom wall 2202. A power supply input 2204 may be provided on the bottom wall 2202, and the power supply input 2204 may provide an electrical connection to the electrical circuit and/or to the power supply (not shown) housed inside the vaporizer housing 2004, for charging or re-charging the power supply. In an aspect, the power supply input may be any electrical port or connector, for example and not limitation, an AC or DC power connector, a USB port, or another known electrical charging port.
In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be configured so that airflow path through the housing (e.g., through the chambers/reservoirs of the housing) may be (mechanically) controlled. For example, a valve in fluid communication with the air intake and/or the air outtake may be configured to control the airflow path so that (1) all airflow through the vaporizer housing passes through a first chamber, (2) all airflow through the vaporizer housing passes through a second chamber, or (3) a percentage of the airflow passes through the first chamber and a percentage of the airflow passes through the second chamber (e.g., allowing the full range of blends of vapors from the different chambers, with the percentage of airflow through the first chamber plus the percentage of airflow through the second chamber equaling the full (100%) airflow through the housing). This approach may allow for the user to select the specific blend of vapors from the two chambers.
FIGS. 24A-H illustrate additional embodiments of a vaporizer, in various views. The vaporizer of FIGS. 24A-H may have similar functionally to embodiments shown in FIGS. 18-23 and/or 25A-F below. For example, FIG. 24A shows a top perspective view of a vaporizer 2402, according to an exemplary embodiment. The vaporizer 2402 may include a vaporizer housing 2404. The vaporizer assemblies and/or components of the vaporizer 2402 (e.g., the vaporizer reservoirs, the valve manifold, the vaporizer channels, the heating element, the power supply, etc.) may be housed within the vaporizer housing 2404. A valve adjuster 2406 may be provided adjacent to the vaporizer housing 2404. In an aspect, the valve adjuster 2406 may be a cylindrical projection extending from the vaporizer housing 2404. The valve adjuster 2406 may be rotatable for adjustment of a relative vapor output of the two (or more) vaporizer assemblies in the vaporizer housing 2404, as described hereinabove. In an aspect, the valve adjuster 2406 may have a textured or tactile surface. The textured or tactile surface may help to provide additional grip or friction that aids a user securely rotating the valve adjuster 2406 from a first position to a plurality of positions to adjust the relative vapor output. A mouthpiece 2408 may be provided adjacent to the valve adjuster 2406, on an opposite end of the valve adjuster 2406 from the vaporizer housing 2404. A mouthpiece opening 2405 may be formed in the mouthpiece 2408. The mouthpiece opening 2405 may extend through the mouthpiece 2408 and into the valve manifold (not shown), as described hereinabove. The vaporizer housing 2404 may be defined by an upper wall 2412, from which the valve adjuster 2406 and mouthpiece 2408 extend.
FIG. 24B shows a bottom perspective view and FIGS. 24C and 24D show front and rear views of the vaporizer 2402. FIGS. 24E and 24F show left and right-side views of the vaporizer 2402. The vaporizer housing 2404 may be defined by a bottom wall 2413. A power supply input 2414 may be provided on the bottom wall 2413, and the power supply input 2414 may provide an electrical connection to the electrical circuit and/or to the power supply (not shown) housed inside the vaporizer housing 2404, for charging or re-charging the power supply. In an aspect, the power supply input may be any electrical port or connector, for example and not limitation, an AC or DC power connector, a USB port, or another known electrical charging port.
FIGS. 24G and 24H show top and bottom views of the vaporizer 2402. FIG. 24G illustrates two chamber openings 2415 a and 2415 b in the upper wall 2412 of the vaporizer housing 2404 through which vapor may flow from respective chambers of the vaporizer 2402 through the mouthpiece opening 2405 into a mouth of a user.
FIGS. 25A-F illustrate another exemplary vaporizer 2501, which may illustrate an embodiment of this configuration. In FIGS. 25A-C, the housing 2510 of the vaporizer 2501 has two chambers 2520 a and 2520 b (also referred to herein as a first chamber 2520 a and a second chamber 2520 b). The first and second chambers 2520 a and 2520 b may also be referred to herein as vapor reservoirs. Each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b may be configured to hold the substance (e.g., a fluid) to be vaporized. Each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b may also include a wick 2540 and a heating element disposed in proximity to the wick 2540 and/or configured to vaporize the substance from the wick 2540 (to generate vapors). The wick 2540 may be configured to wick the substance from within the chambers 2520 a and 2520 b. For example, the wick 2540 may contact the substance. In some embodiments, the wick 2540 may be a hollow tube of wicking material. Although not shown in the figures, the heating element (which may be an electric heating coil) may be disposed within the wick 2540 (e.g., within the hollow open space of the hollow wick 2540). In some embodiments (as seen in FIG. 25C, for example), each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b may include foam material configured to retain the substance to be vaporized and to transport the substance to the wick 2540 (e.g., providing contact between the wick 2540 and the substance in the chambers 2520 a and 2520 b). In some embodiments, the foam material may include open cell foam.
In some embodiments, the two chambers 2520 a and 2520 b may be formed by a septum 2545 in the housing 2510, which may divide and separate the housing 2510 into the two chambers 2520 a and 2520 b. In some embodiments, the two chambers 2520 a and 2520 b may be formed by two containers 2522 a and 2522 b disposed within the housing 2510. FIG. 25C includes two containers 2522 a and 2522 b with a dividing wall/septum 2545 therebetween.
The housing 2510 may include at least one air intake and at least one air outtake. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the air outtake through both chambers 2520 a and 2520 b. For example, the air intake in FIG. 25C may be provided by the loose fitting of the charging port 2560 and/or the LED within corresponding holes/openings in the bottom (e.g., base plate 2512) of the housing 2510, while the air outtake may be provided by the two chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b in the top (e.g., cover plate 2516) of the housing 2510. In other embodiments, there may be one or more dedicated air intake openings. In some embodiments, the air intake may be size restricted or otherwise restricted to provide some resistance to airflow into the housing 2510, which may be calibrated to provide a user sucking on the mouthpiece 2570 with feedback and/or familiar airflow feel. In FIG. 25A, the cover plate 2516 may include an extension 2517 projecting externally away from the main body shell 2518 of the housing 2510, and the two chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b may be disposed on and extend through the extension 2517. In FIG. 25C, each chamber opening 2515 a and 2515 b is in fluid communication with its corresponding chamber 2520 a or 2520 b and, therethrough, to the air intake.
Airflow through the housing 2510 (e.g., through the two chambers 2520 a and 2520 b) may be controlled by a valve 2530. The valve 2530 may be a purely mechanical valve 2530, such that control of the airflow may be purely mechanical. The valve 2530 may be configured to control the percentage of total airflow exiting the air outtake which passes through each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b (and thereby the blend of vapors from the two chambers 2520 a and 2520 b, which typically have different substances capable of being vaporized). For example, as shown in FIG. 25D, the valve 2530 may be switched so that all airflow passes through the first chamber 2520 a and none through the second chamber 2520 b. Or as shown in FIG. 25F, the valve 2530 may be switched so that all airflow passes through the second chamber 2520 b and none through the first chamber 2520 a. Or as shown in FIG. 25E, the valve 2530 may be switched so that a portion (e.g., half) of the airflow passes through the first chamber 2520 a and a portion (e.g., half) passes through the second chamber 2520 b. The valve 2530 may be configured to allow for any range of blends of vapors from the two chambers 2520 a and 2520 b (e.g., based on airflow percentage through the chambers 2520 a and 2520 b).
In some embodiments, the valve 2530 may be configured to provide rotational control (e.g., switching/changing/altering) of the blend of vapors based on alignment of openings. In some embodiments, the valve 2530 may include a dial 2532, which may be rotatably attached to the extension 2517, top, and/or cover plate 2516 of the housing 2510. The dial 2532 may have two dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b. In FIG. 25B, the valve 2530 may operate based on alignment (and/or misalignment) of dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b in the valve 2530 with the chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b (e.g., the one or more air outtakes). If one chamber opening (e.g., chamber opening 2515 a) is fully aligned with the corresponding dial opening (e.g., dial opening 2533 a (e.g., to be fully open), then the other chamber opening (e.g., chamber opening 2515 b) may be entirely misaligned with the corresponding dial opening (e.g., dial opening 2533 b) (e.g., to be fully closed). In the cross-section in FIG. 25C, dial opening 2533 a is visible and dial opening 2533 b is not shown.
The dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b may each be sized and shaped similarly to the corresponding chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b. For example, the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b (and corresponding chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b) may be openings shaped as arcs (e.g., portions of a circle). The dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b may be disposed on a base of the dial 2532. In some embodiments, the spacing of the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b may differ from spacing of the two chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b. In some embodiments, the chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b of the housing 2510 may be disposed opposite one another (e.g., as opposing portions of a circle), while the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b may be disposed in closer proximity to each other (e.g., being located on the same side of the circle). Other embodiments may reverse that orientation, to preserve the same relative positioning of the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b to the chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b through the range of rotation of the dial/valve 2530.
The dial 2532 may further include a hollow dial body 2534, enclosing a dial chamber 2535, which extends away from the base. The dial body 2534 may be configured to be rotatably mounted onto the extension 2517. In some embodiments, the dial 2532 may include a rotational mounting mechanism. For example, one or more axle projections 2536 may extend outward from the extension 2517 (or from the top of the housing 2510). For example, the one or more axle projections 2536 may be disposed between the chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b for the first (left) and second (right) chambers 2520 a and 2520 b. In some embodiments, the chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b may be arcs that are spaced part on a circle centered around the axle projections 2536. In some embodiments, the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b may also be arcs that are spaced apart on the circle centered around the axle projections 2536 when disposed on the housing 2510 (e.g., the center of the dial). The base of the dial may have a well 2538 configured so that the one or more axle projections 2536 may extend therethrough (thereby rotationally attaching the dial to the housing 2510). The well 2538 may be centered within the dial chamber 2535. When the axle projections 2536 extend through the well 2538 (when the dial is rotatably mounted to the housing 2510), the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b and the chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b may all be located at a common radius from a common center point (e.g., the one or more axle projections 2536). In embodiments in which the degree of spacing between the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b (e.g., amount of distance between the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b as measured on the circle) differs from that of the chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b, rotation of the dial may adjust the percentage of alignment of corresponding dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b with corresponding chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b.
The valve 2530 may be configured with a stop mechanism, for example with two stop points 2537 a and 2537 b (also referred to herein as a first rotation limiting stop point 2537 a and a second rotation limiting stop point 2537 b (e.g., one corresponding to the position in which the first chamber opening 2515 a is fully open and the second chamber opening 2515 b is entirely closed—see FIG. 25D, and the other corresponding to the position in which the second chamber opening 2515 b is fully open and the first chamber opening 2515 a is entirely closed—see FIG. 25F), with the dial 2532 being free to rotate between the two positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 25B, the one or more axle projections 2536 may include a first rotation limiting stop point 2537 a and a second rotation limiting stop point 2537 b, and the well 2538 of the dial may have at least one rotation limiting protrusion 2539 configured to interact with the first and second rotation limit stop points 2537 a and 2537 b to define the available range of rotation of the dial with respect to the housing 2510. In FIG. 25B, the rotation limiting protrusion 2539 may be disposed on the inner surface of the well 2538. Rotation of the dial 2532 in each direction is only available until the rotation limiting protrusion 2539 contacts one of the rotation limiting stop points 2537 a or 2537 b. For example, when the rotation limiting protrusion 2539 contacts a first rotation limiting stop, the first chamber opening 2515 a may be fully open (and the second chamber opening 2515 b may be fully closed—see FIG. 25D; when the rotation limiting protrusion 2539 contacts a second rotation limiting stop point 2737 b, the second chamber opening 2515 b may be fully open (and the first chamber opening 2515 a may be fully closed—see FIG. 25F). Rotation of the dial 2532 between the stop points 2537 a and 2337 b may allow for the user to select any range of blends (e.g., with the percentage of flow through the first chamber 2520 a (e.g., the first vapor percentage of the blend) plus the percentage of flow through the second chamber 2520 b (e.g., the second vapor percentage of the blend) equaling the total (e.g., 100%) airflow through the device). This may allow a user to customize the blend to their precise tastes or needs.
A mouthpiece 2570 may be in fluid communication with the dial chamber 2535 of the dial, and thereby to the valve 2530 openings. For example, the mouthpiece 2570 may be disposed on the dial 2532 opposite the base. The mouthpiece 2570 may include an opening passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 2570 is coupled to the dial body 2534 and may taper as it extends away from the dial body 2534 (e.g., having a narrower opening at its distal end than at its proximal end).
In some embodiments, each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b may also have its own air inlet 2524 a and 2524 b, respectively (e.g., in fluid communication with the air intake) and air outlet 2526 a and 2526 b, respectively (e.g., in fluid communication with the air outtake, for example in fluid communication with corresponding chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b). For example, when the valve 2530 is configured to allow airflow through the chambers and a user sucks on the mouthpiece 2570 (to apply negative pressure to the air outtake), air may flow into the housing 2510 through the air intake, into the chambers 2520 a and 2520 b through their respective air inlets 2524 a and 2524 b, through the chambers 2520 a and 2520 b and out through their respective air outlets 2526 a and 2524 b, through the air outtake in the housing 2510 (e.g., the two chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b), through the dial openings 2533 a and 2533 b, and out through the mouthpiece 2570. In FIG. 25C, airflow through each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b may occur through the corresponding hollow wick 2540, which may extend substantially the length of the chamber 2520 a/2520 b (e.g., between the air inlet 2524 a/2424 b and the air outlet 2526 a/2526 b for the chamber 2520 a/2520 b). It should be understood, however, that while restriction of airflow through the chambers 2520 a and 2520 b is shown on the air outtake in FIG. 25C (e.g., the valve 2530 is shown as being coupled to and/or operating with respect to the chamber openings 2515 a and 2515 b), in other embodiments the airflow restriction may instead be on the air intake. For example, in alternate embodiments, the air intake may comprise two chamber intakes (e.g., one for each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b), and the valve 2530 may control airflow through the chambers 2520 a and 2520 b based on percentage of each chamber intake which is open. In embodiments, valve 2530 similar to those discussed herein may be configured to control air intake, air outtake, or both.
A power source, such as a battery 2580 (or in some embodiment one battery for each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b), may be configured to supply power to the heating elements. The heating element within each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b (which vaporizes the substance held therein) may be controlled/operated based on the amount of suction experienced in the corresponding chamber 2520 a/2520 b. For example, the amount of power supplied to the heating element of each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b may be controlled based the amount of suction (e.g., airflow) in the chamber 2520 a/2520 b (with more suction and/or airflow experienced in the chamber 2520 a/2520 b resulting in increased heating of the heating element to vaporize more of the substance). In some embodiments, each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b may have its own air flow sensor. For example, each airflow sensor may mechanically control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the corresponding heating element. In some embodiments, each chamber 2520 a and 2520 b (e.g., the airflow sensor and battery) may be electrically coupled to a light, such as an LED, which may be configured to illuminate when the airflow sensor for the chamber 2520 a/2520 b detects suction therethrough. In some embodiments, control of the heating element, power supplied, and/or LED may be similar to systems used in current vaporizer devices.
In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the dial may include a grip surface configured to assist in rotation of the dial 2532 (and thereby adjustment of the blend exiting the mouthpiece 2570). For example, the grip surface may include one or more of the following: a textured surface (e.g., projecting ridges and/or scoring) and a high friction surface (e.g., tacky material). In FIGS. 25A-B, vertical ridges on the exterior surface of the dial body may improve grip. In some embodiments, the valve 2530 (e.g., the interaction of the dial with the extension 2517) may include intermediate click stops (e.g., between the two rotation limiting stop points 2537 a and 2537 b), which may help a user select a discrete blend and/or may retain the selection (e.g., by preventing inadvertent movement of the dial). In some embodiments, the friction fit between the dial and the housing 2510 (e.g., between the dial and the extension 2517) may provide sufficient rotational resistance to effectively maintain the selected position of the dial and/or percentage of the blend. In some embodiments, the dial chamber 2535 and mouthpiece 2570 may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to allow and/or promote mixing of the vapor streams therein before entering the user's mouth.
In some embodiments, the housing 2510 may be configured so that once closed (e.g., with the base plate 2512 and cover plate 2516 attached to the main body shell 2518), the housing 2510 may not readily be opened (e.g., opening may result in damage to the housing 2510). In some embodiments, the housing 2510 may not have any openings (e.g., on the cover plate 2516, the base plate 2512, or the main body shell 2518) which would allow for the chambers 2520 a and 2520 b to be refilled with substance capable of being vaporized. For example, the vaporizer device of FIGS. 25A-C may be configured to be disposable and/or non-refillable. In some embodiments, the vaporizer device may not include a CPU, processor, and/or computer memory/storage. Control of the airflow through the vaporizer (and thereby the blend) may be entirely mechanical, for example based on the valve 2530. Some embodiments of the vaporizer may include a circuit board 2587, which may provide electrical interface/communication between the airflow sensor and the battery and/or the heating element. Some embodiments may include a charging port 2560, which may be configured to allow for charging of the battery. For example, the charging port 2560 may be disposed on the circuit board 2587. In some embodiments, the battery or batteries may be sized to hold sufficient charge to allow for full vaporization of the substances in both chambers 2520 a and 2520 b. In other embodiments, the battery or batteries may not be sized to hold sufficient power to allow for full vaporization, but may be rechargeable (e.g., through the charging port 2560).
In an aspect, the vaporizer mixer and any of its components, such as the valve, the sealing element and/or the adapter may be manufactured by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3-D printing), subtractive manufacturing (e.g., computer numerical control (CNC) machining), or injection molding. The vaporizer mixer and any of its components may be made from rubber, plastic, latex, silicone, or other known materials.
In an aspect, numerous vaporizer mixers can be attached to one another, enabling a user to have unlimited mixing capabilities. In an embodiment, a vaporizer mixer may be a modular or stackable component that can be coupled to one or more additional vaporizer mixers to provide a modular mixing system with a customizable number of vaporizer receiving openings. A first vaporizer mixer may have a first end with a mouthpiece opening and a second end opposite the first end having at least one receiving opening. The receiving opening may be configured for releasably but securely receiving a mouthpiece end of a second vaporizer mixer. The second vaporizer mixer may be inserted into the receiving opening of the first vaporizer mixer and may be identical to the first vaporizer mixer, i.e., may have a receiving opening for receiving a mouthpiece end of a third vaporizer mixer. In addition to the at least one receiving opening, each vaporizer mixer may have one or more vaporizer receiving openings for releasably but securely receiving a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer. The receiving opening and the vaporizer receiving opening may be identical in profile such that a vaporizer and a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer mixer may be interchangeably inserted into each of the receiving opening and the vaporizer receiving opening. In a further embodiment, the vaporizer mixer may be included in an assembly wherein the vaporizer mixer is coupled to a separate vaporizing or smoking apparatus, such as a bong. As described above, a sealing element or an adapter may be used for coupling a vaporizer mixer and/or a vaporizer to another vaporizer mixer or another vaporizing or smoking apparatus of the modular mixing system.
In a further embodiment, the vaporizer mixer may be valveless, or it may include no valves, such that a direct fluid pathway is provided from the vaporizer or vaporizers, coupled to the vaporizer mixer, to the mouthpiece outlet.
This disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatuses as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. This disclosure contemplates, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, the actual or optional use or inclusion of, e.g., components or processes as may be well-known or understood in the art and consistent with this disclosure though not depicted and/or described herein. The claims which follow are intended as part of this specification, and are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or “an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.
As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”
As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that the appended claims should cover variations in the ranges except where this disclosure makes clear the use of a particular range in certain embodiments.
The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.
This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description. This disclosure is not limited to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the Detailed Description of this disclosure, for example, various features of some exemplary embodiments are grouped together to representatively describe those and other contemplated embodiments, configurations, and aspects, to the extent that including in this disclosure a description of every potential embodiment, variant, and combination of features is not feasible. Thus, the features of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, and aspects not expressly discussed above. For example, the features recited in the following claims lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.
Advances in science and technology may provide variations that are not necessarily express in the terminology of this disclosure although the claims would not necessarily exclude these variations.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A vaporizer mixer for receiving and mixing vapor output from at least two vaporizers, the vaporizer mixer comprising:

a first end comprising a mouthpiece opening;

a second end opposite the first end comprising a first vaporizer receiving opening and a second vaporizer receiving opening, wherein each of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening is configured for receiving a mouthpiece end of a vaporizer of the at least two vaporizers;

a valve manifold disposed between the mouthpiece opening and the second end; and

a valve provided in the valve manifold, wherein the valve is configured to allow for adjustment of an amount of fluid communication between the mouthpiece opening and at least one of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening.

2. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein the vaporizer mixer lacks a power source.

3. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein respective ones of the at least two vaporizers comprise a cartridge, a vaporizing element, and a power source.

4. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein the fluid communication between the mouthpiece opening and at least one of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening is through at least the valve manifold.

5. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein:

the first vaporizer receiving opening is configured to receive a first vaporizer of the at least two vaporizers, the first vaporizer being configured for independent, stand-alone usage; and

the second vaporizer receiving opening is configured to receive a second vaporizer the at least two vaporizers, the second vaporizer being configured for independent, stand-alone usage.

6. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, further comprising:

a sealing element provided in each of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening, wherein the sealing element is configured to provide a seal between the vaporizer mixer and an outer surface of a vaporizer the at least two vaporizers provided in respective ones of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening.

7. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein:

the first vaporizer receiving opening comprises a first inner wall extending from the valve manifold; and

the second vaporizer receiving opening comprises a second inner wall extending from the valve manifold,

wherein an inner diameter of respective ones of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening decreases in a direction toward the valve manifold.

8. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein:

the valve is configured to allow for adjustment of the amount of fluid communication between the mouthpiece opening and each of the first vaporizer receiving opening and the second vaporizer receiving opening.

9. The vaporizer mixer of claim 1, wherein:

the valve comprises a manually adjustable mechanical valve.

10. A method of combining vapor output of more than one vaporizer, the method comprising:

providing an unpowered vaporizer mixer;

providing a first vaporizer, the first vaporizer having a first cartridge of vaporizing material, a first vaporizing element, and a first power source;

providing a second vaporizer, the second vaporizer having a second integrated cartridge of vaporizing material, a second vaporizing element, and a second power source;

connecting an end of the first vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer;

connecting an end of the second vaporizer to the vaporizer mixer; and

controlling the vaporizer mixer to allow a portion of a vaporized substance to be drawn from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

selecting a desired relative vapor output of each of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer; and

applying a negative air pressure to a mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein applying the negative air pressure comprises inhaling through the mouthpiece opening, and the method further comprising:

completing an electrical circuit between the first vaporizing element and the first power source, and an electrical circuit between the second vaporizing element and the second power source to activate the first vaporizing element and the second vaporizing element and to produce vaporized material within each of the first vaporizing element and the second vaporizer, wherein the vaporized material from each of the first vaporizing element and the second vaporizer passes through the vaporizer mixer and out of a mouthpiece opening of the vaporizer mixer.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein:

the vaporizer mixer comprises a valve, wherein the valve is disposed at the end of the first vaporizer and at the end of the second vaporizer; and

controlling the vaporizer mixer comprises operating the valve to at least partially obstruct a flow of the vaporized substance from at least one of the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein:

the valve comprises a manually adjustable mechanical valve.

15. A vaporizer comprising:

a housing having at least two chambers, wherein each of the at least two chambers holds a substance capable of being vaporized;

a mouthpiece coupled to the housing; and

a valve configured to control vapor flow such that vaporized portions of the substance from each of the at least two chambers are mixed at respective percentages at at least an outlet portion of the mouthpiece.

16. The vaporizer of claim 15, wherein each of the at least two chambers comprises a wick and a heating element configured to vaporize the substance from each of the at least two chambers.

17. The vaporizer of claim 15, further comprising at least two chamber openings, wherein:

the valve comprises a rotatable dial including at least two dial openings configured to rotate with respect to the at least two chamber openings; and

the respective percentages are altered based on alignment of the at least two dial openings with the at least two chamber openings.

18. The vaporizer of claim 17, wherein spacing of the at least two dial openings with respect to each other differs from spacing of the at least two chamber openings with respect to each other.

19. The vaporizer of claim 17, wherein the valve further comprises one or more stop points defining a range of rotation of the rotatable dial with respect to the housing.

20. The vaporizer of claim 19, wherein:

when the rotatable dial is rotated to a first stop point of the one or more stop points, a first opening of the at least two dial openings is fully aligned with a first one of the at least two chamber openings, and a second opening of the at least two dial openings is fully misaligned with a second one of the at least two chamber openings; and

when the rotatable dial is rotated to a second stop point of the one or more stop points, the second opening of the at least two dial openings is fully aligned with the second one of the at least two chamber openings, and the first opening of the at least two dial openings is fully misaligned with the first one of the at least two chamber openings.