Securely attaching cartridges for vaporizer devices

• US 10,638,792 B2
• Filed: 02/10/2017
• Issued: 05/05/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc. (PAX Labs, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc. (PAX Labs, Inc.)
• Inventors: Christensen, Steven, Monsees, James
• Primary Examiner(s): Chung Trans, Xuong M
• Application Number:
  US15/430,357
• Publication Number:
  US 20170231282A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,180 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: A24B 15/167 in liquid or vaporisable form, e.g. liquid compositions for electronic cigarettes
• CPC Class Codes: A24F 40/10 Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
• CPC Class Codes: A24F 40/42 Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/465 Nicotine; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 11/042 electrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 11/06 of the injector type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0015 located upstream of the dispenser, i.e. not traversed by the product
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0016 located downstream of the dispenser, i.e. traversed by the product
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/06 Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3653 by Joule effect, i.e. electric resistance
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/54 Inspection openings or windows
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 1/0227 Applications
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 1/0244 Heating of fluids H05B1/0247 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/021 Heaters specially adapted for heating liquids

Abstract

Systems and methods to generate an inhalable vapor in an electronic vaporization device. Described herein are cartridges including a vaporizable material that may be securely connected to a rechargeable base unit.

Claims

1. A cartridge for use with an electronic device, the cartridge having a first end and a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal dimension, the cartridge having a first transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension and a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, the cartridge comprising:

a mouthpiece disposed at the first end;

a storage compartment configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the storage compartment comprises a plastic material;

a heating element configured to aerosolize the liquid vaporizable material;

a base at the second end, the base dimensioned to fit into a receptacle of the electronic device, the receptacle being 13 millimeters to 14 millimeters long, the receptacle being 4.5 millimeters to 5.5 millimeters wide;

a pair of electrical contacts disposed proximate to the second end, the pair of electrical contacts electrically coupled to the heating element and configured to provide power to the heating element when electrically coupled to the electronic device;

a first lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, a first portion of the first lateral surface extending from the base to a height of at least 10 millimeters, the first portion configured for insertion into the receptacle of the electronic device, the first portion of the first lateral surface comprising a first locking gap configured to mate with at least a first locking detent within the receptacle of the electronic device, the first locking gap disposed within 5 millimeters to 1 millimeter from the base;

a second lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, a second portion of the second lateral surface extending from the base to a height of at least 10 millimeters, the second portion configured for insertion into the receptacle of the electronic device, the second portion of the second lateral surface comprising a second locking gap configured to mate with at least a second locking detent within the receptacle of the electronic device, the second locking gap disposed within 5 millimeters to 1 millimeter from the base, the second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface and spaced apart from the first lateral surface along the second transverse dimension, the second transverse dimension longer than the first transverse dimension;

a third lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the second transverse dimension, a third portion of the third lateral surface configured for insertion into the receptacle of the electronic device, the third lateral surface being at least 10 millimeters long along the second transverse dimension; and

a fourth lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the second transverse dimension, a fourth portion of the fourth lateral surface configured for insertion into the receptacle of the electronic device, the fourth lateral surface being at least 10 millimeters long along the second transverse dimension.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment comprises the liquid vaporizable material, and wherein the liquid vaporizable material comprises a nicotine salt solution.

3. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising:

a wick, wherein at least a portion of the wick is disposed within the storage compartment and configured to contact the liquid vaporizable material.

4. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising:

a heating chamber comprising the heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to generate, within the heating chamber, an aerosol from the liquid vaporizable material.

5. The cartridge of claim 4, further comprising:

a cannula disposed between the mouthpiece and the heating chamber, the cannula configured to provide for passage of the aerosol from the heating chamber to the mouthpiece.

6. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the third lateral surface is opposite the fourth lateral surface and spaced apart from the fourth lateral surface along the first transverse dimension.

7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the third lateral surface comprises a spacing detent disposed to separate at least a portion of the third lateral surface from an interior wall of the receptacle of the electronic device when the base is fitted into the receptacle.

8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the spacing detent is configured to provide an air inlet path between the third lateral surface of the cartridge and the interior wall of the receptacle of the electronic device.

9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least a portion of the storage compartment.

10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first locking gap comprises a channel disposed within the first lateral surface.

11. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the channel runs substantially parallel to the first transverse dimension.

12. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first locking gap comprises an opening or hole disposed within the first lateral surface.

13. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first locking gap is disposed within 4 millimeters to 3 millimeters from the base.

14. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of exposed contact tabs integrally formed from a pair of plates, the pair of exposed contact tabs folded over the base of the second end of the cartridge, each contact tab of the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed and configured to physically contact one of two contact surfaces within the electronic device to complete an electrical circuit with the electronic device when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device, the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed substantially in a first plane, the two contact surfaces within the electronic device disposed substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device.

15. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of exposed contact tabs integrally formed from a pair of plates, extending from the heating element, folded over the base of the second end of the cartridge, and disposed substantially in a first plane, the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed and configured to complete an electrical circuit with a pair of contact surfaces in the electronic device when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device, the pair of contact surfaces within the electronic device disposed substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device.

16. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a first contact and a second contact, respectively extending from a first plate and a second plate and over the base of the cartridge, wherein the first and second contacts are integrally formed from the first and second plates, wherein the first and second contacts extend from the heating element, wherein the first and second contacts are folded over the base of the cartridge, and wherein the first and second contacts are disposed and configured to complete an electrical circuit with a pair of contacts in the electronic device when the cartridge is coupled to the electronic device, the first contact and the second contact disposed substantially in a first plane, the first plane substantially parallel to a second plane comprising the pair of contacts, when the cartridge is coupled to the electronic device.

17. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of flat contact tabs integrally formed from plates and folded over the base proximate to the second end of the cartridge, the pair of flat contact tabs configured to complete a circuit with the electronic device when the base is inserted into the receptacle of the electronic device.

18. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising:

a pair of plates extending in a direction of the longitudinal dimension,

wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of flat contact tabs integrally formed from the pair of plates and folded over the base proximate to the second end of the cartridge, the pair of flat contact tabs extending from the heating element and configured to complete a circuit with the electronic device when the base is inserted into the receptacle of the electronic device.

19. The electronic device comprising the receptacle for receiving the cartridge of claim 1.

20. A cartridge for use with an electronic device, the cartridge having a first end and a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal dimension, the cartridge having a first transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension and a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, the cartridge comprising:

a mouthpiece disposed at the first end;

a storage compartment configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the storage compartment comprises a plastic material;

a heating element configured to aerosolize the liquid vaporizable material;

a base at the second end, the base configured for insertion into a receptacle of the electronic device;

a pair of electrical contacts disposed proximate to the second end, the pair of electrical contacts electrically coupled to the heating element and configured to provide power to the heating element when electrically coupled to the electronic device;

a first lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, a first portion of the first lateral surface extending from the base to a height of at least 10 millimeters, the first portion configured for insertion into the receptacle of the electronic device, the first portion of the first lateral surface comprising a first locking gap configured to mate with at least a first locking detent within the receptacle of the electronic device, the first locking gap disposed within 5 millimeters to 1 millimeter from the base;

a second lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, a second portion of the second lateral surface extending from the base to a height of at least 10 millimeters, the second portion configured for insertion into the receptacle of the electronic device, the second portion of the second lateral surface comprising a second locking gap configured to mate with at least a second locking detent within the receptacle of the electronic device, the second locking gap disposed within 5 millimeters to 1 millimeter from the base, the second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface and spaced apart from the first lateral surface along the second transverse dimension, the second transverse dimension longer than the first transverse dimension;

a third lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the second transverse dimension, a third portion of the third lateral surface configured for insertion into the receptacle of the electronic device; and

a fourth lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the second transverse dimension, a fourth portion of the fourth lateral surface configured for insertion into the receptacle of the electronic device.

21. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the storage compartment comprises the liquid vaporizable material, and wherein the liquid vaporizable material comprises a nicotine salt solution.

22. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the cartridge further comprises:

a heating chamber comprising the heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to generate, within the heating chamber, an aerosol from the liquid vaporizable material; and

a cannula disposed between the mouthpiece and the heating chamber, the cannula configured to provide for passage of the aerosol from the heating chamber to the mouthpiece.

23. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the third lateral surface is opposite the fourth lateral surface and spaced apart from the fourth lateral surface along the first transverse dimension.

24. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the third lateral surface comprises a spacing detent disposed to separate at least a portion of the third lateral surface from an interior wall of the receptacle of the electronic device when the base is fitted into the receptacle.

25. The cartridge of claim 24, wherein the spacing detent is configured to provide an air inlet path between the third lateral surface of the cartridge and the third interior wall of the receptacle.

26. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the first locking gap comprises a channel disposed within the first lateral surface.

27. The cartridge of claim 26 wherein the channel runs substantially parallel to the first transverse dimension.

28. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the first locking gap comprises an opening or hole disposed within the first lateral surface.

29. The cartridge of claim 20, further comprising:

a wick, wherein at least a portion of the wick is disposed within the storage compartment and configured to contact the liquid vaporizable material.

30. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of exposed contact tabs integrally formed from a pair of plates, the pair of exposed contact tabs folded over the base of the second end of the cartridge, each contact tab of the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed and configured to physically contact one of two contact surfaces within the electronic device to complete an electrical circuit with the electronic device when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device, the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed substantially in a first plane, the two contact surfaces within the electronic device disposed substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device.

31. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of exposed contact tabs integrally formed from a pair of plates, extending from the heating element, folded over the base of the second end of the cartridge, and disposed substantially in a first plane, the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed and configured to complete an electrical circuit with a pair of contact surfaces in the electronic device when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device, the pair of contact surfaces within the electronic device disposed substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device.

32. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a first contact and a second contact, respectively extending from a first plate and a second plate and over the base of the cartridge, wherein the first and second contacts are integrally formed from the first and second plates, wherein the first and second contacts extend from the heating element, wherein the first and second contacts are folded over the base of the cartridge, and wherein the first and second contacts are disposed and configured to complete an electrical circuit with a pair of contacts in the electronic device when the cartridge is coupled to the electronic device, the first contact and the second contact disposed substantially in a first plane, the first plane substantially parallel to a second plane comprising the pair of contacts, when the cartridge is coupled to the electronic device.

33. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of flat contact tabs integrally formed from plates and folded over the base proximate to the second end of the cartridge, the pair of flat contact tabs configured to complete a circuit with the electronic device when the base is inserted into the receptacle of the electronic device.

34. The cartridge of claim 20, further comprising:

a pair of plates extending in a direction of the longitudinal dimension,

wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of flat contact tabs integrally formed from the pair of plates and folded over the base proximate to the second end of the cartridge, the pair of flat contact tabs extending from the heating element and configured to complete a circuit with the electronic device when the base is inserted into the receptacle of the electronic device.

35. The electronic device comprising the receptacle for receiving the cartridge of claim 20.

36. A cartridge for use with an electronic device, the cartridge having a first end and a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal dimension, the cartridge having a first transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension and a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, the cartridge comprising:

a mouthpiece disposed at the first end;

a storage compartment configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the storage compartment comprises a plastic material;

a heating element configured to aerosolize the liquid vaporizable material;

a base at the second end, the base configured for insertion into a receptacle of the electronic device;

a pair of electrical contacts electrically coupled to the heating element, the pair of electrical contacts configured to provide power to the heating element when electrically coupled to the electronic device;

a first lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, a first portion of the first lateral surface extending from the base to a height of at least 10 millimeters, the first portion configured for insertion into the receptacle, the first portion comprising a first locking gap configured to mate with at least a first locking detent within the receptacle, the first locking gap disposed within at least 6 millimeters from the base; and

a second lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, a second portion of the second lateral surface extending from the base to a height of at least 10 millimeters, the second portion configured for insertion into the receptacle, the second portion comprising a second locking gap configured to mate with at least a second locking detent within the receptacle, the second locking gap disposed within at least 6 millimeters from the base, the second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface and spaced apart from the first lateral surface along the second transverse dimension, the second transverse dimension longer than the first transverse dimension.

37. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the cartridge further comprises:

a heating chamber comprising the heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to generate, within the heating chamber, an aerosol from the liquid vaporizable material; and

a cannula disposed between the mouthpiece and the heating chamber, the cannula configured to provide for passage of the aerosol from the heating chamber to the mouthpiece.

38. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the first locking gap comprises a channel disposed within the first lateral surface.

39. The cartridge of claim 38, wherein the channel runs substantially parallel to the first transverse dimension.

40. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the first locking gap comprises a first channel disposed within the first lateral surface, and wherein the second locking gap comprises a second channel disposed within the second lateral surface.

41. The cartridge of claim 40, wherein the first channel runs substantially parallel to the first transverse dimension, and wherein the second channel runs substantially parallel to the first transverse dimension.

42. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the first locking gap and the second locking gap each comprise an opening or hole disposed within the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface, respectively.

43. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the base is substantially rectangular.

44. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the storage compartment comprises the liquid vaporizable material, and wherein the liquid vaporizable material comprises a nicotine salt solution.

45. The cartridge of claim 36, further comprising:

a wick, wherein at least a portion of the wick is disposed within the storage compartment and configured to contact the liquid vaporizable material.

46. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of exposed contact tabs integrally formed from a pair of plates, the pair of exposed contact tabs folded over the base of the second end of the cartridge, each contact tab of the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed and configured to physically contact one of two contact surfaces within the electronic device to complete an electrical circuit with the electronic device when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device, the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed substantially in a first plane, the two contact surfaces within the electronic device disposed substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device.

47. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of exposed contact tabs integrally formed from a pair of plates, extending from the heating element, folded over the base of the second end of the cartridge, and disposed substantially in a first plane, the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed and configured to complete an electrical circuit with a pair of contact surfaces in the electronic device when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device, the pair of contact surfaces within the electronic device disposed substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device.

48. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a first contact and a second contact, respectively extending from a first plate and a second plate and over the base of the cartridge, wherein the first and second contacts are integrally formed from the first and second plates, wherein the first and second contacts extend from the heating element, wherein the first and second contacts are folded over the base of the cartridge, and wherein the first and second contacts are disposed and configured to complete an electrical circuit with a pair of contacts in the electronic device when the cartridge is coupled to the electronic device, the first contact and the second contact disposed substantially in a first plane, the first plane substantially parallel to a second plane comprising the pair of contacts, when the cartridge is coupled to the electronic device.

49. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of flat contact tabs integrally formed from plates and folded over the base proximate to the second end of the cartridge, the pair of flat contact tabs configured to complete a circuit with the electronic device when the base is inserted into the receptacle of the electronic device.

50. The cartridge of claim 36, further comprising:

a pair of plates extending in a direction of the longitudinal dimension,

wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of flat contact tabs integrally formed from the pair of plates and folded over the base proximate to the second end of the cartridge, the pair of flat contact tabs extending from the heating element and configured to complete a circuit with the electronic device when the base is inserted into the receptacle of the electronic device.

51. The electronic device comprising the receptacle for receiving the cartridge of claim 36.

52. An apparatus comprising:

a vaporizer device body comprising;

a receptacle;

a pair of receptacle contacts within the receptacle; and

a first locking detent and a second locking detent within the receptacle; and

a cartridge having a first end and a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal dimension, the cartridge having a first transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension and a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, the cartridge comprising;

a mouthpiece disposed at the first end;

a storage compartment configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material,

wherein the storage compartment comprises a plastic material;

a heating element configured to aerosolize the liquid vaporizable material;

a base at the second end, the base configured for insertion into the receptacle of the vaporizer device body;

a pair of electrical contacts electrically coupled to the heating element, the pair of electrical contacts configured to provide power to the heating element when electrically coupled to the pair of receptacle contacts;

a first lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, a first portion of the first lateral surface extending from the base to a height of at least 10 millimeters, the first portion configured for insertion into the receptacle, the first portion comprising a first locking gap configured to mate with at least the first locking detent within the receptacle, the first locking gap disposed within at least 6 millimeters from the base; and

a second lateral surface substantially parallel to both the longitudinal dimension and the first transverse dimension, a second portion of the second lateral surface extending from the base to a height of at least 10 millimeters, the second portion configured for insertion into the receptacle, the second portion comprising a second locking gap configured to mate with at least the second locking detent within the receptacle, the second locking gap disposed within at least 6 millimeters from the base, the second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface and spaced apart from the first lateral surface along the second transverse dimension, the second transverse dimension longer than the first transverse dimension.

53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the pair of receptacle contacts comprises a pair of pogo pins to complete an electrical circuit with the vaporizer device body when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

54. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the storage compartment comprises the liquid vaporizable material, and wherein the liquid vaporizable material comprises a nicotine salt solution.

55. The apparatus of claim 52, further comprising:

a wick, wherein at least a portion of the wick is disposed within the storage compartment and configured to contact the liquid vaporizable material.

56. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of exposed contact tabs integrally formed from a pair of plates, the pair of exposed contact tabs folded over the base of the second end of the cartridge, each contact tab of the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed and configured to physically contact one of two contact surfaces within the electronic device to complete an electrical circuit with the electronic device when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device, the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed substantially in a first plane, the two contact surfaces within the electronic device disposed substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device.

57. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of exposed contact tabs integrally formed from a pair of plates, extending from the heating element, folded over the base of the second end of the cartridge, and disposed substantially in a first plane, the pair of exposed contact tabs disposed and configured to complete an electrical circuit with a pair of contact surfaces in the electronic device when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device, the pair of contact surfaces within the electronic device disposed substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic device.

58. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a first contact and a second contact, respectively extending from a first plate and a second plate and over the base of the cartridge, wherein the first and second contacts are integrally formed from the first and second plates, wherein the first and second contacts extend from the heating element, wherein the first and second contacts are folded over the base of the cartridge, and wherein the first and second contacts are disposed and configured to complete an electrical circuit with a pair of contacts in the electronic device when the cartridge is coupled to the electronic device, the first contact and the second contact disposed substantially in a first plane, the first plane substantially parallel to a second plane comprising the pair of contacts, when the cartridge is coupled to the electronic device.

59. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of flat contact tabs integrally formed from plates and folded over the base proximate to the second end of the cartridge, the pair of flat contact tabs configured to complete a circuit with the electronic device when the base is inserted into the receptacle of the electronic device.

60. The apparatus of claim 52, further comprising:

a pair of plates extending in a direction of the longitudinal dimension,

wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprises a pair of flat contact tabs integrally formed from the pair of plates and folded over the base proximate to the second end of the cartridge, the pair of flat contact tabs extending from the heating element and configured to complete a circuit with the electronic device when the base is inserted into the receptacle of the electronic device.