CN107529827B

CN107529827B - Electronic cigarette device including a pre-sealed cartridge

Info

Publication number: CN107529827B
Application number: CN201680023593.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃里克·霍斯; 雷蒙德·刘; 本·夏尔普
Original assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
Current assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
Priority date: 2015-04-22
Filing date: 2016-04-18
Publication date: 2021-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-18
Also published as: WO2016172021A1; IL254729B; IL254729A0; EP3285842A1; EA201792326A1; IL294323B1; IL294323A; ZA201706579B; CN107529827A; EA034929B1; CN112754080A; MY189905A

Abstract

An e-vapor device (100) may include a cartridge (108) configured to contain a vapor precursor therein. The e-vapor device may also include a dispensing body (104) including a ratchet assembly (112) and configured to receive an atomizer (106) that interacts with the ratchet assembly. The vaporizer is configured to access the vapor precursor within the cartridge and heat the vapor precursor to generate vapor via a coupling action. The ratchet assembly is configured to achieve a mechanical increment with each coupling action, thereby facilitating removal of the cartridge with the atomizer coupled thereto after a prescribed number of coupling actions. Thus, overuse of the atomizer and the associated adverse sensory effects can be reduced or avoided.

Description

Electronic cigarette device including a pre-sealed cartridge

Technical Field

The invention relates to an electronic vaping device that includes a contained component with a vapor precursor.

Background

Some e-vapor devices include a first section coupled to a second section via a threaded connection. The first section may be a replaceable cartridge and the second section may be a reusable fixture. The threaded connection may be a combination of a male threaded member on the first section and a female threaded receiver on the second section. The first section includes a longitudinally extending outer tube (or housing) and an inner tube located within the outer tube. The inner tube may be arranged coaxially with the outer tube. The second section may also include a longitudinally extending outer tube (or housing). The e-vapor device includes a central air passage defined in part by the inner tube and an upstream seal. Additionally, the e-vapor device includes a reservoir. The reservoir is configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation and an optional storage medium operable to store the pre-vapor formulation therein. The reservoir is contained within an outer annular region between the outer tube and the inner tube. The outer annular region is sealed upstream by the seal and downstream by a stopper, thereby preventing escape of the vapor precursor from the reservoir.

Disclosure of Invention

The e-vapor device may include a cartridge configured to contain a vapor precursor therein. The e-vapor device may also include a dispensing body including a ratchet assembly and configured to receive an atomizer that interacts with the ratchet assembly. The vaporizer is configured to access the vapor precursor within the cartridge and heat the vapor precursor to generate vapor via a coupling action. The ratchet assembly is configured to achieve a mechanical increment with each coupling action, thereby facilitating removal of the cartridge with the atomizer coupled thereto after a prescribed number of coupling actions.

The cartridge may be in the form of a mouthpiece. The cartridge may be a hermetically sealed container. The cartridge may be sealed by a ball check valve arrangement.

The atomizer may be configured to press the ball structure of the ball check valve arrangement during the coupling action, thereby releasing the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge. The atomiser may be configured to couple with the cartridge via a snap-fit arrangement during the coupling action.

The ratchet assembly is configured to rotate a portion of the mechanical/incremental amount in response to the coupling action. The ratchet assembly may be configured to: during the coupling action, the atomizer is locked on the atomizer and is gradually separated from the atomizer through each coupling action, so that the atomizer is released from the ratchet assembly after a specified number of coupling actions. Optionally, the ratchet assembly may be configured to: the atomizer is gradually engaged to the barrel by each coupling action, thereby causing the atomizer to engage with the barrel after a prescribed number of coupling actions. The ratchet assembly may be configured to facilitate simultaneous removal of the cartridge and the atomizer coupled thereto after 2-10 coupling strokes (e.g., 3-6 coupling strokes).

The e-vapor device may further include a mouthpiece structure configured to receive the cartridge and connect with the dispensing body such that the cartridge is located between the mouthpiece structure and the dispensing body. The outer surface of the cartridge may be configured to follow the inner surface of the mouthpiece structure. The cartridge and mouthpiece structure may be integrated.

The e-vapor device may include a cartridge configured to contain the pre-vapor formulation therein, the cartridge being a sealed container. The e-vapor device may also include a dispensing body including a mouthpiece end and an atomizer at an opposing substrate end. The base end is configured to couple with the cartridge, thereby placing the vapor precursor in fluid communication with the atomizer. The atomizer is configured to heat the vapor precursor to generate a vapor.

The cartridge may be sealed by a ball check valve arrangement. The dispensing body may further include a battery located between the mouthpiece end and the atomizer.

The e-vapor apparatus may include a cartridge having a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers being configured to contain a vapor precursor therein. The e-vapor device may also include a dispensing body that includes a nebulizer. The cartridge is rotatably mounted on the dispensing body via an atomizer. The cartridge is configured to rotate about the atomizer such that one of the plurality of chambers is aligned, thereby being in fluid communication with the atomizer.

The cylinder may be disc-shaped. The plurality of chambers are fluidly isolated from each other. The atomizer may be configured to remain stationary during rotation of the cartridge.

Drawings

Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon reference to the detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims. The drawings are not to be regarded as drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. Various dimensions of the figures may be exaggerated for clarity.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic vaping device having a mouthpiece/cartridge configuration in accordance with an example embodiment.

Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 1.

Figure 3 is another partially exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 1.

Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 1.

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 1 with the cartridge and the atomizer removed simultaneously.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an e-vapor device having a configuration in which the cartridge is located within the base, according to an example embodiment.

Figure 7 is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 6.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 6.

Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 6.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an e-vapor device having the configuration of a disc-shaped cartridge, according to an example embodiment.

Figure 11 is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 10.

Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 10.

Detailed Description

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to" or "overlying" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, coupled to or overlying the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like/similar reference numerals denote like/similar elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper", etc.) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise) and the spatially relative terms used herein are accordingly set forth.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views, which are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the example embodiments. Thus, deviations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Therefore, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic vaping device having a mouthpiece/cartridge configuration in accordance with an example embodiment. Referring to fig. 1, the e-vapor device 100 includes a mouthpiece structure 102 removably connected to a dispensing body 104. The mouthpiece structure 102 and the dispensing body 104 are shaped such that: provide a relatively smooth transition between the various surfaces thereof when joined together to form the e-vapor device 100. In an example embodiment, the e-vapor device 100 may define a flat form and thus may be wider than its height. Additionally, the dispensing body 104 may occupy a majority of the length of the e-vapor device 100. The back side (e.g., the upper surface as depicted in figure 1) of the e-vapor device 100 may be flatter than the underside of the e-vapor device 100. For example, the underside of the e-vaping device 100 may have a belly that is more full (i.e., more enlarged) at the junction of the mouthpiece structure 102 and the dispensing body 104 than at the end of the e-vaping device 100.

The mouthpiece structure 102 may include a cartridge configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation (e.g., e-liquid) therein. The vapor precursor is a material that is convertible to vapor, or a combination of materials that are convertible to vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation that includes, but is not limited to, water, flour, solvents, actives, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor forming agents such as glycerin (glycerol) and propylene glycol. The cartridge may be a hermetically/hermetically sealed container. The cartridge will be described in more detail in connection with the following figures. The vapor generated by the e-vapor device 100 is inhaled at the proximal end of the mouthpiece structure 102 (which is opposite the end connected to the dispensing body 104). The mouthpiece structure 102 may taper proximally to form a nose-like configuration defining a vapor outlet. The dispensing body 104 may also taper towards the distal end (which is opposite the end connected to the mouthpiece structure 102) to form a flat tail-like structure. However, it should be understood that the mouthpiece structure 102, the dispensing body 104, and the entire electronic vaping device 100 are not limited to the examples described above, and thus may have other suitable shapes, configurations, and forms (e.g., symmetrical shapes).

The mouthpiece structure 102 may be integrally formed with the cartridge to engage (and disengage) the dispensing body 104 as a combined structure. In this case, the cartridge does not separate from the mouthpiece structure 102 in normal operation of the e-vapor device 100. Thus, disengagement of the mouthpiece structure 102 from the dispensing body 104 also results in removal of the cartridge. Thus, the mouthpiece structure 102 may be a single use structure that is discarded with the cartridge (e.g., when the cartridge is replaced).

In addition, rather than a combined structure, the cartridge itself may form the mouthpiece structure 102, and thus may be a single structure (rather than multiple integrated components) configured to attach/detach from the dispensing body 104. The cartridge may be the mouthpiece structure 102 and the mouthpiece structure 102 may be the cartridge (rather than integrating a component that functions as the mouthpiece structure 102 and another component that functions as the cartridge to form a combined structure). In this example, the interior volume of the mouthpiece structure 102 (rather than the vapor channel extending therethrough) may contain a vapor precursor.

Alternatively, the mouthpiece structure 102 may be a separate component that houses the cartridge, thereby allowing the cartridge to be separated from the mouthpiece structure 102 during normal operation of the e-vapor device 100. For example, the cartridge may be configured to be connected to the dispensing body 104 prior to connecting the mouthpiece structure 102 to the dispensing body 104 (and/or cartridge). The mouthpiece structure 102 and cartridge may be removed in reverse order of their connection to the dispensing body 104. For example, to replace a cartridge of the e-vapor device 100, the mouthpiece structure 102 may first be removed from the dispensing body 104 to expose the cartridge, and then the cartridge may be removed from the dispensing body 104. After connecting the replacement cartridge to the dispensing body 104, the mouthpiece structure 102 may be connected again to the dispensing body 104 to cover the cartridge.

Because the mouthpiece structure 102 may be designed as a permanent or semi-permanent component of the e-vapor device 100 and therefore need not be disposed of each time the cartridge is replaced, the mouthpiece structure 102 may be imparted with an aesthetic effect. In particular, the mouthpiece structure 102, in addition to its desired function, provides visual or other sensory appeal to the user of the e-cigarette. In particular, the mouthpiece structure 102 may be formed of decorative material (e.g., wood, metal, ceramic, plastic) and/or include an appearance design (e.g., pattern, image, feature). Accordingly, the mouthpiece structure 102 may be customized to express the personality and personality of the user of the e-cigarette.

The dispensing body 104 may include a ratchet assembly and be configured to receive an atomizer that interacts with the ratchet assembly. The ratchet assembly will be described in greater detail in connection with subsequent figures. The vaporizer is configured to generate the vapor by accessing the vapor precursor within the cartridge in a coupling action and heating the vapor precursor. In an example embodiment, the ratchet assembly is configured to achieve a mechanical increment with each coupling action (between the atomizer and the barrel) to facilitate simultaneous removal of the barrel and atomizer coupled thereto after a prescribed number of coupling actions. Thereby, the possibility of over-use of the nebulizer (and the resulting adverse sensory effect) may be reduced or prevented.

Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 1. Referring to fig. 2, the dispensing body 104 is configured to house an atomizer 106. The atomizer 106 may be cylindrical in shape with one or more guide structures on its outer sidewall. The one or more guide structures may be in the form of one or more parallel ridges extending along a portion of the length of the atomizer 106. For example, the ridges may be in the form of two parallel strips on opposite sides of the atomizer 106, where the strips extend longitudinally from one end of the atomizer 106 (housed by the dispensing body 104) along a portion of the length of the atomizer 106 (e.g., along one-third to two-thirds of the length of the atomizer 106), although example embodiments are not limited thereto. When assembled together, the mouthpiece structure 102 is configured to engage the recessed ends of the dispensing body 104 and the atomizer 106.

Figure 3 is another partially exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 1. Referring to fig. 3, the dispensing body 104 includes a recess configured to receive a cylindrically shaped atomizer 106 and a guide structure on an outer sidewall of the atomizer to interact with a ratchet assembly within the dispensing body 104. The depth of the recess is designed such that: when in a neutral, rest position within the recess, the atomizer 106 protrudes from the recess. In an example embodiment, when the atomizer 106 is in an equilibrium state therein (e.g., there is no external force pushing the atomizer 106 into the recess), the guide structure located on the outer sidewall of the atomizer 106 also protrudes from the recess. Because at least the surface defining the opening to the recess may be contoured to correspond with the circular cross-section of the atomizer 106 and the guide structure on the outer sidewall of the atomizer, the atomizer 106 may remain aligned within the recess and thus not rotate within the recess when the guide structure overlaps the surface defining the opening to the recess. In another aspect, the volume of the recess may have a cylindrical shape below the surface defining the opening to the recess that is larger than the cylindrical shape of the atomizer 106, thereby accommodating the guide structure on the outer sidewall of the atomizer. Thus, the atomizer 106 can rotate when the atomizer 106 is pushed into the distribution body 104 such that the guiding structure no longer overlaps the surface defining the opening to the recess.

Optionally, the volume of the recess (in addition to the surface defining the opening to the recess) may also correspond to the cylindrical shape of the atomizer 106 and the guiding structure on the outer sidewall of the atomizer, whereby the atomizer 106 will remain aligned and thus cannot rotate within the recess (regardless of whether an external force is applied to push the atomizer 106 into the distribution body 104, whereby the guiding structure is located below the surface defining the opening to the recess). However, it should be understood that example embodiments are not limited to those described above, and that other suitable configurations are possible, depending on the desired interaction between the atomizer 106 and the dispensing body 104 and/or ratchet assembly (which will be described in greater detail below).

Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 1. Referring to fig. 4, the mouthpiece structure 102 is configured to receive the cartridge 108 and connect with the dispensing body 104 such that the cartridge 108 is located between the mouthpiece structure 102 and the dispensing body 104. The outer surface of the cartridge 108 may be configured to conform to the inner surface of the mouthpiece structure 102 (following the inner surface of the mouthpiece structure 102). The mouthpiece structure 102 and the cartridge 108 may be configured as two separate components designed to be separate/independent during normal operation of the e-vaping device 100. In this case, the mouthpiece structure 102 may be reusable, while the cartridge 108 may be disposable.

Alternatively, the mouthpiece structure 102 and the cartridge 108 may be integrated to form a single combined structure that is not designed to be separated during normal operation of the e-vapor device 100. In this case, the combined mouthpiece structure 102 and cartridge 108 may be disposable. Further, the cartridge 108 itself may be in the form of the mouthpiece structure 102 (or vice versa) such that the interior volume therein (except for the vapor channel 118) may be filled with the vapor precursor.

The cartridge 108 may be connected with the atomizer 106 via a variety of possible configurations. Additionally, the mouthpiece structure 102 may be engaged with the dispensing body 104 to enhance the connection between the cartridge 108 and the atomizer 106. Suitable attachment structures that may be disposed on the available surfaces of the e-vaping device 100 to be joined include mating member/recess type configurations and magnetic configurations, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.

For example, the attachment structure may include a mating member formed on a first surface of the e-vaping device 100, and a corresponding recess formed on a second surface of the e-vaping device 100. In one non-limiting embodiment, the mating member may be a rounded structure to facilitate engagement/disengagement of the attachment structure, and the recess may be an indent notch corresponding to the curvature of the rounded structure. The mating member may also be spring loaded to retract (via spring compression) upon initial insertion and extend (via spring decompression) when the mating structure is aligned with the corresponding recess. Engagement of the mating member with the corresponding recess may result in an audible clicking sound that informs the user of the electronic cigarette that it is properly connected.

In another example, the attachment structure may include a magnetic arrangement. For example, a first magnet may be disposed on a first surface of the e-vaping device 100 and a second magnet may be disposed on a second surface of the e-vaping device 100. The first and/or second magnets may be exposed or hidden from view behind the layer of material. The first and second magnets are oriented to attract one another, and multiple pairs of first and second magnets may be provided to ensure proper connection between the desired surfaces.

In an example embodiment, the cartridge 108 may be configured to have a lower protruding portion (opposite the end adjacent to the vapor outlet of the mouthpiece structure 102) configured to engage with the concave end of the atomizer 106. The cartridge 108 may be configured to be integral with the atomizer via a friction fit device or a snap fit device, although the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Additionally, a coupling action may be performed such that the nebulizer 106 may access (e.g., fluidly communicate) the vapor precursor within the cartridge 108. The coupling action may be performed simultaneously with or subsequent to the connecting action of the cartridge 108 and the atomizer 106.

Access to the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge 108 is limited by the seal 110. The seal 110 may be in the form of a ball check valve arrangement. In this case, the nebulizer 106 may include an access member configured to press the ball structure of the ball check valve arrangement to release the vapor precursor within the cartridge 108 during the coupling action. The access member of the nebulizer 106 can draw (e.g., by capillary action) the pre-vapor formulation from the cartridge 108 to the nebulizer 106. Since the ball structure of the ball check valve arrangement is spring biased, when the cartridge 108 is disengaged from the atomizer 106 (e.g., when the cartridge 108 is replaced), the ball structure will press against the inner surface of the outlet of the cartridge 108 to reseal the cartridge 108. In another example, the seal 110 may be formed of an impermeable/hermetic material designed to be pierced by an access member of the nebulizer 106 to access the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge 108.

The coupling action may involve pressing the mouthpiece structure 102 against the dispensing body 104 to achieve a correct connection. In particular, the cartridge 108 may be pressed against a corresponding portion of the atomizer 106 to achieve the desired fluid communication therebetween. During operation of the e-vapor device 100, air may enter via the inlet 114 and exit via the outlet 116. Steam may be distributed via the steam channel 118. The force applied to effect the coupling action may result in a temporary longitudinal movement of the atomizer 106. The nebulizer 106 interacts with a ratchet assembly 112 in the dispensing body 104, and a spring may be disposed below the ratchet assembly 112. The ratchet assembly 112 may include a toothed structure and a pawl configured to engage the teeth of the toothed structure, thereby allowing the toothed structure to advance in only one direction (e.g., unidirectional movement).

As described above, ratchet assembly 112 may be configured to: each coupling operation between the barrel 108 and the atomizer 106 causes the ratchet assembly 112 to undergo a mechanical increment. In particular, when a new cartridge 108 is loaded into the e-vapor device 100 by pressing the new cartridge 108 against a corresponding portion of the cartomizer 106 for a coupling action, the force from the pressing operation will also cause the cartomizer 106 and the ratchet assembly 112 to undergo a temporary, longitudinal movement into the dispensing body 104 because of the spring, while also causing the ratchet assembly to mechanically advance. For example, the ratchet assembly 112 may be configured to rotate a portion in mechanical increments in response to a coupling action. By this mechanical increment, the ratchet assembly 112 is configured to first engage and hold the atomizer 106, and then release the atomizer 106 after a prescribed number of mechanical increments to be removed simultaneously with the barrel 108.

In an example embodiment, the ratchet assembly 112 may be configured to lock onto the atomizer 106 during a coupling action and to gradually disengage from the atomizer 106 with each coupling action, thereby allowing the atomizer 106 to be released from the ratchet assembly 112 after a prescribed number of coupling actions. In particular, ratchet assembly 112 may include a flange structure configured to rotate and obstruct a guide structure located on an outer sidewall of atomizer 106 when atomizer 106 is temporarily moved longitudinally into dispensing body 104 during a coupling action. Thus, the cartridge 108 may be disengaged from the e-vapor device 100 when depleted without also removing the nebulizer 106. The flange structure of the ratchet assembly 112 may be configured to rotate with each coupling action (e.g., insertion of a new cartridge 108) until a cutout section (or similar device) corresponding to each guide structure of the atomizer 106 is reached, which may allow the guide structure to pass through the cutout section, thereby releasing the atomizer 106 for removal with the cartridge 108. Accordingly, the nebulizer 106 may be discarded after the cartridge 108 is used a prescribed number of times, thereby reducing or preventing overuse of the nebulizer 106, and the consequent potentially unpleasant sensory effects.

Optionally, ratchet assembly 112 may be configured to: the atomizer 106 is gradually engaged to the barrel 108 with each coupling action, thereby causing the atomizer 106 to engage with the barrel 108 after a prescribed number of coupling actions. In such a case, the cartridge 108 may be fluidly connected with the atomizer 106 during the coupling action, but not form a mechanical connection therebetween sufficient to allow the cartridge 108 and the atomizer 106 to be removed simultaneously. Conversely, ratchet assembly 112 may be configured to form such a mechanical connection after a prescribed number of coupling actions.

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 1 with the cartridge and the atomizer removed simultaneously. Referring to fig. 5, ratchet assembly 112 may be configured to facilitate simultaneous removal of barrel 108 and atomizer 106 coupled thereto after 2-10 coupling motions (e.g., 3-6 coupling motions or 4-5 coupling motions). In an example embodiment, each coupling action may correspond to the connection of a new cartridge 108 and atomizer 106. For example, the e-vapor device 100 may be configured such that: the smoker can replace the cartridge 108 three times and when the third replaced cartridge 108 is exhausted, the atomizer 106 can be pulled out and discarded along with the exhausted third replaced cartridge 108. The frequency of replacement of the nebulizer 106 may depend on the pre-vapor formulation of the cartridge 108 and/or operating parameters of the e-vapor device 100.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an e-vapor device having a configuration in which the cartridge is located within the base, according to an example embodiment. Referring to figure 6, the e-vapor device 200 includes a base structure 212 connected to the dispensing body 204. The dispensing body 204 includes a mouthpiece end having the mouthpiece structure 202 and an atomizer at an opposite base end. The base end is configured to couple with the cartridge 208, thereby placing the vapor precursor in fluid communication with the atomizer. The cartridge 208 is configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation therein. The cartridge 208 may be a sealed container. The atomizer is configured to heat the vapor precursor to form a vapor.

Figure 7 is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 6. Referring to fig. 7, the dispensing body 204 may taper towards the mouthpiece structure 202. The base structure 212 may be attached to the dispensing body 204 via a threaded arrangement, although the exemplary embodiment is not so limited. The barrel 208 is configured to be inserted into the base structure 212 and may be secured by a variety of suitable means.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 6. Referring to fig. 8, the seal 210 may limit access to the pre-vapor formulation within the cartridge 208. The seal 210 may be a ball check valve arrangement, although the example embodiments are not limited thereto. An atomizer 206 is disposed at the base end of the dispensing body 204. A vapor channel 218 extends from the atomizer 206 to the mouthpiece structure 202 inside the dispensing body 204. The dispensing body 204 may further include a battery located between the mouthpiece structure 202 at the mouthpiece end and the atomizer 206 at the opposite substrate end.

Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 6. Referring to fig. 9, when the cartridge 208 is coupled to the atomizer 206, the ball structure of the ball check valve arrangement of the seal 210 is urged inwardly, thereby allowing the vapor precursor within the cartridge 208 to be in fluid communication with the atomizer 206. The vapor generated by the atomizer 206 is directed to the mouthpiece structure 202 via the vapor channel 218.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an e-vapor device having the configuration of a disc-shaped cartridge, according to an example embodiment. Referring to figure 10, the e-vapor device 300 includes a dispensing body 304 having a disc shape. The mouthpiece structure 302 is connected to one side of the dispensing body 304. The atomizer 306 is visible through the upper surface of the dispensing body 304.

Figure 11 is a partially exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 10. Referring to fig. 11, the dispensing body 304 includes a pivotable lid structure configured to open/close to receive (or remove) a cartridge 308 having a disc shape. The barrel 308 includes a plurality of chambers 309. While three chambers are shown in fig. 11, it should be understood that example embodiments are not so limited. For example, the barrel 308 may include two, four, or more chambers 309. Each of the plurality of chambers 309 is configured to contain a vapor precursor therein. In addition, the plurality of chambers 309 are fluidly isolated from each other. Thus, each chamber 309 of cartridge 308 may hold a different flavor and/or composition of the pre-vapor formulation.

The atomizer 306 may be configured as part of the dispensing body 304 or cartridge 308. When the atomizer 306 is configured to dispense a portion of the body 304, the cartridge 308 may be configured to have an opening configured to engage the atomizer 306. On the other hand, when atomizer 306 is configured as part of cartridge 308, dispensing body 304 may be configured to engage atomizer 306. Cartridge 308 is rotatably mounted to dispensing body 304 via atomizer 306. The barrel 308 is configured to rotate about the atomizer 306 such that one of the plurality of chambers 309 is aligned, thereby being in fluid communication with the atomizer 306.

Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the e-vapor device of figure 10. Referring to fig. 12, the atomizer 306 is configured to remain stationary during rotation of the barrel 308. The supply tube 311 also remains stationary with the atomizer 306. Each of the plurality of chambers 309 includes an outlet configured to align with the supply tube 311 as the barrel 308 rotates. Various means (e.g., mating member/recess type means, magnetic means) may be utilized to help ensure alignment of the supply tube 311 with the opening of the desired one of the plurality of chambers 309. A seal 310 may be provided between the atomizer 306 and the vapor passage 318. During operation of the e-vapor device 100, air may enter the atomizer 306 via an opening in an upper surface of the atomizer. The vapor formed by the atomizer 306 is directed toward the mouthpiece structure 302 via the vapor channel 318.

The electronic vaping devices disclosed herein may be provided with a memory device and corresponding circuitry, thereby allowing the receipt, storage, and transfer of information from and to other electronic devices. The intelligent capabilities, connection features and other related aspects of the mouthpiece structure, cartridge, distribution body and the overall e-cigarette device are additionally described in US application No.62/151148 (law docket No. 24000-.

While a number of example embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a cartridge configured to contain a vapor precursor therein; and

a dispensing body including a ratchet assembly and configured to receive an atomizer that interacts with the ratchet assembly, the atomizer configured to fluidly access a vapor precursor within a cartridge and heat the vapor precursor to generate a vapor via a coupling action, the cartridge configured such that the vapor precursor within the cartridge is not in fluid communication with the atomizer prior to the coupling action, the ratchet assembly configured to effect a mechanical increment with each coupling action, thereby facilitating removal of the cartridge with the atomizer coupled to the cartridge after a prescribed number of coupling actions,

wherein the ratchet assembly is configured to: the atomizer is gradually engaged to the barrel by each coupling action, thereby causing the atomizer to engage with the barrel after a prescribed number of coupling actions,

wherein the atomizer has a recessed end and the lower protruding portion of the barrel is configured to engage the recessed end of the atomizer during the coupling action.

2. The e-vapor device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is in the form of a mouthpiece.

3. The e-vapor device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is a hermetically sealed container.

4. The e-vapor device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is sealed by a ball check valve arrangement.

5. The e-vapor device of claim 4, wherein the atomizer is configured to press a ball structure of a ball check valve arrangement during the coupling action, thereby releasing the vapor precursor within the cartridge.

6. The e-vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atomizer is configured to couple with the cartridge via a snap-fit device during the coupling action.

7. The e-vapor device of claim 1, wherein the ratchet assembly is configured to rotate a portion of the mechanical increment in response to a coupling action.

8. The e-vapor device of claim 1, wherein the ratchet assembly is configured to: during the coupling action, the atomizer is locked on the atomizer and is gradually separated from the atomizer through each coupling action, so that the atomizer is released from the ratchet assembly after a specified number of coupling actions.

9. The e-vapor device of claim 1, wherein the ratchet assembly is configured to facilitate simultaneous removal of the cartridge and the atomizer coupled thereto after 2-10 coupling actions.

10. The e-vapor device of claim 1, further comprising:

a mouthpiece structure configured to receive the cartridge and to connect with the dispensing body such that the cartridge is located between the mouthpiece structure and the dispensing body.

11. The e-vapor device of claim 10, wherein an outer surface of the cartridge is configured to follow an inner surface of a mouthpiece structure.

12. The e-vapor device of claim 10, wherein the cartridge and mouthpiece structure are integrated.