CN111200942A

CN111200942A - Portable atomizer

Info

Publication number: CN111200942A
Application number: CN201980004285.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马克·威廉姆斯
Original assignee: NWT Holdings LLC
Current assignee: National Franchise Group Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-29
Filing date: 2019-03-29
Publication date: 2020-05-26
Also published as: CA3071572A1; WO2019191712A1; UY38169A; US20200245680A1; EP3773026A1

Abstract

In various embodiments, a nebulizer is described that includes an airflow directing/managing system and a locked mouthpiece. In various embodiments, a portable nebulizer is provided that includes an airflow directing/managing system, a locking mouthpiece, and a label. In various embodiments, a recyclable nebulizer and a method of disassembling the recyclable nebulizer are provided.

Description

Portable atomizer

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is an international patent application filed under the patent cooperation treaty. This international application claims priority from us provisional patent application serial No. 62/650,272 entitled "portable nebulizer" filed on 29/3/2018. The disclosure of the aforementioned provisional patent application serial No. 62/650,272 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background

Nebulizers or portable nebulizers are typically battery-powered devices that provide an alternative to combustion, allowing nebulization of inhaled ingredients, typically from plant materials such as tobacco, various herbs, herbal mixtures, and hemp. Nebulizers provide a healthier experience than combustion, with an exciting and diverse user experience.

Disclosure of Invention

I like to think that the nebulisation experience can be enjoyed. What is needed is a perfectly tuned nebulizer experience. Optimal nebulization experience is often hindered by undesired smoke flow and/or clogging due to accidental clogging of leaking liquid or substances contained within the nebulizer.

In order to address the problems in the art with respect to providing the optimal aerosolization experience provided herein, in various embodiments, an atomizer is provided that produces a desired stream of aerosol due to a controlled, consistent airflow that is less likely to clog due to accidental blockage from leaking liquid to be aerosolized. In various embodiments, the atomizers described herein include consumer safety benefits due to the mechanical features that prevent contact with the liquid or substance contained therein. Further, in various embodiments, provided herein is a nebulizer having a label describing nebulizable content that provides an additional user-optimized experience. In some embodiments, the tag is affixed to an internal chassis ("interior chassis") of the nebulizer. In various embodiments, the tag is inserted into a slot ("well") such that its outer surface is flush with the bottom edge of the outer housing.

In various embodiments, provided herein is a nebulizer or portable nebulizer comprising an airflow directing ("routing") and governing system comprising an integrated locating pin and a fresh air intake tube ("intake tube") that locks and aligns a nebulizer outer housing to an inner chassis of the nebulizer. In various embodiments, the airflow directing and management system acts as a primary aperture through which air used to generate the aerosol to be inhaled later enters the device in a controlled manner. In various embodiments, further airflow direction and regulation is facilitated by an airflow sensor directing gasket that includes apertures that regulate airflow to the integrated airflow sensor and IC assembly and that are coupled to respective apertures in the airflow directing/regulating gasket such that when coupled, the apertures align to create a single tube that connects airflow between the two regions.

In various embodiments, provided herein is a nebulizer, a portable nebulizer, comprising an airflow directing and managing system, a locked mouthpiece ("mouthpiece"), and a label describing nebulizable content. In various embodiments, provided herein is a portable nebulizer comprising an airflow directing and management system, a locking mouthpiece further comprising a mouthpiece gasket sealing against an inner wall of a liquid canister such that smoke flow to a user continues without leakage, and a label describing nebulizable content.

In various embodiments, nebulizers provided herein include a heating element connected to a power source that provides wattage in a range configured to provide an optimal nebulizer experience.

In some embodiments described herein, a nebulizer is described that provides a desired smoke flow due to a controlled consistent airflow, a locking mouthpiece that prevents unauthorized user access, structure that prevents clogging and prevents leakage, and a label element that describes the contents of the nebulizer.

In various embodiments, provided herein is a nebulizer in which a wattage range is adjusted to provide an optimal nebulizer experience.

In some embodiments described herein, an optimal aerosolization experience may be achieved by utilizing a consistent airflow that is controlled using an airflow directing and regulating system that includes integrated locating pins and a fresh air intake tube that locks and aligns the outer housing to the inner chassis of the nebulizer.

In various embodiments, the atomizers described herein provide an improvement over existing devices by integrating the function of the primary orifice for controlling fresh air intake with the locking and unlocking features of the locating pin.

In some embodiments, a nebulizer is provided herein that achieves an optimal nebulizing experience that produces a desired flow of aerosol due to a controlled, consistent airflow. The nebulizers described in the various embodiments herein address the problem of providing an optimal nebulizing experience by producing a desired stream of aerosol due to a controlled, consistent airflow, wattage calibrated to produce a desired temperature, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the atomizer described herein provides an improvement over prior devices in that it does not clog due to accidental blockage from leakage of the liquid to be atomized. In some embodiments described herein, consumer safety benefits are realized by mechanical features that prevent contact with the liquid or substance contained therein.

In various embodiments described herein, the tangs on the locking mouthpiece form a mechanical engagement with corresponding slots in the internal chassis such that the mouthpiece cannot be removed without tools such as pliers and physical effort beyond the ability of a child to prevent access to the contents of the liquid can, thereby preventing the child from ingesting the contents of the liquid can.

In some embodiments described herein, a detachable disposable nebulizer is provided. While in various embodiments, the nebulizers described herein are disposable, in some embodiments, the nebulizers are recyclable. In some embodiments described herein, a single use nebulizer is provided that can be disassembled and recycled.

In various embodiments described herein, the atomizer, i.e., the device, is designed for recycling. In some embodiments, the nebulizer described herein is disposable. In some embodiments described herein, the atomizers are recyclable and are designed to be recyclable by having readily separable components, such as batteries, plastics, metals, and electronics, where the components have been subjected to recycling or electronic waste processing destinations. In various embodiments, the recyclable nebulizer is designed so that individual users can follow the simple procedure outlined herein to recycle the nebulizer. The integrated locator pins and fresh air duct may be used as a release pin between the outer housing and the inner chassis during the reclamation procedure. The atomizer may be divided into its component parts to be recycled and the disassembly process may be actuated by using the integrated locating pin and fresh air tube to actuate the disassembly by pressing the integrated locating pin and fresh air tube down from the surface of the outer housing and when the integrated locating pin and fresh air tube is below the level of the inner surface of the outer housing, the outer housing becomes decoupled from the inner chassis. Once decoupled from the outer housing, the inner chassis can be removed from the outer housing by pushing and pulling it from the outer housing. In this way, the integrated locating pin and fresh air duct have an additional function during disassembly. In various embodiments, the integrated locating pin and fresh air tube may be depressed to decouple the outer housing from the inner chassis using a standard ballpoint pen or thumbtack, the outer shape of which is calibrated with the inner diameter of the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube. Upon pressing the integrated locating pin and fresh air tube, a mechanical engagement is created allowing the pen or drawing pin to gain grip on the integrated locating pin and fresh air tube to press it down and out of the plane of the outer housing so that the internal chassis, now decoupled from the outer housing, can easily slide out of the outer housing.

In some embodiments, the atomizer includes a battery tab that enables easy removal of the battery from the battery well. In some embodiments, the pull tab is configured to be disposed between the battery and the internal chassis. In various embodiments, the pull tab and the internal chassis are compressed together, and the adhesive layer may cover an exposed area of the cell such that the cell adheres to the internal chassis, and wherein in various embodiments the pull tab may be reinforced in a grippable portion of the pull tab, which in various embodiments protrudes from the cell and the internal chassis.

In various embodiments, the atomizer includes an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube and battery tab that facilitates disassembly of the atomizer. In various embodiments, a nebulizer that includes an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube that facilitates removal of the nebulizer and a battery tab includes a recyclable part and is a recyclable nebulizer.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an atomizer in some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the atomizer;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an atomizer;

figure 4 shows details of the locking mouthpiece 30 and mouthpiece gasket 35 of an embodiment of the nebulizer and a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the portable nebulizer;

figure 5 shows an exploded view of a locking mouthpiece that may be used in various embodiments of the nebulizer;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an internal chassis of an embodiment of the atomizer;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a nebulizer;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of an airflow directing/regulating gasket;

FIG. 9A shows a view of the nebulizer shown laid flat with an illuminated sign;

FIG. 9B shows the opposite side of the atomizer of FIG. 9A, showing the outer housing with an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube;

fig. 10A shows the integrated detent pin and fresh air intake duct being pressed downward to unlock the outer housing from the inner chassis.

FIG. 10B shows the inner chassis extending from the outer housing and illustrating the step of recycling the atomizer described herein;

FIG. 10C shows the outer housing separated from the inner chassis;

fig. 10D shows the internal chassis separated from the external housing and indicated by the arrows that in some embodiments, the next step is to rotate the atomizer along the long axis, or to flip the atomizer to show the front side;

FIG. 10E shows the internal chassis oriented to reveal the battery and the battery tab with the digital graphic;

FIG. 10F shows the battery lead cut with scissors after the battery has been removed from the internal chassis;

FIG. 10G shows the battery separated from the internal chassis;

FIG. 10H shows that the flexible inner chassis arm can be pulled apart to expose the liquid tank;

figure 10I illustrates some components of the recyclable nebulizer and the direction in which the locking mouthpiece and components may be pulled out of the internal chassis in various embodiments;

FIG. 10J illustrates further disassembly of the recyclable nebulizer, with the LED airflow sensor and IC assembly, associated wiring, and LED diffuser and airflow directing gasket for the airflow sensor removed;

FIG. 10K shows an internal chassis that can be sent to plastic recycling;

FIG. 11A shows the components of the atomizer prior to assembly;

FIG. 11B shows additional components of the atomizer that may be assembled;

FIG. 11C shows an internal chassis with various components;

FIG. 12A shows the internal chassis separated from the external housing;

FIG. 12B shows cut-outs ("kerfs") 25 on either side of the internal cylindrical passage of the internal chassis 20 containing the integrated locating pins and fresh air intake tube 111, and

fig. 12C shows controlled rupture along cut 25 facilitated by manual force applied to both ends of internal chassis 20 along the path of the arrows, which allows removal 111 without the need for additional tools.

Detailed Description

As used herein, a portable nebulizer and a nebulizer may be used interchangeably. The terms nebulizer and portable nebulizer are both used in the art and commercially and will be considered as synonymous terms in this specification. The recyclable nebulizer and the portable recyclable nebulizer are also used interchangeably herein.

In various embodiments, provided herein is a nebulizer or portable nebulizer that can be used to enable a user to insert the end of a housing containing a locking mouthpiece into their mouth, form a seal with their lips around the outer housing and mouthpiece, and inhale comfortably, which inhales fresh air through an integrated detent pin and fresh air inhalation tube, which automatically activates an airflow sensor that connects the power stored in the battery to a resistive element embedded in a porous ceramic cylinder that heats and atomizes the liquid contents stored in the canister, liquid canister when the user inhales, so that a desired aerosol flow can be inhaled into the user's lungs, creating a pleasant experience. In some embodiments, the liquid contents stored in the tank may be a cannabis "oil" extract.

As used herein, "integrated locating pin/fresh air intake tube" and "integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube" are used interchangeably. In some embodiments, a unique and valuable feature of the atomizer described herein is that the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube have three functions, in some embodiments it serves as an integrated locating, locking/unlocking pin, and fresh air intake tube, and in some embodiments herein it may be referred to as an "integrated locating locking/unlocking pin and fresh air intake tube". In some embodiments, the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube may function to lock the inner chassis and outer housing in place, provide fresh air intake, and to engage or decouple the inner chassis and outer housing.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable nebulizer 5 comprising a locking mouthpiece 30 and an outer housing 10. Fig. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the nebulizer 5 shown in fig. 1, showing an outer housing 10, an inner chassis 20, a locking mouthpiece 30, a mouthpiece gasket 35, an aerosol guide tube 100, a liquid canister 90, a ceramic heating assembly 80, an airflow directing/regulating gasket 70, a primary airflow-controlling orifice 64, a secondary airflow-guiding orifice 65, an airflow sensor and IC assembly 60, an airflow-directing gasket for an airflow sensor 50, an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111, a battery 120, a label describing the nebulizable content 40, according to various embodiments described herein.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a nebulizer according to various embodiments described herein, showing a locking mouthpiece 30, a mouthpiece gasket 35, a primary control orifice 64, an airflow directing/regulating gasket 70, an airflow sensor and IC assembly 60, an airflow directing gasket 50 for the airflow sensor, an integrated pin and fresh air intake tube 111, a battery 120, an internal chassis 20, an external housing 10, and a label 40 depicting nebulizable contents.

Fig. 4 illustrates details of the locking mouthpiece 30 and mouthpiece gasket 35 of some embodiments of the nebulizer described herein and cross-sectional views of the nebulizer according to various embodiments described herein, showing an integrated pin and fresh air intake tube 111 at a location external to the nebulizer, aerosol guide tube 100, liquid canister 90, ceramic heating assembly 80, airflow guide/management gasket 70, primary control gasket 64, airflow sensor and IC assembly 60, airflow guide gasket for airflow sensor 50, integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111, battery 120, internal chassis 20, external housing 10, and a label describing nebulizable content 40. The integrated positioning pins and fresh air intake tube 111 may be inserted into holes in the outer housing 10 shown in fig. 4, and then into holes in the inner chassis to fix the outer housing 10 to the inner chassis.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a locking mouthpiece, showing a locking mouthpiece tang 31, that may be used in various embodiments of the atomiser described herein.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the internal chassis 20 showing the locking mouthpiece 30, the locking mouthpiece tang 31, and the mouthpiece gasket 35, the slot 21 for locking the mouthpiece tang, the internal chassis arm 22, and the integrated detent pin and fresh air intake tube 111 according to various embodiments of the atomizer described herein.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the atomizer described herein, showing outer housing 10, outer housing wall edge 11, label 40 depicting the aerosolizable contents, and integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111.

Fig. 8 shows details of an airflow directing/regulating gasket 70 having an electrical lead channel 72, an occlusion avoidance slot 73, a primary airflow control orifice 64, a secondary airflow directing orifice 71, according to various embodiments of the atomizers described herein.

To address the problem of providing an optimal nebulization experience that produces a desired nebulization flow due to a controlled, consistent airflow that is less likely to clog due to accidental blockage by leakage from the liquid to be nebulized, and that produces consumer safety benefits due to mechanical features that prevent contact with the liquid or substance contained therein, the inventors provide in some embodiments a portable nebulizer comprising an airflow directing and managing system, a locking mouthpiece, which in some embodiments comprises a locking mechanism that prevents accidental contact, and a mouthpiece gasket that seals against the inner wall of the liquid to enable a smoke flow without leakage.

In various embodiments, a nebulizer is provided herein that includes an airflow directing and regulating system that includes an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111 that locks and aligns the outer housing 10 to the inner chassis 20 and, in some embodiments, can also actuate detachment upon depression. In some embodiments, disassembly may be actuated by pushing 111 with a ball point pen or similar sized object. In various embodiments, the airflow directing and management system is also a primary aperture through which air to be later used to generate smoke to be inhaled enters the device in a controlled manner. Further airflow direction and regulation may be achieved by an airflow sensor guide gasket 50 having apertures regulating airflow to the integrated airflow sensor and IC assembly 60, and coupled to corresponding apertures in an airflow direction/regulation gasket 70 such that when coupled, the apertures align to create a single tube connecting the airflow between the two regions.

In the various embodiments described herein, an atomizer is provided that includes an airflow directing/regulating gasket 70 having four apertures, two of which serve as passageways for electrical leads 72, but do not substantially facilitate airflow into the atomizing chamber subassembly. As described in the preceding paragraph, the auxiliary guide aperture 65 is connected to a corresponding aperture in the airflow guide gasket for the airflow sensor 50. The fresh air flow into the ceramic heating assembly 80 can be controlled by the main control orifice 64, the diameter of which, in combination with the intensity of suction provided by the user, determines the flow rate and the "feel" of the inhalation through the entire device. In various embodiments, all four apertures in the airflow directing/regulating gasket 70 are on raised "stems" insert molded into slots in the gasket 73 so that the openings of those apertures resist clogging from un-atomized liquid that may drip from the atomization chamber as it will tend to pool under the slots and not cover the aperture openings.

In some embodiments of the atomizers described herein, the internal chassis 20 is a molded shuttle that organizes the internal components into separate component positioning areas. Three main component positioning areas of the internal chassis 20 are for the battery, airflow sensor/IC assembly 60 and liquid tank 90. In various embodiments, the flexibility of the internal chassis arms 22 allows them to capture the liquid tank 90.

In the various embodiments described herein that are atomized, the atomizer includes a locking mouthpiece 30 having two locking mouthpiece tangs 31 that lock into corresponding slots 21 molded into the inner chassis arms 22 of the inner chassis 20. When the mouthpiece is inserted into the device, the tangs bend towards the central axis of the device and then snap into the slots in a permanently locked manner. In various embodiments of the atomizer described herein, the locking mechanism serves to prevent accidental contact with the liquid to be atomized, so that it can only be removed with a tool and is intended to be child-safe. In various embodiments, the mouthpiece gasket 35 seals the inner walls of the liquid tank 90 and the atomizing guide tube 100 to provide a leak-free aerosol flow to the user.

In some embodiments of the nebulizer, a label describing the nebulizable content 40 is affixed to the internal chassis 20 by adhesive and is therefore visible on the bottom surface of the device. In some embodiments, the tag may be inserted into the slot such that the housing wall edge 11 of the outer housing 10 is considered to be a frame around the tag describing the aerosolizable content 40. In such a label arrangement, in which the label is inserted into the slot such that the housing wall edge 11 of the outer housing 10 is seen as surrounding the frame describing the label around the nebulizable content 40, it is advantageous that at the same time it is easy to assemble onto the device when filling with the particular liquid to be nebulized, the name of which is presented on the label, and which is not easily removed by the user without tools, such as a carving knife ("exact knife").

In some embodiments of the nebulizers described herein, the wattage may be selected to provide a smoke stream with an optimal user experience. In various embodiments, wattage adjustment may be used to provide the lowest possible wattage to achieve the best user experience and avoid overheating smoke. In various embodiments, the atomizers described herein can achieve a balance of airflow and heat. In various embodiments, nebulizers provided herein can generate a puff of smoke with a certain mass balance between easy gas flow and heat to produce nebulization and absorption so that an optimal experience is achieved.

Fig. 9A illustrates an atomizer 5 according to various embodiments described herein. The top side in fig. 9A shows the illuminated sign 19. In various embodiments described herein, the illuminated indicia 19 may be illuminated by light. In some embodiments, the lamp is an LED lamp, i.e., the light is from an LED light source not shown in fig. 9A. Fig. 9B shows the opposite side of the nebulizer if it is turned over, for example on a table. Fig. 9B shows the outer housing and integrated locating pins and fresh air intake tube 111.

Recyclable atomizer

In some embodiments, provided herein are recyclable atomizers, which are referred to herein in some embodiments as recyclable atomizers. In some embodiments, a single use, recyclable nebulizer is provided. In various embodiments, the returnable atomizer described herein can be detached from its various parts using simple household tools. Scissors and a ball point pen or tack are all that is necessary to disassemble the recyclable nebulizer as described in the various embodiments herein. Furthermore, the returnable atomizer is made of recyclable parts. The recyclable atomizer can be simply and conveniently recycled since all parts can be disassembled without special tools and a plurality of parts are made of recyclable materials.

In some embodiments, described herein is a method of disassembling an atomizer described herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are other ways to prepare the atomizers described herein for recycling in various embodiments, but the process described herein provides a simple step-by-step process in which the components can be effectively de-coupled and recycled.

Fig. 10A shows how, in some embodiments, a ball point pen or similar tool, such as a thumbtack, is pressed down on the integrated detent pin and fresh air intake tube to unlock the outer housing 10 from the inner chassis 20. Step 1 of disassembling the recyclable atomizer includes firmly pressing down the integrated locator pin/fresh air intake tube 111 to unlock the outer housing 10 from the inner cabinet 20. Pressing firmly down on the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111 pushes the integrated locating pin/fresh air intake tube 111 below the level of the inner surface of the outer housing 10 and mechanically decouples the outer housing 10 from the inner chassis 20. This unlocks the mechanical fastening between the outer housing 10 and the inner chassis 20, which then allows subsequent operation to break down the recyclable atomizer, the device into its separately recyclable components. Thus, the integrated locating pin/fresh air intake tube has this additional feature that facilitates the disassembly process of the returnable atomizer.

In various embodiments, the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111 are sized such that they are adapted to be pressed onto the integrated locating pin/fresh air intake tube 111 using a standard ball-point pen, and in some embodiments, the integrated locating pin/fresh air intake tube 111 has an Inner Diameter (ID) of between about 1.25mm and about 1.35mm and an Outer Diameter (OD) of between about 1.9mm and about 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111 has an Inner Diameter (ID) between 1.25mm and 1.35mm and an Outer Diameter (OD) between 1.9mm and 2.0 mm.

Fig. 10B shows the internal chassis 20 extending from the external housing. In various embodiments, step 2 of removing the inner tray 20 is pushing the inner tray from the bottom up, as indicated by the arrow, and then the inner tray 20 is exposed from the top, as shown in fig. 10B. In this step, for example, a finger, pencil, pen or other tool may be used to push the internal chassis 20 from the external housing 10. Then, as indicated by the arrow, in step 3, the inner chassis 20 may be pulled in the direction of the arrow to completely remove the inner chassis 20 from the outer housing 10. The steps are denoted as steps 2 and 3 to indicate the sequence of removing the internal chassis 20 from the external housing 10.

Fig. 10C shows the outer housing 10 separated from the inner chassis 20. In various embodiments described herein, the outer housing is made of aluminum and may be sent to aluminum recycling.

Fig. 10D shows the inner chassis 20 separated from the outer housing 10 and indicates by arrows that in some embodiments, the next step is to rotate the atomizer along the long axis, or to flip the atomizer to show the front side. In fig. 10E, the internal chassis 20 has been flipped over to reveal the batteries 120, the LED diffuser 61, and the liquid tank 90. In some embodiments, the battery tab 121 and the battery tab number pattern 122 are also exposed. In various embodiments, the recyclable nebulizer includes a pull tab 121 wrapped around the battery 120, which may be used to remove the battery from a battery well molded into the internal chassis. To continue the detachment process, the user may pull on the battery tab 121 to remove the battery 120 from the internal chassis 20. To facilitate the user, in some embodiments, the battery pull tab includes a number graphic 122 with the number 1 enclosed in a circle with an upwardly pointing arrow indicating the sequence of operations and the direction of the pull.

The next step in disassembling the returnable atomizer is to cut the battery lead 123 at both ends of the battery 120, as shown in fig. 10F. The battery 120 can then be removed or separated from the internal chassis 20 as shown in fig. 10G. In various embodiments, the recovery may be at a battery recovery facility or off-load. In some embodiments, the battery 120 is a lithium ion battery that can be recycled.

Fig. 10H shows that the inner chassis arm 22 (or wing) can now be pulled open to expose the liquid tank 90 (also referred to herein as an oil tank). In various embodiments, the inner chassis arm 22 is flexible and can be manipulated by hand. Fig. 10I also shows the various remaining components of the recyclable atomizer. The mouthpiece 30, mouthpiece gasket 35 and the inner and liquid canister 90 can now be pulled and separated from the ceramic heating element 80. Other remaining portions associated with the internal chassis 20 include the airflow directing/regulating gasket 70, the heating lead 124, the crimp 125, the resistance wire 126 (the element being heated with the atomizer is being used), and the battery lead 123. Stainless steel liquid tank 90 and other metal parts may be sent to metal recovery. The locked mouthpiece 30, mouthpiece gasket 35 and internal chassis 20 may be sent to plastic recycling. Fig. 10J shows a further disassembly of the recyclable nebulizer, with the removal of the LED62, airflow sensor and IC assembly 60 and associated wiring that can be routed to electronic waste, and the removal of the LED diffuser 61 and airflow directing gasket for the airflow sensor 50 that can be routed to general plastic recycling.

Fig. 12A shows the internal chassis 20 separated from the external housing, as shown in fig. 10E, with a circle around the detail depicted in fig. 12B.

Fig. 12B shows the cut-outs 25 on either side of the internal cylindrical passage of the internal chassis 20 containing the integrated locating pins and fresh air intake tube 111. In some embodiments, the cut-out 25 is molded into the internal chassis 20 and is capable of controlling breakage of the internal chassis 20 along the edge of the central cylindrical aperture containing the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111.

Fig. 12C shows controlled breakage along the cut-out 25 facilitated by manual force applied to both ends of the internal chassis 20 along the path of the arrows, which allows the fresh air intake tube 111 to be removed without the need for additional tools. Applying a force to the internal chassis 20 results in a deformation of the internal chassis 20 such that the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111 can be removed by hand without the need for special tools, and thereby in some embodiments, the internal chassis 20 is separated from the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111.

Fig. 10K shows the inner tray 20 with empty inner tray arms 22 that can be sent to plastic recycling. In various embodiments, the internal chassis 20 is made of polycarbonate, and in some embodiments, polycarbonate #7 results in a recyclable item that provides sufficient flexibility for disassembly with the internal chassis arms 22 of the internal chassis 20 made of polycarbonate, and is flexible enough in size and thickness to be handled by hand during disassembly.

Materials that may be used in some embodiments of the recyclable atomizer include recyclable parts made of polycarbonate, silicone, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), stainless steel, aluminum, and lithium ion batteries. In some embodiments, the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111 and liquid tank 90 may be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the outer housing 10 may be made of aluminum. In some embodiments, the internal chassis 20, the LED diffuser 61, and the label describing the nebulizable content 40 may be made of polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece gasket 35, the airflow directing/regulating gasket 70 and the airflow directing gasket for the airflow sensor 50 may be made of silicone. In some embodiments, the battery 120 may be a lithium ion battery, and in some embodiments, the locking mouthpiece 30 may be made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

In some embodiments, biodegradable materials may be used for some components of the recyclable nebulizer. For example, in some embodiments, the internal chassis 20, the LED diffuser 61, and the locking mouthpiece 30 may be made of materials such as PE (bio-plastic polyethylene), PEF (polyethylene furanoate), PLA (polylactic acid), and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111 may be made of a suitable biodegradable material.

Furthermore, the fresh air intake tube 111, which is now stainless steel, can be changed to the same polymer as used in the component 20, since the two items can then be recycled as a single unit without disassembly, as is now done, since the plastic and metal components need to be separated by a mechanical action step, which will be part of the recycling process.

Assembly process

In various embodiments, the atomizers described herein can be assembled from atomizers that can be purchased or manufactured by methods known in the art.

Fig. 11A shows different components of the atomizer described in different embodiments herein. In fig. 11A, the outer housing 10 is shown with an illuminated sign 19. The illustrated internal chassis 20 includes a battery well 24, an electronics well 23, and an internal chassis arm 22. Other components shown include an LED diffuser 61, an airflow directing gasket for the airflow sensor 50, an airflow sensor and IC assembly 60; a heating lead 124, a bead 125, an air flow directing/regulating washer 70 with an electrical lead channel 72, a resistance wire 126 (heated element), a ceramic heating assembly 80, and a liquid tank 90. Also shown are battery 120 and battery lead 123.

In some embodiments, using the portion shown in fig. 11A, the atomizer may be assembled as follows. Ceramic heating element 80 is inserted into liquid tank 90, 126(2x) then through 72(2x), 70 into liquid tank 90, then 126 is attached with 125 (all 2x) to 124, 60 inserted 50, 50 (with 60) inserted 23, 90 (with additional tie down) inserted 22, 124 wrapped around channel 23, 124(2x) trimmed to length, 124(2x) welded to 60, 123(2x) welded to 120, 120 inserted 24, 123(2x) trimmed to length, 123 welded to 60, 61 inserted 23, and 20 inserted with additional tie down into 10.

Fig. 11B shows additional components of the atomizer in various embodiments described herein, and in some embodiments described herein, the assembly process of the atomizer is continued. In fig. 11B, the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube 111 are shown removed from the outer housing, label 40 describing the aerosolizable content, inner chassis, mouthpiece gasket 35 and locking mouthpiece 30.

111 are slid into the hole in 10 and then into the hole in 20 located directly below, which secures 10 to 20. And then insert 30 into 35. 30 and 35 are inserted together into 20 and 90 to seal the tube and mechanically lock the mouthpiece to the inner chassis. 40 is then secured to 20 so that it is flush with the bottom edge of 10 and visible to the viewer.

Fig. 11C shows the internal chassis 20 with some additional components of the atomizer described in various embodiments. The internal chassis 20 has batteries 120, heating leads 124, LEDs 62, airflow sensor and IC assembly 60, LED diffuser 61, shown with the internal chassis.

Various embodiments have been described and are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that the claims should not be limited to the forms and embodiments described herein.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. An atomizer comprising an airflow directing and management system, a locking mouthpiece, and an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube that locks and aligns an outer housing to an inner chassis.

2. The atomizer of claim 1, wherein the locking mouthpiece further comprises a mouthpiece gasket that seals against an inner wall of the liquid canister.

3. The nebulizer of claim 1, further comprising a label describing nebulizable content to flow smoke without leakage.

4. An atomizer comprising an airflow directing and management system, a locking mouthpiece, and a label describing aerosolizable content.

5. The atomizer of claim 4, wherein the locking mouthpiece further comprises a mouthpiece gasket that seals against an inner wall of the liquid canister.

6. The nebulizer of claim 1, further comprising an airflow sensor guide gasket comprising apertures that regulate the airflow to the integrated airflow sensor and IC assembly and are coupled to respective apertures in the airflow guide/regulation gasket.

7. The atomizer of claim 1 comprising an airflow directing/regulating gasket comprising four apertures.

8. The nebulizer of claim 7, wherein two of the apertures serve as channels for electrical leads and a secondary pilot aperture is connected to a respective aperture in the airflow pilot washer for an airflow sensor.

9. The nebulizer of claim 1, wherein the internal chassis is a molded shuttle that organizes the internal components into separate component positioning areas for a battery, an airflow sensor/IC component, and a liquid tank.

10. The nebulizer of claim 9, wherein the inner chassis has flexible inner chassis arms.

11. The atomizer of claim 1, wherein the atomizer comprises a locking mouthpiece having two locking mouthpiece tangs that lock into corresponding slots molded into the inner chassis arm of the inner chassis.

12. The nebulizer of claim 1, further comprising a label describing nebulizable content.

13. The nebulizer of claim 12, wherein the label is inserted into a slot, and wherein the outer surface of the label is flush with the outer housing at the outer housing bottom edge.

14. The nebulizer of claim 13, further comprising a pull tab associated with the battery.

15. A retrievable atomiser comprising:

an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube;

an outer housing including an outer housing aperture for receiving the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube;

an internal chassis comprising a battery well, an internal cylindrical channel, an internal chassis aperture aligned with the external housing aperture for receiving the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube, cutouts on either side of the internal chassis internal cylindrical channel comprising the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube, and a flexible internal chassis arm;

a battery in the battery well having a lead connection with the recyclable nebulizer, an

A pull tab disposed between the battery and the internal chassis battery well and wrapped around the battery.

16. The returnable atomizer of claim 15, wherein insertion of the integrated locator pin and fresh air intake tube into the outer housing aperture and the inner chassis aperture locks the outer housing to the inner chassis and aligns the outer housing with the inner chassis.

17. The returnable atomizer of claim 15, wherein urging the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube below an inner surface of the outer housing decouples the outer housing from the inner chassis.

18. The returnable atomizer of claim 15, wherein said integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube provide a conduit for fresh air intake.

19. A method for recycling the recyclable atomizer of claim 15, comprising:

pressing the integrated locator pin and fresh air intake tube downward to unlock the outer housing from the inner chassis;

pushing the inner chassis from the outer housing;

pulling the inner chassis out of the outer housing to separate the inner chassis from the outer housing;

facilitating controlled rupture of the inner chassis along the incision by applying manual force to both ends of the inner chassis;

grasping a pull tab wrapped around the battery and pulling the battery from the internal chassis;

cutting the lead connections;

separating the internal chassis from the battery, an

The outer housing, inner chassis and batteries are recovered by distributing them to a recovery facility.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein pressing down on the integrated locator pin and fresh air intake tube comprises pressing with a ball point pen, pencil, or thumbtack.

21. A method of recycling an atomizer comprising:

providing a nebulizer that can be disassembled into recyclable components using household items, and wherein the nebulizer comprises an internal chassis comprising a cutout on the internal chassis;

using household items and manual force on the internal chassis to disassemble the atomizer, an

Assigning the recyclable component to a recycling destination for recycling.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the household item is selected from scissors, a ball point pen, a thumbtack, or a combination thereof.

Claims

1. An atomizer comprising an airflow directing and management system and a locking mouthpiece.

6. An atomizer comprising an airflow directing and management system comprising an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube that locks and aligns an outer housing to an inner chassis.

7. The nebulizer of claim 6, further comprising an airflow sensor guide gasket comprising apertures that regulate the airflow to the integrated airflow sensor and IC assembly and are coupled to respective apertures in the airflow guide/regulation gasket.

8. The atomizer of claim 6 comprising an airflow directing/regulating gasket comprising four apertures.

9. The nebulizer of claim 8, wherein two of the apertures serve as channels for electrical leads and a secondary pilot aperture is connected to a respective aperture in the airflow pilot washer for an airflow sensor.

10. The nebulizer of claim 6, wherein the internal chassis is a molded shuttle that organizes the internal components into separate component positioning areas for a battery, an airflow sensor/IC component, and a liquid tank.

11. The nebulizer of claim 10, wherein the inner chassis has flexible inner chassis arms.

12. The atomizer of claim 6, wherein the atomizer comprises a locking mouthpiece having two locking mouthpiece tangs that lock into corresponding slots molded into the inner chassis arm of the inner chassis.

13. The nebulizer of claim 6, further comprising a label describing nebulizable content.

14. The nebulizer of claim 13, wherein the label is inserted into a slot, and wherein the outer surface of the label is flush with the outer housing at the outer housing bottom edge.

15. The nebulizer of claim 15, further comprising a pull tab associated with the battery.

16. A retrievable atomiser comprising:

an integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube;

an internal chassis comprising a battery well, an internal cylindrical channel, an internal chassis aperture aligned with the external housing aperture for receiving the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube, and a flexible internal chassis arm;

17. The returnable atomizer of claim 16, further comprising a cutout on either side of said inner cylindrical passage, said cutout retaining said integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube.

18. The returnable atomizer of claim 16, wherein insertion of the integrated locator pin and fresh air intake tube into the outer housing aperture and the inner chassis aperture locks the outer housing to the inner chassis and aligns the outer housing with the inner chassis.

19. The returnable atomizer of claim 16, wherein urging the integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube below an inner surface of the outer housing decouples the outer housing from the inner chassis.

20. The returnable atomizer of claim 16, wherein said integrated locating pin and fresh air intake tube provide a conduit for fresh air intake.

21. A method for recycling the recyclable atomizer of claim 16,

pushing the inner chassis from the outer housing;

grasping a pull tab wrapped around the battery and pulling the battery from an internal chassis;

cutting the lead connections;

separating an internal chassis from the battery, an

The housing, internal chassis and batteries are recovered by distributing them to a recovery facility.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein pressing down on the integrated locator pin and fresh air intake tube comprises pressing with a ball point pen, pencil, or thumbtack.

23. A method of recycling an atomizer comprising:

providing an atomizer capable of being disassembled into recyclable components using household items;

use of household articles for disassembling the atomizer, and

assigning the recyclable component to a recycling destination for recycling.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the household item is selected from scissors, a ball point pen, a pushpin, or a combination thereof.