GB2534855A

GB2534855A - Electronic vaporising device adapter

Info

Publication number: GB2534855A
Application number: GB1501555.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fung Wong Hing
Original assignee: CIGTRONICA Ltd
Current assignee: CIGTRONICA Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-30
Filing date: 2015-01-30
Publication date: 2016-08-10
Also published as: GB201501555D0

Abstract

Electronic vaporising device adapter for connection between a first portion of an electronic vaporising device having a power supply and first contact member electrically connected to one another, and a second portion having an atomiser and second contact member electrically connected to the atomizer; the adapter includes a first end 301 for coupling to one of the first and second portions of the electronic vaporising device, a second end 303 for coupling to the other of the first and second portions, a base portion 330, a moveable member 310 movably mounted to the base portion and having a contact surface 311, wherein the movable member is biased by a resilient biasing member 313 such that the contact surface is urged away from the base portion and against one of the first and second contact members to form an electrical connection between the contact surface and said one of the first and second contact members, and wherein the base portion forms an electrical connection with the other of the first and second contact members; the base portion and moveable member are electrically connected such that the first and second contact members are electrically connected via the base portion and moveable member.

Description

Electronic Vaporising Device Adapter The present invention relates to an adapter for use in an electronic vaporising device such as, for example, an electronic smoking device. The present invention also relates to a method of using the adapter.

Electronic smoking devices provide an alternative to traditional tobacco based products such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes. An electronic smoking device comprises an atomizer and a power supply (such as a battery). The atomiser is provided with a store for a liquid solution and a heating element, which is arranged to vaporise the liquid solution to produce an aerosol. The aerosol may be inhaled by a user through a mouthpiece. The liquid may contain at least one of nicotine (or similar stimulant), and a flavour additive.

Other aerosol dispensing devices include nebulisers, which are operable to produce a fine mist of medication that can be inhaled into the lungs of a patient.

The aerosol dispensing devices discussed above (electronic smoking devices and nebulisers) are both forms of electronic vaporising device.

Some electronic vaporising devices comprise two separable elements, a first of which contains the power supply for the device and a second of which contains the atomiser. This arrangement allows the power supply to be recharged via an external source of electricity (such as mains electricity or a USB socket) and the atomiser to be refilled with liquid solution or replaced entirely. In some cases, each of the separable elements includes a threaded connection portion which may be connected to one another (e.g. by screwing the threaded connection portions together) to connect the separable elements together. The precise shape and dimension of the connection portions of the separable elements varies between different manufacturers of the electronic vaporising device.

It may be the case that a first manufacturer choses to have a shape and/or configuration of connection portion which is different to that of a second manufacturer to prevent a user of an electronic vaporising device produced by the first manufacturer from buying a replacement atomiser from the second manufacturer, thereby ensuring that the user of the electronic vaporising device produced by the first manufacturer has to continue to buy replacement atomisers from the first manufacturer. Whilst this helps to maintain the income revenue of the first manufacturer (by forcing users of an electronic vaporising device produced by the first manufacturer to buy replacement atomisers from the first manufacturer), this is not convenient for the user of the electronic vaporising device produced by the first manufacturer. For example, the atomisers produced by the first manufacturer: may only be sold at inconvenient locations for the user, may be of inferior quality, may be relatively expensive, and/or may not come in a flavour and/or strength which is desired by the user.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for use with an electronic vaporising device that at least partially addresses one or more problems or disadvantages present in the prior art, whether or not identified herein. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative apparatus for use with an electronic vaporising device. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method of using the previously discussed apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an electronic vaporising device adapter for connection between: a first portion of an electronic vaporising device having a power supply and a first contact member electrically connected to the power supply, and a second portion of an electronic vaporising device having an atomiser and a second contact member electrically connected to the atomiser; wherein the adapter includes: a first end configured for coupling to one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, a second end configured for coupling to the other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, a base portion, and a moveable member movably mounted to the base portion and having a contact surface, wherein the movable member is biased by a resilient biasing member such that the contact surface is configured, in use, to be urged by the resilient biasing member away from the base portion and against one of the first contact member and the second contact member to form an electrical connection between the contact surface of the movable member and said one of the first contact member and the second contact member, and wherein the base portion is configured, in use, to form an electrical connection with the other of the first contact member and the second contact member; the base portion and the moveable member being electrically connected such that, in use, the first contact member and the second contact member are electrically connected via the base portion and the moveable member.

The resiliently biased movable member of the adapter allows the adapter to couple to a variety of differently shaped first and/or second portions of an electronic vaporising device, whilst providing an electrical connection between the power source of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the atomiser of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. As such, using the adapter it is possible to use a first portion of an electronic vaporising device made by a first manufacturer with a second portion of an electronic vaporising device made by a second manufacturer, different to the first. Thus, the adapter gives a user of a an electronic vaporising device made by a particular manufacturer more choice as to what second portion of an electronic vaporising device they use -i.e. the second portion of the electronic vaporising device need not be manufactured by the particular manufacturer.

The first end may define a first screw thread. The first screw thread may be configured for receipt by a corresponding screw thread of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.

The first screw thread may be an external screw thread configured for receipt by an internal screw thread of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. Alternatively, the first screw thread may be an internal screw thread configured for receipt by an external screw thread of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.

In other embodiments, any appropriate method may be used to couple the first end of the adapter to one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. For example, a push fit or a bayonet fitting may be used.

The second end may define a second screw thread. The second screw thread may be configured for receipt by a corresponding screw thread of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.

The second screw thread may be an internal screw thread configured for receipt by an external screw thread of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. Alternatively, the second screw thread may be an external screw thread configured for receipt by an internal screw thread of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.

In other embodiments, any appropriate method may be used to couple the second end of the adapter to said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. For example, a push fit or a bayonet fitting may be used.

The base portion may comprise a third contact member which is electrically connected to the contact surface of the movable member. The third contact member may be configured, in use, to contact said other of the first contact member and the second contact member to form an electrical connection between the third contact member and said other of the first contact member and the second contact member.

The movable member and base portion may be electrically connected by the resilient biasing member. As such, the resilient biasing member may be formed totally or in part from an electrically conductive material, such as, but not limited to, metal.

The third contact member of the base portion may be electrically connected to the movable member via the resilient biasing member.

In other embodiments the base portion may be electrically connected by an electrical connection which is separate to the resilient biasing member.

The resilient biasing member may be a spring. However, in other embodiments, the resilient biasing member may take any appropriate form. For example, the resilient biasing member may be a piece of resilient material such as rubber or a sponge -like material.

The movable member may define a first gas passage portion and the base portion may define a second gas passage portion such that the first gas passage portion and second gas passage portion define a gas passage through the adapter between the first end and the second end.

This may enable gas to pass through the gas passage of the adapter between the first end and the second end. This may be advantageous if the electronic vaporising device requires gas flow communication between the first portion and the second portion in order to operate. For example, some electronic vaporising devices require gas flow communication between the first portion and the second portion such that a user sucking on the second portion causes the pressure in the second portion to reduce and consequently the pressure in the first portion to reduce. The first portion may include a switch which energises the electronic vaporising device in response to reduced pressure.

The gas passage may be configured, in use, to permit gas flow communication between the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device via the adapter.

The movable member may include a first bore which defines the first gas passage portion.

The first bore may be configured to connect with a corresponding second bore in one of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion of the electronic vaporising device. The resilient biasing means may be configured to urge the movable member against said one of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion of the electronic vaporising device so as to substantially seal the first bore and the second bore together. By substantially sealing the first bore and the second bore together, this means that gas may flow between the first and second bores substantially without gas passing via the seal between the first and second bores and atmosphere.

The base portion may comprise a third bore which defines the second gas passage portion.

The third bore may be configured to connect with a corresponding fourth bore in said one of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion of the electronic vaporising device.

The second end may comprise an air hole configured to, in use, when the second end is coupled to said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, permit gas flow communication between the base portion and atmosphere via the air hole. Such an air hole may be of benefit when the adapter is used in combination with a second portion of an electronic vaporising device which requires that atmospheric air is admitted into the second portion of the electronic vaporising device when a user sucks on the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. Such admitted atmospheric air may be used to energise the electronic vaporising device via a pressure sensitive switch or may be mixed with the vaporised fluid before it is inhaled by the user.

The first end of the adapter may comprise a fourth contact member and the second end of the adapter may comprise a fifth contact member. The fourth and fifth contact members may be electrically connected. The first portion of the electronic vaporising device may include a sixth contact member electrically connected to the power supply, and the second portion of an electronic vaporising device may include a seventh contact member electrically connected to the atomiser. The adapter may be configured, in use, such that the fourth contact member forms an electrical connection with one of the sixth contact member and the seventh contact member, and the fifth contact member forms an electrical connection with the other of the sixth contact member and the seventh contact member, such that the sixth and seventh contact members may be electrically connected by the fourth and fifth contact members of the adapter.

The first screw thread of the adapter may comprise the fourth contact member. The corresponding screw thread of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device may comprise one of the sixth and seventh contact members.

The second screw thread of the adapter may comprise the fifth contact member. The corresponding screw thread of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device may comprise one of the sixth and seventh contact members.

The base portion and movable member may be electrically insulated from the fourth and fifth contact members.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising: an electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim; and a portion of an electronic vaporising device comprising an atomiser, a second contact electrically connected to the atomiser, and a fluid reservoir containing a fluid configured to atomised by the atomiser.

According to a third aspect of the present invention method of connecting a first portion of an electronic vaporising device to a second portion of an electronic vaporising device using an electronic vaporising device adapter; the first portion of an electronic vaporising device having a power supply and a first contact member electrically connected to the power supply; the second portion of an electronic vaporising device having an atomiser and a second contact member electrically connected to the atomiser; the adapter including: a first end; a second end; a base portion; and a movable member movably mounted to the base portion and having a contact surface; wherein the base portion and the moveable member are electrically connected; and wherein the movable member is biased by a resilient biasing member; the method comprising: coupling the first end to one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, coupling the second end to the other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, the resilient biasing member urging the contact surface away from the base portion and against one of the first contact member and the second contact member to form an electrical connection between the contact surface of the movable member and said one of the first contact member and the second contact member, the base portion forming an electrical connection with the other of the first contact member and the second contact member; and electrically connecting the first contact member and the second contact member via the base portion and the moveable member.

The first and second ends of the adapter may be composed of any suitable electrically conducting material. Likewise, the movable member, the spring and the third contact portion may each be composed of an electrically conducting material. Suitable electrically conducting material includes metals, such as steel.

The base portion may include a portion composed of an electrically insulating material, such as rubber or a polymeric (or plastics) material.

It will be appreciated that the optional features discussed in relation to any one of the three aspects of the invention discussed above may be applied to any of the other aspects of the invention.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a known electronic vaporiser; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an electronic vaporiser adapter according to the present invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an electronic vaporiser including an adapter according to the present invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a known type of electronic vaporiser. The electronic vaporiser is formed of a first portion 100 which is mechanically and electrically coupleable to a second portion 200. The first portion 100 is formed of an electrically conducting tubular body 101 defining a hollow generally tubular protrusion 102 having an internal screw thread 103. The second portion 200 is formed of an electrically conducting tubular body 201 having a substantially equal diameter to the first portion 100. The second portion 200 comprises a first end 202 coupleable to the first portion and a second end 203 for receipt by the user's mouth. The first end 202 comprises a generally cylindrical protrusion 204 having an external screw thread 205 configured to receive the internal screw thread 103 of the first portion 100 to form an electrical and mechanical connection therebetween.

A first gas passage 104 is defined by an electrically insulating first end face 105 located within the hollow tubular protrusion 102 of the first portion 100. Likewise, a second gas passage 207 is defined by an electrically insulating second end face 208 capping the end of the cylindrical protrusion 204 of the second portion 200. The first gas passage 104 and the second gas passage 207 are concentrically aligned so as to allow gas flow communication between the interior of the first portion 100 and interior of the second portion 200.

The second end 203 of the second portion 200 defines an inhalation orifice 206 to allow, during use, gas flow communication between the interior of the second portion and the user's mouth.

The first end face 105 comprises a first electrical contact member 110 electrically insulated from the remainder of the first portion 100 by the first end face 105. Likewise the second sealing face 208 comprises a corresponding second electrical contact member 210 electrically insulated from the remainder of the second portion 200 by the second end face 208. In the example of Figure 1, the first contact member 110 and the second contact member 210 are formed of substantially equal annular rings. During use, when the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporiser are coupled via the screw threads 103, 203 the first contact member 110 and the second contact member 210 are contact one another such that an electrical connection is formed therebetween.

A battery 120, control electronics 130 and pressure switch 140 are housed within the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporiser. The control electronics are electrically connected to the internal screw thread 103 and the first contact member 110 via separate electrical connections. The second portion 200 houses an atomiser assembly 220 comprising a heating element 221 and a liquid chamber 222. The liquid chamber 222 contains a liquid for vaporisation (or atomisation) by the heating element 221. The heating element 221 comprises a first pole electrically connected to the external screw thread 205, and a second pole electrically connected to the second contact member 210. The battery 120 is electrically connected to the heating element via two electrical pathways. A first electrical pathway extends from the battery 120 to the first pole of the heating element 221 via the control electronics 130 and the screw threads 103, 205.

Likewise, a second electrical pathway extends from the battery 120 via the control electronics 130 and through the first and second contact members 110, 120 to the second pole of the heating element 221. The control electronics 130 are configured to selectively enable current flow from the battery 120 to the heating element 221 (to hence energise the heating element 221 and thus vaporise liquid in the liquid chamber 222) depending on the state of the pressure switch 140, which is independently connected to the control electronics 130.

In use, when the user exerts a negative pressure on the interior of the second portion 200 by drawing breath (or sucking) through the inhalation orifice 206, the negative pressure also builds within the interior of the first portion 100.

During use, the user places the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporiser in their mouth by the second end 203 and draws breath (or sucks) through the inhalation orifice 206. In doing so, a negative pressure (less than atmospheric pressure) builds within second 200 portion of the electronic vaporiser, and, via the first gas passage 104 and the second gas passage 207, within the first portion 100. The pressure switch 140 is activated when the negative pressure within the first portion 100 reaches a predetermined value.

Upon activation of the pressure switch 140, the control electronics 130 permit current flow to the heating element 221 via the first and the second electrical pathways. The heating element 221, which may be formed from a coil of resistive wire, rapidly produces heat in response to the current flowing through it. This heat is transferred to the liquid chamber 222 by conduction and causes the liquid within the chamber 222 to vaporise. Vaporised liquid is drawn from the liquid chamber via a nozzle 223 adjacent the inhalation orifice 206 out of the second portion 200 into the user's mouth.

When the user stops inhaling, the negative pressure within the first portion 100 returns to atmospheric pressure and the pressure switch 140 is deactivated. The control electronics 130 then remove the current flow to the heating element 221, and hence further vaporisation of liquid within the chamber 222 ceases.

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of an electronic vaporiser adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 300 comprises a first end 301 defining an external screw thread 302 and a second end 303 defining an internal screw thread 304. The first and second ends 301, 303 are spaced along a longitudinal axis A. The first 301 and second 303 ends of the adapter 300 are composed of an electrically conducting material such that an electrical connection exists between the screw threads 302, 304.

The adapter 300 further comprises a base portion 330 comprising a first insulating portion 331 and a second insulating portion 332. The first 331 and second 332 annular insulators are disposed against one another (i.e. are axially adjacent one another) between the first 301 and second 303 ends of the adapter 300, and retained by annular shoulders 305, 306 respectively.

An electrically conducting moveable member 310 takes the form of a generally hollow cylinder comprising at one end a contact surface 311 and at an opposite end a radial flange 312. The movable member 310 is received by a central cavity 335 defined by the first 331 and second 332 annular insulators such that the movable member is axially movable relative to the base portion 330. The extent of axial movement of the movable member in a direction away from the base portion (in the direction from right to left in Figure 2) is limited by the abutment of the radial flange 312 against a corresponding radial flange 333 of the first insulating portion 331. As such, abutment of the radial flange 312 against the radial flange 333 retains the movable member 310 within the base portion 330.

The second annular insulating portion 332 includes an internal annular retaining recess 334. A third generally annular contact member 320 has, at one axial end, a generally L-shaped radial flange 321 which is received and retained by the recess 334, thereby attaching the third contact member 320 to insulating portion 332 such that the third contact member 320 forms part of base portion 330. At its other axial end the third contact member 320 further comprises a disc-shaped portion 322, the disc-shaped portion being perpendicular to the axis A and defining a third gas passage 323.

A resilient biasing member, in this case taking the form of an electrically conducting spring 313 is disposed within the base portion 330. The spring 313 is received between the third contact member 313 and the movable member 310, in particular an inner face 324 of the third contact member 320 and an inner face 314 of the movable member 310. The spring 313 urges the moveable member 310 away from the base portion 330 and towards the first end 301 of the adapter 300 along a longitudinal axis A of the adapter 300 (i.e. in the direction from right to left in Figure 2). Because the spring is formed of an electrically conducting material, the spring 313 forms an electrical connection between the movable member 310 and the third contact member 320.

The resilient biasing member in the form of the spring 313 urges the movable member 310 into the position shown in Figure 2 in which the flange 312 of the movable member 310 abuts the flange 333 of the first insulating portion 331. If a force is applied to the movable member 310 (for example via the contact surface 311) which has an axial component directed towards the base portion 330 (in the direction from left to right in Figure 2), this will cause the biasing force of the spring 313 to be overcome such that the movable member 310 moves towards the base portion 330 into the central cavity 335 defined by the first 331 and second 332 annular insulators. Axial movement of the movable member 310 causes the axial distance between the contact surface 311 of the movable member and the base portion 330 to change. This may be useful in enabling the first end 301 of the adapter 300 to be coupleable with a variety of different shaped portions of electronic vaporising devices. This is discussed in more detail below.

Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of electronic vaporising device (or electronic vaporiser) containing an adapter according to the present invention. The features shown in Figure 3 which correspond to features shown in previous figures retain the same reference numerals.

In Figure 3, the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporiser is electrically and mechanically coupled to the second portion 200 via the adapter 300. Without the adapter 300, the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 may not be directly coupleable to one another due to differences in the configuration of the screw thread 103 of the first portion 100 and the screw thread 205 of the second portion 200. Such differences in configuration may include one or more of diameter, pitch and axial length. In addition, without the adapter 300, the first portion 100 and the second portion may not be directly coupleable to one another due to a difference in the axial distance D2 between a shoulder 209 of the second portion 200 and the second electrical contact member 210, and the axial distance D1 between an end 109 of the protrusion 102 (which contacts the shoulder 209 of the second portion 200 when the first portion 100 is coupled to the second portion without the use of an adapter) and the first electrical contact member 110. For example, if distance D2 is less than distance D1, then if the first portion 100 is coupled to the second portion 200 without the use of the adapter 300, the first contact member 110 would not contact the second contact member 210 such that no power can be transferred from the battery 120 to the heater 221 such that the electronic vaporiser cannot function.

In use, the first end 301 of the adapter 300 is coupled to the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporiser to form and electrical and mechanical connection therebetween. This coupling is achieved by the internal screw thread 103 of the first portion 100 receiving the corresponding external screw thread 302 of the adapter 300. Likewise, the second end 303 of the adapter 300 is coupled to the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporiser to form and electrical and mechanical connection therebetween. This coupling is achieved by the external screw thread 205 of the second portion 200 receiving the corresponding internal screw thread 304 of the adapter 300.

When assembled, the moveable member 310, urged by the spring 313, is urged against the first contact member 110 of the first portion 100 to form an electrical connection. Likewise the second contact member 210 contacts the third contact member 320 of the base portion 330 to form an electrical connection therebetween. As such an electrical connection is formed between the first contact member 110 and the second contact member 210 via the movable member 310, the spring 313 and the third contact member 320.

The electronic vaporiser of Figure 3 defines two electrical pathways connecting the battery 120 of the first portion 100 and the heating element (or atomiser) 221 via the adapter 300. The first electrical pathway extends from the battery 120 to a first pole of the heating element 221 through the control electronics 130 and via a first pair of intermeshing screw threads 103, 302 and a second pair of intermeshing screw threads 304, 205. Likewise, the second electrical pathway extends from the battery 120 to a second pole of the heating element 221 via the control electronics 130, the first contact member 110, the movable member 310, spring 312 and third contact member 320 of the adapter, and the second contact member 210.

Operation of the electronic vaporiser of Figure 3 containing an adapter 300 is much the same as that of the electronic vaporiser of Figure 1. In use, the user draws breath through the inhalation orifice 206 to cause a negative pressure within the second portion 200. The negative pressure within the second portion 200 is transmitted through the second gas passage 207, through the adapter 300 via the third gas passage 323 and the central bore of the movable member 310, and through the first gas passage 104 into the interior of the first portion 100 where it is sensed by the pressure switch 140. Upon activation of the pressure switch 140, the control electronics 130 permit current flow between the heating element 221 and the battery 120 via the first and the second electrical pathways to thereby energise the heating element 221. The heating element 221 then produces heat in response to the current flowing through it. This heat is transferred to the liquid chamber 222 by conduction and causes the liquid within the chamber 222 to vaporise. Vaporised liquid is drawn from the liquid chamber via a nozzle 223 adjacent the inhalation orifice 206 and out of the second portion 200 into the user's mouth.

When the user stops inhaling, the negative pressure within the first portion 100 returns to atmospheric pressure and the pressure switch 140 is deactivated. The control electronics 130 then cease current flow between the heating element 221 and the battery 120. Hence, vaporisation of liquid within the chamber 222 by the heating element is ceased.

The adapter 300 further comprises a small air hole 307 in the second end 303 of the adapter. The air hole 307 provides gas flow communication between the base portion of 330 of the adapter 300 and the atmosphere. During use, the air hole 307 provides an additional means of entry for air to enter the interior of the second portion 200 (via the air hole 307 and second gas passage 207), and so that it may be drawn through the second portion 200 and then into the user's mouth when the user draws breath through the inhalation orifice 206. It is noted that the size of this air hole 307 is small enough, so as to allow sufficient negative pressure to build within the first portion 100 to activate the pressure switch 140.

As previously discussed, when assembled, the moveable member 310 is urged against the first contact member 110 of the first portion 100 to form an electrical connection. The use of such a resiliently biased movable member within the adapter has several benefits. First, it enables the adapter to connect to different shapes/configurations of first portion of electronic vaporiser device. For example, if different first portions of electronic vaporising devices have different axial distances between an end of the protrusion 102 (which contacts the shoulder of the second portion 200 when the first portion 100 is coupled to the second portion) and the first electrical contact member 110, then when an adapter according to the invention is coupled to a first portion of and electronic vaporiser device, the resiliently biased movable member will move to contact the first electrical contact member regardless of the axial distance between the end of the protrusion and the first electrical contact member. This enables a second portion of electronic vaporising device which is coupled to an adapter according to the present invention to be coupled to a variety of different first portions of electronic vaporising device in a 'one size fits all' fashion.

Secondly, because the resiliently biased movable member is urged against the first portion of the electronic vaporising device, the movable member forms an effective seal with the first portion of the electronic vaporising device, such that an effective seal is formed between the gas passage portion within the movable member and the gas passage 104 of the first portion of the of the electronic vaporising device. As such, the adapter can form an effective gas passage between the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion of the electronic vaporising device which may be required for the functioning of some electronic vaporising devices, such as those which include a pressure sensitive energisation switch in the first portion of the electronic vaporising device. Again, as with the electrical connection between the movable member and the first electrical contact member of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device, the resiliently biased nature of the movable member allows the adapter to be coupled to a variety of different first portions of electronic vaporising device in a 'one size fits all' fashion such that the adapter makes an effective seal with the first portion of the electronic vaporising device.

In order to enhance the clarity of the claims within this document, further discussion of the invention is include below using the exact language of the claims with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

The electronic vaporising device adapter 300 is for connection between a first portion of an electronic vaporising device 100 having a power supply (such as, but not limited to, a battery 120 -any appropriate power source may be used) and a first contact member electrically 110 connected to the power supply 120, and a second portion 200 of an electronic vaporising device having an atomiser (such as a heater 221 -although any appropriate type of atomiser may be used which is capable of vaporising the desired liquid) and a second contact member 210 electrically connected to the atomiser.

The adapter 300 includes a first end 301 configured for coupling (for example by screw thread, bayonet or any other appropriate coupling method) to one of the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device. The adapter 300 also includes a second end 303 configured for coupling (for example by screw thread, bayonet or any other appropriate coupling method) to the other of the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device (i.e. to that portion which is not coupled to the first end 301). The adapter 300 also includes a base portion 330 (which in this case includes first and second insulating members 331, 332 and third contact member 320), and a moveable member 310 movably mounted to the base portion 330 and having a contact surface 311.

The movable member 310 is biased by a resilient biasing member (in this case a spring 313, although any appreciate biasing method may be used) such that the contact surface 311 is configured, in use, to be urged by the resilient biasing member 313 away from the base portion 330 and against one of the first contact member 110 and the second contact member 210 to form an electrical connection between the contact surface 311 of the movable member 310 and said one of the first contact member 110 and the second contact member 210.

The base portion 330 is configured, in use, to form an electrical connection with the other of the first contact member 110 and the second contact member 210 (i.e. with the contact member which is not contacted by the contact surface of the movable member).

The base portion 330 and the moveable member 310 are electrically connected such that, in use, the first contact member 110 and the second contact member 210 are electrically connected via the base portion 330 and the moveable member 310.

The first end 301 defines a first screw thread 302. The first screw thread 302 is configured for receipt by a corresponding screw thread 103 of said one of the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device.

The first screw thread 302 is an external screw thread configured for receipt by an internal screw thread 103 of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. Alternatively, the first screw thread may be an internal screw thread configured for receipt by an external screw thread of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.

The second end 303 define a second screw thread 304. The second screw thread 304 may be configured for receipt by a corresponding screw thread 205 of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device.

The second screw thread 304 is an internal screw thread configured for receipt by an external screw thread 205 of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device. Alternatively, the second screw thread may be an external screw thread configured for receipt by an internal screw thread of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.

As previously discussed, the base portion 330 comprises a third contact member 320 which is electrically connected to the contact surface 311 of the movable member 310 (in this case, via the resilient member 313). The third contact member 320 is configured, in use, to contact said other of the first contact member and the second contact member 210 (i.e. the contact member which is not configured to contact the movable member) to form an electrical connection between the third contact member 320 and said other of the first contact member and the second contact member 210.

The movable member 310 and base portion 330 are electrically connected by the resilient biasing member 313. As such, the resilient biasing member 313 may be formed totally or in part from an electrically conductive material, such as, but not limited to, metal.

The third contact member 320 of the base portion 330 may be electrically connected to the movable member 310 via the resilient biasing member 313.

The resilient biasing member is a spring. However, in other embodiments, the resilient biasing member may take any appropriate form. For example, the resilient biasing member may be a piece of resilient material such as rubber or a sponge-like material.

The movable member 310 defines a first gas passage portion 315 and the base portion 330 defines a second gas passage portion 323 such that the first gas passage portion and second gas passage portion define a gas passage through the adapter 300 between the first end 301 and the second end 303. This gas passage enables gas to pass through the gas passage of the adapter 300 between the first end 301 and the second end 303. This may be advantageous if the electronic vaporising device requires gas flow communication between the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 in order to operate. For example, the illustrated electronic vaporising devices requires gas flow communication between the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 such that a user sucking on the second portion 200 causes the pressure in the second portion 200 to reduce and consequently the pressure in the first portion 100 to reduce. The first portion 100 includes a switch 140 which energises the electronic vaporising device in response to reduced pressure.

The gas passage is configured, in use, to permit gas flow communication between the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device via the adapter 300.

The movable member 310 includes a first bore 315 which defines the first gas passage portion. The bore is axial, although any appropriate configuration of bore may be used or the first gas passage portion may be formed by another appropriate structure.

The first bore 315 is configured to connect with a corresponding second bore (in this case first gas passage 104) in one of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporising device. The resilient biasing means 313 is configured to urge the movable member 310 against said one of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion 100 of the electronic vaporising device so as to substantially seal the first bore 315 and the second bore 104 together. By substantially sealing the first bore 315 and the second bore 104 together, this means that gas may flow between the first and second bores 315, 104 substantially without gas passing via the seal between the first and second bores and atmosphere.

The base portion 330 comprises a third bore (third gas passage 323) which defines the second gas passage portion.

The third bore 323 is configured to connect with a corresponding fourth bore (second gas passage 207) in said one of the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion of the electronic vaporising device.

The second end 303 comprises an air hole 307 configured to, in use, when the second end 303 is coupled to said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device, permit gas flow communication between the base portion 330 and atmosphere via the air hole 307 (or between the fourth bore and atmosphere via the air hole). Such an air hole 307 is of benefit when the adapter is used in combination with a second portion 200 of an electronic vaporising device which requires that atmospheric air is admitted into the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device when a user sucks on the second portion 200 of the electronic vaporising device. Such admitted atmospheric air may be used to energise the electronic vaporising device via a pressure sensitive switch or may be mixed with the vaporised fluid before it is inhaled by the user.

The first end 301 of the adapter 300 may comprise a fourth contact member (in this case in the form of screw thread 302) and the second end 303 of the adapter 300 may comprise a fifth contact member (in this case in the form of screw thread 304). The fourth and fifth contact members 302, 304 are electrically connected -in this case via the metallic body of the adapter, although in other embodiments and suitable electrical connection may be used). The first portion 100 of the electronic vaporising device may include a sixth contact member (in this case taking the form of screw thread 103) electrically connected to the power supply 120, and the second portion 200 of an electronic vaporising device may include a seventh contact member (in this case taking the form of screw thread 205) electrically connected to the atomiser 221.

The adapter 300 is configured, in use, such that the fourth contact member 302 forms an electrical connection with one of the sixth contact member 103 and the seventh contact member, and the fifth contact member 304 forms an electrical connection with the other of the sixth contact member and the seventh contact member 205, such that the sixth and seventh contact members 103, 205 are electrically connected by the fourth and fifth contact members of the adapter 302, 304.

The base portion 330 and movable member 310 are electrically insulated from the fourth and fifth contact members 302, 304. This electrical insulation is provided by the first and second insulating portions 331, 332.

The present invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising an electronic vaporising device adapter 300 and a portion 200 of an electronic vaporising device comprising an atomiser 221, a second contact 210 electrically connected to the atomiser 221, and a fluid reservoir 222 containing a fluid configured to vaporised by the atomiser 221. Such a kit of parts may be sold at retail stores such that said portion of the electronic vaporising device in the kit of parts can be utilised, using the adapter, with a portion of a variety of types/brands of electronic vaporising device which includes a power supply.

Numerous modifications and alterations may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the claims.

For example, the above embodiment relates to an electronic cigarette. However, alternative embodiments may relate to other types of apparatus for dispensing an aerosol, for example a nebuliser.

In the discussed embodiment the first end of the adapter is coupled, in use, to the first portion of the electronic vaporising device, and the second end of the adapter is coupled, in use, to the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. In other embodiments, this arrangement may be reversed.

In the discussed embodiment the contact surface of the movable member is configured, in use, to contact the first contact member of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device, and the base portion (e.g. the third contact member of the base portion) is configured to contact, in use, the second contact member of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device. In other embodiments, this arrangement may be reversed.

Although within the described embodiment the base portion directly contacts the second contact member of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device to form an electrical contact therebetween. In other embodiments, the base portion may indirectly contact the second contact member of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device to form an electrical contact therebetween. For example, the base portion and/or movable member may electrically contact the second contact member via a supplementary electrical connection.

Where discussion is made within this document in relation to electrical contacts and contact members, it will be appreciated that such contacts and contact members may be distinct components or may merely be part of another component. For example, in the case where the electrical contacts are formed by the screw threads of various components, the electrical contacts are part of their respective screw threads.

Although in the described embodiment the movable member and resilient member are separate components, in other embodiments the resilient member and movable member may be one and the same. For example, a suitable electrically conducting spring may take the role of both the movable member and the resilient member.

In the above embodiment, for ease of illustration, the first and second ends of the adapter are shown having screw threads with similar pitches and diameters. It will be appreciated that an adapter according the present invention may provide a first end having a screw thread having a substantially different pitch and/or diameter to that of the screw thread of the second end.

In the above embodiment the base portion is comprised of two separate insulating portions. However, it will be appreciated that an adapter according to the present invention may comprise a single insulating portion. The insulating portion may be composed of any electrically insulating material.

In the above embodiment the movable member is formed of a generally hollow cylinder. However, it will be appreciated that an adapter according to the present invention may comprise a movable member having any generally prismatic shape such that the movable member remains movable along the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette.

In the above embodiment, the adapter defines a gas passage for use within an electronic cigarette comprising a pressure sensor located within the first portion.

However, it will be appreciated that an adapter according to the present invention may be for use within an electronic vaporiser that does not contain a pressure sensor (or which contains a pressure sensor in the second portion of the electronic vaporiser), and, as such, the adapter may not comprise a gas passage configured to provide a gas flow path between the first and second portions of the electronic vaporiser.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An electronic vaporising device adapter for connection between: a first portion of an electronic vaporising device having a power supply and a first contact member electrically connected to the power supply, and a second portion of an electronic vaporising device having an atomiser and a second contact member electrically connected to the atomiser; wherein the adapter includes: a first end configured for coupling to one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, a second end configured for coupling to the other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, a base portion, and a moveable member movably mounted to the base portion and having a contact surface, wherein the movable member is biased by a resilient biasing member such that the contact surface is configured, in use, to be urged by the resilient biasing member away from the base portion and against one of the first contact member and the second contact member to form an electrical connection between the contact surface of the movable member and said one of the first contact member and the second contact member, and wherein the base portion is configured, in use, to form an electrical connection with the other of the first contact member and the second contact member; the base portion and the moveable member being electrically connected such that, in use, the first contact member and the second contact member are electrically connected via the base portion and the moveable member.
2. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first end defines a first screw thread, and wherein the first screw thread is configured for receipt by a corresponding screw thread of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.
3. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to claim 2, wherein the first screw thread is an external screw thread configured for receipt by an internal screw thread of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.
4. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim, wherein the second end defines a second screw thread, and wherein the second screw thread is configured for receipt by a corresponding screw thread of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.
5. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to claim 4, wherein the second screw thread is an internal screw thread configured for receipt by an external screw thread of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device.
6. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion comprises a third contact member which is electrically connected to the contact surface of the movable member, and configured, in use, to contact said other of the first contact member and the second contact member to form an electrical connection between the third contact member and said other of the first contact member and the second contact member.
7. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable member and base portion are electrically connected by the resilient biasing member.
8. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the third contact member of the base portion is electrically connected to the movable member via the resilient biasing member.
9. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient biasing member is a spring.
10. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable member defines a first gas passage portion and the base portion defines a second gas passage portion such that the first gas passage portion and second gas passage portion define a gas passage through the adapter between the first end and the second end.
11. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to claim 10, wherein the gas passage is configured, in use, to permit gas flow communication between the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device via the adapter.
12. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the movable member includes a first bore which defines the first gas passage portion.
13. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to claim 12, wherein the first bore is configured to connect with a corresponding second bore in one of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion of the electronic vaporising device, and wherein, in use, the resilient biasing means urges the movable member against said one of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion of the electronic vaporising device so as to substantially seal the first bore and the second bore together.
14. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the base portion comprises a third bore which defines the second gas passage portion.
15. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to claim 14, wherein the third bore is configured to connect with a corresponding fourth bore in said one of the second portion of the electronic vaporising device and the first portion of the electronic vaporising device.
16. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim, wherein the second end comprises an air hole configured to, in use, when the second end is coupled to said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, permit gas flow communication between the base portion and atmosphere via the air hole.
17. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the adapter comprises a fourth contact member and the second end of the adapter comprises a fifth contact member, the fourth and fifth contact members being electrically connected; and wherein the first portion of the electronic vaporising device includes a sixth contact member electrically connected to the power supply, and the second portion of an electronic vaporising device includes a seventh contact member electrically connected to the atomiser; and wherein the adapter is configured, in use, such that the fourth contact member forms an electrical connection with one of the sixth contact member and the seventh contact member, and the fifth contact member forms an electrical connection with the other of the sixth contact member and the seventh contact member, such that the sixth and seventh contact members are electrically connected by the fourth and fifth contact members of the adapter.
18. An electronic vaporising device according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 2 or any claim dependent on claim 2, wherein the first screw thread of the adapter comprises the fourth contact member and the corresponding screw thread of said one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device comprises one of the sixth and seventh contact members.
19. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to either claim 17 or 18, when dependent on claim 4 or any claim dependent on claim 4, wherein the second screw thread of the adapter comprises the fifth contact member and the corresponding screw thread of said other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device comprises one of the sixth and seventh contact members.
20. An electronic vaporising device adapter according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the base portion and movable member are electrically insulated from the fourth and fifth contact members.
21. A kit of parts comprising: an electronic vaporising device adapter according to any preceding claim; and a portion of an electronic vaporising device comprising an atomiser, a second contact electrically connected to the atomiser, and a fluid reservoir containing a fluid configured to atomised by the atomiser.
22. A method of connecting a first portion of an electronic vaporising device to a second portion of an electronic vaporising device using an electronic vaporising device adapter; the first portion of an electronic vaporising device having a power supply and a first contact member electrically connected to the power supply; the second portion of an electronic vaporising device having an atomiser and a second contact member electrically connected to the atomiser; the adapter including: a first end; a second end; a base portion; and a movable member movably mounted to the base portion and having a contact surface; wherein the base portion and the moveable member are electrically connected; and wherein the movable member is biased by a resilient biasing member; the method comprising: coupling the first end to one of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, coupling the second end to the other of the first portion of the electronic vaporising device and the second portion of the electronic vaporising device, the resilient biasing member urging the contact surface away from the base portion and against one of the first contact member and the second contact member to form an electrical connection between the contact surface of the movable member and said one of the first contact member and the second contact member, the base portion forming an electrical connection with the other of the first contact member and the second contact member; electrically connecting the first contact member and the second contact member via the base portion and the moveable member.