WO2020097725A1

WO2020097725A1 - Vaporizer systems, vaporizer bodies and related methods

Info

Publication number: WO2020097725A1
Application number: PCT/CA2019/051617
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason T. Griffin; Steven Henry Fyke; Timothy Morgan Mackay
Original assignee: 1769474 Alberta Ltd.
Priority date: 2018-11-13
Filing date: 2019-11-13
Publication date: 2020-05-22

Abstract

The disclosure provides a vaporizer system comprising a base and a vaporizer body couplable to the base. The vaporizer body comprises a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein, and a mouthpiece portion in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber. The base is operable to provide power to the vaporizer body for vaporizing the material in the vaporizing chamber. The vaporizer body may be portable and removable from the base. The vaporizer body may include a heating element that is powered by the base when the vaporizer body is coupled to the base. The system may include a plurality of vaporizer bodies. The base may be concurrently usable with two or more of the plurality of vaporizer bodies.

Description

VAPORIZER SYSTEMS, VAPORIZER BODIES AND RELATED METHODS RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/760,774 filed on November 13, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to equipment used for vaporizing a material to emit a vapor for inhalation, and, more particularly to vaporizers for personal use.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Vaporizers typically heat a material, such as herbs, oils, waxes, and other beneficial materials, to create a vapor containing one or more desired extracted ingredients. The vapor may then be delivered to a user by inhalation during a "vaping" session. Vaporizers for personal use include portable vaporizers such as vape pens, e-cigarettes, etc. However, personal use vaporizers may have functional and design limitations, making them relatively inconvenient for some applications.

[0004] As an example of shortcomings, many existing vaporizers are assembled from basic parts such as a mouthpiece, a chamber for holding a material for vaporizing, a heating means, including a battery, etc. These parts are usually included in a single vaporizer. Since the mouth of a user is placed on the mouthpiece of the vaporizer to draw in vapor for consumption, it may be unhygienic to share a single vaporizer between different users. However, more than one user may want to share a similar vaping

experience, despite the fact that the users may each be using a different type of vaporizer, which will have different functional and design

characteristics. This may make sharing of similar vaping experiences between users, which are using different vaporizers, difficult. [0005] In particular, existing vaporizers may have a variety of different heating element types, which are in turn controlled or activated by simple control elements, such as buttons. These control elements may be manipulated by a user to activate the heating elements and create a vapor from a vaporization material. However, these heating elements and control elements will not be consistent between different vaporizers, making it difficult to achieve consistent vaporizing conditions across different vaporizers. Again, this may make sharing of similar vaping experiences between users all the more difficult.

[0006] Additionally, sharing a single vaporizer among multiple users for a shared experience may require multiple users to share a single mouthpiece or may not allow users to have control over their own pace and intake, or to use a different vaporization material than the other users. Prior portable vaporizers may have a relatively small battery with limited power output, which may limit vapor production. In addition, many existing portable vaporizers may have limited control elements, such as a single on/off button, which may allow inadvertent activation or allow an unauthorized user to activate the vaporizer, which may pose a danger. Accordingly, the users of many prior vaporizers must be especially careful that the vaporizer is not inadvertently activated between "vaping" sessions, either by oneself or by an unauthorized user.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect, there is provided a vaporizer system comprising: a base; and a vaporizer body couplable to the base, the vaporizer body comprising a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein, and a mouthpiece portion in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber, wherein the base is operable to provide power to the vaporizer body for vaporizing the material in the vaporizing chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body is portable and removable from the base. [0009] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body comprises a heating element operable to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber, and the base is operable to provide power to the heating element when the vaporizer body is coupled to the base.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a resistive heating element or an induction heating element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the vaporizer system further comprises a receiver operable to receive input from a remote device to activate the heating element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the base comprises a first connector element and the vaporizer body comprises a second connector element that engages the first connector element when the vaporizer body is coupled to the base.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first connector element comprises a first electrical contact, and the second connector element comprises a second electrical contact positioned to engage the first electrical contact.

[0014] In some embodiments, the base comprises a first docking structure, and the vaporizer body comprises a second docking structure that engages the first docking structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first docking structure comprises a projection and the second docking structure comprises a recess that receives the projection.

[0016] In some embodiments: the base has an upper face and the projection extends from the upper face; and the vaporizer body has a bottom face, and the recess is defined in the bottom face.

[0017] In some embodiments, the base comprises a seat for the vaporizer body to be landed thereon. [0018] In some embodiments, the vaporizer system comprises a plurality of vaporizer bodies, inclusive of said vaporizer body, each of the plurality of vaporizer bodies comprising a respective second docking structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base comprises a plurality of first docking structures, inclusive of said first docking structure.

[0020] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion comprises a suction opening in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber, and the mouthpiece portion is adjustable between a closed state, in which the suction opening is closed, and an open state, in which suction opening is open.

[0021] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body further comprises a display.

[0022] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body comprises a vaporization material within the vaporizing chamber.

[0023] According to another aspect, there is provided a vaporizer body for use with a base, the vaporizer body comprising: a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein; a mouthpiece portion in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber; and a heating element that receives power from the base and generates heat to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, the vaporizer system further comprises a docking structure that engages the base.

[0025] In some embodiments, the vaporizer system further comprises an operable connector that is connectable to a corresponding operable connector of the base.

[0026] According to another aspect, there is provided a vaporizer system comprising: a vaporizer body for use with a base, the vaporizer body comprising: a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein; a mouthpiece portion in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber; and a heating element that receives power from the base and generates heat to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber; and an adaptor connectable between the vaporizer body and the base to provide electrical power from the base to the heating element.

[0027] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for a vaporizing system, the method comprising: providing a vaporizer body comprising a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein and a mouthpiece portion in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber; and providing a base that couples to the vaporizer body and is operable to provide power to the vaporizer body.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further comprises coupling the vaporizer body to the base.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method further comprises powering the vaporizer body by the base to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber.

[0030] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of the specific embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present disclosure will be better understood having regard to the drawings in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example vaporizer system according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 2A is an upper perspective view of a vaporizer body of the vaporizer system in Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 2 B is an exploded perspective view of a vaporizer body of Figure 2A; [0035] Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of a base of the vaporizer system in Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vaporizer system of Figure 1 , with the vaporizer body decoupled from the base;

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another example vaporizer system according to some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 6 shows the vaporizer system of Figure 1 with mouthpiece portion of the vaporizer body in an "open state";

[0039] Figure 7 shows the vaporizer system of Figure 1 with mouthpiece portion of the vaporizer body in a "closed state";

[0040] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of the example vaporizer system of Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 9 is a perspective view of another example base for use with one or more vaporizer bodies according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 10 is a perspective view of another example base for use with one or more vaporizer bodies according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of another example base for use with one or more vaporizer bodies according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 12 is a perspective view of another example vaporizer system according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another example vaporizer system according to some embodiments;

[0046] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another example vaporizer system 700 according to some embodiments; [0047] Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of a vaporizer body and a base of the vaporizer system of Figure 14, with the vaporizer body attached to a base;

[0048] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a user’s hand holding the vaporizer body of Figures 14 and 15; and

[0049] Figure 17 is a flowchart of a method for a vaporizing system according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present disclosure may provide benefits of multiple people sharing a group vaping experience, while avoiding some downsides of prior group vaping scenarios. Such downsides of prior group vaping scenarios may include users having to share a single vaporizer, which requires sharing a mouthpiece and restricting customization of each user’s experience.

Alternatively, users may each having to bring their own vaporizer, thereby making it difficult to share a consistent experience. The systems disclosed herein may provide one or more of the following advantages: multiple users may share a consistent vaping experience without the need to share a single mouthpiece; in group vaping scenarios, each user may be able to customize their experience, while still enjoying a consistent vaporizer controls and interactions; and a single vaporizing system may be shared among multiple users, thereby avoiding the need for multiple users to bring their own vaporizers.

[0051] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0052] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0053] Terms such as“upward”,“downward”,“front”,“back” or other terms of orientation and relative direction are used herein for ease of description and do not limit embodiments to particular orientations during operation.

[0054] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example vaporizer system 100, according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 1 , the vaporizer system 100 comprises a vaporizer body 102 and a base 104. The vaporizer body 102 is an apparatus couplable to the base 104 and is removable therefrom. In this context, the term“couples to” does not require or preclude that the vaporizer body 102 be physically secured to the base 104. Rather, the vaporizer body 102 may operably couple to the base 104 via one or more electrical connections, communication connections, or other functional connections. For example, electrical power via wired or wireless connection may be provided to the vaporizer body 102 from the base 104.

[0055] In this embodiment, the vaporizer body 102 docks with the base 104, and, when docked, the vaporizer body 102 is electrically connected to the base 104 to receive power, as will be explained in more detail below. The term“docking" herein refers to a physical engagement between the base 104 and the vaporizer body 102. While not included in the vaporizer system 100 of Figure 1 , optionally, a securing mechanism or structure may physically hold or restrain the vaporizer body 102 to the base

104 when docked, while still allowing a user to remove the vaporizer body 102 by overcoming the securing mechanism. For example, a snap fit structure or magnetic force may be employed to secure the vaporizer body 102 in place when coupled to the base 104.

[0056] The vaporizer body 102 in this embodiment is portable and usable for vaping. The vaporizer body 102 includes a vaporizing chamber

105 (shown in Figure 2B) therein for vaporizing a material held therein. Embodiments are not limited to a particular size or configuration of the vaporizing chamber, and the exact specifications of the chamber may depend on the type of vaporization material and the desired capacity of the vaporizer body 102. [0057] The material to be vaporized may be referred to as a “vaporization material” herein. The vaporization material may, for example, comprise a plant material. The plant material may comprise a dried plant material such as a dry herb material. The vaporizing chamber 105 (shown in Figure 2B) in this embodiment is in the form of a dry herb oven. In other embodiments, the vaporizing chamber may be configured for vaporizing other materials such as a liquid-based (e.g. oil) material, a wax-based material, or any other material for suitable vaporizing. In embodiments utilizing a fluid composition as the vaporization material (e.g. oil-based composition), the vaporizer body 102 may comprise a reservoir (not shown) for holding the fluid composition. The fluid composition may be transferred to the vaporizing chamber (e.g. via a wick) to be vaporized. In other embodiments, the vaporizer body 102 may comprise a bay for receiving a capsule or other storage structure holding the material to be vaporized.

[0058] The vaporizer body 102 comprises a heating element 1 16 (shown in Figure 8), which is operable to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber 105. The heating element 1 16 may be powered by the base 104. For example, when the vaporizer body 102 is docked with the base 104, the base 104 may be capable of providing power to the heating element 1 16. Various types of heating elements suitable for vaporizing may be used. For example, the heating element 1 16 may comprise a resistive heating element. The base 104 may provide electrical power to the vaporizer body 102. The heating element 1 16, when provided with electrical power from the base 104, may heat the vaporization materials contained within the vaporizing chamber 105 to emit a vapor. Alternatively, the heating element 1 16 may be an induction heating element. For induction heating, the heating element may comprise a metal structure in, near, or forming part of the wall of the vaporizing chamber 105. The base 104 may generate an inductive field that is received by the heating element, thereby generating heat. The base 104 may, for example, comprise an inductive field generator to generate the inductive field. As another option, the base 104 may generate heat for heating the vaporization material in the vaporizing chamber [0059] The vaporizer body 102 comprises a mouthpiece portion 106 through which a user may draw vapor. The vaporizer body 102 may be replaceable and/or interchangeable with other vaporizer bodies. Thus, more than one vaporizer body 102 may be used with the same base 104.

Optionally, the vaporizer body 102 may be usable with multiple different bases, including the base 104. For example, a group of users may each use a respective vaporizer body 102 with the same base 104 (or with more than one base 104) in a group vaping session. The vaporizer system 100 may, therefore, provide for a flexible shared vaping experience, in which the base 104 is shared among multiple users.

[0060] The vaporizer body 102 in this example is generally a cylindrical shape with a top end 108 and a bottom end 1 10 and a periphery 1 1 1 (or side). However, vaporizer bodies according to the disclosure are not limited to any particular shape. The mouthpiece portion 106 is disposed at the top end 108 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 106 may be positioned on the periphery 1 1 1 (e.g. near the top end 108), or elsewhere on the vaporizer body 102.

[0061] The base 104 is generally puck-shaped in this example with a upper face 1 12 and a bottom face 1 14. This shape may allow the base to conveniently sit on a surface such as a table, desk or countertop. However, the base 104 is not limited to any particular size or shape.

[0062] To dock the vaporizer body 102 with the base 104, the bottom end 1 10 of the vaporizer body 102 is mounted on the upper face 1 12 of the base 104. More particularly, as will be explained in more detail below, the vaporizer body 102 and base 104 each comprise a respective docking structure (not shown in Figure 1 ), and the two docking structures engage each other when the vaporizer body 102 is mounted on the base 104.

[0063] Figure 2A is an upper perspective view of the vaporizer body 102 of the vaporizer system 100 in Figure 1. The mouthpiece portion 106 defines suction opening 1 18 that is in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber 105 within the vaporizer body 102. During a "vaping" session, a user may position his or her mouth on mouthpiece portion 106 and inhale, which may cause vapor contained within vaporizer body 102 to be drawn through suction opening 1 18 and into a user's mouth and lungs for consumption. The mouthpiece portion 106 defines a concave depression 120 in the top end 108, and the suction opening 1 18 is positioned in the depression 120. The depression 120 in this example is a curved, crater-like depression in the top end 108. A user may place their lips into the depression 120 for the purpose of drawing air through the suction opening 1 18. The user may place their lips within the depression 120 such that their lips contact the surface of the depression 120 and at least partially surround the suction opening 1 18. The user’s lips may form at least a partial seal around the suction opening 1 18. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece portion may be shaped for a user to place their lips around the mouthpiece portion, similar to a vape pen or e-cigarette mouthpiece.

[0064] Although not shown in Figure 2A, the vaporizer body 102 includes a first docking structure that engages a second docking structure in the base 104. The first docking structure in this embodiment comprises a recess 122 or bay (shown in Figure 4) in the bottom end 1 10 of the vaporizer body 102. The recess 122 may be centrally positioned in the bottom end 1 10 and extends upward into the vaporizer body 102. Other docking structures may be used in other implementations. For example, the docking structure in other embodiments may comprise a physical connector, such as a plug. The docking structure of the base may comprise a bay that partially receives the vaporizer body therein. Embodiments are not limited to a particular method or structure for docking the vaporizer body with the base.

[0065] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body 102 may include a secondary power source 1 19 (shown in Figure 8) such as a rechargeable or replaceable battery. The vaporizer body may operate in a first mode where power is provided by the base 104, and in a second mode where power is provide by the secondary power source 1 19 in the vaporizer body. The secondary power source 1 19 within the vaporizer body 102 may provide power to the heating element 1 16 to maintain the vaporizing chamber 105 temperature within a range while the user is using the vaporizer. The primary power supply from the base may be used to initially bring the vaporizing chamber 105 up to vaporizing temperature, and then the secondary power source 1 19 may provide energy to maintain the

temperature within the range.

[0066] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body 102 may further include a material with a relatively high heat capacity (not shown) that at least partially surrounds the heating element 1 16. As heat is extracted from the vaporizing chamber 105 when the user draws vapor therefrom, heat stored in the material surrounding the heating element 1 16 may transfer into the vaporizing chamber. Thus, the material surrounding the heating element may provide for efficiency in maintaining heat in the vaporizing chamber 105.

[0067] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body 102 may further include a visual indicator that indicates a status of the vaporizer body. The visual indicator may be a light (e.g. LED light), or any other suitable dynamic visual display element disposed in any suitable position on the vaporizer body 102. The status indicated may be an internal temperature status of the vaporizing chamber 105. For example, the vaporizer body may include a temperature sensor that measures a temperature within the vaporizing chamber 105. If the measured temperature is above a minimum vaporizing threshold, the visual indicator may indicate a“ready” status (e.g. by lighting up or changing color). If the temperature drops below that threshold, the visual indicator may be deactivated or change accordingly. The minimum vaporizing threshold may be the minimum temperature at which material in the chamber is sufficiently vaporizable. The visual indicator may, therefore, indicate that the vaporizer body 102 should be re-coupled with the base 104 to re-heat the vaporizer chamber 105. The visual indicator may be powered by the secondary power source 1 19 (if included). Alternatively, the visual indicator may be passive and not use electrical power (e.g. a passive temperature indicator).

[0068] Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view of the vaporizer body 102 of Figure 2A. As shown in Figure 2B, the upper body portion 136 of the vaporizer body 102 may be removable from the remainder of the vaporizer body 102 (including the mid-body portion 140 and the lower body portion 138) to provide access to the vaporizing chamber 105. Alternatively, any other suitable openable or removable cover or access structure may be used to provide access to the chamber.

[0069] In this example, the upper body portion 136 is removably attachable to the mid-body portion 140. The mid-body portion 140 has a top end 165 with a ring projection 166 extending therefrom. The ring projection 166 extends around the vaporizing chamber 105. The ring projection 166 includes outer ridges 167 or threads that releasably engage a corresponding attachment structure (not shown) in the upper body portion 136. The corresponding attachment structure in the upper body portion 136 may, for example, be inner threads or grooves that receive the outer thread ridges 167. The upper body portion 136 may, thus, be rotated to disengage the upper body portion 136 from the mid-body portion 140. Any suitable structure for releasably connecting the upper body portion 136 may be used, and embodiments are not limited to the ring projection 166 shown in Figure 2B.

[0070] Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of the base 104 of the vaporizer system in Figure 1 . The base 104 optionally comprises a second docking structure that engages the first docking structure of the vaporizer body 102 (i.e. the recess 122 of the vaporizer body 102). The docking structure of the base 104 comprises a projection 124 extending upward from the upper face 1 12 of the base. The projection 124 may be approximately centrally positioned as shown. The projection 124 is shaped and sized to be received in and engage the recess 122 in the bottom end 1 10 of the vaporizer body 102 (shown in Figure 4).

[0071] The projection 124 may be sized and shaped to form a snug fit with the recess 122. In this example, the projection 124 is a generally frustoconical shape with a top surface 126 and a side surface 128 that narrows as it extends upward. The recess 122 in the vaporizer body 102 (shown in Figure 4) has a corresponding, complementary shape to snuggly receive the projection 124. [0072] In other embodiments, docking structures may alternatively be positioned on sides of the vaporizer body and the base. For example, the vaporizer body and base of the vaporizer system may be set on the same surface (e.g. table top) in an adjacent, abutting position to dock the vaporizer body with the base.

[0073] The base 104 also includes a power cord 129 in this embodiment. The power cord 129 may include a plug end (not shown) for plugging into an electrical power outlet. The power cord 129 may

alternatively comprise a connector end for connecting to a computing device and/or power converter. For example, the connector may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector capable of carrying power to the base 104. The power cord 129 may also be carry data signals in such embodiments. In other embodiments, the power cord 129 may be omitted. The base 104 may comprise a battery that provides power instead of, or in addition to, the power cord 129. The power cord 129 may be disconnectable from the base. The base 104 may be capable of delivering greater power to vaporize the vaporization material than a traditional portable vaporizer which typically relies on a battery power source. Thus, the vaporizer system 100 may provide for faster vaporization and/or a greater vapor production rate than prior vaporizers.

[0074] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vaporizer system 100 of Figure 1 , with the vaporizer body 102 decoupled or disengaged from the base 104. The vaporizer body 102 is shown from a lower perspective view, and the recess 122 in the bottom end 1 10 is visible. The vaporizer body 102 may be placed down on the base 104 with such that the projection 124 of the base 104 is received in the recess 122 in the vaporizer body 102.

Embodiments are not limited to this particular arrangement for docking the vaporizer body 102 and base 104. For example, in other embodiments, the bottom end of the vaporizer body may have one or more downward projections, and the base may have one or more recesses for receiving the projections of the vaporizer body. [0075] In some embodiments, docking the vaporizer body 102 with the base 104 enables vaporizing operation of the vaporizer body 102. The vaporizer body 102 may not be operable to vaporize material in the vaporizing chamber 105 (shown in Figure 2B) when vaporizer body 102 is not engaged with the base 104. For example, the vaporizer body 102 may comprise one or more contacts (not shown in Figure 4) positioned to engage one or more electrical contacts in the base 104 when docked. In the example of Figure 4, such contacts may be positioned on or near the projection 124 and recess 122. When engaged, the contacts may enable electrical power to flow from the base 104 to the heating element 1 16 (Figure 8) in the vaporizer body 102. In other embodiments, an induction field generator in the base 104 may only be operable when the vaporizer body 102 is docked with the base 104. For example, a proximity sensor in the base may detect when the vaporizer body 102 is adjacent the base 104 and generate output to enable operation of the induction field generator accordingly.

[0076] Optionally, the vaporizer system 100 may include a portable power unit (not shown), such as a rechargeable battery pack, that couples to the vaporizer body 102. The portable power unit may attach to vaporizer body 102 in place of the base 104. For example, the power unit may include a projection (or other docking structure) similar to the base 104 shown in Figure 3. The portable power unit and vaporizer body 102 may further include a securing mechanism for releasably securing the portable power unit to the vaporizer body 102. The securing mechanism may, for example, comprise threads, clips, or any other suitable attaching structure. The portable power unit may allow the vaporizer body 102 to be fully portable.

[0077] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example vaporizer system 200 that includes a vaporizer body 202 similar to the vaporizer body 102 of 2A and 2B, and a base 204 similar to the base 104 of Figure 3. The base 204 includes a pair of example electrical contacts 132a and 132b protruding from the upper face 1 12 of the base 104. The vaporizer body 202 in Figure 5 is shown with a pair of metal ring electrical contacts 134a and 134b in the bottom end 1 10. The pair of protruding electrical contacts 132a and 132b in the base 204 may engage the rings 134a and 134b in the vaporizer body 202 when the vaporizer body 202 is mounted on the base. Other types of connection elements or other forms of electrical contacts may also be used to provide for the flow of power between the base 204 and the body 202 (e.g. wireless power connections, corresponding contacts on the projection 124 and recess 122, etc.).

[0078] The vaporizer body 102 may include means for opening and closing the suction opening 1 18 such that the mouthpiece portion is adjustable between a closed state and an open state. Turning again to Figure 2A, in this embodiment, a closure member 135 is movable between a first position, in which the closure member 135 blocks the suction opening 1 18, and a second position, in which the suction opening 1 18 is not blocked. Any suitable control mechanism for moving the closure member 135 may be used. In this embodiment, the vaporizer body 102 in this example includes an upper body portion 136, a lower body portion 138 and a mid-body portion 140 between the upper body portion 136 and the lower body portion 138.

The upper body portion 136 (including the mouthpiece portion) may be rotatable (i.e. twistable) relative to the mid-body portion 140 and lower body portion 138 to move the closure member 135 between the first and second positions to open and close the suction opening 1 18. Embodiments are not limited to a twisting function for opening and closing the suction opening 1 18. For example, the upper body portion may telescope with the mid-body portion 140, with the closure member 135 connected to the mid-body portion 140. The telescoping movement may then be used to move the closure member 135 into and out of the closed position.

[0079] The closure member 135 may be configured to move axially relative to the vaporizer body 102 responsive to relative rotation of the upper body portion 136. Rotation in a first direction may move closure member 135 upward and rotation in a second direction may move closure member 135 downward. The closure member 135 may thus be moved from a first position substantially blocking or occluding the suction opening 1 18 (i.e. the closed state) to a second position where the suction opening 1 18 is not blocked (i.e. the open state). Referring again to Figure 2B, the amount of rotation to open or close the suction opening 1 18 may be less than the amount of rotation that disengages the upper body portion 136 from the mid body portion 140.

[0080] Figure 6 shows the vaporizer system 100 with mouthpiece portion 106 in the "open state". In this state, the example closure member 135 is in the opened positioned such that it does not substantially block the suction opening 1 18 and vapor may be drawn from vaporizing chamber 105 (Figure 8) through mouthpiece portion 106. In the "open state" the upper body portion 136 and closure member 135 are positioned such that the vaporizer system 100 is ready, or in condition, to be used for "vaping" by a user. With vaporizer body 102 in the "open state", inhalation on mouthpiece portion 106 by a user may draw air into the vaporizing chamber 105 through air intake openings (such as air intake openings 156a and 156b shown in Figure 8), the drawn air may mix with vapor formed in the vaporizing chamber 105, and air and vapor may exit out of the mouthpiece portion 106 through the suction opening 1 18.

[0081] The relative position of the upper body portion 136 and mid body portion 140 in the open state may optionally engage a switch (not shown) that enables operation of the vaporizing chamber 105.

[0082] Figure 7 shows the vaporizer system 100 with mouthpiece portion 106 in the "closed state". In this state, the closure member 135 is in the closed position substantially blocking the suction opening 1 18. When vaporizer body 102 is in the "closed state", the vaporizing chamber 105 may be "closed off" or sealed in order to prevent the material to be vaporized from escaping between "vaping" sessions and block unwanted material from entering the vaporizing chamber. Thus, the vaporizer system may not be functional for vaping while in the closed state.

[0083] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of the example vaporizer system 100 of Figure 1. The vaporizer system 200 in Figure 5 may have a similar configuration. The vaporizer body 102 and the base 104 are shown disengaged in Figure 8.

[0084] The vaporizer body 102 includes the vaporizing chamber 105 therein and the heating element 1 16 operable to vaporize material within the vaporizing chamber 105. The vaporizing chamber 105 may be defined by surrounding walls comprising stainless steel, ceramic, quartz or one or more other materials. The heating element 1 16 may be positioned at least partially within the vaporizing chamber 105. The heating element 1 16 may, for example, be a coiled filament or any other suitable element for generating heat to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber 105. In other embodiments, such as induction heating embodiments, the heating element may comprise a portion (e.g. wall) of the vaporizing chamber 105 itself.

[0085] The base 104 includes a power input 142, which comprises the power cord 129 shown in Figure 3 in this example. The base 104 may optionally include an internal power source, such a rechargeable battery.

[0086] The base 104 optionally includes at least one control element 130, as explained above. The control element 130 may comprise a button, such as an on/off control button. However, the control element may also include other user input means such as control elements for providing input to activate or otherwise control the vaporizer system 100. For example, the vaporizer system 100 may include a touchscreen to display status information and/or controls and to accept user input. The control element may be used to activate the vaporizer system 100 and/or to change one or more settings. The settings may include a temperature to be reached in the vaporizing chamber 105, a time period that the vaporizing chamber 105 is heated per activation, automatic shutdown options, etc.

[0087] The at least one control element 130 may include a button that may be pressed to activate the heating means in order to emit a vapor from the vaporization materials. However, any activation means could be employed to activate heating element 1 16 and pressing a button is not required in all embodiments. In some embodiments, docking the vaporizer body 102 with the base 104 may automatically activate the heating element 1 16. For example, the vaporizer body 102 and/or base 104 may include an “on/off” switch, and while switched to“on”, placing the vaporizer body 102 on the base 104 may automatically trigger the heating element 1 16.

[0088] The base 104 in this embodiment includes a processor 144 and memory 146. The memory stores processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 144 to perform functions described herein. For example, the processor may accept input from the at least one control element 130 and generate control signals for and/or deliver power to the vaporizer body 102 accordingly. Other embodiments may omit the processor 144 and memory 146. For example, a simple on/off switch may control delivery of power to the vaporizer body 102.

[0089] In this example, the at least one control element 130 and power input 142 are coupled to the processor 144. Input from the at least one control element 130 may be provided to the processor, and the processor may, in turn, control the vaporization process responsive to the user input. The processor 144 may activate the heating element 1 16 by providing power from the power input 142 to the heating element 1 16 accordingly. For example, the base 104 may comprise a switch 148 that is activated by the processor 144 to provide power to the heating element 1 16.

[0090] The base 104 may comprise a first connector element 150 (such as a first electrical contact). The vaporizer body 102 may comprise a second connector element 152 (such as a second electrical contact). The first and second connector elements 150 and 152 may comprise each comprise multiple electrical contacts to carry power, signalling, etc. For example, the first connector element 150 may comprise the pair of electrical contacts 132a and 132b on the base 204 from Figure 5, and the second connector element 152 may comprise the pair of metal ring electrical contacts 134a and 134b on the vaporizer body 202 from Figure 5. The first and second connector elements 150 and 152 may engage each other when the vaporizer body 102 is mounted on the base 104. The first and second connector elements 150 and 152 may provide an electrical connection between the vaporizer body 102 and the base 104 to allow power to be transferred to the heating element 1 16 from the power input 142. In other words, when the vaporizer body 102 is engaged with the base 104, electrical communication is created between the vaporizer body 102 and the base 104. In some embodiments, rather than power cord 129, a battery (not shown) may be positioned on base 104 to provide electrical power to activate heating means. Removing the vaporizer body 102 from the base 104 may disengage the connector elements 150 and 152 such that the heating element 1 16 is disabled.

[0091] The vaporizer body 102 or base 104 may optionally further comprise a sensor 154 arranged to sense when the vaporizer body 102 is engaged with the base 104. The sensor 154 may generate an output to the processor 144 to enable activation of the heating element 1 16 when the vaporizer body 102 is engaged with the base 104. As another option, the sensor 154 may generate output to disable the heating element 1 16 when the vaporizer body 102 is not engaged with the base 104. While the sensor 154 is shown in the base 104 in Figure 8, the sensor 154 may be in the vaporizer body 102 (or omitted) in other embodiments. More than one sensor may be used in the vaporizer body 102 and/or base 104 in other embodiments.

[0092] The vaporizer body 102 may include one or more air intake openings 156a and 156b that are in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber 105 through one or more conduits 158a and 158b to allow intake of air. Also shown in another conduit 160 extends between the vaporizing chamber 105 and the suction opening 1 18 in the mouthpiece portion 106. A user may, thus, inhale vapor from the vaporizing chamber 105 through the suction opening 1 18.

[0093] In some embodiments, the vaporizer system 100 may be configured to be controlled by a remote device (not shown), such as a user operated computing device. The remote device may, for example, be a general-purpose computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone, to name a few examples. In some embodiments, the remote device may be manipulated by a user to provide input to the vaporizer system 100 to activate the heating element 1 16 or perform other control functions (e.g. control temperature, vaporization time, lock the vaporizer system 100, etc.). In this example embodiment, the base 104 includes optional transceiver 162 that includes a combined receiver component and transmitter component to communicate with the remote device over a wireless connection. The connection may be over a wireless network such as: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a near field communication network, or another type of wireless communication. In other embodiments, the transceiver 162 may be in the vaporizer body 102. In other embodiments, the vaporizer system 100 may include a separate receiver rather than a combined transmitter/receiver.

[0094] In some embodiments, the vaporizer system 100 may include one or more child-protections features. For example, when used with a remote device, a user interface to control the vaporizer system 100 may only be displayed on the remote device upon the user entering a password or performing another authentication procedure. A similar password or other authorization procedure may be implemented directly on the base 104 or the vaporizer body 102 (for example, using a touchscreen or other user interface). Such processes may decrease the possibility that vaporizer system 100 will be either inadvertently activated, or activated by a child.

[0095] The vaporizer system 100 may optionally include a storage structure such as a pedestal or container (not shown) for the vaporizer body 102 when not in use. For example, the vaporizer body 102 may be mounted on the pedestal or kept in the container not in use, and then moved to the base 104 to be activated.

[0096] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a base may be capable of coupling with (e.g. docking with) multiple vaporizer bodies concurrently. Figures 9 to 1 1 are perspective views of example bases 404a to 404c for use together with one or more vaporizer bodies. The vaporizer bodies used with the bases 404a to 404c may be similar to the example vaporizer bodies 102 and 202 shown in Figures 1 to 2B and to 4 to 8. For example, the bases 404a to 404c may each include a power cord, receiver, electrical contacts and/or other features described above.

[0097] The base 404a of Figure 9 includes one docking structure 424a for docking with a vaporizer body. The docking structure 424a is a projection similar to the projection 124 shown in Figure 3.

[0098] The base 404b of Figure 10 includes two spaced apart docking structures 424a and 424b capable of concurrently docking with two vaporizer bodies. The docking structures 424a and 424b are each similar to the projection 124 shown in Figure 3.

[0099] The base 404c of Figure 1 1 includes six spaced apart docking structures 424a to 424f capable of concurrently docking with six vaporizer bodies. The docking structures 424a to 424f are each similar to the projection 124 shown in Figure 3. Embodiments are not limited to any particular number of vaporizer bodies that may be concurrently engaged with a base.

[00100] Figure 12 is a perspective view of another example vaporizer system 500 according to some embodiments. The vaporizer system 500 comprises six vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f and a base 504. The vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f are portable and may each removably engage the base 504. Specifically, the base 504 in this embodiment includes six spaced apart docking structures, which are in the form of seats 524 in this embodiment (with four of the six seats 524 visible in Figure 12). In this example, the seats 524 form recesses or depressions in an upper face 512 of the base 504. The seats 524 are each shaped to have any one of the vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f landed or mounted thereon. More specifically, a bottom portion 538 of the vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f may include a flat bottom face that can sit on any one of the seats 524 of the base 504.

[00101] The vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f each have the same form in this embodiment, and each includes a respective vaporizing chamber (not shown) and heating element (not shown). In other embodiments, differently configured vaporizer bodies may be used with the same base. Each vaporizer body 502a to 502f in Figure 12 includes a respective mouthpiece portion 506 having a suction opening 508 therein for inhalation by a user.

The vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f may include additional features of other vaporizer bodies described herein.

[00102] The seats 524 of the base 504 may comprise induction heating pads. In such embodiments, the heating element in the vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f may be a metal component in, near, or forming at least a portion of the vaporizing chamber (not shown). The induction heating pads may each comprise an induction coil to provide electromagnetic field that heats the heating element in a corresponding docked one of the vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f.

[00103] The bottom portions 538 of the vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f may be removable to provide access to the vaporizing chamber.

Alternatively, any other suitable openable or removable cover or access structure may be used to provide access to the chamber.

[00104] The base 504 may include one or more control elements (e.g. one or more buttons) that may be activate providing power and/or induction heating to the vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f. In some embodiments, the base 504 comprise, for each of the seats 524, a respective control element (e.g. button) that activates the corresponding vaporizer body (502a to 502f) in the corresponding seat 524. Thus, the base 504 in this example may comprise six separate control elements (e.g. six buttons). Alternatively, one control element may activate multiple vaporization bodies 502a to 502f. The vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f and/or the base 504 may also be operable for communication with one or more remote devices (not shown), such as a portable computing device, to control the vaporizer system 500.

[00105] In some embodiments, the vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f may be used with similar vaporization materials and vaporizing conditions created by base 204. In other words, each user of vaporizer bodies 502a to 502f may share similar "vaping" conditions and, thus, a similar "vaping" experience among multiple users without having to share one mouthpiece portion 506. Furthermore, each user may use a different vaporization material and/or individually control their pace and/or intake.

[00106] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another example vaporizer system 600 according to some embodiments. The vaporizer system 600 includes a vaporizer body 602 and a base 604 (which are similar to the vaporizer body 102 and the base 104 in Figure 1 ). Figure 13 shows the vaporizer body 602 mounted on the base 604. The vaporizer body 602 may be replaceable / swappable with other bodies that are different in

configuration. For example, the vaporizer body 602 shown in Figure 6 may be configured for best use with a first type of vaporization material, and another body may be configured for best use with a second type of material. The base 604 may also customizable or have different operating modes for use with different materials. The vaporizer system 600 may, thereby be customize for a specific vaporization material, or to be used by a specific user.

[00107] Similar to other embodiments described herein, the vaporizer body 602 includes a mouthpiece portion 606, but with multiple spaced apart suction openings 608 which are in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber (not shown). The vaporizer body 602 further includes a display 612. The display 612 may, for example, comprise an e-ink display or any other type of electronic display. The display may show an identification of the type of vaporizer body 602. For example, the display may provide information about the type of vaporization material best suited for the vaporization body 602.

[00108] In some embodiments, different vaporization body types may be identified by a specific color or shape. In some embodiments, body types may be identified by electronic identification techniques. For example, each of a plurality of vaporizer bodies (e.g. inclusive of one or more of the vaporizer body 102, 402, 502a to 502f or 602 shown in Figures 1 , 2A, 2B, 4, 6 to 8, 12 and 13) may include a respective identification device such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The base (e.g. base 104, 204, 404a, 404b, 404c, 504 or 604 described above) may include means for reading the identification device. For example, the base may include an RFID scanning device. The base may thereby identify the type of body being used. The identification of the body may also indicate the type of material being vaporized, and the base may adjust its behavior accordingly. For example, the base may adjust power levels depending on the type of body. A user may also thereby be able to recognize and select a type of vaporizer body for a "vaping" session of particular desired characteristics.

For example, the base may include a display that shows one or more characteristics of the body (e.g. vaporization material).

[00109] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another example vaporizer system 700 according to some embodiments. Similar to other embodiments described herein, the vaporizer system 700 includes a vaporizer body 702 with a vaporizing chamber therein (not shown) for holding a vaporization material, a heating element (not shown) for vaporizing the material in the chamber, and a mouthpiece portion 706 (visible in Figure 15). The vaporizer body 702 engages and receives power from a base 704. The vaporizer body 702 may be disposable and/or replaceable.

[00110] In this example, the vaporizer body 702 is relatively small and intended for single use (or few uses) until the vaporization material in the chamber is used up. The vaporizer body 702 may thereafter be discarded.

In such disposable embodiments, the vaporizing chamber within the body may not be accessible to the user. In other embodiments, the vaporizing chamber may be accessible and refillable.

[00111] The vaporizer body 702 is generally block-shaped in this example, with a front face 707 (visible in Figure 15) and a rear face 709 opposite to the front face 707.

[00112] In the example of Figure 14, the base 704 comprises a power bank 710 and an adaptor 712. The vaporizer body 702, the power bank 710 and the adaptor 712 are shown disengaged from one another in Figure 14. The power bank 710 may be a portable power bank configured to provide temporary power to personal electronics. For example, rechargeable power banks are typically used as back-up power sources to charge mobile phones, tablets or other portable electronics. The power bank 710 in this example includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 714. Other types of power connection ports may be used as well.

[00113] The adaptor 712 is configured to interconnect the vaporizer body 702 and the base 704. More specifically, the adaptor 712 in this example includes a first connector portion 716 for connecting to the power bank 710 and a second connector portion 718 for connecting to the vaporizer body 702. The first and second connector portions 716 and 718 form an electronic interconnection between the power bank 710 and the vaporizer body 702. In this embodiment, the first connector portion 716 is a USB connector for connecting to the USB port 714 of the power bank 710. The second connector portion 718 is a male plug end for connecting to a corresponding female plug connection 720 in the vaporizer body 702. The plug connection 720 in the vaporizer is positioned on the rear face 709 so that, when connected, the mouthpiece portion 706 on the front face 707 (Figure 15) is accessible.

[00114] In some embodiments, the adaptor 712 may be provided together with the vaporizer body 702. In some embodiments, the separate adaptor may be omitted and/or the vaporizer body 702 may be adapted to plug directly into the power bank 710.

[00115] The vaporizer system 700 in this example is modular in that the vaporizer body may be conveniently replaced or used with a plurality of different power banks or other power sources with USB connections. A user may have multiple disposable vaporizer bodies (including the example vaporizer body 702) with multiple vaporization materials ready to go, and each may be easily attached to the power bank 710 or a different power source for use.

[00116] To use the vaporizer body 702, a user may first attach the adaptor 712 to the vaporizer body 702 by plugging the second connector portion 718 into the female plug connection 720, and the user may attach the vaporizer body 702 and adaptor 712 to the power bank 710 by plugging the first connector portion 716 into the USB port 714. Any suitable connector system may be used to connect the vaporizer body 702 to the base 704.

The particular connection types shown in Figure 14 are examples. Similar to other embodiments described herein, electrical power is transferred from base 704 to vaporizer body 702 to activate the heating element in the vaporizer body 702 and vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber (not shown).

[00117] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body 702 may have a plant material to be vaporized prepackaged into the chamber of the vaporizer body 702 so that a user does need to handle any loose plant material to use the vaporizer body 702. In some embodiments, vaporizer body 702 may be disposable after a portion of the plant material has been vaporized. In this manner, vaporizer body 702 may be economically produced for a single use or limited uses (e.g. 2 or 3 uses), for example, in a retail store where a vaporization material may wish to be tried by a user before purchase.

[00118] The vaporizer body 702 may be provided (e.g. made or sold) separately. Thus, in some embodiments, the base 704 is not included with the vaporizer body 702. Similarly, the vaporizer bodies and bases in other embodiments described herein and shown in Figures 1 to 13 may be provided separately.

[00119] Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of the vaporizer body 702 attached to the base 704. As shown, the mouthpiece portion 706 comprises a suction opening 708 in the front face 707.

[00120] The vaporizer body 702 optionally also includes air intake holes 722 to allow air to flow through the vaporizing chamber and out through the suction opening 708. In this example, the air intake holes 722 and suction opening 708 are positioned near opposite sides of the front face 707 to that a user’s lips are less likely to accidentally cover one or more of the air intake holes 722. The air intake holes 722 may be on a different face of the vaporizer body 702 than the suction opening 708 in other embodiments.

[00121] The vaporizer body 702 also optionally includes one or more visual indicators 724a and 724b to indicate that vaporizer body 702 is ready for use. For example, the visual indicators 724a and 724b may light up when sufficient heat has been generated to produce vapor. In other embodiments, the visual indicators 724a and 724b may be a first color (e.g. blue) when the chamber is cool and then change to a second color (e.g. red) when the chamber is heated.

[00122] Once the vaporizer body 702 is sufficiently heated and ready for use, the user may remove the vaporizer body 702 from the base 704 and draw vapor through the suction opening.

[00123] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a user’s hand 730 holding the vaporizer body 702 that is ready for use. Vapor may be drawn through the mouthpiece portion 706 as generally indicated by arrow 732.

[00124] Figure 17 is a flowchart of a method for a vaporizing system according to some embodiments. The vaporizing system may be any of the vaporizer systems 100, 200, 400, 500, 600 and 700 shown in Figures 1 to 16 and described herein.

[00125] At block 1702, a vaporizer body is provided. The vaporizer body may be similar to one or more of the vaporizer bodies 102, 202, 402, 502a to 502f, 602 and 702 described herein. “Providing” the vaporizer body may include making, manufacturing, purchasing, importing, or otherwise obtaining the vaporizer body.

[00126] At block 1704, a base is provided that couples to the vaporizer body and is operable to provide power to the vaporizer body. The base may be similar to one or more of the bases 104, 204, 404a to 404c, 504, 604 and 704 described herein. “Providing” the base may include making,

manufacturing, purchasing, importing, or otherwise obtaining the base. [00127] Optionally, at block 1706, the vaporizer body is coupled to the base. This coupling may include docking or attaching the body to the base. The coupling may comprise otherwise establishing a power communication between the base and the vaporizer body (e.g. wireless power).

[00128] Optionally, at block 1708, the base powers the vaporizer body to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber. The method may further include removing the vaporizer body from the base. A user may then inhale the vapor from the vaporizer body through the mouthpiece.

[00129] It is to be understood that a combination of more than one of the approaches described above may be implemented. Embodiments are not limited to any particular one or more of the approaches, methods, apparatuses or systems disclosed herein. One skilled in the art will appreciate that variations, alterations of the embodiments described herein may be made in various implementations without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vaporizer system comprising:

a base; and

a vaporizer body couplable to the base, the vaporizer body comprising a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein, and a mouthpiece portion in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber, wherein the base is operable to provide power to the vaporizer body for vaporizing the material in the vaporizing chamber.

2. The vaporizer system of claim 1 , wherein the vaporizer body is portable and removable from the base.

3. The vaporizer system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the vaporizer body comprises a heating element operable to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber, and the base is operable to provide power to the heating element when the vaporizer body is coupled to the base.

4. The vaporizer system of claim 3, wherein the heating element comprises a resistive heating element or an induction heating element.

5. The vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a receiver operable to receive input from a remote device to activate the heating element.

6. The vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base comprises a first connector element and the vaporizer body comprises a second connector element that engages the first connector element when the vaporizer body is coupled to the base.

7. The vaporizer system of claim 6, wherein the first connector element comprises a first electrical contact, and the second connector element comprises a second electrical contact positioned to engage the first electrical contact.

8. The vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base comprises a first docking structure, and the vaporizer body comprises a second docking structure that engages the first docking structure.

9. The vaporizer system of claim 8, wherein the first docking structure comprises a projection and the second docking structure comprises a recess that receives the projection.

10. The vaporizer system of claim 9, wherein:

the base has an upper face and the projection extends from the upper face; and

the vaporizer body has a bottom face, and the recess is defined in the bottom face.

1 1. The vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base comprises a seat for the vaporizer body to be landed thereon.

12. The vaporizer system of any one of claims 8 to 1 1 , comprising a plurality of vaporizer bodies, inclusive of said vaporizer body, each of the plurality of vaporizer bodies comprising a respective second docking structure.

13. The vaporizer system of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a plurality of first docking structures, inclusive of said first docking structure.

14. The vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mouthpiece portion comprises a suction opening in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber, and the mouthpiece portion is adjustable between a closed state, in which the suction opening is closed, and an open state, in which suction opening is open.

15. The vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises a display.

16. The vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the vaporizer body comprises a vaporization material within the vaporizing chamber.

17. A vaporizer body for use with a base, the vaporizer body comprising:

a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein;

a mouthpiece portion in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber; and

a heating element that receives power from the base and generates heat to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber.

18. The vaporizer body of claim 17, further comprising a docking structure that engages the base.

19. The vaporizer body of claim 17 or 18, further comprising an operable connector that is connectable to a corresponding operable connector of the base.

20. A vaporizer system comprising:

a vaporizer body for use with a base, the vaporizer body comprising: a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein; a mouthpiece portion in fluid communication with the vaporizing chamber; and a heating element that receives power from the base and generates heat to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber; and

an adaptor connectable between the vaporizer body and the base to provide electrical power from the base to the heating element.

21. A method for a vaporizing system, the method comprising: providing a vaporizer body comprising a vaporizing chamber for vaporizing a material therein and a mouthpiece portion in fluid

communication with the vaporizing chamber; and

providing a base that couples to the vaporizer body and is operable to provide power to the vaporizer body.

22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising:

coupling the vaporizer body to the base.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising powering the vaporizer body by the base to vaporize the material in the vaporizing chamber.