WO2021092086A1 - Electronic cigarette filter assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

As an accessory to electronic cigarette devices, and/or integrated into same, a personal air filter having uniquely treated and shaped graphite is disclosed herein. The exhale filter of the present invention more particularly couples to a pen-type e-cigarette having a commercially known 510-standard distillate cartridge for filtering harmful particulates or gaseous pollutants associated with electronic cigarette usage.

Description

INVENTION TITLE: ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE FILTER ASSEMBLY

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App.

Ser. No. 62/931,312 filed on November 6, 2019 entitled “Smoke or V apor Personal Air Filter and Methods Regarding Same.” Accordingly, the entire contents this U.S. provisional patent submission is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention pertains generally to accessories for electronic smoking devices and perhaps smoking in general. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic cigarette filter specifically configurable to a pen-type electronic cigarette and related novel filter technology.

Description of the Prior Art

[0003] Ever increasing in popularity, “electronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes” and vaporizers typically use an electrical heating element to heat a liquid usually containing a mixture of nicotine and flavorings/extract (or cannabis including THC or CBD) that produces a mist similar to smoke, but without the excessive heat that causes combustion.

[0004] One issue facing the so-called ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) and the ECDS (Electronic Cannabis Delivery Systems) is the presence of potentially harmful particulate and/or gaseous compounds. Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide devices and methods for removal such compounds to a closed environment. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to introduce an exhale filtration system that can be integrated into

ENDS/ECDS devices. [0005] Importantly, existing graphite exhale filter technology includes granular filter media which can greatly imped air flow. An example currently on the market has been branded the Smoke Buddy®. This device is specifically an external filter for receiving exhaled mist; however, it’s a bit bulky, awkward and irregular in shape. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide improved air flow in a smaller device that can be used for vapor or smoke exhale.

[0006] Also known in the art are the so-called 510-standard e-cigarette cartridges containing distillate/oil that can be replace after said distillate is consumed. The 510-standard cartridges connect to an e-cigarette main body via a specially-sized threads. Given the popularity of this particular delivery system, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filter solution specifically configurable to the 510-standard.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention, in a first aspect is an electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: an electronic cigarette main body having a power source an igniter button; a replaceable filter cartridge coupled to the main body containing distillate to be heated to produce vapor to be introduced to a user; an original mouthpiece coupled to the replaceable filter cartridge, in turn, coupled to the electronic cigarette main body and a self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination including a second mouthpiece, a filter medium, and an inner cavity open on a bottom end, the inner cavity configured to fit over a top of the replaceable cartridge for filtering the user exhale. [0008] The invention in a first aspect is additionally characterized in that the self- contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprises a dual check valve insert between the second mouthpiece and the filter medium. The dual check valve insert includes: an inlet check valve separating the second mouthpiece from the inner cavity; and an outlet check valve separating the second mouthpiece from the filter medium, wherein the dual check valve insert is configured directly adjacent to the second mouthpiece.

[0009] Still further, the invention in this aspect is characterized wherein the self- contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprises an aluminum enclosure defining the inner cavity and also defining a rear cavity, the rear cavity for containing and holding the filter medium, wherein the aluminum enclosure further comprises a window carved out for viewing a distillate level.

[0010] Additionally further, the invention in this aspect is characterized in that the filter medium comprises an extruded carbon element baked to a specific shape, the specific shape including a concave surface configured around the inner cavity, wherein further the extruded carbon element comprises a plurality of channels therethrough for passing exhale. Also importantly, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further has a mouthpiece nozzle at an inside surface of the second mouthpiece for increasing a velocity of the user’s exhale. Stated differently, the inside wall of the second mouthpiece is shaped like a nozzle for increasing fluid velocity. An additional nozzle or set of nozzles is also provide at an introduction to the filter medium. This filter nozzle is at an outlet of the outlet check valve for increasing the velocity of the user’s exhale.

[0011] In still a second aspect, the invention may be characterized as an electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: a mouthpiece at a proximal end thereof; a graphite filter element, the graphite filter element including a plurality of channels therethrough, the plurality of channels providing filtering of gaseous and particulate pollutants while contemporaneously allowing relatively unrestricted airflow therethrough; and a plurality of exit vent holes opposite the mouthpiece. This invention is this aspect also includes the electronic cigarette main body; the disposable distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.

[0012] The invention in this second aspect is additionally characterized wherein the graphite filter element comprises extruded carbon, the extruded carbon for molding said graphite to a unique shape, the unique shape having a concave side surface for fitting around an electronic cigarette main body coupled to a disposable distillate cartridge.

[0013] The invention in this second aspect is further characterized in that is comprises an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a rear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert configured within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a filter nozzle coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes, and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.

[0014] Yet still further in a third aspect the invention is an electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising a self-contained mouthpiece and filter including a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter, an exit vent opposite the mouthpiece, and a filter medium therebetween, further wherein the self-contained mouthpiece filter further comprises an inner cavity open at a distal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination, the inner cavity configured to receive an electronic cigarette original mouthpiece.

[0015] The invention in this third aspect is further characterized in that it includes the electronic cigarette main body; a disposable distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.

[0016] Still further in this third aspect the invention may be characterized in that it comprises an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a rear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert configured within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a plurality of filter nozzles coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via corresponding a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.

[0017] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC § 112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC §112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC §112, or similar applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

[0019] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette filter assembly in a first preferred embodiment;

[0020] Fig. IB is an exploded view thereof;

[0021] Fig. 1C is an additional exploded view however showing a replaceable cartridge coupled to an e-cigarette main body;

[0022] Fig. ID is a front elevational view of the electronic cigarette filter assembly;

[0023] Fig. IE is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly as seen from line 1E-1E in

Fig. 1A;

[0024] Fig. IF is an enlarged sectional view thereof;

[0025] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination of the present invention; [0026] Fig. 2B is a profile view thereof;

[0027] Fig. 2C is an exploded view of filter internal components; and

[0028] Fig. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the filter taken along line 2D-2D in Fig. 2A;

[0029] Fig. 2E is an enlarged view of a mouthpiece portion taken about line 2E-2E in Fig.

2D;

[0030] Fig. 2F is an additional cross-sectional view of the filter as seen along line 2F-2F in Fig. 2B;

[0031] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a graphite filter element of the present invention with a top view exploded; and

[0032] Fig. 3B is an alternative embodiment of the graphite filter element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring initially to Fig. 1A, a standard (510 for example) electronic cigarette filter assembly 10 is shown configured with technology of the present invention in an isometric view. The personal filter of the present invention has several components broadly laid out in exploded detail, Fig. IB.

[0034] With regard to Fig. 1C, a front elevational view has a front window with and an exhale filter on a rear (back) side. The directional inhale air flow in the inhale function is up through the center of the device 10; and in the exhale function air goes back into a mouthpiece 30 and back down through a rear side of the device 10. The lower inner section 11, 13 of the device 10 contains a standard replaceable cartridge (510-standard, for example) having (nicotine, CBD and/or cannabis, e.g.), configured to an electronic coil inside e-cigarette main body 11. The standard cartridge 13 further has standard threads 15 that couple to the main portion of the electronic cigarette 11.

[0035] Again with regard to Fig. 1A together with Fig. IB, the invention 10 comprises a mouthpiece 30; or alternatively, the invention comprises an original mouthpiece 14 and the filter mouthpiece 30 is a second mouthpiece wherein filter 20 fits over and is mated to original mouthpiece 14. Filter 20 is further fitted with an endcap 90 at an opposite end of the mouthpiece 30, the end cap 90 having exit vent holes 91 for discharge of filtered air. Filter 20 window 61, 81 allows a user to inspect distillate level inside cartridge 13. As stated, the distillate is more particularly oil extracted from another substance intending to be introduced by a user. Igniter button 12 is used to activate a heating coil inside main body 11 powered by a battery, as is known in the art. When a cartridge 13 is expended, a new one is screwed 15 onto main portion 11 and the filter 20 slips over the original mouthpiece 14 and cartridge as seen in Fig. 1C and Fig. ID. It should be appreciated that inner cavity 82 (Fig. 2C) is open at a distal end for receiving original mouthpiece 14 and filter cartridge 13 portions as is apparent in Fig. 1C and Fig. ID.

[0036] Fig. IE and Fig. IF are cross-sectional views of the device 10 taken about line 1E- 1E in Fig. 1A. As shown (together with Fig. ID), igniter button 12 is positioned on a front of the device 10 and exhale filtering channel 51, 70, 75, 91 is positioned at a rear of the device 10. Exhale filtering channel 51, 70, 75, 91 sequentially comprises: nozzle 51, HEPA medium 75, extruded carbon element 70, and exit vent 91, as further detailed herein. Also viewable, filter 20 configures and is mated to original mouthpiece 14 of e-cigarette 11. Or stated differently, mouthpiece 30 and filter 70, 75 combination mates to an electronic cigarette 11 about its original mouthpiece 14. And further herein, filter 20 may also be referred to as a mouthpiece and filter combination 30, 70, 75 or self-contained mouthpiece and filter 20. A filter medium herein, may broadly refer to HEPA 75 medium, carbon filter element 70, or both 70, 75.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 2A, a self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination 20 of the present invention 10 is illustrated in perspective. Filter 20 has an outer housing 80 containing internal components. More particularly in a preferred embodiment, outer housing 80 is an extruded aluminum enclosure. The enclosure 80 has a window 81 positioned at a front of the filter 20 while the exit vent holes 91 are at a rear of the filter 20. As stated, the window 81 carved out of enclosure 80 allows a user to inspect distillate level contained in the disposable cartridge 13. Incidentally, the disposable cartridge 13 with threads 15 is also referred to as a pod- style delivery system. Fig. 2B provides a profile view of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination 20.

[0038] Regarding Fig. 2C, filter internal components are revealed in an exploded view.

As shown, filter 20 mouthpiece 30 and bottom cover 90 form proximal and distal ends, respectively. Therebetween sequentially, mouthpiece 30 is configured to dual check 40 valve insert and a to a multi-port manifold 50. Upon close inspection, the dual check valve insert 40 snaps into the multi-port manifold 50 which connects to the mouthpiece 30. Multi-port nozzle manifold 50 further has a plurality of filter nozzles 51 incorporated thereto as detailed herein. Dual check valve insert 40 is positioned up into the mouthpiece 30.

[0039] Next regarding Fig. 2C, inner rubber sleeve 60 connects to multiport manifold 50 via a pair female notches on an upper surface of rubber sleeve 60 and corresponding male protrusion(s) on a bottom surface of multiport manifold 50. In turn, inner rubber sleeve 60 configures to the outer housing enclosure 80 about and around and inside surface of circular inner cavity 82 provided by outer enclosure 80. Subsequently, rubber sleeve 60 couples to bottom cover 90 via similar female protrusion(s) on a bottom surface of rubber sleeve 60 and to male protrusions on atop surface of bottom cover 90, all with outer enclosure 80 therebetween and also mating with a top part of bottom cover 90. However, before the last aforementioned mating occurs, carbon filter element 70 having a concave side surface 71 slides down into rear cavity 83 adjacent to and around outer cavity 82. Also, as shown in Fig. 2C, viewing window 61, 81 comprises outer window 81 (in outer enclosure 80 ) juxtaposed with inner window 61 (in the inner rubber sleeve 60).

[0040] Now referring to Fig. 2D, a cross-sectional view of the filter 20 taken along line 2D-2D in Fig. 2A is provided. Herein, extruded carbon filter element 70 has a plurality of filter passages or channels 71 for passage of exhale therethrough. As viewed together with enlarged view Fig. 2E, HEPA filter medium 75 is shown between the multiport manifold 50 nozzle(s) 51 and the carbon filter element 70 also for filtering harmful pollutants. Herein, filter medium 70,

75 may refer to either HEPA filter medium 75, or carbon filter element 70, or both 70, 75 working together.

[0041] Additionally regarding Fig. 2E, mouthpiece 30 has an inner wall 32 having a shape of a nozzle 31 (inlet nozzle 31) increasing velocity of exhale hence lessening resistance for a user to blow into same 30. Dual check valve manifold 40 initially has an inlet check valve 41 separating circular inner cavity 82 from mouthpiece plenum 32. Accordingly, in the inhale function, air is permitted up through the inner cavity 82 of the device 10 but not back down through the center in the exhale function. Instead, exhale is diverted to a rear of the device via outlet check valve 42, and then subsequently through a plurality of filter nozzles 51 for introduction to the filter medium 70, 75 as detailed in Fig. 2F. Filter nozzles 51, especially, provide an aerodynamic manipulation reducing vapor and harmful particulate.

[0042] Still further regarding Fig. 2F, a cross-sectional view is provided depicting the filter 20 as seen along line 2F-2F in Fig. 2B. As shown, multi-port manifold 50 aligns a series of filter nozzles 51 in a line. The user exhale exits the nozzles 51 and enters the HEPA filter medium 75. Additional pollutants are removed as exhale exits the HEPA medium and enters the extruded carbon filter element 70 having a plurality of channels 72, 73 therethrough.

[0043] As stated herein, gaseous and/or particulate pollutants are filtered especially through the novel extruded carbon layer 70. Heretofore, comparable filters used granulated carbon that greatly impeded air passage therethrough. The extruded carbon 70 is able to be molded and shaped to the fine details as required that may include tiny channels 72, 73 to better allow air passage. Subsequent to a molding method step, the carbon 70 is baked to set and cure the material.

[0044] Fig. 3A illustrates an isometric view of an extruded graphite filter 70 of the present invention. Fig. 3B provides a slightly different alternative 73. It should be appreciated that the unique curved geometry 71 allows enhanced air flow in the exhale function (while remaining compact in size) as compared to any comparable prior art devices that contain granular carbon, or graphite powder as a filtering device. [0045] Also regarding Fig. 3A, channels 72 have been enlarged to reveal square geometry 72 in a top plan aspect. Accordingly, a matrix plurality of channels 72 fills out a top surface of the carbon filter element 70. In a preferred embodiment, the squares measure ½mm across. Fig. 3B introduces a slightly different geometry with circular 73 channels.

[0046] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

[0047] While the particular Electronic Filter Assembly herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

[0048] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An electronic cigarette filter assembly (10) comprising: an electronic cigarette main body (11) having a power source an igniter button(12); a replaceable filter cartridge (13) coupled to the main body containing distillate to be heated to produce vapor to be introduced to a user; an original mouthpiece (14) coupled to the replaceable filter cartridge, in turn, coupled to the electronic cigarette main body and a self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination (20) including a second mouthpiece(30) , a filter medium(70, 75), and an inner cavity (82) open on a bottom end, the inner cavity configured to fit over a top of the replaceable cartridge for filtering the user exhale.

2. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising a dual check valve insert (40) between the second mouthpiece and the filter medium, the dual check valve insert including: an inlet check valve (41) separating the second mouthpiece from the inner cavity; and an outlet check valve (42) separating the second mouthpiece from the filter medium, wherein the dual check valve insert is configured directly adjacent to the second mouthpiece.

3. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising an aluminum enclosure (80) defining the inner cavity and also defining a rear cavity (83), the rear cavity for containing and holding the filter medium, wherein the aluminum enclosure further comprises a window (81) carved out for viewing a distillate level.

4. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the filter medium comprising an extruded carbon element (70) baked to a specific shape, the specific shape including a concave surface (71) to configure around the inner cavity, wherein further the extruded carbon element comprises a plurality of channels (72, 73) therethrough for passing exhale.

5. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising: a mouthpiece nozzle (31 ) at an inside surface of the second mouthpiece for increasing a velocity of the user’s exhale; and a filter nozzle (51) at an outlet of the outlet check valve for increasing the velocity of the user’s exhale.

6. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: a mouthpiece (30) at a proximal end thereof; a graphite filter element (70), the graphite filter element including a plurality of channels (72, 73) therethrough, the plurality of channels providing filtering of gaseous and particulate pollutants while contemporaneously allowing relatively unrestricted airflow therethrough; and a plurality of exit vent holes (91) opposite the mouthpiece.

7. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 6 further comprising: an electronic cigarette main body (11); a disposable distillate cartridge (13) including threads (15) at an end thereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece (14) coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece (30) and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece (14).

8. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 6 wherein said graphite filter element comprises extruded carbon, the extruded carbon for molding said graphite to a unique shape, the unique shape having a concave side surface (71) for fitting around an electronic cigarette main body coupled to a disposable distillate cartridge.

9. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 7, further comprising: an aluminum enclosure (80) defining an inner cavity (82) and a rear cavity(83); a silicone rubber sleeve (60) lining an inside surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert (40) configured within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold (50) including a filter nozzle (51) coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and a bottom cover (90) coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes (91), and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.

10. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising a self-contained mouthpiece and filter (20) including a mouthpiece (30) at a proximal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter, an exit vent hole (91) opposite the mouthpiece, and a filter medium (70, 75) therebetween, further wherein the self-contained mouthpiece filter further comprises an inner cavity (82) open at a distal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination, the inner cavity configured to receive an electronic cigarette.

11. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 10, further comprising: an electronic cigarette main body (11); a disposable distillate cartridge (13) including threads (15) at an end thereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece (14).

12. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 10, further comprising an aluminum enclosure (80) defining an inner cavity (82) and a rear cavity (83); a silicone rubber sleeve (60) lining an inside surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert (40) configured within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold (50) including a plurality of filter nozzles (51) coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and a bottom cover (90) coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via corresponding a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent hole and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.