Vaporizer, Charger And Methods Of Use
Patent No. US10980273 (titled "Vaporizer, Charger And Methods Of Use") was filed by Envenio Inc on Mar 7, 2014.
What is this patent about?
’273 is related to the field of vaporizers , also known as electronic cigarettes. These devices typically consist of a power supply, usually a battery, and an atomizing device to vaporize a liquid containing nicotine and flavorings. The patent addresses the need for convenient and reliable charging solutions for these reusable electronic cigarettes.
The underlying idea behind ’273 is to provide a magnetic charging connector for vaporizers that is easy to use and maintain a reliable electrical connection. This is achieved by integrating magnets into both the vaporizer and the charger, ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment during the charging process. The design also allows for 'pass-through' charging, enabling the user to operate the vaporizer while it is being charged.
The claims of ’273 focus on a vaporizer with charging contacts located at the end opposite the cartomizer , attached transversely to the shell. These contacts include a positive and negative electrical contact, insulated from each other, and a magnet. The magnet concentrically surrounds the electrical contacts, facilitating connection with a compatible charger. Claim 7 focuses on a vaporizer with charging contacts disposed opposite the cartomizer receiving portion along a longitudinal axis of the shell, wherein the charging contacts are attached essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis at an end of the shell located distal to the cartomizer receiving portion and proximate to the battery portion.
In practice, the vaporizer incorporates a rechargeable battery and electronic control circuitry within its shell. The charging contacts, positioned at the battery end, are designed to mate with a compatible charger. The magnetic attraction ensures that the charger aligns correctly and maintains a stable connection, simplifying the charging process for the user. The flat surfaces of the electrical contacts, recessed or protruding, further enhance the reliability of the electrical connection.
This design differentiates itself from prior approaches by moving the charging connection away from the cartomizer chamber, allowing for a more streamlined user experience. By integrating magnets, the need for precise alignment and potentially fragile connectors is reduced. The transverse mounting of the charging contacts also enables a more compact and ergonomic design, making the vaporizer easier to handle and charge.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2010s when ’273 was filed, electronic cigarettes were at a time when they typically consisted of a power supply and an atomizing device, where reusable versions separated these into a battery and a cartomizer. At this time, electronic cigarette liquids commonly relied on solutions of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or polyethylene glycol, often with added flavors and nicotine.
Novelty and Inventive Step
Claims 1-2, 4-9, and 33-40 were pending. Claims 1-2, 4-9, and 33-40 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103. Applicant's amendment necessitated new grounds for rejection, and the Office action was made final. The prosecution record does not describe the technical reasoning or specific claim changes that led to allowance.
Claims
This patent contains 22 claims, with claims 1, 2, and 7 being independent. The independent claims generally focus on a vaporizer with specific charging contact configurations and a kit including such a vaporizer and a compatible charger. The dependent claims elaborate on specific features and configurations of the vaporizer, charger, and their components, as well as a method of charging the vaporizer and a system including the vaporizer and charger.
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Date
Description
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US10980273
- Application Number
- US14201267
- Filing Date
- Mar 7, 2014
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Sep 12, 2034
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents