US20140283946A1

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Info

Publication number: US20140283946A1
Application number: US13/849,709
Authority: US
Inventors: David Kribs
Original assignee: PAULWAY LLC
Current assignee: PAULWAY LLC
Priority date: 2013-03-25
Filing date: 2013-03-25
Publication date: 2014-09-25

Abstract

A method includes providing a container having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a first portion that defines a bore and a second portion that is connectable to the container; connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication the cap; connecting the first portion of the cap to a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the cap is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to liquid dispensers for refilling liquid containing vessels and methods for refilling liquid concentrator systems having a portable portion that can be connected and disconnected with respect to a base portion.

BACKGROUND

An electronic cigarette is a hand-held, easily transportable device that vaporizes a liquid solution for inhalation by a user. Electronic cigarettes are also sometimes referred to by the names e-cigarette and personal vaporizer. The liquid solution typically includes a flavoring. Because electronic cigarettes are often used as a replacement for conventional cigarettes, the liquid solution also typically includes nicotine.

Because the liquid solution is vaporized during use, it is eventually depleted. Refilling an electronic cigarette can be a cumbersome and time consuming process. As an example, many electronic cigarettes include a wicking material in which the liquid solution is stored until it is vaporized. One common method for refilling this type of electronic cigarette utilizes a dropper to drip the solution on to the wicking material. Because the wicking material is typically located within a narrow housing, using a dropper to apply the liquid solution to the wicking material can be difficult and messy. Another common method for refilling this type of electronic cigarette utilizes a syringe to apply the liquid solution to the wicking material. While this solves some of the problems associated with using a dropper, many persons are uncomfortable with the idea of possessing and using a syringe, which limits mass-market acceptance of this method.

SUMMARY

Liquid dispensers and methods for refilling liquid containing vessels are taught herein.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a method that includes providing a container having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a first portion that defines a bore and a second portion that is connectable to the container; connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication with the cap; connecting the first portion of the cap to a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the cap is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a method for filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end, and a connecting structure located at the first end of the tubular housing, the connecting structure including an aperture that extends through the connecting structure for communication with an interior of the tubular housing. The method includes providing a container having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a second portion that is connectable to the container, a first portion that defines a bore, and a nozzle that extends through the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having an interior and a liquid dispensing tip; connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication with the interior of the nozzle; connecting the first portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir such that the nozzle of the cap is at least partially disposed within the aperture of the connecting structure; and causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus that includes a liquid dispensing cap. The liquid dispensing cap has a first portion that is substantially tubular and has an inner annular wall that defines a bore that extends through the first portion. The liquid dispensing cap also has a nozzle that is disposed at least partially within the bore of the first portion. The nozzle has a liquid dispensing opening and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the nozzle is spaced apart from the inner annular wall of the first portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration showing a liquid dispenser that includes a container and a cap;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustration of the liquid dispenser showing a cap body of the cap and a nozzle of the cap;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the cap body;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the nozzle;

FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser and a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette;

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser and the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a connected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette;

FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of a liquid dispenser according to an alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette; and

FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser according to the alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a connected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure herein is directed to liquid dispensers and methods for refilling liquid containing vessels. The liquid dispensers and methods disclosed herein have particular applicability to filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to use in the context of filling the liquid reservoirs of electronic cigarettes, and that the liquid dispensers and methods discussed herein could be adapted for use in the context of filling other types of liquid reservoirs.

FIG. 1 is an illustration showing aliquid dispenser100. Theliquid dispenser100 includes acontainer110 and acap120 that is removably connected to thecontainer110.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing thecontainer110 and thecap120. Thecontainer110 defines ahollow interior112 for holding a liquid (not shown). A connecting structure such as anexternal screw thread114 is formed on thecontainer110 for connecting thecontainer110 to thecap120 and is located adjacent to anopen end116 of thecontainer110.

Thecap120 can include acap body122 and anozzle150. In some implementations, however, the nozzle can be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view showing thecap body122 of thecap120. Thecap body122 includes afirst portion124 that is connectable to a liquid reservoir (not shown inFIG. 2), asecond portion126 that is connectable to thecontainer110, and alid portion128. Thecap body122, inclusive of thefirst portion124, thesecond portion126, and thelid portion128 can be formed as a unitary body. As an example, thecap body122 can be formed from a plastic material, such as high density polyethylene, but it should be understood that other materials could be utilized. Thecap body122 is a substantially hollow structure having a hollow interior that extends through thecap body122, inclusive of thefirst portion124 and thesecond portion126, such as to allow fluids to flow through thecap body122, as will be explained in detail herein. Thefirst portion124 of thecap body122 can be substantially tubular, having an innerannular wall130 that defines abore132 that extends through thefirst portion124. In the illustrated example, ascrew thread134 is formed on the innerannular wall130 of thefirst portion124 adjacent to an open end thereof. In other implementations, however, thescrew thread134 can be located elsewhere or can be omitted.

Thesecond portion126 can be configured such that a portion of thecontainer110 is receivable within the interior of thesecond portion126 for the purpose of connecting thecontainer110 to thecap body122. In addition, a connecting structure such as ascrew thread136 can be formed on an innerannular wall138 of thesecond portion126 for the purpose of engaging theexternal screw thread114 of thecontainer110 to connect thecap body122 to thecontainer110.

Thecap body122 can include an internal shoulder140 that is positioned at a location where thefirst portion124 meets thesecond portion126. The internal shoulder140 can transition the internal diameter of thecap body122 from a smaller internal diameter that is present within thefirst portion124 to a larger internal diameter that is present in thesecond portion126. Anannular channel142 can be formed on the internal shoulder140 and be depressed in a longitudinal direction with respect to the surface of the internal shoulder140. Theannular channel142 is configured to engage a portion of thenozzle150 for securing thenozzle150 with respect to thecap body122, as will be explained further herein.

Thelid portion128 of thecap body122 can be pivotally connected or detachable with respect to the remainder of thecap body122 for the purpose of allowing at least part of thecap body122, such as thefirst portion124, to be selectively covered. In the illustrated example, thelid portion128 is pivotally connected to thefirst portion124 and thesecond portion126 of thecap body122 by aliving hinge144 and is securable with respect to thefirst portion124 of thecap body122 by a snap fit with respect to aradial shoulder146 that is formed on an external surface of thecap body122 adjacent to thefirst portion124 thereof.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view showing thenozzle150. Thenozzle150 includes afrustroconical portion152 having anouter surface154. Thefrustroconical portion152 defines a fluid passageway therein that extends from abase opening156 at a first end of thenozzle150 to a fluid-dispensing opening or fluid-dispensingtip158 at a second end of thenozzle150. Adjacent to thebase opening156 of thenozzle150, a radially-extendingflange160 extends outward relative to theouter surface154 of thefrustroconical portion152. At anouter periphery162 of the radially-extendingflange160, an annular lip extends outward from the radially-extendingflange160 in a longitudinal direction of thenozzle150. The longitudinal direction of thenozzle150 is defined as a directional that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of thenozzle150, which extends from thebase opening156 toward the fluid-dispensingtip158 of thenozzle150.

Thenozzle150 is configured to be connected to thecap body122 such that the radially-extendingflange160 of thenozzle150 is in engagement with the internal shoulder140 of thecap body122 and such that theannular flange164 of thenozzle150 is seated within theannular channel142 of thecap body122. When thenozzle150 is connected to thecap body122 in this manner, thefrustroconical portion152 of thenozzle150 extends through thebore132 of thefirst portion124 of thecap body122 such that theouter surface154 of thefrustroconical portion152 of thenozzle150 is spaced apart from the innerannular wall130 of thefirst portion124 of thecap body122. Furthermore, when thecontainer110 is connected to thecap120, thecontainer110 engages thenozzle150 and captures thenozzle150 between thecontainer110 and thecap body122, such that thenozzle150 is restrained against moving with respect to the cap body122 (FIG. 5A).

FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of theliquid dispenser100 and first example of aliquid reservoir200 for an electronic cigarette (not shown) wherein theliquid dispenser100 is in a disconnected position relative to theliquid reservoir200 for the electronic cigarette.FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of theliquid dispenser100 and theliquid reservoir200 for the electronic cigarette wherein theliquid dispenser100 is in a connected position relative to theliquid reservoir200 for the electronic cigarette.

Theliquid reservoir200 includes atubular housing210 that extends from afirst end212 to asecond end214. The tubular housing can be formed from materials such as metal or plastic. A connectingstructure220 is located at thefirst end212 of thetubular housing210. Amouthpiece250 can be located at thesecond end214 of thetubular housing210.

The connectingstructure220 includes anaperture222 that extends through the connectingstructure220 for communication with an interior of thetubular housing210. The connectingstructure220 can also include ascrew thread224 that is formed on the connectingstructure220. In particular, the connectingstructure220 can be substantially cylindrical, and thescrew thread224 can be formed on the outer annular surface or wall of the connectingstructure220.

Themouthpiece250 is connected to thetubular housing210 and has apassageway252 formed therethrough. Thepassageway252 allows fluid communication between the interior of thetubular housing210 and the exterior of thetubular housing210, such that air can be drawn through thetubular housing210 by the user, thus allowing delivery of the vaporized liquid to the user.

In the illustrated example, themouthpiece250 is in the form of a plug that as formed from a resilient plastic or rubber and is connected to thetubular housing210 by a friction fit. Mouthpieces can be provided in other forms, such as being integrally formed with respect to thetubular housing210 or such as in the form of an elongated body that is connected to thesecond end214 of thetubular housing210 and extends outward therefrom.

Theliquid reservoir200 includes awicking material230 that is disposed within thetubular housing210. The wickingmaterial230 is adapted to absorb and store a liquid, such as a liquid solution that includes a flavoring and/or nicotine. The wickingmaterial230 can be a substantially cylindrical body of any suitable absorbent material. Apassageway232 can be formed axially through the wickingmaterial230. The wickingmaterial230 stores the liquid for use by avaporizer assembly240. As an example, thevaporizer assembly240 can include a wicking tube that receives liquid from the wickingmaterial230 and an electric heating coil that receives power from a battery associated with the electronic cigarette via the connectingstructure220, where the electric heating coils heats the fluid in order to vaporize it. Other types of vaporizer assemblies can be provided as thevaporizer assembly240.

Theliquid dispenser100 can be moved from the disconnected position (FIG. 5A) with respect to theliquid reservoir200 to the connected position (FIG. 5B) with respect to theliquid reservoir200. The disconnected position is established when theliquid dispenser100 is not engaged with theliquid reservoir200. The connected position is established when thefirst portion124 of thecap120 of theliquid dispenser100 is engaged with theliquid reservoir200 such that thefirst portion124 of thecap120 is substantially sealed with respect to theliquid reservoir200. A substantially seal is defined as a seal that is not necessarily an air-tight or fluid-tight seal, but is sufficient to allow transfer of liquid from theliquid dispenser100 to theliquid reservoir200 with minimal leakage.

As an example, a substantial seal can be defined in the connected position by threaded engagement of thescrew thread134 of thefirst portion124 of thecap120 of theliquid dispenser100 with thescrew thread224 of the connectingstructure220 of theliquid reservoir200. As another example, thescrew thread134 of thefirst portion124 of thecap120 and thescrew thread224 of the connectingstructure220 of theliquid reservoir200 can be omitted, and instead, a friction fit can establish a substantial seal between thescrew thread134 of thefirst portion124 of thecap120 and thescrew thread224 of the connectingstructure220 of theliquid reservoir200. In this example, one or both of thefirst portion124 of thecap120 or the connectingstructure220 of theliquid reservoir200 could be formed from a resilient material such as soft plastic, rubber, or silicone to promote a substantial seal. As another example, one of thescrew thread134 of thefirst portion124 of thecap120 or thescrew thread224 of the connectingstructure220 of theliquid reservoir200 can be omitted, and engagement of thefirst portion124 of thecap120 with the connectingstructure220 of theliquid reservoir200 could cause cutting of the omitted screw thread by the other screw thread.

In use, theliquid reservoir200 can be filled using a liquid that is disposed within thecontainer110 of theliquid dispenser100. Thefirst portion124 of thecap body122 of thecap120 of theliquid dispenser100 is connected to the connectingstructure220 of theliquid reservoir200 such that thenozzle150 of the cap is at least partially disposed within theaperture222 of the connectingstructure220. A substantial seal can thus be defined between thefirst portion124 of thecap body122 of thecap120 and the connectingstructure220 of theliquid reservoir200. The user then causes the liquid to flow from thecontainer110, through thenozzle150, and into to thetubular housing210, for example, by applying pressure to thecontainer110. This causes the fluid to contact thewicking material230, so that thewicking material230 can absorb at least a portion of the liquid and store the liquid for later use. Causing the liquid to flow from thecontainer110, through thenozzle150, and into to thetubular housing210 can include applying pressure to the liquid. One example of application of pressure to the liquid includes compressing the internal space of thecontainer110, such as by squeezing thecontainer110. As the liquid enters thetubular housing210, it initially travels through thepassageway232 that is defined through the wickingmaterial230. Forcing the liquid into thewicking material230 can be performed by blocking fluid conducting pathways along which the fluid could otherwise exit thetubular housing210 prior to causing the liquid to flow from thecontainer110, through thenozzle150, and into to thetubular housing210. As an example, blocking fluid conducting passageways can include sealing thesecond end214 of thetubular housing210. As another example, blocking fluid conducting passageways can include blocking thepassageway252 of themouthpiece250. As an example, the user can block thepassageway252 by engaging an object with themouth piece250 at thepassageway252, such as afinger10 of the user. In some examples, doing this can include sealing thesecond end214 of thetubular housing210.

In the foregoing example, theliquid dispenser100 includes thenozzle150. However, in some implementations, the nozzle is omitted. Use of theliquid dispenser100 without thenozzle150 remains the same, except that the liquid passes through thecap body122 directly , instead of passing through the nozzle.

FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of aliquid dispenser300 according to an alternative embodiment and theliquid reservoir400 for an electronic cigarette wherein theliquid dispenser300 is in a disconnected position relative to theliquid reservoir400 for the electronic cigarette.FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of theliquid dispenser300 according to the alternative embodiment and theliquid reservoir400 for the electronic cigarette wherein theliquid dispenser300 is in a connected position relative to theliquid reservoir400 for the electronic cigarette.

Theliquid dispenser300 is identical to theliquid dispenser100 except that anexternal screw thread334 is formed on an outerannular wall330 of afirst portion324 of acap body322 of acap320 of theliquid dispenser300. Other parts of theliquid dispenser300 are as described with respect to theliquid dispenser100. Theliquid reservoir400 is identical to theliquid reservoir200 except that aninternal screw thread424 is formed on a connectingstructure420 of theliquid reservoir400. Thus, when theliquid dispenser300 is in the connected position with respect to theliquid reservoir400, at least part of thefirst portion324 of thecap body322 is disposed within the connectingstructure420 of theliquid reservoir400 and theexternal screw thread334 is engaged with theinternal screw thread424. Use of theliquid dispenser300 is as described with respect to theliquid dispenser100.

While the description herein has been made in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the claims are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising:

providing a container having a liquid disposed therein;

providing a cap having a first portion that defines a bore and a second portion that is connectable to the container;

connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication with the cap;

connecting the first portion of the cap to a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the cap is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and

causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end and a wicking material disposed within the tubular housing.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette further causes the liquid to contact the wicking material.

4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the cap includes a nozzle that extends through the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having an interior and a liquid dispensing tip.

5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein connecting the first portion of the cap to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette cause the liquid dispensing tip to be disposed within the liquid reservoir.

6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a first screw thread, the first portion of the cap includes a second screw thread, and connecting the first portion of the cap to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette includes threadedly engaging the first screw thread of the liquid reservoir with the second screw thread of the first portion of the cap.

7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette includes applying pressure to the liquid at the container.

8. A method for filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end, and a connecting structure located at the first end of the tubular housing, the connecting structure including an aperture that extends through the connecting structure for communication with an interior of the tubular housing, the method comprising:

providing a container having a liquid disposed therein;

providing a cap having a second portion that is connectable to the container, a first portion that defines a bore, and a nozzle that extends through the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having an interior and a liquid dispensing tip;

connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication with the interior of the nozzle;

connecting the first portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir such that the nozzle of the cap is at least partially disposed within the aperture of the connecting structure; and

causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing.

9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a wicking material that is disposed within the housing, and causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into the tubular housing further includes causing the liquid to contact the wicking material.

10. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising:

sealing the second end of the tubular housing prior to causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing.

11. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir includes a first screw thread, the first portion of the cap includes a second screw thread, and connecting the first portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir includes threadedly engaging the first screw thread of the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir with the second screw thread of the first portion of the cap.

12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the second screw thread is located on an interior annular surface of the first portion of the cap.

13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the second screw thread is located on an exterior annular surface of the first portion of the cap.

14. The method ofclaim 8, wherein connecting the first portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir establishes a seal between the cap and the liquid reservoir.

15. The method ofclaim 8, wherein causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing includes applying pressure to the liquid at the container.

16. An apparatus comprising:

a liquid dispensing cap having a first portion that is substantially tubular, the first portion having an inner annular wall that defines a bore that extends through the first portion, and a nozzle that is disposed at least partially within the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having a liquid dispensing opening and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the nozzle is spaced apart from the inner annular wall of the first portion.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, further comprising:

a container having a liquid disposed therein;

the liquid dispensing cap having a second portion that is connectable to the container such that at least a portion of the container is disposed within the second portion of the liquid dispensing cap, wherein the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap and the second portion of the liquid dispensing cap are parts of a unitary cap body that defines an internal annular shoulder between the first portion and the second portion; and

the nozzle of the liquid dispensing cap being removable with respect to the unitary cap body, the nozzle including a radially-extending flange that is seated against the shoulder of the unitary cap body and is restrained from moving with respect to the unitary cap body by engagement of the container with the radially-extending flange of the nozzle.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, further comprising:

a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir having a wicking material disposed therein, wherein the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is connectable to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette and the nozzle is disposed in communication with an interior of the liquid reservoir, and further wherein the nozzle is configured to conduct the liquid from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing for contact with the wicking material in response to application of pressure to the liquid.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 17, further comprising:

a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end, a connecting structure located at the first end of the tubular housing, the connecting structure including an aperture that extends through the connecting structure for communication with an interior of the tubular housing and a first screw thread formed on the connecting structure, and a wicking material that is disposed within the tubular housing, wherein the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is connectable to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is substantially sealed with respect to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette and the nozzle is disposed in communication with an interior of the tubular housing of the liquid reservoir, and further wherein the nozzle is configured to conduct the liquid from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing for contact with the wicking material in response to application of pressure to the liquid.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein a first screw thread is formed on the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette, a second screw thread is formed on the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap, and the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is substantially sealed with respect to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette by threaded engagement of the first screw thread with the second screw thread.