US20200077700A1 - Electronic cigarette anti-roll case - Google Patents

Abstract

One or more features of an electronic cigarette or an electronic cigarette charging case is configured to hold the electronic cigarette in place and inhibit it from rolling and charge the electronic cigarette.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT application no. IB2017/050493, filed 30 Jan. 2017, now pending, which is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/288,945 titled “ANTI-ROLL SYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES,” filed 29 Jan. 2016.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
• The present disclosure relates to a system, a method, and a device for inhibiting a round electronic cigarette from rolling away when placed on a charging case.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
• Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes (eCigs) and personal vaporizers (PVs), are a popular alternative to traditional tobacco-based cigarettes that must be burned in order to generate smoke for inhalation. Electronic cigarettes provide an aerosol for inhalation, but do not contain certain byproducts of combustion that may be harmful to human health. Electronic cigarettes are electronic inhalers that vaporize or atomize a liquid solution (smoke juice) into an aerosol mist that may then be delivered to a user. A typical eCig has two main parts—a battery and a cartomizer—contained within a cylindrical metal housing.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an anti-roll system comprising an electronic smoking device, and at least one anti-roll feature configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging case and configured to charge or hold the electronic smoking device, wherein the charging case comprises a plurality of connectors configured to electrically couple the electronic smoking device and the charging case and.
• In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an anti-roll system can comprise an electronic smoking device, and a charging stand configured to charge or hold the electronic smoking device, wherein the charging stand comprises a plurality of connectors configured to electrically couple with the electronic smoking device, at least one anti-roll feature configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging stand, and a connector, where the connector electrically couples the plurality of connectors with external circuitry.
• In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a charging case for an electronic smoking device comprises an anti-roll feature, wherein the anti-roll feature is located on an exterior surface of the charging case body and is configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging case, a plurality of connectors configured to electrically couple the electronic smoking device and the charging case when the electronic smoking device is engaged with the anti-roll feature.
• Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:
• FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary e-cigarette
• FIGS. 2A and B are perspective views showing examples of charging cases that are constructed according to an aspect of the disclosure.
• FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views showing examples of charging cases with anti-roll features that are constructed according to an aspect of the disclosure.
• FIG. 4 is a side view of the charging case ofFIG. 3A.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing examples of a charging stand with anti-roll features that is constructed according to an aspect of the disclosure.
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting data exchange pathways between an eCig, a charger, and a processor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
• The disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
• Throughout the following, an electronic smoking device will be exemplarily described with reference to an e-cigarette. As is shown inFIG. 1, an e-cigarette (or eCig)10 typically has a housing comprising a cylindrical hollow tube having anend cap12. The cylindrical hollow tube may be a single-piece or a multiple-piece tube. InFIG. 1, the cylindrical hollow tube is shown as a two-piece structure having apower supply portion14 and an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16. Together thepower supply portion14 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 form a cylindrical tube which can be approximately the same size and shape as a conventional cigarette, typically about 100 mm with a 7.5 mm diameter, although lengths may range from 70 to 150 or 180 mm, and diameters from 5 to 28 mm.
• Thepower supply portion14 and atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 are typically made of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum, or of hardwearing plastic) and act together with theend cap12 to provide a housing to contain the components of thee-cigarette10. Thepower supply portion14 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 may be configured to fit together by, for example, a friction push fit, a snap fit, a bayonet attachment, a magnetic fit, or screw threads. Theend cap12 is provided at the front end of thepower supply portion14. Theend cap12 may be made from translucent plastic or other translucent material to allow a light-emitting diode (LED)18 positioned near the end cap to emit light through the end cap. Alternatively, the end cap may be made of metal or other materials that do not allow light to pass.
• An air inlet may be provided in the end cap, at the edge of the inlet next to the cylindrical hollow tube, anywhere along the length of the cylindrical hollow tube, or at the connection of thepower supply portion14 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16.FIG. 1 shows a pair ofair inlets20 provided at the intersection between thepower supply portion14 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16.
• A power supply, preferably abattery22, theLED18,control electronics24 and, optionally, anairflow sensor26 are provided within the cylindrical hollow tubepower supply portion14. Thebattery22 is electrically connected to thecontrol electronics24, which are electrically connected to theLED18 and theairflow sensor26. In this example, theLED18 is at the front end of thepower supply portion14, adjacent to theend cap12; and thecontrol electronics24 andairflow sensor26 are provided in the central cavity at the other end of thebattery22 adjacent the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16.
• Theairflow sensor26 acts as a puff detector, detecting a user puffing or sucking on the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 of thee-cigarette10. Theairflow sensor26 can be any suitable sensor for detecting changes in airflow or air pressure, such as a microphone switch including a deformable membrane which is caused to move by variations in air pressure. Alternatively, the sensor may be, for example, a Hall element or an electro-mechanical sensor.
• Thecontrol electronics24 are also connected to anatomizer28. In the example shown, theatomizer28 includes aheating coil30 which is wrapped around awick32 extending across acentral passage34 of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16. Thecentral passage34 may, for example, be defined by one or more walls of the liquid reservoir and/or one or more walls of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 of thee cigarette10. Thecoil30 may be positioned anywhere in theatomizer28 and may be transverse or parallel to a longitudinal axis of a cylindricalliquid reservoir36. Thewick32 andheating coil30 do not completely block thecentral passage34. Rather an air gap is provided on either side of theheating coil30 enabling air to flow past theheating coil30 and thewick32. The atomizer may alternatively use other forms of heating elements, such as ceramic heaters, or fiber or mesh material heaters. Nonresistance heating elements such as sonic, piezo, and jet spray may also be used in the atomizer in place of the heating coil.
• Thecentral passage34 is surrounded by the cylindricalliquid reservoir36 with the ends of thewick32 abutting or extending into theliquid reservoir36. Thewick32 may be a porous material such as a bundle of fiberglass fibers or cotton or bamboo yarn, with liquid in theliquid reservoir36 drawn by capillary action from the ends of thewick32 towards the central portion of thewick32 encircled by theheating coil30.
• Theliquid reservoir36 may alternatively include wadding (not shown inFIG. 1) soaked in liquid which encircles thecentral passage34 with the ends of thewick32 abutting the wadding. In other embodiments, the liquid reservoir may comprise a toroidal cavity arranged to be filled with liquid and with the ends of thewick32 extending into the toroidal cavity.
• Anair inhalation port38 is provided at the back end of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 remote from theend cap12. Theinhalation port38 may be formed from the cylindrical hollow tube atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 or may be formed in an end cap.
• In use, a user sucks on thee-cigarette10. This causes air to be drawn into thee cigarette10 via one or more air inlets, such asair inlets20, and to be drawn through thecentral passage34 towards theair inhalation port38. The change in air pressure which arises is detected by theairflow sensor26, which generates an electrical signal that is passed to thecontrol electronics24. In response to the signal, thecontrol electronics24 activate theheating coil30, which causes liquid present in thewick32 to be vaporized creating an aerosol (which may comprise gaseous and liquid components) within thecentral passage34. As the user continues to suck on thee-cigarette10, this aerosol is drawn through thecentral passage34 and inhaled by the user. At the same time, thecontrol electronics24 also activate theLED18 causing theLED18 to light up, which is visible via thetranslucent end cap12. Activation of the LED may mimic the appearance of a glowing ember at the end of a conventional cigarette. As liquid present in thewick32 is converted into an aerosol, more liquid is drawn into thewick32 from theliquid reservoir36 by capillary action and thus is available to be converted into an aerosol through subsequent activation of theheating coil30.
• Some e-cigarette are intended to be disposable and the electric power in thebattery22 is intended to be sufficient to vaporize the liquid contained within theliquid reservoir36, after which thee-cigarette10 is thrown away. In other embodiments, thebattery22 is rechargeable and theliquid reservoir36 is refillable. In the cases where theliquid reservoir36 is a toroidal cavity, this may be achieved by refilling theliquid reservoir36 via a refill port (not shown inFIG. 1). In other embodiments, the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 of thee cigarette10 is detachable from thepower supply portion14 and a new atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 can be fitted with anew liquid reservoir36 thereby replenishing the supply of liquid. In some cases, replacing theliquid reservoir36 may involve replacement of theheating coil30 and thewick32 along with the replacement of theliquid reservoir36. A replaceable unit comprising theatomizer28 and theliquid reservoir36 may be referred to as a cartomizer.
• The new liquid reservoir may be in the form of a cartridge (not shown inFIG. 1) defining a passage (or multiple passages) through which a user inhales aerosol. In other embodiments, the aerosol may flow around the exterior of the cartridge to theair inhalation port38.
• Of course, in addition to the above description of the structure and function of atypical e cigarette10, variations also exist. For example, theLED18 may be omitted. Theairflow sensor26 may be placed, for example, adjacent to theend cap12 rather than in the middle of the e-cigarette. Theairflow sensor26 may be replaced by, or supplemented with, a switch which enables a user to activate the e cigarette manually rather than in response to the detection of a change in airflow or air pressure.
• Different types of atomizers may be used. Thus, for example, the atomizer may have a heating coil in a cavity in the interior of a porous body soaked in liquid. In this design, aerosol is generated by evaporating the liquid within the porous body either by activation of the coil heating the porous body or alternatively by the heated air passing over or through the porous body. Alternatively the atomizer may use a piezoelectric atomizer to create an aerosol either in combination or in the absence of a heater
• FIGS. 2A-B illustrate examples of a chargingcase40A with one type of anti-roll feature configured to hold the eCig and inhibit it from rolling away and connectors configured to charge the eCig and/or communicate with external circuitry. The chargingcase40A can include agroove42A that is configured to hold theeCig10 and inhibit it from rolling away. Thegroove42A can also include connectors (e.g., “electrical connectors,” “electrical contacts” or “plurality of connectors”)44A_1-3.
• Thegroove42A shown inFIG. 2A is parallel to alongitudinal axis46 of the chargingcase40A. Thegroove42A can be centered or off-center from thelongitudinal axis46, and it can be located on either aposterior surface48A or an anterior surface (not shown) of the chargingcase40A.
• FIG. 2B shows theeCig10 coupled with thegroove42A of the chargingcase40A. TheeCig10 can include electrical contacts (not shown) that can electrically couple with theconnectors44A_1-3of the chargingcase40A (hidden from view inFIG. 2B). The electrical coupling of theeCig10 and the chargingcase40A can, for example, facilitate charging of thebattery22 and/or electrical communication between the eCig10 and external circuitry (not shown).
• Thegroove42A can also be angled rather than aligned with an axis or edge of the chargingcase40A. Thegroove42A can be configured to cover a specified portion of the eCig surface area (e.g., 20%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%).
• Theconnectors44A_1-3can be electrically coupled with thecontrol electronics24 of the eCig10 (seeFIG. 1). As discussed in more detail below, theconnectors44A_1-3can facilitate electrical communication between thecontrol electronics24 and external circuitry, as well as charging of thebattery22 by transmitting a current to thebattery22 from an external power source (e.g., external battery, charger, electronic device, among others).
• TheeCig10 can utilize software, hardware, firmware, and/or logic to perform a number of functions described herein. TheeCig10 can include a combination of hardware and instructions to share information. The hardware, for example can include thecontrol electronics24 and/or a memory (not shown) (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable medium (CRM) database, etc.). The memory, as used herein, can include a number of processors capable of executing instructions stored by the memory resource. The memory can be integrated in a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions) can include instructions stored on the memory and executable by the memory for providing control over the eCig10 and/or performing various steps discussed in relation toFIGS. 5A-B, in an example.
• The chargingcase40A can include a chargingcase body52. A portion of the charging case body52A can be configured to open to allow storage of theeCig10 in the chargingcase40A. In some embodiments, a portion of theposterior surface48A can be connected to the case body52A by a hinge (not shown). The hinge can allow the portion of theposterior surface48A or the anterior surface to move to allow the chargingcase40A to receive theeCig10.
• FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate examples of chargingcases60A,60B, and60C with agroove42B,42C and42D in the corresponding charging case that is configured to hold theeCig10 and inhibit it from rolling away. Thegrooves42B,42C, and42D of the chargingcases60A,60B, and60C, respectively, can also include connectors (e.g., “electrical connectors,” “electrical contacts” or “plurality of connectors”)44B_1-3,44C_1-3, and44D_1-3in each corresponding groove. The connectors44B_1-3,44C_1-3, and44D_1-3can facilitate electrical communication between the control electronics24 (seeFIG. 1) and external circuitry, as well as charging of thebattery22 by transmitting a current to the battery22 (seeFIG. 1) from an external power source (e.g., external battery, charger, electronic device, among others).
• Thegroove42B shown inFIG. 3A is parallel to alongitudinal axis46 of thepack60A. Thegroove42B can be centered or off-center from thelongitudinal axis46, and it can be located on either aposterior surface62A or an anterior surface (not shown) of thepack60A. Thegroove42C shown inFIG. 3B is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis46 and parallel to atransverse axis50 of thepack60B. Thegroove42C can be centered or off-center from thetransverse axis50, and it can be located on either aposterior surface62B or an anterior surface (not shown) of the chargingcase60B. Finally, thegroove42D shown inFIG. 3C is located on aright side64 of thepack60C. Thegroove42D can also be located on the left side (not shown) of thepack60C. Thegroove42D can be parallel to thelongitudinal axis46 of thepack60C.
• The chargingcases60A,60B,60C can each further comprise a correspondingcharging case body66A,66B,66C and a chargingcase lid68A,68B,68C. The charging case lids68A,68B,68C can be configured to open to allow storage of theeCig10 in eachrespective charging case60A,60B,60C. The chargingcase lid68A,68B,68C can be connected to eachrespective case body66A,66B,66C by a hinge (seeFIG. 4 and related discussion for additional information). The hinge can allow the chargingcase lid68A,68B,68C to move (e.g., pivot/rotate open) to allow the chargingcase60A,60B,60C to receive theeCig10.
• Thegrooves42B,42C,42D can also be angled rather than aligned with an axis or edge of the pack. Thegrooves42B,42C,42D can be configured to cover a specified portion of the eCig surface area (e.g., 20%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%).
• FIG. 4 is a side view of the chargingcase60A ofFIG. 3A. As described above, the chargingcase60A can include the chargingcase body66A, the chargingcase lid68A, and ahinge70A. Thehinge70A allows the chargingcase lid68A to be rotatably coupled with the chargingcase body66A. The chargingcase60A can comprise a plurality of regions, each of which is configured to receive arespective eCig10, or a component of the eCig10 (e.g., apower supply portion14, aliquid reservoir portion16, etc.) When the chargingcase lid68A is opened (e.g., rotated about the hinge to allow access to an interior of the chargingcase60A) theeCig10 can be placed inside one of the plurality of regions of the chargingcase60A. In other embodiments, the hinge can be located on theright side64 of the chargingcase body66A or the left side (not shown).
• FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a chargingstand80A withgroove portions84 configured to hold theeCig10 and inhibit it from rolling away (similar togrooves42A-D described above). The charging stand80A can comprise a chargingstand body82,groove portion84, and asupport portion86. The charging stand80A can be configured such that an anterior surface (hidden inFIG. 5A) can rest on another surface (e.g., a table, a counter, a desk, etc.).
• Thesupport portion86 can include connectors44E_1-3that can facilitate electrical communication between thecontrol electronics24 and external circuitry, as well as charging of thebattery22 by transmitting a current to thebattery22 from an external power source (e.g., external battery, charger, electronic device, among others).
• Thegroove portion84 can be in multiple locations along anedge portion88 with thesupport portion86 as shown inFIG. 5A, or thegroove portion84 can be a continuous groove similar to thegroove42A-D inFIGS. 2A-B and3A-C. As shown inFIG. 5A, thegroove portions84 can be in theedge portion88 of the charging stand80. Thegroove portions84 in chargingstand80A can be integrally molded and can extend as deep as the diameter ofeCig10, or any percentage thereof (90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, etc.). In some embodiments, thegrove portion84 can be deeper than the diameter of theeCig10.
• The chargingstand body82 can be any suitable shape (e.g., round, oval, square, triangular, etc.) The chargingstand body82 can also be electrically coupled with aconnector90. Theconnector90 can be coupled with the chargingstand body82 by, for example, awire92. Theconnector90 can be connected to external circuitry, such as a computer (though a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection), a wall outlet, another battery, etc.
• FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an eCig coupled with the charging stand ofFIG. 5A. The chargingstand80A can couple with the eCig10 (seeFIG. 1) as shown inFIG. 5B. TheeCig10 can couple with portions of the chargingstand80A including thegroove portions84. TheeCig10 an also contact thesupport portion86.
• As described above, the chargingstand80A can include the connectors44E_1-3that can facilitate electrical communication between thecontrol electronics24 and external circuitry, as well as charging of thebattery22 by transmitting a current to thebattery22 from an external power source (e.g., external battery, charger, electronic device, among others). The connectors44E_1-3can be located on thesupport portion86 as shown inFIG. 4A. In some embodiments (not shown), theeCig10 can electrically couple with the connectors44E_1-3without contacting thesupport portion86 where theeCig10 couples with thegroove portions84 of the chargingstand body82.
• Thegroove portions84 can be aligned with thewire92 as shown inFIG. 4B. In other embodiments, the groove portions (and, therefore, the eCig when coupled with the charging stand) can be at different angles with wire92 (e.g., 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, etc.)
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting data exchange pathways between theeCig10, acharger100, and aprocessor102. TheeCig10 can electrically connect to acharger100 in order to charge, for example, the battery22 (seeFIG. 1) of theeCig10. In addition to this charging function, thecharger100 can exchange data with theeCig10. The data exchange can occur, for example, through a dedicated data line or signals obtained from a power line connecting thecharger100 and theeCig10 during charging (e.g., theconnectors44A_1-3,44B_1-3,44C_1-3; or44D_1-3; see U.S. application Ser. No. 15/219,195, filed on 25 Jul. 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein, for additional information on the connectors44 being used for charging and data exchange). When a data line is used to transfer data between the eCig10 and thecharger100, the data line can be a physical wire connection (e.g., theconnector90 and thewire92 inFIGS. 5A-B) or a wireless communication. In an embodiment, the data that can be transferred from theeCig10 to thecharger100 includes identifying data, such as a serial number, a calibration parameter, a batch code, a line number, or a barcode associated with theeCig10. In another embodiment, the data that can be transferred from theeCig10 to thecharger100 includes usage data, such as a number of puffs taken, an average length of puffs taken, a smoke juice level, a smoke juice flavor, or a location of use.
• Thecharger100 can also exchange data with the processor102 (e.g., control electronics24 (FIG. 1) and/or external circuitry), such as through a dedicated data line (e.g., theconnectors44A_1-3,44B_1-3,44C_1-3, or44D_1-3) or power line as described above. In an embodiment, theprocessor102 can be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, or a mobile device, such as a smart phone. In another embodiment, theprocessor102 can be a charging case, holding case or pack or a charging stand for the eCig10 (e.g., the chargingcase40A, the chargingcases60A-C, or the charging stand80). Theprocessor102 may have a custom communication driver (e.g., an application) that enables it to exchange data with thecharger100. The data that can be transferred from thecharger100 to theprocessor102 includes identifying and usage data from theeCig10, for example, as described above. In an embodiment, data can also be transferred from theprocessor102 to thecharger100, including, for example. data related to various charging protocols. Additional information regarding charging of electronic cigarettes can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/711,593 (attorney docket no. 065887-000624) filed on 13 May 2015, and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/912,141 (attorney docket no. 065887-000825) filed on 15 Feb. 2016, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
• In summary, various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an anti-roll system comprising an electronic smoking device, and a charging case comprising at least one anti-roll feature configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging case. The plurality of connectors can also facilitate charging a battery coupled with the electronic smoking device and/or communication between the electronic smoking device and one or more of the charging case and external circuitry. The anti-roll feature comprises a groove configured to hold the electronic smoking device. The groove can be located on an exterior surface of the charging case, a posterior surface of the charging case, or a later surface of the charging case. The plurality of connectors can be located in the groove.
• In other embodiments, an anti-roll system can comprise an electronic smoking device, and a charging stand configured to charge or hold the electronic smoking device, wherein the charging stand comprises a plurality of connectors configured to electrically couple with the electronic smoking device, at least one anti-roll feature configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging stand, and a connector, where the connector electrically couples the plurality of connectors with external circuitry. The plurality of connectors can facilitate charging a battery coupled with the electronic smoking device and/or facilitate communication between the electronic smoking device and one or more of the charging stand and external circuitry. The anti-roll feature can comprise a groove portion configured to hold the electronic smoking device, and wherein the groove portion is located on an exterior surface of the charging stand and the plurality of connectors are located in the groove portion. The charging stand can comprises a circular element with two notches aligned with the groove portion. The charging stand can comprise notches proximal an edge of the charging stand. The charging stand can also comprise a support portion, where the plurality of connectors are located on the support portion.
• In still other embodiments, a charging case for an electronic smoking device comprises an anti-roll feature, wherein the anti-roll feature is located on an exterior surface of the charging case body and is configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging case, a plurality of connectors configured to electrically couple the electronic smoking device and the charging case when the electronic smoking device is engaged with the anti-roll feature. The plurality of connectors can facilitate charging a battery coupled with the electronic smoking device and/or facilitate communication between the electronic smoking device and one or more of the charging case and external circuitry. The anti-roll feature can comprise a groove configured to hold the electronic smoking device and the plurality of connectors are located in the groove. The groove can be located on an exterior surface of the charging case, a posterior surface of the charging case, or a later surface of the charging case.
• Although several embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present teachings. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.
• Various embodiments are described herein of various apparatuses, systems, and methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims.
• Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation.
• Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
• 10 electronic smoking device/electronic cigarette
• 12 end cap
• 14 power supply portion
• 16 atomizer/liquid reservoir portion
• 18 light-emitting diode (LED)
• 20 air inlets
• 22 battery
• 24 control electronics
• 26 airflow sensor
• 28 atomizer
• 30 heating coil
• 32 wick
• 34 central passage
• 36 liquid reservoir
• 38 air inhalation port
• 40 charging case
• 42 groove
• 44 electrical connectors or contacts
• 46 longitudinal axis
• 48 posterior surface
• 50 transverse axis
• 52 charging case body
• 60 charging case
• 62 posterior surface
• 64 right side
• 66 charging case body
• 68 charging case lid
• 70 hinge
• 80 charging stand
• 82 charging stand body
• 84 groove portions
• 86 support portion
• 88 edge portion
• 90 connector
• 92 wire
• 100 charger
• 102 processor

Claims (17)

What is claimed is:

1. An anti-roll system comprising:

an electronic smoking device; and

a charging case comprising at least one anti-roll feature configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging case and configured to charge or hold the electronic smoking device;

wherein the charging case comprises a plurality of connectors configured to electrically couple the electronic smoking device and the charging case.

2. The anti-roll system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of connectors facilitate charging of a battery coupled with the electronic smoking device.

3. The anti-roll system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of connectors facilitate communication between the electronic smoking device and one or more of the charging case and external circuitry.

4. The anti-roll system ofclaim 1, wherein the anti-roll feature comprises a groove configured to hold the electronic smoking device, and wherein the groove is located on an exterior surface of the charging case and, wherein the plurality of connectors are located in the groove.

5. The anti-roll system ofclaim 4, wherein the groove is located on one of an anterior surface of the charging case, a posterior surface of the charging case, or a lateral surface of the charging case.

6. An anti-roll system comprising:

an electronic smoking device; and

a charging stand configured to charge or hold the electronic smoking device;

wherein the charging stand comprises

a plurality of connectors configured to electrically couple with the electronic smoking device,

at least one anti-roll feature configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging stand, and

a connector, where the connector electrically couples the plurality of connectors with external circuitry.

7. The anti-roll system ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of connectors facilitate charging a battery coupled with the electronic smoking device.

8. The anti-roll system ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of connectors facilitate communication between the electronic smoking device and one or more of the charging stand and external circuitry.

9. The anti-roll system ofclaim 6, wherein the anti-roll feature comprises a groove portion configured to hold the electronic smoking device, and wherein the groove portion is located on an exterior surface of the charging stand and the plurality of connectors are located in the groove portion.

10. The anti-roll system ofclaim 9, wherein the charging stand comprises a circular element with two notches aligned with the groove portion.

11. The anti-roll system ofclaim 6, wherein the charging stand comprises notches proximal an edge of the charging stand.

12. The anti-roll system ofclaim 11, wherein the charging stand further comprises a support portion, wherein the plurality of connectors are located on the support portion.

13. A charging case for an electronic smoking device comprising:

an anti-roll feature, wherein the anti-roll feature is located on an exterior surface of the charging case and is configured to inhibit the electronic smoking device from rolling away from the charging case;

a plurality of connectors configured to electrically couple the electronic smoking device and the charging case when the electronic smoking device is engaged with the anti-roll feature.

14. The charging case ofclaim 13, wherein the plurality of connectors facilitate charging a battery coupled with the electronic smoking device.

15. The charging case ofclaim 13, wherein the plurality of connectors facilitate communication between the electronic smoking device and one or more of the charging case and external circuitry.

16. The charging case ofclaim 13, wherein the anti-roll feature comprises a groove configured to hold the electronic smoking device and the plurality of connectors are located in the groove.

17. The charging case ofclaim 16, wherein the groove is located on one of an anterior surface of the charging case, a posterior surface of the charging case, or a lateral surface of the charging case.

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