US20210127736A1 - 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

PRIORITY CLAIM
• This patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/931,312 filed on Nov. 6, 2019 entitled “Smoke or Vapor 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 INVENTIONField of the Invention
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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:
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette filter assembly in a first preferred embodiment;
• FIG. 1B is an exploded view thereof;
• FIG. 1C is an additional exploded view however showing a replaceable cartridge coupled to an e-cigarette main body;
• FIG. 1D is a front elevational view of the electronic cigarette filter assembly;
• FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly as seen fromline1E-1E inFIG. 1A;
• FIG. 1F is an enlarged sectional view thereof;
• FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination of the present invention;
• FIG. 2B is a profile view thereof;
• FIG. 2C is an exploded view of filter internal components; and
• FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the filter taken alongline2D-2D inFIG. 2A;
• FIG. 2E is an enlarged view of a mouthpiece portion taken aboutline2E-2E inFIG. 2D;
• FIG. 2F is an additional cross-sectional view of the filter as seen alongline2F-2F inFIG. 2B;
• FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a graphite filter element of the present invention with a top view exploded; and
• FIG. 3B is an alternative embodiment of the graphite filter element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring initially toFIG. 1A, a standard (510 for example) electroniccigarette filter assembly10 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. 1B.
• With regard toFIG. 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 thedevice10; and in the exhale function air goes back into amouthpiece30 and back down through a rear side of thedevice10. The lowerinner section11,13 of thedevice10 contains a standard replaceable cartridge (510-standard, for example) having (nicotine, CBD and/or cannabis, e.g.), configured to an electronic coil inside e-cigarettemain body11. Thestandard cartridge13 further hasstandard threads15 that couple to the main portion of theelectronic cigarette11.
• Again with regard toFIG. 1A together withFIG. 1B, theinvention10 comprises amouthpiece30; or alternatively, the invention comprises anoriginal mouthpiece14 and thefilter mouthpiece30 is a second mouthpiece whereinfilter20 fits over and is mated tooriginal mouthpiece14.Filter20 is further fitted with anendcap90 at an opposite end of themouthpiece30, theend cap90 having exit ventholes91 for discharge of filtered air.Filter20window61,81 allows a user to inspect distillate level insidecartridge13. As stated, the distillate is more particularly oil extracted from another substance intending to be introduced by a user.Igniter button12 is used to activate a heating coil insidemain body11 powered by a battery, as is known in the art. When acartridge13 is expended, a new one is screwed15 ontomain portion11 and thefilter20 slips over theoriginal mouthpiece14 and cartridge as seen inFIG. 1C andFIG. 1D. It should be appreciated that inner cavity82 (FIG. 2C) is open at a distal end for receivingoriginal mouthpiece14 andfilter cartridge13 portions as is apparent inFIG. 1C andFIG. 1D.
• FIG. 1E andFIG. 1F are cross-sectional views of thedevice10 taken aboutline1E-1E inFIG. 1A. As shown (together withFIG. 1D),igniter button12 is positioned on a front of thedevice10 and exhale filteringchannel51,70,75,91 is positioned at a rear of thedevice10.Exhale filtering channel51,70,75,91 sequentially comprises:nozzle51,HEPA medium75, extrudedcarbon element70, andexit vent91, as further detailed herein. Also viewable, filter20 configures and is mated tooriginal mouthpiece14 ofe-cigarette11. Or stated differently,mouthpiece30 andfilter70,75 combination mates to anelectronic cigarette11 about itsoriginal mouthpiece14. And further herein, filter20 may also be referred to as a mouthpiece and filtercombination30,70,75 or self-contained mouthpiece andfilter20. A filter medium herein, may broadly refer toHEPA75 medium,carbon filter element70, or both70,75.
• With reference toFIG. 2A, a self-contained mouthpiece and filtercombination20 of thepresent invention10 is illustrated in perspective.Filter20 has anouter housing80 containing internal components. More particularly in a preferred embodiment,outer housing80 is an extruded aluminum enclosure. Theenclosure80 has awindow81 positioned at a front of thefilter20 while the exit vent holes91 are at a rear of thefilter20. As stated, thewindow81 carved out ofenclosure80 allows a user to inspect distillate level contained in thedisposable cartridge13. Incidentally, thedisposable cartridge13 withthreads15 is also referred to as a pod-style delivery system.FIG. 2B provides a profile view of the self-contained mouthpiece and filtercombination20.
• RegardingFIG. 2C, filter internal components are revealed in an exploded view. As shown, filter20mouthpiece30 andbottom cover90 form proximal and distal ends, respectively. Therebetween sequentially,mouthpiece30 is configured todual check40 valve insert and a to amulti-port manifold50. Upon close inspection, the dualcheck valve insert40 snaps into themulti-port manifold50 which connects to themouthpiece30.Multi-port nozzle manifold50 further has a plurality offilter nozzles51 incorporated thereto as detailed herein. Dualcheck valve insert40 is positioned up into themouthpiece30.
• Next regardingFIG. 2C,inner rubber sleeve60 connects to multiportmanifold50 via a pair female notches on an upper surface ofrubber sleeve60 and corresponding male protrusion(s) on a bottom surface ofmultiport manifold50. In turn,inner rubber sleeve60 configures to theouter housing enclosure80 about and around and inside surface of circularinner cavity82 provided byouter enclosure80. Subsequently,rubber sleeve60 couples tobottom cover90 via similar female protrusion(s) on a bottom surface ofrubber sleeve60 and to male protrusions on a top surface ofbottom cover90, all withouter enclosure80 therebetween and also mating with a top part ofbottom cover90. However, before the last aforementioned mating occurs,carbon filter element70 having aconcave side surface71 slides down intorear cavity83 adjacent to and aroundouter cavity82. Also, as shown inFIG. 2C, viewingwindow61,81 comprises outer window81 (in outer enclosure80) juxtaposed with inner window61 (in the inner rubber sleeve60).
• Now referring toFIG. 2D, a cross-sectional view of thefilter20 taken alongline2D-2D inFIG. 2A is provided. Herein, extrudedcarbon filter element70 has a plurality of filter passages orchannels71 for passage of exhale therethrough. As viewed together with enlarged viewFIG. 2E, HEPA filter medium75 is shown between themultiport manifold50 nozzle(s)51 and thecarbon filter element70 also for filtering harmful pollutants. Herein,filter medium70,75 may refer to either HEPA filter medium75, orcarbon filter element70, or both70,75 working together.
• Additionally regardingFIG. 2E,mouthpiece30 has aninner wall32 having a shape of a nozzle31 (inlet nozzle31) increasing velocity of exhale hence lessening resistance for a user to blow into same30. Dualcheck valve manifold40 initially has aninlet check valve41 separating circularinner cavity82 frommouthpiece plenum32. Accordingly, in the inhale function, air is permitted up through theinner cavity82 of thedevice10 but not back down through the center in the exhale function. Instead, exhale is diverted to a rear of the device viaoutlet check valve42, and then subsequently through a plurality offilter nozzles51 for introduction to thefilter medium70,75 as detailed inFIG. 2F.Filter nozzles51, especially, provide an aerodynamic manipulation reducing vapor and harmful particulate.
• Still further regardingFIG. 2F, a cross-sectional view is provided depicting thefilter20 as seen alongline2F-2F inFIG. 2B. As shown,multi-port manifold50 aligns a series offilter nozzles51 in a line. The user exhale exits thenozzles51 and enters theHEPA filter medium75. Additional pollutants are removed as exhale exits the HEPA medium and enters the extrudedcarbon filter element70 having a plurality ofchannels72,73 therethrough.
• As stated herein, gaseous and/or particulate pollutants are filtered especially through the novel extrudedcarbon layer70. Heretofore, comparable filters used granulated carbon that greatly impeded air passage therethrough. The extrudedcarbon70 is able to be molded and shaped to the fine details as required that may includetiny channels72,73 to better allow air passage. Subsequent to a molding method step, thecarbon70 is baked to set and cure the material.
• FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of an extrudedgraphite filter70 of the present invention.FIG. 3B provides a slightlydifferent alternative73. It should be appreciated that the uniquecurved geometry71 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.
• Also regardingFIG. 3A,channels72 have been enlarged to revealsquare geometry72 in a top plan aspect. Accordingly, a matrix plurality ofchannels72 fills out a top surface of thecarbon filter element70. In a preferred embodiment, the squares measure ½ mm across.FIG. 3B introduces a slightly different geometry with circular73 channels.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 (12)

What is claimed is:

1. 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.

2. The electronic cigarette filter assembly ofclaim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising a dual check valve insert between the second mouthpiece and the filter medium, the dual check valve insert including:

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.

3. The electronic cigarette filter assembly ofclaim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising 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.

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

5. The electronic cigarette filter assembly ofclaim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising:

a mouthpiece nozzle at an inside surface of the second mouthpiece for increasing a velocity of the user's exhale; and

a filter nozzle 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 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.

7. The electronic cigarette filter assembly ofclaim 6 further comprising:

an 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.

8. The electronic cigarette filter assembly ofclaim 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 for fitting around an electronic cigarette main body coupled to a disposable distillate cartridge.

9. The electronic cigarette filter assembly ofclaim 7, further comprising:

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.

10. 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.

11. The electronic cigarette filter assembly ofclaim 10, further comprising:

an 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.

12. The electronic cigarette filter assembly ofclaim 10, further comprising 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.

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