FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electronic nicotine and non-ni cotine (e.g., CBD, THC, D8) delivery systems and vaporizers and, more particularly, relates to a portable, handheld, and solar- powered electronic vaporizer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) have grown in popularity and usage over the years as a safer or less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes. ENDS are battery-powered devices used to smoke or “vape” a flavored solution which usually contains nicotine. Exemplary embodiments of ENDS include vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), and e-pipes. The e-liquids used in these devices are believed to be less harmful as they do not leave any residue, such as tar, in users’ lungs and are touted as having other associated benefits, e.g., a greater variety of flavors, an aid in quitting smoking, and less expensive than smoking. Because ENDS are battery-powered, however, they routinely need to be charged in between uses. As such, one of the main drawbacks associated with ENDS is the continued need to re-charge the devices which can be inconvenient and time-consuming for users.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a novel, efficient, portable, and handheld solar-powered electronic vaporizer that overcomes the heretofore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that is operably configured to be rechargeable using a USB port or a solar battery charger for improved convenience and ease of use. The dual charging feature allows a user to charge the device even in the absence of an electrical source, thereby providing for greater portability and use of the device, i.e., if the user is outside or has access to a solar source, the device may easily be recharged and used without the need for an electrical outlet or source. The device may be disposable.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a handheld solar-powered electronic vaporizer that includes a handheld body with a first end defining an enclosed mouthpiece opening, an outer surface, a second end opposing the first end of the handheld body, an external intake opening, defining an internal air passageway spatially coupled to the enclosed mouthpiece opening and the external intake opening, having a button coupled thereto, encapsulating a battery, a cartridge housing a liquid therein, and a heating element electrically coupled to the battery, and having a photovoltaic module having a plurality of photovoltaic cells defining a portion of the outer surface of the handheld body, operably configured to generate an electrical current provided to the battery, and electrically coupled to the battery. The button is operably configured to be selectively depressed to cause activation of the heating element to atomize liquid housed in the cartridge, wherein the electrical components are charged directly or directly by the photovoltaic cells and module. In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a universal serial bus (USB) connector coupled to the handheld body and electrically coupled to the battery and a USB port defined on the outer surface of the handheld body with the USB connector disposed therein.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the USB port is disposed on the second end of the handheld body.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the external intake opening is disposed on the second end of the handheld body.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic display electrically coupled to the battery and defining a portion of the outer surface of the handheld body, wherein the electronic display is operably configured to display percent capacity of the battery and power input from the photovoltaic module.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the outer surface of the handheld body having an exposed surface area defined by the entire handheld body, wherein the plurality of photovoltaic cells defines at least 25% of the exposed surface area. In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the solar photovoltaic module is covered with a transparent polymeric material and coupled to the handheld body around its edges in a watertight configuration.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a handheld solar-powered electronic vaporizer, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user’s perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the vaporizer, namely from one end to another end of the vaporizer. The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of handheld solar-powered electronic vaporizers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of handheld solar-powered electronic vaporizers in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a handheld solar-powered electronic vaporizer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram depicting the electrical coupling of exemplary electrical components utilized with the handheld solar-powered electronic vaporizer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, embodiments of the present invention are shown in various views. The figures show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a handheld solar-powered electronic vaporizer as shown includes a handheld body 102 with a first end 104 defining an enclosed mouthpiece opening 106, an outer surface 112, and a second end 108 opposing the first end 104 of the handheld body 102. The handheld body 102 has a mouthpiece portion 304 including a portion of the first end 104 where the user will place his or her mouth and which does not have any photovoltaic (PV) cells.

The handheld body 102 is preferably of an oblong and rectangular shape for handling by the user and also includes external intake opening 204 for receiving air from an ambient environment. The handheld body 102 also defines an internal air passageway 300 spatially coupled to the enclosed mouthpiece opening 106 and the external intake opening 204, wherein, in some embodiments, the internal air passageway 300 spans the entire length of the handheld body 102, i.e., to and from the opposing ends 106, 108. The handheld body 102 has a button 114 coupled thereto for activating the vaporizer 100, i.e., causing a heating element to vaporize liquid for inhalation of the user through the mouthpiece opening 106 (as known by those of skill in the art). The handheld body 102 encapsulates a battery 400, a cartridge 304 housing a liquid therein, and a heating element 302 electrically coupled to the battery 400, wherein the battery 400 may be rechargeable approximately 350-450maH battery and of a lithium-ion construction. The handheld body 102 beneficially has a photovoltaic module 110 with a plurality of photovoltaic cells defining a portion of the outer surface 112 of the handheld body 102, operably configured to generate an electrical current and provide said charge to the battery 400 through one or more electrical connections 400a-n (wherein “n” represents any number greater than one). The electrical connections 400a-n may be wired or electrically conductive connections. The photovoltaic module 110 may be electrically coupled or couplable to the battery 400. Said another way, the photovoltaic module 110 is directly coupled to the battery 400 to constantly provide charge thereto when the photovoltaic module 110 exposed to solar radiation. The photovoltaic module 110 may have electrical components and wiring known to those of skill in the art.

The button 114 is operably configured to be selectively depressed to cause activation of the heating element 302 to atomize liquid housed in the cartridge 304. Said differently, when the button 114 may complete a circuit between the battery 400 and the heating element 302 for as long as the button 114 is depressed or for a programmed amount of time necessary to atomize the liquid in the cartridge 304 for inhalation by the user. More specifically, the opening 106 is designed to be covered by the user’s lips or mouth, wherein the body 102 is preferably of an insulated polymeric material to prevent or inhibit heat transfer from the heating element 302 (e.g., metallic heating coil) to the module 110. In preferred embodiments, the photovoltaic module 110 includes additional insulation (e.g., nylon wrapping or sheathing) surrounding the module 110 to prevent heat transfer therethrough. The device 100 may also contain additional components typically included within alternate electronic vaping devices or ENDS. At least one sensor may be operably configured to turn the device 100 on and off. In one embodiment, the device 100 may not have a power button and will turn on when the sensor(s) detect the user inhaling through the opening 106. In another embodiment, the device 100 comprises a power button 114 disposed on the outer surface of the handheld body 102, which is selectively depressed by the user when desiring to utilize the device 100. The device 100 may contain a cartridge 304 operably configured to house and store the e-liquid that is later converted into an aerosol and expelled by the device 100. The cartridge 304 may be of a plastic or metal composition with a substantially transparent casing such that e-liquid levels therein can readily be seen by the user to refill or change the cartridge when needed. Further, the cartridge may be prefilled, refillable, or disposable. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 comprises interchangeable cartridges that may be selectively varied according to the needs and preferences of the user. Known e-liquids in the industry typically comprise a mixture of water, food grade flavoring, a choice of nicotine levels (including no nicotine level), cannabis (tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol), propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and/or any liquid constituent derived from hemp or THC. PG and VG are humectants used in e-liquid to produce aerosols that simulate combustible tobacco cigarette smoke. The ratio of PG and VG in the e-liquid can change based on whether flavor (higher levels of PG) or plume (higher levels of VG) is desired. The e-liquid may be contained in a pod, cartridge, or tank that is refillable or disposable. The device 100 may also include an atomizer consisting of a coil operably configured to convert the e-liquid into an aerosol by heating up to a high enough temperature sufficient to convert the e-liquid into an aerosol. The atomizer is heated to approximately 400° Fahrenheit (i.e., this exemplary temperature may be higher or lower in alternate embodiments) using a battery housed within the handheld body 102. Exemplary batteries include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, lead acid battery, nickel cadmium battery, sodium nickel chloride, or other comparable battery.

The solar PV module 110 can be seen directly coupled to the handheld body 102, namely on a sidewall thereon, and is operably configured to generate an electrical current sufficient to charge or power the heating element 302 to vaporize the e-liquid stored within the cartridge 304. The solar photovoltaic module 110 is comprised of a plurality of photovoltaic cells (see best in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) in an integrated (typically parallel) group and oriented in one plane. A single PV cell is a thin semiconductor wafer made of two layers generally made of highly purified silicon (the PV cells can be made of many different semiconductors but are made of crystalline silicon in a preferred embodiment) that converts sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. The layers may be doped with boron on one side and phosphorous on the other side, producing surplus of electrons on one side and a deficit of electrons on the other side. When the wafer is bombarded by sunlight, photons in the sunlight knock off some of excess electrons, making a voltage difference between the two sides as the excess electrons try to move to the deficit side. With silicon, this voltage is approximately 0.5 volts though alternate material compositions may vary the voltage produced. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 is operably configured to generate 3 different voltages, which the user can selectively choose from and select pursuant to the user’s specific needs and preferences. The varying voltages may, in turn, affect different aspects of the functionality of the device 100, e.g., the size and thickness of the dispelled plume, the potency of the aerosol, the speed with which the e-liquid is atomized, etc.

The solar photovoltaic module 110 may be encapsulated with tempered glass (or a comparable transparent material) on the outer or exterior surface, and with a protective and waterproof material on the inner or interior surface. In one embodiment, the edges are sealed around the sidewall of the body 102 for weatherproofing, and there is an aluminum frame holding the plurality of photovoltaic cells together in a mountable unit. The performance of PV modules is generally rated according to their maximum DC power output (watts) under Standard Test Conditions (STC). Standard Test Conditions are defined by a module (cell) operating temperature of 25°C (77°F), and incident solar irradiant level of 1000 W/m2 and under Air Mass 1.5 spectral distribution. Since these conditions are not always typical of how PV modules operate in the field, actual performance is usually 85% to 90% of the STC rating. The device 100 and, more particularly, the solar photovoltaic module 110, functions using the photovoltaic effect. The photovoltaic effect is the basic principal process by which a PV cell converts sunlight into electricity. When light shines on a PV cell, it may be reflected, absorbed, or pass right through. The absorbed light generates electricity. Specifically, very thin layers of pure silicon are impregnated with tiny amounts of other elements and small amounts of electricity are produced when exposed to sunlight. In an exemplary embodiment, the capacity of the solar photovoltaic module 110 ranges between 20,000mAh and 30,000mAh.

To beneficially provide a dual charge feature, wherein the device 100 further comprises a universal serial bus (USB) connector 402 and port 206 in a preferred embodiment. One terminal end of a USB cable is insertable into the USB port to supply electric power across the cable to the atomizer. This feature beneficially allows the device 100 to be recharged using either the solar photovoltaic module 110, the USB port (using an electrical source), or both. The USB port may comprise a USB-A (Type A) physical layout (rectangular USB Type-A connectors are approximately 1.4 cm (9/16 in) in length by 0.65 cm (1/4 in) in height), a USB-B (Type B) layout (less common than type A and are nearly square in shape), micro USB layout (smaller versions of USB-A or USB-B), or a USB Type C layout (with dimensions of 0.84 cm by 0.26cm, this newer standard is designed to replace both types A and B with smaller ports to better support the thinner form factors of mobile devices). USB-C is preferred due to its small size, fast data transfer rate and ability to carry up to 100W of power. Said another way, the USB connector 402 can be seen coupled to the handheld body 102 and is electrically coupled to the battery 400 through one of the connections 404a-n and the body 102 can be seen defining a USB port 206 on the outer surface 112 thereof with the USB connector 402 disposed therein. The USB port 206 is disposed on the second end 102 of the handheld body 102 to charge the device, while still enabling effective functioning of the device 100. Similarly, the external intake opening 204 may also be disposed on the second end 102 of the handheld body 102 to enable effective functioning of the device 100.

In one embodiment, the body 102 includes an electronic display 116 electrically coupled to the battery 400 and defines a portion of the outer surface 112 of the handheld body 102. The electronic display 116 is operably configured to display percent capacity of the battery 400 and power input from the photovoltaic module 302 through use of a controller and/or programming of the controller located on the device 100.

Also in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface 112 of the handheld body 102 defines an exposed surface area, i.e., the entire area where the user could grasp the device 100 on the sides of the device 100. The plurality of photovoltaic cells defines at least 25% of the exposed surface area to ensure effective operation of the electrical components on the device 100 and charging of the battery 400, while simultaneously enabling the user to effectively grasp the device without inhibiting the exposure of the PV module 110. In one embodiment, the PV module 110 is only disposed on one side or two opposing sides of the rectangular body 102.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above-described features.