FIELD OF USE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vaporizing devices for inhaling e-liquid ingredients, and more specifically, to handheld, ergonomic vaporizers with accurate temperature readouts, precise temperature control, and convection and conduction mechanisms.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, vaporizers have increased in popularity. Users, for example, "vape" or inhale vapors of ground plant materials or liquids. These vapors generally contain no particulate matter and typically have significantly lower concentrations of noxious gases such as carbon monoxide. Thus, vaporizers generally lack various irritating, toxic, and carcinogenic substances and by-products.

[0003] Specifically, when in use, vaporizers typically vaporize an extracted compound from plant material, which is sometimes an "active ingredient", for inhalation. This is done by heating the substance or extracted compound to be vaporized to a high temperature, such that the active ingredient is inhalable. Vaporizers may have either conduction-based or convection-based heating elements. With conduction-based heating, thermal energy is transferred through a substance or solid and the ground material is heated by direct contact with the heated substance or solid. Convection-based heating, on the other hand, requires that the thermal energy transfer through a fluid, typically by causing hot air to pass through the ground plant matter.

[0004] Most conventional vaporizers typically use either conduction-based heating or convection-based heating. Importantly, these vaporizers also do not allow a user to precisely adjust the temperature setting of the chamber via temperature readouts and do not offer an effective airflow mouthpiece filter. As such, a need exists for a new and improved handheld vaporizer that satisfies the foregoing problems.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0005] To minimize the limitations in the cited references, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the following disclosure teaches a new and improved handheld vaporizer. [0006] One embodiment may be a handheld vaporizer, comprising: a housing assembly; a mouthpiece assembly; a chamber; a heating element; and a power source; wherein the chamber may be coupled within a proximal end of the housing assembly and may have an opening to provide access to a receptacle portion of the chamber; wherein the receptacle portion of the chamber may be configured to accept a material to be vaporized; wherein the mouthpiece assembly may be adapted to removably couple to the proximal end of the housing assembly, such that the mouthpiece assembly substantially covers and conceals an interior of the chamber; wherein the mouthpiece assembly may comprise an opening that is in gaseous communication with the receptacle portion of the chamber; wherein the chamber may comprise a plurality of air inlets located at a distal end of the receptacle portion to direct an airflow into the receptacle portion of the chamber, such that the material may be heated by convection and such that the air flow may continue towards the opening of the mouthpiece assembly in order to allow the airflow to exit the mouthpiece assembly; wherein the heating element may be coupled to the chamber, such that the material may also be heated by conduction; and wherein the heating element may be powered by the power source. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise one or more temperature setting buttons; wherein the one or more temperature setting buttons may be configured to allow a user to select a desired temperature of the chamber. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a display screen. The display screen may be configured to display a battery life. The display screen may be configured to display a temperature. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a temperature sensor; wherein the temperature that is displayed on the display screen may be a current temperature of the chamber. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a display screen. The display screen may be configured to display the selected desired temperature. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a charge port; wherein the power source may be a battery; and wherein the charge port may be configured to provide an electric charge to the battery. The mouthpiece assembly may comprise a filter for blocking one or more particulates and redirecting the airflow around an interior of the mouthpiece before exiting the mouthpiece assembly. The heating element may heat the chamber by conduction and convection to a temperature ranging between approximately 150° F to 450° F.

[0007] Another embodiment may be a handheld vaporizer, comprising: a housing assembly, having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising at least one transparent portion on which a digital readout can be displayed; a ceramic chamber coupled within a proximal end of the housing assembly and having an opening to provide access to a receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber; wherein the receptacle portion of the chamber may be configured to accept a material to be vaporized; a mouthpiece assembly adapted to removably couple to the proximal end of the housing assembly, such that the mouthpiece substantially covers and conceals an interior of the ceramic chamber, the mouthpiece assembly comprising an opening that is in gaseous communication with the receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber; a heating element coupled to the ceramic chamber, such that the material is also heated by conduction; a battery in electrical communication with the heating element; and a circuit board assembly in electrical communication with the battery and the heating element; wherein the ceramic chamber may comprise a plurality of air inlets located at a distal end of the receptacle portion to direct an airflow into the receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber, such that the material may be heated by convection and such that the air flow may continue towards the opening of the mouthpiece assembly in order to allow the airflow to exit the mouthpiece assembly. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise one or more temperature setting buttons configured to allow a user to select a desired temperature of the ceramic chamber. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a display screen. The display screen may be configured to display the selected desired temperature. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a temperature sensor for measuring a current temperature of the ceramic chamber; and wherein the display screen may be configured to display the current temperature. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a charge port configured to provide an electric charge to the battery. The mouthpiece assembly may comprise a filter for blocking one or more particulates and redirecting the airflow around an interior of the mouthpiece before exiting the mouthpiece assembly. The heating element may heat the chamber by conduction and convection to a temperature ranging between approximately 150° F to 450° F.

[0008] Another embodiment may be a handheld vaporizer, comprising: a housing assembly, having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising at least one transparent portion on which media can be displayed; a ceramic chamber coupled within a proximal end of the housing assembly and having an opening to provide access to a receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber, the receptacle portion of the chamber being configured to accept a ground material to be vaporized; a mouthpiece assembly adapted to removably couple to the proximal end of the housing assembly, such that the mouthpiece assembly substantially covers and conceals an interior of the ceramic chamber, the mouthpiece assembly comprising an opening that is in gaseous communication with the receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber; a heating element coupled to the ceramic chamber, such that the heating element is also heated by conduction; a battery in electrical communication with the heating element; a circuit board assembly in electrical communication with the battery and the heating element; a temperature sensor for measuring a current temperature of the ceramic chamber; one or more temperature setting buttons configured to allow a user to select a desired temperature setting of the ceramic chamber; a display screen configured to display the desired temperature and a battery life of the battery; and a charge port capable for providing an electric charge to the battery; wherein the ceramic chamber may also comprise a plurality of air inlets located at a distal end of the receptacle portion to direct an airflow into the receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber, such that the material is heated by convection and such that the air flow continues towards the opening of the mouthpiece assembly in order to allow the airflow to exit the mouthpiece assembly; wherein the circuit board assembly may be configured to measure a battery life of the battery and display the battery life on the display screen; wherein the mouthpiece assembly may comprises a filter for blocking one or more particulates and redirecting the airflow around an interior of the mouthpiece assembly before exiting the mouthpiece assembly; and wherein the heating element heats the chamber by conduction and convection to a temperature ranging between approximately 150° F to 450° F.

[0009] Another embodiment may be a handheld vaporizer, comprising: a housing assembly; a mouthpiece assembly; a chamber; a heating element; a battery; an electronic circuitry; and a display screen; wherein the chamber may be coupled within a proximal end of the housing and may have an opening to provide access within a receptacle portion of the chamber; wherein the mouthpiece assembly may be adapted to removeably couple to the proximal end of the housing, such that the mouthpiece assembly may cover and conceal the chamber; wherein the mouthpiece assembly may comprise an opening that is in gaseous communication with the receptacle portion of the chamber; wherein the chamber may also comprise a plurality of air inlets located at a distal end of the receptacle portion to direct airflow into the receptacle portion of the chamber and towards the opening of the mouthpiece assembly in order to allow the airflow to exit the mouthpiece assembly; wherein the heating element may be coupled to one or more sidewalls of the chamber, such that the heating element is disposed between the housing and the chamber and may provide direct heating to the receptacle portion of the chamber; wherein the heating element may be in electrical communication with the battery and may be activated by a power button; wherein the housing assembly may comprise a bottom housing with at least one transparent portion on which a digital readout can be displayed; and wherein the display screen may be disposed behind the transparent portion and may be in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry to provide a desired temperature readout of chamber. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise one or more temperature setting buttons in electrical communication with the electronic circuity, the one or more temperature setting buttons and the electronic circuitry being capable of allowing a user to select a desired temperature setting within the chamber. The electronic circuitry may be configured to measure a battery life of the battery and may display the battery life on the display screen. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a charge port capable for providing an electric charge to the battery. The mouthpiece assembly may comprise a filter for blocking one or more particulates and redirecting airflow around an interior of the mouthpiece before exiting the mouthpiece assembly. The battery may be disposed within a battery segment of the housing assembly, the battery segment being located near a distal portion of the housing assembly. The heating element may be convection-based, such that when the heating element is activated, air adjacent to the heating element is heated and directed through the plurality of air inlets, causing active ingredients of the ground material located within the chamber to vaporize. The heating element may be conduction-based, such that when the heating element is activated, the one or more sidewalls of the chamber is heated, causing active ingredients in the ground material contacting the one or more sidewalls and located within the chamber to vaporize. The temperature range of the heating element may be capable of heating the chamber between approximately 150° to 450°F.

[0010] Another embodiment may be a handheld vaporizer, comprising: a housing assembly, having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising at least one transparent portion on which a digital readout can be displayed; a ceramic chamber coupled within a proximal end of the housing assembly and having an opening to provide access to a receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber; a mouthpiece assembly adapted to removably couple to the proximal end of the housing, such that the mouthpiece covers and conceals the ceramic chamber, the mouthpiece assembly comprising an opening that is in gaseous communication with the receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber; a heating element coupled to one or more sidewalls of the ceramic chamber, such that the heating element is disposed between the housing and the ceramic chamber, the heating element being configured to activate via an actuation of a power button; a battery in electrical communication with the heating element; an electronic circuitry in electrical communication with the battery and the heating element; and a display screen disposed behind the transparent portion of the housing assembly and also in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry to provide a desired temperature readout of the ceramic chamber; wherein the ceramic chamber may also comprise a plurality of air inlets located at a distal end of the receptacle portion to direct airflow into the receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber and towards the opening of the mouthpiece assembly in order to allow the airflow to exit the mouthpiece assembly. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise one or more temperature setting buttons in electrical communication with the electronic circuity, the one or more temperature setting buttons and the electronic circuitry being capable of allowing a user to select a desired temperature setting of the ceramic chamber. The electronic circuitry may be configured to measure a battery life of the battery and display the battery life on the display screen. The handheld vaporizer may further comprise a charge port capable for providing an electric charge to the battery. The mouthpiece assembly may comprise a filter for blocking one or more particulates and redirecting airflow around an interior of the mouthpiece before exiting the mouthpiece assembly. The battery may be disposed within a battery segment of the housing, the battery segment being located near a distal portion of the housing assembly. The heating element may be convection-based, such that when the heating element is activated, air adjacent to the heating element may be heated and directed through the plurality of air inlets, causing an active ingredient of the ground material located within the chamber to vaporize. The heating element may also be conduction-based, such that when the heating element is activated, the chamber is heated, causing the active ingredient in the ground material located within the chamber to vaporize. The temperature range of the heating element may be configured to heat the ceramic chamber between approximately 150° to 450°F.

[0011] Another embodiment may be a handheld vaporizer, comprising: a housing assembly, having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising at least one transparent portion on which media can be displayed; a ceramic chamber coupled within a proximal end of the housing and having an opening to provide access within a receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber; a mouthpiece assembly adapted to removably couple to the proximal end of the housing, such that the mouthpiece assembly covers and conceals the ceramic chamber, the mouthpiece assembly comprising an opening that is in gaseous communication with the receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber; a heating element coupled to one or more sidewalls of the ceramic chamber, such that the heating element is disposed between the housing and the ceramic chamber, the heating element being configured to activate via a power button; a battery in electrical communication with the heating element; an electronic circuitry in electrical communication with the battery and the heating element; a display screen disposed behind the at least one transparent portion of the housing assembly and also in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry to provide a desired temperature readout of the ceramic chamber; one or more temperature setting buttons in electrical communication with the electronic circuity, the one or more temperature setting buttons and the electronic circuitry being capable of allowing a user to select a desired temperature setting of the ceramic chamber; and a charge port capable for providing an electric charge to the battery; wherein the ceramic chamber may also comprise a plurality of air inlets located at a distal end of the receptacle portion to direct airflow into the receptacle portion of the ceramic chamber and towards the opening of the mouthpiece assembly in order to allow the airflow to exit the mouthpiece assembly; wherein the electronic circuitry may be configured to measure a battery life of the battery and display the battery life on the display screen; wherein the mouthpiece assembly may comprise a filter for blocking one or more particulates and redirecting airflow around an interior of the mouthpiece assembly before exiting the mouthpiece assembly; wherein the battery may be disposed within a battery segment of the housing assembly, the battery segment being located near a distal portion of the housing assembly; wherein the heating element may be convection-based, such that when the heating element is activated, air adjacent to the heating element is heated and directed through the plurality of air inlets, causing an active ingredient of a ground material located within the chamber to vaporize; and wherein the heating element may be conduction-based, such that when the heating element is activated, the chamber is heated, causing the active ingredient of the ground material located within the chamber to vaporize. The temperature range of the heating element may be configured to heat the ceramic chamber between approximately 150° to 450°F.

[0012] It is an object to provide a handheld vaporizer that emits vapors at very precise temperatures. Preferably the handheld vaporizer allows users to vaporize a wide range of aromatic blends at specific temperatures through a combination of convection and conduction heating mechanisms. The handheld vaporizer may also allow the user to heat the ground material with a chamber such as a ceramic chamber.

[0013] It is an object to provide a handheld vaporizer that utilizes a heating element capable of performing both conduction-based and convection-based heating. In one embodiment, the handheld vaporizer may utilize a ceramic heating chamber wrapped in a heating element (e.g. , heating coils) and controlled by electronic circuitry configured to modulate the chamber' s temperature.

[0014] It is an object to provide a handheld vaporizer with a display screen configured to display to the user the temperature readout of the handheld vaporizer.

[0015] It is an object to provide a handheld vaporizer with an ergonomic design.

[0016] It is an object to provide a handheld vaporizer with a unique mouthpiece and mouthpiece filter to offer effective airflow management.

[0017] It is an object to overcome the limitations of the prior art.

[0018] Other features and advantages inherent in the vaporizer, as claimed and disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps.

[0020] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exploded view of one embodiment of a handheld vaporizer.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top perspective, assembled view of one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer.

[0022] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer.

[0023] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a side view of one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer.

[0025] FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the chamber of the handheld vaporizer.

[0026] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of a mouthpiece assembly of the handheld vaporizer.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a cross-section side view of one embodiment of the chamber of the handheld vaporizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiment of the vaporizer. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0029] While some embodiments are disclosed here, other embodiments will become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of the following detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. The Figures, and their detailed descriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

[0030] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of these embodiments. For purposes of this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

[0031] As used herein, the terms "housing" and "housing assembly" generally refer to an exterior housing (e.g., "body", "shell", "outer body") or interior housing ("inner body", "insert"), designed to enable the safe, correct, and comfortable handling of the handheld vaporizer or any of its mechanisms. Usually, the housing is designed to house, fix, protect, guide, and/or engage with any of the inner components of the handheld vaporizer (e.g., circuit board assembly, battery, chamber) by limiting the exposure to contaminants, such as liquid, dust, dirt, etc.... In general, the housing may be unitary or a multi-part component of an ergonomic shape. Usually, the exterior housing serves to house a chamber from which ground materials are stored and heated. However, the chamber may be directly coupled to the housing, so as to be partly or fully external to the housing.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "approximately" and "about" generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term "approximately" and "about", may refer to a deviance of between 1-10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

[0033] The present specification discloses a new and useful portable, handheld vaporizer device that heats ground materials without burning the ground material. The vaporizer may emit vapors at very precise temperatures and features a unique heating element that allows hot air to enter the chamber to heat the ground material via convection as well as conduction. The handheld vaporizer device preferably includes an ergonomic and distinctive form factor and may offer seamless, accurate temperature readouts. The handheld vaporizer may also comprise a unique mouthpiece assembly that provides effective airflow management and a filter.

[0034] When in use, the chamber (e.g. , ceramic heating chamber) is preferably wrapped in a heating element that is controlled via a circuit board assembly configured to modulate the temperature of the chamber. A user may load a ground material such as an aromatic blend into the chamber and can control the temperature in the chamber using temperature control buttons. The chamber may be capped via a mouthpiece assembly designed to keep the ground material in place while allowing heated vapor to pass through an opening in the mouthpiece. Preferably a user draws the heated air from the opening of the mouthpiece assembly.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exploded view of one embodiment of a handheld vaporizer. As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer 100 may comprise: a housing assembly 105, a battery 110, a circuit board assembly 115, a power indicator 120, a power button 125, a chamber 130, and a mouthpiece assembly 135. The housing assembly 105 may be one or more components that form an exterior shell of the handheld vaporizer 100. The housing assembly 105 may also be designed to protect the inner components of the handheld vaporizer 100. For example, in one embodiment, the housing assembly 105 may comprise a battery segment located near a distal portion of the housing assembly for holding and securing the battery 110.

[0036] In one embodiment, the housing assembly 105, may comprise several components, including, without limitation: a left housing 205, a right housing 210, an upper housing 215, a middle housing 220, a bottom housing 225, a front panel 230, and a chamber cover 235. The left housing 205 and right housing 210 may be adapted to join together integrally to form an inner housing, which may function as a unitary piece. This inner housing may be used to hold and secure the inner components of the handheld vaporizer 100 (e.g. , battery 110, circuit board assembly 115, chamber 130). The upper housing 215 may be adapted to mate and/or engage with the upper portion of the inner housing (i.e. , the left housing 205 and right housing 210). The upper housing 215 may also be used to secure together the left housing 205 and right housing 210.

[0037] Similarly, the middle housing 220 may be adapted to also mate and/or engage with the mid-portion of the inner housing formed by both the left housing 205 and right housing 210. Like the upper housing 215, the middle housing 220 may also be used to help secure the attachment of both the left housing 205 and right housing 210. FIG. 1 shows that the middle housing 220 and right housing 210 may comprise temperature button holes 601, 602, 603, 604, which provide access to the temperature setting buttons 305, 306. The middle housing 220 may have a slight curvature and may traverse from the mid-portion towards the lower portion of the handheld vaporizer 100.

[0038] The housing assembly 105 may also comprise a bottom housing 225 adapted to mate and/or engage with the bottom portion of the inner housing formed by both the left housing 205 and right housing 210. Like the upper housing 205 and middle housing 210, the bottom housing 225 may be used to also secure the attachment of both the left housing 205 and right housing 210. The bottom housing 225 (or portions thereof) may be constructed of transparent or translucent material in order to provide a digital readout displayed by the display screen 310.

[0039] FIG. 1 also shows that the handheld vaporizer 100 may comprise a battery 110. The battery 110 may be any device, component, or power source adapted to supply power or electrical energy to the handheld vaporizer 100. The battery 110 may also power the heating element 132 that is coupled to or contained within the chamber 130 in order to heat the sidewalls of the chamber 130. The battery 110 may also be used to power the electrical components of the circuit board assembly 115. In one embodiment, the battery may be a lithium-ion battery that is replaceable and/or rechargeable.

[0040] The chamber 130 is preferably a component with a receptacle portion 610 adapted for storing/holding material for vaporization, preferably ground material and its active ingredients. The receptacle portion 610 is preferably a part of the chamber 130 having an inner space for receiving ground material to be vaporized and may hold or store one or more grams of ground material. Specifically, in an embodiment, the user may remove the mouthpiece assembly 135 from the housing assembly 105 in order to reveal the inner space of the receptacle portion 610. Once the mouthpiece assembly 135 is removed, the user may then insert ground material into the receptacle portion 610.

[0041] The chamber 130 may also comprise a heating element 132 surrounding the sidewalls of the chamber 130 and receptacle portion 610 (e.g. , heating coils) to provide conduction-based heating. In one embodiment, the heating element 132 may be heating coils that are built within the chamber 130 and receptacle portion 610. In other embodiments, the heating element 132 may be coupled to the outer exterior of the chamber 130. The chamber 130 may also comprise air inlets 515, 516, 517, 518 (shown in FIG. 6) to allow hot air to pass through the receptacle portion 610 of the chamber 130 for convection-based heating. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber 130 may be constructed of a ceramic material to withstand high temperatures (150-500° F). Furthermore, the ceramic material may have a high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum nitride fine ceramic material. In this manner the ceramic chamber may heat and vaporize the material by conductive and convention heating.

[0042] The circuit board assembly 115 may comprise electronic circuitry having a control logic for activating the heating element 132 surrounding the chamber 130. The circuit board assembly 115 may also be configured to allow a user to select a desired temperature for the heating. For example, in one embodiment, the circuit board assembly 115 may comprise temperature setting buttons 305, 306, a display screen 310, a charge port 315, and electronic circuity. The temperature setting buttons 305, 306 may allow a user to select a desired temperature for the chamber 130 by having the user toggle the temperature setting buttons 305, 306 (i.e. , increase/decrease temperature), and, in various embodiments, may include switches, pushbuttons, a touchscreen/touchpad, dial, or mechanical actuator. The display screen 310 may be configured to provide a digital readout of the temperature to be selected, and the charge port 15 may be used to allow a user to power the handheld vaporizer 100 and/or charge the battery 110 of the handheld vaporizer 100. The circuit board assembly 115 may also be in electrical communication with a power indicator 120 to emit a light (e.g. , light emitting diode) when the handheld vaporizer 100 is powered on or activated. The indicator 120 may also be used to show whether the batter is at a low charge.

[0043] The power button 125 may be used to activate the handheld vaporizer 100 and may allow a user to activate the heating element 132. For example, in various embodiments, the user may activate the handheld vaporizer 100 by pressing the power button 125 once or several times. After the handheld vaporizer 100 is activated, the user may activate the heating element 132 by pressing and holding the power button 125. In various embodiments, the power button 125 may be a switch, push-button, touchscreen/touchpad, dial, or mechanical actuator.

[0044] The mouthpiece assembly 135 may be used to allow a user to inhale though the opening 505 of the mouthpiece assembly 135 in order to draw air from the chamber 130 and air inlets 515, 516, 517, 518 located at the distal end of the receptacle portion of the chamber 130. By vaporizing the active ingredient of the ground material and drawing air, which is first heated in the chamber 130, vapors may be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece assembly 135. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece assembly 135 may comprise an outer mouthpiece portion 405, an inner mouthpiece portion 410, a retainer 415, and a filter 420. The shape of the outer mouthpiece portion 405 may generally be shaped to conform to, or comfortably be engaged by, a mouth or lips of a user. The inner mouthpiece portion 410 may be adapted to engage with the interior space of the outer mouthpiece portion 405 and may be adapted to fasten to the retainer 415. The retainer 415 may also be used to secure and hold the filter 420 within the interior portion of the inner mouthpiece portion 410. The filter 420 may be used to block particulates and/or material from exiting the mouthpiece assembly 135 through opening 505.

[0045] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top perspective, assembled view of one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer. As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer 100 may comprise: a housing assembly 105, a mouthpiece assembly 135, a power button 125, opening 505, and temperature setting buttons 305, 306. Importantly, FIG. 2 shows that the handheld vaporizer 100 may be elongated and economically shaped to provide comfort when held by the user. The handheld vaporizer 100 may also be dimensioned to fit within a standard- sized clothing pocket for ease of transport.

[0046] FIG. 2 also shows that the upper housing 215, middle housing 220, and bottom housing 225 may couple onto and cover the inner housing (i.e., left housing 205 and right housing 210) once the left housing 205 and right housing 210 are attached together. This allows the left housing 205 and right housing 210 to be securely fastened together while concealing the inner components of the handheld vaporizer 100. A front panel 230 may also be attached to the upper housing 215 for additional protection to the housing assembly 105.

[0047] The mouthpiece assembly 135 may comprise an outer mouthpiece portion 405 and an opening 505, both of which may be shaped to comfortably engage with the mouth/lips of a user. Once engaged, the user may suck and/or inhale the vaporized contents of the handheld vaporizer 100.

[0048] FIG. 2 also shows that handheld vaporizer 100 may comprise temperature setting buttons 305, 306 for toggling a desired temperature for the heating element 132. The temperature setting buttons 305, 306 may comprise an upper button 305 and a lower button 306, wherein the upper button 305 may be configured to increase the temperature of the heating element 132 and the lower button 306 may be configured to decrease the temperature of the heating element 132. In one embodiment, a temperature may be displayed on a display screen 310, positioned near the bottom of the handheld vaporizer 100. The handheld vaporizer 100 may also display the temperature in units of either Fahrenheit or Celsius, or both. In an embodiment, the user may hold the power button 125 and the lower button 306 down simultaneously for selecting temperature units in Fahrenheit. Alternatively, the user may also hold the power button 125 and the upper button 305 down simultaneously for temperature units in Celsius. In one embodiment, the heating element 132 may be heated between approximately 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In another embodiment, the heating element 132 may also generate temperatures between approximately 200 to 428 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0049] The power button 125 may allow a user to activate the handheld vaporizer 100. Once activated, the user may toggle the temperature by pressing the temperature setting buttons 305, 306 to adjust the temperature of the heating element 132 to a desired temperature. The user may press the power button 125, again, to activate the heating element 132 and heat the chamber 130. The handheld vaporizer 100 may also shut off when the user presses the power button 125 thereafter. In one embodiment, the user may push the power button 125 five times to shutoff the handheld vaporizer 100, or alternatively, the handheld vaporizer 100 may automatically shut off after a period of time of non-use. In an embodiment the user may control the vaporizer 100 by pressing and holding the button for a specific duration of time.

[0050] The chamber 130 may be heated by two methods: convection-based heating and conduction-based heating. In convection-based heating, the air within the heating element 132 may be heated causing the active ingredient of the ground material stored within the chamber 130 to vaporize. Similarly, during conduction-based heating, the chamber may be heated by heating coils wrapped around the chamber, causing the active ingredient of the ground material within the chamber 130 to vaporize. Once the chamber is heated, the vapor from the active ingredient of the ground material may travel through the opening 505 of the mouthpiece 135 during inhalation of user.

[0051] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer. As shown in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer 100 may comprise: a housing assembly 105, outer mouthpiece portion 405, upper housing 215, middle housing 220, bottom housing 225, a mouthpiece assembly 135, a power button 125, temperature setting buttons 305, 306, and a charge port 315. The charge port may be adapted to matingly engage with a power cable to draw electrical energy for charging the battery 110. FIG. 3 also shows that the charge port 315 may be a universal serial bus (USB) port adapted to couple with a USB cable for charging. In other embodiments the port 315 may allow the user to directly power the vaporizer 100 without a battery, and/or program the vaporizer 100 by connecting the vaporizer 100 to a computer or mobile smartphone.

[0052] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer. As shown in FIG. 4, one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer 100 may comprise: a housing assembly 105, port 315, a battery 110, a circuit board assembly 115, a chamber 130, a heating element 132, a mouthpiece assembly 135, chamber cover 235, upper housing 205, middle housing 210, middle housing 220, bottom housing 225, right housing 210, outer mouthpiece portion 405, inner mouthpiece portion 410. FIG. 4 shows how the inner components (e.g. , battery 110, circuit board assembly 115, and chamber 130) are interconnected and how the housing assembly 105 protects those inner components. FIG. 4, for example, shows how the mouthpiece assembly 135 couples to the proximal portion of the housing assembly 105. The heating element 132 may also be electrically coupled to the battery 110 or circuit board assembly 115 via line 133.

[0053] FIG. 4 also shows the functionality of the handheld vaporizer 100. The user may activate the heating element 132, which transfers heat to the chamber 130. The heating element 132 may also heat the chamber 130 at a desired vaporizing temperature by controlling the electrical current entering heating element 132. The user, for instance, may adjust the temperature of the heating element 132 with the temperature setting buttons 305, 306. Additionally, a display screen 310 may indicate at what temperature the heating element 132 is set or what the current temperature of the heating element 132 is.

[0054] As discussed above, the handheld vaporizer 100 may utilize convection-based heating or conduction-based heating to vaporize the active ingredient of the ground material. Specifically, convection-based heating may employ the use of the heating element 132 by which air passes through, or is in contact with the ground material. The hot temperature of the air may then be used to extract the active ingredient from the ground material housed within the receptacle portion of the chamber 130. To properly extract the active ingredients of the ground materials through vaporization, the temperature of the heating element 132 may be changed depending on the type of ground material or the user' s preference, but generally may range from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. After the active ingredients of the ground material are converted into a vapor, the vapor may be too ho to be comfortably and/or safely inhaled by the user. As such, the chamber 130 and retainer 415 preferably have elongated shapes in order to reduce the temperature of the vapor before and after it travels through the filter 420. In this manner the vapor is cooled to a comfortable temperature before passing out of the opening 505 of the mouthpiece assembly 135.

[0055] Regarding conduction-based heating, the chamber 130 may be heated through the use of the heating element 132 (e.g. , one or more heating coils) positioned along the exterior surface of the chamber 130. The heating coils may directly heat the chamber 130 and cause the active ingredient of the ground material housed within the chamber 400 to vaporize.

[0056] FIG. 4 also shows how the display screen 310, which is preferably connected to circuit board assembly 115, may be in spatial relation with the bottom housing 225. This may allow a user to view a digital readout on the display screen 310, which may provide the desired or current temperature of the heating element 132.

[0057] In various embodiments, the handheld vaporizer 100 may comprise a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature within the chamber 130. The temperature sensor may be located adjacent to the chamber 130 or heating element 132. The temperature sensor may also be coupled to the circuit board assembly 115. The output of the temperature sensor may be used to provide a digital readout of the temperature measured within the chamber 130.

[0058] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a side view of one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer. As shown in FIG. 5, one embodiment of the handheld vaporizer 100 may comprise: a housing assembly 105, a mouthpiece assembly 135, a power button 125, and temperature setting buttons 305, 306. The housing assembly 105 may comprise: an upper housing 215, a middle housing 220, and a bottom housing 225. The mouthpiece assembly 135 may comprise an outer mouthpiece portion 405.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows that the bottom housing 225 of the handheld vaporizer 100 may be constructed of a transparent or translucent material in order to function as a window for the display screen 310. This allows the handheld vaporizer 100 to display a digital readout of the temperature measured within the chamber 130. The temperature may be controlled by having the user select the desired temperature setting via the temperature setting buttons 305, 306.

[0060] Additionally, the display screen 310 may show the battery life of the battery 110. For instance, in one embodiment, the display screen 310 may show multiple charge bars to indicate that the handheld vaporizer 100 is fully charged. When the number of charge bars decreases or when the charge bars begin to flash or blink, the handheld vaporizer 100 may provide an indication that the battery 110 needs to charge. The user may then charge the handheld vaporizer 100 by connecting a power cable to the charging port 315.

[0061] FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the chamber of the handheld vaporizer. The chamber 130 may be coupled to a chamber cover 235 and may comprise one or more air inlets 515, 516, 517, 518 located at the distal end of the receptacle portion 610 of the chamber 130. The air inlets 515, 516, 517, 518 preferably allow the user to draw air from the interior space of the housing assembly 105 and into the receptacle portion 610. The drawn air may then be heated via the heating element 132 of the chamber 130.

[0062] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of a mouthpiece assembly of the handheld vaporizer. As shown in FIG. 7, one embodiment of the mouthpiece assembly 135 may comprise an outer mouthpiece portion 405, an inner mouthpiece portion 410, a retainer 415, and a filter 420. The outer mouthpiece portion 405 may be shaped to conform to a user's mouth or lips. The inner mouthpiece portion 410 may be adapted to engage with the inner portion of the outer mouthpiece portion 405. The retainer is preferably adapted to be elongated to aid in cooling of the vapor and adapted to engage and secure the filter 420 within the interior portion of the inner mouthpiece portion 410. In one embodiment, the filter 420 may be a metal mesh adapted to filter unwanted particles such as embers, ash, soot, smoke, and/or tar. The mouthpiece assembly 135 may be constructed of non-conductive material to help resist the transfer of heat, so that the user may safely place his or her mouth on the mouthpiece assembly 135 and inhale the vapor from the ground material. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece assembly 135 may be constructed of a silicone rubber and may be tapered to provide for comfortable placement in the user's mouth. The mouthpiece assembly 135 may also be removed from and reconnected to the housing assembly 150.

[0063] FIG. 7 also shows how vapor from the ground material may flow through the mouth piece assembly 135. The vapor alone may only be permitted to flow through the filter 420 for inhalation by the user. After air is heated by the heating element 132 and drawn through the chamber, the air also preferably surrounds the retainer 415 and filter 420 before exiting the opening 505 of the mouthpiece assembly 135. Thus, the filter 420 may also function as a baffle to help retain the air within the chamber 130 before quickly exiting the mouthpiece assembly 135. This will preferably allow the vaporized air to mix with the ground material longer.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a cross-section side view of one embodiment of the chamber of the handheld vaporizer. FIG. 8 shows that the handheld vaporizer may comprise chamber 130, air inlets 515, 516, 517, 518, chamber cover 235, power source or battery 110, connector 133, circuit board 115, and heating element 132. The receptacle portion 610, which has one or more air inlets 515, 516, 517, 518, is generally part of the chamber 130 and may be configured to accept material 1000. The heating element 132 may be a heating coil in contact with chamber 130 such that the material 1000 may be conductively heated. Additionally, the heating element 132, which is electrically coupled to the circuit board 115 via line 133 and powered by the battery 110, may heat the air surrounding the receptacle portion 610 and there by heat the material 1000 by convection heating. Preferably, the material 1000 may be heated simultaneously by conduction and convection. FIG. 8 shows how the air flow 134 moves up from the base of the handheld vaporizer, is heated by convection by the heating element 132, heats and vaporizes the material 1000, an then passes through the chamber cover 235 and on to the user as vape or vapor.

[0065] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0066] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

[0067] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.