Mouthpiece assembly and vaporizer apparatus equipped with mouthpiece assembly

Abstract

A mouthpiece assembly is provided for a vaporizer apparatus having an atomizer and a flow passage through which vapor travels from the atomizer to the mouthpiece assembly for inhalation of the vapor by a user. The mouthpiece assembly has a first tubular member with a first vape hole and a second tubular member with a second vape hole. The second tubular member has an internal cavity configured to receive therein the first tubular member for undergoing rotation relative to the first tubular member between a first position, in which the second vape hole is in fluid communication with the first vape hole and the flow passage, and a second position, in which the second vape hole is not in fluid communication with the first vape hole and the flow passage.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mouthpiece assembly for a vaporizer apparatus having an atomizer and a flow passage through which vapor travels from the atomizer to the mouthpiece assembly for inhalation of the vapor by a user, the mouthpiece assembly comprising:
 a first tubular member having a first vape hole; and   a second tubular member having a second vape hole and an internal cavity configured to receive therein the first tubular member for undergoing rotation relative to the first tubular member between a first position, in which the second vape hole is in fluid communication with the first vape hole and the flow passage, and a second position, in which the second vape hole is not in fluid communication with the first vape hole and the flow passage.   
     
     
         2 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first vape hole is formed in a closed end of the first tubular member at a position offset from a center of the closed end of the first tubular member; and wherein the second vape hole is formed in a closed end of the second tubular member at a position offset from a center of the closed end of the second tubular member. 
     
     
         3 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first position corresponds to an open state in which the vaporizer apparatus is available for use by a user to inhale vapor from the first and second vape holes; and wherein the second position corresponds to a closed state in which the vaporizer apparatus is not available for use by a user to inhale vapor from the first and second vape holes. 
     
     
         4 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising means for limiting rotation of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member to a preselected degree of rotation. 
     
     
         5 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the preselected degree of rotation is 90 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 4 , wherein rotation of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member is limited to the preselected degree of rotation in both a clockwise direction to place the second tubular member in the first position and in a counterclockwise direction to place the second tubular member in the second position. 
     
     
         7 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the means for limiting rotation comprises a cam element formed on and extending from an inner surface portion of the second tubular member and a cam follower formed on an outer surface portion of first tubular member for engagement with the cam element during rotation of the second tubular member, the cam follower having a pair of mechanical stops configured to contact the cam element for limiting the range of rotation of the second tubular member. 
     
     
         8 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the mechanical stops are configured to limit the range of rotation of the second tubular member to 90 degrees in both a clockwise direction to place the second tubular member in the first position and in a counterclockwise direction to place the second tubular member in the second position. 
     
     
         9 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first tubular member and the second tubular member has a unitary construction formed from a single piece of material. 
     
     
         10 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece assembly is configured for use as a retrofittable or interchangeable mouthpiece for existing vape apparatuses. 
     
     
         11 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the vape apparatus comprises a vape pen. 
     
     
         12 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 1 , wherein in the closed state, the mouthpiece assembly functions as a cover offering multiple benefits that enhance the user experience, protect the vape apparatus, and ensure that the vape apparatus remains an effective and enjoyable tool for its intended purpose. 
     
     
         13 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 1 , wherein in the closed state, the cover function of the mouthpiece assembly further enhances child safety by providing a secure barrier that prevents accidental or unintended use of the vaporizer, thereby protecting children from the risks associated with inhaling harmful substances. 
     
     
         14 . A vape apparatus comprising:
 a mouthpiece assembly according to  claim 1 ;   an atomizer; and   a flow passage through which vapor travels from the atomizer to the mouthpiece assembly for inhalation of the vapor by a user.   
     
     
         15 . A mouthpiece assembly for a vaporizer apparatus having an atomizer and a flow passage through which vapor travels from the atomizer to the mouthpiece assembly for inhalation of the vapor by a user, the mouthpiece assembly comprising:
 a first tubular member having a first vape hole;   a cam follower formed on an outer surface portion of first tubular member;   a second tubular member having a second vape hole and an internal cavity configured to receive therein the first tubular member for undergoing rotation relative to the first tubular member between a first position, in which the second vape hole is in fluid communication with the first vape hole and the flow passage, and a second position, in which the second vape hole is not in fluid communication with the first vape hole and the flow passage; and   a cam element formed on and extending from an inner surface portion of the second tubular member for engagement with the cam follower during rotation of the second tubular member, the cam follower having a pair of mechanical stops configured to contact the cam element for limiting the range of rotation of the second tubular member.   
     
     
         16 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the mechanical stops are configured to limit the range of rotation of the second tubular member to a preselected degree of rotation in both a clockwise direction to place the second tubular member in the first position and in a counterclockwise direction to place the second tubular member in the second position. 
     
     
         17 . The mouthpiece assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the preselected degree of rotation is 90 degrees. 
     
     
         18 . A vape apparatus comprising:
 a mouthpiece assembly according to  claim 15 ;   an atomizer; and   a flow passage through which vapor travels from the atomizer to the mouthpiece assembly for inhalation of the vapor by a user.   
     
     
         19 . The vape apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the mouthpiece assembly is configured for use as a retrofittable or interchangeable mouthpiece for the vape apparatus. 
     
     
         20 . The vape apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the vape apparatus comprises a vape pen.