Patent Application
20180325170
Not applicable
Not applicable
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an improved article for delivering nicotine to a user, including a liquid containing capsule that can be broken to release the liquid and mix the liquid with encapsulated solid nicotine beads.
While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.”
One embodiment of the present invention includes a nicotine dispensing article, comprising a container having:
an exterior wall surrounding an interior;
a support element having a cavity or an insert, the support element being located in the interior; and at least one portion of solid nicotine and at least one liquid filled capsule both located in the cavity, wherein the insert can be a walled structure or simply a void space or cavity of the support element;
the at least one liquid filled capsule being crushable to release liquid into the interior of the insert and coming into contact with the at least one portion of solid nicotine which at least partially dissolves in the released liquid.
In various embodiments the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus can be comprised of wood, paper, plastic, polymers, metal, along with other materials that are sufficiently flexible to allow a user to sufficiently compress to fracture/break open a fluid containing capsule insert located in the interior.
In various embodiments one or more sheets of plastic, paper, homogenized tobacco paper, natural leaf, or other material (either non-smokable or smokable) can be used to form the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus.
In various embodiments, the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus can, after being compressed to fracture/break the liquid containing capsule, remain substantially in its “compressed/squeezed” configuration so as to indicate the location of a “squeeze” for nicotine dispensing apparatuses having multiple sets of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid filled inserts that can be fractured/broken/opened separately for substantially separate dispensing.
In various embodiments, the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus can, after being compressed to facture/break/open a liquid containing capsule, later expand to substantially to its “pre-compressed” configuration.
In various embodiments the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus can include directions on how to release the liquid in the one or more liquid containing capsules. In various embodiments the directions can include indicia indicating the location of a plurality of inserts and liquid containing capsules.
In various embodiments the liquid insert(s) support element can be comprised of acetate, sponge, natural or artificial fibers, synthetic filter material, metals, wood, and/or paper.
In various embodiments, a plurality of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid filled insert capsules or beads can be housed inside the nicotine dispensing apparatus.
In various embodiments the plurality of capsules, beyond liquid, can include one or more of the following: flavoring, energy supplement, vitamin, diet supplement, relaxation enhancement supplement, scenting agent. In various embodiments the items beyond liquid can themselves comprise liquid.
In various embodiments one or more of the inserts can include encapsulated liquid beads.
In various embodiments a plurality of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts can be contained in the cavity, the liquid inserts including capsules with liquid which is released by applying pressure on the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus which pressure is transmitted to the particular capsule.
In various embodiments at least two of the portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts are of different sizes and/or strengths of nicotine delivery. In various embodiments the amount of portions of solid nicotine can differ. In various embodiments the amounts of liquid can differ.
In various embodiments at least two of the liquid inserts are of different colors indicating different types and/or strengths of nicotine along with different flavors.
In various embodiments the cavity, beyond housing portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid capsules, can house one or more inserts of flavoring.
In various embodiments at least two of the portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts include different strengths of nicotine.
In one embodiment the container includes instructions on how to release the liquid and administer the nicotine.
In one embodiment the container includes instructions on how not to release and administer the nicotine.
In one embodiment a plurality of the portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts are contained in the cavity, the respective liquid containing capsules including liquid which is released by applying pressure on the particular capsule and which liquid picks up/dissolves at least a part of its respective portion of solid nicotine. In various embodiments at least 10 percent of the respective portion of solid nicotine is picked up/dissolved. In various embodiments at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 99, and 100 percent of the respective portion of solid nicotine is picked up/dissolved. In various embodiments the amount of the respective portion of solid nicotine that is picked up/dissolved can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced percentages.
In one embodiment at least two of the portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts are of different sizes, volumes, and/or strengths of nicotine when each portion of solid nicotine is compared.
In one embodiment at least two of the capsules of different colors indicating different size, volume, and/or strength of nicotine.
In one embodiment the at least one portion of solid nicotine/respective liquid insert is individually packaged so as to be separated from the delivery apparatus.
In one embodiment a plurality of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts are packaged so as to be separated from the delivery apparatus.
In one embodiment the package includes instructions on how to release the nicotine and instructions on how to achieve different strengths of nicotine delivery.
In one embodiment one or more of the liquid inserts can be dissolvable under certain conditions, such as where the insert comes into contact with moisture, saliva, heat, flame, etc.
In one embodiment one or more of the plurality of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts can be packaged for sale separately from a nicotine delivery apparatus, and include instructions on placing one or more of the plurality of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts into a nicotine delivery apparatus.
In one embodiment an insertion tool such as a rod with end clamp could be included with any of the kit embodiments to facilitate the users insertion of the one or more of the plurality of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts into the nicotine delivery apparatus. For example, insertion could be in the wall of a filter or wall of a nicotine delivery apparatus at a selected location. In one embodiment the kit could include instructions regarding the insertion of the plurality of a plurality of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts into a particular nicotine delivery apparatus.
In one embodiment could be included the plurality of portions of solid nicotine/respective liquid inserts packaged for sale in a kit to be added to a nicotine delivery apparatus. In one embodiment a refillable nicotine delivery apparatus could be included in the kit.
In one embodiment the kit could include advertising related to the properties of the inserts for enhancing sizes, volumes, and/or strengths of nicotine to be delivered.
For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:
Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.
Nicotine dispenser 10 can have first and second ends 1110 and 1120. In one embodiment indicia 50,52,54,56, or others (such as in the form of arrows, letters, and/or numbers) can be used to visually indicate the position of one or more of the inserts to thus enable a consumer to easily position the correct point of squeezing for releasing the selected insert/solid nicotine pair (e.g., 100/160, 200/202, 210/212, 220/222, or others). Dispenser 10 includes a flexible wall 1140 comprised of a sheet, and an interior support array 500.
In various embodiments the spacing (e.g., between about 3 and 30 millimeters) between the liquid holding capsules or balls 213 about the longitudinal centerline 1144 is such that a consumer can squeeze one of the capsules 213 (e.g., capsule 213 in insert 100) without simultaneously activating the capsules or balls 213 in other inserts (e.g., inserts 200, 210, 220). A separate squeezing step for activating the second insert (e.g., breaking capsule 213 in insert 200) will be required.
Spacing in
Although in the shown embodiments the inserts (e.g., 100, 200, 210, 220, etc.) have been shown as preferably located on longitudinal centerline 1144, such is not required and the inserts 100, 200, 210, 220 can be offset from longitudinal centerline 1144. In any such case the spacing is based on the distance from center to center of inserts 100, 200, 210, 220 when their centers are projected orthogonally onto the longitudinal centerline 1144 (when a particular center of a particular insert is not located on the longitudinal centerline).
In different embodiments the spacing can be different between different sets of inserts. For example, spacing 1236 can be not equal to 1237. In different embodiments the spacing can vary based on the longitudinal distance from the end of dispensing apparatus to be placed in the user's mouth. For example the spacing can increase as the distance from the second end 1120 is increased (e.g., spacing 1236 is larger than spacing 1237). Alternatively, the spacing can decrease as the distance from the second end 1120 is increased (e.g., spacing 1236 is smaller than spacing 1237). Such variable spacing is believed to provide the consumer with a variable amount of nicotine absorption in the body based on the particular insert being activated.
In
As shown in
Such lack of knowledge of what if any inserts were previously activated, can cause a user 100 to activate more than one insert (e.g., insert 100 and 220) in guessing as to what locations to squeeze dispenser 10 (as squeezing at location of previously activated insert 101 provided no nicotine to the user 1000); and squeezing at multiple locations (e.g., at the locations of visual indicia 50, 52, 54, and/or 56) and possibly becoming frustrated with use of dispensing apparatus 10. Instead, a visual indication (e.g., 1274) tells a consumer 1000 which and how many of the total number of inserts are remaining to be activated in nicotine dispensing apparatus 10. In various embodiments the dispensing apparatus 10 can have a number of inserts falling between the range of any two of the above referenced quantities of inserts.
In one embodiment the packaging could include a plurality of inserts 100, 200, 210, 220 associated with a plurality of different strengths, volumes or quantities of solid nicotine crystals. In one embodiment the different strengths, volumes or quantities of solid nicotine crystals could include nicotine strength, volume, quantity indicia. For example, the inserts could be color coded (e.g., purple for low strength, red for high strength, etc.). As another example, the strength of the particular nicotine associated with the insert can be imprinted on the insert. As another example a unique identifier could be placed on the insert and a table of different strengths, volumes or quantities of solid nicotine crystals included with the kit. With different strengths, volumes or quantities of solid nicotine for the various inserts, the consumer now would have the choice to customize the nicotine strength, volume, or quantity. As another example, more than one insert associated with the same nicotine strength, volume, or quantity could be included allowing the consumer to customize the strength, volume, or quantity by using two or more of the same type of insert and associated solid nicotine crystals.
When activation is desired insert 100 can be squeezed causing the outer walls 110 of liquid insert to break and release liquid 182 that was contained in a capsule 213 or void space. Because the inserts 100, 200, etc. are located in the interior of dispensing apparatus 10, the released liquid will dissolve/absorb the associated nicotine and the consumer will receive the dissolved/absorbed nicotine when sucking air though dispensing apparatus 10. For example, when the consumer 1000 sucks on dispenser 10 after breaking open of insert 100, the direction of drawn air flow will preferably pass though the released liquid 182 and pick up or dissolve the associated solid nicotine 160 causing the air to pick up such nicotine.
During use filter 1300 is placed in the mouth of the consumer 1000, and the consumer sucks in air. Before, placement individual 1000 can have applied force (schematically indicated by arrows 1020) to release liquid and absorb/dissolve nicotine next to the broken inserts. Arrows 1050, 1051 schematically indicates that air is drawn into apparatus 10 through first end 1110. Air passing the activated insert will pick up released liquid and absorbed/dissolved nicotine (e.g., released liquid 182 shown in
On embodiment provides a method of dispensing nicotine comprising providing a dispenser 10 having a flexible wall 1140, an interior support section 500, and at least one nicotine insert (e.g., 100) supported by the interior support section 500, the insert including liquid which is released by applying pressure on the flexible wall 1140 which transmits such pressure to the insert 100, the dispenser 10 including instructions 1230 on how to release nicotine; and offering for sale the provided dispenser 10.
In one embodiment the dispenser includes instructions 1232 on how to release nicotine.
In one embodiment the dispenser includes instructions 1234 on how not to release nicotine.
In one embodiment a plurality of liquid inserts (e.g., 100, 200, 210, 220, etc.) are contained in the interior support section 500 in a longitudinally spaced apart condition, the inserts including liquid which is released by applying pressure on the dispenser 10 at the particular longitudinal location of the particular insert (e.g., 200, or 100, etc.) to be activated. In one embodiment at least two of the inserts are of different sizes, strengths, and/or volumes of liquid.
In one embodiment at least two of the inserts are of different colors indicating different flavors.
In one embodiment the packaging 1200 includes instructions 1230 on how to release the nicotine and instructions on how to achieve different strengths of nicotine release.
In one embodiment at least two of the inserts (e.g., 100 and 200) are of differing sizes, strengths, and/or volumes of nicotine.
In one embodiment is provided a method and apparatus of dispensing nicotine which comprises the steps of:
(1) providing a nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 for dispensing nicotine to human user 1000, the dispensing apparatus 10 including
an outer wall 1140 enclosing an interior volume 1130;
an insert support section 500 being located in the interior volume 1130;
the apparatus 10 being packaged for sale where at least one nicotine insert (100) is supported by the insert support section 500 in the interior volume 1130;
(2) removing the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 from the packaging 1200;
(3) squeezing the outer wall 1140 of the dispensing apparatus 10 at a first longitudinal position (e.g., 1271, 1272) to cause a release of liquid from the at least one insert (e.g., 100) and absorption/dissolving of a first solid nicotine (e.g., solid nicotine 160); and
(4) a user 1000 sucking air through the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 (e.g., schematically indicated by arrow 1050 and 1051 in
In one embodiment one end 1120 of the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 can include a filter allowing air to pass through the interior of the dispensing apparatus but filtering out particulate impurities from said air flow.
In one embodiment the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 is removed from the packaging 1200 and held by the end 1120 having the filter.
In one embodiment a user 1000 at a first time activates a first insert (e.g., insert 100) causing a first visual indicia to be created at the longitudinal location of the first insert (e.g., insert 100), and then at a later second time, uses said existing visual indicia of activation to selectively activate a second insert (e.g., 200) which is spaced apart from the first insert 100 previously activated.
Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), also known as phenylthiourea (PTU), is an organo sulfur thiourea containing a phenyl ring.
In various embodiments the methods and apparatus can be used to impact phenylthiocarbamide (“PTC”) taste thresholds with the user changing the user's individual taste threshold when using the method and apparatus. PTC has the unusual property that it either tastes very bitter or is virtually tasteless, depending on the genetic makeup of the taster. The ability to taste PTC is often treated as a dominant genetic trait, although inheritance and expression of this trait are somewhat more complex.
At least one study has found that non-smokers and those not habituated to coffee or tea have a statistically higher percentage of tasting PTC than the general population. PTC does not occur in food, but related chemicals do, and food choice is related to a person's ability to taste PTC. There is a large body of evidence linking the ability to taste thiourea compounds and dietary habits. Much of this work has focused on 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PROP), a compound related to PTC that has lower toxicity. A supertaster has more of an ability to taste PTC. On the other hand, heavy cigarette smokers are more likely to have high PTC and PROP thresholds (i.e. are relatively insensitive).
The following is a list of Reference Numerals used in this application with a description of the reference numerals.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
This is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/467,484, filed on Mar. 6, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62467484 | Mar 2017 | US |
