U.S. patent application number 10/831686 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-27 for smoking cessation devices, methods of use and methods of conducting business therewith.
Invention is credited to Cowan, Anderson.
Application Number | 20050236006 10/831686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35135207 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050236006 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cowan, Anderson |
October 27, 2005 |
Smoking cessation devices, methods of use and methods of conducting
business therewith
Abstract
The present invention provides several smoking and tobacco use
cessation devices and methods which entirely eliminate the
requirement of ignition and burning of substances which emit
harmful substances and vapors while simultaneously providing
therapeutically efficacious amounts of nicotine and/or nicotine
substitutes, and optionally tobacco aroma and taste and/or other
undesirable habit inhibiting compounds and antagonists and other
desirable orally ingestible substances.
Inventors: |
Cowan, Anderson; (Westlake
Village, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John P. Luther, Esq.
NEWMAN & NEWMAN, LLP
Suite 610
505 Fifth Avenue South
Seattle
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
35135207 |
Appl. No.: |
10/831686 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/270 ;
131/273 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24D 1/22 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/270 ;
131/273 |
International
Class: |
A24F 047/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An orally deployable tobacco smoking cessation means adapted for
use in a fitting relationship with a tobacco smoking device, and
comprising a substance effective to act upon and/or activate
nicotine receptors in a user thereof.
2. The deployable means of claim 1 wherein said substance is
present in an amount to at least in part satiate a user's need for
nicotine.
3. The deployable means of claim 1 wherein said substance is
selected from the group consisting of nicotine and nicotine
substitutes.
4. The deployable means of claim 1 which is composed of a mouth
tissue-dissolvable substance.
5. The deployable means of claim 1, wherein said means comprises
the shape of a mouthpiece means adapted for use with tobacco
smoking devices.
6. The deployable means of claim 5, wherein said means comprises a
preform in the shape of a mouthpiece means adapted for use with
tobacco smoking devices, and wherein said preform is coated with a
mouth tissue dissolvable substance which comprises a substance
effective to act upon and/or activate nicotine receptors in a user
thereof.
7. The deployable means of claim 1 which further comprises a flavor
means.
8. The deployable means of claim 1 which further comprises a
substance effective to act as an antagonist to substances and/or
acts associated with behavior deemed undesirable by the user of the
deployable means, and/or which said user is attempting to
avoid.
9. The deployable means of claim 8 wherein said antagonist is at
least in part effective to inhibit the user's desire and/or affect
the user's intake of opiates, alcohol, and participation in
gambling activities.
10. The deployable means of claim 9 wherein said antagonist is
selected from the group consisting of naltrexone, naloxone and
derivatives thereof.
11. The deployable means of claim 1 wherein said means comprises a
hard candy mouth tissue dissolvable substance, which further
comprises a substance effective to act on and/or activate nicotine
receptors in the user thereof.
12. The deployable means of claim 3 wherein said substance is
selected from the group consisting of levo nicotine, dextro
nicotine, recemic mixtures thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable
salt forms of nicotine, including dihydrochloride, sulfate,
bitartrate, salicylate, hydrogen tartrate and hemisulfate forms,
and all known analogs thereof and mixtures thereof.
13. The deployable means of claim 1 further comprising an orally
deployable and/or ingestible substance effective to at least in
part satisfy an end result desired by the user.
14. The deployable means of claim 13 wherein said orally deployable
and/or ingestible substance is selected from the group consisting
of pharmaceutically active substances including Prozac and its
generic forms, antidepressants, anti-psychotics, Wellbutrin and its
generic forms, cholesterol lowering drugs including the statin
family drugs, anti-viral compounds, anti-bacterial compounds,
anti-infective compounds, anti-fungal compounds, vaccines, antacid
compounds, anti-hypertension compounds, anti-cancer compounds, skin
color enhancers, prophylactics, birth control, caffeine, aspirin,
weight reduction aids, appetite suppressors, weight increasing
aids, cold medication, breath enhancers, neutraceuticals, dietary
supplements, sleeping aids, anticoagulants, vitamins, energy
boosting compounds, complexion aids, tooth decay inhibitors, and
mixtures thereof.
15. The deployable means of claim 1 further comprising indicating
means effective for indicating the presence of available substance
effective to act upon and/or activate nicotine receptors in a user
thereof.
16. The deployable means of claim 1 further comprising indicating
means effective for simulating the indication of the presence of
available substance effective to act upon and/or activate nicotine
receptors in a user thereof.
17. A simulated tobacco smoking device generally comprising the
dimensions and appearance of a cigarette or cigar, and adapted to
form a fitting relationship with the orally deployable smoking
cessation means of any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 1.3, 14, 15, and 16
18. The simulated tobacco smoking device of claim 17 further
comprising a feature selected from the group consisting of a
fragrance, color scheme, flavoring, advertisements, messages,
graphics and a circumferentially protruding ring or lip surrounding
a portion near the orally deployable end of the device.
19. The simulated tobacco smoking device of claim 17 further
comprising a substance effective to act upon and/or activate
nicotine receptors in the user thereof.
20. The simulated tobacco smoking device of claim 17 further
comprising a substance effective to act as an antagonist and which
is at least in part effective to inhibit a user's desire and/or
affect the user's intake of opiates, alcohol, and participation in
gambling activities.
21. The simulated tobacco smoking device of claim 19 wherein said
antagonist is selected from the group consisting of naltrexone,
naloxone, and derivatives thereof.
22. The simulated tobacco smoking device of claim 17 further
comprising an orally deployable and/or ingestible substance
effective to at least in part satisfy an end result desired by the
user thereof.
23. The simulated tobacco smoking device of claim 22 wherein said
substance is selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically
active substances including Prozac and its generic forms,
anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, Wellbutrin and its generic
forms, cholesterol lowering drugs including the statin family of
drugs, anti-viral compounds, anti-bacterial compounds,
anti-infective compounds, anti-fungal compounds, vaccines, antacid
compounds, anti-hypertension compounds, anti-cancer compounds, skin
color enhancers, prophylactics, birth control compounds, caffeine,
aspirin, weight reduction aids, appetite suppressors, weight
increasing aids, cold medication, breath enhancers,
neutraceuticals, dietary supplements, sleeping aids,
anticoagulants, vitamins, energy boosting compounds, complexion
aids, tooth decay inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.
24. A container means comprising a plurality of the simulated
tobacco smoking device of claim 17.
25. The container means of claim 24 further comprising a plurality
of the orally deployable smoking cessation means of claims 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12,13, 14,15, and 16.
26. A tobacco smoking cessation means comprising an elongated tube
comprising a first end and an orally deployable second end, and
which further comprises a heating means in a position contiguous or
substantially juxtaposed to the first end which is effective to
undergo an exothermic reaction to liberate heat, a longitudinally
disposed air passageway surrounding at least a portion of said
heating means and in communication with said first and second ends,
and a source of tobacco or tobacco substitute situated therein,
such that upon activation of said heat generating means to liberate
heat a user may orally draw air from the first end through the
elongated tube past the heat generating means through the source of
tobacco to orally receive heated air comprising tobacco aroma
and/or taste.
27. The smoking cessation means of claim 26 which is generally of
the shape and weight of a cigarette or cigar.
28. The smoking cessation means of claim 26 further comprising a
person satisfying amount of a substance effective to act upon
and/or activate nicotine receptors in a user thereof.
29. The smoking cessation means of claim 28 wherein said substance
is selected from the group consisting of nicotine and nicotine
substitutes.
30. The smoking cessation means of claim 28 further comprising a
substance effective to act as an antagonist which at least in part
is effective to inhibit a user's desire and/or affect the user's
intake of opiates, alcohol and participation in gambling
activities.
31. The smoking cessation means of claim 30 wherein said substance
is selected from the group consisting of naltexone, naloxone and
derivatives thereof.
32. The smoking cessation means of claim 28 further comprising an
orally deployable and/or ingestible substance effective to at least
in part satisfy an end result desired by the user.
33. The smoking cessation means of claim 32 wherein said orally
deployable and/or ingestible substance is selected from the group
consisting of pharmaceutically active substances including Prozac
and its generic forms, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics,
Wellbutrin and its generic forms, cholesterol lowering drugs
including the statin family of drugs, anti-viral compounds,
anti-bacterial compounds, anti-infective compounds, anti-fungal
compounds, vaccines, antacid compounds, anti-hypertension
compounds, anti-cancer compounds, skin color enhancers,
prophylactics, birth control compounds, caffeine, aspirin, weight
reduction aids, appetite suppressors, weight increasing aids, cold
medication, breath enhancers, neutraceuticals, dietary supplements,
sleeping aids, anti-coagulants, vitamins, energy boosting
compounds, complexion aids, tooth decay inhibitors, and mixtures
thereof.
34. The smoking cessation means of claim 28 further comprising a
feature selected from the group consisting of a fragrance, color
scheme, flavoring, advertisements, messages, graphics and a
circumferentially protruding ring or lip surrounding a portion near
the orally deployable end of the means.
35. A container means comprising a plurality of the smoking
cessation means of claim 28.
36. The container means of claim 35 further comprising a plurality
of the orally deployable smoking cessation means of claims 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
37. A method of conducting business comprising activities selected
from the group consisting of manufacturing, having manufactured,
advertising, offering for sale, selling, distributing and licensing
an orally deployable tobacco smoking cessation means of claim
1.
38. A method of conducting business comprising activities selected
from the group consisting of manufacturing, having manufactured,
advertising, offering for sale, selling, distributing, and
licensing a simulated tobacco smoking device of claim 17.
39. A method of conducting business comprising activities selected
from the group consisting of manufacturing, having manufactured,
advertising, offering for sale, selling, distributing, and
licensing a smoking cessation means of claim 28.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present inventive product and method is directed to
smoking cessation devices, and particularly to cigarette props and
facsimiles and/or other oral devices comprising nicotine
replacement products and/or other anti-habit or habit combating
substances, and any orally deliverable substance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use, including
snuff and the like, are known to be major causes of otherwise
preventable disease and death throughout the world. In fact,
tobacco use is thought by some to be the most dangerous of habits
as it kills more people each year than any other drug or addicting
habit, with one of its major dangers being the conversion of
nicotine, the most prevalent alkaloid found in tobacco, by the body
into chemicals that have been shown to cause various diseases
including lung cancer. See, for example, Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences 2000; 97:12493-12497, suggesting
pathways the body may use to metabolize this addicting agent with
the production of aminoketones which are direct contributors to the
formation of NNK, a known tobacco-specific cause of lung cancer. In
this study extracts from human live cells were shown to convert
nicotine to aminoketone which was further broken down into products
found in a smoker's urine.
[0003] Nicotine is only part of the problem; however, as tobacco
leaves contain many complex chemicals thought to be in excess of
four thousand. When tobacco is burned in the smoking process, such
as through smoking cigarettes, a pipe or a cigar, these chemicals
undergo transformation into such compounds as arsenic, hydrogen
cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and other dangerous byproducts including
carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous as it
has a stronger affinity to hemoglobin than oxygen and will reduce
the amount of available oxygen in a person's blood supply,
including those in contact with second hand smoke. It has been
estimated, for example, that smoking as little as one pack of
cigarettes a day may result in as much as 15% carbon monoxide
saturation of the blood. Some adverse effects of such oxygen
replacement, or "starvation", of the body may be hindered muscle
and mental function, as well as the development of various lung
diseases including emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung
cancer, cystic fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, pneumonia, congestive
heart failure and generally diminished lung capacity. Tobacco users
can also expect to be at extreme risk of developing cancer of the
lung, throat, mouth and esophagus, stoke, coronary heart disease,
circulation problems and many other diseases.
[0004] Smoking tobacco in any form is also well known to endanger
all those in close proximity or in contact with smoking byproducts
which pollute the air, otherwise known as secondhand smoke. Among a
myriad of noxious compounds, second hand smoke contains
formaldehyde, arsenic, cyanide, radioactive compounds, known
carcinogens such as benzene and other polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. The United States Surgeon
General in 1990 has in fact issued a warning that passive
inhalation of secondhand smoke by non-smokers is extremely harmful.
Several corroborating reports have concluded that secondhand smoke
is indeed responsible for causing, inter alia, thousands of lung
and throat cancer deaths per year, asthma attacks and respiratory
problems, especially in children, heart disease and aggravation of
pre-existing heart disease, cervical cancer, brain tumors, birth
defects, and may even be a cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS).
[0005] Tobacco use, especially smoking, also has many adverse
consequences besides health deterioration, such as adverse economic
effects in the form of outrageously expensive and highly taxed
cigarettes, high insurance premiums, cleaning, productivity,
ventilation and accident costs.
[0006] However, despite the well documented extreme adverse effects
of smoking, and tobacco use in general, many thousands of people
who would like not to smoke or use tobacco simply cannot overcome
the powerfully addictive nature of nicotine, or additionally,
perhaps, customs, social behavior, moors, behavioral habits and
other activities typically, or traditionally, associated with
smoking and tobacco use. To this end, an entire industry has
evolved to combat and end tobacco use, or at least curtail its use,
or in some instances to provide "safer" cigarettes.
[0007] Various smoking cessation devices are known to exist in
several forms including some in which nicotine replacement methods
are employed. For example, nicotine laden lollipops have recently
been very popular, and have apparently been effective in a number
of peoples' efforts to reduce smoking. Such devices are available
in a number of flavors with various dosages of nicotine being
present. These devices are fairly simple in nature to manufacture,
are widely available and known, and can be custom compounded by a
number of pharmacies. Typically, when the need or desire to smoke a
cigarette or cigar manifests itself the smoker will place the
device in her mouth with available nicotine being adsorbed/absorbed
into mouth tissues and thereafter the blood stream until the
person's desire for nicotine has been satisfied. The device is then
replaced into its wrapper until the next session. However, the many
acts associated with smoking, such as holding a cigarette or cigar
and the like with associated hand to mouth actions, and which are
oftentimes as much a habit as smoking itself, are noticeably
missing.
[0008] Some forays into the smoking cessation industry, or more
aptly put, the so-called "safer cigarette" industry, by the major
brands have been, for example, Liggett and Myers efforts to market
a cigarette containing, inter alia, various additives such as
palladium, a metal used in automobile catalytic converters, which
supposedly removes carcinogens from smoke and combustion products.
Apparently, the release of this product was halted because its
presence would have implied that smoking cigarettes and the like
was indeed hazardous. In any event, some years later a successor
company of Liggett and Myers introduced the Omni brand of cigarette
which supposedly controls the amount of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH's) and Tobacco Specific Nitrosomines (TSNA's)
(one of the most deadly carcinogens in tobacco smoke) created
during the combustion process. This introduction of this product,
however, would seem to confirm the inherently deadly nature of
cigarettes and other tobacco combustion devices for those who have
previously thought otherwise.
[0009] RJR, noting that many carcinogenic compounds are produced in
greater quantity relative to higher combustion temperatures, has
attempted to produce controlled heat products. One such device
called Premier is a glycerine based product with tobacco flavoring
designed to look like a cigarette, and which contains a fuel
element in a heating ring, all of which is contained in an aluminum
cylinder. The aluminum cylinder contains beads of alumina coated
with nicotine, glycerine and flavoring. The beads are heated by the
fuel element with the heated glycerine condensing into
nicotine-laced smoke or vapor. According to smoking instructions
provided with the product, a butane lighter is required to ignite
the carbon fuel element. Again, the inherently deadly nature of
smoking tobacco combustion products is corroborated by the
development and presence of this product. The Premier brand
eventually evolved into a product called Eclipse, a true cigarette,
in which a heating element is provided to heat sheet tobacco laced
with glycerine to emit tobacco flavor without creating ash and
smoke, and to provide a cigarette which burns at a lower
temperature, supposedly to reduce carcinogenic combustion products.
However, public health officials subsequently showed that Eclipse,
when compared to so-called "light" brands such as Now and Carlton,
produced almost four times as much carbon monoxide and higher
levels of other carcinogenic PAH's.
[0010] The Philip Morris Co., has made its contribution with its
Accord brand which is inserted into a specially designed electronic
heating device, said to look like a kazoo, and which is equipped
with sensors that supposedly heat a layer of sheet tobacco only to
a point that results in reduced carcinogenic compound production,
and with reduced side stream smoke. To smoke a cigarette, a smoker
sucks on the device and a microchip which senses the puff sends a
burst of heat to the cigarette. This product can only be smoked in
its special electronic device, which is cumbersome and impractical
for use to say the least, and still produces deadly carcinogenic
combustion products.
[0011] In another exemplified system, U.S. patent Publication No.
2003/0111088, Jun. 19, 2003, discloses a method and device for
treating combination of dependencies. As described, a medication
delivery device is provided which introduces non-burning nicotine
as a replacement for cigarettes (commonly referred to as nicotine
replacement therapy or "NRT") along with another drug in a
"non-irritating" solution form to offer both oral and tactile
stimulation. The combination formulation is said to be particularly
useful for the administration of nicotine and naltrexone to treat
patients who are smokers and also suffer from another drug
dependency, such as alcoholism. The device includes a tubular
chamber with a first end suitable for taking in a liquid from an
external source and a second end suitable for oral application or
suction. The tubular chamber contains nicotine and a second drug
other than nicotine, such as naltrexone, with a retainer preventing
the release of the drugs. Upon oral suction by the user liquid
enters the first end of the chamber from an external source, and
apparently delivers the nicotine and second drug in solution or
suspension form to the user. In another embodiment, the nicotine
and second drug may be present in a pre-formulated solution which
is delivered to a user's mouth upon suction.
[0012] In somewhat similar manner to that above U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,083,962; 5,861,422; 5,703,101; and 5,574,052 describe an
agonist-antagonist combination to reduce the use of nicotine and
other drugs. In this product and method, there is initially
administered to a subject a drug, such as nicotine or another
agonist of the drug, in an amount which would normally provide the
desired pharmacological effects, or therapeutic amount to satiate
the needs of the drug by the user. Also administered is an
antagonist to the drug or its other agonist in an amount sufficient
to at least partially block the pharmacological effects of the drug
or its other agonist while there is a substantial amount of the
drug or its other agonist present in the system of the user. In a
preferred operation the drug and the antagonist are simultaneously
administered in an attempt to occupy a substantial portion of the
receptors of the user for the drug to block or attenuate the
effects of any further intake of the drug or other agonist. A
preferred mode of administration of the agonist and antagonist is
by transdermal patch, or administration of the antagonist by an
artificial smoking device which can function as a disposable
cigarette or a reusable device equipped with a rechargeable
ampoule. This reference also unfortunately recommends an embodiment
of doping a conventional cigarette with an antagonist, such as
mecamylamine, which can be produced in an aerosolized form for
inhalation by the user from the burning cigarette. Such an
activity, of course, will actually encourage tobacco smoking or
use, thereby defeating an object of the present invention to stop
or curtail smoking.
[0013] Next, U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,789 discloses a cigarette
substitute device for non-pyrolytic use which, in response to
suction supplied by a user, delivers to the user's lungs a
nicotine-simulating vapor mixture, in place of nicotine vapor, in
which the mixture has a cigarette-like taste and aroma. As
described, the cigarette substitute has a structure similar to that
of conventional cigarettes and prior-art non-pyrolytic cigarette
substitute devices, and comprises an elongated tube with a
passageway for drawing air through the device and a porous
polymeric material disposed within the tube. A volatile liquid
composition is present as being adsorbed within the porous
polymeric material, and in which there is present a
pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier medium of a volatile
nicotinomimetic agonist in an amount effective for its released
vapors to satisfy the physiological needs for nicotine of the user.
There is also present one or more volatile palatability enhancing
agents in amounts effective for their released vapors to neutralize
any unpleasant taste and aroma of the cigarette-like taste and
aroma to the released vapor mixture. This liquid composition is
referred to as "DEANATE". As is known, the nicotinomimetic agonist
is a compound effective to mimic the action of nicotine by binding
to nicotinic or cholinergic receptors to release adrenergic
receptors, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, and to
simulate the action of nicotine vapors to enable the action of the
substitute cigarette device by satisfying the physiological needs
for nicotine of the user without contributing to nicotine
dependency, as do other disadvantage methods and products such as
described above.
[0014] In another simulated cigarette device disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,042,510 there is provided a cigarette-like device that
contains no tobacco, is not intended to be lit, and includes a
simulated filter/regulator and a barrel portion. This device is
said to combat the urge to light up by satisfying various
physiological needs such as holding, fondling, and placing the
cigarette device between the lips of the user, along with sucking,
puffing or drawing. The device is actually designed to simulate the
drawing sensation by placing transverse openings in a simulated
filter/regulator or tip which are in air communication with a
longitudinal passageway, which is a separate component from the
barrel This arrangement is said to be a safeguard in the event the
fake cigarette is accidentally lit to prevent flames, smoke or hot
gasses from passing through the air regulator and reaching the
mouth of the user. The barrel material is formed of non-toxic,
self-extinguishing polymeric material which will not carry a flame
in the event of accidental ignition. This device is purely a prop
or simulated cigarette and is not a drug delivery product or
method, such as a nicotine replacement or other drug delivery
devices discussed above, and will not replace chemical dependency
to satisfy the tobacco addict for long term cessation of tobacco
use.
[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,995 there is disclosed compositions
and articles for simulating taste receptors in the form of smoking
and non-smoking materials, which are described as comprising a
volatile-releasing substrate, adapted for size, configuration and
material make-up for insertion, at least partially, into the buccal
cavity of humans. The composition is also composed of a
taste-receptor simulation proportion of volatilizable distillers
dried soluble coated on the substrate. Thus, the main point of this
device is to satisfy stimulation of the human taste receptors with
such compositions as byproducts of the liquor distillation process,
such as distiller's dried grain with soluble ("DDGS"). DDGS is a
product obtained from drying stillage or "slop", the residue after
distillation and removal of alcohol from beer and fermented grain
mash. In a smoking embodiment of this device distiller's dried
soluble ("DDS"), a concentrated liquid component of DDGS, is
homogeneously mixed with a smokable tobacco form, such as used in
cigarette and pipe-smoking blends. The use of typical tobacco
additives, such as flavorants ( e.g. menthol), binders, humectants
(propylene glycol, sorbitol and the like), mold inhibitors,
extenders and fillers (hydroxymethylcellulose), flavor enhancers
and the like is also recommended. As discussed, when smoked, the
DDS is volatilized and the vapor is brought into contact with the
user's taste buds and smell receptors. While this device can hardly
be said to be a viable non-smoking aid, or smoking cessation
device, the disclosed distillery byproduct by itself (without, of
course, the propylene glycol and other additives) perhaps may be
used as a taste stimulant for nicotine replacement products,
cigarette props, facsimiles and the like-as smoking cessation
aids.
[0016] In yet another simulated smoking aid, U.S. Pat. No.
4,911,181 discloses a plastic mouthpiece for simulated smoking
which is said to enable the user to experience the taste and aroma
as well as the tactile sensations of smoking a tobacco cigarette,
but without the presence of smoke, without combustion, and without
inhalation of harmful carcinogenic substances into a user's lungs.
This device consists of a plastic mouthpiece containing a plug of
chewing tobacco connected to a plastic tube with an axial duct
extending to a sealed end where a pumping chamber is located and
existing in the form of a flexible accordion-like, or bellows-type
configuration or spring-loaded ball or position. In another form,
the device consists of a conventional mouthtip filter, or tubular
body with a flexible collapsible sidewall sealed at the far end,
and a tobacco insert. As explained, in use repeated suction cycles
by the user initially draw saliva through the tobacco insert to
flavor it with nicotine, and then to re-circulate it back to the
user's mouth on successive suction cycles, allowing the user to
taste and smell the nicotine. As also disclosed, inserts other as
tobacco may also be used, such as menthol, various medications and
the like.
[0017] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,648 there is disclosed yet another
non-burning tobacco substitute in the form of a material which
comprises a non-cellulose carrier homogeneously mixed with a flavor
enhancing proportion of distiller's dried grain with solubles.
Unlike U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,995 discussed above, this non-burning
composition is devoid of tobacco, and is presented purely for the
taste sensation of the distillery byproducts and to simulate a
cigarette in a manner to give a user pleasure and oral
gratification.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,168 describes a smoking article
employing heat conductive fingers, in the form of a cigarette-like
article which is said to be cabable of producing substantial
quantities of an aerosol, both initially and over the useful life
of the product, and preferably without significant thermal
degradation of the aerosol formed, and without the presence of
substantial pyrolysis or incomplete combustion products or
side-stream smoke. The user is said to be provided with the
sensations and benefits of cigarette smoking without the necessity
of burning tobacco. In structure,.the device is an elongated,
cigarette-type smoking article equipped with a short carbonaceous
fuel element and a physically separate aerosol generating means,
including an aerosol-forming material which is in a conductive heat
exchange relationship with the fuel element. The aerosol generating
means is contained within a unitary heat conductive chamber having
two or more finger-like extensions, each of which is in contact
with some portion of the fuel element. In use, conductive transfer
of heat from the burning fuel element to the aerosol generating
means causes volatilization of the aerosol forming material which
in turn is delivered to the user in the form of a "smoke-like"
aerosol through the mouth end of the article. Thus, an ignitable,
burning fuel element is required by this disclosed device, which
generates the heat necessary to volatilize the aerosol forming
substance. As described, a short, hot burning fire cone is employed
which is maintained and fueled with oxygen from puffs from the
user, and which are molded or extruded from comminuted tobacco,
reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitute materials, such as
molded cellulosic materials or degraded pre-pyrolized tobacco. As
further explained, the fuel element preferably includes combustible
carbon compounds such as one would obtain by the pyrolysis or
carbonization of cellulosic materials, including wood, cotton,
rayon, tobacco, coconut, and paper, along with burn enhancing
additives. Additionally, the aerosol produced is described as
preferably consisting essentially of air, water, oxides of carbon,
the aerosol former, and any desired flavors or other desired
volatile materials, with trace amounts of other materials. The
aerosol forming substance can be present in heat rupturable
microcapsules, or as, for example, a solid aerosol forming
substance, which can be polyhydric alcohols or a mixture of
polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerin, triethylene glycol and
propylene glycol. As shown, such a device and method is undesirable
on several fronts as it requires a burning section and the
vaporized release of harmful chemicals, including such harmful
byproducts from burning tobacco with nicotine as above
described.
[0019] Finally, a smoking blend said to be effective to discourage
the cigarette smoking habit is discussed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,492,239. In this product, a smoking blend mixture comprises
tobacco or a tobacco substitute material and a chemical substance
which is formaldehyde (formol or formalin) absorbed on the tobacco
or a tobacco substitute, or paraformaldehyde of the formula (HCHO)n
in which n is equal to or greater than 3. In use this product,
whether in powered, granulated, or solution form, when ignited and
burned is said to be capable of providing by sublimation during the
combustion of the cigarette a gaseous product acting on the main
respiratory organs in such a way as to cause in the smoker an
annoying, though purportedly harmless, feeling as well as
advantageous antiseptic and soothing effects. As must be obvious to
anyone, however, smoking formaldehyde or any other embalming fluid
is not thought to be particularly desirable, or advisable.
[0020] Other conventional tobacco smoking cessation aids are
available in the form of patches which, while no doubt are at least
somewhat effective, are oftentimes ignored or left unused as they
do not provide nor oral or tactile stimulus, and are foreign to
rituals associated with cigarette use. Cessation aids in the form
of gum, lozenges, and drinkable concoctions also lack the, perhaps
pivotal, mannerisms and rituals of hand-to-mouth behaviors which
smokers are used to and most likely desire.
[0021] Therefore, as shown above from a sampling of conventional
products and methods there is an important need for a tobacco
smoking or using cessation aid and method which does not involve
the ignition and combustion of noxious chemicals and compounds, and
which does not introduce noxious fumes to the user or others within
reach of the fumes. There is also a great need for such a device
which is effective to aid in substantially reducing, and preferably
eliminating, a person's habit of tobacco smoking and/or use of
tobacco in any form. There is an additional great need for such
tobacco use cessation aids in the form of a cigarette prop or
facsimile which effectively masquerades and/or otherwise
substantially mimics a conventional cigarette or other tobacco
smoking device in appearance and/or use to a degree which at least
satisfies the user thereof in moors, mannerisms and rituals
associated with such cigarette use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In accordance with that set forth above there is provided by
the present invention novel smoking and tobacco cessation devices
and methods which entirely eliminate the requirement of ignition
and burning of substances which emit harmful vapors, while
simultaneously providing therapeutically efficacious amounts of
nicotine and/or nicotine substitutes, and optionally other
undesirable habit inhibiting compounds and antagonists, and other
orally ingestible substances. The inventive cessation aid also
simultaneously provides and satisfies, with the use of each of such
devices, learned or otherwise acquired collateral or ancillary
activities and rituals associated with smoking behaviors including
the initiation and consummated act and process of lighting up,
smoking and inhaling tobacco products.
[0023] More specifically, to this end there is provided a tobacco
smoking and/or using cessation product and method comprising a
mouthpiece means suitable for use with cigarettes, cigars and/or
pipes or props or facsimiles thereof, and wherein said mouthpiece
means comprises a mouth tissue dissolvable substance, such as hard
candy, which itself comprises nicotine and/or other
addiction-inhibiting compounds and/or orally deliverable compounds
for delivery to a user and the user's bloodstream. In different
embodiments the inventive mouthpiece means can be used by itself
when the desire for oral delivery of nicotine is present, or it may
be used in conjunction with any of the myriad of cigarette, cigar
or pipe makes and brands available on the market or other tobacco
smoking devices by simply fitting the device to the orally
deployable end of a tobacco smoking device, such as a cigarette,
for almost immediate nicotine consumption and fulfillment for a
desired period without being subjected to nicotine combustion
products in any way.
[0024] In other embodiments the inventive mouthpiece may be used in
conjunction with an inventive simulated tobacco smoking device
which may, in some embodiments, comprise the dimensions and/or
design of conventional cigarettes or cigars, and which may also
comprise an array of flavors and/or designs, or any sort of color
scheme or pattern, or graphic display.
[0025] In additional embodiments, the inventive mouthpiece means
may be used in conjunction with an inventive cylindrical elongated
member, preferably in the form and shape of a conventional
cigarette, such as the simulated tobacco smoking device, or other
smoking device, and manufactured of paper products and/or materials
having the look and feel of conventional cigarette products, or
smoking products. The cylindrical member comprises a first end
which mimics the burning end of a cigarette or cigar and a second
end which mimics the orally deployed end of a conventional
cigarette or cigar, and wherein there is situated within the
cylindrical elongated member in a position contiguous to the first
end, or substantially juxtaposed thereto, a heat generating means,
and further comprising within said elongated member in
communication with heat generated from an actuated heat generating
means a source of tobacco, nicotine or nicotine substitute.
Optionally, the inventive elongated member, as well as the
inventive simulated tobacco-smoking device, may additionally
comprise any one or more of several habit inhibiting compounds
and/or antagonists deliverable in therapeutic amounts to the user
during use of the inventive product and method to combat tobacco
use cessation simultaneously with treating the user for inhibition
of alcohol consumption and/or gambling tendencies and/or narcotic
use, or other maladies as desired.
[0026] Further options include the delivery from the inventive
mouthpiece and/or simulated tobacco smoking device and/or elongated
member any orally deliverable substance which can be orally
ingested, such as vitamins, neutraceuticals, energy enhancers,
aspirin, diet aids, weight loss additives, caffeine, breath
enhancers and the like, for any desired effect imaginable.
[0027] The invention is more fully explained and will be more fully
understood with reference to the following Detailed Discussion of
Preferred Embodiments with accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG.1 is a perspective view of a design of a mouthpiece
means for use in the present invention.
[0029] FIG.2 is a perspective view of yet another design of a
mouthpiece means for use in the present invention.
[0030] FIG.3 illustrates in perspective view a user of the
inventive mouthpiece means applying same to a conventional
cigarette for the user's nicotine intake and enjoyment without the
cigarette's combustion.
[0031] FIG.4 illustrates in perspective view an embodiment of the
inventive simulated tobacco smoking device for use with the
mouthpiece means of FIGS. 1 through 3,
[0032] FIG. 5 is a lateral side schematic cross sectional view of
an inventive smoking cessation device of the present invention for
use with the inventive mouthpiece means of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0033] FIG.6 is a side perspective view of the smoking cessation
device of the present invention of FIG.5.
[0034] FIG.7 is an additional perspective view of a user of the
presently inventive smoking cessation device as depicted in the act
of initiating use of the device of FIGS. 5 and 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] All patent references, published patent applications and
literature references referred to or cited herein are hereby
expressly incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference. Any inconsistency between these publications and the
present disclosure is intended to and shall be resolved in favor of
the present disclosure.
[0036] Turning now to the present invention, in its broadest sense
there is provided a temporary alternate source of nicotine in any
dosage regimen required or desired without exposing the user to
well documented hazardous effects of tars, carbon monoxide, and
other combustion products produced in cigarette smoke, or from
burning tobacco products in general. Referring to the example
embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, as shown, there is provided an
inventive mouthpiece means for use by itself or with any
conventional cigarette, cigar or pipe means, or tobacco combustion
and inhaling means in general, or props or facsimiles thereof,
including additional aspects and embodiments of the invention as
discussed in detail below. The mouthpiece means may be composed, at
least in part, of any mouth tissue dissolvable substance, and is
preferably manufactured or comprised of a dissolvable hard candy
flavored substance, and which itself comprises an amount of
nicotine, preferably a mouth tissue dissolvable form of nicotine,
and/or other addiction-inhibiting compounds or orally ingestible
compounds in general, for delivery to a user and a user's blood
stream. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive mouthpiece can be
compared to a flavored lollipop laden with predetermined amounts of
nicotine which allows a smoker to get nicotine into her bloodstream
when a craving manifests itself. As discussed in the Background of
the Invention, lollipops laden with nicotine are well known, as
well as their manufacture, and are oftentimes manufactured from
nicotine salicylate, natural sweeteners, such as Stevia,
flavorings, sorbitol and other additives. These products can be
provided in any flavor imaginable, including without limitation,
cherry, cinnamon, grape, apple, lemon-lime, orange, peppermint,
raspberry, root beer, strawberry, pina colada, coca-cola, chocolate
and the like. Such compounds and methods of manufacture, including
that for any possible hard candy-nicotine laden substance, are
contemplated for use in the fabrication of the presently inventive
mouthpieces, which can be formed or cast into any shape or
configuration desired or contemplated, as shown, for example, in
FIGS. 1 and 2, and to fit in a male-female fashion, or in any
contemplated fitting means arrangement, to the orally deployable
ends of any conventional cigarette, cigar, pipe or other tobacco
smoking means.
[0037] The inventive mouthpiece means may be fabricated to contain
any dosage level of nicotine as desired for delivery of any
nicotine dosage regimen as desired to a user's bloodstream. For
example, 2 mg of nicotine is thought to be a typical dosage of
nicotine delivered from a conventional cigarette. This amount, of
course, is subject to wide variation as contemplated for use in the
many forms and embodiments of the invention. Thus, for example, the
inventive mouthpiece means can be made stronger or weaker in
nicotine delivery as desired, and may, in some embodiments, be
provided in packages comprising a multiple of such mouthpieces of
varying degrees of nicotine dosage or strength for a user's gradual
weaning in reduced intake of nicotine with such use as desired.
[0038] It is also contemplated that in other embodiments the
mouthpiece means may comprise in addition to nicotine, or without
nicotine, other anti-addiction compounds, discussed in detail
below, and/or one or more of any orally deliverable and ingestible
substances, such as aspirin, neutraceuticals, caffeine, diet aids,
weight reduction aids, sleeping aids, cholesterol reduction
compounds, such as from the statin family of drugs, anticoagulants,
vitamins, energy boosting compounds and mixtures, breath enhancers,
complexion aids, and the like to achieve any desired effect.
[0039] As can be envisioned, the inventive mouthpiece means, used
alone or in combination with a tobacco smoking device, which is
unlit, helps to control nicotine cravings by rapidly delivering
nicotine (or other medicine and substances) to help relieve even
the worst withdrawal symptoms, with nicotine being
adsorbed/absorbed directly through mouth tissues as the mouthpiece
delivery device contacts mouth tissues and is dissolved itself.
Additionally, for those who fear weight gain upon smoking cessation
the inventive devices may be manufactured of sugar-free material to
check caloric intake, or, as mentioned, any of the several known
weight reduction aids and/or substances may be administered through
the dissolvable inventive mouthpiece means.
[0040] Also contemplated for use with the present inventive
mouthpiece is an indicator means, such as a colormetric reaction
(color changing reaction) or graduated scale inscribed on the
mouthpiece, which manifests itself when the desired dosage amount
of nicotine is administered, or when the amount of nicotine
originally present is depleted to a point signaling, or at least
symbolically signaling, the finish of nicotine use in or with the
device, such as simulating the completion of smoking a
cigarette.
[0041] For those who must comport to the traditional mannerisms
associated with smoking, such as the acts of holding a cigarette
and the like in the hands, and hand-to-hand mouth activity, the
inventive mouthpiece means may be cast or shaped to fit any
conventional cigarette, cigar, pipe or any tobacco smoking
mechanism or device, which can be utilized, preferably unlit, in a
traditional manner while the user ingests non-combusted dosages of
nicotine, or other substances described herein, for personal
satisfaction without engaging in a dangerous activity. See, for
example, the perspective view of a user of the inventive device in
FIG. 3.
[0042] In some preferred embodiments, the mouthpiece means may be a
preformed shape (a "perform") manufactured from cardboard,
composite material, plastic, wood/wood products, paper, glass, or
really anything safe for oral deployment, and which comprises a
coating of a mouth tissue dissolvable substance which itself
comprises a form of nicotine and/or other medication and/or other
orally deliverable substances. Such preforms can be coated by any
conventional method, such as dipping or spray coating and the like
with hardening dissolvable nicotine laced substances, and other
substances as desired.
[0043] Also as desired, a faux smoking device or prop mimicking a
genuine smoking device, such as a fake cigarette, may also be used
in conjunction with the inventive mouthpiece. As described above, a
wide variety of such devices are known and available. However, some
such faux or facsimile devices and props are more desirable than
others, and provide advantages to the person intent upon smoking
cessation or reduction which others do not. Referring now to FIG.
4, there is illustrated in perspective view an embodiment of an
inventive simulated tobacco smoking device for use with the
mouthpiece means of FIGS. 1 through 3. As shown, in some preferred
embodiments, the simulated smoking device may comprise the
dimensions and/or design of conventional cigarettes (or cigars).
The simulated smoking device may also comprise an array of flavors
and/or designs or any sort of color scheme or pattern, or a graphic
display, such as "I don't have to smoke anymore", or perhaps "I
quit", or any message or advertisement. Since nothing is combusted,
slogans, messages, and advertisements and the like are not
destroyed upon use, or used up, such as the mouthpiece means, but
remain present until discarded. It is envisioned that such
inventive devices left in various places or receptacles, such as
ashtrays, when finished with by a user are able to provide a
lasting and potent advertising means for the cessation of using
combusted tobacco means.
[0044] The simulated tobacco smoking device may be provided with
the inventive mouthpiece means, attached or separate, in
conventional packages, such as twenty or twenty-five units, or in
any packaging means as desired to simulate that of conventional
cigarettes and cigars, produced as customary in any country or
location.
[0045] Further, the simulated smoking device may also comprise any
other convenient feature(s), such as a circumferentially protruding
ring or lip surrounding a portion near the orally deployable end of
the device. When placed upon a table, or any surface, the device
provided with such a feature will not sit in a flush relationship
with the surface, and will serve to prevent the orally deployable
end, such as fitted with the mouthpiece means, from coming in
contact with any surface or undesirable source. The device may be
composed of any conventional material, with some nonlimiting
examples including paper, plastic, wood, food material, metal,
ceramic material, composites, glass, and the like.
[0046] Referring now in detail and by reference characters to FIGS.
5 through 8, illustrated are several other practical embodiments of
additional aspects of the present invention which can be used in
conjunction with the inventive mouthpiece means, and which are
designed to be particularly effective to deliver the, aromatic
aroma and taste of hot or heated tobacco products, and optionally a
nicotine dose, to the user without the noxious fumes and byproducts
associated with or produced from tobacco combustion, or combustion
of any material. These embodiments and additional aspects of the
present invention also rely on the ability to effectively simulate
the initiation and use of a conventional cigarette, or other
tobacco smoking devices such as cigars, through similar acts of,
for example, reaching for a cigarette, initiating the use thereof
by tapping the end of the device on a surface or flicking or
pinching a portion of the cigarette by hand or other hand-device
coordinated initiation, holding the cigarette for an intended use
period, and taking a drag and inhaling hot or warm tobacco laced
vapors, and optionally simultaneously tasting and ingesting a
nicotine dose, all while simulating puffing on a cigarette. In
other modes, such aspects and embodiments of the invention are
employed as an oral medication delivery device which is effective
to reduce, or eliminate, the incidence of tobacco smoking and/or
using while simultaneously treating a second dependency in a
person, such as alcoholism, drug (especially opiate) addition, and
gambling addiction in a person.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, in this aspect of the invention, there
is provided an inventive device which may mimic or otherwise
approximate in dimensional size characteristics of length, width,
shape, and preferably weight, a conventional cigarette (or cigar,
which is not shown herein). Referring to the figures, the device
comprises an elongated tubular or cylindrical chamber 2 with a
first end 6 which, in this example, mimics the ignitable and
burning end of a cigarette (or cigar) and a second end 8 which
mimics the orally deployed end of a conventional cigarette, and
adapted for oral suction. Typical dimensions of the chamber may be,
for example, from about 7 to about 11 cm long, and having a
diameter of from about 7 to about 10 mm.
[0048] Material construction of the chamber may be from any
conventional materials used to manufacture cigarettes, or cigars,
and may include by way of non-limiting examples, paper, plastic,
such as propylene/styrene copolymers, polypropylene, polyethylene,
high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymer, and the like, ceramics, wood, bamboo, natural
and synthetic fibers, and any and all combinations thereof.
[0049] Again turning to the figures, situated within the elongated
cylindrical or tubular chamber 2, preferably in a position
contiguous, or substantially juxtaposed, to the first end 6 is a
heat generating means 10, which can undergo an exothermic reaction
to liberate a quantity of heat, preferably a substantial quantity,
to heat the surrounding air or atmosphere within the tubular
chamber 2 to a noticeable degree.
[0050] Heat generating means 10 may be any material or composition
known in the art which is capable of undergoing an exothermic
reaction and generating heat, such as, for example, an anhydrous
form of an inorganic hydrate-forming salt which releases heat upon
taking up water of hydration, inclusive of, without limitation,
anhydrous calcium chloride, sodium sulfate, aluminum chloride,
magnesium carbonate, and the like. Other exemplified heat
generating means may be various iron comprising compositions, such
as, for example, powdered iron mixed with activated carbon, water,
salt, and wood fiber, such as cellulose, which upon contact with
oxygen in air undergoes an exothermic reaction, such as used in
heat generating means and devices used by athletes or persons
undergoing exercise activities. Additional examples of heat
generating means may be of the type which is in a liquid or
semi-liquid state and which upon crystallization, such as
instigated by a frictional or clicking means undergo an exothermic
transformation and liberate heat. Such devices, which can comprise
sodium acetate or food grade salt and water, are well known, and
are the basis for providing heat generation in many conventional
heating pad means and the like.
[0051] The heat generating means 10 may be present as dispersed
throughout a porous material, or porous matrix material, known in
the art, such as clay or vermiculite particles, or throughout a
polymeric matrix support material, such as a plurality of fused
polymer particles to provide a supporting structure having a
dispersion of microscopic-sized interconnecting voids and spaces
therethrough. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the heat
generating means 10 is dispersed evenly throughout the porous
material, and is present in the tubular chamber 2 such that upon
actuation of the heat generating means 10 heat is substantially,
homogeneously emitted or liberated within chamber 2. There is also
present in another embodiment, preferably situated about the
circumferential boundary 1 or periphery of the heating means 10,
and situated between boundary 1 and chamber 2, a longitudinally
disposed air passageway 3 which will allow air to pass into end 8
and past the heating means 10 through tubular chamber 2, and past
all other components to deliver hot tobacco aroma laced air and
whatever else is intended, such as a nicotine dose or other
substance, to the user when she has activated the cigarette prop
device and takes a drag, or otherwise sucks on end 6.
[0052] In some embodiments heat generating means 10 may be a solid,
or semisolid, composition which is capable of liberating heat
simply upon exposure to the atmosphere, such as when a ruptureable
or breakable barrier or containerized portion in which it is
situated is opened to the atmosphere. Such compositions are well
known and available, and are conveniently used in this aspect of
the invention. In other embodiments heat generating means 10 may be
separated in chamber 2 from an enclosed water delivery source (not
shown) used to actuate the chemical(s) in the heat generating means
10, as the case may be, by a rupturable, or breakable water
impervious film in communication with, or within reaction forming
or reaching distance, to heat generating means 10. In another
contemplated embodiment, a plurality of tiny water reservoirs or
delivery sources, preferably in microspheres, and each enclosed by
a breakable water impervious film, is present in reactive
communication with heat generating means 10, such as in a
surrounding manner or configuration, or dispersed throughout a
porous matrix in which is also dispersed heat generating means 10,
such that rupture of reservoirs will mix water with heat generating
means 10 to initiate or produce an exothermic heat generating
reaction, to thereby liberate a quantity of heat within tubular
member 2. Various other embodiments are contemplated for the
placement and form of the heat generating means 10 and water
reservoirs(s) or sources 12, if required, within tubular chamber 2,
some exhibiting better or less effectiveness in the present
invention than others, and any of which may be used in the
invention.
[0053] Also situated within tubular chamber 2 is a source of
tobacco 14 and/or a tobacco substitute and/or nicotine and/or a
nicotine substitute, which is within communication of heat
generated from heat generating means 10 and heated air from air
passageway 3 upon actuation thereof. Preferably, the tobacco
source, or equivalents and other substances and the like, is
disposed about a confined space in chamber 2 and can be held in
place by any retaining means, such as an air pervious paper or
polymer matrix. In use of the inventive device, upon actuation of
heat generating means 10 and the subsequent liberation of heat, a
user will place the second end 8 of tubular chamber 2 in her mouth
in a simulation of smoking a cigarette and draw or suck on end 8 as
she would a cigarette, and receive a rush of heated air laced with
tobacco aroma and taste. This action may be performed alone or in
conjunction with the inventive nicotine laden mouthpiece means, to
both realistically simulate smoking a cigarette while
simultaneously receiving a person satisfying amount, dosage or
supply of nicotine, and without receiving tobacco combustion
products of any kind.
[0054] In other embodiments, whether used alone or with the
nicotine laden mouthpiece, a person-satisfying amount of nicotine
may also be present within the tubular chamber 2 in a position
effective to reach the mouth of the faux smoker upon suction of end
8 in an cigarette drag and inhaling action to provide a satisfying
dose of nicotine along with the heated aroma of tobacco, in similar
manner as a conventional cigarette, but without the toxic and
dangerous combustion byproducts emitted from conventional
cigarettes. Such deliverable store of nicotine may be present and
contained in chamber 2 for delivery by any conventional means used
for delivery of nicotine replacement to a user for consumption.
What is meant by "person satisfying amount" as used herein is an
amount or quantity of nicotine delivered to a user upon application
of oral suction which is sufficient to reduce a smoker's need from
burnt or combusted tobacco, and is generally known in the art.
Typical ranges can be from about 1 mg to about 40 mg of nicotine
provided from the inventive devices which may be used several times
throughout a twenty-four hour period in place of conventional
cigarettes to deliver a recommended total daily dose of nicotine of
approximately 480 mg for the average smoker, as published, for
example, in U.S. patent Publication No. 2003/0111088. This level
will greatly vary, of course, depending upon the person and a
probable host of other factors which is not the focus of this
invention. In any event, nicotine intake per person per dose using
any form or embodiment of the present invention can be conveniently
monitored, as blood levels of nicotine can be readily determined by
gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorous detection as described
in, for example, Jacob, Chromatography, 222:61-70(1981).
[0055] The source of nicotine used in this aspect of the invention
may be present in any useful form, such as levo nicotine, dextro
nicotine, or as a racemic mixture thereof. Pharmaceutically
acceptable salt forms of nicotine are also suitable for use, with
non-limiting examples being dihydrochloride, sulfate, bitartrate,
salicylate, hydrogen tartrate, and hemisulfate forms. The term
"nicotine" as used herein also includes all known analogs of
nicotine, which may or may not have a similar pharmacological
effect to nicotine produced from conventional cigarettes. A
convenient source of nicotine, analogs and various salt forms is
Sigma-Aldrich Co., Inc., St. Louis. Mo. Additionally, it is
contemplated that nicotine be present in granulated form, or in
small grain form so as not to be noticed in the mouth of a user, or
it may be present in powered form or incorporated into
microspheres.
[0056] Tobacco substitutes and/or nicotine substitutes may also be
used in the present invention in conjunction with or in place of
tobacco and/or nicotine. Such tobacco substitutes are well
known.
[0057] In embodiments where the heat generating means 10 is capable
of undergoing an exothermic reaction to liberate heat upon exposure
to the atmosphere, such means may be enclosed by a breakable film
or barrier prior to use, and placed at the first end 6 of tubular
chamber 2, which may be ruptured or opened and heat generated upon
tapping the device, flicking or pinching its end, or other action
such as in preparing to smoke a cigarette. In other embodiments, by
placement of a water source substantially juxtaposed to the heat
generating means 10 at the first end 6 of tubular chamber 2, the
faux smoker may tap the device on a surface, or flick or pinch it,
as one would a conventional cigarette, to rupture water
reservoirs(s) to enable water to reach and react with heat
generating means 10, such as to mimic a conventional cigarette
lighting up operation, and proceed to take a drag or suck on the
device, as with a conventional cigarette, with the user receiving a
heated tobacco aroma laced stream of air and optionally a
satisfying dose of nicotine, to thereby mimic the ritual of smoking
a cigarette, or cigar as the case may be.
[0058] As in any conventional cigarette, or tobacco smoking device
in general, various features may be included in the present
inventive device, such as the incorporation of one or more lumens
to provide a plurality of smaller cross-sectional flow paths in an
attempt to optimize flow velocity and flow volume of tobacco aroma
laced heated air, and/or nicotine or other drugs if present, in a
rapid and uniform delivery from tubular chamber 2 to a user. In
another contemplated embodiment the nicotine may be conveniently
located in one or more lumens, which may be of the same or varying
sizes.
[0059] It is additionally contemplated that the nicotine be present
in a preformulated solution or as a nicotine suspension for dosage
delivery to a user of any amount of nicotine desired, for example,
a contemplated daily 24-hour dosage and the number of inventive
devices contemplated for faux smoking within that time frame. The
user taking a drag on the inventive device, sucking in the heated
air by the user and drawing same through the tubular chamber 2 will
facilitate delivery of nicotine solution through end 4 into the
user's mouth.
[0060] As described above, it is also contemplated in this aspect
of the invention that the device comprising tubular chamber 2 in
some embodiments be equipped or used with the inventive mouthpiece
means, for example, as a simulated "filter" portion, which, as
discussed above, may comprise nicotine, or otherwise a substance
effective to act upon and/or activate nicotine receptors in a user
thereof, and which may be embedded with, or having otherwise
incorporated therein, any amount and kind of flavoring means to cut
the acrid taste of tobacco and other products while still playing a
ritual with the inventive faux cigarette device, and perhaps
optionally receiving a dose of nicotine or other habit-inhibiting
drug or antagonist, or other orally ingestible substance, all of
which is explained in greater detail hereinbelow. In such
embodiments, the elongated tube may or may not comprise nicotine or
a nicotine receptor-active substance, or other substances, and be
employed solely to pass heated tobacco aroma to the user.
[0061] In some embodiments a flavoring means may be incorporated
anywhere within the tubular chamber 2, including the tubular
chamber itself, such that the device tastes pleasant to the user
before, during or after activation of the device. Some examples of
flavoring may be sugar, cinnamon, spearmint, peppermint,
wintergreen, bubble gum, fruit, chocolate, anise, nut, coffee,
tobacco of course, or any combination as desired.
[0062] In some additional embodiments of this invention the device
is effective to deliver drugs and/or orally ingestible substances
other than nicotine, or such drugs and/or substances along with
nicotine, to successfully treat or at least medicate an array of
habit disorders along with reducing the incidence of nicotine use
or smoking. Some non-limiting examples include the addition of
naltrexone and/or naloxone or other opiate antagonist, which are
known as efficacious for decreasing alcohol consumption and for
treating gambling disorders as well. Such treatment and various
dosage regimens of these drugs for various indications are reported
in the art. See, for example, Krystal, N. England J. Med., 345:
1734-1739(2001); Anton, J. Clin. Psychopharmacol., 21:72-77(2001);
and Heinala, J. Clin. Psychophararmacol., 21:287-292(2001). Such
drugs and orally ingestible substances may be present and made
available for delivery to a user by any conventional means.
[0063] As nothing is combusted in the present inventive device it
is contemplated that virtually any drug or drug combination and/or
orally ingestible substance may be administered by the device for
treatment of a plurality of indications, maladies, diseases and the
like, along with reducing the incidence of smoking. Here, some
non-limiting examples include aspirin, any cholesterol lowering
drug such as of the statin family, e.g. lipitor, neutraceuticals,
antidepressants such as Prozac and Wellbutrin, a smoking incidence
inhibitor itself, caffeine, weight reduction aids, breath
enhancers, cold medication, and anything that can be orally
deliverable and orally ingestible by humans to treat, affect,
effect or satisfy any desire or end result.
[0064] It is further contemplated for inclusion in the present
inventive tubular chamber 2 a cold generating means which when
actuated will undergo an endothermic reaction to chill the
surrounding incoming air in air passageway 3 such that a user will
receive cooled or chilled air laced with tobacco aroma and
optionally a dose of nicotine or nicotine substitute and/or other
substance(s) as described herein. The cold generating means may be
employed by itself or in conjunction with the heat generating means
discussed herein, such that a user may have a choice of which to
actuate, or perhaps both simultaneously, depending on flavor
preferences. The cold generating means may composed of any material
known in the art to be capable of undergoing an endothermic
reaction which absorbs heat from a surrounding environment to chill
surrounding air, objects or substances it is in contact with. One
non-limiting example includes the mixture of ammonium nitrate and
water. In this embodiment a water source is present in an
impervious, breakable membrane as described above, which when
ruptured by a user's actions, such as pinching or tapping, releases
water to come in contact with a near or adjacent source of ammonium
nitrate to create an endothermic reaction. Microcapsules of water
are also contemplated, or any reservoir means such as described
above. Another non-limiting example is the use of ammonium chloride
and urea, which when mixed produces an endothermic reaction.
[0065] As will be readily appreciated by anyone knowledgeable of or
associated with tobacco use in any way, whether it be an actual
user or observers thereof, the smoking cessation devises and
methods of the present invention, their production, distribution,
sale, offering for sale, licensing and/or advertising, or
advertising in conjunction therewith affords many advantages, not
heretofore available, to conducting business or businesses,
especially to those persons and businesses associated with the
smoking reduction and/or smoking cessation industry, and the safe
cigarette industry in general. Many of those persons associated
with the health and insurance industries, and fire prevention
industries and/or security industries, will also appreciate the
business advantages afforded by the present invention including all
of its various aspects and possible embodiments.
[0066] It will be further appreciated by those persons skilled in
the art that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary
of the principals of the invention. While some preferred
embodiments have been described herein, modification in any way may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art following the
teaching of the invention, without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Additionally, any and all embodiments described herein are merely
for illustrative purposes only and are specifically not intended to
limit the scope of the invention and/or claims in any way.
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