U.S. patent application number 10/551644 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for nicotine suction pipe and nicotine holder.
Invention is credited to Daiju Takano, Shusei Takano.
Application Number | 20060191546 10/551644 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33163083 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takano; Shusei ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
Nicotine suction pipe and nicotine holder
Abstract
A nicotine inhalation pipe includes a rodlike nicotine holder
(1) and a mouthpiece (2) attached to one end of the holder (1). The
holder (1) includes a transparent outer tube (3) having a plurality
of openings (36) at both ends thereof, liquid absorbent granules
(34) filled in the outer tube (3), and a nicotine inhalation path
formed by gaps between the liquid absorbent granules (34) and gaps
between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube (3) and the
liquid absorbent granules (34). The liquid absorbent granules (34),
which are made of porous silica gel and in which a nicotine
solution is absorbed, permit nicotine to be vaporized from the
nicotine solution.
Inventors: |
Takano; Shusei; (Toyama-shi,
JP) ; Takano; Daiju; (Toyama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
33163083 |
Appl. No.: |
10/551644 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 30, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP04/04528 |
371 Date: |
September 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 42/20 20200101;
A24F 42/10 20200101; A24F 42/60 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/270 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 1, 2003 |
JP |
2003-097603 |
Jul 14, 2003 |
JP |
2003-196457 |
Sep 26, 2003 |
JP |
2003-335906 |
Feb 20, 2004 |
JP |
2004-044225 |
Claims
1. A nicotine inhalation pipe comprising: a rodlike outer tube
opening at both ends; a nicotine generator arranged inside the
outer tube, said nicotine generator including a liquid absorbent in
which a nicotine solution is absorbed and which permits nicotine to
be vaporized from the nicotine solution, and a nicotine inhalation
path extending substantially through said nicotine generator in an
axial direction of said outer tube and distinctly separated from
the liquid absorbent; and a mouthpiece attached to one end of said
outer tube.
2. The nicotine inhalation pipe according to claim 1, wherein said
nicotine generator further includes: an inner tube arranged inside
said outer tube coaxially therewith such that said liquid absorbent
is held between said inner and outer tubes, said inner tube having
an interior forming the nicotine inhalation path; and a large
number of small holes formed in said inner tube and allowing
nicotine to vaporize from the nicotine solution of said liquid
absorbent into the interior of said inner tube.
3. The nicotine inhalation pipe according to claim 1, wherein said
liquid absorbent has a cylindrical form extending through said
outer tube, and the nicotine inhalation path includes a plurality
of axial passages extending through said liquid absorbent in the
axial direction of said outer tube.
4. The nicotine inhalation pipe according to claim 3, wherein said
nicotine generator further includes an outer axial passage defined
between an outer peripheral surface of said liquid absorbent and an
inner peripheral surface of said outer tube.
5. The nicotine inhalation pipe according to claim 1, wherein said
outer tube has end walls at the respective opposite ends thereof,
each of the end walls having an opening, said liquid absorbent
comprises porous granules filled in said outer tube and having a
diameter larger than that of the openings, and the nicotine
inhalation path is formed by gaps between the granules and gaps
between an inner peripheral surface of said outer tube and said
granules.
6. The nicotine inhalation pipe according to claim 5, wherein said
granules are made of silica gel.
7. The nicotine inhalation pipe according to claim 6, wherein said
outer tube is made of transparent synthetic resin or
semitransparently colored synthetic resin.
8. A nicotine holder comprising: a rodlike outer tube opening at
both ends; and a nicotine generator arranged inside said outer
tube, said nicotine generator including a liquid absorbent in which
a nicotine solution is absorbed and which permits nicotine to be
vaporized from the nicotine solution, and a nicotine inhalation
path extending substantially through said nicotine generator in an
axial direction of said outer tube and distinctly separated from
said liquid absorbent.
9. The nicotine holder according to claim 8, wherein said outer
tube has end walls at the respective opposite ends thereof, each of
the end walls having an opening, said liquid absorbent comprises
porous granules filled in said outer tube and having a diameter
larger than that of the openings, and the nicotine inhalation path
is formed by gaps between said granules and gaps between an inner
peripheral surface of said outer tube and said granules.
10. The nicotine holder according to claim 9, wherein said granules
are made of silica gel.
11. The nicotine holder according to claim 10, wherein said outer
tube is made of transparent synthetic resin or semitransparently
colored synthetic resin.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a nicotine inhalation pipe
and a nicotine holder containing a nicotine solution. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a pipe which allows
nicotine vaporized from a nicotine solution to be inhaled together
with air and a holder containing a nicotine solution.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars produce smoke
containing nicotine, namely, main-stream smoke, when tobacco
therein is burned. Smokers inhale the main-stream smoke and thereby
take in nicotine contained in the main-stream smoke. Apart from
such smoking articles smoked in an ordinary way, there are known
articles which allow nicotine to be taken in without producing
smoke, such as chewing gum containing nicotine and sheetlike
adhesive plaster applied with a nicotine-containing substance.
[0003] However, such chewing gum and adhesive plaster need not be
puffed, unlike cigarettes and cigars, and thus are unable to give
consumers a feeling of release or satisfaction that is created by
the act of puffing.
[0004] Accordingly, there has been a demand for a nicotine
inhalation pipe which allows nicotine to be taken in by being
puffed, like smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars, but
without producing smoke.
[0005] An inhalation pipe disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent
Publication No. H06-114105, for example, has a hollow shank capable
of receiving a cigarette or a filter cigarette and having a
mouthpiece at one end thereof. A bowl with a cap is connected to
the other end of the shank and the cap has a ventilation hole
therein. Further, an electric heater and hydrophilic fibers
containing water are arranged inside the bowl.
[0006] As the air in the inhalation pipe is sucked by a consumer
through the mouthpiece, the outside air is introduced into the bowl
through the ventilation hole in the cap. The introduced air is
humidified when passing through the hydrophilic fibers and then is
heated by the electric heater. When passing through the filter
cigarette thereafter, the high-temperature moist air heats the
filter cigarette. Consequently, nicotine and aromatics vaporize
from the shredded tobacco in the filter cigarette, and the
vaporized nicotine and aromatics are inhaled by the consumer
together with the moist air.
[0007] When the consumer sucks in air from the inhalation pipe, the
outside air passes through the hydrophilic fibers containing water
and the moist air produced in the bowl then passes through the
filter cigarette. Accordingly, the inhalation resistance of the
inhalation pipe is extremely large, compared with filter
cigarettes, and the consumer cannot inhale nicotine and aromatics
with ease.
[0008] Also, because of the bowl, the inhalation pipe has an
external form significantly different from those of rodlike smoking
articles such as cigarettes and cigars. Compared with rodlike
smoking articles, therefore, the inhalation pipe is too cumbersome
to carry or to keep and is not easy to handle.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a smokeless
nicotine inhalation pipe with small inhalation resistance which
allows nicotine to be taken in by being puffed, like rodlike
smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars, and which also has
a rodlike external form similar to those of the smoking articles,
and a nicotine holder for the nicotine inhalation pipe.
[0010] To achieve the object, a nicotine inhalation pipe according
to the present invention comprises: a rodlike outer tube opening at
both ends; a nicotine generator arranged inside the outer tube, the
nicotine generator including a liquid absorbent in which a nicotine
solution is absorbed and which permits nicotine to be vaporized
from the nicotine solution, and a nicotine inhalation path
extending substantially through the nicotine generator in an axial
direction of the outer tube and distinctly separated from the
liquid absorbent; and a mouthpiece attached to one end of the outer
tube.
[0011] When the nicotine inhalation pipe is puffed, a negative
pressure is created within the outer tube and air is introduced
into the outer tube from outside. The negative pressure created in
the outer tube promotes vaporization of nicotine from the nicotine
solution in the liquid absorbent and the vaporized nicotine flows
into a consumer's mouth together with the introduced air.
[0012] Thus, the consumer takes in nicotine by inhaling through the
inhalation pipe, that is, by puffing, and therefore can enjoy a
feeling of satisfaction similar to that experienced when smoking a
filter cigarette or a cigar.
[0013] Also, the nicotine inhalation path in the inhalation pipe is
distinctly separated from the liquid absorbent, and thus the
inhalation resistance of the inhalation pipe is small. Moreover,
the inhalation pipe itself is in the form of a rod, so that the
consumer can experience a feeling as if he/she were smoking a
filter cigarette or a cigar.
[0014] Further, the inhalation pipe does not produce smoke and thus
is free from inconveniences caused by smoke, making it possible for
the consumer to take in nicotine even in a non-smoking area.
[0015] The mouthpiece may either be detachable from the nicotine
holder or be integrally coupled with the nicotine holder.
[0016] The nicotine solution may be either a solution prepared by
dissolving only nicotine in a solvent or a solution containing
nicotine as well as other additives.
[0017] Specifically, the nicotine generator may further include an
inner tube arranged inside the outer tube coaxially therewith such
that the liquid absorbent is held between the inner and outer
tubes, the inner tube having an interior forming the nicotine
inhalation path; and a large number of small holes formed in the
inner tube and allowing nicotine to vaporize from the nicotine
solution of the liquid absorbent into the interior of the inner
tube. The vaporized nicotine flows into the consumer's mouth
together with the air introduced into the inner tube.
[0018] The liquid absorbent may have a cylindrical form extending
through the outer tube and having an outside diameter nearly equal
to the inside diameter of the outer tube. In this case, the
nicotine inhalation path may include a plurality of axial passages
extending through the liquid absorbent in the axial direction of
the outer tube. Nicotine vaporizes from the nicotine solution of
the liquid absorbent into the axial passages, and the vaporized
nicotine flows into the consumer's mouth together with the air
introduced into the axial passages.
[0019] The inhalation pipe may further comprise an outer axial
passage defined between the inner peripheral surface of the outer
tube and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical liquid
absorbent. The outer axial passage is secured by a rib or a groove
formed on one of the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube and
the outer peripheral surface of the liquid absorbent and extending
in the axial direction of the outer tube. In this case, nicotine
vaporized from the outer peripheral surface of the liquid absorbent
flows into the consumer's mouth through the outer axial passage
together with the air introduced therein.
[0020] Further, the outer tube of the inhalation pipe may have end
walls at respective opposite ends thereof, each end wall having an
opening. In this case, the liquid absorbent comprises porous
granules filled in the outer tube and having a diameter larger than
that of the openings, and the nicotine inhalation path is formed by
gaps between the granules and gaps between the inner peripheral
surface of the outer tube and the granules.
[0021] With this inhalation pipe, the outer tube can be easily
filled with the porous granules, and also the nicotine inhalation
path can be easily formed inside the outer tube.
[0022] As the porous granules, granules of silica gel are
preferably used. Silica gel granules can absorb a large quantity of
nicotine solution, thus prolonging the service life of the
inhalation pipe.
[0023] Also, the outer tube may be made of transparent synthetic
resin or semitransparently colored synthetic resin. In this case,
the consumer can visually confirm through the outer tube that the
color of the silica gel granules becomes pale as the vaporization
of nicotine from the nicotine solution progresses, thus permitting
the consumer to easily check the remaining amount of the nicotine
solution, that is, the limit of use of the inhalation pipe.
[0024] The above object can also be achieved by a nicotine holder
of the present invention which is applied to the nicotine
inhalation pipe. The nicotine holder is constituted by the outer
tube and the nicotine generator, both mentioned above.
[0025] Before use of the nicotine inhalation pipe or the nicotine
holder, the outer tube is sealed at both ends or is wrapped in its
entirety in a film, in order to prevent natural vaporization of
nicotine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a nicotine
inhalation pipe according to a first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the inhalation pipe of FIG. 1,
with a nicotine holder and a mouthpiece detached from each
other;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a nicotine
inhalation pipe according to a second embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in
FIG. 3;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in
FIG. 3;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a nicotine
inhalation pipe according to a third embodiment; and
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a nicotine inhalation pipe according to a
fourth embodiment.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a nicotine
inhalation pipe according to a first embodiment which comprises a
rodlike nicotine holder 1 and a mouthpiece 2 attachable to the
nicotine holder 1. The mouthpiece 2 has a connection end for the
nicotine holder 1, and the connection end has a cylindrical shape
with an outside diameter substantially equal to that of the
nicotine holder 1. Thus, when the inhalation pipe is assembled, the
mouthpiece 2 and the nicotine holder 1 form a smooth continuous
outer peripheral surface of the inhalation pipe.
[0034] The nicotine holder 1 includes a transparent outer tube 3
and an inner tube 5 arranged inside the outer tube 3 coaxially
therewith. The tubes 3 and 5 are both made of synthetic resin. A
liquid absorbent 4 is filled in the space between the outer tube 3
and the inner tube 5 and is soaked with a nicotine solution.
[0035] As the nicotine solution, a solution prepared by dissolving
chemically synthesized nicotine in a solvent such as aqueous liquid
or alcohol or a solution prepared by dissolving nicotine extracted
from tobacco leaves in a solvent may be used. To obtain the
original aroma and flavor of tobacco, the tobacco extract solution
is preferred. Also, such extract solution is advantageous in that
it is not subject to any special legal controls, unlike medicines
which need to be prescribed under the supervision of a doctor and a
pharmacist.
[0036] Specifically, the extract solution signifies a solution
prepared by soaking powder of tobacco leaves in a solvent and then
obtaining a filtrate by filtering out the powder from the solvent,
a solution prepared by thickening and then resolving the filtrate a
solvent, or a solution prepared by subjecting tobacco leaves to dry
distillation to extract a tar-like substance and then dissolving
the tar-like substance in a solvent.
[0037] The extract solution has a low concentration of nicotine,
and therefore, to obtain a nicotine solution having a nicotine
content equivalent to that contained in one cigarette, presumably
500 to 1500 mg of the extract solution is required. Moreover, the
nicotine holder 1 should desirably have a size approximately equal
to that of an ordinary cigarette.
[0038] Accordingly, the liquid absorbent 4 is required to have an
excellent absorption capacity for the extract solution and also to
have the property of allowing the extract solution to be easily
vaporized. A suitable material meeting these requirements is
therefore selected as the liquid absorbent 4. Specifically, the
liquid absorbent 4 is a granular material obtained by finely
cutting, for example, nonwoven fabric, filter for cigarettes,
absorbent cotton, etc. Such granular material can be easily filled
in the space between the outer tube 3 and the inner tube 5 and
makes it possible to easily obtain the liquid absorbent 4.
[0039] The outer tube 3 has an inside diameter of 6 mm to 7 mm and
a length of 50 mm to 70 mm, and the inner tube 5 has an outside
diameter of 2 mm to 3 mm and a length of 45 mm to 65 mm.
Accordingly, the nicotine holder 1 has a capacity of about 1.00 cc
to about 2.50 cc for containing the liquid absorbent 4.
[0040] The nicotine solution, that is, the extract solution may be
admixed with various additives, taking consumers' likings into
consideration. As such additives, tobacco, mint, coffee, orange,
tea, wine, etc. may be used. Also, the nicotine holder 1, that is,
the outer tube 3 may be colored blue, brown, orange, green,
wine-red or the like so as to indicate the kind of the additive
used. Coloring the nicotine holder 1 in this manner not only
permits a consumer to identify the taste that the nicotine holder 1
provides from its color but also visually pleases the consumer as
well as people around him/her.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the inner tube 5 has a large number of
small holes 7 formed therein, and the small holes 7 are distributed
over an entire area of the inner tube 5. The small holes 7 permit
the liquid absorbent 4 to be partly exposed to the interior of the
inner tube 5, that is, an internal flow passage 6. Accordingly,
nicotine can vaporize through the small holes 7 from the nicotine
solution absorbed in the liquid absorbent 4 and the vaporized
nicotine flows into the internal flow passage 6.
[0042] To prevent the nicotine solution from vaporizing to an
undesired extent, the opposite annular end faces of the liquid
absorbent 4 and the opposite ends of the inner tube 5 are covered
with film-like seals 8, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2.
Specifically, each seal 8 is made of aluminum foil which can be
torn with ease.
[0043] A plug (not shown) may be used in place of the seal 8. The
plug is detachably fitted into each end of the inner tube 5 and has
a flange covering the corresponding annular end face of the liquid
absorbent 4.
[0044] As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2, the opposite ends of the
outer tube 3 project from the respective ends of the inner tube 5,
that is, the liquid absorbent 4, thus forming recesses 30 at
opposite ends of the nicotine holder 1.
[0045] Alternatively, the outer tube 3 and the inner tube 5 may
have the same length. In this case, the opposite ends of the liquid
absorbent 4 are positioned flush with the corresponding ends of the
outer and inner tubes 3 and 5, and the seals 8 cover the respective
annular end faces of the liquid absorbent 4 as well as the
respective open ends of the inner tube 5 so as to wrap the
corresponding end portions of the outer tube 3.
[0046] The outer tube 3 has an external thread 9 cut in the outer
peripheral surface of each of the opposite end portions thereof.
The external thread 9 is used to attach the aforementioned
mouthpiece 2 to the nicotine holder 1.
[0047] More specifically, the mouthpiece 2 has a body 32 made of
synthetic resin. The body 32 has a flattened tip 11 at one end and
a cylindrical portion at the other end. The mouthpiece 2 may
alternatively have a mere cylindrical overall shape.
[0048] The cylindrical portion has an inside diameter slightly
larger than the outside diameter of the nicotine holder 1 and can
slidably receive an end portion of the nicotine holder 1 therein.
An internal thread 15 is cut in part of the inner peripheral
surface of the cylindrical portion at a predetermined distance from
the other end of the body 32.
[0049] Accordingly, an end portion of the nicotine holder 1 can be
inserted into the cylindrical portion of the body 32 by the
predetermined distance. Then, the nicotine holder 1 is rotated
about its axis relative to the body 32, whereby the external thread
9 of the outer tube 3 becomes engaged with the internal thread 15
and thus the mouthpiece 2 is attached to the nicotine holder 1.
Namely, the other end of the cylindrical portion constitutes the
aforementioned connection end and also serves as a guide for
guiding the insertion of the end portion of the nicotine holder
1.
[0050] A circular partition wall 13 is fixed inside the cylindrical
portion approximately in the middle thereof and is located closer
to the tip 11 than the internal thread 15. A filter 12 made of
fibrous material is contained in the body 32 at a location between
the partition wall 13 and the tip 11. The partition wall 13 serves
as a stopper for preventing the filter 12 from coming off the
mouthpiece 2. For the filter 12, a filter for cigarettes may be
used.
[0051] Further, a through hole 17 is formed in the center of the
partition wall 13 in communication with a hollow push-in pin 16.
The push-in pin 16 is formed as an integral part of the partition
wall 13 and extends toward the other end of the body 32 along the
axis of same. The push-in pin 16 has an inside diameter slightly
smaller than the inside diameter of the inner tube 5 of the
nicotine holder 1 and can be inserted into the inner tube 5.
[0052] Where the nicotine holder 1 and the mouthpiece 2 are put to
use, the nicotine holder 1, that is, the seals 8 are unsealed
before the mouthpiece 2 is attached to the nicotine holder 1.
[0053] More specifically, one end of the nicotine holder 1 is
inserted into the mouthpiece 2. As the nicotine holder 1 is
inserted, the push-in pin 16 of the mouthpiece 2 fits into the one
end of the inner tube 5 while breaking the seal 8 open. As a
result, an intake opening 10 is formed at the one end (right-hand
end) of the inner tube 5, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0054] Subsequently, the mouthpiece 2 is pulled off from the one
end of the nicotine holder 1, and the other end of the nicotine
holder 1 is inserted into the mouthpiece 2, whereby the seal 8 at
the other end of the inner tube 5 is similarly broken open by the
push-in pin 16. At this point, the nicotine holder 1 is open at
both ends.
[0055] Then, the nicotine holder 1 is rotated about its axis
relative to the mouthpiece 2. Consequently, the outer tube 3 and
the mouthpiece 2 are connected together through the engagement
between the external thread 9 and the internal thread 15, as
mentioned above, thus obtaining the nicotine inhalation pipe shown
in FIG. 1.
[0056] The mouthpiece 2 can be used to unseal the seals 8, as
stated above, and therefore, no separate unsealing member is
required.
[0057] Also, as is clear from FIG. 1, when the nicotine inhalation
pipe is assembled by attaching the mouthpiece 2 to the nicotine
holder 1, the hollow push-in pin 16 of the mouthpiece 2 remains
inserted into the inner tube 5, whereby a nicotine inhalation path
extending from the one end of the nicotine holder 1 to the internal
space of the tip 11 of the mouthpiece 2 is formed inside the
nicotine inhalation pipe through the push-in pin 16. Namely, the
nicotine inhalation path is constituted by the intake opening 10,
the internal flow passage of the inner tube 5, the internal flow
passage of the push-in pin 16, the through hole 17, and the filter
12.
[0058] When the consumer inhales through the inhalation pipe, a
negative pressure is created within the nicotine holder 1, that is,
the inner tube 5. Consequently, the outside air is introduced from
the one end of the nicotine holder 1 into the inner tube 5, thus
promoting vaporization of nicotine from the nicotine solution in
the liquid absorbent 4 into the interior of the inner tube 5.
[0059] The vaporized nicotine is mixed with the air introduced into
the inner tube 5 and then is sucked, together with the introduced
air, into the consumer's mouth through the nicotine inhalation
path.
[0060] Only the filter 12 exists in the nicotine inhalation path of
the inhalation pipe, and therefore, the inhalation pipe has very
small inhalation resistance.
[0061] Also, even if the nicotine solution leaks out into the inner
tube 5, the nicotine solution is absorbed by the filter 12 in the
mouthpiece 2 and does not flow into the consumer's mouth.
[0062] The outer and inner tubes 3 and 5 of the nicotine holder 1
and the body 32 of the mouthpiece 2 are all made of synthetic
resin. As the synthetic resin, a biodegradable resin such as
polylactic resin is preferably used.
[0063] FIG. 3 shows a nicotine holder 1 according to a second
embodiment of the present invention, and this nicotine holder does
not have the inner tube 5 and includes a cylindrical liquid
absorbent 4. The liquid absorbent 4 has an outside diameter nearly
equal to the inside diameter of the outer tube 3. A plurality of
axial passages 18 are formed in the liquid absorbent 4 so as to
extend therethrough. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of ribs 19 are
formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 3. The
ribs 19 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential
direction of the outer tube 3 and extend in the axial direction of
the outer tube 3. When the liquid absorbent 4 is press-fitted into
the outer tube 3, the outer peripheral surface of the liquid
absorbent 4 is partly deformed by the ribs 19. Accordingly, a gap
is defined between the outer tube 3 and the liquid absorbent 4 on
both sides of each rib 19, as viewed in the circumferential
direction of the outer tube 3. These gaps respectively form outer
axial passages 20 extending along the outer periphery of the liquid
absorbent 4.
[0064] A mouthpiece 2 shown in FIG. 3 does not include the hollow
push-in pin 16, and the partition wall 13 has a through hole 17
with a diameter larger than that of the through hole 17 shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. Also, the mouthpiece 2 is not a screw type but a
plug type and thus is detachably fitted on one end of the nicotine
holder 1.
[0065] Further, the nicotine holder 1, that is, the outer tube 3
has an end wall 22 at the other end thereof, and an inlet 21 is
formed in the center of the end wall 22. The end wall 22 serves to
increase the area of adhesion with the seal 8, thus improving the
sealability of the end wall side of the nicotine holder.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the other end portion of the outer tube
3 has a plurality of projections, that is, spacers 23 formed on the
inner peripheral surface thereof. The spacers 23 are arranged at
regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer
tube 3 and serve to prevent the liquid absorbent 4 from moving
toward the end wall 22. Accordingly, a chamber 24 with a given
capacity is defined between the end wall 22 and the liquid
absorbent 4 without fail.
[0067] The inhalation pipe shown in FIG. 3 is assembled by first
removing the seals 8 from the opposite ends of the nicotine holder
1 and then attaching the mouthpiece 2 to the one end of the
nicotine holder 1.
[0068] When air is inhaled through the inhalation pipe of FIG. 3, a
negative pressure is created in the axial passages 18 within the
liquid absorbent 4 as well as in the outer axial passages 20 of the
absorbent 4, thus promoting vaporization of nicotine from the
nicotine solution in the liquid absorbent 4 into the axial passages
18 and 20.
[0069] Also, because of the negative pressure created in the axial
passages 18 and 20, the outside air is introduced from the inlet 21
into the chamber 24 and flows through the axial passages 18 and 20,
the recess 30 located at the one end of the outer tube 3, and the
mouthpiece 2, that is, the filter 12 in the mouthpiece.
Consequently, the vaporized nicotine is sucked into the consumer's
mouth together with the introduced air.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows a nicotine holder 1 according to a third
embodiment of the present invention, and this nicotine holder
contains a large number of liquid absorbent granules 34 in place of
the liquid absorbent 4. The liquid absorbent granules 34 are filled
in a transparent outer tube 3. The gaps between the liquid
absorbent granules 34 and the gaps between the inner peripheral
surface of the outer tube 3 and the liquid absorbent granules 34
form nicotine inhalation paths 27 and 28 inside the outer tube
3.
[0071] The outer tube 3 has end walls 22 at both ends, and a
plurality of openings 36 are formed in each end wall 22. The
openings 36 have a diameter significantly smaller than that of the
liquid absorbent granules 34, and accordingly, the liquid absorbent
granules 34 do not pass through the openings 36 to the outside of
the outer tube 3.
[0072] The liquid absorbent granules 34 are porous spherical
granules each having a large number of fine pores filled with the
nicotine solution. The diameter of the liquid absorbent granules 34
is not particularly limited and may preferably be 0.5 to 2 mm, for
example. Also, the liquid absorbent granules 34 may comprise either
granules having an identical diameter or a mixture of granules with
different diameters.
[0073] Specifically, the liquid absorbent granules 34 are made of
silica gel (e.g., CARiACT.RTM. manufactured and sold by Fuji
Silysia Chemical Ltd.), activated carbon, zeolite, porous ceramic
containing silica gel as a main component, or a porous high
polymer. In order for the liquid absorbent granules 34 to have fine
pores of desired size, however, silica gel is preferably used to
form the liquid absorbent granules 34. In this case, if the liquid
absorbent granules 34 have fine pores with an average diameter of
0.1 .mu.m or more, in other words, if the total opening area of
fine pores per 1 g of the liquid absorbent granules 34 is
approximately 30 m.sup.2 or more, the liquid absorbent granules 34
can retain a sufficient quantity of the nicotine solution.
Moreover, sufficient nicotine can be vaporized from the nicotine
solution (extract solution).
[0074] Further, the nicotine solution absorbed in the liquid
absorbent granules 34 is preferably colored using a colorant. As
the colorant, a food additive which is vaporizable like nicotine is
used.
[0075] The nicotine holder 1 shown in FIG. 6 also has the seals 8
covering the openings 36 at both ends thereof. The seals 8 are
removed before the nicotine holder 1 is put to use. The mouthpiece
2 is then attached to one end of the nicotine holder 1, whereby the
inhalation pipe is assembled.
[0076] When air is inhaled through the inhalation pipe, a negative
pressure is created in the nicotine inhalation paths 27 and 28 in
the outer tube 3, promoting vaporization of nicotine from the
nicotine solution in the liquid absorbent granules 34 into the
nicotine inhalation paths 27 and 28. The vaporized nicotine flows
through the nicotine inhalation paths 27 and 28, together with the
air introduced from the openings 36 at the other end of the outer
tube 3, and is sucked into the consumer's mouth through the filter
12 in the mouthpiece 2.
[0077] As the inhalation pipe is repeatedly puffed and thus the
nicotine in the nicotine solution is consumed, the liquid absorbent
granules 34 gradually become white. The outer tube 3 is transparent
or is semitransparently colored; therefore, the consumer can
visually check the change in color of the liquid absorbent granules
34 through the outer tube 3, permitting him/her to confirm with
ease the remaining amount of the nicotine in the nicotine solution,
that is, the consumption limit of the nicotine holder 1.
[0078] Specifically, after the inhalation pipe is puffed 30 to 50
times, the liquid absorbent granules 34 in the outer tube 3, that
is, the colored granules of silica gel begin to turn pale from
those granules located at the other end of the outer tube 3, that
is, the air inlet side of the nicotine holder, and the color of the
granules finally changes to white, which is the original color of
silica gel. Namely, those liquid absorbent granules 34 located at
the air inlet side are exposed to fresh air at all times, and
therefore, vaporization of nicotine from the nicotine solution
progresses faster at the air inlet side than at the mouthpiece side
of the inhalation pipe. Consequently, the liquid absorbent granules
34, that is, the outer tube 3 whitens gradually from the air inlet
side toward the mouthpiece 2.
[0079] FIG. 7 shows a nicotine holder 1 according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention, and this nicotine holder is
provided with a heating sheet 38. The heating sheet 38 is wrapped
around the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 3 except the
end portion which is to be inserted into the mouthpiece 2. The
heating sheet 38 generates heat by the action of oxidation, for
example, and before the nicotine holder 1 is put to use, the outer
surface of the heating sheet 38 is covered with an outside air
shutoff film 40.
[0080] With this nicotine holder 1, as the air shutoff film 40 is
peeled from the heating sheet 38, the heating sheet 38 generates
heat and the generated heat promotes the vaporization of nicotine
inside the outer tube 3, making it possible to increase the amount
of nicotine taken in by the consumer per unit time.
[0081] When the aforementioned nicotine holders 1 shown in FIGS. 1
through 7 are put to use, the nicotine holder is combined with the
mouthpiece 2 to constitute the nicotine inhalation pipe. The
nicotine holder 1 and the mouthpiece 2 may, however, be combined
together in advance as a one-piece inhalation pipe. In this case,
to prevent vaporization of nicotine from the nicotine holder 1, the
tip opening of the mouthpiece 2 and the outer end of the nicotine
holder 1 are respectively covered with seals 8, as indicated by the
two-dot chain lines in FIG. 3.
[0082] The inhalation pipe or the nicotine holder may in its
entirety be wrapped in film, and in this case the seals 8 are
unnecessary.
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