U.S. patent application number 14/984774 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-14 for e-cigarette or vaping fluid.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZIP LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ZIP LLC. Invention is credited to Shyam Kuntawala, Lawrence Moy, Ashish Patel.
Application Number | 20160198759 14/984774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56366526 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160198759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuntawala; Shyam ; et
al. |
July 14, 2016 |
E-CIGARETTE OR VAPING FLUID
Abstract
Improved vaping fluids for energy boos, relaxation, appetite and
other functions contain active ingredients combined with
cyclodextrin to enhance absorption and avoid irritation. Active
ingredients include caffeine, theophylline, yerba mate and valerian
as well as taurine, carnitine and L-tryptophan. The active
ingredients are combined with an aqueous solution of hydrophilic
solvents (such as glycerin or propylene glycol) as well as traces
of scents or flavors.
Inventors: |
Kuntawala; Shyam;
(Grapevine, TX) ; Moy; Lawrence; (Manhattan Beach,
CA) ; Patel; Ashish; (Los Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZIP LLC |
Manhattan Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ZIP LLC
Manhattan Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
56366526 |
Appl. No.: |
14/984774 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62102894 |
Jan 13, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/359 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008 20130101;
A24B 15/308 20130101; A24B 15/284 20130101; A24B 15/16 20130101;
A61K 47/40 20130101; A61K 9/007 20130101; A24B 15/167 20161101;
A61K 31/465 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24B 15/16 20060101
A24B015/16; A24B 15/30 20060101 A24B015/30; A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. An e-fluid for use in an e-cigarette or similar device
comprising: caffeine at a concentration of between about 0.01M to
about 0.15M; cyclodextrin at a concentration having a molar ratio
with the caffeine concentration of 0.5 to 5.0; and an aqueous
solution of hydrophilic solvent being between about 2M and 10M
hydrophilic solvent.
2. The e-fluid of claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic solvent is
selected from the group consisting of glycerol and propylene
glycol.
3. The e-fluid of claim 1 further comprising carnitine at a
concentration of about 0.01% and about 0.5% volume by volume.
4. The e-fluid of claim 1 further comprising taurine at a
concentration of between about 0.01M and about 0.1M.
5. The e-fluid of claim 1 further comprising cyanocobalamin at a
concentration of between about 0.01% weight by volume and 0.1%
weight by volume.
6. An e-fluid for use in an e-cigarette or similar device
comprising: valerian extract at a concentration of between about
0.01% and about 0.5% volume by volume; cyclodextrin at a
concentration having a molar ratio with the valerian extract
concentration of 0.5 to 5.0; and an aqueous solution of hydrophilic
solvent being between about 2M and 10M hydrophilic solvent.
7. The e-fluid of claim 6 wherein the hydrophilic solvent is
selected from the group consisting of glycerol and propylene
glycol.
8. The e-fluid of claim 6 further comprising L-tryptophan at a
concentration of about 0.01% and about 0.5% weight by volume.
9. The e-fluid of claim 6 further comprising extract of chamomile
at a concentration of about 0.01% and about 0.5% volume by
volume.
10. The e-fluid of claim 6 further comprising cyanocobalamin at a
concentration of between about 0.01% weight by volume and 0.1%
weight by volume.
11. An e-fluid for use in an e-cigarette or similar device
comprising: nicotine at a concentration of between about 0.01 M to
about 0.2M; cyclodextrin at a concentration having a molar ratio
with the nicotine concentration of 0.5 to 5.0; and an aqueous
solution of hydrophilic solvent being between about 2M and 10M
hydrophilic solvent.
12. The e-fluid of claim 11 wherein the hydrophilic solvent is
selected from the group consisting of glycerol and propylene
glycol.
13. The e-fluid of claim 11 further comprising taurine at a
concentration of between about 0.01M to about 0.1M.
14. The e-fluid of claim 11 further comprising cyanocobalamin at a
concentration of between about 0.01% weight by volume and 0.1%
weight by volume.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims the priority and
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/102,894 which
was filed on 13 Jan. 2015.
[0002] U.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Area of the Art
[0005] The current invention is in the area of e-cigarettes and
"vaping" and concerns an improved non-nicotine fluid for
e-cigarette devices.
[0006] 2. Description of the Invention
[0007] Smoking has a long history in human cultures. When plant
materials are burned various organic chemicals that are
constituents of the plant vaporize and attach themselves to the
smoke particles. At the same time heat and combustion break down
constituent organic chemicals and produce new chemicals all of
which are present in the vapor state and/or attach themselves to
the smoke particles. When the smoke is inhaled, the particles come
into contact with the surface of lung cells and the chemicals
absorbed to the particles transfer to the lung cells and eventually
are transferred into the circulatory system. Because of the
extremely large surface area of the lung, smoking is an extremely
effective route for administering active compounds. Because plants
contain a wide variety of secondary products inhaling the smoke
delivers these products to the human body. The physiological
results can be stimulation, depression or even hallucination
depending on what type of plant is burned to produce the smoke.
[0008] Of course, the active molecules delivered by the smoke can
be highly addictive as in the case of nicotine in tobacco smoke.
Probably because of its addictive nature tobacco has become the
primary plant material that is smoke worldwide--to the point that
"smoking" has become essentially synonymous with "tobacco smoking."
Whereas tobacco smoking was once considered to be a benign or even
healthful pastime, it is now considered to be a health hazard. Over
the last fifty years it has been shown that tobacco smoking is
major cause of lung as well as other cancers in smokers as well as
those exposed to "second hand" smoke. In addition, there is a
correlation between smoking tobacco and heart as well as vascular
disease.
[0009] It is true that because of the wide range of natural
chemicals ("natural products") in plants, smoke from burning many
different plants shows at least some carcinogenic properties.
However, for whatever reason it appears as if tobacco smoke may be
more carcinogenic than other types of smoke. In addition, it also
appears as if exposure to tobacco smoke results in more vascular
damage than other smoke exposure. This may be because there are
insufficient data on long term exposure to other types of smoke. Or
perhaps chronic exposure to constituents of tobacco smoke results
in vascular damage. In any case, there is a worldwide effort to
reduce or eliminate tobacco smoking. Today smoking is prohibited on
airlines, in most restaurants and buildings as well as a variety of
other locales. Because nicotine is addictive, there is a major
industry that attempts to help smokers stop smoking.
[0010] "Electronic cigarettes" (e-cigarettes) have been developed
as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco. In an e-cigarette a
mechanism reduces a liquid ("e-cigarette fluid," "e-fluid" or
"vaping fluid") into a smoke-like mixture of air and tiny droplets
(an aerosol) which material is then inhaled. Any active
constituents in the vaping fluid are then absorbed by the lungs
like real smoke. Because e-cigarettes do not produce smoke, other
terms have been developed to describe using the devices. One such
term that is gaining popularity is "vaping." Thus, one does not
smoke an e-cigarette--one "vapes" it. E-cigarettes are thought to
be safer than smoking tobacco because nothing is actually burned in
an e-cigarette. The most common type of e-cigarette has a heating
element which vaporizes the e-fluid to create an aerosol. Less
commonly there is mechanical production of the aerosol. For
example, some devices use a piezoelectric diaphragm which vibrates
at ultrasonic speeds to directly form an aerosol from the e-fluid
rather like a cool-mist humidifier.
[0011] Most e-fluids contain nicotine (approximately 0.04M-0.12M)
so that vaping an e-cigarette can act as a substitute for smoking
tobacco by delivering nicotine to the user. There is considerable
use of such nicotine e-cigarettes as smoking cessation devices. The
idea is that the users transition to the e-cigarettes and then use
e-fluids with diminishing levels of nicotine until the user's
nicotine addiction is overcome. However, many users alternate
between "real" cigarettes and e-cigarettes so the usefulness of
vaping e-cigarettes as an aid to smoking cessation is somewhat
questionable. Certainly, the e-cigarette avoids the dangers of
secondhand tobacco smoke.
[0012] There has been considerable development of e-fluid
formulations with various flavors and scent ingredients being added
to enhance the user's enjoyment. In addition, e-fluids without any
nicotine have been marketed. The idea being that the user will
sufficiently enjoy vaping so that nicotine becomes unnecessary.
However, if the goal is to replace addictive nicotine, it is
probably necessary to provide some other active component so that
the user gets some sort of physiological result from the vaping
process.
[0013] There is a very long history of humans ingesting various
plant products for their physiological effects. Some plant products
are intoxicating or even hallucinogenic. Generally, such materials
are subject to strict legal controls. Other plant products are
stimulants many of which are legal and widely used such as the
methylxanthines: caffeine (coffee), theobromine (chocolate) and
theophylline (tea). These agents improve energy and feeling of
well-being. These stimulants are considered safe and many people
enjoy their effects. The present inventor has considered
substituting them for nicotine in e-fluid. It is believed that
secondhand "smoke" from e-cigarettes containing methylxanthine
derivatives would be free of the health concerns that attend
secondhand e-cigarette nicotine "smoke." There is a long history of
inhaling strong preparations of theophylline and other
methylxanthine derivatives as a bronchial dilator for the treatment
of asthma and other obstructive lung conditions. Inhalation of
these agents has not been associated with significant health
problems. Therefore, use of much lower concentrations of
methylxanthine derivatives in e-fluids is unlikely to have any
negative health consequences. However, when inhaled, these agents
will be systemically absorbed with general stimulant effects
similar to consuming methylxanthine containing beverages. This will
impart the physiological result to enhance the desirability of
vaping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The inventors have discovered that improved vaping fluids
can be obtained by combining a variety of active ingredients with
the hydrophilic solvents typical of such fluids. The active
ingredients are chosen depending on the desired effects of using
the fluid. For example, methylzanthines such as caffeine can be
used to provide an energy boost product. Energy boost formulae can
also contain taurine, cyanocobalamin, carnitine, guarana, and
ginseng. Relaxation/sleep formulae can include chamomile, valerian,
kava and other active ingredients. Appetite suppressant formulae
can contain hoodia, yerba mate, caralluma and lecithin. Besides
active ingredients a variety of scents/flavors and colors can also
be included. It is preferred to used natural plant extracts to
impart colors. Cyclodextrin is included to enhance absorption of
the active ingredients as well as to limit any tendency of the
inhaled aerosol to cause irritation. Detailed Description of the
Invention
The following description is provided to enable any person skilled
in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best
modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to
those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the
present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide
improved non-nicotine fluids for vaping.
[0015] Generally, e-fluids contain water and one or more
hydrophilic solvent such as glycerol, propylene glycol and/or
polyethylene glycol. The hydrophilic solvent is important for the
production of aerosols by a heat source. When a water solution of
these solvents contacts a heat source, the water rapidly vaporizes
leaving behind an aerosol of hydrophilic solvent particles which
contain the other ingredients that were dissolved in the original
e-fluid and/or the other ingredients are present as tiny particles.
The "other ingredients" (besides "active" ingredients such as
nicotine, in traditional e-fluid, or methylxanthine or other active
ingredients in the alternative e-fluid disclosed here) include
flavors, scents and additives intended to enhance the efficacy of
the other ingredients. To be effective the ingredients must be
carried into the user's lungs. This generally occurs because the
ingredients are bound to or dissolved in the aerosol particles.
However, the aerosol particles may not always be of optimum size so
that they are filtered out by lung structures before there is a
chance for the active ingredients to be properly absorbed. In other
cases the aerosol particles are somewhat irritating to the user's
throat and other tissues.
[0016] The problem with the aerosol particles not being efficiently
absorbed can be dealt with by increasing the concentration of the
active ingredients. However, this may also increase the ability of
the particles to cause irritation. Where the active ingredient is
nicotine, it can be dangerous to increase the nicotine
concentration too much since nicotine is extremely toxic. What is
needed is a method to enhance the effectiveness of active
ingredients while at the same time reducing any propensity for
irritation. The present inventor has found that certain
polysaccharides can serve this function. Addition of cyclodextrin
to e-fluid enhances the absorbability of active ingredients while
suppressing any irritating tendency of the aerosol. Cyclodextrin is
a cyclic polysaccharide made of a 1, 4 linked glucose units. There
are three common types: a cyclodextrin (6 glucose units),
cyclodextrin (7 glucose units) and .gamma. cyclodextrin (8 glucose
units). It is known that cyclodextrins are useful for sequestering
hydrophobic molecules and for forming droplets in a nebulizer.
Until now it was not appreciated that cyclodextrins also promote
aerosol formation with the heating elements of common e-cigarettes
(as well as with the spray jets of nebulizers). More importantly,
the addition of sufficient cyclodextrin to e-fluid enhances the
absorption and bioavailability of any active ingredients while at
the same time reducing any tendency towards irritation caused by
the aerosol.
[0017] In solution the cyclodextrin molecules form a somewhat
conical structure--that is, a hollow cylinder having a smaller
opening at one end than the other. The cyclodextrin molecule in
solution has an interior that is more hydrophobic than its exterior
(i.e., the exterior is relatively hydrophilic). For the
cyclodextrin to operate in the current invention, the molecule to
be sequestered must be at least partially hydrophobic and of
dimensions to fit within the cyclodextrin ring. Active ingredients
such as methylxanthines and nicotine are of the right size for
sequestration and are essentially hydrophobic at physiological and
acid pHs. The choice of cyclodextrin is affected by the active
ingredient as well as the other ingredients in the e-fluid formula.
Both .alpha. and .gamma. cyclodextrin have a water solubility that
is approximately an order of magnitude higher than that of .beta.
cyclodextrin. Therefore, if it is desired to use a relatively high
level of active ingredient, a and .gamma. cyclodextrin are
preferred. Otherwise, .beta. cyclodextrin operates adequately.
[0018] Active Ingredients
[0019] For an "Energy Boost" formulation a methylxanthine alkaloid
such as caffeine is combined with taurine which has beneficial
biological as well as surfactant properties. As already explained
methylxanthine alkaloids improve energy and provide a feeling of
well-being. Taurine is a natural amino acid derivative that has an
anti-anxiety effect as well as many health benefits. In addition,
taurine has surfactant properties and aids in the dispersion of
insoluble ingredients. Caffeine is effective in e-fluids of 0.01M
to 0.15M. Much below this concentration range, there is little
discernible effect whereas at much higher concentrations, the
caffeine effect can be excessive. Currently, a concentration of
0.05M is preferred. Taurine has a wide effective range of at least
0.01M to 0.1M; currently 0.015M is preferred. To these active
ingredients can be added cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). This water
soluble vitamin is important for many cellular functions and seems
to potentiate the effects of caffeine and taurine. The
cyanocobalamin has a red-magenta color and can be used as the sole
coloring agent or other colors may be added as desired. This has
been tested at concentrations between 0.01% and 0.1%; currently
0.083% (weight by volume) is preferred. Other common
methylxanthines such as theophylline or theobromine can be
substituted or used in conjunction with caffeine.
[0020] Other "Energy Boost" ingredients can be used either alone or
in conjunction with the methylxanthines. For example, green tea
extracts can be employed not only as a source of caffeine and
theophylline but also for beneficial antioxidants (and to impart a
flavor). Extracts of guarana (Paullinia cupana) can be used to
supply caffeine as well as other beneficial natural ingredients.
Extracts of Ginkgo biloba can be used to supply antioxidants
Extracts of ginseng (Panax species) are also effective when
combined with cyclodextrins. Finally, carnitine is effective in
energy formulae. These ingredients are generally used at
concentration of about 0.5% by weight or less.
[0021] Caffeine, other methylxanthines and taurine can be
stabilized as metal complexes (zinc, magnesium and/or sodium)
and/or cyclodextrin complexes. Metal complexes are formed by adding
a molar excess of a water soluble salt of the desired metal.
Cyclodextrin complexes form best with a molar excess of
cyclodextrin. It has been found that a 2-3 fold molar excess works
well although cyclodextrin is effective in the range of 0.5 to 5.0
molar ratio of cyclodextrin to active ingredient. Cyclodextrin is
used preferable but can be used with the metal complex as well.
That is, the required concentration of both metal and cyclodextrin
can be used.
[0022] Besides Energy formulae, "Relaxation/sleep" formulae are
also useful. In these formulae ingredients such as extracts of
chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla and/or Chamaemelum nobile),
extracts of kava (Piper methysticum), extracts of valerian
(Valeriana officinalis), L-tryptophan and/or melatonin are used in
place of the "energy" ingredients. Again these ingredients are used
in the 0.5% by weight or lower concentration range.
[0023] Finally, it is also possible to use safe appetite
suppressants in place of the energy ingredients to yield a "weight
loss" formula. Various plant extracts are useful--in particular
extracts of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), extracts of Hoodia
gordonii and extracts of Carafluma fimbriata. In addition, certain
compounds such as chromium chelate and lecithin are useful in these
formulae. The chromium is used at a few parts per million (ppm)
while the other ingredients are used up to 0.5% by weight.
[0024] Vehicle and Inactive Ingredients
[0025] The main vehicle is an approximately 50% aqueous solution of
high boiling point hydrophilic solvent. It is not essential that
the fluid be precisely 50% water. Typically either glycerol and/or
propylene glycol are used as hydrophilic solvents. This translates
to a 5.4M glycerol or a 6.6M propylene glycol solution. Tests
suggest that a solution being at least about 2M of either of these
solvents (or a combination thereof) is adequate. Using excess
hydrophilic solvent increases both the cost and viscosity of the
product. The hydrophilic solvents increase the solubility of the
active ingredients and act as particle formers when the e-cigarette
mechanism boils away much of the water. Without these solvents
aerosol formation would be much less efficient.
[0026] Besides the vehicle, the inactive ingredients include a
variety of flavors and/or scents. Actually, these additives are
primarily scents because the human sense of taste is primarily
limited to sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. What we perceive
of as "orange" flavor or taste is actually orange scent combined
with a taste of sweet and sour. The glycerol and propylene glycol
components of the vehicle have an actual sweet taste that can be
detected by most users. Depending on the pH of the vehicle there
may also be a slight sour (low pH) taste. If active ingredients
such as caffeine or nicotine are present at sufficiently high
concentrations, there may also be an actual discernible bitter
taste. Useful scents are practically unlimited. Traditionally,
menthol and mint-related scents were used in tobacco cigarettes.
Therefore, mint-related scents are useful in e-fluid. In addition,
fruit flavors (i.e., orange and banana) are popular as are more
floral or "perfumed" scents such as vanilla. Currently, the
preferred "flavors" are green apple, vanilla cupcake, blueberry,
and mango. However, various herbal, musky and other scents may also
be appropriate. Generally, these are used at very low
concentrations. Generally, under 0.1% by volume. Many of the plant
extracts mentioned above also provide a unique flavor/scent.
[0027] Sample e-fluid formulae are given in the following
tables.
[0028] Energy Boost (100 ml)
TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient Concentration Caffeine 0.05M Taurine
0.015M Magnesium Chloride 0.06M Cyanocobalamin 0.083% (weight by
volume) Cyclodextrin 0.2M Scent/Flavor trace Vehicle To make 100
ml
[0029] The ingredients are mixed, the pH adjusted to 6.5 and heated
to 60.degree. C. to ensure that the scent/flavor is properly
dispersed.
[0030] Focus Boost (100 ml)
TABLE-US-00002 Ingredient Concentration Ginkgo biloba extract 0.25%
(volume by volume) Carnitine 0.1% (weight by volume)M Magnesium
Chloride 0.06M Cyclodextrin 0.2M Scent/Flavor trace Vehicle To make
100 ml
[0031] The ingredients are mixed, the pH adjusted to 6.5 and heated
to 60.degree. C. to ensure that the scent/flavor is properly
dispersed.
[0032] Focus Boost II (100 ml)
TABLE-US-00003 Ingredient Concentration Taurine 0.015M Sodium
Chloride 0.06M Cyanocobalamin 0.083% (weight by volume)
Cyclodextrin 0.05M Scent/Flavor trace Vehicle To make 100 ml
[0033] The ingredients are mixed, the pH adjusted to 6.5 and heated
to 60.degree. C. to ensure that the scent/flavor is properly
dispersed.
[0034] Sleep (100 ml)
TABLE-US-00004 Ingredient Concentration Valerian extract 0.5%
(volume by volume) Chamomile extract 0.25% (volume by volume Sodium
Chloride 0.06M Cyclodextrin 0.05M Scent/Flavor trace Vehicle To
make 100 ml
[0035] The ingredients are mixed, the pH adjusted to 6.5 and heated
to 60.degree. C. to ensure that the scent/flavor is properly
dispersed.
[0036] Appetite suppressant (100 ml)
TABLE-US-00005 Ingredient Concentration Yerba mate extract 0.5%
(volume by volume) Lecithin 0.5% (weight by volume) Cyclodextrin
0.05M Scent/Flavor trace Vehicle To make 100 ml
[0037] The ingredients are mixed, the pH adjusted to 6.5 and heated
to 60.degree. C. to ensure that the scent/flavor is properly
dispersed.
[0038] Flavor only (100 ml)
TABLE-US-00006 Ingredient Concentration Cyclodextrin 0.01M
Scent/Flavor trace Vehicle To make 100 ml
[0039] The ingredients are mixed, the pH adjusted to 6.5 and heated
to 60.degree. C. to ensure that the scent/flavor is properly
dispersed.
[0040] Enhanced Traditional (nicotine containing) (100 ml)
TABLE-US-00007 Ingredient Concentration Nicotine 0.08M Taurine
0.015M Sodium Chloride 0.015M Cyanocobalamin 0.083% (weight by
volume) Cyclodextrin 0.2M Scent/Flavor trace Vehicle To make 100
ml
[0041] The ingredients are mixed, the pH adjusted to 6.5 and heated
to 60.degree. C. to ensure that the scent/flavor is properly
dispersed.
[0042] Improved Traditional (nicotine containing) (100 ml)
TABLE-US-00008 Ingredient Concentration Nicotine 0.08M Cyclodextrin
0.1M Scent/Flavor trace Vehicle To make 100 ml
[0043] The ingredients are mixed, the pH adjusted to 6.5 and heated
to 60.degree. C. to ensure that the scent/flavor is properly
dispersed.
[0044] The following claims are thus to be understood to include
what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is
conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also
what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations
and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be
configured without departing from the scope of the invention. The
illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of
example and that should not be taken as limiting the invention.
Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the
appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *