Craving suppression method and non-electric nicotine delivery systems and method of use thereof

A nicotine delivery system including: a first reservoir configured to contain a nicotine solution; a second reservoir configured to contain another edible liquid; and a cap attached to the first reservoir and the second reservoir, the cap including: a nozzle; and a spray mechanism that, when activated, controls an amount of the nicotine solution from the first reservoir and an amount of the edible liquid from the second reservoir to be emitted through the nozzle as a spray.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to alternatives to smoking tobacco, and more particularly to nicotine craving suppression and non-electric nicotine delivery systems and methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Smoking in considered a contributing factor to a number of diseases including respiratory diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung infections and lung cancer. Regular smokers often become addicted to, or dependent upon, the pharmacological effects of nicotine in tobacco smoke.

Various nicotine replacement therapies have been developed using nicotine substitutes. Nicotine substitutes generally contain nicotine in a solid form or in a solution. For example, nicotine replacement therapy has included the use of nicotine gum. However, nicotine gum provides lower nicotine levels than smoking cigarettes, and may cause gastrointestinal side effects, hiccups, ulcers, and sore throats. In addition, the amount of absorbed nicotine varies by user, based on, for example, chewing speed and saliva production. Nicotine patches have also been developed to curb cigarette cravings. However, nicotine patches may provide slow absorption and may cause skin irritation.

In the related art, a nicotine solution has been used in a spray. However, such related art sprays do not provide for variable dosage control, differing mediums for nicotine provision, or smoking like sensations. Therefore, improved nicotine suppression methods and nicotine delivery systems are needed.

SUMMARY

Disclosed and claimed herein are methods, devices and systems for delivering nicotine. One embodiment is directed to a nicotine delivery system including: a first reservoir configured to contain a nicotine solution; a second reservoir configured to contain another edible liquid; and a cap attached to the first reservoir and the second reservoir, the cap including: a nozzle; and a spray mechanism that, when activated, controls an amount of the nicotine solution from the first reservoir and an amount of the edible liquid from the second reservoir to be emitted through the nozzle as a spray.

The nicotine delivery system may further include a dosage control mechanism configured to control the amount of nicotine solution emitted by the spray mechanism.

The nicotine delivery system may further include a dosage control mechanism configured to control the amount of nicotine solution and the amount of the edible liquid emitted by the spray mechanism

The nicotine delivery system may further include: a first dosage control mechanism configured to control the amount of nicotine solution emitted by the spray mechanism; and a second dosage control mechanism configured to control the amount of the edible liquid emitted by the spray mechanism.

The nicotine delivery system may further include a flavoring substance. In response to activation of the spray mechanism, a flavor from the flavoring substance may be imparted to the nicotine solution spray.

The nicotine delivery system may further include an infusion chamber. The flavoring substance may be disposed within the infusion chamber.

The infusion chamber may be disposed in a path of the nicotine solution as the nicotine solution is moved from the first reservoir to the nozzle.

The infusion chamber may be disposed outside a path of the nicotine solution as the nicotine solution is moved from the first reservoir to the nozzle.

The first reservoir may be non-removably attached to the cap.

The second reservoir may be detachable from the cap.

According to some embodiments, there may be provided a nicotine delivery system including: a reservoir for containing a nicotine solution; and a cap attached to the reservoir, the cap including: a nozzle; a spray mechanism that, when activated, controls an amount of the nicotine solution from the reservoir to be emitted through the nozzle as a spray; and a dosage control mechanism configured to control an amount of nicotine solution emitted by the spray mechanism.

According to some embodiments, there may be provided a nicotine delivery system including: a reservoir for containing a nicotine solution; and a cap attached to the reservoir, the cap including: a nozzle; a spray mechanism that, when activated, controls an amount of the nicotine solution from the reservoir to be emitted through the nozzle; and a flavoring substance, wherein, in response to activation of the spray mechanism, a flavor from the flavoring substance is imparted to the nicotine solution spray.

The nicotine delivery system may further include an infusion chamber. The flavoring substance may be disposed within the infusion chamber.

The infusion chamber may be disposed in a path of the nicotine solution as the nicotine solution is moved from the first reservoir to the nozzle.

The infusion chamber may be disposed outside a path of the nicotine solution as the nicotine solution is moved from the first reservoir to the nozzle.

The nicotine delivery system may further include a dosage control mechanism configured to control an amount of nicotine solution emitted by the spray mechanism.

According to some embodiments, there may be provided a nicotine delivery system including: a body; a first filter disposed within the body, the first filter being infused with nicotine; a second filter disposed within the body, the second filter being infused with flavoring; a mouthpiece disposed on one end of the body; and an air space disposed on the body such that breathing in through the mouthpiece causes air to flow through the first filter and the second filter to the mouthpiece.

The nicotine delivery system may further include an infusion chamber having stored therein menthol.

The infusion chamber may be disposed in a flow path of air between the first filter and the second filter and the mouthpiece.

The body may include a removable base, and the first filter and the second filter may be readily replaced after removing the base.

According to some embodiments, there may be provided a nicotine craving suppression method including: placing a craving suppression device to the lips of a user, the craving suppression device including a menthol source and not including substantial amounts of nicotine; and inhaling through the craving suppression device to breathe in a mixture of air and menthol.

The nicotine craving suppression method may further include repeating the inhaling until a nicotine craving is suppressed.

The nicotine craving suppression device may include a menthol filter.

A size and a shape of the nicotine craving suppression device may be substantially similar to a cigarette.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing a nicotine delivery system. In some embodiments, the system includes a spraying mechanism with a first and a second reservoir. A nicotine solution is stored in the first reservoir. In the second reservoir, an additional liquid is stored. When the spraying mechanism is activated, a spray including a mix of the nicotine solution with the additional liquid is emitted from the system. In some cases, a dosage control may adjust an amount of nicotine solution emitted by the system when the spraying mechanism is activated. In some cases, the dosage control may also adjust an amount of the additional liquid emitted by the system when the spraying mechanism is activated. In some cases, a control may adjust an amount of the additional liquid emitted by the system when the spraying mechanism is activated.

In some embodiments, the system includes a spraying mechanism with a reservoir containing a nicotine solution. A flavoring substances including in a chamber mixes with air and the nicotine spray to enhance an experience of smoking. For example, the flavoring substance may include menthol.

Example implementations of the disclosed technology will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

Referring now to the figures,FIGS. 1-5are used to describe nicotine delivery systems according to some embodiments.FIGS. 1-5illustrate a nicotine spray delivery system according to some embodiments. One of ordinary skill will understand various alterations may be made to the spray delivery systems without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1depicts a nicotine delivery system according to an example embodiment. According to one embodiment, nicotine delivery system100may be, for example, a spray bottle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the nicotine delivery system100includes a cap110connected to two reservoirs120and130. The first reservoir120contains a nicotine solution, while the second reservoir130contains another liquid. As non-limiting examples, the second reservoir may contain water, soda, or an alcoholic beverage. In some cases, the second reservoir may contain a solution of menthol. In such case, a sensation of use of the system100may more closely mimic a feeling of smoking tobacco. The first reservoir120and the second reservoir130may be of a same or different size, shape, and/or volume.

The cap110may include a spray mechanism140. A first tube125extends from the spray mechanism140into the first reservoir120. A second tube135extends from the spray mechanism140into the second reservoir130. When the spray mechanism140is activated, a portion of the nicotine solution in the first reservoir120and a portion of the fluid in the second reservoir130is output through a nozzle145of the spray mechanism. In some cases, a same amount of fluid from the first reservoir120and the second reservoir130may be emitted from the nozzle145when the spray mechanism140is activated. In some cases, as a non-limiting example, the spray mechanism140may be activated by pushing a portion of the cap130downward. In some cases, the spray mechanism140may be breath-actuated.

In some embodiments, the first reservoir120and the second reservoir130may be joined together as a unit and separated by a dividing wall. In some embodiments, the first reservoir120and the second reservoir130may be separately detachable from the cap110. In some embodiments, the first reservoir120may not be readily separable from the cap110, e.g., adhered to or formed together with the cap, while the second reservoir120may be readily removable to be filled with a second fluid.

FIG. 2Adepicts a spray cap according to an example embodiment. The spray cap200aincludes a nozzle245, an action mechanism255, and a spring265. The action mechanism255may be of various types, for instance, a press-type mechanism. When the action mechanism255is activated, liquid (i.e., the nicotine solution and the second fluid) are forced from the first reservoir and the second reservoir and sprayed from the nozzle245. When the action mechanism255is release, the spring265resets the action mechanism255for a next use. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the action mechanism255depicted inFIG. 2Ais merely an example, various types of action mechanisms may be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure. In some cases, the action mechanism255may be a breath-actuated mechanism, as discussed in more detail below with reference toFIG. 4.

FIG. 2Bdepicts a spray cap according to another example embodiment. Similar to the spray cap200a, the spray cap200bincludes a nozzle245, an action mechanism255, and a spring265. The spray cap200bfurther includes an infusion chamber275. Inside the infusion chamber275is a flavoring mechanism285, e.g., a flavoring substance. As the liquid is forced from the reservoir to the nozzle245, a flavor of the flavoring mechanism285is imparted to the spray. As a non-limiting example the flavoring mechanism285could be menthol balls. The menthol balls may be used to impart a sensation more similar to smoking tobacco.

One of ordinary skill will recognize that the infusion chamber275depicted inFIG. 2Bis merely exemplary, and that various modifications may be made thereto. As a non-limiting example, the infusion chamber275may be disposed separate from a path of the liquid from the first and second reservoirs. The action mechanism285may control air to pass over or through the infusion chamber275and mix with the spray containing the nicotine solution.

FIG. 3Adepicts a spray cap according to an example embodiment. The spray cap300aincludes a nozzle345, an action mechanism355, and a dosage control mechanism390. The action mechanism355may be of various types, for instance, a press-type mechanism. When the action mechanism355is activated, liquid (i.e., the nicotine solution and the second fluid) are forced from the first reservoir and the second reservoir and sprayed from the nozzle345. The dosage control mechanism390, i.e., the dosage control, controls an amount of fluid that is emitted from the first reservoir (i.e., the nicotine solution) in response to the action mechanism355. In some cases, the dosage control mechanism390may further control an amount of fluid that is emitted from the second reservoir in response to the action mechanism355. The dosage control mechanism390may be a slide-type control and may include a slider395. However, this is a non-limiting example, and one of ordinary skill will understand that the dosage control mechanism390may take many forms.

FIG. 3Bdepicts a spray cap according to another example embodiment. Similar to the spray cap300a, the spray cap300bincludes a nozzle345and an action mechanism355. The spray cap300bfurther includes a first dosage control mechanism390aand a second dosage control mechanism390b. The first dosage control mechanism390amay control an amount of fluid that is emitted from the first reservoir (i.e., the nicotine solution) in response to the action mechanism355. The second dosage control mechanism390bmay control an amount of fluid that is emitted from the second reservoir in response to the action mechanism355. By adjusting the first and second dosage control mechanisms390aand390b, a ratio of nicotine solution to other fluid may be selected. In some cases, the first and second dosage control mechanisms390aand390bmay each be slider-type mechanisms with respective first and second sliders395aand395b. In some cases, the first dosage control mechanism390amay have a different form than the second dosage control mechanism390b.

FIG. 4depicts a profile view of a spray cap according to another example embodiment. According to one embodiment, the spray cap400may include a cap hub455and a mouth piece445. The hub455may surround a breath-actuated action mechanism. One of ordinary skill would understand how to implement a breath-actuated action mechanism, for example, one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,841, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A user may place the mouth piece445into the user's mouth. As a user breathes in through the mouthpiece, the breath-actuated action mechanism is activated. Liquid (i.e., the nicotine solution and the second fluid) are forced from the first reservoir and the second reservoir and emitted, mixed with air, through the mouthpiece. In some cases, the spray cap400may be act as a breath-actuated nebulizer. In some embodiments, the spray cap may include one or more dosage controls that control an amount of liquid from the first reservoir and the second reservoir that is emitted in response to the breath actuation.

FIG. 5depicts a nicotine delivery system according to an example embodiment. According to one embodiment, nicotine delivery system500may be, for example, a spray bottle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the nicotine delivery system500includes a cap510and a reservoir520. The reservoir520contains a nicotine solution.

The cap510may include a spray mechanism540. A tube525extends from the spray mechanism540into the reservoir520. When the spray mechanism540is activated, a portion of the nicotine solution in the reservoir520is output through a nozzle545of the spray mechanism. The cap510may include an infusion chamber that imparts flavoring to the spray, similar to that disclosed with reference toFIG. 2B. In some cases, the cap510may include a dosage control mechanism that adjusts an amount of nicotine solution that is emitted from the nozzle545in response to activation of the spray mechanism, similar to that discloses above with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B. In some embodiments, the cap510may include a breath actuated action mechanism, as discussed above with reference toFIG. 4. One of ordinary skill will understand that, in a case of a single reservoir, only the nicotine solution would be emitted from a nozzle or mouthpiece of the cap in response to the activation mechanism540being activated.

FIGS. 6-7illustrate a nicotine inhaler delivery system according to some example embodiments. One of ordinary skill will understand various alterations may be made to the inhaler delivery systems without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 6depicts a nicotine delivery system according to an example embodiment. According to one embodiment, nicotine delivery system600may be, for example, an inhaler. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the nicotine delivery system600includes an outside wall610surrounding a first filter620, a second filter630, and first and second sides640aand640b. The first filter620may be infused a nicotine solution or a nicotine powder. The second filter630may be infused with an alternative liquid or flavoring powder. For example, the second filter630may be infused with soda or an alcoholic beverage. In some cases, the second filter630may be infused with a menthol liquid or may be a filter containing, for example, a menthol ball.

A first end645aof the first side640aand a second end645bof the second side640bmay be porous to air or open. A user may breathe in through the first end645aof the nicotine delivery system600, and air will pass into the second end645b, through the first filter620and the second filter630, and impart some nicotine and flavoring to air breathed by the user. In some cases, the user may be able to breathe in through either the first end645aor the second end645b.

FIG. 7depicts a nicotine delivery system according to another example embodiment. According to one embodiment, nicotine delivery system700may be, for example, an inhaler-type system. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the nicotine delivery system700includes a body710surrounding a first filter720, a second filter730, and a mixing chamber740. The first filter720may be infused with a nicotine solution or a nicotine powder. The second filter730may be infused with an alternative liquid or flavoring powder. For example, the second filter730may be infused with soda or an alcoholic beverage. In some cases, the second filter730may be infused with a menthol liquid or may be a filter containing, for example, a menthol ball.

Porous areas, such as slits725and735, are formed in the sides of the body710. A user may breathe in through a mouthpiece745formed on one end of the body, and air will pass into the slits725and735, through the first filter720and the second filter730imparting some nicotine and flavoring to air breathed by the user and mixed in the mixing chamber740. In some cases, a base750of the body710may be removable and the first filter720and the second filter730may be replaceable. In some cases, the base750may be formed integrally with the first filter720and the second filter730and the unit including the base750, the first filter720and the second filter730may be interchangeable with other units.

FIG. 8depicts a nicotine delivery system according to another example embodiment. The nicotine delivery system800may be similar to the nicotine delivery system700discussed above. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the nicotine delivery system800includes a body810surrounding a filter820and a mixing chamber840. The filter820may be infused with a nicotine solution or a nicotine powder. Porous areas, such as slits825and835, are formed in the sides of the body810, and a mouthpiece845is formed on one end of the body610adjacent to the mixing chamber840. Inside the mouthpiece845is an infusion chamber875. Inside the infusion chamber875is a flavoring mechanism885, i.e., a flavoring substance. As the a user breathes in through the mouthpiece, air flows through the slits825and835through the filter820and is imparted with a flavor of the flavoring mechanism885. As a non-limiting example the flavoring mechanism885could be menthol balls. The menthol balls may be used to impart a sensation more similar to smoking tobacco. In some cases, a base850of the body810may be removable, and the filter820may be readily replaceable. In some cases, the base850may be formed integrally with the filter820, and the unit including the base850and the filter820may be interchangeable with other units.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare used to describe nicotine craving suppression systems according to some embodiments. One of ordinary skill will understand various alterations may be made to the nicotine craving suppression systems without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9A, the nicotine craving suppression device900aincludes a body910ahaving a chamber920a. The chamber920acontains menthol (e.g., menthol balls985a, a filter infused with menthol powder or a menthol solution, or a reservoir including menthol). A first end945aand a second end925aof the chamber920amay be substantially permeable to air. For example, the first end945aand the second end925amay contain slits that allow air to pass through. In a case that a user craves nicotine (e.g., desires to smoke a cigarette), the user may breathe in through the first end945a, breathing in air infused with menthol. The menthol enthused air may provide relief from the nicotine craving. The body910amay be substantially cylindrical or conical. In some cases, the body910amay be sized proximate to a standard cigarette. Therefore, the tactile experience of using the craving suppression device900amay be similar to smoking a cigarette.

Referring toFIG. 9B, the nicotine craving suppression device900bincludes a body910bhaving a diffusion chamber940band a menthol chamber920b. The menthol chamber920bcontains menthol (e.g., menthol balls985b, a filter infused with menthol powder or a menthol solution, or a reservoir including menthol). A first end945bof the diffusion chamber940band a second end920bof the menthol chamber920bmay be substantially permeable to air. For example, the first end945band the second end925bmay contain slits that allow air to pass through. In a case that a user craves nicotine (e.g., desires to smoke a cigarette), the user may breathe in through the first end945b, breathing in air infused with menthol. The menthol enthused air may provide relief from the nicotine craving. The body910bmay be substantially cylindrical or conical. In some cases, the body910amay be sized proximate to a standard cigarette. Therefore, the tactile experience of using the craving suppression device900bmay be similar to smoking a cigarette.

FIG. 10illustrates a method of suppressing nicotine cravings according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 10, a user craves1010nicotine. For example, the user may desire to smoke a cigarette. The user places1020a nicotine craving suppression device to the user's lips. The nicotine craving suppression device may include menthol and exclude tobacco products. In some cases, the nicotine craving suppression device may not include any nicotine. As a non-limiting example, the craving suppression device may be similar to the nicotine craving suppressions systems900aand900bdiscussed above. The user breathes1030through the nicotine craving suppression device containing the menthol, and experiences the air infused with menthol. The menthol infused air and the tactile feeling of the using the nicotine craving suppression device suppress the user's desire for nicotine, e.g., suppress a user's desire to smoke a cigarette.

In the foregoing description, numerous specific details are set forth. It is to be understood, however, that implementations of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one implementation,” “an implementation,” “example implementation,” “various implementation,” etc., indicate that the implementation(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every implementation necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one implementation” does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, although it may.

Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms should be construed to take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “connected” means that one function, feature, structure, or characteristic is directly joined to or in communication with another function, feature, structure, or characteristic. The term “coupled” means that one function, feature, structure, or characteristic is directly or indirectly joined to or in communication with another function, feature, structure, or characteristic. The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or.” Further, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

This written description uses examples to disclose certain implementations of the disclosed technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill to practice certain implementations of the disclosed technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain implementations of the disclosed technology is defined in the claims and their equivalents, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.