Abstract:
A device which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking is disclosed. The device includes a tube defining an interior space. The tube has a first end with an opening and a second end. An inhalable, flowable liquid or gel composition is disposed in the interior space of the tube. The composition may include water, at least one vitamin, a flavoring agent, and nicotine. The flavoring agent may include an intense sweetener such as sucralose, and a natural or artificial fruit flavor. A user inhales on the first end of the tube of the device as a substitute oral activity to tobacco smoking and thereby ingests a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/240,852 filed Sep. 30, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,018 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/614,883 filed Sep. 30, 2004. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a device, method and composition for reducing the incidence of tobacco smoking. More particularly, the invention relates to a device, composition, and method which facilitate the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Nicotine is an addictive alkaloid derived from the tobacco plant. When smoking a cigarette, nicotine is quickly absorbed into the smoker&#39;s blood and reaches the brain within eight seconds after inhalation. With the increasing recognition of the health hazards associated with the smoking of tobacco, increasing attention has been focused on less harmful means to provide some of the satisfaction obtained by smoking. By giving the smoker an alternative source of nicotine, smoking withdrawal symptoms can be relieved and smoking abstinence facilitated. 
     In nicotine replacement therapy, one alternative source of nicotine is nicotine chewing gum or a nicotine lozenge. However, one disadvantage with these products is that many users dislike the taste of these products. Also, these products do not closely resemble the act of smoking a lit cigarette. 
     Another alternative source of nicotine is a nicotine skin patch. However, these products do not deliver a dose of nicotine directly to the mucous membrane of the mouth or lungs where it is absorbed quickly and transferred to the brain to satisfy the craving for nicotine. Also, these products do not closely resemble the act of smoking a lit cigarette. Furthermore, the patches may cause skin irritation. 
     Yet another alternative source of nicotine is nicotine nasal or oral sprays. However, nasal sprays may produce sneezing and tearing, and oral sprays may have an unpleasant taste. 
     Still another alternative source of nicotine is nicotine inhalers which deliver nicotine vapor or gases through inhalation to the user without damaging smoke. One advantage to inhalers is that they more closely resemble the act of smoking. Such inhalers deliver a dose of nicotine directly to the mucous membrane of the mouth and/or lungs where it is absorbed quickly and transferred to the brain to satisfy the craving for nicotine. Another advantage to nicotine inhalers is that they can be made in a similar shape and size to that of a cigarette to more closely resemble the act of smoking a lit cigarette. Additionally, inhalers can provide the “hit” upon demand of a sudden dose of delivered nicotine to the user that is similar to a lit cigarette. However, they have a major disadvantage in that the nicotine inhalers may produce a burning sensation in the throat. Also, nicotine inhalers can be quite expensive. In addition, certain vitamins that are decreased by smoking cannot be delivered in the vapor phase. 
     Therefore, there is a continuing need for a nicotine replacement product that resembles the act of smoking a cigarette and that has an acceptable taste. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The foregoing needs are met by the present invention which provides a device, composition and method which facilitate the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. 
     In one aspect, the invention provides a device which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. The device includes a tube defining an interior space. The tube has a first end with an opening and a second end. An inhalable, flowable liquid or gel composition is disposed in the interior space of the tube. The composition includes nicotine, and the composition is formulated to be suitable to enter a user&#39;s mouth through the opening in the first end when the user inhales through the first end of the tube of the device. 
     In one form, the device has an air tube positioned in the interior space of the tube and the air tube is free from the composition. The air tube provides an air flow path in the device. The first end and the second end of the device may be covered with a removable seal. Preferably, the amount of composition in the interior space of the tube is approximately 3 to 20 milliliters, and the amount of nicotine in the interior space of the tube is 0.5 to 5.0 milligrams. The composition may include a vitamin and a flavoring agent. For example, the flavoring agent may include sucralose, and a natural or artificial fruit flavor. The vitamin may be selected from vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin B, and mixtures thereof, and the flavoring agent may include a natural or artificial fruit flavor selected from cherry, orange, grape, root beer, cola, spearmint and menthol. 
     In another form, the second end of the device is moveable such that the second end may move toward the user&#39;s mouth upon the user inhaling through the first end. As a result, all of the composition is delivered to the user, i.e., nothing would be left on the inner sides of the tube. In still another form of the device, the second end is integral with the tube and includes at least one air hole. In yet another form, the first end of the device is a porous membrane. Optionally, the tube has indicia on the first end of the tube to indicate where the user should inhale. Preferably, the first end is covered with a mouthpiece having a frangible seal. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an inhalable, flowable composition which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. The composition includes water, at least one vitamin, a flavoring agent, and nicotine. The vitamin may be selected from vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin B, and mixtures thereof. The flavoring agent may include an intense sweetener such as sucralose, and a natural or artificial fruit flavor. Preferably, the composition includes a thickener such that the composition is a gel, and the composition further includes a preservative. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. The method includes providing a device that includes a tube defining an interior space wherein the tube has a first end with an opening and a second end. An inhalable, flowable liquid or gel composition is disposed in the interior space of the tube. The composition includes nicotine, and the composition is formulated to be suitable to enter a user&#39;s mouth through the opening in the first end when the user inhales through the first end of the tube of the device. A user inhales on the first end of the tube of the device as a substitute oral activity to tobacco smoking and thereby ingests a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped. Thus, the method facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. 
     In still another aspect, the invention provides a method which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. The method includes the step of administering a composition according to the invention to a user&#39;s mouth. The composition includes water, at least one vitamin, a flavoring agent, and nicotine. The vitamin may be selected from vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin B, and mixtures thereof. The flavoring agent may include an intense sweetener such as sucralose, and a natural or artificial fruit flavor. Preferably, the composition includes a thickener such that the composition is a gel, and the composition further includes a preservative. 
     Thus, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a nicotine replacement product that resembles the act of smoking a cigarette and that has an acceptable taste. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a device which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking and also delivers a vitamin to the user. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention to provide an oral composition which provides a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front left perspective view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear right perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 5  taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 5  taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of the device of  FIG. 3  with the shipping seal removed. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9  during use of the device. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear right perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 11  taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the cap of the device of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the cap of  FIG. 13  taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of a device  10  according to the invention which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. Shaped like a cigarette or small cigar, the dimensions of an example of the device (which can be called a “dispenser”) are as follows, but shall not limited to: 9.5 centimeters long, 1 centimeter outside diameter and cylindrical (about 3 centimeters circumference), with a wall thickness of 0.1 centimeters. The color of the cigarette-like product will be, but shall not be limited to, brown, so that it resembles a small blunt, or cigarillo. It may also be designed to be white, with an imitation filter. Plastic is a suitable material for the device. 
     The device  10  has an outer cylindrical tube  20  and inside the tube  20 , there may be a chamber  22  defining an interior space which will carry a composition  26  according to the invention. A central air tube  28  of variable size is centered in the chamber  22 . The air tube  28  is optional, and may not be included in the device. In other words, the device may only include a single chamber  22 . The amount of composition inside of the tube can be, but is not limited to, approximately 3-5 milliliters, with one version having a volume of 4.77 milliliters excluding the air tube  28 . 
     On the “mouth” end of the tube  20  there is a porous membrane  32 , or filter, which will allow the user to inhale, or sip, the composition  26 . The other end will have a non-porous membrane, or filter  34 , or may be sealed off with the material that comprises the tube  20 . A seal  33 , of aluminum foil or comparable substance, can be used to seal the mouth end of the dispensing tube  20 , and a seal  35 , of aluminum foil or comparable substance, can be used to seal the opposite end of the dispensing tube  20  to preserve freshness, and to prevent accidental ingestion by toddlers. To use the device  10 , the user will have to remove the foil on each end. 
     The user will have an amount of control over the volume of composition received in a “dose.” He or she may inhale lightly, or hardly at all, to receive a minimal amount of composition  26 . He or she may inhale naturally, or normally, to receive a single “dose,” approximately 0.35 ml. of composition  26 . He or she may inhale deeply to receive a double, or triple “dose,” approximately 0.7 ml-1.05 ml. The product shall only be designed to imitate, and therefore replace, the act of smoking. Thus, the device provides a nicotine replacement product that resembles the act of smoking a cigarette. 
     The tube  20  will be disposable, and should be discarded into a trash receptacle after usage. The device will be sold individually, in packs or cartons, similar to cigarettes, and shall contain, but shall not be limited to, 15-20 individual devices, or “cigarettes.” The packs may be opened in the same manner as cigarette packs and cartons. In another version, the tube  20  is refillable with the composition. 
     A marking on the “mouth” end  44  of the tube  20  can signify to the user that this is the end he/she should inhale. A larger, cigar-like version of this device  10  may also be produced and the composition  26  can be adjusted to be a different volume, viscosity, and concentration, so as to be delivered in any smoking-imitative way. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3-8 , there is shown a second embodiment of a device  110  according to the invention which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. Shaped like a cigarette or small cigar, the dimensions of the device  110  (which can be called a “dispenser”) are as follows, but shall not limited to: 110 millimeters long, with a wall thickness of 0.5 millimeters. It is substantially cylindrical. The device  110  has an outside diameter of 8.5 millimeters from the mouth end  144  to about 30 millimeters from the mouth end  144 , and the outside diameter then increases from 8.5 millimeters to 12 millimeters from 30 to 50 millimeters from the mouth end  144 . Thus, the outside diameter on the opposite end  146  is 12 millimeters. The color of the cigarette-like product will be, but shall not be limited to, brown, so that it resembles a small blunt, or cigarillo. It may also be designed to be white, with an imitation filter. Plastic is a suitable material for the device  110 . 
     Inside the tube  120 , there is a chamber  122  which will carry the composition  26  according to the invention The amount of composition inside of the tube can be, but is not limited to, approximately 6-9 milliliters. 
     A seal  133 , of aluminum foil or comparable substance, can be used to seal the mouth end  144  of the dispensing tube  120 , and a seal  135 , of aluminum foil or comparable substance, can be used to seal the opposite end  146  of the dispensing tube  120  to preserve freshness, and to prevent accidental ingestion by toddlers. To use the device  110 , the user will have to remove the foil on each end. 
     Both ends are sealed off with the same plastic material as the rest of the tube. On the mouth end  144  of the tube  120  there is a single hole  177  (see  FIG. 6 ), approximately 0.8 millimeters in diameter, where the use may inhale the composition  26 . On the other end  146  of the tube  120  there are three air holes  156  (see  FIGS. 7-8 ), approximately 0.38 millimeters in diameter each, to facilitate air flow into the tube  120 . The air holes  156  are equally spaced in a 6 millimeter diameter circle. 
     Alternatively, the “mouth” end  144  of the tube  120  may have a porous membrane, which will allow the user to inhale, or sip, the composition  26 . The other end  146  may have a non-porous membrane. 
     The user will have an amount of control over the volume of composition received in a “dose.” He or she may inhale lightly, or hardly at all, to receive a minimal amount of composition  26 , approximately 0.20-0.60 milliliters of the composition  26 . He or she may inhale naturally, or normally, to receive a single “dose,” approximately 0.1.0 ml. of composition  26 . He or she may inhale deeply to receive a double, or triple “dose,” approximately 2.0 ml. The product shall only be designed to imitate, and therefore replace, the act of smoking. Thus, the device provides a nicotine replacement product that resembles the act of smoking a cigarette. 
     The tube  120  will be disposable, and should be discarded into a trash receptacle after usage. The device will be sold individually, in packs or cartons, similar to cigarettes, and shall contain, but shall not be limited to, 15-20 individual devices, or “cigarettes.” The packs will open in the same manner as cigarette packs and cartons. 
     A marking on the “mouth” end  144  of the tube  120  can signify to the user that this is the end he/she should inhale. A larger, cigar-like version of this device may also be produced and the composition can be adjusted to be a different volume, viscosity, and concentration, so as to be delivered in any smoking-imitative way. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , there is shown a third embodiment of a device  210  according to the invention which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. The device is similar to the device  110  of  FIGS. 3-8 . However, the end  246  of the device  210  includes a moveable plug  267 . Designed much like a syringe without the plunger, the plug  267  moves from the other (far) end  246  of the tube  220  to the “mouth” end  280 , as the user inhales. An advantage of this system would be that all fluid would be delivered to the user, i.e., nothing would be left on the inner sides of the tube  220 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , there is shown a fourth embodiment of a device  310  according to the invention which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. The device  310  has a hollow cylindrical tube  320  with a reduced diameter (far) end  322  and a “mouth” end  324 . An end cap  326  fits over the end  322  to seal off the end  322 . The device  310  includes a plug  330  that moves from the end  322  of the tube  320  to the mouth end  324  of the tube  324 . The plug  330  has an O-ring  332  in an annular surface channel  334  of the plug  330 . A mouthpiece  340  covers the mouth end  324  of the device  310 . In one version, the tube  324  has an outside diameter of 0.375 inches and the device  310  has an overall length of 5 inches. Preferably, the device  310  holds about 9 milliliters of the composition  26 . However, the size of the tube can be increased to allow for more fluid space, such as 20 milliliters. The tube may be clear, translucent or opaque, and may be colored brown like a cigar. 
     Looking at  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the mouthpiece  340  has a first hollow tubular end  342  that fits over the mouth end  324  to seal off the mouth end  324 . The mouthpiece  340  also has a central hollow tubular section  344  of reduced outside diameter in relation to the tubular end  342 . The central hollow tubular section  344  has an end wall  346  with a central opening  348 . Before use, the central opening  348  is sealed off by a tear-away tab  350 . By twisting the tear-away tab  350 , the user breaks off section  352  of the mouthpiece  340  creating a flow path from central opening  348  to tubular section  344  to tubular end  342  of the mouthpiece  340 . Thus, the tab  350  serves as a frangible seal. As a user inhales on the tubular section  344  of the mouthpiece  340  of the device  310  to receive composition  26  from the device  310 , the plug  330  moves from the far end  322  of the tube  320  to the mouth end  324 . An advantage of this system would be that all fluid would be delivered to the user, i.e., nothing would be left on the inner sides of the tube  320 . 
     The composition  26  loaded into the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310  may contain, but shall not be limited to, the following ingredients: distilled water (solvent); potassium sorbate (preservative); sucralose (known as Splenda™); nicotine (drug); ascorbic acid (vitamin C); alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E); vitamin B complex (e.g., vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12); polysaccharide gum (rheology modifier); citric acid (buffer component); food colors, and natural flavors (e.g., cherry, orange, grape, root beer, cola, spearmint and menthol). The amounts of each component may be varied. For example, the nicotine levels may provide a low-nicotine formula, or a non-nicotine formula. An example composition  26  may include: 80 weight percent (wt %) to 96 wt % water; 0.0001 wt % to 0.3 wt % nicotine; 0.0001 wt % to 0.3 wt % flavor; 0.001 wt % to 0.3 wt % buffer; 0.00001 wt % to 0.5 wt % vitamins; 1 wt % to 20 wt % sweetener; 0.001 wt % to 0.3 wt % preservative; 0.01 wt % to 5 wt % thickener; and 0.0001 wt % to 0.3 wt % colorant. 
     When preparing a composition  26  to be loaded into the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310 , the amount of water and thickener are varied to provide a suitable viscosity for delivery from the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310 . For instance, the viscosity of the composition  26  will vary depending on the diameter of the flow path to the user&#39;s mouth, and a highly viscous substance will difficult to inhale through a small diameter tube. The amount of flavor, sweetener and color are varied to provide pleasing organoleptic and aesthetic properties. The level of preservative is varied to provide suitable shelf life to the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310 . The amount of nicotine in the composition  26  to be loaded into the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310  is preferably adjusted based on the interior volume of the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310  such that 0.5 to 5.0 milligrams of nicotine are delivered to the user&#39;s mouth upon inhalation of the entire amount of composition  26  loaded into the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310 . The amount of vitamins in the composition  26  to be loaded into the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310  can be varied up to the maximum daily recommended intake based on an expected number of uses of the device in a day. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The following examples are presented in order to further illustrate the invention. They are not intended to limit the invention in any way. 
     Example 1 
     A first non-limiting example of a composition according to the invention is shown in Table 1. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 amount* 
                 grams*** 
                 Wt. % 
                 grams/cigarette 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Water 
                 400 
                 g 
                 400.0000 
                 69.8812% 
                 3.3333 
               
               
                 Cherry Flavor 
                 19.1 
                 drops** 
                 0.6367 
                 0.1112% 
                 0.0053 
               
               
                 Citric Acid 
                 23 
                 drops 
                 0.7667 
                 0.1339% 
                 0.0064 
               
               
                 Ascorbic Acid 
                 0.060 
                 g 
                 0.0600 
                 0.0105% 
                 0.0005 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Splenda ™ sucralose 
                 38.2000 
                 38.2000 
                 6.6737% 
                 0.3183 
               
               
                 Nicotine 
                  0.1200 
                 0.1200 
                 0.0210% 
                 0.0010 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Potassium Sorbate 
                 0.764 
                 g 
                 0.7640 
                 0.1335% 
                 0.0064 
               
               
                 Keltrol ™ xanthan gum 
                 7.64 
                 g 
                 7.6400 
                 1.3347% 
                 0.0637 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Water 
                 Balance 
                 124.2127 
                 21.7003% 
                 1.0351 
               
               
                   
                 572.4000  
                 572.4000 
                 100.0000 
                 4.7700 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Note: 
               
               
                 Citric acid is first prepared as a 50% (by weight) solution. [Ex. 50 g. Citric acid + 50 g. distilled water] 
               
               
                 Sucralose is (4,1′,6′-trichloro-4,1′,6′-trideoxy-galactosucrose), an intense sweetener made from sucrose 
               
               
                 *per 3 day batch 
               
               
                 **30 drops = 1 ml. 
               
               
                 ***assuming density = 1 
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The first example composition is made as follows. The components are added in the order which they are listed. Make sure each ingredient is fully mixed before adding the following component. Be sure to add the Keltrol™ xanthan gum slowly, sprinkling in. It is best to use high speed blender. Viscosity can be controlled by varying the amount of Keltrol™ xanthan gum. Higher levels of Keltrol™ xanthan gum will lead to higher viscosity. Continue mixing until uniform solution is achieved. The composition  26  may then be loaded into the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310  for use. 
     Example 2 
     A second non-limiting example of a 5 liter batch of a composition according to the invention is shown in Table 2. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 grams per 
               
               
                   
                 amount 
                 grams ** 
                 Wt. % 
                 cigarette *** 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Water 
                 3846 
                 ml. 
                 3846 
                 76.920 
                 6.92280 
               
               
                 Cherry Flavor 
                   
                   
                 4.009 
                 0.080 
                 0.00722 
               
               
                 Citric Acid * 
                 8.609 
                 (50/50) 
                 4.3045 
                 0.086 
                 0.00775 
               
               
                 Ascorbic Acid 
                   
                   
                 2.218 
                 0.044 
                 0.00399 
               
               
                 Vitamin B1 
                 55.51 
                 mg. 
                 0.056 
                 0.001 
                 0.00010 
               
               
                 Vitamin B2 
                 62.95 
                 mg. 
                 0.063 
                 0.001 
                 0.00011 
               
               
                 Vitamin B3 
                 740.996 
                 mg. 
                 0.741 
                 0.015 
                 0.00133 
               
               
                 Vitamin B5 
                 370.5 
                 mg. 
                 0.371 
                 0.007 
                 0.00067 
               
               
                 Vitamin B6 
                 74.1 
                 mg. 
                 0.074 
                 0.001 
                 0.00013 
               
               
                 Vitamin B12 
                 1 
                 mg. 
                 0.001 
                 0.000 
                 0.00000 
               
               
                 Splenda ™ sucralose 
                   
                   
                 444.432 
                 8.889 
                 0.79998 
               
               
                 Nicotine 
                 401.234 
                 mg. 
                 0.401 
                 0.008 
                 0.00072 
               
               
                 Potassium Sorbate 
                   
                   
                 4.615 
                 0.092 
                 0.00831 
               
               
                 Keltrol ™ xanthan gum 
                   
                   
                 65.382 
                 1.308 
                 0.11769 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Water 
                 Balance 
                 627.33 
                 12.547 
                 1.12920 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total 
                   
                   
                 5000 
                 100.00 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 * Note: 
               
               
                 Citric acid is first prepared as a 50% (by weight) solution. [Ex. 50 g. Citric acid + 50 g. distilled water] 
               
               
                 Sucralose is (4,1′,6′-trichloro-4,1′,6′-trideoxy-galactosucrose), an intense sweetener made from sucrose 
               
               
                 ** assuming density = 1 
               
               
                 *** grams per cigarette based on 9 ml./cigarette 
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The second example composition is made as follows. The components are added in the order which they are listed. Make sure each ingredient is fully mixed before adding the following component. Be sure to add the Keltrol™ xanthan gum slowly, sprinkling in. It is best to use high speed blender. Viscosity can be controlled by varying the amount of Keltrol™ xanthan gum. Higher levels of Keltrol™ xanthan gum will lead to higher viscosity. Continue mixing until uniform solution is achieved. The composition  26  may then be loaded into the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310  for use. 
     Example 3 
     A third non-limiting example of a 5 liter batch of a composition according to the invention is shown in Table 3. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 grams per 
               
               
                   
                 Amount 
                 grams ** 
                 Wt. % 
                 cigarette *** 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Water 
                 2000 
                 2000.000 
                 40.000 
                 3.60000 
               
               
                 Cherry Flavor 
                   
                 3.608 
                 0.072 
                 0.00649 
               
               
                 Citric Acid * 
                 7.7481 
                 3.874 
                 0.077 
                 0.00697 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ascorbic Acid 
                   
                   
                 2.883 
                 0.058 
                 0.00519 
               
               
                 Vitamin B1 
                 72.163 
                 mg. 
                 0.072 
                 0.001 
                 0.00013 
               
               
                 Vitamin B2 
                 81.835 
                 mg. 
                 0.082 
                 0.002 
                 0.00015 
               
               
                 Vitamin B3 
                 963.2948 
                 mg. 
                 0.963 
                 0.019 
                 0.00173 
               
               
                 Vitamin B5 
                 481.65 
                 mg. 
                 0.482 
                 0.010 
                 0.00087 
               
               
                 Vitamin B6 
                 96.66 
                 mg. 
                 0.097 
                 0.002 
                 0.00017 
               
               
                 Vitamin B12 
                 1 
                 mg. 
                 0.001 
                 0.000 
                 0.00000 
               
               
                 Splenda ™ sucralose 
                   
                   
                 399.989 
                 8.000 
                 0.71998 
               
               
                 Nicotine 
                 456.789 
                 mg. 
                 0.457 
                 0.009 
                 0.00082 
               
               
                 Potassium Sorbate 
                   
                   
                 4.615 
                 0.092 
                 0.00831 
               
               
                 Keltrol ™ xanthan gum 
                   
                   
                 65.382 
                 1.308 
                 0.11769 
               
               
                 Color 
                 258 
                 mg. 
                 0.258 
                 0.005 
                 0.00046 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Water 
                 Balance 
                 2517.237 
                 50.345 
                 4.53103 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total 
                   
                   
                 5000 
                 100.00 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 * Note: 
               
               
                 Citric acid is first prepared as a 50% (by weight) solution. [Ex. 50 g Citric acid + 50 g distilled water] 
               
               
                 Sucralose is (4,1′,6′-trichloro-4,1′,6′-trideoxy-galactosucrose), an intense sweetener made from sucrose 
               
               
                 ** assuming density = 1 
               
               
                 *** grams per cigarette based on 9 ml./cigarette 
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The third example composition is made as follows. The components are added in the order which they are listed. Make sure each ingredient is fully mixed before adding the following component. Be sure to add the Keltrol™ xanthan gum slowly, sprinkling in. It is best to use high speed blender. Viscosity can be controlled by varying the amount of Keltrol™ xanthan gum. Higher levels of Keltrol™ xanthan gum will lead to higher viscosity. Continue mixing until uniform solution is achieved. The composition  26  may then be loaded into the device  10  or  110  or  210  or  310  for use. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a device, composition, and method which facilitate the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking. The device acts as a substitute oral activity to smoking and provides a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.