Abstract:
A flavor or nicotine pouch for adding flavoring and/or nicotine to electronic cigarette liquid, or “e-juice.” The pouch may include a polymer housing holding a liquid solution including a flavoring and/or a nicotine solution designed for adding a flavor and/or nicotine to an electronic cigarette juice, and a removable seal for accessing the liquid solution. The removable seal may be a tear tab, twist off cap, snap off cap, or the like that is removable to create an opening into an interior of the polymer housing where the liquid solution is contained. The removable seal, in some cases, may be operably re-connectable with the polymer housing to reseal the opening.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. Appl. No. 62/049,605, titled “Electronic Cigarette Liquid Flavoring,” filed Sep. 12, 2014 and U.S. Prov. Pat. Appl. No. 62/150,326, titled “Electronic Cigarette Liquid Flavoring and Nicotine Additives,” filed Apr. 21, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to electronic cigarette flavoring and nicotine additives. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to liquid flavor pouches used to flavor electronic cigarette liquid containers, and liquid nicotine pouches used to add nicotine to electronic cigarette liquid containers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
         [0004]    Electronic cigarettes have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional cigarettes. One advantage of electronic cigarettes is that users may customize the flavor experienced by inserting a liquid flavor container into the electronic cigarette. However, the flavor containers are usually pre-mixed and usually contain only one specified flavor. In addition, the flavor containers are typically designed for one time use. That is, once the flavoring is gone, the user must discard the container and purchase another. 
         [0005]    Another advantage to electronic cigarettes is that users may choose electronic cigarette containers containing electronic cigarette liquid with no nicotine or may choose among a selection of pre-determined nicotine levels. These containers without nicotine or with pre-determined nicotine levels typically do not allow for customization of nicotine level. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a need in the art for ways to flavor one time use liquid containers. More particularly, there is a need for a manner or mechanism by which one can mix and match one or more flavors in order to greatly edit, adjust, change, or increase the amount of flavor combinations available. Additionally, there is a need in the art for a manner or mechanism by which a nicotine level can be customized by adding nicotine to electronic cigarette liquid containers. More particularly, there is a need for a manner or mechanism for adding nicotine to a liquid container that has no nicotine or to increase the level of nicotine in a pre-mixed liquid container. 
         [0007]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. 
         [0009]    The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a flavor pouch for adding flavoring to electronic cigarette liquid. The flavor pouch may include a polymer housing holding a liquid solution including a flavoring designed for adding a flavor to an electronic cigarette juice, and a removable seal for accessing the liquid solution. In some embodiments, the polymer housing may be sized and shaped to contain up to about 0.5 mL of the liquid solution. The liquid solution may also include propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, glycerin, vegetable glycerin, and/or water. The removable seal, in some embodiments, may have a tear tab that is completely removable to create an opening into an interior of the polymer housing where the liquid solution is contained. In other embodiments, the removable seal may be a twist off or snap off cap, that can be twisted or snapped off to create an opening into an interior of the polymer housing where the liquid solution is contained. The cap may be operably re-connectable with the polymer housing to reseal the opening into the interior of the polymer housing. In some embodiments, the polymer housing may have an ejection limiter that limits the amount of liquid expelled from an interior of the polymer housing where the liquid solution is contained to some portion less than a full volume of the interior each time the polymer housing is squeezed. In a sense, the polymer housing may include an ejection limiter that substantially consistently limits the amount of liquid expelled from an interior of the polymer housing where the liquid solution is contained each time the polymer housing is squeezed. In some embodiments, the ejection limiter limits the liquid expelled to equal to or less than about 0.5 mL. The flavoring of the liquid solution, among other flavors, may be one or more of tobacco, Turkish tobacco, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, green tea, cream, natural sweetener, banana, strawberry, blueberry, mango, raspberry, peach, pineapple, apple, orange, papaya, watermelon, grape, cherry, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, cola, piña colada, coconut, almond, cinnamon, white chocolate, rum, butterscotch, and caramel. 
         [0010]    The present disclosure, in another embodiment, relates to a nicotine pouch for adding nicotine to electronic cigarette liquid. The nicotine pouch may include a polymer housing containing a liquid nicotine solution designed for adding nicotine to an electronic cigarette juice, and a removable seal for accessing the liquid nicotine solution. In some embodiments, the liquid nicotine solution is nicotine extracted into a liquid form. In some embodiments, the liquid nicotine solution includes propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, glycerin, vegetable glycerin, and/or water. The removable seal, in some embodiments, may include a tear tab that is completely removable to create an opening into an interior of the polymer housing where the liquid nicotine solution is contained. In other embodiments, the removable seal may be a twist off or snap off cap, that can be twisted or snapped off to create an opening into an interior of the polymer housing where the liquid nicotine solution is contained. In some embodiments, the cap is operably re-connectable with the polymer housing to reseal the opening into the interior of the polymer housing. The polymer housing may also include an ejection limiter that substantially consistently limits the amount of liquid expelled from an interior of the polymer housing where the liquid nicotine solution is contained each time the polymer housing is squeezed. In further embodiments, the liquid nicotine solution may also include a flavoring designed for adding a flavor to an electronic cigarette juice. 
         [0011]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a flavor or nicotine pouch or packet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a flavor or nicotine pouch or packet, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flavor or nicotine pouch or packet, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a flavor or nicotine pouch or packet, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart depicting a method of use of a flavor pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart depicting a method of use of a nicotine pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous electronic cigarette liquid flavor pouches and liquid nicotine pouches. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous methods to mix flavors for liquids used with electronic cigarettes and methods to add nicotine or increase the level of nicotine in liquids used with electronic cigarettes. Such liquids used with electronic cigarettes may often be referred to as “e-juice.” 
         [0020]    Electronic cigarette liquid may be a liquid solution, which may include, but is not limited to, propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and other flavorings. The liquid is designed to be used in an electronic cigarette, personal vaporizer, or electronic nicotine delivery system (herein referred to collectively as “electronic cigarettes”). The liquid may be consumed as the user uses the electronic cigarette. The liquid container within the electronic cigarette may be designed for a one time use. However, liquid containers may also be designed for repeated and continued use. The liquid may or may not contain a flavoring. The liquid may or may not contain nicotine. 
         [0021]    A particularly novel and advantageous aspect of the present disclosure is the use of liquid pouches or vials to add flavoring (herein referred to collectively or interchangeably as “flavor pouches”). Liquid flavor pouches may be used to add flavoring or additional flavoring to the liquid container containing electronic cigarette liquid, or “e-juice.” In various embodiments, this may change the flavor the user experiences when using the electronic cigarette. In at least one embodiment, described more fully below, the user may combine two or more flavors to create a unique flavor profile. 
         [0022]    Another novel and advantageous aspect of the present disclosure is the use of liquid pouches or vials to add nicotine (herein referred to collectively or interchangeably as “nicotine pouches”). Liquid nicotine pouches may be used to add nicotine or additional nicotine to the liquid container containing electronic cigarette liquid, or “e-juice.” In various embodiments, this may change the level of nicotine to which the user is exposed when using the electronic cigarette. 
         [0023]    Referencing  FIGS. 1-4 , a flavor or nicotine pouch of the present disclosure may come in one or more sizes, shapes, designs, or with one or more configurations or components for dispensing the liquid. A flavor pouch or a nicotine pouch may be made from one or more materials. In various embodiments, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be made from a plastic, or any suitable polymer. In some embodiments, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may, additionally or alternatively, be made using Saran or like material. The flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may, additionally or alternatively, be any packaging of the type made, for example, by Telmark Packaging Corporation, in Matawan, N.J. In still further embodiments, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may, additionally or alternatively, be made using liquid thermoforms, mini tubes, foil pouches, stick packets, glass, any other suitable material or container, or any combination thereof. 
         [0024]    The various embodiments of flavor pouches or nicotine pouches of the present disclosure may also vary in size and/or be configured to hold various amounts of liquid therein. In one embodiment, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be shaped, sized, and/or configured to contain up to about 0.5 mL of liquid. In other embodiments, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be shaped, sized, and/or configured to contain up to about 5 mL of liquid. It is understood, however, that in various embodiments, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch of the present disclosure may be shaped, sized, and/or configured to contain less than 0.5 mL, between 0.5 mL and 5 mL, or over 5 mL of liquid. 
         [0025]    A flavor pouch or nicotine pouch of the present disclosure may be designed for a one time, or one-off, use. That is, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch, once opened, may be added to another liquid, or “e-juice,” container such that substantially all the liquid is expelled from the pouch. In such an embodiment, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may not require a method or component used to re-seal the pouch. The flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may, in one embodiment, be opened by tearing the packaging at one end to create a slit or opening. In another embodiment, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may have a twist off end, which once removed, may create an opening through which the liquid may be squeezed and/or emptied. In some embodiments, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may, additionally or alternatively, include a syringe or tube-style opening, which may be used to better focus the expulsion of the liquid from the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch into the electronic cigarette liquid container. Of course, any suitable mechanism or opening device, now known or later developed, may be used for providing access to the liquid contained within a flavor pouch or nicotine pouch of the present disclosure. 
         [0026]    In other embodiments, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be used one or more times to fill, or partially fill, one or more other liquid, or “e-juice,” containers. In such an embodiment, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may have one or more ways to reseal or close the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch. For example, a snap or twist off opening may be able to twist, screw, snap, or friction-fit, back onto the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch, thereby securing the liquid within the pouch. In another embodiment, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be later secured by interweaving or zipping two plastic sheets together, not unlike those used for bags of chips or sealable sandwich bags. In yet another embodiment, the material comprising the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be folded over, thereby securing the pouch. It should be understood that any suitable method to reseal the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch once opened may be used. 
         [0027]    In at least one embodiment, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may have a component that is designed to limit the amount of liquid that is expelled at any given time. For example, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be designed such that each squeeze to expel liquid expels approximately 0.5 mL at a time. In other embodiments, the flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be designed such that more than 0.5 mL or less than 0.5 mL is expelled at a time, as required or desired. With regard to a flavor pouch, this may help in flavor consistency. That is, a user may be able to better recreate a desired flavor combination, e.g., two squeezes of one flavor packet and one squeeze of another, as opposed to trying to estimate each time. Likewise, with regard to a nicotine pouch, this may help in consistency of nicotine strength or concentration. For example, if a user discovers that he or she enjoys the nicotine strength or concentration reached with two squeezes of a pouch, the user may be able to better recreate the same nicotine strength or concentration. The nicotine pouch may be designed such that each squeeze, for example, expels a certain concentration or strength of nicotine, so that a user knows the approximate concentration or strength that is being added with each squeeze of the pouch. Any method to control the release of the liquid from a flavor pouch or nicotine pouch may be used. 
         [0028]    A flavor pouch may contain a liquid having a flavor. In some embodiments, the flavor may be a combination of food flavoring and/or sweeteners. In various embodiments, the flavor of the liquid may be, but is not limited to, tobacco, Turkish tobacco, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, green tea, cream, natural sweetener, banana, strawberry, blueberry, mango, raspberry, peach, pineapple, apple, orange, papaya, watermelon, grape, cherry, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, cola, piña colada, coconut, almond, cinnamon, white chocolate, rum, butterscotch, caramel, or any other suitable flavor, or any combination thereof. Each flavor pouch may be combined with the liquid in the electronic cigarette liquid, or “e-juice,” container and/or any other flavor pouch to create a unique flavor. For example, a user may combine two flavor pouches to create a peach strawberry flavored liquid. In some embodiments, the flavor pouches may each contain one flavor. In other embodiments, the flavor pouches may be pre-mixed with two or more flavors to create a unique flavor. For example, and example only, blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry flavors may be mixed together to create a mixed berry flavor. The mixed berry flavor pouch may be used alone or in combination with other flavored liquid pouches, in accordance with the methods described herein. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the liquid flavoring may comprise 100% or nearly 100% of a food flavoring. In various embodiments, a liquid flavoring may be diluted in and/or contained in one or more other liquids within a flavor pouch. In one embodiment, the liquid flavoring may be contained in a solution that may include, but is not limited to, propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, glycerin, vegetable glycerin, and/or water. In still other embodiments, the liquid flavoring may be a part of any other similar or suitable solution within a flavor pouch. 
         [0030]    A nicotine pouch may contain a liquid having an amount of nicotine. The nicotine may be extracted into a liquid form. In some embodiments, the liquid may comprise 100% or nearly 100% nicotine or extracted nicotine. In other embodiments, the nicotine or extracted nicotine may be diluted in and/or contained in one or more other liquids within a nicotine pouch. In one embodiment, the nicotine or extracted nicotine may be contained in a solution that may include, but is not limited to, propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, glycerin, vegetable glycerin, and/or water. In still other embodiments, the nicotine may be a part of any other similar or suitable solution within a nicotine pouch. The nicotine pouch may contain a specified level, amount, concentration, or strength of nicotine or extracted nicotine, up to 100% nicotine. In some embodiments, the nicotine pouch may additionally contain one or more flavors described above or any other suitable additive. 
         [0031]    Flavor Pouch Example Method of Use 
         [0032]    Referencing  FIG. 5 , a method  500  of using a flavor pouch of the present disclosure with an electronic cigarette is shown. A user may choose a flavor pouch with a desired flavor, for example and example only, strawberry. The user may open the flavor pouch  502 , which may be a one-time use or multi-use flavor pouch. The user may empty the contents of the flavor pouch into the electronic cigarette liquid, or “e-juice,” container  504 . As indicated above, in other embodiments, a user may only empty a portion of the contents of the flavor pouch into the electronic cigarette liquid container and may save the remaining contents for later use, if desired. The user may then either reseal or discard the flavor pouch  506 . If the desired flavor has been achieved  508 , the user may then use the electronic cigarette liquid container in the electronic cigarette  510 . If the desired flavor has not yet been achieved  508 , the user may choose another flavor pouch and repeat steps  502  through  508 . For example, the user may then add either more strawberry or may choose another flavor pouch to create a unique flavor, such as chocolate to obtain a chocolate covered strawberry flavor or banana to get a more fruity flavor. 
         [0033]    In various embodiments, the user of flavor pouches of the present disclosure may be an owner or employee of a store selling electronic cigarettes and/or related supplies. That is, a retail store owner or employee may either pre-mix different flavor combinations for sale or create a customized flavor given a specific customer&#39;s request. In other embodiments, the user may be a direct consumer of “e-juice” who purchases the flavor pouches. In this manner the user may create their own combinations at home or on the go. 
         [0034]    As may be appreciated, the user may also be able to refill their electronic cigarette liquid, or “e juice,” container as it is depleted. In some embodiments, the flavor pouch may contain generally the same solution, which may or may not contain nicotine, that comprises most electronic cigarette liquids. In other embodiments, the flavor pouch may mainly contain the flavored liquid solution. In at least one embodiment, the flavor pouch may contain the electronic cigarette liquid solution along with the flavoring or flavor solution. As such, the user may be able to refill and/or change the flavor of the liquid in the electronic cigarette liquid container at any time. 
         [0035]    Additionally, although the flowchart in  FIG. 5  may illustrate a method as a sequential process, many of the operations in the flowcharts illustrated can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the method steps illustrated in the flowchart of  FIG. 5  may be rearranged for some embodiments. Similarly, the method illustrated in  FIG. 5  could have additional steps not included therein or fewer steps than those shown. 
         [0036]    Nicotine Pouch Example Method of Use 
         [0037]    Referencing  FIG. 6 , a method  600  of using a nicotine pouch of the present disclosure with an electronic cigarette is shown. A user may choose a nicotine pouch with a particular concentration or strength of nicotine. The user may open the nicotine pouch  602 , which may be a one-time use or multi-use nicotine pouch. The user may empty the contents of the nicotine pouch into the electronic cigarette liquid, or “e juice,” container  604 . As indicated above, in other embodiments, a user may only empty a portion of the contents of the nicotine pouch into the electronic cigarette liquid container and may save the remaining contents for later use, if desired. The user may then either reseal or discard the nicotine pouch  606 . If the desired nicotine concentration or strength has been achieved  608 , the user may then use the electronic cigarette liquid container in the electronic cigarette  610 . If the desired nicotine concentration or strength has not yet been achieved  608 , the user may choose another nicotine pouch and repeat steps  602  through  608 . For example, the user may then add either more liquid from the same nicotine pouch, or if the contents were entirely used for example, the user may add liquid from another nicotine pouch. 
         [0038]    In various embodiments, the user of nicotine pouches of the present disclosure may be an owner or employee of a store selling electronic cigarettes and/or related supplies. That is, a retail store owner or employee may pre-mix different nicotine concentrations or strengths for sale. In other embodiments, the user may be a direct consumer of “e-juice” who purchases the nicotine pouches. In this manner the user may create their own preferred nicotine strength or concentration at home or on the go. 
         [0039]    As may be appreciated, the user may also be able to refill their electronic cigarette liquid container, or “e-juice,” as it is depleted. In some embodiments, the nicotine pouch may contain generally the same solution that comprises most electronic cigarette liquids. In at least one embodiment, the nicotine pouch may contain the electronic cigarette solution along with the nicotine liquid. As such, the user may be able to refill and/or change the electronic cigarette liquid container at any time with the user&#39;s preferred concentration or strength of nicotine. 
         [0040]    Additionally, although the flowchart in  FIG. 6  may illustrate a method as a sequential process, many of the operations in the flowcharts illustrated can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the method steps illustrated in the flowchart of  FIG. 6  may be rearranged for some embodiments. Similarly, the method illustrated in  FIG. 6  could have additional steps not included therein or fewer steps than those shown. 
         [0041]    As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “generally” refer to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” or “generally” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have generally the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” or “generally” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, embodiment, or composition that is “substantially free of” or “generally free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is generally no measurable effect thereof. 
         [0042]    In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.