US20080257367A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20080257367A1
Application number: US11/739,038
Authority: US
Inventors: Greg Paterno; Hal R. Gurman; David Burrows; Kryzystof Babinski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Njoy LLC
Priority date: 2007-04-23
Filing date: 2007-04-23
Publication date: 2008-10-23
Also published as: WO2008130813A1

Abstract

An improved electronic evaporable substance delivery device delivers nicotine-containing vapor to a user from a smoking device. The smoking device comprises a case having therein a power source, microprocessor, heating element and nicotine-containing cartridge. Microprocessor-controlled heating of the heating element causes air passing thereover to be heated. Passage of the heated air in proximity of the cartridge causes boiling of cartridge contents, and the release of a nicotine-containing vapor. A user may ingest the nicotine-containing vapor via a mouthpiece located at a first end of the case.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electronic substance delivery devices and, more particularly, to an electronic cigarette-like evaporable substance delivery device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The smoking of cigarettes and, to a lesser extent, cigars and pipes, remains very popular throughout the world. Increasingly, however, there is an awareness of the health-risks associated with tobacco smoke. In the West in particular, there has been in recent years a flurry of legislation aimed at reducing smoking in public places so as to reduce exposure of non-smokers to second-hand smoke. This has made it substantially more difficult for smokers to engage in smoking activity.

While the health-risks associated with tobacco smoke are well known, recent research points to the many health benefits associated with nicotine itself. Nicotine has been shown to improve attention, memory and overall mood. Most studies nevertheless conclude that the health benefits of nicotine are far outweighed by the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke. Nicotine gum and nicotine patches have been developed as non-carcinogenic delivery systems for nicotine. However, while these methods of nicotine intake can be effective in delivering nicotine into the body, studies have shown that many smokers have a psychological addiction to the use of cigarettes themselves. Many smokers have grown accustomed to the oral fixation and manual manipulation that is associated with cigarette smoking. A need therefore exists for a device capable of delivering nicotine while mimicking the smoking experience, but without the carcinogenic effects associated with tobacco smoke.

Various versions of an electronic cigarette have been disclosed. See PCT applications entitled “A Flameless Electronic Atomizing Cigarette” (WO 2004/095955); “A Flameless Electronic Atomizing Cigarette” (WO/2004/080216); and “An Aerosol Electronic Cigarette” (WO/2005/099494). These devices rely on an atomizer high frequency vibrator and aerosol, respectively, to convert a nicotine solution into gas form for inhalation. These devices do not provide for a means for monitoring the amount and controlling the delivery of nicotine. In addition, these devices do not contemplate the delivery of other therapeutic substances other than nicotine. Finally, these devices do not disclose or suggest alternative mechanisms (besides high frequency vibration and aerosol technology) for the dispersion of nicotine or other therapeutic substances in gas form. Therefore, a need remains for an improved electronic substance delivery device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic evaporable substance delivery device is provided. The device comprises, in combination: a case; a power source located in an interior of the case; a printed circuit board located in the interior of the case; a microprocessor located on the printed circuit board and in communication with the power source; a heating element in communication with the microprocessor; a cartridge containing an evaporable substance proximate the heating element; an air path opening located in the case; a mouthpiece located at a first end of the case wherein the mouthpiece has a channel therein and is in communication with the air path opening so that air entering the case through the air path opening may be sucked though the mouthpiece; and a switch configured to activate the microprocessor upon a sucking of air through the interior of the case by a user.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, an electronic nicotine delivery device is provided. The device comprises, in combination: a case; a power source located in an interior of the case; a printed circuit board located in the interior of the case; a microprocessor located on the printed circuit board and in communication with the power source; a heating element in communication with the microprocessor; a nicotine-containing cartridge proximate the heating element; an air path opening located in the case; a mouthpiece located at a first end of the case wherein the mouthpiece has a channel therein and is in communication with the air path opening so that air entering the case through the air path opening may be sucked though the mouthpiece; a display device in communication with the microprocessor, the display device configured to display data of at least one of a substance intake and battery power levels; a switch configured to activate the microprocessor upon a sucking of air through the interior of the case by a user; and a light located at a second end of the case, the light configured to indicate at least one of a nicotine intake level and battery power levels.

In accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention, a method for delivering an evaporable substance is disclosed. The method comprises: providing an electronic evaporable substance delivery device comprising, in combination: a case; a power source located in an interior of the case; a printed circuit board located in the interior of the case; a microprocessor located on the printed circuit board and in communication with the power source; a heating element in communication with the microprocessor; a cartridge containing an evaporable substance proximate the heating element; an air path opening located in the case; a mouthpiece located at a first end of the case wherein the mouthpiece has a channel therein and is in communication with the air path opening so that air entering the case through the air path opening may be sucked though the mouthpiece; and a switch configured to activate the microprocessor upon a sucking of air through the interior of the case by a user; providing power from the power source to the microprocessor; the microprocessor causing the heating element to heat; air entering the case being heated by the heating element; the heated air coming into proximity with the evaporable substance in the cartridge; at least a portion of the evaporable substance boiling and producing a vapor; and the vapor exiting the case via the mouthpiece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of an electronic evaporable substance delivery device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of the electronic evaporable substance delivery device ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first toFIG. 1, an electronic evaporable substance delivery device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Initially, it should be noted that the device is adapted to permit a user to inhale a vapor containing preferably nicotine and perhaps other additives, and to exhale that vapor. The device is electronically powered, generally re-useable, does not require “lighting” in the conventional manner that a cigarette is commonly lit, and does not produce second-hand smoke of the type associated with cigarettes. It should be clearly understood that while in the preferred embodiment, the evaporable substance is comprised primarily of nicotine, substantial benefit could be derived from alternative embodiments of the present invention in which other substances having a therapeutic effect (such as medications, herbs, or vitamin compounds) are evaporated for a user to inhale.

The user may insert themouthpiece3 into his or her mouth. Themouthpiece3 may comprise a hard plastic, rubber, or other desired material. It should be noted that some users enjoy chewing on the end of a cigar or cigarette, and it may be desired to provide amouthpiece3 comprising a deformable material, to facilitate such activity.

As shown inFIG. 2, themouthpiece3 contains a channel therethrough which opens into an interior of the device. Air path hole9 permits the entry of outside air into the device interior. The user may inhale, causing a sucking action that is communicated via that channel and drawing in ambient air via air path hole9. That sucking action may causereed switch13 to move, sending a signal to a microprocessor located on printedcircuit board8 that “smoking” has been initiated. The microprocessor may then send a signal, activatingheating member12. Theheating member12 may be a heating coil, light emitting diode, an infra-red device, a laser, vibration chamber, pressure chamber, butane or other flame, or other device capable of bringing nicotine (or another substance) to its boiling point.

Where theheating member12 is a heating coil, it is noted that the passage of current therethrough causes warming, at a level dependent upon the amount of current. which can be controlled. Air entering via air path hole9 passes through the heating coil and is heated, causing hot air to hit thecartridge10, boiling and vaporizing its contents.

Where theheating element12 is a laser, a beam is focused at a heat collector. Where theheating element12 is infrared, an infra-red LED heats a heat collector. In both examples, air entering via air path hole9 passes directly through the heat collector, causing hot air to hit thecartridge10, boiling and vaporizing its contents.

Theheating member12 is locatedproximate cartridge10, which may contain therein nicotine mixed with a low boiling point substance (e.g., propylene glycol) and, optionally, flavors and/or other additives. For example, flavored nicotine, or other flavored evaporable substances could be provided incartridges10, allowing users different the experience of inhaling and tasting different flavors. Activation of theheating member12 causes the contents of thecartridge10 to reach their boiling point, producing a vapor. The vapor is inhaled by the user via the channel located inmouthpiece3.Cartridge10 may be replaced when emptied by removal from the device of themouthpiece3.Heat shield15 may be interposed between theheating member12 and the printedcircuit board8, to protect components thereon.

The microprocessor may maintain theheating member12 at a constant temperature, where desired, using a smart monitoring circuit located on the printedcircuit board8, so as to limit power consumption and/or optimize performance. The microprocessor may utilize an algorithm software program that calculates nicotine consumption by the user and may store the amount of consumption in onboard flash memory integrated into the microprocessor. The printedcircuit board8 may further comprise at least onedisplay device7, in communication with the microprocessor, to relay data to the user regarding, for example, nicotine intake and/or battery power levels. Thedisplay device7 may be one or more light emitting diode (in one embodiment, nicotine intake quantity may be communicated by a blinking of the display device, with each blink corresponding to the nicotine associated with a single cigarette), a liquid crystal display, or other display. In one embodiment, thedisplay device7 may be a radio frequency transmitter, adapted to relay data (including data saved in memory) to the user via a remote radio frequency receiver (not shown). In this manner, a user may monitor and/or track nicotine consumption.

The device, including theheating member12 andmicroprocessor8, is powered bypower source5.Power source5 may be a replaceable or rechargeable battery, inserted againstbattery spring6. Where rechargeable, the battery may be removed for recharging or, optionally, be recharged while remaining in the device by placement of the device in contact or proximity to a docking device (not shown). The microprocessor can also be used to monitor the battery when charging. The docking station itself may be battery-operated, so that it can recharge the device a number of times when away from an AC outlet. This docking station may be the size of a pack of cigarettes and have a collapsible plug so that it plugs directly into the wall. It may also be provided with a storage compartment, for use in carryingreplacement cartridges10.

At least thepower source5, printedcircuit board8,heating element12 andcartridge10 may be retained within acase2. In the preferred embodiment, thecase2 and themouthpiece3 together approximate a tobacco cigarette in size and form factor, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be deprived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which thecase2 with or without amouthpiece3 together approximate a tobacco cigar in size and form factor.

In one embodiment, a lightedtip4 may be provided at an end of thecase2. The lightedtip4 may be in contact with thepower source5 and may also be activated by movement of thereed switch13, so as to light when “smoking action” is occurring. The lightedtip4 may simulate the lighting of an end of a cigarette or cigar.

Apocket clip14 may be provided on an exterior of thecase2. Thepocket clip14 facilitates clipping of thecase2 to the interior of a shirt pocket or the like.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electronic evaporable substance delivery device comprising, in combination:

a case;

a power source located in an interior of said case;

a printed circuit board located in said interior of said case;

a microprocessor located on said printed circuit board and in communication with said power source;

a heating element in communication with said microprocessor;

a cartridge containing an evaporable substance proximate said heating element;

an air path opening located in said case;

a mouthpiece located at a first end of said case wherein said mouthpiece has a channel therein and is in communication with said air path opening so that air entering said case through said air path opening may be sucked though said mouthpiece; and

a switch configured to activate said microprocessor upon a sucking of air through said interior of said case by a user.

2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said evaporable substance is nicotine.

3. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said power source is a replaceable battery.

4. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said power source is a rechargeable battery.

5. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising a heat shield interposed between said heating element and said printed circuit board.

6. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising a display device in communication with said microprocessor, said display device configured to display data of at least one of a substance intake and battery power levels.

7. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising a light located at a second end of said case, said light configured to indicate at least one of a substance intake level and battery power levels.

8. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising a pocket clip coupled to an exterior of said case.

9. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said case and said mouthpiece substantially resemble a tobacco cigarette.

10. An electronic nicotine delivery device comprising, in combination:

a case;

a power source located in an interior of said case;

a printed circuit board located in said interior of said case;

a heating element in communication with said microprocessor;

a nicotine-containing cartridge proximate said heating element;

an air path opening located in said case;

a mouthpiece located at a first end of said case wherein said mouthpiece has a channel therein and is in communication with said air path opening so that air entering said case through said air path opening may be sucked though said mouthpiece;

a display device in communication with said microprocessor, said display device configured to display data of at least one of a substance intake and battery power levels;

a switch configured to activate said microprocessor upon a sucking of air through said interior of said case by a user; and

a light located at a second end of said case, said light configured to indicate at least one of a nicotine intake level and battery power levels.

11. The device ofclaim 10 wherein said power source is a replaceable battery.

12. The device ofclaim 10 wherein said power source is a rechargeable battery.

13. The device ofclaim 10 further comprising a heat shield interposed between said heating element and said printed circuit board.

14. A method for delivering an evaporable substance comprising:

providing an electronic evaporable substance delivery device comprising, in combination:

a case;

a power source located in an interior of said case;

a printed circuit board located in said interior of said case;

a heating element in communication with said microprocessor;

a cartridge containing an evaporable substance proximate said heating element;

an air path opening located in said case;

a switch configured to activate said microprocessor upon a sucking of air through said interior of said case by a user;

providing power from said power source to said microprocessor;

said microprocessor causing said heating element to heat;

air entering said case being heated by said heating element;

said heated air coming into proximity with said evaporable substance in said cartridge;

at least a portion of said evaporable substance boiling and producing a vapor; and

said vapor exiting said case via said mouthpiece.

15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said evaporable substance is nicotine.

16. The method ofclaim 15 further comprising the step of said microprocessor calculating an amount of nicotine exiting said case via said mouthpiece.

17. The method ofclaim 15 further comprising displaying said amount of nicotine exiting said case via said mouthpiece to a user.

18. The method ofclaim 15 wherein said step of displaying occurs on a display device located on said case.

19. The method ofclaim 15 wherein said amount of nicotine exiting said case via said mouthpiece to a user is communicated from said case to another device.

20. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said heating element comprises at least one of a heating coil, a light emitting diode, an infra-red device, a laser, a vibration chamber, a flame, and a pressure chamber.