System and process for tobaccoless nicotine delivery

Abstract

A tobaccoless nicotine delivery device permits delivery of nicotine in a manner similar to a cigarette. The device may include an impermeable outer layer surrounding a micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that includes a measured amount of nicotine in a form that allows nicotine vapor to be released upon rupture of the micro-encapsulation. A permeable membrane may be disposed adjacent to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that allows pressure to be applied to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer while permitting permeation of released nicotine into a central channel for inhalation by a user. A mouthpiece may be disposed at an open end of the central channel in order to provide air resistance to simulate the inhalation effect of a cigarette.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Appl. No. 60 / 992,217, filed Dec. 4, 2007, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]The present invention relates to a system and method for tobaccoless nicotine delivery.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Current nicotine phase out systems utilize devices do not closely resemble the actual system and act of smoking. Completely eliminating the tactile and habitual sensations that are part of the cigarette experience may delay the adoption of the therapy by habitual smokers. For example, the nicotine patch completely removes the tactile sensation of the hand-to-mouth motion of smoking. Certain nicotine inhalation devices use a system that resembles a cigarette but are composed of materials that do not look or feel like cigarettes, such as plastic mouthpieces and metallic or plastic cartridges.[0006]Thus, a need exists for a smoki...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]A tobaccoless nicotine delivery device permits delivery of nicotine in a manner similar to a cigarette. The device may include an impermeable outer layer surrounding a micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that includes a measured amount of nicotine in a form that allows nicotine vapor to be released upon rupture of the micro-encapsulation. A permeable membrane may be disposed adjacent to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that allows pressure to be applied to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer while permitting permeation of released nicotine into a central channel for inhalation by a user. A mouthpiece may be disposed at an open end of the central channel in order to provide air resistance to simulate the inhalation effect of a cigarette.

Problems solved by technology

Current nicotine phase out systems utilize devices do not closely resemble the actual system and act of smoking.

Completely eliminating the tactile and habitual sensations that are part of the cigarette experience may delay the adoption of the therapy by habitual smokers.

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