DEVICE FOR THE INHALATION OF DRY SOLIDS OR POWDERED SUBSTANCES

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of articles for the consumption by inhalation of dry solid or powdery substances generally made from dried leaves or flowers such as, for example, thyme, lavender, sage, eucalyptus, pine, lemon balm, mint, tobacco or cannabis, etc.

[0002] Consumption is usually in the form of cigarettes, joints, or using a pipe, involving the combustion of dried plants, in solid or powdered form, or vaporizers using different techniques.

[0003] This type of consumption works by burning plant matter (or pyrolysis), producing smoke that is inhaled by the user. The temperature of the embers varies between 400°C and 900°C, leading to the formation of numerous toxic products and destroying nearly half of the plant's active ingredients. Pyrolysis produces chemical reactions that transform certain plant constituents into highly harmful combustion residues and / or tars, formed by a mixture of several hundred chemical substances. Among these substances, several dozen have been shown to be carcinogenic (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines).

[0004] To avoid consumption by burning dried plants, several alternatives are currently known from prior art.

[0005] One device that allows for the consumption of herbs using a water pipe, also called a hookah, bong, or shisha, is a type of smoking device. This device uses water to produce a dense smoke. When the user inhales, hot air passes through the molasses, then through the tube, which carries it to the water before filling the bowl into which the smoke is inhaled. Hookah tobacco is very similar to that used in traditional pipes, but is extremely spicy and mixed with liquid glucose alcohol (molasses), a very dense and sticky substance that serves two purposes: to delay combustion as much as possible and to soften the resulting smoke. The consumed product is heated, leading to incomplete combustion; this differs from a cigarette, in which the product is completely burned. The lower temperatures of this device result in the formation of fewer harmful compounds.However, the volume of air generated by the use of water, as well as the longer consumption time, results in greater toxicity for the user than with a cigarette.

[0006] The article "Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Inhaled Toxicants from Waterpipe and Cigarette Smoking" - Brian A Primack et al. January / February 2016, demonstrates that consumption in the form of a waterpipe exposes users to larger volumes of smoke and higher levels of toxic substances compared to tobacco consumption in the form of a cigarette or joint.

[0007] A second alternative to burning plant material is the consumption of vapor from dry, solid, or powdered substances (phytoinhalation). This method involves vaporizing the components contained in dried plants. The product is heated in a device, and the user inhales the released active ingredients. Unlike combustion methods, this process does not produce smoke but rather a vapor free of toxic byproducts, containing only the active ingredients. However, vaporizing the components can cause the dried plants to break down into small particles. When inhaled, these toxic particles can rise into the inhalation duct and burn the user's respiratory tract. Devices in the prior art do not offer any effective solution to prevent these particles from rising into the inhalation duct.

[0008] The technical problem to be solved is to propose a device to prevent the various health risks associated with the consumption of solid or powdered dried plants by avoiding the combustion of dried plants and limiting the inhalation of particles produced during the implementation of the process which can burn the user's respiratory tract. State of the art

[0009] In the prior art, patent application US2013104738 discloses an apparatus comprising a laboratory glass container including an inlet chamber having an open upper part, the inlet chamber supporting a pre-filter, the inlet chamber coupled to a conduit extending downwards; an exhaust chamber defined by at least one side wall coupled to a lower wall and the side wall defining an open upper part in which the exhaust chamber is adapted to contain a liquid, the exhaust chamber further comprising a second filter, the exhaust chamber further comprising an inlet opening situated adjacent to the lower wall and coupling to the conduit extending downwards from the inlet chamber, the inlet opening being arranged on a side wall below the second sintered disc.

[0010] Patent application WO2017096452 ​​describes a modular smoking water pipe and a fitting assembly. The modular water pipe comprises a smoking chamber having a cylinder with a threaded fitting end, and a base chamber with a neck having a threaded fitting. The fitting assembly includes an inner collar resting within an outer collar. The inner collar meets the threaded fitting end of the smoking chamber, and the outer collar meets the threaded neck of the base chamber. Once assembled, the inner collar is held between the outer collar, the smoking chamber, and the base chamber. The fitting end of the smoking chamber and the neck of the base chamber are dimensioned such that an external surface of the outer coal is closely aligned with the smoking cylinder and the neck.The invention also relates to a method of assembling the modular water pipe and additional downstream base and connection elements.

[0011] US patent application US2010319716 describes a smoking device, comprising: a pipe having an open upper end and a lower end, the open upper end being configured to receive a user's mouth; a liquid chamber attached to the lower end of the pipe; an inlet tube attached to the liquid chamber, the inlet tube having a hollow opening; a bowl configured to be inserted into the hollow opening of the inlet tube; and an ignition source attached to the bowl, the ignition source being configured to deliver energy in one direction towards the bowl.

[0012] US patent application US2021015149 describes a filtration apparatus for use in a smoking device, the filtration apparatus comprising: • an inlet port and an outlet port; • a filter through-tube connected between the inlet and outlet ports, the filter through-tube having a blocking structure inside; • a plurality of dispersion ports positioned on one side of the blocking structure; • a plurality of collection ports positioned on a second side of the blocking structure; and • a filter chamber having a quantity of filter material positioned outside the filter through-tube and in fluidic communication with the plurality of dispersion and collection ports. US2009 / 032034 describes a method vaporization of smoking material, comprising the steps of: a) placing the smoking material in the bowl of a pipe having an inhalation end; b) placing a heat-resistant, porous flame filter upstream of the bowl; c) inhaling from the inhalation end so that the flame exhaust is drawn into the flame filter, and the flame exhaust is mixed with the ambient air in the flame filter; d) drawing the mixture of flame exhaust and ambient air through the smoking material so that the volatile components of the smoking material are vaporized. The flame filter, according to D2, is made of an open-cell ceramic foam, which may include silicon carbide, silicon, cordierite, or other ceramics. Disadvantages of prior art

[0013] Prior art solutions are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, solutions such as cigarettes, joints, or pipes do not prevent the combustion of dried plants, with the aforementioned drawbacks. On the contrary, prior art documents address the combustion of plants and provide no safety measures to prevent the inhalation of harmful particles, while still allowing for simple and economical manufacturing.

[0014] Hookah or shisha type solutions, due to their so-called "incomplete" combustion, lead to the consumption of a very large volume of smoke and do not completely exclude the formation of toxic residues. In addition, this device does not allow the consumption of solid or powdered dried plants as such, since the product must necessarily be mixed with liquid alcoholic glucose in order to obtain a molasses-type mixture.

[0015] Devices using vaporization methods by sublimation of dried plants do not offer a solution to limit the particles resulting from the disintegration of the dried plants used. Advantages of the invention

[0016] The present invention addresses the technical problem by proposing an improved and innovative vaporization device for dry or powdered substances. This device operates through a sublimation reaction that vaporizes the compounds contained in the dry or powdered substance. In a completely innovative way, the device addresses the problem of secondary combustion. Although the device operates through sublimation, intensive use can eventually lead to combustion of the substance used. Indeed, during intensive use of a glass vaporization device of the "bulb" type, hot particles, which may originate from the substance itself or from residues formed by combustion of the substance used, can rise into the inhalation tract. These particles can then be ingested and burn the user's respiratory tract. These are referred to as combustion residues.

[0017] To address the harmful effects of combustion residue on the user, the invention includes a specific filter that prevents the inhalation of these toxic particles. The device's filter ensures that the user can consume the product without any risk of respiratory burns. Positioned in the inhalation tube, it traps the particles without obstructing the vapor flow. The user maintains a satisfactory inhalation rate, as the filter does not block the passage of air and vapor while preventing particle ingestion. Advantageously, the filter is made of food-grade stainless steel wire to guarantee user safety; that is, no toxic compounds can escape from the filter during inhalation. Finally, its fine mesh effectively traps particles, which are generally between 150 and 250 micrometers in size.

[0018] Another advantage of the invention is that the device includes a vent in its lower hemisphere. This allows air to enter the device more easily, enabling the formation of steam. This vent can be closed by the user with their finger to create a greater or lesser air intake and thus regulate the intensity of the steam flow. Brief description of the figures

[0019] [ Fig.1 ] there figure 1 attached, corresponding to a non-limiting example of implementation, cross-sectional view of the device according to the implementation. Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 attached, corresponding to an alternative embodiment, perspective view of the device according to the embodiment. Fig.3 ] there figure 3 attached corresponding to another embodiment, perspective view, in disassembled mode, of the device according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 ] there figure 4attached corresponding to another variant of the embodiment, perspective view, in assembled mode, of the device according to the embodiment. Context of the invention

[0020] The present invention relates to the field of smoking accessories intended for the consumption by inhalation of solid or semi-solid substances (in the form of powders, pastes, pebbles, etc.), in particular for the consumption of cannabis in solid form, in the form of herb or resin, and this exclusively under conditions and frameworks authorized by the regulatory authorities, such as centers for the reception and support of harm reduction for drug users (CAARUD), prevention associations, pharmacies, or for a therapeutic setting.

[0021] Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a natural plant containing at least two well-known pharmacologically active components: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). When ingested, THC and CBD can offer numerous benefits and can be used, for example, to relieve pain, muscle spasticity, and nausea associated with chemotherapy. Smoking cannabis is a common way to ingest THC and CBD. However, while THC and CBD are released when smoking, burning cannabis can also release many toxic substances such as ammonia and hydrogen cyanide, which can cause harm if ingested. This kit specifically concerns accessories developed as part of the Prevention and Reduction of Health Risks for Users program, in order to ensure better health safety. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] To remedy these drawbacks, the present invention relates, in its most general sense, to a device for the consumption by inhalation of dry solid or powdery substances without combustion, having the characteristics stated in claim 1.

[0023] The present invention provides a device for the inhalation of solid (e.g., whole or chopped leaves) or powdered dried plants, using a method of vaporizing the compounds by sublimation without combustion. The substance is heated to a temperature that allows the vaporization of the compounds contained within the dry or powdered substance. At this temperature, the essential oils and active ingredients vaporize through a sublimation process, without burning the plant. This avoids the formation and absorption of tar and carbon monoxide, which are generally produced during the combustion of plant material. The vaporized compounds are in vapor form. This method is particularly effective with resinous plants such as thyme, lavender, sage, eucalyptus, pine, lemon balm, mint, tobacco, and cannabis.This device does not require water to operate.

[0024] The device comprises 3 elements: the furnace, the inhalation duct and the filter element.

[0025] Advantageously, the stove consists of a threaded neck with a cross-section between 15 and 30 millimeters.

[0026] Advantageously, the neck opens onto the body of the furnace with a cross-section between 40 and 60 millimeters.

[0027] The furnace has a vent in its lower hemisphere. Advantageously, the vent has a cross-section between 6 and 10 millimeters. In an even more advantageous embodiment, said vent has a cross-section of 8 millimeters.

[0028] The connection between said inhalation duct and said stopper is airtight, to prevent the leakage of gaseous compounds.

[0029] Preferably, said body is made of glass with low thermal conductivity (e.g., borosilicate glass).

[0030] Advantageously, the said dry, solid or powdery substances are plants such as dried leaves or flowers.

[0031] In one particular embodiment, the plant leaves or flowers used are thyme, lavender, sage, eucalyptus, pine, lemon balm, mint, or even cannabis.

[0032] Advantageously, said stopper is made of a material, possibly synthetic, resistant to temperatures up to 500°C. In a preferred embodiment, said stopper is made of a plastic resistant to temperatures at least above 100°C.

[0033] Preferably, the said stopper has a height greater than 20 millimeters.

[0034] According to an advantageous variant, said cap has an annular shoulder at its lower part and said thread is configured to preserve a space between the rear front surface of said shoulder and the outer surface of said glass body.

[0035] The present invention proposes a device comprising a filter element. This filter element retains particles resulting from the decomposition of the dried plant material, preventing the user from ingesting them and thus avoiding any burns to their respiratory tract. Thanks to the filter element, the user can inhale vapor from the device without risking the ingestion of particles from the dried plant material or those produced during the device's operation. In particular, with intensive use, the dried material can eventually burn and produce toxic particles which, if inhaled by the user, can cause burns and the inhalation of toxic residues.

[0036] The filter element that can be introduced into the inhalation duct consists of a cylinder formed by compressing knitted stainless steel wire with a cross-section between 150 and 300 micrometers, said element having an external cross-section substantially identical to the internal cross-section of the inhalation duct and a height between 2 and 10 millimeters.

[0037] The wire that makes up the filter element is food-grade stainless steel, composed of an alloy containing carbon, chromium, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and nickel. This type of steel does not release toxic residues when heated, ensuring its safety. In a preferred embodiment, the wire is made of bright 304 stainless steel.

[0038] Preferably, the height of the filter is between 4 and 6 millimeters, for example 5 millimeters and the cross-section of the steel wire is between 180 and 220 micrometers, preferably 180 micrometers.

[0039] Advantageously, the wire that makes up the filter element is a food-grade stainless steel wire, composed of an alloy containing carbon, chromium, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and nickel. It has a cross-section of 180 micrometers with a tolerance of 15 micrometers. It is formed by knitting, cutting, rolling, and compressing the wire in two stages. It allows for the filtration of particles with a size between 150 and 250 micrometers.

[0040] The filter element's wire is woven and folded to form compressed meshes, thus preventing the formation of sharp edges. The wire weighs approximately 1.2 grams, and in any case more than 0.85 grams, for a filter with a cross-section of 10.95 millimeters and a height of 5 millimeters.

[0041] The filter element is inserted into the inhalation tube. The filter element's design eliminates any sharp edges that could injure the user's fingers or damage the tube's inner surface. The porosity achieved through the steel wire's characteristics and compression ratio is optimal for blocking the passage of solid particles that are dangerous to ingest.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, said filtering element has an external section substantially identical to the internal section of the inhalation duct and a height between 2.5 and 6 millimeters.

[0043] According to another preferred embodiment, said filtering element consists of a set of compressed wires with a cross-section between 150 and 300 micrometers being engaged in said inhalation conduit.

[0044] The wire comprising the filter element is food-grade stainless steel, made from an alloy of carbon, chromium, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and nickel. The wire has a cross-section of 180 micrometers with a tolerance of 15 micrometers. It is formed by knitting, cutting, rolling, and compressing the wire in two stages. It filters particles between 150 and 250 micrometers in size. The wire is meshed and folded to form compressed meshes, thus preventing the formation of sharp edges. Example

[0045] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following example referring to [ Fig.1 ].

[0046] The device described in this example, by way of non-limiting description, consists of a first part formed by a glass body (10) of generally spherical shape, with a flat base (11) allowing it to be placed securely on a support. This body (10) has a cross-section of approximately 50 millimeters and is made of borosilicate glass with low thermal conductivity. This material, known commercially as "PYREX," has a low coefficient of expansion and good heat resistance because its coefficient of thermal expansion is very low. It thus allows the contents to be heated by a flame, for example, a candle or lighter flame.

[0047] This body (10) has in its lower hemisphere (12) a vent (13) with a cross-section of approximately 8 millimeters.

[0048] The upper hemisphere (14) has a neck (15) with a cross-section between 15 and 30 millimeters equipped with a thread (16).

[0049] The device also includes an inhalation assembly consisting of a plug (20) into which is inserted a conduit (30) made of plastic, for example silicone or medical-grade rubber, with a cross-section preferably between 18 and 30 millimeters, and a length preferably between 30 and 100 millimeters. A filter element (40) consisting of a cylinder formed by compressing a wire (40) with a cross-section between 150 and 300 micrometers is inserted into said inhalation conduit (30).

[0050] The filter element (40) consists of a cylindrical bundle of knitted steel wire with a cross-section corresponding to the internal cross-section of the inhalation channel (30), for example, 10.95 mm. The height of the filter element is approximately 2.5 to 6 millimeters. The filter element (40) is formed by compression in a stamping press using a punch / die compression tool. The wire is food-grade stainless steel, composed of an alloy containing carbon, chromium, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and nickel. The wire has a cross-section of 180 micrometers with a tolerance of 15 micrometers. It is formed by knitting, cutting, rolling, and compressing the wire in two stages. It filters particles with a size between 150 and 250 micrometers. The yarn is meshed and folded to form compressed meshes, so as to avoid the formation of sharp asperities.

[0051] The cap (20) has a thread (21) complementary to the thread (16) of the neck (15) of the body (10).

[0052] The lower part of the cap (20) has an unthreaded annular groove (22) on its inner surface and an annular shoulder (23) on its outer surface. The annular groove (22) prevents contact between the lower edge (24) of the cap (20) and the body (10), which can reach a high temperature when heated. When the cap (20) is screwed onto the threaded neck of the body (10), this annular groove (22) defines a hollow annular space that reduces heat transfer. The shoulder (23) acts as a guide to prevent the user's finger, holding the device by the cap (20), from coming into contact with the potentially hot body (10). How the device works

[0053] The user unscrews the cap (20) to allow the insertion into the lower hemisphere (12) of the body (10) of a dry solid or powdery substance, generally of the dried plant type, for example chopped tobacco leaves or flowers, within the framework and limits of the legal use of such substances.

[0054] The user then closes the body (10) by screwing on the cap (20) fitted with its inhalation conduit (30) and the filter (40), and handles the device by holding it by the periphery of the cap (20).

[0055] He tilts it to allow heating by a flame, for example the flame of a lighter, and inhales the gaseous substances obtained by sublimation through the duct (30). He can regulate the supply of fresh air by closing or opening the vent (13) with his finger.

[0056] The device according to the invention has in particular the advantage of reducing the risks of ingestion of secondary combustion residues. Alternative implementation

[0057] There figure 2 represents a variant embodiment. The hollow body (10) has several flats (11, 35) to improve stability and allow it to rest in different configurations, vertically, when it rests on the flat (12), the tube (30) extending the neck (15) then being erected vertically, or on a flat (11), in a configuration where the tube (30) is oriented at an angle. Another possible implementation

[0058] The kit according to the variant illustrated by the figures 3 And 4 is composed of: a- A hollow body (10), preferably transparent, made of a material resistant to the sublimation temperature of the substance to be inhaled, with low thermal conductivity, for example, glass. b- A tube (30) that can be connected to the hollow body (10). This cylindrical tube is also made of a material with low thermal conductivity, but can withstand lower temperatures than the hollow body (10). It can also be made of glass. c- A connecting ring (30), made of plastic resistant to temperatures up to approximately 500 °C, ensuring a secure and airtight connection between the hollow body (10) and the tube (30). d- An interchangeable mouthpiece (50) that fits onto the proximal end of the tube (30).

[0059] This mouthpiece (50) is, for example, a piece of medical silicone tubing having a cross-section adapted to be engaged on or in the proximal end of the tube (30).

Claims

1. A device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants comprising an bowl for vaporising the compounds by sublimation without combustion of said solid or dry powdered substances and an inhalation duct (30) characterised in that: - said bowl consists of a hollow body (10) having a threaded neck (15) with a section between 15 and 30 millimetres, said hollow body (10) having a vent (13) opening laterally - said inhalation duct (30) opening at the front end of a plug (20) having a thread (21) complementary to that of said neck (15) - a filtering element fitted into said inhalation duct (30) consisting of a cylinder formed by a compression of a steel wire having a section between 150 and 300 micrometres.

2. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to claim 1, characterised in that said hollow body (10) has at least two flat sections (11, 35) to improve stability and allow it to be set in different configurations.

3. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to claim 1, characterised in that said hollow body (10) has a first flat section (12), the tube (30) extending the neck (15) being then erected vertically, a second flat section (11), to allow the device to be set in a configuration where the tube (30) is oriented at an angle.

4. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to claim 1, characterised in that said body (10) is made of borosilicate glass.

5. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to claim 1, characterised in that said plug (20) consists of a plastic resistant to temperatures of up to 500° C.

6. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to claim 1, characterised in that said plug (20) has a height greater than 20 millimetres.

7. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to claim 1, characterised in that said plug (20) has an annular shoulder (23) at its lower part and in that said thread is configured to have an annular groove (22) allowing a space to be kept between the rear front surface of said shoulder and the external surface of said glass body (10).

8. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to claim 1, characterised in that said filtering element (40) has an external section substantially identical to the internal section of the inhalation duct (30) and a height between 2.5 and 6 millimetres.

9. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises an interchangeable mouthpiece.

10. The device for consumption by inhalation of solid or powdered dried plants according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said mouthpiece is formed by a silicone tube which can be fitted by elastic deformation on the proximal end of said tube.