DEVICE FOR CONSUMPTION BY INHALATION OF SOLID OR DRY POWDERY SUBSTANCES

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the consumption by inhalation of dry solid or powdery substances comprising a furnace and an inhalation conduit (30) characterized in that: said furnace is constituted by a body (10) made of glass of spherical shape with a flattened bottom (11) and opening on the side diametrically opposite said bottom by a threaded neck (15) with a section between 15 and 30 millimeters, said body (10) made of glass having a vent (13) opening laterally, said inhalation conduit (30) opening at the front end of a stopper (20) having a thread (21) complementary to that of said neck (10), a filter element (40) consisting of a set of compressed stainless steel wires engaged in said inhalation conduit (30).

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR CONSUMPTION BY INHALATION OF SOLID OR DRY POWDERY SUBSTANCES Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of articles for 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 even Cannabidiol (CBD) etc.

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

[0003] This type of consumption works by the combustion of plant matter (or pyrolysis) producing smoke which 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 almost half of the active ingredients of the plant. Pyrolysis produces chemical reactions transforming certain constituents of the plant into combustion residues and / or tars, which are very harmful, formed by a mixture of several hundred chemical substances. Among these substances, several dozen have been found to be carcinogenic (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines)

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

[0005] In particular, there is a device allowing the consumption of plants with a water pipe, also called Hookah, bong or Chicha. This device allows the consumption of plants using water to form a dense smoke. When the user inhales, hot air passes through the molasses, then the tube which carries it to the water before filling the pot from which it is inhaled by the user. The tobacco for hookahs is very similar to that used for traditional pipes, but extremely spicy and mixed with liquid alcoholic glucose (molasses), a very dense and sticky substance which has two purposes: to delay combustion as much as possible and to soften the smoke thus formed. The consumed product is heated which leads to incomplete combustion; this differs from a cigarette in which the product is 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 leads to toxicity. larger than a cigarette for the user.

[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 waterpipe smoking exposes users to larger volumes of smoke and higher levels of toxicants compared to tobacco smoking in the form of cigarettes or joints.

[0007] A second alternative to the combustion of plant matter is consumption by inhalation of vapor from dry solid or powdery substances (phyto-inhalation). This method consists of vaporizing the components contained in the dried plants. The product is heated in a device and the user inhales the active ingredients released. Unlike consumption methods by combustion, this process does not produce smoke but a vapor without toxic by-products which contains only the active ingredients. However, vaporizing the components can lead to the disintegration of the dried plants into small particles. When they are inhaled, these toxic particles can rise up the suction pipe and burn the user's respiratory tract. The devices proposed by the prior art do not include any effective solution to prevent the particles from rising up the suction pipe.

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

[0009] Known in the prior art is US patent US9848639B1 describing an inhalation system that includes a base chamber having a cavity connected to a conduit. The base chamber is configured to contain a water level and a vapor headspace. The system includes one or more stacked filter liquid lock chambers each having a filter liquid lock chamber cavity. The filter liquid airlock is configured to contain a water level and a vapor headspace. The system includes one or more chamber connection covers each having an open tube. The filter liquid lock chamber is attached either to another filter liquid lock chamber or to the base chamber via the chamber connection cover.The system includes a stem cap having an open tube that is attached to a filter liquid closure chamber at the top, at a filter liquid closure chamber top. The system includes a medication bowl. located on the filter liquid locking compartment cover.

[0010] US patent US8490629B1 describes another apparatus for inhalation for therapeutic or medical purposes of substances such as herbal remedies, allowing the smoke to be cooled by passing through several chambers ensuring the filtration of the condensed tars from the cooled smoke.

[0011] The prior art also knows the product of the "bulb vaporizer" or "smoke bubble vaporizer" type intended for consumption by inhalation of vapor from dried plants. This type of device is generally composed of 3 parts, namely: a reinforced glass part in the shape of a bulb, an inhalation conduit, a cover serving as a seal between the glass part and the inhalation conduit. Disadvantages of the prior art

[0012] The solutions of the prior art are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, solutions of the cigarette, joint or pipe type do not avoid the combustion of dried plants, with the disadvantages already mentioned.

[0013] Hookah or "chicha" 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.

[0014] Devices using methods of vaporization by sublimation of dried plants do not offer a solution for limiting the particles resulting from the disintegration of the dried plants used. Advantages of the invention

[0015] The present invention addresses the technical problem by proposing an improved and innovative device for consumption by vaporization from dry or powdery substances. This device operates by means of a sublimation reaction consisting of vaporizing the compounds contained in the dry or powdery substance. In a completely innovative manner, the device addresses the problem of secondary combustion. Although the device operates by sublimation, intensive use of the device may end up causing combustion of the substance used. Indeed, during intensive use of a glass vaporization device of the "ampoule" type, hot particles which may come from the substance itself or from residues formed by combustion of the substance used may rise into the inhalation conduit. These particles may then be ingested and burn the user's respiratory tract.We then speak of combustion residues.

[0016] In order to resolve the harmful effects of combustion residues on the user, The invention includes a specific filter to prevent the inhalation of these toxic particles.

[0017] The device's filter guarantees the user a mode of consumption without any risk of burning their respiratory tract. Positioned in the inhalation conduit, it retains particles without blocking the passage of vapor. The user continues to have a satisfactory inhalation flow, since the filter does not block the passage of air and vapor while avoiding the ingestion of particles. Advantageously, the filter is made of food-compatible stainless steel wire to guarantee safety for the user, that is to say that no toxic compound can escape from the filter during inhalation. Finally, its narrow mesh allows particles to be retained. These are generally between 150 and 250 micrometers.

[0018] Another advantage of the invention is that the device comprises a vent in its lower hemisphere. Thus, air enters the device more easily to allow the formation of steam. This vent can be closed by the user with his finger in order to create a more or less significant air intake and thus adjust the intensity of the steam flow. Brief description of the figures

[0019] [Fig.l] the [Fig.l] attached corresponding to a non-limiting example of embodiment, sectional view of the device according to the embodiment.

[0020] [Fig.2] the [Fig.2] attached corresponding to an alternative embodiment, seen in perspective of the device according to the realization.

[0021] [Fig.3] the [Fig.3] attached corresponding to another variant embodiment, seen in perspective, in disassembled mode, of the device according to the realization.

[0022] [Fig.4] the [Fig.4] attached corresponding to another variant embodiment, seen in perspective, in assembled mode, of the device according to the realization. Background to the invention

[0023] The present invention relates to the field of smoking accessories intended for consumption by inhalation of solid or semi-solid substances (in the form of powders, pastes, pebbles, etc.), in particular for the consumption of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) or A-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in solid form, in the form of grass or resin, and those exclusively under conditions and frameworks authorized by regulatory authorities, such as reception and support centers for risk reduction for drug users (CAARUD) or for a therapeutic framework.

[0024] Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a naturally occurring plant containing at least two well-known pharmacologically active components, te- THC and CBD are two of the most commonly used compounds in cannabis: transhydrocannabinol (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 in the treatment of nausea associated with chemotherapy. Smoking cannabis is a common form of ingesting THC and CBD.

[0025] However, while THC and CBD are released through smoking, burning cannabis can also release many toxic substances such as ammonia and hydrogen cyanide that can cause harm if ingested. The kit relates more particularly to accessories developed as part of the program for Reducing Risks to the Health of Users, in order to ensure better health safety, Detailed description of the invention

[0026] In order to overcome 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 comprising a furnace and an inhalation conduit, characterized in that: - said furnace is constituted by a spherical glass body with a flattened bottom and opening on the side diametrically opposite said bottom by a threaded neck with a section between 15 and 30 millimeters, said glass body having a hole opening laterally - said inhalation conduit opening at the front end of a stopper having a thread complementary to that of said neck in order to ensure sealing - a filter element consisting for example of a set of compressed stainless steel wires engaged in said inhalation conduit.

[0027] The present invention provides a device for the consumption by inhalation of solid dried plants (for example whole or chopped leaves) or powdered, using a method of vaporizing the compounds by sublimation. Said substance is heated to a temperature allowing the vaporization of the compounds contained in the dry or powdered substance. At this temperature, the essential oils as well as the active ingredients vaporize thanks to a sublimation process, without burning the plant, this makes it possible to avoid the formation and absorption of tar and carbon monoxide which are generally produced during the combustion of plant material. The vaporized compounds are in the form of vapor. This method is particularly effective with resinous plants such as thyme, lavender, sage, eucalyptus, pine, lemon balm, mint, tobacco or even Cannabidiol (CBD).This device does not require water to operate.

[0028] The device comprises 3 elements: the furnace, the inhalation conduit and the filter element.

[0029] Advantageously, the furnace consists of a threaded neck with a section between 15 and 30 millimeters.

[0030] Advantageously, the neck opens onto the body of the furnace with a section of between 40 and 60 millimeters.

[0031] The furnace has a vent in its lower hemisphere. Advantageously, the vent has a section between 6 and 10 millimeters. In an even more advantageous embodiment, said vent has a section of 8 millimeters.

[0032] The connection between said inhalation conduit and said stopper is sealed, to prevent the leakage of gaseous compounds.

[0033] Preferably, said body is made of glass with low thermal conductivity (e.g. borosilicate glass).

[0034] Advantageously, said dry, solid or powdery substances are plants such as dried plant leaves or flowers.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the plant leaves or flowers used are thyme, lavender, sage, eucalyptus, pine, lemon balm, mint or even CBD.

[0036] Advantageously, said stopper is made of a material, possibly synthetic, resistant to temperatures of up to 500°C. In a preferred embodiment, said stopper is made of a plastic resistant to temperatures at least above 100°C.

[0037] Preferably, said stopper has a height greater than 20 millimeters.

[0038] According to an advantageous variant, said stopper has at its lower part an annular shoulder and in that said thread is configured to preserve a space between the rear front surface of said shoulder and the external surface of said glass body.

[0039] The present invention provides a device comprising a filter element. Said filter element makes it possible to retain the particles resulting from the disintegration of the dried plant in order to prevent the user from ingesting them, thus avoiding any burns to his respiratory tract.

[0040] Thanks to the filter element, the user can inhale vapor from the device without risking ingestion of particles from dried plants or produced during operation of the device. In particular, in the case of intensive use, the dry material can end up burning and producing toxic particles which, when inhaled by the user, can cause burns and the inhalation of toxic residues.

[0041] The filter element capable of being introduced into the inhalation conduit is constituted by a cylinder formed by a compression of knitted stainless steel wire with a section of between 150 and 300 micrometers, said element having an external section substantially identical to the internal section of the inhalation duct and a height of between 2 and 10 millimeters.

[0042] The wire that makes up the filter element is a stainless steel wire of the food grade Inox type, made up of an alloy comprising the following elements: carbon, chromium, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and nickel. This type of steel does not release toxic residues when heated, which ensures its safety. According to a preferred embodiment, said wire is made of bright 304 stainless steel.

[0043] Preferably, the height of the filter is between 4 and 6 millimeters, for example 5 millimeters and the section of the steel wire is 180 and 220 micrometers, preferably 180 micrometers.

[0044] Advantageously, the wire that makes up the filter element is a stainless steel wire of the food grade stainless steel type, made up of an alloy comprising the following elements: carbon, chromium, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and nickel. It has a section of 180 micrometers with a tolerance of 15 micrometers. It is formed by a knitted wire, cut, rolled and compressed in two stages. It makes it possible to filter particles whose size is between 150 and 250 micrometers.

[0045] The wire of the filter element is meshed and folded to form compressed meshes, so as to avoid the formation of sharp asperities. The weight of the wire is approximately 1.2 grams, in any case greater than 0.85 grams, for a filter with a section of 10.95 millimeters and a height of 5 millimeters.

[0046] The filter element is inserted into the inhalation conduit. The embodiment of the filter element avoids the presence of roughnesses likely to injure the user's fingers and damage the inner surface of the conduit. The porosity obtained with the characteristics of the steel wire and the compression ratio is optimal for blocking the passage of solid elements whose ingestion is dangerous.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, said filter element has an external section substantially identical to the internal section of the inhalation conduit and a height of between 2.5 and 6 millimeters.

[0048] According to another preferred embodiment, said filter element consists of a set of compressed wire with a section between 150 and 300 micrometers being engaged in said inhalation conduit.

[0049] The wire making up said filter element is a stainless steel wire of the food grade stainless steel type, made up of an alloy comprising the following elements: carbon, chromium, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and nickel. The wire has a section of 180 micrometers with a tolerance of 15 micrometers. It is formed by a knitted wire, cut, rolled and compressed in two stages. It makes it possible to filter particles whose size is between 150 and 250 micrometers. The wire is meshed and folded to form compressed meshes, so as to avoid the formation of sharp asperities. Examples

[0050] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following example referring to [Fig.l].

[0051] The device according to the example, described without limitation, is constituted by a first part formed by a body (10) made of glass of generally spherical shape, with a flat bottom (11) allowing it to be placed on a support in complete safety. This body (10) has a section of approximately 50 millimeters and is made of borosilicate glass with low thermal conductivity. Such a material, known under the trade name of “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.

[0052] This body (10) has in its lower hemisphere (12) a vent (13) with a section of approximately 8 millimeters.

[0053] The upper hemisphere (14) has a neck (15) with a section between 15 and 30 millimeters provided with a thread (16).

[0054] The device further comprises an inhalation assembly composed of a stopper (20) into which is inserted a conduit (30) made of plastic material, for example silicone or medical rubber, with a 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 a compression of wire (40) with a section between 150 and 300 micrometers is engaged in said inhalation conduit (30).

[0055] The filter element (40) is made up of a cylindrical bundle of knitted steel wire with a cross-section corresponding to the inner cross-section of the inhalation duct (30), for example 10.95 mm. The height of the filter element is approximately 2.5 and 6 millimeters. The filter element (40) is formed by compression in a stamping press with the aid of a compression tool with imprints of the punch / die type. The wire is a stainless steel wire of the food grade Inox type, made up of an alloy comprising the following elements: 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 a knitted wire, cut, rolled and compressed in two stages. It makes it possible to filter particles whose size is between 150 and 250 micrometers. The wire is meshed and folded to form compressed meshes, so as to avoid the formation of sharp asperities.

[0056] The cap (20) has a thread (21) complementary to the thread (16) of the neck (15) of the body (10).

[0057] The lower part of the cap (20) has on its inner surface an unthreaded annular groove (22) and on its outer surface an annular shoulder (23). 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 during heating. When the cap (20) is screwed onto the threaded neck of the body (10), this annular groove (22) defines a hollow annular space reducing the transmission of heat. The shoulder (23) constitutes a reference 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

[0058] The user unscrews the cap (20) to allow the insertion into the lower hemisphere (12) of the body (10) of a solid or dry 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.

[0059] The user then closes the body (10) by screwing 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).

[0060] 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 conduit (30). He can regulate the arrival of fresh air by closing or releasing the vent (13) with his finger.

[0061] The device according to the invention has in particular the advantage of reducing the risks of ingestion of secondary combustion residues. Implementation variant

[0062] [Fig. 2] represents an alternative embodiment. The hollow body (10) has several flats (11, 35) to improve stability and allow it to be rested in different configurations, vertically, when it rests on the flat (12), the inhalation conduit (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 alternative embodiment

[0063] The kit according to the variant illustrated by 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, of low thermal conductivity, for example glass b. An inhalation conduit (30) which 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, made of plastic material resistant to temperatures up to approximately 500°C, ensuring the connection and the sealed connection between the hollow body (10) and the inhalation conduit (30). d. An interchangeable mouthpiece (50) which engages on the proximal end of the inhalation conduit (30).

[0064] This mouthpiece (50) is for example a piece of medical silicone tubing having a section adapted to be engaged on or in the proximal end of the inhalation conduit (30).

Claims

Claims

1. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry solid or powdery substances comprising a furnace and an inhalation conduit (30) characterized in that: - said furnace is constituted by a hollow body (10) having a threaded neck (15) with a section between 15 and 30 millimeters, said hollow body (10) having a vent (13) opening laterally - said inhalation conduit (30) opening at the front end of a cap (20) having a thread (21) complementary to that of said neck (15) - a filter element engaged in said inhalation conduit (30).

2. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1 characterized in that said substances are solid or powdery dried plants or a resin.

3. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1 characterized in that said filter element is constituted by a cylinder formed by a compression of a wire having a section between 150 and 300 micrometers being engaged in said inhalation conduit (30).

4. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1 characterized in that said body (10) is made of borosilicate glass.

5. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1 characterized in that said stopper (20) is made of a material resistant to temperatures up to 500°C.

6. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1, characterized in that said stopper (20) has a height greater than 20 millimeters.

7. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1 characterized in that said stopper (20) has at its lower part an annular shoulder (23) and in that said thread is configured to have a annular groove (22) allowing a space to be preserved between the rear front surface of said shoulder and the outer surface of said glass body (10).

8. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1, characterized in that said filter element (40) has an external section substantially identical to the internal section of the inhalation conduit (30) and a height of between 2.5 and 6 millimeters.

9. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1, characterized in that said hollow body (10) has at least two flats (11, 35).

10. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an interchangeable mouthpiece.

11. Device for the consumption by inhalation of dry or powdery solid substances according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said mouthpiece is formed by a silicone tube capable of being engaged by elastic deformation on the proximal end of said inhalation conduit.

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