Device for inhaling volatile substances

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus, a system and a method for inhaling at least one aroma. The apparatus for inhaling at least one aroma includes a cylindrical tube, an aroma-dispensing wick and a support element for keeping the wick in place. The cylindrical tube extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the cylindrical tube is in fluid communication with the outside of the cylindrical tube. The distal end of the cylindrical tube is also in fluid communication with the outside of the cylindrical tube. The aroma-dispensing wick can be placed inside the cylindrical tube between the proximal end of the cylindrical tube and the distal end of the cylindrical tube.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR INHALING VOLATILE SUBSTANCES

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to personal use devices for inhaling volatile substances, particularly devices of generally cylindrical shape.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Aromatherapy uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, and other aromatic compounds to alter mood, cognitive, psychological, or physical well-being. However, currently available aromatherapy dispensers include overhead diffusers that dispense aromas throughout the room. People who do not wish to be subjected to aromatherapy should leave the area to avoid the scent.

[0006] Essential oils represent the natural catalysts of plant biology, acting on humans like a hormone or a vitamin. The use of essential oils for human health and well-being dates back to ancient times. This therapy, called "aromatherapy," is applied in various ways: in bathing, absorption, spraying, anointing, and inhalation. The physiological role of aromatic essences derives from four qualities that make them versatile: they are antiseptic, deflocculant, emuntohalic, and revitalizing at the cellular level. However, certain aromas or scents, in addition to their general actions, offer specific virtues that will be more useful than others for a particular treatment.

[0007] In addition to their therapeutic and beneficial qualities, plant essential oils have, compared to the synthetic products with which they can be combined, exceptional qualities: the extraordinary diffusibility of volatile aromatic essences: the skin or mucous membranes absorb the mineral and plant principles emanating from the essences that generally act through the blood following the path of the skin or mucous membranes - lungs - blood - organism.

[0008] The antiseptic power of aromatic essences does not fade over time; they are completely harmless to tissues and cells, always maintain the same effects, and remain effective against diseases. The use of aromatic essences is the application of the dual mode of action: direct contact bactericidal / antibiotic action and action on the body's physiology, helping to maintain a better physiological balance, regardless of any pathology.

[0009] Various aromatic essences can be mixed without any incompatibility; their combined qualities not only alleviate the effects but also reduce or eliminate the causes. Surprisingly, due to the synergy of the considerable number of constituents that go into the composition of a single essence, their proportions can vary depending on the context in which the plant was grown, without altering its properties.

[0010] In modern society, the accelerated pace of daily life has led to a significant increase in stress and anxiety levels among the population. Constant stress and work demands, combined with environmental and social factors, have created a growing need for effective approaches that promote mental and physical well-being. In this context, the practice of slow, conscious breathing has emerged as a valuable strategy to counteract the negative effects of chronic stress.

[0011] In the field of health and wellness, the positive impact of slow, mindful breathing on improving the mental and physical health of individuals has been widely recognized. Controlled, deep breathing has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety and improving lung function. Scientific research has conclusively supported the benefits of controlled breathing in reducing the stress response, improving lung function, and promoting an overall sense of calm. However, despite the recognition of these benefits, many individuals encounter challenges effectively incorporating the practice of mindful breathing into their daily lives.

[0012] Conventional inhalers, although commonly used for the relief of respiratory conditions, have not been specifically designed to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of conscious breathing. This gap in the market has generated the need for a device that combines the effectiveness of slow, conscious breathing with the benefits of essential oils.

[0013] The state of the art teaches various personal devices for inhaling essential oils, with different delivery methods. Patent DE202005005506, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, teaches a cigarette-shaped inhaler used to inhale volatile substances and as a substitute for tobacco products. It consists of a cylindrical body with an axial orifice containing a material that stores substances for inhalation. The cylindrical body is inserted into a cigarette case with a filter at one end. Preferred features: the cylindrical body is made of hardwood; the material that stores substances for inhalation is an essential oil.

[0014] On the other hand, patent CN216963225, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, discloses a nasal essential oil inhaler comprising a box body, wherein a cover plate is disposed on the upper surface of the upper part of the box body, and the positions of the cover plate, which are far from the center, on two sides are in penetrating sliding connection with a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism is arranged so that the transport pipe can be sealed by the leak-proof head when the cover plate is used to fix the box body, on the one hand, leakage of the liquid medicine is prevented, on the other hand, the transport pipe is prevented from being contaminated.

[0015] Finally, patent DE418528, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, teaches an evaporative inhaler consisting of a tube-shaped bowl with a suction mouthpiece. The head is filled, according to the invention, with perforated glass beads which, after being soaked with essential oils or similar, provide a large evaporation area. During use, the oil or similar oil is contained in a closed evaporation space. The inhaler is also designed so that the oil or similar oil does not enter the mouth.

[0016] Based on the foregoing discussion, there is a need for an apparatus, system, and method that effectively delivers an aroma to an individual for practicing slow, conscious breathing in their daily lives, for stress management, and for improving mental well-being. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would have dimensions and weight similar to the dimensions and weight of a conventional cigarette, and an easy, reusable refill system. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for inhaling aromas that enhances the user experience, is reusable, environmentally friendly, and easily transportable.

[0017] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Figure 1 corresponds to a perspective view of a device according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a device according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a view of the support for the aroma dispenser of a device according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 corresponds to a perspective view of the support with the aroma dispenser of a device according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 corresponds to a view of the steps of the method for inhaling volatile substances using the device according to the present invention.

[0022] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An apparatus, system, and method for inhaling at least one scent are described. The apparatus for inhaling at least one scent includes a cylindrical tube, a scent-dispensing wick, and a support member for holding the wick in place. The cylindrical tube elongates longitudinally, extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the cylindrical tube is in fluid communication with the exterior of the cylindrical tube. The distal end of the cylindrical tube is also in fluid communication with the exterior of the cylindrical tube. The scent-dispensing wick may be positioned within an interior of the cylindrical tube between the proximal end of the cylindrical tube and the distal end of the cylindrical tube.

[0024] The invention, as characterized in the claims, aims to offer a novel means of applying aromatherapy by providing a hygienic device for inhaled aromatherapy, and a novel means of practicing slow and conscious breathing by providing a portable, light, and small device for practicing slow and conscious breathing.

[0025] Another objective is to provide a device of the type in question, which is refillable using at least one disposable wick, the invention also aims to provide an inhaler that is disposable after complete distribution of the active ingredients contained therein.

[0026] The invention also aims to provide an inhalation device which may be in the form of a common product, such as a cigarette, a cigar, a mouthpiece or a pipe.

[0027] As can be seen in the figures, the apparatus for inhaling at least one aroma (1) is characterized by having the general shape of a cigarette, cigar, pipe or mouthpiece and by being composed of at least one support (2) for a wick arranged in the body of the apparatus for inhaling at least one aroma (1), provided with an aroma dispensing member (3) retained in the support (2). The invention further relates to a method for applying aromatherapy by inhalation.

[0028] The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1 ) includes a cylindrical tube, an aroma dispensing member (3), and a support for the aroma dispensing member (2). A cylindrical tube (4) elongates longitudinally, extending between an end proximate a user's mouth (5) and a distal end of a user's mouth (6) of the apparatus for inhaling at least one aroma (1 ). The proximal end (5) of the cylindrical tube is in fluid communication with the exterior of the cylindrical tube (4). The distal end (6) of the cylindrical tube is also in fluid communication with the exterior of the cylindrical tube (4). The cylindrical tube (4) further comprises a partition (7) located in the front middle portion of the apparatus for inhaling aroma (1 ). Said partition (7) comprises a perforation located at the central point thereof, which has a diameter of between 1 and 2 mm and serves to regulate the flow of vapors of the essential oil.The aroma dispensing member (3) is placed in the aroma dispensing member holder (2), which is then inserted through one end of the cylindrical tube.

[0029] The support for the aroma dispensing member (2) is a sheet of a length not greater than half the length of the apparatus (1 ) and not less than a quarter of the length of the apparatus (1 ). The support has a first end that is inserted into the apparatus (1 ) and a second end that protrudes from the apparatus. Said second end has a configuration to facilitate its handling and prevent the support (2) from sliding completely inside the apparatus (1 ). Particularly, said second end is wider than the diameter of the cylindrical tube (4) of the apparatus (1 ), which also facilitates its manipulation when removing the support (2) to change or refill the aroma dispenser (3).

[0030] The support (2) has a slot (2a) arranged along a central axis of the support (2), of a width sufficient to retain and secure the aroma dispensing member (3) and a length not greater than half the length of the support (2). Said slot (2a) creates two legs, one on each side of the slot, which guide the aroma dispensing member (3) towards the final resting point. Said slot (2a) has a first end (2b) close to one of the ends of the support (2) and a second end (2c) close to the middle portion of the support (2), wherein said end (2c) has a circular shape such that it allows the aroma dispensing member (3) to be retained while preventing the legs from separating due to the pressure action of the aroma dispensing member (3).

[0031] The aroma dispensing member (3) includes a matrix of natural or synthetic fibers. In such an embodiment, the fiber matrix is ​​configured as a wick and is secured to the support (2). In a certain embodiment, the aroma dispensing member (3) is disposable and the apparatus is refilled by replacing the aroma dispensing member (3) with a new aroma dispensing member (3). In another embodiment, the aroma dispensing member (3) is refillable with the aroma dispensing substance. In such an embodiment, once the aroma dispensing member (3) has been depleted of essential oil to the point where the essential oil is no longer therapeutically beneficial, the aroma dispensing member may be re-impregnated with the aroma dispensing substance (i.e., the essential oil). In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one cover that may be positioned around one or both of the ends (5,6).The cover is configured to limit fluid communication between the interior of the cylindrical tube and the exterior of the cylindrical tube through the proximal end (5) of the cylindrical tube (4) and / or the distal end (6) of the cylindrical tube (4), thereby selectively limiting dispensing of aromas through at least one of, or both, ends (5,6) of the cylindrical tube (4).

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method for inhaling volatile substances by means of the device according to the present application. According to the method of the present invention, a user of the device (1) removes the support (2) from one of the ends (5,6) of the cylinder (4), takes an aroma dispenser (3) and impregnates it with a volatile substance, preferably an essential oil. Then, he takes the aroma dispenser (3) and places it in the support (2), inserts the support (2) through the hole in either end (5,6) of the cylinder (4). To inhale, he places the end of the cylinder (4) opposite to the one occupied by the support (2) in his mouth and sucks freely.

[0033] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all features and advantages that can be realized with the present invention must be or are present in a single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to features and advantages is intended to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, discussion of features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but need not, refer to the same embodiment.

[0034] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0035] These features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the foregoing description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention as set forth below.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for inhaling at least one aroma (1) having a general shape of a cigarette, cigar, pipe or mouthpiece, characterized in that it comprises at least one support (2) for a wick arranged within the body of the apparatus for inhaling at least one aroma (1), and an aroma dispensing member (3) retained in the support. (2).

2. The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical tube (4), an aroma dispensing member (3) and a support for the aroma dispensing member (2), said cylindrical tube (4) extending between a proximal end (5) and a distal end (6) of the apparatus for inhaling aroma (1), wherein the proximal end (5) of the cylindrical tube is in fluid communication with the exterior of the cylindrical tube and the distal end (6) of the cylindrical tube is also in fluid communication with the exterior of the cylindrical tube.

3. The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical tube (4) further comprises a partition (7) located in the front middle portion of the apparatus for inhaling aroma (1), said partition (7) comprises a perforation located at the central point thereof, which has a diameter of between 1 and 2 mm and serves to regulate the flow of the vapors of the essential oil.

4. The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aroma dispensing member (3) is placed in the aroma dispensing member holder (2), which is then inserted through either end of the cylindrical tube.

5. The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the support for the aroma dispensing member (2) is a sheet of a length no greater than half the length of the device (1) and no less than a quarter of the length of the device (1) which has a first end that is inserted into the device (1) and a second end that protrudes from the device where the second end has a configuration to facilitate its handling and prevent the support (2) from sliding completely inside the device (1).

6. The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said second end is wider than the diameter of the cylindrical tube (4) of the apparatus (1), which also facilitates its handling when removing the support (2) to change or refill the aroma dispenser (3).

7. The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support (2) has a slot (2a) arranged along a central axis of the support (2), of a width sufficient to retain and secure the aroma dispensing member (3) and a length not greater than half the length of the support (2), where said slot (2a) creates two legs, one on each side of the slot, which guide the aroma dispensing member (3) towards the final resting point.

8. The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said slot (2a) has a first end (2b) close to one of the ends of the support (2) and a second end (2c) close to the middle portion of the support (2), wherein said end (2c) has a circular shape such that it allows the aroma dispensing member (3) to be retained while preventing the legs from separating due to the pressure action of the aroma dispensing member (3).

9. The apparatus for inhaling an aroma (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the aroma dispensing member (3) includes a matrix of natural or synthetic fibers.

10. The apparatus for inhaling a scent (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus includes at least one cover positionable around one or both ends which is configured to limit fluid communication between the interior of the cylindrical tube and the exterior of the cylindrical tube through either end (5,6) of the cylindrical tube (4) and thereby selectively limit dispensing of scents through at least one end of the cylindrical tube.

Images