WO2003000327A1

WO2003000327A1 - Device for inhaling the vapours from liquid substances equipped with internal activating system

Info

Publication number: WO2003000327A1
Application number: PCT/IT2002/000404
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maico Polzella
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-22
Filing date: 2002-06-20
Publication date: 2003-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2003-12-22
Also published as: ITPI20010045A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device consisting of one major chamber, made of plastic material, with cylindrical hollow shape, closed at one side and with the same dimensions as a standard cigarette. Such a major chamber is filled with some aromatic, balsamic or medicinal liquid '(8)', closed at one side and sealed on the filling up surface with a thermosealed aluminium film '(4)'. Then on the above mentioned dispenser a perforator is inserted in contact with the film. Finally a filter when pressed pushes the perforator '(5)' until it allows the aluminium film to bread. Consequently the liquid is progressively absorbed into the filter '(6)' and by the filter itself the substance inhalation in gaseous form is possible.

Description

"DEVICE FOR INHALING THE VAPOURS FROM LIQUID SUBSTANCES EQUIPPED WITH INTERNAL ACTIVATING SYSTEM"

DESCRIPTION Technical Field The present invention relates to the technical sector of the production of devices for the inhaling of substances and particularly of products aimed to replace cigarettes without damaging health. Everybody knows traditional cigarettes made of a compound of tobacco and externally covered with paper, which are smoked after being lit up, by inhaling the smoke from a tip possibly equipped with a filter. Such cigarettes seriously damage health, since tobacco as well as the paper burnt and then taken into the lungs, may cause many respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, everybody knows that smokers hardly desist from the vice of smoking because of the physical addiction it entails and because it is impossible to substitute the cigarette itself with another surrogate able to alleviate the absence of smoke. Background Art

In order to avoid this problem, other special cigarettes are known (which are used in certain cases even for medical or therapeutic purposes) that present in their inside, instead of tobacco, a mixture of different substances which do not damage health and that can even be healthy. Nevertheless, even such products do not prevent smokers from inhaling the external paper holding the mixture which is cause of diseases and unhealthy as well. In order to avoid the above mentioned drawbacks, the patent claim known as n. PCT/IT00/00245 filed on behalf of the applicant itself, relating to a device having the shape of a cigarette that allows to inhale the vapours of liquid substances. Such an invention relates to a tube in plastic material equipped at one end with an inner cellulose acetate filter that is on its external surface thermosealed by an aluminium filter while on the other end a hole is provided for the inlet of the liquid into the tube. Such a system, even although it avoided the above mentioned health damage drawbacks, it did not get either the optimal use of the device or its long conservation as the contained liquid might disperse before being used or totally evaporate. Moreover there were difficulties in packing. The USA 4,993,436 of 19.02.1991 patent relating to an "Aspirating and volatilizing liquid dispenser" is already well-known: in that case, however, the sucking part is directly in contact with the liquid dispenser and in addition the whole system results difficult to manufacture, difficult to use both in practice and cost. All things considered, the real need is to create a device that lets the liquid substances vaporize in order to inhale their vapours and it should be simple, cheap and fitted to avoid the liquid dispersion, vaporization before the use or external contact. Disclosure of invention

The present invention aims to avoid the above mentioned and other drawbacks providing a device fitted for large scale production, optimized in possible liquid leaks and more practical in use. The real need is providing a liquid better tightness inside the dispenser both in manufacturing and boxing up stages and in transport, packing and use stages as well. In fact the external sealing of the filter exposes the thermosealed aluminium film to contacts which with frictioning may compromise its seal. Likewise, without isolating the filter from the dispenser holding the liquid, an excessive soaking may be created even before the use. Moreover the microhole provided on one end of the invention to fill the liquid may cause leaks for different reasons.

The advantages of the present invention are the following: inhalation of vapours of a liquid substance in total hygiene; the liquid held in the device has no contact with the external until it is used; no liquid leaks; while using it, the liquid outlet is easy and fast; the device is simple and easy to manufacture; it looks like a standard cigarette.

Describing it essentially and referring to the enclosed drawings - in conformity with the present invention - a device for inhaling gaseous substances risen from flashing liquid substance, includes: means to inhale the vapours of a liquid substance with a hollow tube with the same external dimension as a cigarette, closed at one end and holding some liquid on its inside; means to inhale the substance with a filter of cellulose acetate, or something similar, placed opposite the closed end of the tube and that at rest results slightly projecting from the device body; means to avoid contact between liquid and filter by a thermosealed aluminium film or else fixed at the end of the tube holding the liquid and opposite the closed end of the tube itself; means to activate internally the device and consisting in a cellulose acetate filter with inert - system assembling, projecting with respect to the inhaler, and whose insertion pushes a perforator inside the dispenser and breaks the aluminium film; means to allow the inhalation of the vapours consisting in a filter which, after activating the system by contacting the liquid of the dispenser, absorbs the liquid itself enabling the in take air (caused by a hole crown provided in correspondence of the filter) to forcedly pass through mixing itself with the liquid aroma.

Conveniently, referring to Fig. 8, the device consists in a tube made of plastic material (10) consisting of two hollow chambers: the former holding the liquid substance (11), the latter fitted for inserting the end of the tube (9) containing the filter so that the perforator (16) breaks the aluminium film (13) that seals the liquid and consequently the liquid itself contacts the filter. Conveniently the tube (10) presents on its inside a circular projection (12) on which the external perimeter of the aluminium film- that seals the pipe holding the liquid (11)- is applied. Conveniently the tube (10) presents on its inside, (precisely above the area covered with aluminiuminium) , a cylindrical and hollow body with the same dimension as the end side of the filter and equipped with hollows (14,14A) where on the correspondenting projections (15,15A) - obtained on the end side of the filter itself - match.

Conveniently the filter (6) is holded in a tube made of plastic material which consists of one part (9A) with the same diameter as the external diameter of the tube (10) and another part (9B), with shorter diameter, equipped with some projections (15,15A) and, on its end, a cylindrical perforator (16) . Such a perforator is obliquely cut off in order to make easier both the breaking and the passing through of the aluminium film (13) . Conveniently, to activate the system, it is sufficient to push slightly the filter (positioned slightly projecting) into the tube (10) so that the film is broken (13) . Consequently the liquid (11) contacts the filter itself and the inhalation is possible. Conveniently, referring to Fig. 1, the device consists of one hollow cylindrical - shape major chamber made of plastic material, closed at one side and with the same dimension as a standard cigarette. A further hollow tube (3) made of plastic and no toxic material is to be inserted inside the major chamber. Such a tube is closed at the corresponding end and it has to be previously filled with an aromatic, balsamic or medicinal liquid then sealed on the filling up surface with a thermosealed aluminium film (4). Done that, a perforator (5) is to be inserted into the above mentioned dispenser up to it contacts the film. Such a perforator consists of a ring with the same external diameter as the internal diameter of the major tube but with a reduction unit to allow the subsequent insertion into the dispenser holding the liquid and a hole in axis with proper dimensions. The cellulose acetate filter, which is inserted during the last stage of the manufacturing, has the same external diameter as the internal diameter of the major chamber forming the external part of the inhaler. Moreover, the filter is properly long so that, once the perforator contacts it, the filter itself has enough space to result projecting from the major chamber, the perforator can get into the dispenser (to be done before using the inhaler) , the aluminium film is broken and the progressive absorbing of the liquid inside the filter is possible.

In correspondence of the filter, the external chamber has a paper film lining to make the contact with lips similar to the one with a standard cigarette. Both on the paper and the external chamber a series of radial micro holes are obtained and they are placed longitudinally, far from the leap contact but still within the filter position. When using the inhaler like a standard cigarette, these holes allow the inhalation of the liquid vapours as the external inhaled air is forcedly passed through it. Conveniently the major chamber (1) is made of plastic material and it has the same dimension as the one of a standard cigarette . Conveniently the liquid dispenser (3) is made of plastic no toxic material with proper external dimensions to be inserted into the inhaler (1) .

Conveniently the dispenser has a cylindrical hallow shape, it is closed at one side and open at the other to inlet the liquid.

Conveniently the open side already containing the liquid is sealed with a circular aluminium film (4) which makes the dispenser hermetic. Conveniently the system is equipped with plastic perforating ring (5) with external diameter equivalent to the internal diameter of the inhaler (1) and with a reduction unit with external diameter equivalent to the internal diameter of the dispenser (3) to allow its insertion. Conveniently the perforating ring (5) has different shapes and can have a projection either on its whole perimeter or only on a part of it in order to obtain an opening on the film making the liquid contact the filter.

Conveniently such an insertion is deliberately caused, at the time of using, by pushing (F) - in axis with the filter (6) - the perforator towards the aluminium film (4) making the liquid (8) contact the filter itself.

Conveniently the cellulose acetate filter (6) is properly long so that before the time of using it results slightly projecting in the external and in order to activate the system.

Conveniently the ending side of the inhaler (1) has a paper film lining (Tipping paper) that wraps the inhaler in correspondence of the filter like in- any standard cigarette (2).

Conveniently a series of holes is obtained on both the tipping paper and the respective section of the inhaler so that when inhaling from the filter a combined inhalation of mixture, air and liquid vapours is possible.

Conveniently, according to the different liquid put in the dispenser it is possible to transpire different essences of different aromas and also medicinal substances if necessary. Conveniently the internal activating system avoids hermetical problems due to crashes and frictions that may occur in each dose during manufacturing.

In practice the details of method may vary in shape size placing of elements - kind of material used - in any case the idea of the solution adopted is patented and in the limits of the tutelage granted by the present invention and design patent. Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 shows the exploded view of the invention in one of its accomplishment way: item (1) represents the main chamber made of plastic material with external dimensions equivalent to the ones of a cigarette, internally hollow and closed at one end. It has, at the bottom of the area designed for the filter (6), a circular series of holes (7) that are to be made before gluing the tipping paper (2) lining, common equipment for standard cigarettes. Item (3) represents the liquid dispenser made again of no toxic plastic material, closed at the end designed for insertion and sealed, ones the liquid has been inserted, at the opposite with a thermosealed aluminium film (4) . With the right clearance the dispenser external diameter will be equivalent to the internal diameter of the main chamber (1), getting in that way its easy end exact insertion. Item (5) represents the perforator, consisting of a plastic material holed ring provided towards the front with a reduction unit designed for its insertion into the dispenser (3) . The perforator length dimensions will depend on the filter length measure as the filter itself results projecting from the complete system, i.e. the proper measure for the perforator to be pushed into the dispenser breaking through the aluminium film (4).

Fig. 2 shows an axonometry of the assembled device and not in the use stage yet. Fig. 3 shows the top and sectional view of the same device.

Fig. 4 magnifies the device assembled detail in sectional view: note how the filter projection (6) is able, with the application of a force (F) on it, to push the perforator (5) towards the film activating internally the working of the invention.

Fig. 5, 6, 7 represent the device at time of using. Fig. 5 shows the present invention in axonometry and it looks exactly like a standard cigarette. Fig.6 shows the same device operating in top and sectional view. Fig. 7 magnifies details of filter area: the filter (6) has been inserted into the main chamber (1) so that the perforator (5) slides inside the dispenser (3) and therefore the liquid (8) contacts the filter (6) . When inspiring (A) like in standard cigarette, the vapours of the liquid - absorbed in the filter as the external air forcedly passes through the pipe by the holes (7) - are automatically inhaled. Fig. 8 shows a different possible accomplishment of the present invention consisting of two tubes: the former made of plastic material (10) and holding the liquid (11), the latter, shorter (9), made of plastic material holding the filter. One tube (10) is closed at one side and has at the opposite side a cylindrical projecting unit (12) where on the circumference of a disk in aluminium or similar material (13) is applied sealing the liquid. On the above mentioned disk (14) a cylindrical space is obtained presenting some hollows (14,14A) in which the corresponding projections (15,15A) obtained on the filter (9B) will match. The filter consists of one cylindrical part (9A) holding the filter itself (6) and another cylindrical part (9B) , with shorter diameter, equipped with some projections (15,15A) and ending with a part of truncated cylindrical shape (16) designed for breaking through the aluminium film when the filter is inserted into the cigarette.

Fig. 9 and 10 show the same invention as in Fig. 8 with the filter inserted only in part before time of using and with the filter totally inserted with evidence to the aluminium film breaking (13) . Moreover evidence is given to the holes (17) allowing the inspiring of the substance.

Claims

1) Transpiration device for gaseous substances risen from flashing liquid substance characterized by: means to inhale the vapours of a liquid substance with a hollow tube with the same external dimension as a cigarette, closed at one end and holding some liquid in its inside; means to inhale the substance with a filter of cellulose acetate, or something similar, placed opposite the closed end of the tube and that at rest results slightly projecting from the device body; means to avoid contact between liquid and filter by a thermosealed aluminium film or else fixed at the end of the tube holding the liquid and opposite the closed end of the tube itself; means to activate internally the device and consisting in a cellulose acetate filter with inert - system assembling, projecting with respect to the inhaler, and whose insertion pushes a perforator inside the dispenser and breaks the aluminium film; means to allow the inhalation of the vapours consisting in a filter which, after activating the system by contacting the liquid of the dispenser, absorbs the liquid itself enabling the in take air (caused by a hole crown provided in correspondence of the filter) to forcedly pass through mixing itself with the liquid aroma.

2) Device according to claim lcharacterized by it consists in a tube made of plastic material (10) consisting of two hollow chambers: the former holding the liquid substance (11), the latter fitted for inserting the end of the tube (9) containing the filter so that the perforator (16) breaks the' aluminium film (13) that seals the liquid and consequently the liquid itself contacts the filter.

3) Device according to claim 2 characterized by the tube (10) presents in its inside a circular projection (12) on which the external perimeter of the aluminium film- that seals the pipe holding the liquid (11)- is applied. 4) Device according to claim 2 characterized by the tube (10) presents in its inside, (precisely above the area covered with aluminiuminium) , a cylindrical and hollow body with the same dimension as the end side of the filter and equipped with hollows (14,14A) in which the correspondenting projections (15,15A) - obtained on the end side of the filter itself - match.

5) Device according to claim 2 characterized by the filter (6) is held in a tube made of plastic material which consists of one part (9A) with the same diameter as the external diameter of the tube (10) and another part (9B), with shorter diameter, equipped with some projections (15,15A) and, on its end, a cylindrical perforator (16) . Such a perforator is obliquely cut off in order to make easier both the breaking and the passing through of the aluminium film (13) . 6) Device according to claim 2 characterized by the system is activating by pushing slightly the filter (previously positioned slightly projecting) into the tube (10) so that the film is broken (13) . Consequently the liquid (11) contacts the filter itself and the inhalation is possible.

7) Device according to claim 2 characterized by the major chamber (1) is made of plastic material and it has the same dimensions as the ones of a standard cigarette; the liquid dispenser (3) is made' of plastic no toxic material with proper external dimensions to be inserted into the inhaler

(1) •

8) Device according to claim 7 characterized by the dispenser has a cylindrical hollow shape, it is closed at one side and open at the other to inlet the liquid; the open side containing the liquid already is then sealed with a circular aluminium film (4) which makes the dispenser hermetic.

9) Device according to claim 7 characterized by equipped with a plastic perforating ring (5) with external diameter equivalent to the internal diameter of the inhaler (1) ; a reduction unit with external diameter equivalent to the internal diameter of the dispenser (3) to allow its insertion; a hole in axis with proper dimensions. 10) Device according to claim 7 characterized by such a perforator (5) can have different shapes and a projection either on its whole perimeter or only on a part of it in order to obtain an opening on the film (4) making the liquid contact the filter. 11) Device according to claim 7 characterized by such an insertion is deliberately caused, at the time of using, by pushing (F) - in axis with the filter (6) - the perforator towards the aluminium film (4) making the liquid (8) contact the filter itself.

12) Device according to claim 1 characterized by the cellulose acetate filter (6) is properly long so that before the time of using it results slightly projecting in the external and in order to activate the system by the perforator.

13) Device according to claim 1 characterized by its ending side has a paper film lining (2) like in any standard cigarettes .

14) Device according to claim 1 characterized by a series of holes obtained on both the tipping paper and the respective section of the inhaler so that when inhaling from the filter a combined inhalation of mixture, air and liquid vapours is possible.