WO2023018378A2

WO2023018378A2 - Device for storage and inhalation of nicotine and method for manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2023018378A2
Application number: PCT/SG2022/050574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yong Seang KIEW
Original assignee: Ysq International Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-11
Filing date: 2022-08-11
Publication date: 2023-02-16
Also published as: WO2023018378A3; TW202310757A

Abstract

There is a device (40, 90) for inhaling vaporized nicotine, comprising: one or more containers (10), each container comprising: a housing (12) having an enclosed space for receiving at least one of the following pressurized contents: vaporized nicotine (13), a propellent and a compressed fluid; a dispensing unit (100) arranged to interface with the housing (12) to dispense the at least one of the vaporized nicotine (13), the propellent and the compressed fluid, the dispensing unit (100) comprising a first valve (31) which remains closed under a non-activation state such that the contents of the one or more containers (10) are prevented from flowing out of the one or more containers (10); a chamber (30) configured to receive the at least one of the vaporized nicotine (13), the propellent and the compressed fluid from the container (10), the chamber (30) comprising a hole (32) formed at an outer periphery of the chamber (30), the hole so sized and shaped to fit into a mouth of a user; wherein the chamber (30) and the housing (12) is arranged to cause the at least one of the vaporized nicotine (13), the propellent and the compressed fluid to be released into the chamber (30) for depressurization; and wherein nicotine is stored in at least one of the housing (12), a part of the chamber (30), and a separate container within the chamber (30).

Description

DEVICE FOR STORAGE AND INHALATION OF NICOTINE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for storage and inhalation of vaporized nicotine and a method for manufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The following discussion of the background is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or is part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the invention.

[0003] Smoking is generally harmful with many chemicals such as tobacco, lead, arsenic, benzene and nicotine. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

[0004] In recent times, manufacturers have been known to introduce e-cigarettes or vaping devices by claiming that such devices bypass many of the health risks associated with tobacco smoking. Moreover, many of these vaping devices do consist of toxins such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, which are carcinogens. For such devices, it is necessary to heat the composition till it becomes a vapor/aerosol which can then be inhaled by a user. The heating of such composition releases harmful chemicals which are detriment to human health. Moreover, upon inhaling such substances, a user would also exhale smoke. Secondhand smoke causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth.

[0005] For smokers who wish to kick the habit, many have turned to nicotine patches or drugs which promise to curb their cravings. However, a problem with such nicotine patches and drugs is that is eases the withdrawal symptoms but does not provide much help mentally and psychologically for a smoker who wishes to quit smoking as a smoker’s brain is already trained to crave and enjoy the satisfaction of inhalation of nicotine (the addictive drug that produces the effects in the brain that people are looking for).

[0006] There exists a need for a device to alleviate one or more of the aforementioned problems. A further object of the invention is to provide a device which can eliminate the harmful effects caused by smoking and yet allow a smoker to still experience the satisfaction introduced by inhaling nicotine.

SUMMARY

[0007] The disclosure was conceptualised to provide a container for storing vaporized nicotine and a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, such that no heating is necessary.

[0008] In an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine according to claim 1. In another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method for manufacturing a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine according to claim 13.

[0009] In another aspect there is a container for storing vaporized nicotine, comprising a housing having an enclosed space for receiving the vaporized nicotine, a first port located along a periphery of the housing, the first port being adapted to allow vaporized nicotine to be pumped into the enclosed space of the housing, and a stopper disposed at a first end of the housing, characterized in that the stopper is being adapted to receive one or more tubes extending from the first end towards a second end of the housing, opposite to the first end.

[0010] In some embodiments, the housing may be operable to store vaporized nicotine and compressed gas.

[0011] In some embodiments, a second port may be located along the periphery of the housing and may be adapted to allow one or more fluids to be pumped into the enclosed space of the housing. [0012] In some embodiments, the housing may be operable to store one or more fluids.

[0013] In some embodiments, a separator may be disposed within the housing to separate the housing into a first section and a second section.

[0014] In some embodiments, the separator may extend from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the separator may be substantially parallel to the first and second ends of the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first section of the housing may be operable to store vaporized nicotine and compressed gas.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second section may be operable to store one or more fluids and compressed gas.

[0018] In some embodiments, the tube may terminate at the first section.

[0019] In some embodiments, the tube may terminate at the second section.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first port may be located adjacent to the first section and may be adapted to allow vaporized nicotine and compressed gas to be pumped into the first section of the housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second port may be located adjacent to the second section and may be adapted to allow one or more fluids to be pumped into the second section of the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the one or more fluids may be selected from the group comprising water, oils, menthol, salts, sugars, humectants surfactants and flavoring additives.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more fluids may be selected from the group comprising Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine, and other humectants.

[0024] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, comprising one or more containers for storing vaporized nicotine, each container comprising: a housing having an enclosed space for receiving the vaporized nicotine; a first port located along a periphery of the housing, the first port being adapted to allow vaporized nicotine to be pumped into the enclosed space of the housing; a stopper disposed at a first end of the housing, characterized in that the stopper is being adapted to receive one or more tubes extending from the first end towards a second end of the housing, opposite to the first end; and a first valve positioned within the stopper. The device further comprises a chamber configured to receive depressurized vaporized nicotine from the container, the chamber comprising: a hole positioned at an outer periphery of the chamber, the hole sized and shaped to fit into a mouth of a user; one or more openings disposed along the periphery of the chamber, and adapted to receive the respective first ends of the containers.

[0025] In some embodiments the chamber comprises an aerosol reducer, which may be in the form of a plate arranged such that when the one or more fluids hit onto the plate, the particle size of the one or more fluid is reduced.

[0026] In some embodiments, the hole may comprise a second valve.

[0027] In some embodiments, the one or more tubes may each have a nozzle located at an end distal of the container for dispensing depressurized vaporized nicotine into the chamber.

[0028] In some embodiments, the one or more containers may be mountable to the respective openings of the chamber via fastening means.

[0029] In some embodiments, the fastening means may be a screw-thread configuration.

[0030] In some embodiments, the fastening means may be a snap-fit configuration whereby the first ends of the one or more containers may be snapped fit into the respective openings of the chamber.

[0031] In some embodiments, the housing may be operable to store vaporized nicotine and compressed gas. [0032] In some embodiments, a second port may be located along the periphery of the housing and may be adapted to allow one or more fluids to be pumped into the enclosed space of the housing.

[0033] In some embodiments, the housing may be operable to store one or more fluids.

[0034] In some embodiments, a separator may be disposed within the housing to separate the housing into a first section and a second section.

[0035] In some embodiments, the separator may extend from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the separator may be substantially parallel to the first and second ends of the housing.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first section of the housing may be operable to store vaporized nicotine and compressed gas.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second section of the housing may be operable to store one or more fluids and compressed gas.

[0039] In some embodiments, the tube may terminate at the first section.

[0040] In some embodiments, the tube may terminate at the second section.

[0041] In some embodiments, a third valve may be disposed within the stopper and may be operatively connected to the tube that terminates at the second section.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first port may be located adjacent to the first section and may be adapted to allow vaporized nicotine and compressed gas to be pumped into the first section of the housing.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second port may be located adjacent to the second section and may be adapted to allow one or more fluids to be pumped into the second section of the housing.

[0044] In some embodiments, the one or more fluids may be selected from the group comprising water, oils, menthol, salts, sugars, humectants surfactants and flavoring additives.

[0045] In some embodiments, the one or more fluids may be selected from the group comprising Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine, and other humectants.

[0046] According to another aspect of the disclosure there is a method of manufacturing a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, comprising the steps of providing one or more containers for storing vaporized nicotine, each container having a housing for receiving the vaporized nicotine, a stopper disposed at a first end of the housing, characterized in that the stopper is being adapted to receive one or more tubes extending from the first end towards a second end of the housing, opposite to the first end; mounting a first valve within the stopper; and attaching the one or more containers to a chamber, the chamber comprising a hole positioned at an outer periphery of the chamber, one or more openings disposed along the periphery of the chamber and adapted to receive the respective first ends of the containers and wherein the chamber and the housing are arranged such that a force applied to the chamber toward the housing or a force applied to the housing toward the chamber causes the vaporized nicotine to be released into the chamber.

[0047] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise a step of attaching a separator within the housing to separate the housing into a first section and a second section.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise a step of mounting a second valve on the periphery of the housing.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise a step of mounting a third valve within the stopper.

[0050] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051] In the figures, which illustrate, by way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a container for storing vaporized nicotine in accordance with an embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the container of FIG. 1 for storing vaporized nicotine, compressed gas and/or one or more fluids;

[0054] FIGs. 3a and 3b are schematic side views of a container for storing vaporized nicotine, compressed gas and one or more fluids in accordance with another embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, with a container attached to a depressurization or decompression chamber in accordance with some embodiments;

[0056] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the device in FIG. 4 illustrating an example with two containers attached to the depressurization or decompression chamber;

[0057] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b are schematic views of a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, with a container attached to a depressurization or decompression chamber in accordance with another embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are schematic views of a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, with a container attached to an inflatable portion in accordance with another embodiment; and

[0059] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are schematic views of a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, with a container attached to an inflatable portion in accordance with another embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are schematic views of a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, with a container attached to a depressurization or decompression chamber, the depressurization or decompression chamber further comprises a dispersion unit.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting a method of manufacturing a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0062] The disclosure was conceptualized to conceptualised to provide a container for storing vaporized nicotine and a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, such that no heating or application of heat is necessary. Accordingly, this may result in an environment with minimal smoke produced (e.g. indoor) where required. Alternatively, the device may provide a mechanism to mix the vaporized nicotine with other fluids so as to provide certain amount of smoke.

[0063] In order to illustrate the technical solution(s) to the embodiments of the present disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings. It is appreciable that the drawings referred to are some examples or embodiments of the present disclosure. A person having ordinary skill in the art, without further creative efforts, may apply the present disclosure to other scenarios according to these drawings. For example, although the drawings relate to a device having one or two nicotine storage containers, a person having ordinary skill in the art and without creative efforts would be able to apply the present disclosure to attach 3 or more nicotine storage containers to the chamber.

[0064] Throughout the description, the term nicotine’ includes natural or synthetic nicotine, nicotine substitutes, which may be derived by/from creating nicotine from other substances through chemical reactions, and modified nicotine which is derived through modifications to nicotine from tobacco.

[0065] Throughout the description, the term ‘vaporized nicotine’ includes nicotine in a gaseous or vaporized state that may be obtained through one or more volatilization processes, and/or obtained via other physical or chemical processes to lower the boiling temperate and/or increase the rate of evaporation of the nicotine, and the term “vaporization” is construed broadly to include application of heat or without application of heat. [0066] Throughout the description, the term “compressed gas” includes liquified gas (e.g. propellant, refrigerant) or compressed fluid.

[0067] Throughout the description, the term “dispensing unit” may refer broadly to include various arrangements and configurations beyond that as described to .

[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a container for storing vaporized nicotine in accordance with an embodiment. The container 10 may be used to store vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15. The vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 may be stored in the container 10 under a pressure that is above the environmental pressure. The container 10 comprises a housing 12 with an enclosed space therein. This prevents the vaporized nicotine 13 from leaking out of the container 10. The housing 12 has a first end 1 1 and a second end 19, opposite of the first end. A stopper 17 sits on the first end 1 1 and is adapted to receive one or more tubes 18. The tubes 18 extend from the stopper 17 towards the second end 19.

[0069] A first port 14 is disposed on an outer periphery of the housing 12. The first port 14 may be adapted to receive vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15. The first port 14 may have a one-way valve (not shown) to allow insertion of an injection device (not shown) to pump the vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 into the enclosed space of the housing 12. The one-way valve may be opened to allow flow of the vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 into the enclosed space of the housing 12 and closed to prevent the vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 from leaking through the first port 14. Alternatively, the first port 14 may have a cap (not shown) to seal the first port 14. This allows vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 to be pumped into the enclosed space of the housing 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the container 10 may be filled with vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15. The functions of tube 18 will be described later.

[0070] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the container of FIG. 1 for storing vaporized nicotine, compressed gas and one or more fluids. The features of container 10 are identical to the container of FIG. 1 and will not be repeated for brevity. A second port 16 may be disposed along the periphery of the housing 12. The second port 16 may be adapted to receive one or more fluids 21. As with the first port 14, the second port 16 may also have a one-way valve (not shown) to allow insertion of an injection device (not shown) to pump the one or more fluids 21 into the enclosed space of the housing 12. The one-way valve may be opened to allow the flow of the one or more fluids 21 into the enclosed space of the housing 12 and closed to prevent the one or more fluids 21 from leaking through the second port 16. Alternatively, the second port 16 may have a cap (not shown) to seal the second port 16. This allows the one or more fluids 21 to be pumped into the enclosed space of the housing 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the container 10 may thus be filled with vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 through the first port 14 and one or more fluids 21 through the second port 16.

[0071] The housing 12 may be made from any suitable material. For example, the housing 12 may be made from metals, alloys, plastics, composite materials or thermoplastics. The housing 12 may also be substantially transparent. Optionally, the housing may have a window made of transparent plastic or acrylic. This allows a user to be able to view the contents therein and obtain an indication as to whether the contents therein may need to be refilled, or whether the container 10 needs to be replaced.

[0072] The contents of the one or more fluids 21 may be determined by the manufacturer. For example, the one or more fluids 21 may be selected from the group comprising water, Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG) or Glycerol, oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil, essential oil, menthol, ethanol, plant extracts, starch, salt, sugar, mixture of linear polysaccharide agarose and agaropectin (colloquially referred to as agar), food gum, and/or flavoring additives such as cinnamon, vanilla, lemongrass, or strawberry, etc. it is appreciable that the composition and concentration of each of the one or more fluids 21 may be predetermined.

[0073] In some embodiments, the one or more fluids 21 may be mixed with small solid particles such as powder. These solid particles are strictly non-fluid but they may be mixed with the one or more fluids 21 , and are small enough to be emitted out of a nozzle of a container for storage of the nicotine and/or one or more fluids. In some embodiments, the small solid particles can be dissolved in the one or more fluids 21.

[0074] FIGs. 3a and 3b are schematic side views of a container for storing vaporized nicotine, compressed gas and one or more fluids in accordance with another embodiment. The container 10 is mostly similar to the container described in the previous embodiment and its features will not be repeated for brevity. The vaporized nicotine 13, compressed gas 15 and one or more fluids 21 may be stored in the container 10 under a pressure that is above the environmental pressure. In this embodiment, a separator 22 is disposed within the enclosed space of the housing 12. The separator 22 separates the housing 12 into a first section 20 and a second section 24. The stopper 17 which sits on the first end 11 may be adapted to receive one or more tubes 18a, 18b.

[0075] In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 3a and 3b, the stopper 17 is illustrated to receive two tubes 18, with one of the tubes 18a terminating in the first section 20 and the other tube 18b terminating at the second section 24. While FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate an exemplary embodiment in which the housing 12 has two tubes 18a, 18b terminating in their respective sections 20, 24, a person having ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, may apply this disclosure to other scenarios. For instance, this disclosure may also apply to a container 10 having three or more sections, each having a tube terminating in a corresponding section.

[0076] The first port 14 may be located along the periphery of the housing 12 and adjacent to the first section 20. The first port 14 may be adapted to receive vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15. As with the previous embodiment, the first port 14 may have a one-way valve (not shown) to allow insertion of an injection device (not shown) to pump the vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 into the first section 20 of the housing 12. The one-way valve may be opened to allow flow of the vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 into the first section 20 of the housing 12 and closed to prevent the vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 from leaking through the first port 14. Alternatively, the first port 14 may have a cap (not shown) to seal the first port 14. This allows vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 to be pumped into the first section 20 of the housing 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the first section 20 of the container 10 may thus be filled with vaporized nicotine 13 compressed gas 15.

[0077] The second port 16 may be located along the periphery of the housing 12 and adjacent to the second section 24. The second port 16 may be adapted to receive one or more fluids 21 and compressed gas 15. As with the previous embodiment, the second port 16 may have a one-way valve (not shown) to allow insertion of an injection device (not shown) to pump the one or more fluids 21 and compressed gas 15 into the second section 24 of the housing 12. The one-way valve may be opened to allow the flow of the one or more fluids 21 and compressed gas 15 into the second section 24 of the housing 12 and closed to prevent the one or more fluids 21 and compressed gas 15 from leaking through the second port 16. Alternatively, the second port 16 may have a cap (not shown) to seal the second port 16. This allows the one or more fluids 21 and compressed gas 15 to be pumped into the second section 24 of the housing 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the second section 24 of the container 10 may thus filled with one or more fluids

21 and compressed gas 15.

[0078] The separator 22 may be made from any suitable material such as metals, plastics, composites, and alloys. The separator 22 ensures that the mixture of vaporized nicotine 13 and compressed gas 15 stored in the first section 20 are separated from the mixture of compressed gas 15 and the one or more fluids 21 stored in the second section 24, and prevents any mixture of the contents in both sections 20, 24. In FIG. 3a, the separator 22 is illustrated to be fitted within an inner side wall of the housing 12 and shown to be substantially parallel to a longitudinal plane of the first and second ends 11 , 19 of the housing 12. In FIG. 3b, the separator

22 is illustrated to extend from the first end 11 of the housing 12 to the second end 19 of the housing 12, such that the separator 22 is transverse to the longitudinal planes of the first and second ends 1 1 , 19.

[0079] In this example, the tube 18a terminating in the first section 20 may be shorter than the tube 18b terminating in the second section 24. The tube 18b may be longer than the tube 18a, as the tube 18b needs to travel a further distance as compared to the tube 18a, in order to reach the one or more fluids 21 . [0080] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a device for inhaling vaporized nicotine, with a container attached to a depressurization or decompression chamber in accordance with some embodiments. The device 40 generally comprises a container 10, in accordance with the earlier disclosed embodiments, and a chamber 30. The chamber 30 has a hole or orifice 32 located/formed on an outer periphery of the chamber 30. The hole 30 is configured to fit a mouth of a human user (not shown). The chamber 30 has an opening 34 along a wall of the chamber 30. The opening 34 is adapted to receive at least the first end 1 1 of the container 10. The vaporized nicotine 13, compressed gas 15 and one or more fluids 21 may be stored in the container 10 under a pressure that is above the environmental pressure.

[0081] The container 10 may be mounted to the opening 34 via any suitable fastening means. For example, the opening 34 may have threads arranged circumferentially around an inner wall of the opening 34 of the chamber 30. The container 10 may have corresponding threads arranged circumferentially along an outer periphery of the first end 11 of the container 10, such that the container 10 may be screwed and tightened to be attached to the chamber 30. Alternatively, the container 10 and the chamber 30 may be attached via a snap-fit configuration, whereby the container 10 may have an outer rim which may be manually forced into a corresponding groove of the opening 34 of the chamber 30. While two possible fastening methods are disclosed, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that there are other possible fastening means.

[0082] The tube 18 of the container 10 may have a nozzle 36 located at an end distal of the container 10 for dispensing depressurized vaporized nicotine 13 and/or one or more fluids 21 into the chamber 30. The container 10 may have a first valve 31 disposed in the stopper 17 and operatively connected to the tube 18 and nozzle 36. The first valve 31 remains closed under normal or non-activated conditions such that the contents of the container 10 are prevented from flowing into the chamber 30. The components 17, 18, 31 , 36, may be collectively referred to as a dispensing unit 100.

[0083] The chamber (30) and the housing (10) may be arranged such that a force applied to the chamber (30) toward the housing (10) or a force applied to the housing (10) toward the chamber (30) causes the vaporized nicotine (13) to be released into the chamber (30).

[0084] Where the container 10 has two sections 20, 24 and two corresponding tubes 18a, 18b (as illustrated in FIGS 3a and 3b), the first valve 31 may be operatively connected to the tube 18a, the first section 20 and the nozzle 36a. A second valve 37 may then be provided and disposed in the stopper 17 and operatively connected to the tube 18b, the second section 24 and the nozzle 36b. The first valve 31 remains closed under normal conditions such that the vaporized nicotine of the container 10 are unable to flow into the chamber 30. An aerosol reducer, in the form of a plate 38, may be arranged in the proximity of the nozzle 36, such that when the vaporized nicotine 13 and/or the one or more fluids 21 hit onto the plate 38, the particle size or volume of the one or more fluid vaporized nicotine and/or the one or more fluid 21 is reduced.

[0085] In some embodiments, the plate 38 may be arranged to vibrate at a predetermined frequency. The vibration may be powered by a power source (not shown). Alternatively, the plate 38 may be arranged so as to vibrate upon being hit by vaporized nicotine 13. For example, the plate 38 may be pivoted with respect to a mount extending from an internal surface of the chamber 30. In other words, plate 38 may not require an active source to effect the vibration. In some embodiments, the plate 38 may be arranged with a mechanical device such that when the plate 38 is hit by the pressurized vaporized nicotine 13 and/or the one or more fluids 21 exiting from the nozzle 36, the plate 38 vibrates.

[0086] The chamber (30) and the housing (10) may be arranged such that a force applied to the chamber (30) toward the housing (10) or a force applied to the housing (10) toward the chamber (30) causes the vaporized nicotine (13) to be released into the chamber (30).

[0087] The content in the chamber 30 are thus mixed and may contain depressurized or decompressed vaporized nicotine 13 and one or more fluids 21. The hole 32 may comprise a third valve 33 such as one-way valve. The third valve 33 is disposed within the hole 32 and remains closed under normal conditions, in which the device is not in use. In use, a user places his mouth on or around the hole 32 and exerts a sucking force through his mouth. This suction force causes the third valve 33 to be opened and the mixed contents of the chamber (which may comprise vaporized nicotine and/or one or more fluids) may then be inhaled through the hole 32 into the mouth of the user. Once the suction force provided by the mouth of the user is removed, the third valve 33 shuts completely, preventing the leakage of the contents to the external environment. This allows a user to be able to experience the satisfaction of inhaling vaporized nicotine, while mitigating any health risks in the process. It will also be appreciated that as no heating of the contents is involved, no smoke is exhaled by the user. As a result, there will not any first or second-hand smoke exhaled. This is beneficial as the harmful effects of first or second-hand smoke are removed in its entirety.

[0088] The contents in the chamber 30 may be determined by each user according to his personal preference. For example, a user may only want to inhale vaporized nicotine. In this case, the user may actuate the chamber 30 and/or housing

12 to only depressurize vaporized nicotine 13 and dispense the vaporized nicotine

13 through the nozzle of the tube 18 into the chamber 30. The chamber 30 is thus only filled with depressurized vaporized nicotine 13 which may then be inhaled by the user. In another example, a user may prefer to inhale a more “fruity” flavor and may thus actuate the chamber 30 and/or housing 12 to dispense one or more fluids 21 into the chamber 30. The chamber 30 may be made from any suitable material. For example, the chamber 30 may be made from metals, alloys, plastics, composite materials or thermoplastics. The chamber 30 may also be substantially transparent. Optionally, the chamber 30 may have a window made of transparent plastic or acrylic. This allows a user to be able to view the contents therein and provide an indication as to whether more vaporized nicotine 13 and or one or more fluids 21 may need to be topped up into the chamber 30.

[0089] While the example in FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment where the container 10 is attached to an opening 34 located at a bottom end of the chamber 30, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand from reading the disclosure that the present disclosure is not limited to such structure and may apply to other scenarios, such as provided in the following illustration. FIG. 5. is a schematic view of the device of FIG. 4 with two containers attached to the chamber 30. The structure of the device 40 is similar to that disclosed in FIG. 4 and will not be repeated for brevity. In this embodiment, the device 40 comprises two container 10 mounted on opposed side walls of the chamber 30. It may thus be understood from reading this disclosure that the chamber may have multiple openings 34 along the side or end walls to receive one or more containers 10. Furthermore, the container 10 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments with only one section and one tube. A person of ordinary skill in the art when presented with this disclosure will understand that a container with two or more sections and corresponding tubes may also be used together with the device of the embodiment.

[0090] FIG. 6a and 6b show another embodiment of the invention in the form of a device 60, where like numerals reference like parts. The device 60 comprises a chamber 30 and a container 10 arranged such that chamber 30 and container 10 are slidable with respect to each other. When an end 30a of the chamber 30 is moved toward the container 10 via the application of a force on the chamber 30 towards the container 10, air within the chamber 30 is urged out of the chamber 30 from the sides of chamber 30 but prevented from returning back to the chamber 30, hence forming at least a partial vacuum within the chamber 30. When the force is removed, the end 30a of the chamber 30 moves away from the container 10 and draw contents (vaporized nicotine 13 and one or more fluids 21 ) from the container 10 into the chamber 30. In some embodiments, the nozzle 36 may be actively actuated to release the contents from the container 10. In other embodiments, the contents within the container 10 may be drawn out via a pressure difference between the container 10 and the chamber 30.

[0091] FIG. 7a and 7b show another embodiment of the invention in the form of a device 70, where like numerals reference like parts. The device 70 comprises a chamber 30 and a container 10. An inflatable portion, in the form of a bag 50 is arranged in the chamber and in fluid communication with the container 10. When the nozzle 36 is activated, the contents from the container 10 will be released into the inflatable bag 50, which is in turn inflated or filled up as more contents are released. A tube 52 (with a one-way valve) may be disposed at an end portion of the inflatable bag 50 to allow for consumption of the contents by a user. The bag 50 may be form from or of plastic. [0092] FIGS. 8a and 8b show another embodiment of the invention in the form of a device 80, where like numerals reference like parts. Compared to the device 70, the inflatable portion is in the form of a rubber balloon 54.

[0093] FIGS. 9a and 9b are schematic views of another embodiment of a device 90 for inhaling vaporized nicotine, with a container 10 attachable to a depressurization or decompression chamber 30 in accordance with some embodiments. The device shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b are similar to the device 40 except that the aerosol reducer 38 has a different configuration instead of a plate as shown in FIG. 4.

[0094] The chamber 30 comprises a hole/orifice 32 formed on an outer periphery of the chamber 30. The hole 32 may be configured to fit a mouth of a user (not shown). The aerosol reducer 38 may comprise a container 92 for housing nicotine solution 94, which may include one or more fluids. The housing of the nicotine solution with fluids 94 under a pressure that may be around an environmental pressure (i.e. non-pressurized state). The container 92 may include a dispersion unit 96 to create finer aerosolized droplets and open to one-way valve 98. One-way valve 98 will remain closed under normal conditions, when the device 90 is not in use. The dispersion unit 96 may be a rod comprising multiple outlets for release of pressurized contents (e.g. propellent 13A) within the container 10 to facilitate mixing with the nicotine solution 94 and/or other fluids to generate aerosol. The dispersion unit 96 may be positioned in various orientations as shown in FIG. 9A (positioned along a longitudinal axis of the device 90), or FIG. 9B (positioned along a transverse axis of the device 90).

[0095] In use, a user places his mouth on or around the hole 32 and exerts a suction force through his mouth. This suction force causes the one-way valve 98 to be opened and the aerosolized contents of the container 92 (which is depressurized within chamber 30 and hence at a less pressure relative to container 10, may then be inhaled through the hole 32 into the mouth of the user.

[0096] In some embodiments, a breath -activated or suction-activated one-way valve 33 may be positioned in the vicinity of the hole 32 to facilitate the obtainment of smaller droplets and to increase the turbulence inside the container of 30, as the droplets pass through the valve.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fluids 94 may include surfactants, low molecular weight polyols, and/or low volatile compounds. The fluids 94, mixed with the propellants in container 10, may be diffused through the dispersion unit 96.

[0098] In some embodiments of operation, the air dispersion unit 92 which is placed into the container 92 creates bubbles in the liquid, and acts like a baffle to route the air flow in different directions and angles, hence resulting in a turbinate inside the container 92 and bubbles onto surface. As retention time increased for smaller droplets, the resulting cloud formation includes narrow particle/or droplet size meaning more mono-disperse structure occurred during inhalation. Throughout the spray event, a liquid-rich formulation fill the container 30 until it reached the height of the spray output.

[0099] In some embodiments, the one-way valve 98 is configured or arranged to be opened only when container 92 is under pressure.

[00100] In some embodiments, chamber 30 can have anti-adhesion coating to prevent or minimize particles sticking onto the inner surface of the chamber 30.

[00101] It is appreciable that in the various embodiments as described, the depressurization or decompression chamber 30 operates to reduce the pressure of the vaporized/aerosolized fluid emitting from the container 10 via the dispensing unit (100). Such an arrangement advantageously allows a user to maintain sucked aerosolized fluid in his mouth before swallowing. Without the depressurization or decompression chamber 30, aerosolized fluid may be urged into the user’s mouth at certain pressure and majority of the aerosolized fluid may be swallowed inadvertently.

[00102] Various ways of releasing aerosol from the container 10 into the decompression or depressurizing chamber 30 other than those described may be contemplated. In other words, various ways of designing the dispensing unit (100) including multiple one-way valves, one or more nozzles, one or more sensors, one or more mechanical or electronic controllers, remote controllers, or actuators may be contemplated.

[00103] It is appreciable that in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b, the chamber 30 may be removed.

[00104] Advantageously, since the nicotine is already in a vaporized form when stored in the container 10 and/or 92 of the present disclosure, no heating of the nicotine is necessary. This saves energy and costs and prevents harmful chemicals associated with heating of the composition from entering a user’s lungs. Furthermore, since no heating of the composition is involved, no smoke will be exhaled. This would be friendly to the environment and prevent people around the user from inhaling second-hand smoke. Moreover, since no smoke is emitted, a user may now inhale vaporized nicotine in indoor or air-conditioned areas.

[00105] It is to be appreciated that one or more of features in the various described embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments.

[00106] According with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is a kit comprising at least one container (10) for storage of pressurized fluids, at least one depressurization or decompression chamber (30) for attachment/interface with the at least one container (10) to receive the pressurized fluids from the at least one container (10) for depressurization. In some embodiments, the decompression chamber (30) may include an aerosol reducer (38) to reduce the volume and/or particle size of emitted pressurized fluids from the at least one container (10).

[00107] According with another aspect of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 10, there is a method 200 of manufacturing a device (40, 90) for inhaling vaporized nicotine, comprising the steps of: providing one or more containers (10) for storing pressurized fluid, each container (10) having a housing (12) for receiving the pressurized fluid and a dispensing unit (100)- step 202; providing the one or more containers (10) to a chamber (30), the chamber (30) configured to receive the at least one of the vaporized nicotine (13), the propellent (13A) and the compressed fluid from the container (10)- step 204, the chamber (30) comprising a hole (32) formed at an outer periphery of the chamber (30), the hole so sized and shaped to fit into a mouth of a user; wherein the container (10) and the chamber (30) are arranged such that a force applied to the chamber (30) toward the housing (12) or a force applied to the housing (12) toward the chamber (30) causes the vaporized nicotine (13) to be released into the chamber (30).

[00108] In some embodiments, the method 200 further comprises a step of providing an aerosol reducer (38) within the chamber (30), the aerosol reducer (38) to reduce the volume and/or particle size of emitted pressurized fluids from the at least one container (10) - step 206.

[00109] It is appreciable that the step of providing as described may include steps of attaching, fastening, mounting, moulding and/or extruding.

[00110] It will now be apparent that a container for storing vaporized nicotine and a device for inhalation of the vaporized nicotine has been described in the specification with sufficient particularity to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, variations, substitutions, and equivalents exist for features of the device which do not materially depart from the scope of the invention.

[00111] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of features described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments falling within the intended scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A device (40, 90) for inhaling vaporized nicotine, comprising: one or more containers (10) , each container comprising: a housing (12) having an enclosed space for receiving at least one of the following pressurized contents: vaporized nicotine (13), a propellent (13A) and a compressed fluid; a dispensing unit (100) arranged to interface with the housing (12) to dispense the at least one of the vaporized nicotine (13), the propellent and the compressed fluid, the dispensing unit (100) comprising a first valve (31 ) which remains closed under a non-activation state such that the contents of the one or more containers (10) are prevented from flowing out of the one or more containers (10); a chamber (30) configured to receive the at least one of the vaporized nicotine (13), the propellent and the compressed fluid from the container (10), the chamber (30) comprising a hole (32) formed at an outer periphery of the chamber (30), the hole so sized and shaped to fit into a mouth of a user; wherein the chamber (30) and the housing (12) is arranged to cause the at least one of the vaporized nicotine (13), the propellent and the compressed fluid to be released into the chamber (30) for depressurization; and wherein nicotine is stored in at least one of the housing (12), a part of the chamber (30), and a separate container within the chamber (30).

2. The device (40, 90) of claim 1 , wherein the chamber (30) comprises an aerosol reducer (38) arranged such that when the one or more fluids (21 ) hit onto the aerosol reducer (38), the particle size of the one or more fluid (21 ) is reduced.

3. The device (40, 90) of claim 2, wherein the aerosol reducer (38) comprises at least one of the following: a baffle, an actuator, an expansion chamber.

4. The device (40) of claim 3, wherein the aerosol reducer (38) is in the form of a plate (38 A).

5. The device (90) of claim 3, wherein the aerosol reducer (38) comprises a comprise a container (92) for housing a fluid (94), a dispersion unit (96) to create finer aerosolized droplets and a one-way valve (98).

6. The device (90) of claim 5, wherein the dispersion unit (96) comprises a rod comprising multiple outlets for release of pressurized contents of the container (10) to facilitate mixing with the fluids (94) to generate aerosol.

7. The device (40, 90) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hole (32) comprises of a second valve (33) positioned in the vicinity of the hole (32), the second valve (33) is a one-way valve.

8. The device (40, 90) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more containers (10) are mountable to the respective openings of the chamber (30) via fastening means.

9. The device (40) of any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (12) is operable to store vaporized nicotine (13) and compressed gas (15).

10. The device (90) of claim 5, characterized in that the container (92) is configured to store vaporized nicotine (13).

1 1 . The device (40, 90) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more fluids (21 ) is selected from the group comprising water, oils, menthol salts, sugars, humectants surfactants, and flavoring additives.

12. The device (40, 90) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more fluids (21 ) is selected from the group comprising Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine, and other humectants.

13. A method of manufacturing a device (40, 90) for inhaling vaporized nicotine, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing one or more containers (10) for storing pressurized fluid, each container (10) having a housing (12) for receiving the pressurized fluid, and a dispensing unit (100);

(b) attaching the one or more containers (10) to a chamber (30), the chamber (30) configured to receive the at least one of the vaporized nicotine (13), the propellent and the compressed fluid from the container (10), the chamber (30) comprising a hole (32) formed at an outer periphery of the chamber (30), the hole so sized and shaped to fit into a mouth of a user; wherein the container (10) and the chamber (30) are arranged such that a force applied to the chamber (30) toward the housing (12) or a force applied to the housing (12) toward the chamber (30) causes the vaporized nicotine (13) to be released into the chamber (30).

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing an aerosol reducer (38) in the chamber (30), the aerosol reducer (38) comprises at least one of the following: a baffle, an actuator, an expansion chamber.

15. A container (10) for storing vaporized nicotine, comprising: a housing (12) having an enclosed space for receiving the vaporized nicotine; and a stopper (17) disposed at a first end (1 1 ) of the housing (12), characterized in that the stopper (17) is being adapted to receive one or more tubes (18) extending from the first end (1 1 ) towards a second end (19) of the housing (12), opposite to the first end.

16. The container of claim 15, characterized in that the housing (12) is operable to store vaporized nicotine (13) and compressed gas (15).

17. The container of claim 15 or 16, further comprising a second port (16) located along the periphery of the housing (12), the second port (16) being adapted to allow one or more fluids (21 ) to be pumped into the enclosed space of the housing.

18. The container of claim 17, characterized in that the housing (12) is operable to store one or more fluids (21 ).