INHALATION DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from a U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 63/550,747, filed on Feb. 7, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This present invention relates to an inhalation device, and more particularly, the present invention relates to an inhalation device that mimics cigarette smoking.

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoking has become a major health hazard worldwide. Despite making people aware of the ill effects of tobacco, a huge population of youngsters are attracted to smoking. Once a person starts smoking due to a variety of reasons such as out of interest, adventuring, looking fashionable, and like, later addiction develops, and the person begins smoking more frequently due to craving.

Thus, considering the fact that smoking is perceived to be cool to many but smoking poses health hazards to both active and passive smokers, a need is appreciated for a smoke-less inhalation device that may mimic cigarette smoking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to an inhalation device that is smokeless and mimics cigarette smoking.

Another object of the present invention is that the inhalation device is economical to manufacture.

Still, another object of the present invention is that the inhalation device is easy to use.

In one aspect, disclosed is an inhalation device configured to mimic smoking a cigarette, the inhalation device includes a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end is closed and has multiple holes for air to pass through, the proximal end has an opening; a cartridge configured to couple to the proximal end of the tubular body, the cartridge includes at least flavoring substances, wherein the cartridge is configured to release the flavoring substances slowly in air; and a mouthpiece configured to couple to the cartridge or the proximal end of the tubular body such that air sucked through the mouthpiece is drawn through the holes in the distal end of the tubular body and passes through the cartridge into the mouthpiece.

In one aspect, the cartridge includes a porous base through which air can pass through, the flavoring substances are contained in the base. Also, the cartridge is configured to be interchangeably used.

In one aspect, disclosed is a kit that includes an inhalation device of a shape similar to a cigarette. The inhalation device includes a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end is closed and has multiple holes for air to pass through, the proximal end has an opening; one or more cartridges, each of the one or more cartridges is configured to interchangeably receive into the tubular body, each cartridge includes at least flavoring substances, wherein the cartridge is configured to release the flavoring substances slowly in air; and a mouthpiece configured to couple to the proximal end of the tubular body such that air sucked through the mouthpiece is drawn through the holes in the distal end of the tubular body and passes through the cartridge into the mouthpiece. The kit further includes a casing configured to store the inhalation device. The cartridge comprises a porous base through which air can pass through, the flavoring substances are contained in the base.

In one aspect, disclosed is a method for inhaling flavoring substances, the method includes providing a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end is closed and has multiple holes for air to pass through, and the proximal end has an opening; inserting a cartridge through the proximal end opening of the tubular body, the cartridge includes at least the flavoring substances, wherein the cartridge is configured to release the flavoring substances slowly in air; coupling a mouthpiece to the proximal end of the tubular body; and sucking air through the mouthpiece, wherein air enters through the holes into the tubular body and passes through the cartridge into the mouthpiece. The cartridge comprises a porous base through which air can pass through, the flavoring substances are contained in the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the inhalation device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the inhalation device having a tubular elongated and hollow body, a cartridge containing the flavoring substances, and a mouthpiece.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the inhalation device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the inhalation device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows holes at the rear end of the tubular body. Through these holes, air can enter the tubular body. The number of such holes can vary. Also, the shape and size of such holes can vary. Also, the position of these holes in the tubular body can vary, and any such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the inhalation device in a case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The case includes different compartments of the tubular body, mouthpiece, and cartridges. The case shown in FIG. 4 has two compartments for two cartridges. The number of such compartments can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The case has a flip cover that is attached to the body of the case through a hinge joint. FIG. 5 shows the flip cover partially opened and the tubular body with an attached mouthpiece, and two cartridges are shown placed in the respective compartments in the case.

FIG. 6 shows the case in a close state, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The case has a thin profile that can be easily slipped into a pocket. This makes carrying the case easier in a pocket or purse.

FIG. 7 shows another view of the case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a channel at the corner of the case. Through this channel, a lanyard can be made to pass through, the case can be hung from the lanyard. It is to be noted that any other means for attaching the lanyard to the case is within the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation. Also, it should be understood that there are many alternatives and variations for the various elements in the embodiments of the present invention described below. It is understood that various described embodiments are example implementations of the inventions and that alternative embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely to illustrate the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

Any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that the number of techniques and steps are described. Well, the various techniques may have different advantages and may be used in conjugation or independently. For the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps and techniques in an unnecessary fashion.

The invention described pertains to a smokeless inhalation device that may mimic cigarette smoking. The cigarette is well-known in the art that is typically tubular having tobacco rolled into paper. Cigarettes may also include suitable filters and the portion of the cigarette containing the filter is kept in the mouth while the other end is ignited. The consumer through the cigarette which causes air to pass through the cigarette and carry vapor form due to the burning of the end of the cigarette. Also, it is to be understood that the term cigarette as used herein may include reference to any smoking article.

The disclosed inhalation device is tubular in shape similar to a standard-size cigarette. The inhalation device can be held in a hand like a cigarette. The inhalation device can be put into a mouth like a cigarette and vapors are drawn by the user through sucking air. Thus, the user can perceive the style of smoking without exposing themselves or others to harmful smoke.

The disclosed inhalation device may provide a smoke-free smoking experience that may mimic actual smoking without the harmful effects of traditional tobacco. The inhalation device allows the use of a variety of flavors. Consumers can experience a variety of flavors including specialized and customized flavors. The inhalation device can be used indoors as well as in public places, where otherwise smoking is prohibited. People can use the disclosed inhalation device at events, parties, restaurants, and the like for enjoyment without exposing others to harmful smoke. The disclosed inhalation device may provide a healthier option for smokers. It is known that the heating or burning of tobacco and similar substances produces harmful toxins. The disclosed inhalation device may not require any burning or heating; thus, it is a versatile and healthier option for smokers. Several types of compositions can be used in the disclosed inhalation device that may function as a stress-relief tool, offering a calming experience for various emotional states. Moreover, the act of smoking may trick the brain into perceiving that the user is smoking which may relax any anxiety.

Now referring to FIG. 1 which shows an exploded view of the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 includes a tubular elongated and hollow body 110. The body 110 may have a proximal end and a distal end. The diameter and length of the tubular body 110 may correspond to a standard-size cigarette. The distal end of the tubular body 110 may be closed while the proximal end of the tubular body 110 may have an opening. As shown in FIG. 3, multiple holes 115 may be present at the distal end for the ingress of air into the tubular body 110. It is to be understood that the shape, size, and position of these holes may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The tubular body may be made from any suitable material, such as plastics, metals, and alloys. Preferably, lightweight materials, such as plastics and alloys may be used. For example, aluminum and tin are light in weight and durable in construction. The outer or exposed surface of the tubular body may be provided with suitable colors, logos, designs, and coatings. The outer surface of the tubular body may also be provided with a paper matte coating to resemble an actual cigarette.

The inhalation device may also include a cartridge 120 that may be coupled to the proximal end opening of the tubular body 110. The casing of the cartridge and the proximal end of the tubular body may have a suitable fastening mechanism, such as threads for screwing or snap-locking the cartridge to the tubular body. Alternately, inside the proximal end portion of the tubular body may include a suitable flange or bracket for retaining the cartridge. In such a case, the cartridge may snugly fit inside the tubular body to prevent any air from bypassing the cartridge.

The casing of the cartridge may include a porous base through which the air may pass. A composition in suitable form may be encased, absorbed, and/or adsorbed on the base. Vapors from the composition can be carried by air passing through the cartridge. For example, the composition in the form of gel or liquid can be absorbed and adsorbed over the base. The composition may include flavors, aromatics, and the like ingredients. The vapors may be slowly released from the base under the pressure of air so that a single cartridge may be used for a prolonged period. Such slow-release formulation may be developed using any suitable industrial or pharmaceutical process known in the art. The cartridges may be interchangeable so that a cartridge of the desired flavor can be used as and when desired. Exhaust cartridges can be replaced or re-filled, both options are within the scope of the present invention.

The inhalation device may also include a mouthpiece 130. The mouthpiece may be put between the lips by a user and air drawn through the mouthpiece 130. In case, the cartridge is coupled to the tubular body, the mouthpiece may be coupled to the other end of the cartridge. When the cartridge is contained within the tubular body, the mouthpiece may be coupled to the tubular body and the cartridge interrupts the inner volumes of the mouthpiece and the tubular body.

In use, the user puts the mouthpiece between lips like a cigarette and sucks air through the mouthpiece. Under suction, air is drawn through holes in the tubular body. The air passes through the cartridge and carries vapors from the composition into the mouth of the user.

The inhalation device may be carried in a suitable casing. An embodiment of the casing is shown in FIG. 4. The casing may include a top flap 10, a bottom body 20, and compartments 30 for the tubular body, the mouthpiece, and one or more cartridges. The user may get multiple cartridges of different flavors that can be interchangeably used. The top flap 10 may be coupled to the bottom body 20 using a hinge joint 40. The case may be compact in shape as shown in FIGS. 6 & 7. Also, a suitable lanyard may be used to hang the case. FIG. 7 shows channel 50 formed in the case through which the lanyard can pass through.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.