System and process for tobaccoless nicotine delivery

Abstract

A tobaccoless nicotine delivery device permits delivery of nicotine in a manner similar to a cigarette. The device may include an impermeable outer layer surrounding a micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that includes a measured amount of nicotine in a form that allows nicotine vapor to be released upon rupture of the micro-encapsulation. A permeable membrane may be disposed adjacent to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that allows pressure to be applied to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer while permitting permeation of released nicotine into a central channel for inhalation by a user. A mouthpiece may be disposed at an open end of the central channel in order to provide air resistance to simulate the inhalation effect of a cigarette.

1 . A tobaccoless nicotine delivery device comprising:
 an outer layer, the outer layer being substantially cylindrical and impermeable to nicotine;   an inner layer, the inner layer being substantially cylindrical and permeable to nicotine, the inner layer contained within and substantially coaxial to the outer layer;   a micro-encapsulation layer between the inner layer and the outer layer, the micro-encapsulation layer including a structure that encapsulates nicotine, the structure adapted to rupture upon an application of pressure thereby releasing the nicotine; and   a central channel within the inner layer; and   a mouthpiece disposed at the end of the central channel and coupled thereto, whereby a user may inhale on the mouthpiece to draw air through the central channel to receive the nicotine therein when the nicotine is released from the micro-encapsulation layer.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a filter element disposed between the mouthpiece and an end of the central channel, the filter element providing air resistance to simulate an inhalation effect of a cigarette. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2  further comprising a flavorant within the filter element, the flavorant providing a flavor to air passing therethrough. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the filter element is detachable. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the filter element can be attached to at least one of a cigarette, a cigar, and a nicotine delivery device. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a one way valve disposed between the mouthpiece and an end of the central channel for restricting a passage of nicotine during inhalation. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the outer layer yields upon application of a predetermined pressure and the inner layer does not yield upon application of the predetermined pressure, the micro-encapsulation layer rupturing to release the nicotine upon an application of the predetermined pressure thereto, whereby the nicotine is released upon an application of the predetermined pressure to the outer layer. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the structure is adapted to rupture upon an application of pressure to the outer layer. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the structure is adapted to rupture upon an inhalation through the mouthpiece of the device. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the micro-encapsulation layer further includes at least one of an excipient, a flavorant, a nicotine-impermeable polymer, a nicotine-impermeable plastic, an oleaginous substance, a saccharide, a protein, a polymeric material, a co-crystal, and a liposomal nanoparticle. 
   
   
       11 . A method of fabricating a tobaccoless nicotine delivery system comprising:
 providing a micro-encapsulated nicotine layer in a substantially cylindrical shape that includes a measured amount of nicotine within a structure that allows the nicotine to be released as a nicotine vapor when the structure is ruptured;   surrounding the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer with an impermeable outer layer;   disposing a permeable membrane inside the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer with a central channel therethrough, the permeable membrane adapted to allow permeation of the nicotine vapor to the central channel; and   disposing a mouthpiece at an open end of the central channel.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising disposing a filter element in between the mouthpiece and the open end of the central channel. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising distributing a flavorant within the filter element. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the filter element is detachable. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the detachable filter element can be attached to at least one of a cigarette, a cigar, and a nicotine delivery device. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising disposing a one way valve in between the mouthpiece and the open end of the central channel that restricts a passage of nicotine therethrough. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the micro-encapsulation comprises at least one of an excipient, a flavorant, a nicotine-impermeable polymer, a nicotine-impermeable plastic, an oleaginous substance, a saccharide, a protein, a polymeric material, a co-crystal, and a liposomal nanoparticle. 
   
   
       18 . A tobaccoless nicotine delivery device, comprising:
 an impermeable outer layer surrounding a micro-encapsulated nicotine layer, the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer including a measured amount of nicotine in a structure that allows a nicotine vapor to be released upon a rupture of the structure;   a plurality of micro-nozzles disposed adjacent to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer, wherein the nicotine vapor becomes aerosolized as it passes through the plurality of micro-nozzles to a central channel of the tobaccoless nicotine delivery device; and   a mouthpiece disposed at an open end of the central channel.   
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 18  further comprising a filter element disposed in between the mouthpiece and the end of the central channel. 
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the filter element provides air resistance to simulate an inhalation effect of a cigarette.