WO2002009638A2

WO2002009638A2 - Mouthpiece and process for inhaling aromatized gases

Info

Publication number: WO2002009638A2
Application number: PCT/IB2001/002262
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frans De La Haye; Bart Meijer
Original assignee: 'o'-Company Belgium Bvba
Priority date: 2000-04-25
Filing date: 2001-04-25
Publication date: 2002-02-07
Also published as: AU2396002A

Abstract

There is disclosed a process for aromatizing gases for inhalation, such as oxygen, by providing an injection-molded polymeric tablet having flow channels and having perfume oils mixed with the polymeric material within the flow path of a pressurized gas, whereupon upon release, an aromatized unpressurized gas is provided. Specifically, there is further disclosed an aromatized oxygen gas for inhalation and a polymeric, injection molded table having scores for expanding a gas flow path and having at least about 1 % (by weight) perfume oils.

Description

MOUTHPIECE AND PROCESS FOR INHALING AROMATIZED GASES

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention provides a process for aromatizing gases for inhalation, such as oxygen, by providing an injection-molded polymeric tablet having flow channels and having perfume oils mixed with the polymeric material within the flow path of a pressurized gas, whereupon upon release, an aromatized unpressurized gas is provided. Specifically, the present invention further provides an aromatized oxygen gas for inhalation and a polymeric, injection molded table having scores for expanding a gas flow path and having at least about 1% (by weight) perfume oils.

Background of the Invention

Many gases are odorless and for long periods of time, odors, particularly offending odors have been added to odorless gases. A common example is the addition of mercapten (an offensive sulfur smell) to methane so as to aid in the detection of gas leaks. Those gases that are not intended for inhalation but have commercial purposes have odors added for their detection. Such odors added are often unpleasant so that individuals will be deterred from their inhalation.

One gas that is preferably inhaled is oxygen (O₂). Oxygen is often provided in a compressed or pressurized form. Medical oxygen is provided according to prescription (in the United States) in large green canisters for patients with impaired lung capacity and other ailments requiring necessary means for improving blood oxygenation. However, aromas have not been added to compressed oxygen due to the risk of a spontaneous explosion.

Aromas are volatilized oils having fairly low (compared to water) evaporation conditions (temperature and pressure) or are crystals dissolved in an organic solvent (such as a short chain alcohol). Perfumes, for example, are a large collection of aroma oils mixed into an organic solvent base, such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or even methanol. Perfumes are designed to be applied to a surface as a concentrated liquid and have the "scents" emanate from the surface (skin or the like) in the form of volatilized organic molecules. Perfume oils are often derived from plant products. However, it is extremely difficult and dangerous to mix either perfume oils in a liquid form or as a gas into an explosive, accelerant gas, such as oxygen. Therefore, there remains a challenge to be able to provide a "scent" to the experience of inhaling a beneficial gas, such as oxygen.

The addition of pleasant-smelling aromas to a gas should enhance the inhalation experience. In view of the higher cost of perfumes having pleasant smells versus those sulfur- containing agents to provide an odor to an otherwise odorless gas, the addition of perfumes will only be needed for those gases that are intended to be inhaled. Inhaled gases include oxygen and oxygen mixed with other medicinal gases, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and possibly anesthetic gases. As the administration of anesthetic gases cannot suffocate a patient, oxygen has to be added to the mixture, especially if a gas mask is fitted to prevent inhalation of outside air. Therefore, there is a need in the art to enhance the pleasure of inhalation of any gas or gas mixtures designed to be inhaled by adding pleasant aromas to the key gas, oxygen. The present invention was made to address this need.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a process for aromatizing gases for inhalation comprising:

(a) providing an polymeric tablet having a center and periphery, wherein the tablet comprises perfume oils mixed with the polymeric material;

(b) orienting a release valve to release pressurized gas to the center of the tablet; and

(c) directing the gas along to the polymeric tablet to provide an aromatized unpressurized gas.

Preferably, the tablet further comprises elongating gas flow channels having the gas directed through the channels Preferably, the gas is oxygen or a mixture having at least 50% oxygen (by volume). Preferably, the perfume oils mixed in with the polymeric material comprise from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Preferably, the table is in a circular shape wherein the means for elongating gas flow channels are channels in a labyrinth or spiral (e.g., snail shell) pattern to provide a flow path beginning in a center and extending to the circumference. Most preferably, the flow path is a distance at least two times the circumference of the tablet. Preferably, the tablet is made by injection molding of a polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the polymeric material is polyethylene.

The present invention provides an aromatized gas produced by a process for aromatizing gases, comprising:

(a) providing a polymeric tablet having a center and periphery, wherein the tablet comprises perfume oils mixed with the polymeric material;

(c) directing the gas to the tablet to provide an aromatized unpressurized gas. Preferably, the tablet further comprises elongating gas flow channels. Preferably, the gas is oxygen or a mixture having at least 50% oxygen (by volume). Preferably, the perfume oils mixed in with the polymeric material comprise from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Preferably, the table is in a circular shape wherein the means for elongating gas flow channels are channels in a labyrinth or spiral (e.g., snail shell) pattern to provide a flow path beginning in a center and extending to the circumference. Most preferably, the flow path has a distance at least two times the circumference of the tablet. Preferably, the tablet is made by injection molding of a polymeric material and a fragrance, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the polymeric material is polyethylene.

The present invention provides a tablet for aromatizing pressurized gases upon release for inhalation, comprising:

(a) a polymeric matrix consisting of polymeric material and a fragrance injection molded into a tablet form, wherein the tablet has a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of holes extending between the top and bottom sides; and

(b) a labyrinth or spiral pattern of connected channels formed on the bottom side of the tablet, whereby the gas flows through the connected channels and exits through the tablet holes at the periphery.

Preferably, the plurality of holes are located at the periphery of the tablet. Preferably, the tablet top and the tablet bottom form a circle having a circumference. Most preferably, the labyrinth or spiral pattern of connected channels forms a flow path and the flow path has a distance at least two times the circumference of the tablet. Preferably, the tablet polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the polymeric material is polyethylene.

The present invention further provides an asymmetric mouthpiece for administering aromatized gases for inhalation, comprising:

(a) a molded circular cup-shaped solid housing having an open end for fitting a mouth and a partially closed end for attaching to a gas canister, wherein the cup open end is asymmetric having from about a 90 degree arc to about a 270 degree arc of the circular open end of the housing having a higher wall, such at a line drawn from the top of the higher wall to the top of the lower wall will intersect with a line drawn perpendicular to the lower wall at an angle of from about 4 degrees to about 20 degrees; and

(b) one or a plurality of slits extending through the wall of the solid housing within a 25 degree arc located at the center of the higher wall arc, whereby the cup is adapted to fit over the mouth oriented such that the slits are oriented toward the nose.

Preferably, the angle of the line drawn across the top opening of the cup intersecting a perpendicular line is about 7 degrees.

The present invention further provides a pressurized gas canister for providing an aromatized gas for inhalation, comprising:

(a) a pressurized gas canister adapted to contain pressurized gas, and having a release valve for releasing the pressurized gas; (b) a mouthpiece assembly comprising a circular cup-shaped mouthpiece having an open end adapted for placing a mouth within the open end, and a tapered closed end having a polymeric tablet for aromatizing gases placed within the closed end and communicating with the release valve, wherein the polymeric tablet comprises:

(i) a polymeric matrix consisting of polymeric material and a fragrance injection molded into a tablet form, wherein the tablet has a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of holes extending between the top and bottom sides; and

(ii) a labyrinth or spiral pattern of connected channels formed on the bottom side of the tablet, whereby the gas flows through the connected channels and exits through the tablet holes at the periphery.

Preferably, the plurality of holes are located at the periphery of the tablet. Preferably, the mouthpiece open end is asymmetrical having from about a 90 degree arc to about a 270 degree arc of the circular open end of the housing having a higher wall, such at a line drawn from the top of the higher wall to the top of the lower wall will intersect with a line drawn perpendicular to the lower wall at an angle of from about 4 degrees to about 20 degrees. Most preferably, the mouthpiece further comprises one or a plurality of slits extending through the wall of the solid housing within a 25 degree arc located at the center of the higher wall arc, whereby the cup is adapted to fit over the mouth oriented such that the slits are oriented toward the nose. Most preferably, the angle of the line drawn across the top opening of the cup intersecting a perpendicular line is about 7 degrees.

Preferably, the tablet top and the tablet bottom form a circle having a circumference. Most preferably, the labyrinth or spiral pattern of connected channels forms a flow path and the flow path has a distance at least two times the circumference of the tablet. Preferably, the tablet polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the polymeric material is polyethylene.

Brief Description of the Drawing

Figure 1 shows a schematic of an inventive mouthpiece fitting over a valve on a canister of pressurized gas having a aroma tablet fitted within a bottom opening of the mouthpiece.

Figure 2 shows a cluster of aroma tablets in a circular shape showing tops with holes in the form of slits on the periphery of the tablet and bottoms showing an inter-connected labyrinthine flow channels. Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention provides a means for aromatizing pressured gas designed for a more pleasurable inhalation experience. The final result is accomplished by several inventive components working according to an inventive process. Specifically, aromatized oxygen can only safely be done when the aroma is added to oxygen gas in a non-pressurized form. This means that aroma has to be added to the gas after it is released from a pressurized can. Thus, oxygen gas or any other gas for inhalation (containing oxygen to prevent suffocation) cannot have aroma gas added in a pressurized environment due to the danger of adding organic (fuel) to oxygen as there is too high a danger of explosion. Thus, the inventive process developed a technique to have the gas flow along a path, after release from the pressurized can, that contains a high concentration of perfume oils to be volatalized within the flow of pressurized gas. The flow path can be in any matrix that holds a relatively high concentration of volatile perfume oils. Mixing the gas with aroma (i.e., volatalized perfume oils) under a pressure approaching atmospheric pressure significantly reduces the risk of explosion. Preferably, the matrix for adding aroma to the gas is provided by an aroma tablet of the present invention. Aroma Tablet

The inventive aroma tablet comprises a polymeric matrix consisting of polymeric material and a fragrance. This mixture of the polymeric (i.e., plastic) material and fragrance oil is heated to a temperature to soften the polymeric material and then injection molded according to standard techniques of injection molding. When polyethylene is used as the polymeric material a preferred injection molding temperature is approximately 170 °C. Thus, fragrance oils are mixed with polymeric material and inter-disbursed throughout the polymeric matrix that is formed into a tablet shape. Other polymeric materials suitable for injection molding include, but are not limited to polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. Surprisingly, the high temperature but fast process of injection molding does not cause significant amounts of the fragrance oils to evaporate prematurely. In addition, a coloring agent can be added to the polymeric/fragrance mixture to provide a visual confirmation of color associated with the fragrance (e.g., orange for a citrus scent).

The injection-molded tablet (see Figure 2) has a top side 33, a bottom side 34, and a plurality of holes 32 extending between the top and bottom sides and located at the periphery of the tablet. The bottom side of the table has a central chamber 31 communicating with a labyrinth or spiral pattern of connected channels, whereby the gas flows through the connected channels and exits through the tablet holes 32 at the periphery. The net effect is that the gas flows and comes into high surface area contact with polymeric/fragrance matrix material. The fragrance oils will volatalize (evaporate) and mix in with the gas, ultimately exiting the tablet matrix at the peripheral holes. In the case of the preferred bottled scented oxygen product, exiting the holes of the table causes aromatized gas to enter the mouthpiece. Figure 2 shows four rows of aroma tablets with either the top side up or the bottom side up. The bottom side shows the interconnected labyrinth of channels concentric to a central chamber 30 with the outer concentric channel communicating with holes 32 or slits shown on the top side of the tablets. A spiral pattern can also provide needed significant channel length and surface area. Mouthpiece

The inventive mouthpiece is essentially an asymmetric device having "leakage channels" or openings oriented toward the nose such that aroma can leak out toward the nose where the sense of smell is located. The asymmetric shape provides that a user will intuitively place the mouthpiece "right side up" so as to orient the leakage channels in the direction of the nose. The same experience could be accomplished by larger gas masks that cover both the mouth and the nose, but such gas masks are too large to be integrally associated with a small portable oxygen gas product. Therefore, the present inventive mouthpiece (that does not cover the nose) has been developed with leakage channels to provide for an olfactory experience.

The asymmetric mouthpiece comprises a molded circular cup-shaped solid housing having an open end for fitting a mouth and a partially closed end for attaching to a gas canister, wherein the cup open end is asymmetric having from about a 90 degree arc to about a 270 degree arc of the circular open end of the housing having a higher wall. If a line is drawn from the top of the higher wall to the top of the lower wall, it will intersect with a line drawn perpendicular to the lower wall at an angle of from about 4 degrees to about 20 degrees. In Figure 1, this angle is seven degrees. In addition, the higher wall (Figure 1) contains three leakage channels that are described as 0.8 mm wide, 2 mm deep and 2 mm apart from each other. Therefore, the mouthpiece is adopted to be highly "leaky" and particularly leaky in the direction of the nose for an olfactory experience of the aromatized gas. Aromatized Oxygen-Containing Product

The preferred product is a can of pressurized gas that is predominantly oxygen and having a pressure release valve 10 at the top of the can, shown in Figure 1. Gas is released into a chamber 11 defined by the can and valve below and an aroma tablet 12 as a ceiling. As described herein, the gas must travel along channels molded on the underside of the aroma tablet before being released through the tablet by holes or slits on the periphery. Once the gas escapes from the aroma tablet, it enters the void of the mouthpiece 13 that can form a chamber with the mouth positioned in the asymmetric opening. Inhaling the gas from the chamber provide a logical escape of the aromatized gas. The other means for escape of the aromatized gas are the plurality of slits within the walls of the mouthpiece that should be oriented in the direction of the nose. Escape of scents or aromas though the slits should direct such gas/aroma in the direction of the nose during a breath (inhalation), allowing the aroma to be smelled and the intended product experience to be completed. Accordingly, the inventive product is able to achieve a pure oxygen gas to become aromatized with fragrance and experiences through the appropriate sensory organ without covering the nose.

Claims

We claim:

1. A process for aromatizing gases for inhalation comprising:

(c) directing the gas along the flow channels to provide an aromatized unpressurized gas.

2. The process for aromatizing gases for inhalation of claim 1 wherein the tablet comprises a means for elongating gas flow channels.

3. The process for aromatizing gases for inhalation of claim 1 wherein the gas is oxygen or a mixture having at least 50% oxygen (by volume).

4. The process for aromatizing gases for inhalation of claim 1 wherein the perfume oils mixed in with the polymeric material comprise from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight.

5. The process for aromatizing gases for inhalation of claim 2 wherein the table is in a circular shape wherein the means for elongating gas flow channels are channels in a labyrinth or spiral pattern to provide a flow path beginning in a center and extending to the circumference.

6. The process for aromatizing gases for inhalation of claim 5 wherein the flow path is a distance at least two times the circumference of the tablet.

7. The process for aromatizing gases for inhalation of claim 1 wherein the tablet is made by injection molding of a polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof.

8. The process for aromatizing gases for inhalation of claim 7 wherein the polymeric material is polyethylene.

9. An aromatized gas produced by a process for aromatizing gases, comprising:

10. The aromatized gas of claim 9 wherein the tablet comprises a means for elongating gas flow channels.

11. The aromatized gas of claim 9 wherein the gas is oxygen or a mixture having at least 50% oxygen (by volume).

12. The aromatized gas of claim 9 wherein the perfume oils mixed in with the polymeric material comprise from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight.

13. The aromatized gas of claim 10 wherein the table is in a circular shape wherein the means for elongating gas flow channels are channels in a labyrinth or spiral pattern to provide a flow path beginning in a center and extending to the circumference.

14. The aromatized gas of claim 13 wherein the flow path has a distance at least two times the circumference of the tablet.

15. The aromatized gas of claim 9 wherein the tablet is made by inj ection molding of a polymeric material and a fragrance, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof.

16. The aromatized gas of claim 15 wherein the polymeric material is polyethylene.

17. A tablet for aromatizing pressurized gases upon release for inhalation, comprising:

(a) a polymeric matrix consisting of polymeric material and a fragrance molded into a tablet form, wherein the tablet has a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of holes extending between the top and bottom sides; and

18. The tablet for aromatizing pressurized gases of claim 17 wherein the plurality of holes are located at the periphery of the tablet.

19. The tablet for aromatizing pressurized gases of claim 17 wherein the tablet top and the tablet bottom form a circle having a circumference.

20. The tablet for aromatizing pressurized gases of claim 17 wherein the labyrinth or spiral pattern of connected channels forms a flow path and the flow path has a distance at least two times the circumference of the tablet.

21. The tablet for aromatizing pressurized gases of claim 17 wherein the tablet polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof.

22. The tablet for aromatizing pressurized gases of claim 21 wherein the polymeric material is polyethylene.

23. An asymmetric mouthpiece for administering aromatized gases for inhalation, comprising:

24. The asymmetric mouthpiece for administering aromatized gases for inhalation of claim 23, wherein the angle of the line drawn across the top opening of the cup intersecting a perpendicular line is about 7 degrees.

25. A pressurized gas canister for providing an aromatized gas for inhalation, comprising:

(a) a pressurized gas canister adapted to contain pressurized gas, and having a release valve for releasing the pressurized gas;

(b) a mouthpiece assembly comprising a circular cup-shaped mouthpiece having an open end adapted for placing a mouth within the open end, and a tapered closed end having a polymeric tablet for aromatizing gases placed within the closed end and communicating with the release valve, wherein the polymeric tablet comprises:

(i) a polymeric matrix consisting of polymeric material and a fragrance injection molded into a tablet form, wherein the tablet has a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of holes extending between the top and bottom sides and located at the periphery of the tablet; and

26. The pressurized gas canister of claim 25 wherein the mouthpiece open end is asymmetrical having from about a 90 degree arc to about a 270 degree arc of the circular open end of the housing having a higher wall, such at a line drawn from the top of the higher wall to the top of the lower wall will intersect with a line drawn perpendicular to the lower wall at an angle of from about 4 degrees to about 20 degrees.

27. The pressurized gas canister of claim 26 wherein the mouthpiece further comprises one or a plurality of slits extending through the wall of the solid housing within a 25 degree arc located at the center of the higher wall arc, whereby the cup is adapted to fit over the mouth oriented such that the slits are oriented toward the nose.

28. The pressurized gas canister of claim 26 wherein the angle of the line drawn across the top opening of the cup intersecting a perpendicular line is about 7 degrees.

29. The pressurized gas canister of claim 25 wherein the tablet top and the tablet bottom form a circle having a circumference.

30. The pressurized gas canister of claim 29 wherein the labyrinth or spiral pattern of connected channels forms a flow path and the flow path has a distance at least two times the circumference of the tablet.

31. The pressurized gas canister of claim 25 wherein the tablet polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and combinations thereof.

32. The pressurized gas canister of claim 31 wherein the polymeric material is polyethylene.