WO2009071643A2

WO2009071643A2 - A device for use in treating cigarettes with a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2009071643A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/066834
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gérard Hayes; Alan Haymes
Original assignee: Hayes Gerard; Alan Haymes
Priority date: 2007-12-04
Filing date: 2008-12-04
Publication date: 2009-06-11
Also published as: IES20070881A2; EP2330931A2; WO2009071643A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for use in treating cigarettes with a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid comprising a housing adapted to receive a cartridge having stored therein a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid, a delivery nozzle comprising at least one delivery port in fluid communication with the interior of a cartridge held within the housing, the delivery nozzle being dimensioned so as to be fully receivable into the open end of a filter of a cigarette and to create a deep recess therein; stop means to limit the depth into which the nozzle is received into the filter; and actuation means for conveying upon each actuation a predetermined and fixed volume of fluid from the cartridge into the delivery nozzle and through the or each delivery port into base of the deep recess formed in the filter by the nozzle; wherein the fixed volume of fluid is less than the volume of the deep recess formed in the open end of the filter.

Description

Title

A device for use in treating cigarettes with a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the forming of tar and nicotine barriers in cigarette filters. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for use in treating cigarettes with a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid.

Background to the Invention Various devices exist in the art for treating cigarettes by dispensing fluids on or into a cigarette filter to either wet the filter to improve its performance in filtering the smoke, or to create a barrier for blocking harmful components of cigarette smoke.

International Publication No.W092/14371 discloses a device for forming a wetted impact barrier at the top end surface of a cigarette filter where the smoke is drawn into the mouth. The publication also describes a kit and a method of application of said kit to a cigarette in order to reduce the tar and nicotine inhaled by the cigarette smoker.

A problem with the dispenser described above is that when used to apply fluid to the end surface of the filter, the fluid effectively coats the end surface of the cigarette.

W092/14371 further discloses a method of using the dispensor wherein prior to dropping a drop of fluid onto the free end of the filter, the applicator tip is inverted and used to make a small cavity in the end of the filter. The tip of the applicator can then be used to manually spread the drop of fluid to cover the whole end surface of the filter. In both manners of application, whether or not a cavity is first made in the filter, the entire end of the filter is coated with the fluid. When the cigarette is subsequently inserted into the user's mouth, the user may taste the fluid. This in turn has an adverse effect on the efficiency of the smoking deterrent programme. Any bad taste resulting from the use of the dispensor is not very encouraging for a user who intends to quit smoking.

One problem with these squeeze-bottle type dispensers is that it can be difficult for the user to control the volume of fluid being dispensed. W092/14371 suggests using a coloured fluid to allow the user to see how much fluid has been dispensed, which helps to ensure that the whole end surface of the filter is coated. While such dispensers may allow the fluid to be dispensed drop by drop, the size of drop dispensed each time varies depending on the amount of force exerted on the deformable walls of the squeeze bottle.

WO03105614 also discloses a device for providing a distributed zone of fluid in a filter of a smoking article. A delivery feature is formed by a tube of significantly lesser diameter than the diameter of the smoking article. The combination of container and delivery feature provides for placement of a defined quantity of fluid at a predetermined location within the smoking article such as by injection through a side wall of the filter in the vicinity of the filter/tobacco boundary. Squeeze bottle, cylinder and piston, and multiple needle embodiments are disclosed.

A further problem with the aforementioned prior art dispensers is that they can be cumbersome. If a user is to strictly follow a smoking deterrent program, it is essential that the dispensor for treating cigarettes is always carried with the cigarettes to be treated.

A further problem with the prior art dispensers is that they are non-refϊllable.

A further problem with the prior art dispensers is that it is impossible for the user to keep track of how much fluid remains in the dispensor.

There is therefore a need for a more effective device for introducing a barrier-forming fluid into the filter of a cigarette.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved dispenser which overcomes the aforementioned shortfalls of the prior art dispensers.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved dispenser which is slim in size, fully portable, easy to carry and resembles a pen. It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved dispenser which dispenses fluid on a drop by drop basis, wherein each drop size is fixed.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved dispenser which is refillable.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved dispenser which allows the user to keep track of the remaining fluid for dispensing.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly the invention provides a device for use in treating cigarettes with a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid comprising: i) a housing adapted to receive a cartridge having stored therein a tar and nicotine barrier- forming fluid; ii) a delivery nozzle comprising at least one delivery port in fluid communication with the interior of a cartridge held within the housing, the delivery nozzle being dimensioned so as to be fully receivable into the open end of a filter of a cigarette and to create a deep recess therein; iii) stop means to limit the depth into which the nozzle is received into the filter; and iv) actuation means for conveying upon each actuation a predetermined and fixed volume of fluid from the cartridge into the delivery nozzle and through the or each delivery port into base of the deep recess formed in the filter by the nozzle; wherein the fixed volume of fluid is less than the volume of the deep recess formed in the open end of the filter.

It will be appreciated that the device of the present invention permits a fixed and predetermined volume of barrier-forming fluid to be dispensed well into the filter of a cigarette. In use, the actuation means are not actuated until the nozzle is fully received into the filter. The fluid is preferably of a certain viscosity to ensure it is immediately absorbed by the filter material upon contact. When the nozzle is removed from the filter a deep recess remains therein. As the volume of the recess is greater than the volume of fluid having been dispensed from the device, any fluid not yet absorbed by the filter remains within the filter and away from the end face of the filter. The design of the nozzle in combination with the dispensor being adapted to dispense a fixed volume per actuation ensures that the fluid dispensed only contacts and is absorbed by the interior, and not the end surface, of the filter tip. Thus the problems associated with the user tasting the fluid on the end surface of the filter are resolved by the use of the present device.

Reliance on the dispenser dispensing a fixed amount of fluid per actuation is essential as the user does not see the amount of fluid being dispensed while the nozzle is received within the filter.

Preferably the device further comprises a cartridge having stored therein a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid. Preferably the nicotine barrier-forming fluid is viscous. The fluid may comprise corn syrup. The fluid may also comprise one or more of the following components: sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, colouring and water.

Preferably the cartridge is removeable and replaceable to enable the device to be reused once each cartridge runs out.

Preferably the nozzle is substantially cone shaped with a wide base end and a narrow end, linked by tapering side walls. The or each port is preferably located in the narrow end of the nozzle.

Preferably the housing is substantially cylindrical and the nozzle protrudes from one end of the cylindrical housing. Preferably the actuating means are at the distal end of the housing to the dispensing nozzle. Preferably the stop means to limit the depth into which the nozzle is received into the filter is a shoulder formed by the housing surrounding the nozzle base. The stop means ensures just the nozzle is inserted into the filter and not any part of the housing of the device.

Preferably the actuating means is a button at the end of the dispensor distal to the nozzle end. Preferably the button is depressed to activate pump components within the housing to pump fluid from the cartridge to the nozzle. The actuating means may alternatively comprise a rotating part which is rotated to actuate the dispenser.

The actuating means may comprise at least one plunger or piston arrangement. The actuating means may be spring-loaded.

The cigarette itself may assist in or be used to actuate the device whereby the device is actuated by pressure applied to the device by the end of the cigarette as the nozzle is received into the filter. The nozzle may contain an inner chamber to hold a drop of fluid to be dispensed upon actuation. After the drop is dispensed, the chamber may be recharged ready for the next activation, in the manner of an optic typically used to dispense a measure of drink.

The activating means may be adapted to create a click or similar sound when activated to indicate to the user that it has been successfully activated. Other actuating means and positions of the actuating means are envisaged by the invention.

Preferably the device further comprises a removeable cap to cover the nozzle when not in use. The nozzle may comprise a non-return valve to prevent dispensed fluid from returning into the nozzle. The nozzle may comprise a valve which only opens to dispense fluid through the dispensing port when the nozzle is fully inserted into the filter.

The housing preferably contains an internal screw-threaded wall to cooperate with a corresponding screw threaded portion of the cartridge. This allows the cartridge to be screwed into and out of the housing. Alternative cooperating means may alternately be provided such as snap-fit means or similar.

The housing may further comprise piercing means to pierce a seal in the cartridge to allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom.

The device may be provided with a light for use in darkness or low light conditions which may be powered by an internal battery or an auxiliary power source. The device may further comprise an LED display or readout linked to an internal counter to display the number of drops used or remaining in the device.

The device may comprise locking means to prevent unauthorised use of the device or unauthorised replacement of the cartridge. The locking means may be operated using a user-entered PIN code.

The invention may further comprise a kit containing a device as described above in combination with a number of cartridges containing a tar and nicotine barrier- forming fluid.

The invention further comprises a method of treating a cigarette using the device of the invention. The method may comprise the steps of: a) providing a device comprising i) a housing adapted to receive a cartridge having stored therein a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid; ii) a delivery nozzle comprising at least one delivery port in fluid communication with the interior of a cartridge held within the housing, the delivery nozzle being dimensioned so as to be fully receivable into the open end of a filter of a cigarette and to create a deep recess therein; iii) stop means to limit the depth into which the nozzle is received into the filter; and iv) actuation means for conveying upon each actuation a predetermined and fixed volume of fluid from the cartridge into the delivery nozzle and through the or each delivery port into base of the deep recess formed in the filter by the nozzle; wherein the fixed volume of fluid is less than the volume of the deep recess formed in the open end of the filter; b) loading a cartridge containing a viscous tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid into the housing of the device; c) inserting the delivery nozzle entirely into the end of the filter of the cigarette; d) activating the activation means of the device to dispense a predetermined and fixed volume of fluid from the cartridge into the delivery nozzle and through the or each delivery port into the filter; and e) removing the delivery nozzle from the filter.

Thus the present invention provides a refillable dispensing device, and method of use of same, which dispenses a fixed and predetermined volume of barrier-forming fluid per actuation at predetermined fixed depth within the filter of a cigarette to form a nicotine and tar barrier to trap same when the cigarette is smoked. Repeated use of the device delivers the same volume of fluid in the same location.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a device and cap according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an internal cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 2 in use. Figure 4 shows a cigarette having been treated with the device of Figure 2.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figures 1 and 2 shows a device for use in treating cigarettes with a tar and nicotine barrier- forming fluid in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The device 1 is pen-like in form with a substantially cylindrical housing 2. From one end 3 of the housing extends a nozzle feature 4 through which a barrier forming fluid stored within the housing 2 can be dispensed. A port 5 is located at the end of the nozzle through which the fluid exits. The nozzle is dimensioned to be fully receivable into the filter of a cigarette as shown in figure 3. A nozzle cap 11 is provided to cover the nozzle 4 when not in use.

As shown in Figure 2, the device is refillable and contains a removeable cartridge 6 containing a supply of the barrier forming fluid 7. The cartridge and housing comprise cooperating screw threads 8 to allow the cartridge to be screwed into position within the housing. An internal tube stand 17 within the housing pierces the lower end of the cartridge 6 to allow fluid to travel from the cartridge into the nozzle 4 for dispensing. A push-button 9 is provided at the distal end of the device which is depressed to actuate the device to dispense a fixed volume drop of fluid through port 5. The button 9 is spring loaded against spring 10 to return to its original position when released. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the button 9 cooperates with a plunger 12 to dispel fluid from the cartridge.

In alternative embodiments a counter is connected to the button 9 and the remaining number of drops are indicated to the user on an LED screen provided within the housing.

Figure 3 shows the device 1 of Figure 2 in use with a cigarette 13. The nozzle 4 has been fully inserted into the filter 14 of the cigarette. In use, it is at this position that the fluid is dispensed into the filter of the cigarette.

Figure 4 shows a cigarette immediately after having been treated with the device of Figures 1-3. A recess 15 is formed in the filter 14 at the base of which lies a drop of fluid 7, which is being absorbed by the filter 14 as demonstrated by arrows 16.

The figures show just one embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of the invention are envisaged.

The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

1. A device for use in treating cigarettes with a tar and nicotine barrier- forming fluid comprising: i. a housing adapted to receive a cartridge having stored therein a tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid; ii. a delivery nozzle comprising at least one delivery port in fluid communication with the interior of a cartridge held within the housing, the delivery nozzle being dimensioned so as to be fully receivable into the open end of a filter of a cigarette and to create a deep recess therein; iii. stop means to limit the depth into which the nozzle is received into the filter; and iv. actuation means for conveying upon each actuation a predetermined and fixed volume of fluid from the cartridge into the delivery nozzle and through the or each delivery port into base of the deep recess formed in the filter by the nozzle; wherein the fixed volume of fluid is less than the volume of the deep recess formed in the open end of the filter.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein a fixed and predetermined volume of barrier- forming fluid is permitted to be dispensed well into the filter of a cigarette.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the cartridge contains a viscous tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid.

4. The device according to claim 3 wherein the cartridge is removable and replaceable.

5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the delivery nozzle is substantially cone shaped with a wide base end and a narrow end, linked by tapering side walls.

6. The device according to claim 1 wherein the housing is substantially cylindrical and the delivery nozzle protrudes from one end of the housing.

7. The device according to claim 1 wherein the actuating means are located at the distal end of the housing to the delivery nozzle.

8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the stop means to limit the depth into which the nozzle is received into the filter is a shoulder formed by the housing surrounding the nozzle base.

9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the stop means ensures just the nozzle is inserted into the filter and not any part of the housing of the device.

10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the actuating means is a button at the end of the dispenser distal to the nozzle.

11. The device according to claim 10 wherein the actuating means comprises a rotating part, rotated to actuate the dispenser.

12. The device according to claim 11 wherein the actuating means comprises at least one plunger or piston arrangement.

13. The device according to claim 12 wherein the actuating means is spring-loaded.

14. The device according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing nozzle contains an inner chamber to hold a drop of fluid to be dispensed upon actuation.

15. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the device further comprises a removable cap to cover the dispensing nozzle when not in use.

16. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the nozzle comprises a non-return valve to prevent dispensed fluid from returning into the nozzle.

17. The device according any preceding claim wherein the nozzle comprises a valve which only opens to dispense fluid through the dispensing port when the nozzle is fully inserted into the filter.

18. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing contains an internal screw-threaded wall to cooperate with a corresponding screw threaded portion of the cartridge.

19. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing further comprises piercing means to pierce a seal in the cartridge to allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom.

20. The device according to any preceding claim further comprising a light for use in darkness or low light conditions powered by an internal battery or an auxiliary power source.

21. The device according to any preceding claim further comprising a LED display or readout linked to an internal counter to display the number of drops used or remaining in the device.

22. The device according to any preceding claim further comprising locking means to prevent unauthorised use of the device or unauthorised replacement of the cartridge.

23. The device according to claim 22 wherein the locking means is operated using a user-entered PIN code.

24. A kit for treating cigarettes comprising a device according to claims 1 to 23 and at least one spare cartridge containing a viscous tar and nicotine barrier-forming fluid.

25. A method of treating a cigarette comprising the steps of: a) providing a device according to any of claims 1 to 23; b) loading a cartridge containing a viscous tar and nicotine barrier- forming fluid into the housing of the device; c) inserting the delivery nozzle entirely into the end of the filter of the cigarette; d) activating the activation means of the device to dispense a predetermined and fixed volume of fluid from the cartridge into the delivery nozzle and through the or each delivery port into the filter; and e) removing the delivery nozzle from the filter.