Nicotine Salt Formulations For Aerosol Devices And Methods Thereof
Patent No. US12156533 (titled "Nicotine Salt Formulations For Aerosol Devices And Methods Thereof") was filed by Jli National Settlement Trust on Feb 9, 2021.
What is this patent about?
’533 is related to the field of electronic cigarettes and, more specifically, to nicotine salt formulations used within them. The background of the invention acknowledges conflicting reports regarding the transfer efficiency of free base nicotine versus nicotine salts, particularly under low-temperature vaporization conditions. The patent aims to provide a nicotine salt formulation that delivers nicotine more effectively and provides a satisfaction level comparable to traditional cigarettes.
The underlying idea behind ’533 is to formulate a nicotine salt liquid that, when vaporized in an e-cigarette, delivers nicotine to the user's bloodstream more rapidly and efficiently than freebase nicotine formulations. This is achieved by carefully selecting the organic acid used to form the nicotine salt, focusing on acids that, when combined with nicotine, result in a formulation that mimics the nicotine delivery profile of traditional cigarettes.
The claims of ’533 focus on an electronic cigarette containing a cartridge with a specific nicotine salt liquid formulation. This formulation comprises a salt of nicotine and an organic acid (either benzoic acid or lactic acid ) in a liquid carrier of glycerol and propylene glycol. The nicotine concentration in the formulation ranges from 0.5% to 20% (w/w), and the formulation is designed to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating.
The invention works by vaporizing the nicotine salt liquid formulation within the e-cigarette. The selection of benzoic or lactic acid is crucial, as these acids, when combined with nicotine, facilitate efficient nicotine transfer to the lungs and rapid absorption into the bloodstream. The specific ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol in the liquid carrier also contributes to the aerosol's properties , ensuring optimal particle size and delivery.
This approach differs from prior solutions that rely on freebase nicotine or other nicotine salt formulations that may not provide the same level of satisfaction or rapid nicotine delivery. The use of specific organic acids like benzoic or lactic acid, combined with the defined concentration range and carrier composition, allows for a more cigarette-like experience , potentially aiding smokers in transitioning to e-cigarettes.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2010s when ’533 was filed, electronic cigarettes were at a time when heating elements were typically implemented using resistive coils to vaporize liquid formulations. At this time, controlling the temperature of the heating element to prevent overheating or dry hits was non-trivial, and systems commonly relied on simple voltage regulation rather than sophisticated temperature feedback loops.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner allowed the claims because the prior art neither taught nor reasonably suggested an electronic cigarette, or a method of providing nicotine to a user, wherein a nicotine salt liquid formulation comprising a salt of nicotine and benzoic acid in a liquid carrier, is present in an amount that forms a nicotine concentration of 0.5% (w/w) to 20%(w/w) in the nicotine salt liquid formulation; wherein the liquid carrier comprises glycerol and propylene glycol; and wherein the nicotine salt liquid formulation is heated in the electronic cigarette to produce an inhalable aerosol inhaled by a user. The examiner also stated that the prior art neither taught nor reasonably suggested an electronic cigarette cartridge wherein a nicotine salt liquid formulation comprises a salt of nicotine and benzoic acid in a liquid carrier, which is present in an amount that forms a nicotine concentration of 0.5% (w/w) to 20% (w/w) in the nicotine salt liquid formulation; and wherein the liquid carrier comprises 90% to 30% glycerol and 10% to 70% propylene glycol.
Claims
This patent contains 19 claims, with independent claims numbered 1 and 11. Independent claim 1 focuses on an electronic cigarette with a nicotine salt liquid formulation, while independent claim 11 focuses on a method of providing nicotine to a user via an electronic cigarette. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and refine the specifics of the electronic cigarette components and the method steps.
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Date
Description
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US12156533
- Application Number
- US17171976
- Filing Date
- Feb 9, 2021
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Mar 18, 2035
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents