Method of smoking reduction using cigarettes with longer

Abstract

The present invention discloses a cigarette (100) which comprises of non-tobacco (10) and tobacco (20) elements, wherein the internal volumetric proportions (IVP) of said elements is equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20. Moreover, a method of increasing the proportion of SI to non-satiating inhalations NSI per one cigarette, whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes is presented. A method for researching Cigarette Smoking Addiction (CSA) in subjects and a method of decreasing inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated GVE per one cigarette whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes are also taught.

Description

The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/860,229, filed Nov. 21, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of smoking reduction, more particularly to the field of reducing the amount of tobacco in a cigarette.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of smoking reduction and cessation is in extensive growth in the past few years. The annual smoking market and its products has already reached 400 billion dollars, and the market for smoking reduction and cessation products and services is growing in parallel. Some solutions are offered for smoking reduction. For example, US patent application 2004221860 discloses selectively tobacco shortened cigarettes with a multiplicity of components including a shortened butt and an inner tube for reinforcing the casing of the selectively tobacco shortened cigarette. Selectively tobacco shortened cigarettes have an extinguishing gap region to limit burning of the selectively tobacco shortened cigarette.

Additionally, WO9900027 discloses cigarettes with variable and limited tobacco content, characterized in that they consist of a tube made from cigarette paper which can be of different colors, having at one of its ends and therein a filter element and a compensation element made of a semi rigid material and of adapted length depending on the amount of tobacco provided

US patent application 2003159704 discloses a half-length and/or short cigarette. In the case of any type of filtered cigarette, the only factor that changes is reduction to half of the length of the actual tobacco rolled portion of the cigarette. In the case of an unfiltered cigarette, the cigarette will be reduced to half of the typical length of the cigarette.

The above-mentioned inventions have not captured significant shares of the cigarette market. A cigarette with a larger filter and less tobacco which is nevertheless as satisfying to smoke in comparison with standard cigarettes and a kit comprising such cigarettes is a long felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to disclose a cigarette (100) comprising a non-tobacco (10) and tobacco (20) elements, wherein the internal volumetric proportions (IVP) of said elements is 4:1 to 1:20.

It is an object of the invention to disclose a cigarette (100) with standard external and volumetric dimensions (SEVD) with IVP as above, wherein non-tobacco elements are of 2 to 8 cm length.

It is an object of the invention to disclose a cigarette (100) wherein the IVP of non-tobacco (10) and tobacco (20) elements is 4:1 to 1:20, wherein the overall dimensions of the cigarette are shorter and/or slimmer than an SEVD.

It is an object of the invention to disclose a means of providing hand-rolled cigarettes comprising a component selected from a group consisting of a filter member and either paper cylinder or paper sheet, wherein said IVP of said elements is between 4:1 to 1:20.

It is an object of the invention to disclose a pack of cigarettes (150) as above, said pack comprising a plurality of n cigarettes, n in an integer number equal or higher 2, especially 10<n<20.

It is an object of the invention to disclose a kit (200) comprising at least one pack of cigarettes as above, wherein said pack comprising a plurality of m groups, m is an integer number equal or higher 2, each group characterized by a specific IVP between 4:1 to 1:20.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a kit as defined above, further comprising a plurality of p compartments, p is an integer number equal or higher 2, each compartment is adapted to store cigarettes with a different IVP group.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a kit as defined above, wherein at least a portion of the cigarettes have an IVP identification means, said means selected from a group consisting of shape, size, color, texture, taste or any combination thereof.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a cigarette as defined above, wherein the measure of a tobacco is adapted to provide satiating inhalations (SI) in an equal quantity as compared with standard cigarettes.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a cigarette as defined above, wherein the measure of tobacco is adapted to decrease inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated deleterious gaseous and volatile elements (GVE) per one cigarette whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method of increasing the proportion of SI to non-satiating inhalations NSI per one cigarette, whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes; said method comprising providing a cigarette, especially of SEVD, with internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that said proportion varies from 4:1 up to 1:20, especially from 4:1 up to 1:1.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method of decreasing inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated GVE per one cigarette whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes by providing a cigarette of internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that said proportion varies from 4:1 up to 1:20, especially from 4:1 up to 1:1.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method of increasing sales of cigarettes whilst benefiting the smoker, comprising:

• • obtaining a cigarette (100) comprising a non-tobacco (10) and a tobacco (20) elements, wherein the IVP of said elements varies from 4:1 to 1:20; and
  • informing potential smokers of the composition of said cigarette, thereby inducing said smokers to prefer said cigarette over standard brands.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method of increasing sales of cigarettes whilst benefiting the smoker, comprising:

• • obtaining a cigarette (100) comprising non-tobacco (10) and tobacco (20) elements, wherein the IVP of said elements varies from 4:1 to 1:20; introducing said cigarette to smokers; and,
  • encouraging said smokers to decrease inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated GVE without reducing quantity of satiating inhalations (QSI), thereby increasing the number of sold cigarettes per day.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method of increasing profitable sales of cigarettes, benefiting both the vendor and smoker, comprising:

• • decreasing the quantity of costly tobacco provided in each cigarette;
  • increasing the proportion of SI to NSI per cigarette;
  • maintaining the quantity of SI per cigarette; and,
  • reducing quantities of GVE ingested by the smoker per cigarette.

Additionally comprising providing a cigarette of SEVD, with varying internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that said proportion varies from 4:1 to 1:20, resulting in less NSI when smoked without reducing QSI per unit.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method of increasing sales of cigarette as defined above, wherein the cigarettes are provided in kit or pack form.

It is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method for researching Cigarette Smoking Addiction (CSA) in subjects, comprising

• • providing a kit (200); said kit comprising at least one pack of cigarettes, wherein said pack comprising a plurality of m groups, m in an integer number equal or higher 2, each group characterized by a specific IVP being equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20;
  • controllably administering said subjects with said kit; and
  • assessing craving for cigarette smoking in said subjects.

It is further within the scope of the invention to disclose a method for researching CSA as defined above, wherein the cigarettes are self-administered by the smoker.

It is yet further within the scope of the invention to disclose a method for researching CSA as defined above, wherein the assessing of craving for cigarette smoking in said addicted subjects is accomplished by completing one or more of the following: Fagerstrom tolerance questionnaire (FTQ); General Habit Information (GHI); or Withdrawal Symptom Checklist (WSC).

Lastly, it is further within the scope of the invention to disclose a method for researching CSA as defined above, additionally comprising a step of treating said addicted subjects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 schematically shows several embodiments of the novel cigarettes with the improved proportions; and,

FIG. 2 schematically illustrating a kit comprising cigarettes with several proportions between the filter's size and the tobacco compartment size, such that the user can gradually reduce smoking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a cigarette comprising non-tobacco (e.g., filter, paper cylinder, paper envelope, paper sheet) and tobacco (e.g., tobacco, additives etc) elements, wherein the internal volumetric proportions (IVP) of said elements varies from about 4:1 to about 1:20.

It is a core principle of the invention that the density of the filter varies concomitantly and appropriately with the dimensions of the filter so as to achieve uniformity of ease of inhalation within the whole range of filter sizes employed in the above mentioned cigarettes.

The term “improved proportions” or “improved” hereinafter applies to a cigarette with an IVP ratio of filter to tobacco equal to or less than about 4:1 to about 1:20.

The term ‘kit’ refers hereinafter to any container comprising one or more cigarettes with improved proportion, more specifically to a container comprising two or more different proportions between the filter and the narcotic materials compartment.

The term ‘plurality’ applies hereinafter to any integer number greater than one.

The present invention discloses any cigarette or pack of cigarettes whose filter is longer than the standard size filter of any particular brand containing a lower ratio of tobacco to filter than the standard cigarette.

The present invention discloses a cigarette or a cigar or a cigarillo comprising a filter and a tobacco compartment. The length of commonly marketed cigarettes is about 8-10 centimeters, and the tobacco compartment is about three times longer than the filter, such that the length of the tobacco compartment is about 6 to 8 centimeters.

Reference is made now to FIG. 1, schematically showing several embodiments of the novel cigarettes with the improved proportions. For example, a first cigarette (10) with a length of 10 cm, having a filter (11) with a length of 5 cm and a narcotic material compartment of 5 cm (12), a second cigarette (20) with the same length (10 cm) with a 6 cm filter (21) and a narcotic material compartment (22) of 4 cm, and the last cigarette (30) with a 7 cm filter (31) and a narcotic material compartment (32) of 3 cm.

Reference is made now to FIG. 2, schematically illustrating the proportions of a kit (200) comprising a plurality of cigarettes (10, 20, 30), wherein at least a portion of the cigarettes have a relatively greater filter to tobacco ratio.

It is a preferred embodiment of the invention to provide a cigarette (100) which is comprised of non-tobacco (e.g., filter, paper cylinder) (10) and tobacco (e.g., tobacco, additives etc) (20) elements, wherein the internal volumetric proportions (IVP) of said elements is equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a cigarette (100) as defined above, with standard external and volumetric dimensions (SEVD) wherein non-tobacco elements are of 2 to 8 cm in length.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a cigarette (100) as defined above, with standard external and volumetric dimensions (SEVD) wherein the dimensions of the cigarette are shorter and/or slimmer.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a means of providing hand-rolled cigarettes comprising components selected from a group consisting of paper cylinder or paper sheet and a filter member wherein the internal volumetric proportions (IVP) of the elements is equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a pack of cigarettes (150) as defined above, the pack comprising a plurality of n cigarettes, n in an integer number equal or higher 2, especially 10<n<20.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a kit (200) which comprises at least one pack of cigarettes, wherein the pack comprises a plurality of m groups, m is an integer number equal or higher 2, each group characterized by a specific IVP being equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide the kit as defined above which further comprises a plurality of p compartments, each compartment adapted to store cigarettes with a different IVP group.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide the kit as defined above, wherein at least a portion of the cigarettes have an IVP identification means, the means selected from a group consisting of shape, size, color, texture, taste or any combination thereof.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide the cigarette wherein the measure of tobacco is adapted to provide satiating inhalations (SI) in an equal quantity as compared with standard cigarettes.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide the cigarette as defined above, wherein the measure of tobacco is adapted to provide satiating inhalations (SI) in an equal quantity as compared with standard cigarettes.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide the cigarette as defined above, wherein the measure of tobacco is adapted to decrease inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated deleterious gaseous and volatile elements (GVE) per one cigarette whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a method of increasing the proportion of satiating inhalations (SI) to non-satiating inhalations (NSI) per one cigarette, whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes; the method comprises of providing a cigarette, especially of standard external and volumetric dimensions (SEVD), with internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that said proportion varies from less than 4:1 up to 1:20, especially less than 4:1 up to 1:1.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a method of decreasing inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated deleterious GVE per one cigarette whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes by providing a cigarette of internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that said proportion varies from less than 4:1 up to 1:20, especially less than 4:1 up to 1:1.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a method of increasing sales of cigarettes whilst benefiting the smoker, such that the method comprises of (a) obtaining a cigarette (100) comprising a non-tobacco (10) and a tobacco (20) elements, wherein the internal volumetric proportions (IVP) of the elements are equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20 (b) informing potential smokers of the composition of the cigarette, thereby inducing the smokers to prefer the cigarette over standard brands.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a method of increasing sales of cigarettes whilst benefiting the smoker, such that the method comprises of (a) obtaining a cigarette (100) comprising non-tobacco (10) and tobacco (20) elements, wherein the internal volumetric proportions (IVP) of said elements is equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20; (b) introducing the cigarette to smokers; (c) encouraging smokers to decrease inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated deleterious gaseous and volatile elements (GVE) without reducing quantity of satiating inhalations (QSI), thereby increasing the number of cigarettes sold per day.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a method of increasing profitable sales of cigarettes, benefiting both the vendor and smoker by (a) decreasing the quantity of costly tobacco provided in each cigarette; (b) increasing the proportion of Si to NSI per cigarette; (c) maintaining the quantity of SI per cigarette; and, (d) reducing quantities of GVE ingested by the smoker per cigarette.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide the above method, additionally providing a cigarette of SEVD with varying internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that the proportion varies from 4:1 to 1:20, resulting in ingestion of less GVE when smoked without reducing QSI per unit.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a method of increasing sales of cigarettes, wherein the cigarettes are provided in kit or pack form.

It is another embodiment of the invention to provide a method for researching Cigarette Smoking Addiction (CSA) in subjects, the method comprising of (a) providing a kit (200); the kit comprising at least one pack of cigarettes wherein the pack comprises a plurality of m groups, m in an integer number equal or higher 2, each group characterized by a specific IVP being equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20; (b) controllably administering said subjects with the kit; and (c) assessing craving for cigarette smoking in the subjects. It is another embodiment of the invention to provide the method for researching CSA, wherein the cigarettes are self-administered by the smoker.

It is a further embodiment of the invention to provide the method for researching CSA, wherein the assessing of craving for cigarette smoking in said addicted subjects, is accomplished by completing one or more of the following: Fagerstrom tolerance questionnaire (FTQ); General Habit Information (GHI); or Withdrawal Symptom Checklist (WSC).

Lastly, it is another embodiment of the invention to provide the method for researching CSA as above, additionally employing a step of treating the addicted subjects, by controllably administering a programmed regime of cigarettes from said kit.

Claims

1. A cigarette (100) comprising a non-tobacco (10) and tobacco (20) elements, wherein the internal volumetric proportions (IVP) of said elements is 4:1 to 1:20.

2. A cigarette (100) with standard external and volumetric dimensions (SEVD) according to claim 1, wherein non-tobacco elements are of 2 to 8 cm length.

3. A cigarette (100) according to claim 1, wherein the overall dimensions of the cigarette are shorter and/or slimmer than an SEVD.

4. A means of providing hand-rolled cigarettes comprising a component selected from a group consisting of a filter member and either paper cylinder or paper sheet, wherein said IVP of said elements is between 4:1 to 1:20.

5. A pack of cigarettes (150) according to any of claim 1, said pack comprising a plurality of n cigarettes, n in an integer number equal or higher 2, especially 10<n<20.

6. A kit (200) comprising at least one pack of cigarettes according to claim 5, wherein said pack comprising a plurality of m groups, m is an integer number equal or higher 2, each group characterized by a specific IVP between 4:1 to 1:20.

7. The kit according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of p compartments, p is an integer number equal or higher 2, each compartment is adapted to store cigarettes with a different IVP group.

8. The kit according to claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the cigarettes have an IVP identification means, said means is selected from a group consisting of shape, size, color, texture, taste or any combination thereof.

9. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the measure of a tobacco is adapted to provide satiating inhalations (SI) in an equal quantity as compared with standard cigarettes.

10. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the measure of tobacco is adapted to decrease inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated deleterious gaseous and volatile elements (GVE) per one cigarette whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes.

11. A method of increasing the proportion of SI to non-satiating inhalations NSI per one cigarette, whilst guaranteeing the quantity of SI compared with standard cigarettes;

said method comprising providing a cigarette, especially of SEVD, with internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that said proportion varies from 4:1 up to 1:20, especially from 4:1 up to 1:1.

12. A method of decreasing inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated GVE per one cigarette whilst guaranteeing the quantity of Si compared with standard cigarettes by providing a cigarette of internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that said proportion varies from 4:1 up to 1:20, especially from 4:1 up to 1:1.

13. A method of increasing sales of cigarettes whilst benefiting the smoker, comprising:

a. obtaining a cigarette (100) comprising a non-tobacco (10) and a tobacco (20) elements, wherein the IVP of said elements varies from 4:1 to 1:20; and

b. informing potential smokers of the composition of said cigarette, thereby inducing said smokers to prefer said cigarette over standard brands.

14. A method of increasing sales of cigarettes whilst benefiting the smoker, comprising:

a. obtaining a cigarette (100) comprising non-tobacco (10) and tobacco (20) elements, wherein the IVP of said elements varies from 4:1 to 1:20;

b. introducing said cigarette to smokers; and,

c. encouraging said smokers to decrease inhalation of tobacco smoke and associated GVE without reducing quantity of satiating inhalations (QSI), thereby increasing the number of sold cigarettes per day.

15. A method of increasing profitable sales of cigarettes, benefiting both the vendor and smoker, comprising:

a. decreasing the quantity of costly tobacco provided in each cigarette;

b. increasing the proportion of SI to NSI per cigarette;

c. maintaining the quantity of SI per cigarette; and,

d. reducing quantities of GVE ingested by the smoker per cigarette.

16. The method according to claim 15, additionally comprising providing a cigarette of SEVD, with varying internal volumetric proportions of tobacco-to-non tobacco elements such that said proportion varies from 4:1 to 1:20, resulting in less NSI when smoked without reducing QSI per unit.

17. A method of increasing sales of cigarette according to claim 15, wherein the cigarettes are provided in kit or pack form.

18. A method for researching Cigarette Smoking Addiction (CSA) in subjects, comprising

a. providing a kit (200); said kit comprising at least one pack of cigarettes according to claim 6, wherein said pack comprising a plurality of m groups, m in an integer number equal or higher 2, each group characterized by a specific IVP being equal to or less than 4:1 to 1:20;

b. controllably administering said subjects with said kit; and

c. assessing craving for cigarette smoking in said subjects.

19. The method for researching CSA according to claim 18, wherein the cigarettes are self-administered by the smoker.

20. The method for researching CSA according to claim 18, wherein the assessing of craving for cigarette smoking in said addicted subjects is accomplished by completing one or more of the following: Fagerstrom tolerance questionnaire (FTQ); General Habit Information (GHI); or Withdrawal Symptom Checklist (WSC).

21. The method for researching CSA according to claim 18, additionally comprising a step of treating said addicted subjects, by controllably administering a programmed regime of cigarettes from said kit.