Cigarette Rolling Paper System and Method of Use

Abstract

A smokable rolling paper system is described. The system comprises a filler material rolled in a smokable sheet. The smokable sheet includes a therapeutically effective dose of nicotine. The nicotine can be applied to the sheet as a coating. In some embodiments, the coating is an ink that is printed onto the sheet. In other embodiments, the nicotine is incorporated into the sheet when the sheet is manufactured. The smokable sheet allows for delivering of nicotine to a user by way of combustion and inhalation, irrespective of the contents of the filler material. The smokable sheet can be used to roll custom cigarettes that contain nicotine without consuming any harmful chemicals or additives found in commercially available cigarette products.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/055,811 filed on Nov. 15, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/279,558 filed Nov. 15, 2021. These and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to smoking systems and methods, and more specifically, to a smokable papers that have nicotine.

BACKGROUND

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Smoking systems are well known in the art and are effective means to enable the combustion of substances for the inhalation of the vapors that result from the combustion. Cigarettes, for example, are made from ground tobacco leaves wrapped in a paper with a filter at the mouth side of the rolled paper. The cigarette is lit at the end opposite the side where the filter is located. As it combusts, air is pulled through the tobacco and filter and into the user's mouth.

One of the problems commonly associated with smoking systems is their limited use. For example, the inhalation of smoke—while desirable for some people—brings unwanted chemicals that could be harmful to the person who inhales them. U.S. Pat. No. 11,346,051 to Luxenbourg teaches infusing smoking paper products (e.g., rolling papers) with cannabinoids, terpenes, and THC. Specifically, Luxenbourg discusses paper products . . . “enriched with a terpene profile, mimicking flavor and/or aroma of a cannabis plant.” (Luxenbourg, abstract). Luxenbourg does not contemplate nicotine as an infusible compound for a smoking paper product, and instead focuses on the . . . ” high concentration of cannabinoids within smoking papers . . . afford[ing] consumption of those products with a viable effective dose of the cannabinoids. Luxenbourg, col. 5, ln. 53-55. US Pub. No. 2022/0132912 to Vila similarly teaches using cannabinoids and edible oil in gum for rolling papers, and fails to contemplate using nicotine as an alternative to a cannabinoid. Indeed, cannabinoid-based oils are highly viscous at room temperature, and there are significant challenges in mixing cannabinoid-based oils into an ink or gum at room temperature. However, nicotine is liquid with a comparatively low viscosity at room temperature, and more easily infused into a solvent.

Indeed, efforts to replace tobacco as the combustible material have resulted in cleaner smoke but has reduced the desirability of the cigarette. Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of smoking systems, many shortcomings remain.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides devices, systems, and methods for including nicotine in or on a smokable rolling paper. In some embodiments, the smokable rolling paper is a smokable sheet that has a nicotine-infused coating. The smokable sheet can be made of a fibrous material that is food-grade and safe for smoking consumption. The coating can comprise an ink, a plant-based ink, a gum, a propylene glycol, or any other composition that is safe for smoking consumption and that can contain nicotine. The amount of nicotine present in the coating is preferably a therapeutically effective dose. The coating can be applied to the entire surface of the smokable sheet or to portions of the sheet. For example, in one embodiment, the coating is applied as a strip or line extending along the length of the sheet. In other embodiments, the coating is an ink pattern such as a logo or brand. The coating is preferably present at each point along the length so that nicotine is inhaled in each breath, although the coating need not be a continuous mark. For example, the coating could comprise a plurality of dots spaced apart throughout the entire surface of the smokable sheet. When the coating comprises a gum, the gum can be a stripe extending along a length of the smokable sheet and near an edge of the sheet so that the gum can be moistened to seal the rolled sheet into a cigarette or cigar that contains a smokable filler such as tobacco or marijuana leaves.

The inventive subject matter also includes a method of manufacturing a smokable rolling paper comprising: (i) providing a smokable sheet; (ii) preparing a nicotine-infused coating; and (iii) applying a nicotine-infused coating to the sheet. The step of applying the nicotine-infused coating to the sheet can comprise spraying or brushing the coating onto the sheet. When the coating comprises an ink, the step of applying the nicotine-infused coating to the sheet can comprise printing the coating onto the sheet. It is also contemplated that the step of applying the nicotine-infused coating to the sheet can comprise dipping the sheet into the coating.

In other aspects, the step of preparing the nicotine-infused coating can comprise mixing a dose of nicotine with an ink, a gum, or propylene glycol. It is also contemplated that a flavoring agent can be mixed with the nicotine.

The inventive subject matter also includes a smokable rolling paper that has been manufactured using nicotine as an ingredient during the formation of the paper. From a methods perspective, the smokable paper can be manufactured by: (i) preparing a nicotine-infused pulp slurry by mixing smokable fibers with water and nicotine; (ii) draining the water from the slurry; and (iii) drying the slurry on heated rollers. It is contemplated that one or more fillers, such as clay or calcium carbonate, can be included in the preparation of the nicotine-infused pulp slurry. It is also contemplated that the smokable fibers can be prepared by mixing a fibrous material with an acid solution to separate the fibers of the material from one another, then washing the separated fibers from the acid solution, and finally, drying the washed fibers.

As used herein, a “filler” means small cuts of tobacco leaves and other smokable material.

As used herein, “cigar” means any smokable roll of filler wrapped in tobacco leaf, or in any substance containing tobacco.

As used herein, “cigarette” means any smokable roll of filler wrapped in a smokable sheet other than a tobacco wrapper leaf.

As used herein, “infused” means the process of mixing chemical compounds into a solvent to allow the compounds to remain suspended in the solvent over time.

As used herein, “therapeutically effective dose” means a dose or concentration of a compound that produces a biological response. It is contemplated that the dosage amount or concentration for the “therapeutically effective dose” may vary according to a user's characteristics, such as Body Mass Index (BMI).

As used herein, “food-grade” means a product of a quality suitable for human consumption, food production, or food storage.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of one embodiment of a smokable rolling paper system having a smokable paper with a nicotine-infused coating.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the smokable sheet in FIG. 1 in an unrolled configuration.

FIG. 2B is another embodiment of a smokable sheet with a nicotine-infused coating.

FIG. 2C is another embodiment of smokable sheet with a nicotine-infused coating.

FIG. 2D is another embodiment of smokable sheet with a nicotine-infused coating.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of rolling a cigarette.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of manufacturing a smokable rolling paper.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method of manufacturing a smokable rolling paper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional smoking systems. Specifically, the present inventive subject matter provides a smokable rolling paper with a therapeutically effective does of nicotine applied to or incorporated within a smokable sheet. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 depicts a front isometric view of a smokable rolling paper system 100. It will be appreciated that system 100 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional smoking systems by delivering nicotine to a user irrespective of the nicotine content of the filler.

System 100 includes a smokable sheet 110 rolled around a filler material 120 in the form of a cylinder. It is also contemplated that smokable sheet 110 could be rolled in the shape of a cone. Filler material 120 can be any smokable material such as cut leaves of tobacco, cloves, and/or marijuana. System 100 can optionally include a filter tip on an end.

Smokable sheet 110 has a coating 130 that contains a therapeutically effective dose of nicotine. FIG. 2A shows smokable sheet 110 in an unrolled configuration without filler material 120. Coating 130 is shown as a stripe extending along the length of sheet 110. Coating 130 can include a pigment to indicate the presence of nicotine. It is also contemplated that the color of coating 130 could indicate a dosage level of nicotine. However, it is also contemplated that coating 130 could be transparent. Sheet 110 also has a gum stripe 140 along an edge that can be moistened to seal smokable sheet 110 closed in a rolled configuration.

In use, sheet 110 is laid out flat and the filler material 120 is placed along the length of sheet 110. Filler material 120 is then rolled in sheet 110 and secured in the rolled configuration by moistening gum stripe 140 and overlapping gum stripe 140 onto sheet 110. A user then ignites an end of the rolled sheet 110 and smokes the system 100 so that the nicotine in coating 130 is consumed at the same time as the filler material 120. Coating 130 has been applied to approximately 20% of sheet 110. In some embodiments, coating 130 comprises an ink. In a preferred embodiment, the ink is plant-based and is food-grade. In yet other embodiments, gum stripe 140 could include a therapeutically effective amount of nicotine instead of, or in addition to, coating 130. It is also contemplated that coating 130 could comprise propylene glycol mixed with nicotine.

FIG. 2B is similar to FIG. 2A, except that coating 132 has been applied to approximately 50% of sheet 110. FIG. 2C depicts yet another embodiment, in which coating 134 comprises a repeating leaf design. Coating 134 could be a company logo, a stylized slogan, or any design. FIG. 2D depicts yet another alternative embodiment, in which coating 136 has been applied as a staggered array of dots. Advantageously, the uniform distribution of coating 136 provides for a consistent dosage of nicotine to the user for every inhalation during consumption of the smokable rolling paper system 100.

FIG. 3 shows a method 301 of rolling a cigarette. Step 303 comprises placing a paper with a mark of nicotine-infused ink face up on a surface, step 305 comprises laying out the material to be burnt within the paper so that it is in a row along the mark, step 307 comprises rolling the paper to form a cylindrical shape, step 309 comprises securing the paper closed by an adhesive attached to the paper, and step 311 comprises smoking the cigarette.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the steps for manufacturing a smokable rolling paper. Step 410 comprises providing a smokable sheet. Step 420 comprises preparing a nicotine-infused coating. Step 420 can be accomplished by one of mixing a dose of nicotine with propylene glycol (step 421), mixing a dose of nicotine with a flavoring agent (step 422), or mixing a dose of nicotine with an ink (step 423). Step 430 comprises applying the nicotine-infused coating to the sheet. Step 430 can be accomplished by spraying the coating onto the sheet (step 431), brushing the coating on the sheet (step 432), printing the coating onto the sheet (step 433), or dipping the sheet into the coating (step 434). In a preferred embodiment, the nicotine-infused coating is dried after applying the coating to the sheet.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a smokable rolling paper using nicotine as an ingredient when the paper is made. Step 510 comprises separating the smokable fibers from one another by mixing a fibrous material with an acid solution. Step 520 washing the separated fibers from the acid solution. Step 530 comprises preparing a nicotine-infused pulp slurry by mixing the smokable fibers with water and nicotine. Step 540 comprises draining the water from the slurry. Step 550 comprises drying the slurry on heated rollers.

The inventive subject matter disclosed herein provides a smokable sheet that contains a therapeutically effective amount of nicotine for consumption. A user can inhale the nicotine through combustion of the sheet. The sheet can be used with a filler material that may or may not have nicotine. For example, when the filler material is marijuana, which does not contain any nicotine, the user can still receive a therapeutically effective amount of nicotine. The smokeable sheets can be used to roll custom cigarettes with the user's own choice of filler material. The smokeable sheet can also be used to help users break the habit of smoking commercially available tobacco cigarettes, which contain many harmful chemicals and ingredients other than nicotine.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value with a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A smokable rolling paper comprising:

a smokable sheet; and

a nicotine-infused coating disposed on the sheet.

2. The smokable rolling paper of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises ink.

3. The smokable rolling paper of claim 1, wherein the ink is a plant-based ink.

4. The smokable rolling paper of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises gum.

5. The smokable rolling paper of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises propylene glycol.

6. The smokable rolling paper of claim 1, wherein the nicotine-infused coating comprises a therapeutically effective dose of nicotine.

7. A method of manufacturing a smokable rolling paper comprising:

providing a smokable sheet;

preparing a nicotine-infused coating; and

applying a nicotine-infused coating to the sheet.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of applying a nicotine-infused coating to the sheet comprises spraying the coating onto the sheet.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of applying a nicotine-infused coating to the sheet comprises brushing the coating onto the sheet.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of applying a nicotine-infused coating to the sheet comprises printing the coating onto the sheet.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of applying a nicotine-infused coating to the sheet comprises dipping the sheet into the coating.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of preparing the nicotine-infused coating comprises mixing a dose of nicotine with propylene glycol.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of preparing the nicotine-infused coating comprises mixing a dose of nicotine with a flavoring agent.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of preparing the nicotine-infused coating comprises mixing a dose of nicotine with an ink.

15. A method of manufacturing a smokable paper comprising:

preparing a nicotine-infused pulp slurry by mixing smokable fibers with water and nicotine;

draining the water from the slurry; and

drying the slurry on heated rollers.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of preparing a nicotine-infused pulp slurry further comprises mixing the smokable fibers, water, and nicotine with one or more fillers.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more fillers comprises clay and calcium carbonate.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

separating the smokable fibers by mixing a fibrous material with an acid solution before preparing the nicotine-infused pulp slurry;

washing the separated fibers from the acid solution; and

drying the washed fibers.