Apparatus and method for overcoming the habit of tobacco smoking

摘要

The invention provides a method and apparatus which enables a user to reduce or eliminate the tobacco smoking habit. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a patch of tobacco which is attached to the skin. A wetting agent, such as glycerine, alcohol, or water is placed between the skin and the patch. The patch is covered with a suitable plastic cover which holds the patch in place, and which allows body heat to accumulate in the region of the patch. A buffer, either acidic or alkaline, can be added to the wetting agent. The patch can be made by grinding tobacco, and/or tobacco by-products, forming the gound tobacco into a slurry, drying and slurry, and rolling the product into a thin sheet. The sheet can then be cut into relatively small pieces for use as a patch. The patch is believed to contain very small amounts of nicotine. Nevertheless, when the patch is held against the skin for an extended period, the user's craving for nicotine is markedly reduced. In another embodiment, a slurry of tobacco is applied directly to the skin. A device is disclosed which delivers the tobacco continuously to the user, and which can be refilled without removing it from the skin. The latter device includes a sponge which is saturated with the tobacco mixture. The saturated sponge is held directly against the skin of the user, for an extended period.