U.S. patent application number 11/144789 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for modular smoking article and method of use.
Invention is credited to Cindy Hayes, Gerd Kobal, Andrew Livermore, Ashok H. Solanky.
Application Number | 20060272659 11/144789 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37492924 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272659 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kobal; Gerd ; et
al. |
December 7, 2006 |
Modular smoking article and method of use
Abstract
A modular smoking article, method of using same and smoking kit
are provided in which a plurality of inner sleeve members have
various sized compartments for receiving various mediums within a
cigarette smokestream passageway. The inner sleeves are sized so as
to individually be received within an outer sleeve which also
receives a cigarette at one end and provides a mouthpiece at the
other end whereby the cigarette may be smoked with a variety of
different volumes of different mediums such as flavoring, filtering
or taste mediums in the inner sleeve compartments.
Inventors: |
Kobal; Gerd; (Sandy Hook,
VA) ; Hayes; Cindy; (Midlothian, VA) ;
Livermore; Andrew; (Midlothian, VA) ; Solanky; Ashok
H.; (Mechanicsville, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
37492924 |
Appl. No.: |
11/144789 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/187 ;
131/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 13/06 20130101;
A24F 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/187 ;
131/329 |
International
Class: |
A24F 13/02 20060101
A24F013/02 |
Claims
1. A modular article for smoking a cigarette with a predetermined
volume of a particular medium such as flavoring, filtering, or
taste materials, comprising: an outer sleeve member having a first
end and a second end, the first end of said outer sleeve member
being arranged to receive an end of a cigarette, said outer sleeve
member defining a passageway through the outer sleeve member; a
plurality of inner sleeve members, each of said inner sleeve
members being receivable within said passageway of said outer
sleeve, each of said inner sleeve members defining a passageway
through the inner sleeve member with a compartment provided within
the passageway of the inner sleeve member having a predetermined
volume, the predetermined volume of the compartment being different
for different inner sleeve members of said plurality of inner
sleeve members, wherein a different volume of a particular medium
may be used when smoking a different cigarette.
2. The modular article of claim 1 further comprising a mouthpiece,
said second end of said outer sleeve being arranged to receive said
mouthpiece and the smoking article having the physical feel of a
traditional lit-end cigarette upon insertion of a cigarette in the
outer sleeve.
3. The modular article of claim 1 wherein said second end of said
outer sleeve provides a mouthpiece for the article.
4. The modular article of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of
inner sleeve members defines a first end and a second end with said
compartment provided between said first end and said second end of
said inner sleeve member, said inner sleeve members each being
snugly received within the passageway of said outer sleeve so that
substantially all fluid passing from the first end of the outer
sleeve to the second end of the outer sleeve passes through the
compartment of the inner sleeve, said modular article further
comprising: a first sieve member arranged to be received adjacent
the first end of said inner sleeve member; means for retaining said
first sieve adjacent said first end of said inner sleeve member; a
second sieve member arranged to be received adjacent the second end
of said inner sleeve member; and, means for retaining said second
sieve member adjacent the second end of said inner sleeve
member.
5. The modular article of claim 4 further comprising a mouthpiece,
said second end of said outer sleeve being arranged to receive said
mouthpiece and the smoking article having the physical feel of a
traditional lit-end cigarette upon insertion of a cigarette in the
outer sleeve.
6. The modular article of claim 4 further comprising an end member
arranged to be received by said second end of said outer sleeve
member, said end member being arranged to receive a cigarette
filter.
7. The modular article of claim 4 wherein said second end of said
outer sleeve provides a mouthpiece for the article.
8. The modular article of claim 4 wherein said second end of said
outer sleeve is arranged to receive a cigarette filter.
9. The modular article of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of
inner sleeve members has a different predetermined length and a
common predetermined inside diameter.
10. The modular article of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of
inner sleeve members provides a resistance to draw for a smoker
which is generally imperceptible to the smoker when smoking a
cigarette.
11. The modular article of claim 1 wherein the volume of the
compartments of said plurality of inner sleeve members ranges from
about 0.025 cubic centimeters to about 0.3 cubic centimeters.
12. The modular article of claim 1 wherein said plurality of inner
sleeve members are filled with a predetermined particular
medium.
13. A modular article for smoking a cigarette with a predetermined
volume of a particular medium such as flavoring, filtering, or
taste materials, comprising: an outer sleeve member having a first
end and a second end, the first end of said outer sleeve member
being arranged to receive an end of a cigarette, said outer sleeve
member defining a passageway through the outer sleeve member; an
inner sleeve member, said inner sleeve member being receivable
within said passageway of said outer sleeve, said inner sleeve
member defining a passageway through the inner sleeve member with a
compartment provided within the passageway of the inner sleeve
member having a predetermined volume, the predetermined volume of
the compartment being determined by the length of a portion of the
inner sleeve member, wherein a predetermined volume of a particular
medium may be used when smoking a cigarette.
14. The modular article of claim 13 further comprising a
mouthpiece, said second end of said outer sleeve being arranged to
receive said mouthpiece and the smoking article having the physical
feel of a traditional lit-end cigarette upon insertion of a
cigarette in the outer sleeve.
15. The modular article of claim 13 wherein said second end of said
outer sleeve provides a mouthpiece for the article.
16. The modular article of claim 13 wherein said inner sleeve
member defines a first end and a second end with said compartment
provided between said first end and said second end of said inner
sleeve member, said inner sleeve member being snugly received
within the passageway of said outer sleeve so that substantially
all fluid passing from the first end of the outer sleeve to the
second end of the outer sleeve passes through the compartment of
the inner sleeve, said modular article further comprising: a first
sieve member arranged to be received adjacent the first end of said
inner sleeve member; means for retaining said first sieve adjacent
said first end of said inner sleeve member; a second sieve member
arranged to be received adjacent the second end of said inner
sleeve member; and, means for retaining said second sieve member
adjacent the second end of said inner sleeve member.
17. The modular article of claim 16 further comprising a
mouthpiece, said second end of said outer sleeve being arranged to
receive said mouthpiece and the smoking article having the physical
feel of a traditional lit-end cigarette upon insertion of a
cigarette in the outer sleeve.
18. The modular article of claim 16 further comprising an end
member arranged to be received by said second end of said outer
sleeve member, said end member being arranged to receive a
cigarette filter.
19. The modular article of claim 16 wherein said second end of said
outer sleeve provides a mouthpiece for the article.
20. The modular article of claim 16 wherein said second end of said
outer sleeve is arranged to receive a cigarette filter.
21. The modular article of claim 13 wherein said inner sleeve
member provides a resistance to draw for a smoker which is
generally imperceptible to the smoker when smoking a cigarette.
22. The modular article of claim 13 wherein the predetermined
volume of the compartment of said inner sleeve member is between
about 0.025 cubic centimeters to about 0.3 cubic centimeters.
23. The modular article of claim 13 wherein said inner sleeve
member is filled with a predetermined particular medium.
24. A method for testing a cigarette with different predetermined
volumes of a particular medium such as flavoring, filtering, or
taste materials, comprising the steps of: selecting a first inner
sleeve member from a plurality of inner sleeve members, said
selected inner sleeve member having a passageway with a compartment
having a first predetermined volume; filling said compartment of
the first inner sleeve member with a predetermined medium; closing
said compartment with a sieve member to retain the medium within
the compartment; inserting the first inner sleeve member within an
outer sleeve member; inserting one end of a cigarette in a first
end of said outer sleeve member; smoking the cigarette; removing
the first inner sleeve member from the outer sleeve member;
selecting a second inner sleeve member from said plurality of inner
sleeve members, said second inner sleeve member having a passageway
with a compartment having a second predetermined volume, different
than said first predetermined volume; filling said compartment of
the second inner sleeve member with the predetermined medium;
closing said compartment with a sieve member to retain the medium
within the compartment; inserting the second inner sleeve member
within the outer sleeve member; inserting one end of a cigarette in
a first end of said outer sleeve member; smoking the cigarette,
whereby different volumes of a predetermined flavor, filter or
taste material for cigarettes may be tested.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein said steps of smoking the
cigarette are performed by a smoker.
26. The method of claim 24 wherein said steps of smoking the
cigarette are performed by a machine.
27. A method for adjusting treatment of mainstream tobacco smoke by
passing the smoke through a predetermined volume of a particular
medium such as flavoring, filtering, or taste materials, comprising
the steps of: selecting a first inner sleeve member from a
plurality of inner sleeve members, said selected first inner sleeve
member having a passageway with a compartment having a first
predetermined volume, the compartment of said plurality of inner
sleeve members providing a variety of predetermined volumes, the
compartment of each of said plurality of inner sleeve members being
filled with a predetermined medium; inserting the first inner
sleeve member within an outer sleeve member; inserting one end of a
cigarette in a first end of said outer sleeve member; drawing upon
the cigarette while lit; removing the first inner sleeve member
from the outer sleeve member; selecting a second inner sleeve
member from said plurality of inner sleeve members, said selected
second inner sleeve member having a passageway with a compartment
having a second predetermined volume filled with a predetermined
medium; inserting the second inner sleeve member within the outer
sleeve member; inserting one end of a cigarette in a first end of
said outer sleeve member; drawing upon the cigarette while lit.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the predetermined volume of said
second selected inner sleeve member is substantially the same as
the predetermined volume of said first selected inner sleeve
member.
29. The method of claim 27 wherein the medium provided in the
compartment of the second selected inner sleeve member is
substantially the same as the medium provided in the compartment of
the first selected inner sleeve member.
30. The method of claim 27 wherein said steps of smoking the
cigarette are performed by a smoker.
31. The method of claim 27 wherein the predetermined volume of said
second selected inner sleeve member is different than the
predetermined volume of said first selected inner sleeve
member.
32. The method of claim 27 wherein the medium provided in the
compartment of the second selected inner sleeve member is different
than the medium provided in the compartment of the first selected
inner sleeve member.
33. The method of claim 27 wherein said steps of smoking the
cigarette are performed by a smoker.
34. A smoking kit comprising: a mouthpiece having a passage
therethrough for delivery of cigarette smoke to a smoker; an outer
sleeve adapted to receive a cigarette at an upstream end thereof
and the mouthpiece at a downstream end thereof; and a plurality of
inner sleeves sized so as to be individually received within the
outer sleeve, the inner sleeves having differently sized
compartments through which the cigarette smoke passes, the
compartments being prefilled or fillable with flavoring, filtering
and/or taste mediums.
35. The smoking kit of claim 34, wherein the inner sleeves are
prefilled with flavoring, filtering and/or taste mediums.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to smoking of cigarettes and
flavoring, filtering, and taste articles for use with cigarettes as
well as to methods of testing new cigarettes and articles for
facilitating the testing of new cigarettes
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the description that follows, reference is made to
certain structures and methods. However, such references should not
necessarily be construed as an admission that these structures and
methods qualify as prior art under the applicable statutory
provisions. Applicants reserve the right to demonstrate that any of
the referenced subject matter does not constitute prior art.
[0003] Various smoking articles, cigarette holders and cigarette
holders with filtering arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,250,901; 4,201,232; 4,171,000; 4,157,721; 4,071,036; and,
3,771,534. In addition, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US
2003/0154993 discloses a cigarette filter with beaded carbon. The
beaded carbon may be combined with inactivated (or less activated)
beaded material, or with beaded material flavor carriers, or with
other suitable filler material such as glass beads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, a modular
article for smoking a cigarette with a predetermined volume of a
particular medium such as flavoring, filtering, or taste materials,
comprises an outer sleeve member having a first end and a second
end. The first end of the outer sleeve member is arranged to
receive an end of a cigarette and the outer sleeve member defines a
passageway through the outer sleeve member. A plurality of inner
sleeve members are each receivable within the passageway of the
outer sleeve. Each of the inner sleeve members defines a passageway
through the inner sleeve member with a compartment provided within
the passageway of the inner sleeve member having a predetermined
volume. The predetermined volume of the compartment is different
for different inner sleeve members of the plurality of inner sleeve
members. In this way, a different volume of a particular medium may
be used when smoking a different cigarette.
[0005] In other preferred embodiments, the modular article further
comprises a mouthpiece with the second end of the outer sleeve
being arranged to receive the mouthpiece. The second end of the
outer sleeve may also provide the mouthpiece for the article. In
another preferred embodiment, the modular article comprises an end
member arranged to be received by the second end of the outer
sleeve member with the end member being arranged to receive a
cigarette filter.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of inner
sleeve members defines a first end and a second end with the
compartment provided between the first end and the second end of
the inner sleeve member. The inner sleeve members each are snugly
received within the passageway of the outer sleeve so that
substantially all fluid passing from the first end of the outer
sleeve to the second end of the outer sleeve passes through the
compartment of the inner sleeve. The modular article further
comprises a first sieve member arranged to be received adjacent the
first end of the inner sleeve member with an arrangement for
retaining the first sieve adjacent the first end of the inner
sleeve member. A second sieve member is arranged to be received
adjacent the second end of the inner sleeve member with an
arrangement provided for retaining the second sieve member adjacent
the second end of the inner sleeve member.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of inner
sleeve members has a different predetermined length and a common
predetermined inner diameter. Also, each of the plurality of inner
sleeve members may provide a resistance to draw for a smoker which
is generally imperceptible to the smoker when smoking a cigarette.
Preferably, the volume of the compartments of the plurality of
inner sleeve members ranges from about 0.025 cubic centimeters to
about 0.3 cubic centimeters and the plurality of inner sleeve
members are filled with a predetermined particular medium.
[0008] In another preferred embodiment, a modular article for
smoking a cigarette with a predetermined volume of a particular
medium such as flavoring, filtering, or taste materials, comprises
an outer sleeve member having a first end and a second end. The
first end of said outer sleeve member is arranged to receive an end
of a cigarette and the outer sleeve member defines a passageway
through the outer sleeve member. An inner sleeve member is
receivable within the passageway of the outer sleeve. The inner
sleeve member defines a passageway through the inner sleeve member
with a compartment provided within the passageway of the inner
sleeve member having a predetermined volume. The predetermined
volume of the compartment is determined by the length of a portion
of the inner sleeve member. In this way, a predetermined volume of
a particular medium may be used when smoking a cigarette.
[0009] In other preferred embodiments, the modular article
comprises a mouthpiece with the second end of the outer sleeve
being arranged to receive the mouthpiece. The second end of the
outer sleeve may also provide a mouthpiece for the article. The
inner sleeve member defines a first end and a second end with the
compartment provided between the first end and the second end of
the inner sleeve member. The inner sleeve member is snugly received
within the passageway of the outer sleeve so that substantially all
fluid passing from the first end of the outer sleeve to the second
end of the outer sleeve passes through the compartment of the inner
sleeve. The modular article further comprises a first sieve member
arranged to be received adjacent the first end of the inner sleeve
member with an arrangement provided for retaining the first sieve
adjacent the first end of the inner sleeve member. A second sieve
member is arranged to be received adjacent the second end of the
inner sleeve member and an arrangement is provided for retaining
the second sieve member adjacent the second end of the inner sleeve
member.
[0010] The modular article further comprises a mouthpiece with the
second end of the outer sleeve being arranged to receive the
mouthpiece. An end member may be arranged to be received by the
second end of the outer sleeve member with the end member being
arranged to receive a cigarette filter. The second end of the outer
sleeve may provide a mouthpiece for the article and the second end
of the outer sleeve may be arranged to receive a cigarette filter.
The inner sleeve member provides a resistance to draw for a smoker
which is generally imperceptible to the smoker when smoking a
cigarette. The predetermined volume of the compartment of the inner
sleeve member is preferably between about 0.025 cubic centimeters
to about 0.3 cubic centimeters and filled with a predetermined
particular medium.
[0011] In a preferred method disclosed herein, a cigarette may be
tested with different predetermined volumes of a particular medium
such as flavoring, filtering, or taste materials. In the preferred
method, a first inner sleeve member is selected from a plurality of
inner sleeve members and the selected inner sleeve member has a
passageway with a compartment having a first predetermined volume.
The compartment of the first inner sleeve member is filled with a
predetermined medium and the compartment is closed with a sieve
member to retain the medium within the compartment. The first inner
sleeve member is inserted within an outer sleeve member and one end
of a cigarette is inserted in a first end of the outer sleeve
member. The cigarette is then smoked. The first inner sleeve member
is then removed from the outer sleeve member and a second inner
sleeve member is selected from the plurality of inner sleeve
members. The second inner sleeve member has a passageway with a
compartment having a second predetermined volume, different than
the first predetermined volume. The compartment of the second inner
sleeve member is filled with the predetermined medium and the
compartment is closed with a sieve member to retain the medium
within the compartment. The second inner sleeve member is inserted
within the outer sleeve member and one end of a cigarette is
inserted in a first end of the outer sleeve member. The cigarette
is then smoked, whereby different volumes of a predetermined
flavor, filter or taste material for cigarettes may be tested. The
steps of smoking the cigarette may be performed by an individual or
by a machine.
[0012] Another preferred method for smoking a cigarette with a
predetermined volume of a particular medium such as flavoring,
filtering, or taste materials, comprises the steps of selecting a
first inner sleeve member from a plurality of inner sleeve members.
The selected first inner sleeve member has a passageway with a
compartment having a first predetermined volume. The compartments
of the plurality of inner sleeve members provide a variety of
predetermined volumes with the compartment of each of the plurality
of inner sleeve members being filled with a predetermined medium.
The first inner sleeve member is inserted within an outer sleeve
member and one end of a cigarette is inserted in a first end of the
outer sleeve member. The cigarette is then smoked and the first
inner sleeve member is removed from the outer sleeve member. A
second inner sleeve member is selected from the plurality of inner
sleeve members with the selected second inner sleeve member having
a passageway with a compartment having a second predetermined
volume filled with a predetermined medium. The second inner sleeve
member is inserted within the outer sleeve member and one end of a
cigarette is inserted in the first end of the outer sleeve member
and the cigarette is smoked.
[0013] The predetermined volume of the second selected inner sleeve
member may be substantially the same as the predetermined volume of
the first selected inner sleeve member and the medium provided in
the compartment of the second selected inner sleeve member may be
substantially the same as the medium provided in the compartment of
the first selected inner sleeve member. The predetermined volume of
the second selected inner sleeve member may be different than the
predetermined volume of the first selected inner sleeve member and
the medium provided in the compartment of the second selected inner
sleeve member may be different than the medium provided in the
compartment of the first selected inner sleeve member. The
cigarette may be smoked by an individual.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
modular smoking article.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the modular smoking article of
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
of a modular smoking article.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the modular smoking article of
FIG. 3.
[0018] FIGS. 5a to 5e are cross-sectional side views of differently
sized inner sleeve members of the modular smoking article.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a graph of analytical RTD versus amount of carbon
beads in a modular smoking article.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a graph of sensory RTD versus amount of carbon
beads in a modular smoking article.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a machine for smoking
a cigarette using the modular smoking article.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] With reference now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a
modular smoking article 20 includes an outer sleeve 22. One end of
a cigarette 24 is inserted into a first end 34 of the modular
smoking article 20 with a second end 36 of the modular smoking
article 20 providing a mouthpiece 28 for the article. An end piece
26 which forms the mouthpiece 28 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is
received within a second end 32 of the outer sleeve 22 of the
modular smoking article 20.
[0023] With reference now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the
modular smoking article 20 and cigarette 24 of FIG. 1 is provided.
The outer sleeve 22 is generally cylindrical in shape with a
passageway 31 extending through the outer sleeve 22 from the first
end 34 of the outer sleeve 22 to the second end 32 of the outer
sleeve. A first portion 35 of the passageway at the first end 34 of
the outer sleeve has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of
the cigarette 24 to be smoked so that an end of the cigarette may
be snugly received by the first end of the outer sleeve 22.
[0024] A central portion 33 of the passageway 31 has a larger
diameter than the first portion 35 with the diameter of the central
portion 33 corresponding generally to the outside diameter of an
assembly including an inner sleeve 40 and annular retainers 52, 62
for the inner sleeve. The inside end of the first portion 35 of the
passageway 31 provides a shoulder 38 which prevents the assembly
including the inner sleeve 40 from passing through the first end of
the outer sleeve 22.
[0025] The central portion 33 of the passageway 31 has a length
that is sufficient to receive a variety of inner sleeve assemblies
having different lengths as will be explained below. The passageway
31 may be tapered at the second end 32 of the outer sleeve so as to
snugly receive the end piece 26 and to facilitate insertion of the
inner sleeve assembly into the passageway 31.
[0026] The inner sleeve member 40 is generally cylindrical in shape
with a passageway extending axially through the inner sleeve member
40. Both ends of the inner sleeve member are generally identical
and include a shoulder 46 provided a short distance inside the end
of the inner sleeve member. The end of the inner sleeve member 40
is slightly tapered outwardly to snugly and releasably receive a
corresponding portion of one of the retainers 52, 62.
[0027] A sieve member 50, 60 is provided adjacent the shoulder 46
at each end of the inner sleeve member 40. The sieve member 50, 60
is held by the associated retainer 52, 62 adjacent the shoulder 46
of the inner sleeve member with the sieve members 50, 60 defining a
compartment within the inner sleeve member between the two sieve
members 50, 60. A material such as a flavoring, filtering, or taste
medium 58 may be provided inside the compartment of the inner
sleeve as desired.
[0028] The retainers 52, 62 for the inner sleeve member 40 may have
knurled ends 56 which facilitate insertion and removal of the
retainers 52, 62 from the ends of the inner sleeve member 40. The
retainers 52, 62 have a generally cylindrical surface which is
received by a respective tapered end of the inner sleeve member 40.
If desired, the retainers and the ends of the inner sleeve member
may be threaded so that the retainers are screwed into the ends of
the inner sleeve member or provided with another engagement
arrangement as readily apparent to one skilled in the art. If
desired, the ends of the retainers may be tapered and the taper
omitted from the ends of the inner sleeve or neither the retainers
nor the ends of the inner sleeve may be tapered.
[0029] The sieves 50, 60 are selected so as to have openings which
are generally smaller than the minimum particle size of the medium
58 to retain the medium 58 between the sieves 50, 60 while
permitting a fluid such as air or tobacco smoke to pass readily
through the sieves and the medium 58.
[0030] The end piece 26 has a reduced diameter portion 70 which
corresponds to the second end 32 of the outer sleeve 22 and which
is arranged to be snugly and releasably received by the second end
32 of the outer sleeve. The end piece 26 has a conical portion
which ends in a tubular portion 71 that forms the mouthpiece for
the modular smoking article 20. The end piece has a passageway
extending through the end piece with a diameter generally the same
as the diameter of the passageway through the inner sleeve 40. The
end piece 26 and the second end of the outer sleeve member may be
threaded to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the article.
[0031] The various components of the modular smoking article 20
(other than the sieves 50, 60 and the medium 58) are all preferably
formed of a plastic material which is suitable for use with smoking
articles and which does not absorb flavoring and taste
characteristics so that the plastic material remains substantially
inert throughout use. One suitable material is a
polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer. The sieves 50, 60 may also be
formed of plastic although the sieves 50, 60 are generally
comprised of metal such as stainless steel or may be formed of wire
mesh. For example, a #250 sieve having openings of 0.00250 inch is
appropriate for use with a 0.35 mm diameter beaded carbon medium
(i.e., a typical bead diameter of about 0.014 inches). The various
components of the modular smoking article 20 are arranged to be
readily assembled and disassembled so that the various components
(other than the medium 58) may be washed or otherwise cleaned
between uses.
[0032] While beaded carbon is described above, other flavored or
unflavored organic and inorganic materials can be used such as
silica gel, molecular sieve materials, zeolites, resins, cellulosic
materials, metal oxides such as alumina, titania, spinels, or the
like may be used. Likewise, while beaded materials have been
described, other forms of material such as fibrous material (e.g.,
filter tow), particle bearing fibrous material (e.g.,
carbon-on-tow) can be used. Depending upon the medium being used
with the inner sleeve, it may be desirable to coat a substance,
such as a flavoring material, onto the carbon beads. However, the
beaded carbon may be used alone, i.e., unflavored beaded carbon.
Generally, the flavoring, filtering, or taste materials will be
granular, beaded, or particulate materials (collectively referred
to as "granular materials").
[0033] In use, typically one end of the inner sleeve 40 is provided
with the first sieve 50 and the first retainer 52. The compartment
of the inner sleeve member 40 is then provided with a predetermined
medium 58. If desired, the amount of the predetermined medium 58 to
be provided in the compartment may be determined by measuring the
weight of the medium 58 or by measuring the volume of the medium
58. The desired amount of the medium 58 may also be determined by
simply filling the compartment with the medium 58 until the level
of the medium reaches the shoulder 46 for the second sieve 60. When
the compartment has been provided with the appropriate amount of
the medium 58, the second sieve 60 is inserted into the inner
member and the second retainer is provided at the second end of the
inner sleeve member 40. In this way, the inner sleeve member is
prepared with the predetermined amount of the medium 58 and the
inner sleeve member 40 is then inserted into the second end of the
outer sleeve member 22.
[0034] After the inner sleeve member 40 has been positioned in the
passageway of the outer sleeve member 22, the end piece 26 is
provided at the second end of the outer sleeve 22 to retain the
inner sleeve member in place and to provide a mouthpiece 28 for the
article. If a cigarette has not been already provided for the
article, one end of a cigarette 24 is inserted into the first end
of the outer sleeve member 22 and the cigarette may then be smoked
either by a person or by a machine. If desired, measurements or
observations regarding the characteristics of tobacco smoke passing
through the particular medium 58 may be recorded.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 8, a suitable, conventional smoking
machine 120 is provided with one or more modular smoking articles
20 with the mouthpiece 26 of the article 20 being received within a
port 122 of the machine 120. A cigarette 24 is received by the
modular smoking article 20 and then the cigarette may be smoked and
the desired parameters measured and recorded by the machine 120 as
conventionally known in the art. Especially when the modular
smoking article is being used with a conventional smoking machine
120, the end piece 26 may be omitted and the second end of the
outer sleeve may provide the mouthpiece for the modular smoking
article 20.
[0036] Typically, the cigarette 24 used with the modular smoking
article will not have a filter provided as part of the cigarette
24. However, if the cigarette 24 does have a filter (not shown) the
end of the cigarette 24 with the filter would be inserted into the
first end of the outer sleeve 22 and the other end of the cigarette
would be lit to smoke the cigarette.
[0037] With reference now to FIG. 3, another preferred embodiment
of the modular smoking article 20' has an end piece 76 which is
arranged to receive a conventional cigarette filter 72 to provide
the mouthpiece for the article. The modular smoking article 20' is
otherwise generally identical to the modular smoking article of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 with a cigarette 24 received within a
first end of an outer sleeve 22.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 4, the outer sleeve 22 and the inner
sleeve assembly of the modular smoking article 20' corresponds to
the outer sleeve 22 and the inner sleeve assembly of the modular
smoking article 20 of FIG. 1. Likewise, the end piece 76 has a
reduced diameter portion 78 which corresponds to the second end of
the outer sleeve 22 and which is arranged to be snugly received by
the second end 32 of the outer sleeve. The end piece 76 has a
conical portion with an inner tapered surface 80. The end piece 76
has a passageway through the end piece with a diameter
corresponding generally to the diameter of the passageway of the
inner sleeve 40 and which is configured to receive one end of a
conventional cigarette filter 72. In this way, the cigarette filter
72 provides the mouthpiece for the modular smoking article 20' and
enables the cigarette 24 to be smoked with the filter 72 in
addition to any filtering provided by the medium 58.
[0039] With reference now to FIGS. 5a through 5e, five inner sleeve
members are provided which are substantially identical to one
another except that the length of the inner sleeve member varies
from one embodiment to the next. Specifically, the length of the
compartment 88 of the inner sleeve member varies from embodiment to
embodiment whereby different volumes of the medium 58 may be used
with the modular smoking article 20, 20'. The outer sleeve 22 is
preferably configured to have a length sufficient to receive the
longest inner sleeve member 40 intended to be used with the outer
sleeve member 22.
[0040] For example, if the inside diameter of the compartment 88 of
the inner sleeve 40 is 3 millimeters, the cross sectional area of
the compartment is 0.07065 square centimeters. If the medium 58 to
be used in the inner sleeve comprises carbon beads having a density
of 0.6 grams per cubic centimeter, and, if it is desired to use 15
milligrams of the medium, then the volume of the medium would be
0.025 cubic centimeters which corresponds to a compartment having a
length of 3.54 millimeters. Similarly, if it were desired to use 30
milligrams of the medium, the volume of the medium would be 0.05
cubic centimeters and the length of the compartment would be 7.08
millimeters.
[0041] Table 1 below provides the length in millimeters for the
compartment for various amounts of carbon beads ranging from 15
milligrams to 180 milligrams when the inside diameter of the
compartment is 3 millimeters. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Weight Density
I.D. Area Volume Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3 mm 15
0.6 3 0.07065 0.025 3.54 30 0.6 3 0.07065 0.05 7.08 45 0.6 3
0.07065 0.075 10.62 60 0.6 3 0.07065 0.1 14.15 75 0.6 3 0.07065
0.125 17.69 90 0.6 3 0.07065 0.15 21.23 105 0.6 3 0.07065 0.175
24.77 120 0.6 3 0.07065 0.2 28.31 150 0.6 3 0.07065 0.25 35.39 180
0.6 3 0.07065 0.3 42.46
[0042] If the inside diameter of the inner sleeve is 4 millimeters
rather than 3 millimeters, the cross sectional area of the
compartment changes and therefore the length of the compartment
corresponding to various amounts of the medium changes as well. In
Table 2, the length of the compartment corresponding to weights of
the medium ranging from 15 milligrams to 180 milligrams with a
compartment having an inside diameter of 4 millimeters is provided.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Weight Density I.D. Area Volume Length mg
gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3 mm 15 0.6 4 0.1256 0.025 1.99 30
0.6 4 0.1256 0.05 3.98 45 0.6 4 0.1256 0.075 5.97 60 0.6 4 0.1256
0.1 7.96 75 0.6 4 0.1256 0.125 9.95 90 0.6 4 0.1256 0.15 11.94 105
0.6 4 0.1256 0.175 13.93 120 0.6 4 0.1256 0.2 15.92 150 0.6 4
0.1256 0.25 19.90 180 0.6 4 0.1256 0.3 23.89
[0043] Similarly, in Table 3, the corresponding information for an
inner sleeve having an inside diameter of 5 millimeters is
provided. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Weight Density I.D. Area Volume
Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3 mm 15 0.6 5 0.19625
0.025 1.27 30 0.6 5 0.19625 0.05 2.55 45 0.6 5 0.19625 0.075 3.82
60 0.6 5 0.19625 0.1 5.10 75 0.6 5 0.19625 0.125 6.37 90 0.6 5
0.19625 0.15 7.64 105 0.6 5 0.19625 0.175 8.92 120 0.6 5 0.19625
0.2 10.19 150 0.6 5 0.19625 0.25 12.74 180 0.6 5 0.19625 0.3
15.29
[0044] Table 4 provides the corresponding information for an inner
sleeve member having an inside diameter of 5.5 millimeters and
Table 5 provides the corresponding information for an inner sleeve
having an inside diameter of 6.5 millimeters. TABLE-US-00004 TABLE
4 Weight Density I.D. Area Volume Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2
cm.sup.3 mm 15 0.6 5.5 0.237463 0.025 1.05 30 0.6 5.5 0.237463 0.05
2.11 45 0.6 5.5 0.237463 0.075 3.16 60 0.6 5.5 0.237463 0.1 4.21 75
0.6 5.5 0.237463 0.125 5.26 90 0.6 5.5 0.237463 0.15 6.32 105 0.6
5.5 0.237463 0.175 7.37 120 0.6 5.5 0.237463 0.2 8.42 150 0.6 5.5
0.237463 0.25 10.53 180 0.6 5.5 0.237463 0.3 12.63
[0045] TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Weight Density I.D. Area Volume
Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3 mm 15 0.6 6.5 0.331663
0.025 0.75 30 0.6 6.5 0.331663 0.05 1.51 45 0.6 6.5 0.331663 0.075
2.26 60 0.6 6.5 0.331663 0.1 3.02 75 0.6 6.5 0.331663 0.125 3.77 90
0.6 6.5 0.331663 0.15 4.52 105 0.6 6.5 0.331663 0.175 5.28 120 0.6
6.5 0.331663 0.2 6.03 150 0.6 6.5 0.331663 0.25 7.54 180 0.6 6.5
0.331663 0.3 9.05
[0046] Table 6 provides the corresponding information for an inner
sleeve member having an inside diameter of 3.2 millimeters. Table 7
provides the corresponding information for an inner sleeve having
an inside diameter of 3.8 millimeters, and Table 8 provides the
corresponding information for an inner sleeve member having an
inside diameter of 4.8 millimeters. TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Weight
Density I.D. Area Volume Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3
mm 15 0.6 3.2 0.080384 0.025 3.11 30 0.6 3.2 0.080384 0.05 6.22 45
0.6 3.2 0.080384 0.075 9.33 60 0.6 3.2 0.080384 0.1 12.44 75 0.6
3.2 0.080384 0.125 15.55 90 0.6 3.2 0.080384 0.15 18.66 105 0.6 3.2
0.080384 0.175 21.77 120 0.6 3.2 0.080384 0.2 24.88 150 0.6 3.2
0.080384 0.25 31.10 180 0.6 3.2 0.080384 0.3 37.32
[0047] TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Weight Density I.D. Area Volume
Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3 mm 15 0.6 3.8 0.113354
0.025 2.21 30 0.6 3.8 0.113354 0.05 4.41 45 0.6 3.8 0.113354 0.075
6.62 60 0.6 3.8 0.113354 0.1 8.82 75 0.6 3.8 0.113354 0.125 11.03
90 0.6 3.8 0.113354 0.15 13.23 105 0.6 3.8 0.113354 0.175 15.44 120
0.6 3.8 0.113354 0.2 17.64 150 0.6 3.8 0.113354 0.25 22.05 180 0.6
3.8 0.113354 0.3 26.47
[0048] TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Weight Density I.D. Area Volume
Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3 mm 15 0.6 4.8 0.180864
0.025 1.38 30 0.6 4.8 0.180864 0.05 2.76 45 0.6 4.8 0.180864 0.075
4.15 60 0.6 4.8 0.180864 0.1 5.53 75 0.6 4.8 0.180864 0.125 6.91 90
0.6 4.8 0.180864 0.15 8.29 105 0.6 4.8 0.180864 0.175 9.68 120 0.6
4.8 0.180864 0.2 11.06 150 0.6 4.8 0.180864 0.25 13.82 180 0.6 4.8
0.180864 0.3 16.59
[0049] Table 9 provides the corresponding information for an inner
sleeve member having an inside diameter of 6 millimeters and Table
10 provides the corresponding information for an inner sleeve
member having an inside diameter of 5.8 millimeters. TABLE-US-00009
TABLE 9 Weight Density I.D. Area Volume Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm
cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3 mm 15 0.6 6 0.2826 0.025 0.88 30 0.6 6 0.2826
0.05 1.77 45 0.6 6 0.2826 0.075 2.65 60 0.6 6 0.2826 0.1 3.54 75
0.6 6 0.2826 0.125 4.42 90 0.6 6 0.2826 0.15 5.31 105 0.6 6 0.2826
0.175 6.19 120 0.6 6 0.2826 0.2 7.08 150 0.6 6 0.2826 0.25 8.85 180
0.6 6 0.2826 0.3 10.62
[0050] TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Weight Density I.D. Area Volume
Length mg gm/cm.sup.3 mm cm.sup.2 cm.sup.3 mm 15 0.6 5.8 0.264074
0.025 0.95 30 0.6 5.8 0.264074 0.05 1.89 45 0.6 5.8 0.264074 0.075
2.84 60 0.6 5.8 0.264074 0.1 3.79 75 0.6 5.8 0.264074 0.125 4.73 90
0.6 5.8 0.264074 0.15 5.68 105 0.6 5.8 0.264074 0.175 6.63 120 0.6
5.8 0.264074 0.2 7.57 150 0.6 5.8 0.264074 0.25 9.47 180 0.6 5.8
0.264074 0.3 11.36
[0051] When testing cigarettes with new or different flavoring,
filtering or taste mediums, it is desirable to be able to easily
change the amount or such medium without significantly changing the
"resistance to draw" (i.e., "RTD") for the cigarette. RTD can be
measured analytically and is conventionally expressed in mm of
water. RTD can also be observed or sensed by the smoker which is
denoted as a "Sensory RTD" in which the smoker assigns a numerical
value such as the numbers 1-5 to indicate whether the RTD is low
(i.e., a value of 1), medium (i.e., a value of 3) or high (i.e., a
value of 5). Experimental results with a modular smoking article
have shown that an analytical difference of RTD of about 25 mm of
water is generally not perceptible by a smoker when going from a
compartment with at least about 15 grams of beaded carbon medium to
about 180 grams of beaded carbon medium. However, a change in RTD
of even about 25 mm of water is perceptible or decipherable by a
smoker if the compartment goes from 0 grams of beaded carbon medium
to about 180 grams of beaded carbon medium. Accordingly, the amount
of medium used in a compartment of a modular smoking article may be
varied from about 15 mg of medium to about 180 mg of medium while
maintaining the RTD within a general range which is not generally
apparent to the smoker.
[0052] In Table 11, the Total RTD Carbon Loadings for 10 tests
using 30 mg, 60 mg, 75 mg, and an empty inner sleeve are provided
along with the calculated average and standard deviation.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 30 mg 60 mg 75 mg 0 mg Total RTD Total RTD
Total RTD Total RTD 121 123 130 117 118 121 121 118 116 115 120 113
115 123 129 112 111 117 116 118 119 121 131 115 116 123 121 114 124
130 122 116 111 127 121 115 112 122 126 117 avg. 116.3 122.2 123.7
115.5 std. dev 4.3218 4.3153 4.9900 2.0683
[0053] In Table 12, the Total RTD Carbon Loadings for 10 tests
using 90 mg, 120 mg and 180 mg are provided along with the
calculated average and standard deviation. TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12
90 mg 120 mg 180 mg Total RTD Total RTD Total RTD 133 124 138 126
130 145 134 133 137 123 134 138 124 133 138 132 131 133 123 134 133
129 129 138 132 134 135 127 126 130 Average 128.3 130.8 136.5 Std.
Dev. 4.270050741 3.552776692 4.089281382
[0054] In Table 13, the Analytical RTD measured for various volumes
of beaded carbon ranging from 0 mg to 180 mg is provided.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Analytical RTD 0 mg 115.5 30 mg 116.3 60 mg
122.2 75 mg 123.7 90 mg 128.3 120 mg 130.8 180 mg 136.5
[0055] In Table 14, the Sensory RTD for various volumes of beaded
carbon ranging from 0 mg to 180 mg is provided. TABLE-US-00014
TABLE 14 Sensory RTD 0 mg 3.79 30 mg 4.07 60 mg 4.32 75 mg 4.27 90
mg 4.64 120 mg 4.23 180 mg 4.57
[0056] With reference to FIG. 6, the data from Table 13 has been
plotted showing a generally straight-line increase in analytically
measured RTD when going from 0 mg to 180 mg of beaded carbon
medium. In FIG. 7, the sensory RTD data of Table 14 is plotted,
showing that over a relatively wide range of amounts of beaded
carbon (i.e., from 30 mg to 180 mg) the sensory RTD ranges from
about 4 to about 4.5. A sensory RTD which varies by only about 0.5
on a scale of 1-5 is not considered to be readily discernible or
perceptible to the typical smoker.
[0057] With reference again to FIGS. 5a to 5e, a set of inner
sleeves 40 may be provided each having a compartment 80
corresponding to a desired or predetermined volume. Then during
testing of a particular flavoring, filtering, or testing medium 58,
the various inner sleeves may be filled with the corresponding
different volumes of the medium to be tested. In this way, the
testing of different volumes of a particular medium is facilitated.
Although in the preferred embodiments, the length of the
compartments of the inner sleeve members is changed to provide the
different predetermined volumes for the compartments, the diameter
of the compartments may be changed while maintaining the same
length for the compartment and inner sleeve member. However,
changing the diameter of the compartment is expected to result in a
larger change in RTD than changing the length of the compartment
for a variety of predetermined compartment volumes.
[0058] Accordingly, if it were desired to test a particular
flavoring medium 58, using different amounts of the medium varying
from 15 mg to 180 mg, preferably a particular inside diameter for
the inner sleeve would be determined, perhaps based upon the
diameter of the cigarettes to be used with the flavoring medium.
Assuming that an inside diameter of 6.5 mm were selected, then 10
different inner sleeves 40 having compartments with the lengths
provided in Table 5 would be prepared by filling the compartments
of each of the inner sleeves with the medium. Generally, the inner
sleeves would be prepared by inserting an appropriate sieve in one
end of each of the inner sleeves and then a retainer would be
inserted into the end of the inner sleeve to maintain the sieve in
place at one end of the respective compartment. The compartment of
each inner sleeve could then be filled by hand or filled in a jig
adapted to hold the inner sleeve vertically while the medium is
inserted into the compartment. As discussed above, it may be
preferable to either weigh or premeasure the volume of the medium
to be inserted into a particular inner sleeve compartment. The
medium could be tamped to compress the medium as desired or
appropriate to correspond to any predetermined configuration or
density. After filling, the other sieve is provided at the end of
the compartment and the other retainer is inserted to keep the
medium within the compartment. Each of the various inner sleeves
would be prepared in this manner.
[0059] Subsequently, each of the inner sleeves would be inserted
into the outer sleeve one at a time and then a cigarette would be
smoked either by a person or by a machine and the pertinent
measurements or observations would be recorded. When one cigarette
had been smoked, the inner sleeve would be removed from the outer
sleeve and another inner sleeve with the next volume of the medium
inserted into the outer sleeve. If necessary, a rod could be
inserted into the first end of the outer sleeve member to push the
inner sleeve member through the second end of the outer sleeve
member. After the second inner sleeve member had been inserted into
the outer sleeve member and another cigarette inserted into the
first end of the outer sleeve member, the cigarette would then be
smoked and the appropriate measurements or observations would be
recorded. This process would then be repeated until all of the
various predetermined volumes of medium had been used in connection
with a cigarette.
[0060] Of course, it may be preferable to provided multiple outer
sleeves so that multiple cigarettes could be smoked either with the
same volume of medium or with different volumes of the medium
either simultaneously or relatively close in time to one
another.
[0061] The modular smoking article has been described above
primarily in connection with the testing of different volumes of
flavoring, filtering or testing mediums. However, the modular
smoking article is also expected to be useful by smokers generally
(i.e., not in a laboratory setting or in a testing environment).
For example, the modular smoking article could be sold to consumers
who would be able to select from among an assortment of different
filtering, flavoring and taste mediums provided in pre-filled inner
sleeves with various volumes of the mediums. It is expected that
the pre-filled inner sleeves would be disposable either after one
or several cigarettes have been smoked but that the consumer would
reuse the outer sleeve and mouthpiece. The inner sleeves could also
be sold to the consumer either in a set with compartments of
identical volumes or in a set with different predetermined volumes.
In addition, the inner sleeves could be reused by the consumer by
removing one or both retainers and sieves, cleaning the components
as desired and then refilling the inner sleeve either with the same
medium or with a medium selected by the consumer.
[0062] Thus, different mediums can be selected by the smoker prior
to inserting a cigarette in the smoking article. Once assembled
together, the smoking article and cigarette has dimensions and
physical feel of a traditional lit-end cigarette. This allows the
smoker to experience the same sort of handling mannerisms normally
associated with smoking a traditional lit-end cigarette.
[0063] In this way, the modular smoking article facilitates the
insertion of different amounts of flavors, tastes and filtering
medium in the path of the cigarette smoke stream for delivery to a
smoker or to a testing machine. The modular smoking article
provides the ability to easily and rapidly change the quantities of
the particular mediums being tested or used with the cigarettes
without significantly changing the RTD (resistance to draw) of the
cigarette. The modular smoking article can be used with both
filtered or non-filtered cigarettes and various filters can be
provided as the mouthpiece, as desired.
[0064] In this way, new cigarette designs can be easily tested by
using standard cigarettes and then varying the filtering medium,
the flavoring medium or the taste medium as well as the volume or
amount of such mediums without actually manufacturing each new
design of cigarette. As a consumer product, the modular smoking
article facilitates the selection of different flavoring, filtering
and taste mediums by the smoker as well as the selection of
different amount of such mediums to be used when smoking.
[0065] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the
modular smoking article according to the present invention may be
varied by a person skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *