U.S. patent application number 12/155548 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-11 for smoking article with controlled flavor release.
This patent application is currently assigned to Philip Morris USA Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeff Allen, Richard Jupe, Georgios D. Karles, Jose Nepomuceno, Shuzhong Zhuang.
Application Number | 20080302376 12/155548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40094724 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080302376 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karles; Georgios D. ; et
al. |
December 11, 2008 |
Smoking article with controlled flavor release
Abstract
Provided are smoking articles with a controlled flavor release
product. The controlled flavor release product includes a first
time-release flavorant and a second time-release flavorant. The
controlled flavor release product is a film or a lip balm type
formulation that is applied to the downstream end of a smoking
article.
Inventors: |
Karles; Georgios D.;
(Richmond, VA) ; Nepomuceno; Jose; (Beaverdam,
VA) ; Zhuang; Shuzhong; (Richmond, VA) ;
Allen; Jeff; (Midlothian, VA) ; Jupe; Richard;
(Richmond, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Philip Morris USA Inc.
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
40094724 |
Appl. No.: |
12/155548 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60929010 |
Jun 8, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/275 ;
131/276; 131/284 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24C 5/565 20130101;
A24D 1/002 20130101; A24B 15/282 20130101; A24B 15/283 20130101;
A24D 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/275 ;
131/276; 131/284 |
International
Class: |
A24C 5/60 20060101
A24C005/60; A24B 15/30 20060101 A24B015/30 |
Claims
1. A controlled flavor release smoking article comprising: a
tobacco rod; a downstream end; and a controlled flavor release
product including a first time-released flavorant delivered at a
first time and triggered by a first mechanism; and a second
time-released flavorant delivered at a second time and triggered by
a second mechanism; wherein the controlled flavor release product
contacts the downstream end of said smoking article.
2. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said first time-release flavorant and said second
time-release flavorant are released by a first mechanism and a
second mechanism selected from the group consisting of the addition
of moisture, a change of pH, a temperature increase, and
combinations thereof.
3. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said first time-release flavorant and said second
time-release flavorant are incorporated into at least one
microcapsule.
4. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said controlled flavor release product is a film.
5. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 4,
wherein said film is dissolvable and/or disintegrable.
6. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 4,
wherein said film is adhered to said downstream end.
7. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said controlled flavor release product is a lip balm type
formulation.
8. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 5,
wherein said lip balm type formulation comprises a wax.
9. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said controlled flavor release product is applied to an
outside surface of said downstream end of said smoking article.
10. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said first time-release flavorant and said second
time-release flavorant are selected from the group consisting of
menthol, mint, chocolate, licorice, fruit flavors, tangerine,
citrus, cherry, gamma octalactone, vanilla, ethyl vanillin, breath
freshener flavors, spice flavors, cinnamon, methyl salicylate,
linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil,
tobacco flavors, smoothing or refreshing active compounds, bitter
agents, and combinations thereof.
11. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said smoking article is a cigar, a cigarette, or a
cigarillo.
12. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said tobacco material includes (a) at least one humectant;
(b) at least one sweetener; and (c) at least one non-tobacco
flavorant.
13. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said first time-released flavorant and said second
time-released flavorant each include the same flavorant.
14. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said first time-released flavorant and said second
time-released flavorant each include different flavorants.
15. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein said first time-released flavorant and said second
time-released flavorant include a chemesthesis agent.
16. The controlled flavor release smoking article of claim 1,
wherein the time release of said second time-released flavorant
overlaps release of said first time-released flavorant.
17. A method of making a controlled flavor release smoking article
comprising: contacting a downstream end of a smoking article with a
controlled flavor release product, wherein said controlled flavor
release product contains a first time-release flavorant and a
second time-release flavorant.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said controlled flavor release
product is a lip balm type formulation.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein said controlled flavor release
product is a film.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein said first time-release
flavorant and a second time-release flavorant include the same or
different flavorants.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. provisional Application No. 60/929,010, filed
on Jun. 8, 2007, the entire content of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Flavorants are frequently added to tobacco products,
including smoking articles or smokeless, oral tobacco products, to
achieve desirable organoleptic sensations. Typically, the flavors
are added to the tobacco material or filter component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0003] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a smoking article including a
controlled flavor release product in the form of a lip balm type
formulation coating the tipping paper.
[0004] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a smoking article including a
controlled flavor release product in the form of a lip balm type
formulation coating the end of the smoking article.
[0005] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a smoking article including a
controlled flavor release product in the form of a film coating the
tipping paper.
[0006] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a smoking article including a
controlled flavor release product in the form of a film coating the
end of the smoking article.
[0007] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a filterless smoking article
including a controlled flavor release product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] As described herein, smoking articles include a controlled
flavor release product that provides prolonged and varied
organoleptic sensation.
[0009] Provided is a controlled flavor release product including at
least a first time-release flavorant and a second time-release
flavorant. Additional time-release flavorants may also be
included.
[0010] Preferably, the first time-release flavorant and the second
time-release flavorant contain different flavorants. In an
embodiment, the first time-release flavorant and the second
time-release flavorant contain the same flavorant. Also preferably,
the first time-release flavorant and the second time-release
flavorant are released at different times during smoking to provide
continuous enjoyment and a variety of flavors.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the first time-release flavorant
and the second time-release flavorant are incorporated into
controlled release microcapsules. The microcapsules may be embedded
in a format to create a controlled flavor release product. Each
microcapsule can contain the first time-release flavorant, the
second time-release flavorant or both.
[0012] In another embodiment, the microcapsules form the controlled
flavor release product that can be used in a smoking article.
Preferably, the controlled flavor release product includes at least
a first time-release flavorant and a second time-release
flavorant.
[0013] Suitable microcapsules for controlled release of flavorants
are those developed by Salvona LLC of Dayton, N.J. (e.g.
MultiSal.TM. and NanoSal.TM.).
[0014] MultiSal.TM. is a free flowing powder matrix with high
concentrations of functional ingredients encapsulated in
nanospheres. NanoSal.TM. is a liquid formula encapsulated in solid,
hydrophobic nanospheres. Each microcapsule can incorporate
different oil based flavors for controlled delivery over time. The
microcapsules provide enhanced bioadhesive properties such that the
flavorants bind to mucous in the mouth cavity to prolong flavor
enjoyment. The microcapsules may also be designed to target
specific areas of the mouth.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the controlled flavor release
product has controlled diffusion mechanisms. The first time-release
flavorant and the second time-release flavorant may be released by
the same or different mechanisms at the same or different times.
Additional time-release flavorants may be used, and may be
triggered by different methods at different times.
[0016] In one embodiment, the first time-release flavorant and the
second time-release flavorant are released by exposure to moisture
from the lips or mouth. In another embodiment, heat from igniting
the smoking article or from the user's mouth may cause the release
of the first time-release flavorant and the second time-release
flavorant. In yet another embodiment, the first time-release
flavorant and the second time-release flavorant are released by a
change in pH. The change in pH may occur when the controlled flavor
release product is placed in an environment such as a human's
mouth. Alternatively, a substance may be added to a microcapsule
that changes the pH and causes the release of another
microcapsule.
[0017] Preferably, the first time-release flavorant and the second
time-release flavorant are embedded in a format to create a
controlled flavor release product. In a preferred embodiment, the
controlled flavor release product is in the form of a lip balm type
formulation. The lip balm type formulation may be made of a wax
with the first time-release flavorant and the second time-release
flavorant embedded therein. In another embodiment, the controlled
flavor release product is in the form of a film having a first
time-release flavorant and a second time-release flavorant embedded
therein. The films can be formed by conventional means known in the
art, and may be dissolvable and/or disintegrable.
[0018] In an embodiment, the first time-release flavorant may
include a different flavorant than the second time-release
flavorant so that the user is provided with at least two flavors
during the smoking experience. Also, since the first time-release
flavorant and the second time-release flavorant are released at
separate times, the organoleptic sensations are prolonged thereby
providing the user with more flavor over a longer period of
time.
[0019] Suitable flavorants for use in the controlled flavor release
product include, without limitation, mint, such as peppermint and
spearmint, vanillin, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit
flavors, spice flavors, such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate,
linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil,
tobacco flavors and other agents commonly used to impart flavor and
aroma to tobacco products.
[0020] Other suitable flavors and aromas may include flavor
compounds selected from the group consisting of an acid, an
alcohol, an ester, an aldehyde, a ketone, a pyrazine, combinations
or blends thereof and the like. Suitable flavor compounds may be
selected, for example, from the group consisting of phenylacetic
acid, solanone, megastigmatrienone, 2-heptanone, benzylalcohol,
cis-3-hexenyl acetate, valeric acid, valeric aldehyde, ester,
terpene, sesquiterpene, nootkatone, maltol, combinations thereof
and the like.
[0021] Additives such as chemesthesis agents may also be included
in the controlled release flavor product. Suitable chemesthesis
agents include, without limitation, capsaicin, tannins, mustard
oil, wintergreen oil, cinnamon oil, allicin, quinine, citric acid,
and salt.
[0022] In one embodiment, complimentary flavors may be chosen for
the first time-release flavorant and the second time release
flavorant to provide a combined flavor. For instance, a cherry
vanilla flavor may be provided by choosing a cherry flavorant for
the first time-release flavorant and a vanilla flavorant for the
second time-release flavorant. In an embodiment, the release of the
first time-release flavorant and the second time-release flavorant
can overlap so that the complimentary flavorants can be enjoyed
together.
[0023] The term "smoking article" includes cigarettes, pipes,
cigars, and cigarillos. Non-traditional cigarettes such as
cigarettes using electrical smoking systems are also included in
the definition of smoking articles or cigarettes generally.
[0024] A traditional cigarette typically contains two sections, a
tobacco-containing portion sometimes referred to as the tobacco
rod, and a filter portion which may be referred to as a filtration
zone. Tipping paper typically surrounds the filter, which forms the
mouth end of the cigarette. The tipping paper overlaps with the
tobacco rod in order to hold the filter and tobacco rod together.
The tobacco rod includes a paper wrapper in which the tobacco is
wrapped and an adhesive holding the seams of the paper wrapper
together. The tobacco rod has a first end which is integrally
attached to the filter and a second end which is lit or heated for
smoking the tobacco. When the tobacco rod is lit or heated for
smoking, the smoke travels from the lit end downstream to the
filter end of the tobacco rod and further downstream through the
filter.
[0025] The "upstream" and "downstream" relative positions between
filter segments and other features are described in relation to the
direction of mainstream smoke as it is drawn from a tobacco rod and
through a multi-component filter during a puff.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the smoking article is a
cigarette. The cigarette may contain tobacco material, a filter,
and a controlled flavor release product. In an embodiment, the
cigarette may also contain at least one sorbent.
[0027] The term "sorbent" as used herein refers to an adsorbent, an
absorbent, or a substance that can function as both an adsorbent
and an absorbent. Preferred sorbents include various forms of
activated carbon, molecular sieves, such as zeolites, and mixtures
thereof.
[0028] Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that may be
used include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, Burley
tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco,
specialty tobacco, blends thereof and the like. The tobacco
material may be provided in any suitable form, including, but not
limited to, tobacco lamina, processed tobacco materials, such as
volume expanded or puffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems, such as
cut-rolled or cut-puffed stems, reconstituted tobacco materials,
blends thereof, and the like. Tobacco substitutes may also be
used.
[0029] In an embodiment, the tobacco material can include
humectants, such as glycerin, sweeteners and/or at least one
non-tobacco flavorant dispersed throughout the tobacco
material.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a smoking article 10 has an
upstream end 12 and a downstream end 14. The smoking article 10
includes a filtration zone 40 that lies at the downstream end 14.
The filtration zone 40 includes a filter 42 surrounded by a portion
of tipping paper 18. The filtration zone 40 is attached to a
tobacco rod 20. In one embodiment, the filter 42 is made of
cellulose acetate fibers. The smoking article 10 preferably
includes a controlled flavor release product 16. In one embodiment,
the controlled flavor release product 16 includes a first
time-release flavorant 24 and a second time-release flavorant
26.
[0031] Preferably, the controlled flavor release product 16 coats
the tipping paper 18 that surrounds the filter 42 at the downstream
end 14 of the smoking article 10. Also preferably, the controlled
flavor release product 16 is in the form of a lip balm type
formulation 15. The lip balm type formulation 15 may be made of a
wax with the first time-release flavorant 24 and the second
time-release flavorant 26 embedded therein.
[0032] In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, the controlled
flavor release product 16 is in the form of a lip balm type
formulation 15 that coats the end 22 of the filter 42 of the
smoking article 10. The lip balm type formulation 15 is transferred
to a user's mouth upon contact with the downstream portion 14.
[0033] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the smoking
article 10 has an upstream end 12, a downstream end 14, a tobacco
rod 20, a filtration zone 40, including a filter 42 covered with
tipping paper 18, and a controlled flavor release product 16.
[0034] Preferably, the controlled flavor release product 16 is in
the form of a film 30. The film 30 is formed by conventional means
known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the film 30 is
dissolvable or disintegrable. Preferably, a first time-release
flavorant 24 and a second time-release flavorant 26 are embedded in
the film 30. The film 30 is wrapped around the tipping paper 18 and
adhered thereto.
[0035] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the smoking
article 10 has an upstream end 12, a downstream end 14, a tobacco
rod 20, a filtration zone 40 including a filter 42 covered with
tipping paper 18, and a controlled flavor release product 16.
Preferably, the controlled flavor release product 16 is in the form
of a film 30 that is affixed to the end 22 of the filter 42.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the film 30 is adhered to the
tipping paper 18 or the end 22 of the filter 42 by any known
adhesive. For instance, the film 30 may be glued onto the tipping
paper 18.
[0037] In one embodiment, the smoking article 10 does not include a
filtration zone. As seen in FIG. 5, the smoking article 10 may be a
cigar without a filtration zone or a filterless cigarette. The
controlled flavor release product 16 may coat the downstream end 14
of the wrapper 100 or the end 200 of the smoking article 10. In an
embodiment, the controlled flavor release product 16 may be a film
that is wrapped around the downstream end 14 of the smoking article
10.
[0038] Also provided is a method for manufacturing a smoking
article including a controlled flavor release product.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the method for manufacturing
includes contacting a wrapper with a controlled flavor release
product, surrounding tobacco with the wrapper, and sealing the
wrapper to form a smoking article. The method may also include
sealing a filter to the rod and then cutting the rod to a specified
length.
[0040] In another embodiment, the method for manufacturing a
smoking article having a controlled flavor release product includes
coating a tipping paper with the controlled flavor release product
and wrapping a filter with the tipping paper. The coating may take
place by dipping or brushing on the controlled flavor release
product. The method may also include the step of fitting the filter
to a tobacco rod to form a cigarette.
[0041] In yet another embodiment, the method includes coating the
end of a filter with a lip balm type formulation having an embedded
first time-release flavorant and a second time-release flavorant.
The filter may be made by conventional methods known in the art and
attached to a tobacco rod to form a cigarette. The end of the
filter is then coated by dipping, spraying, or otherwise applying
the lip balm type formulation to the end of the cigarette.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes adhering a
film having an embedded first time-release flavorant and a second
time-release flavorant to the end of a filter of a smoking article.
The film is cut to an appropriate size and adhered to the end of
the filter.
[0043] In another embodiment, the method includes adhering a film
having an embedded first time-release flavorant and a second
time-release flavorant to the tipping paper of a smoking article.
The film is formed or cut to about the size of the tipping paper
and adhered thereto.
[0044] In another embodiment, the method includes adhering a film
having an embedded first time-release flavorant and a second
time-release flavorant to the wrapper of a smoking article.
[0045] Variations and modifications of the foregoing will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and
modifications are to be considered within the purview and scope of
the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *