U.S. patent application number 13/894842 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for method and compositions to deliver variable quantities of flavor from filtered cigarettes.
This patent application is currently assigned to LOEC, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is LOEC, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven E. Brown, Luis A. Sanchez, Rana Tayyarah.
Application Number | 20130319429 13/894842 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49584249 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130319429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tayyarah; Rana ; et
al. |
December 5, 2013 |
METHOD AND COMPOSITIONS TO DELIVER VARIABLE QUANTITIES OF FLAVOR
FROM FILTERED CIGARETTES
Abstract
A filter element for a smoking article is described herein. The
filter element may include at least one filter segment, the at
least one filter segment comprising one or more flavoring or
fragrancing particles configured to flavor or fragrance an aerosol
from the smoking article, wherein the one or more flavoring or
fragrancing particles are configured to adjustably release flavor
or fragrance upon receipt of a pressure applied to the at least one
filter segment while rolling the filter between fingers of a
smoker, and wherein the quantity of flavor or fragrance released is
proportional to an amount of pressure applied while rolling the
filter. Thus, a user is able to control the amount of flavoring or
fragrance provided during a smoking experience.
Inventors: |
Tayyarah; Rana; (Oak Ridge,
NC) ; Brown; Steven E.; (Oak Ridge, NC) ;
Sanchez; Luis A.; (Greensboro, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LOEC, Inc. |
Greensboro |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LOEC, Inc.
Greensboro
NC
|
Family ID: |
49584249 |
Appl. No.: |
13/894842 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61648325 |
May 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/275 ;
131/335; 131/337 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24D 3/061 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/275 ;
131/335; 131/337 |
International
Class: |
A24D 3/06 20060101
A24D003/06 |
Claims
1. A filter element for a smoking article comprising: at least one
filter segment, the at least one filter segment comprising one or
more flavoring or fragrancing particles configured to flavor or
fragrance an aerosol from the smoking article, wherein the one or
more flavoring or fragrancing particles are configured to
adjustably release flavor or fragrance upon receipt of a pressure
applied to the at least one filter segment while rolling the filter
between fingers of a smoker, wherein the quantity of flavor or
fragrance released is proportional to an amount of pressure applied
while rolling the filter.
2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the one or more flavoring
or fragrancing particles are configured as a filter mechanism.
3. The filter element of claim 1 comprising at least one flavoring
or fragrancing particle of a different type than at least one other
flavoring or fragrancing particle.
4. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the one or more flavoring
or fragrancing particles are integrated within fibers of the filter
segment.
5. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the one or more flavoring
or fragrancing particles are coated with a shell, the shell
allowing the adjustable release of the flavor or fragrance.
5. The filter element of claim 4, wherein the shell comprises at
least one of gum acacia, xanthan gum, modified starch,
cyclodextrin, gelatin, and polysaccharides carbohydrate,
6. The filter element of claim 4, wherein the shell in an
impermeable and breakable shell configured to release the flavor or
fragrance once fully or partially broken in proportion to the
amount of pressure applied while rolling the filter.
7. The filter element of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one
or more flavoring or fragrancing particles comprises a menthol
flavorant or fragrance.
8. The filter element of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one
or more flavoring or fragrancing particles is an encapsulated
powder.
9. The filter element of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the
one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles has a powder loading
of 0.1 to 10 mg per mm of filter length.
10. The filter element of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the
one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles comprises an
encapsulated powder containing 2 to 90% flavorant or fragrance.
11. The filter element of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the
one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles is configured to
provide a pressure drop in the filtering element within the range
of 10 to 130 mm of water.
12. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the at least one filter
segment includes an outer wrapping, the outer wrapping having one
or more visual instructions printed thereon providing instructions
for rolling the filter.
13. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the one or more
flavoring or fragrancing particles are configured to release no
flavorant or fragrance until rolling pressure is applied.
14. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the one or more
flavoring or fragrancing particles are configured to release a
defined initial amount of flavorant or fragrance without an
application of rolling pressure, and to increase the amount of
flavorant or fragrance released in proportion to the amount of
rolling pressure applied.
15. A method for adjustably releasing flavoring or fragrancing
particles as part of a smoking experience, comprising: providing a
smoking article having a filtering element comprising one or more
flavoring or fragrancing particles configured to flavor or
fragrance aerosol from the smoking article; and causing one or more
of the flavoring or fragrancing particles to adjustably release
flavor or fragrance upon receipt of pressure or heat applied to the
at least one filter segment, wherein a quantity of flavor or
fragrance released is proportional to an amount of pressure or heat
applied to the at least one filter segment.
16. A filter element for an aerosol device, the filter comprising:
a first filter segment having a plurality of flavorant beads of a
first flavorant type; and a second filter segment having a second
plurality of flavorant beads of a second flavorant type, wherein
the first plurality of flavorant beads and the second plurality of
flavorant beads are configured to adjustably flavor an aerosol upon
receipt of a pressure applied to the first filter segment or the
second filter segment, the pressure being sufficient to activate
the first plurality of flavorant beads or the second plurality of
beads.
17. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first and second
plurality of flavorant beads comprise microencapsulated beads.
18. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first plurality of
flavorant beads or the second plurality of flavorant beads are
configured to adjustably release flavor upon receipt of a pressure
applied through rolling of the first or second filter segment
between fingers of a smoker.
19. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first or second
plurality of flavorant beads are configured to flavor the aerosol
in direct proportion to the applied pressure.
20. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first or second
plurality of flavorant beads are integrated within fibers of the
filter element.
21. The filter element of claim 20, wherein the filter element
comprises a plug wrap, and wherein the first or second plurality of
flavorant beads are deposited on the surface of the plug wrap.
22. The filter element of claim 20, wherein the filter element
comprises a multi-layer plug wrap, and wherein the first or the
second plurality of flavorant beads are deposited between at least
a first layer of the multi-layer plug wrap and a second layer of
the multi-layer plug wrap.
23. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first or second
plurality of flavorant beads each comprises a shell that is broken
to provide adjustable controlled release of flavorant.
24. The filter element of claim 23, wherein the shell comprises an
impermeable and breakable shell configured to release the flavorant
once fully or partially broken in proportion to the applied
pressure.
25. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first or second
plurality of flavorant beads comprises menthol flavorant.
26. The filter element of claim 16, wherein the first type of
flavorant reacts with the second type of flavorant to release a
flavorant to the aerosol.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/648,325,
filed May 17, 2012, titled "METHOD AND COMPOSITIONS TO DELIVER
VARIABLE QUANTITIES OF FLAVOR FROM FILTERED CIGARETTES," the
disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention elates generally to a method and
composition for controlled delivery of a flavorant into an aerosol
and, more particularly, to a pressure sensitive encapsulated
flavorant material and methods for the selective delivery of the
flavorant to an aerosol.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cigarettes are typically flavored by treating the tobacco
with approved flavorants (such as menthol) as part of the
manufacturing process wherein upon smoking the cigarette the
flavorant is delivered in the mainstream smoke. Typically, the
amount of flavorant delivered is correlated to the quantity of tar
delivered on a puff by puff basis. The overall flavor intensity is
typically dependent upon the total applied levels of flavorant
during manufacturing and the cigarette design, specifically air
dilution in the filter.
[0004] It is known that the filter design can affect the release
and transfer rates of the flavorants into the mainstream smoke. For
example, highly air diluted cigarette filters tend to lower the
transfer rate of volatile flavorants such as menthol. As a result,
typical conventional cigarette designs do not allow for
variable/adjustable delivery of flavors during smoking and thus the
overall balance of flavorant to delivery is relatively constant
during consumption.
[0005] Of particular interest is the ability to increase the amount
of or type of flavorants during smoking to provide the added
consumer benefit of offering a different and/or augmented flavor at
any time during consumption. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,836,895, one prior attempt to increase menthol flavor prior to,
during, or after smoking the cigarette involves breaking a single
encapsulated bead located in the filter that contains a liquid
flavorant composition. However, once the bead is broken the amount
of flavor released is not adjustable at any time during use. Data
generated indicate that at least 10 pounds of direct pressure are
required to break the single bead in the filter. In addition, data
collected on deliveries of total particulate matter (TAP) using
industry accepted protocols, indicate a 20% increase in TPM
delivery once the bead is crushed. Lack of control of TAP may be a
direct result of deforming the cigarette filter during the
"crushing" process. Other possibilities for lack of TAP control are
delivery of the diluent that is present in the beads or decreased
filtration efficiency due to coating of the fibers by the
diluent,
[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0271968
discloses use of a plurality of beads in a cavity-based filter
system to allow the consumer to squeeze and crush the beads to
varying degrees for more control of flavor intensity. However,
cavity-based filter systems are undesirable from a manufacturing
standpoint. Further, the beads comprise an encapsulated liquid
flavor carrier having a typical total added weight as high as 200
mg. This may represent as much as 40 mg of liquid carrier that
might wet the filter fibers causing issues with consistent TAP
delivery and visual appeal. Further, the liquid might deliver into
the smoke stream. In addition, the flavorant has a specified
relative location to other filter additives; i.e. the flavorant
must be positioned downstream from adsorbents which reduces
flexibility in cigarette design options.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention disclosed in this document describes a
cigarette filter design, composition, and method of use to release
encapsulated flavorant compositions from a plurality of micro-beads
(e.g., powder) contained in the filter wherein the amount of
flavorant delivered prior to, during, or after use can be
controlled, allowing customization of flavor taste on a puff by
puff basis.
[0008] According to some aspects of the invention, a filter element
for a smoking article is provided. The filter element may include
at least one filter segment, the at least one filter segment
comprising one or lore flavoring or fragrancing particles
configured to flavor or fragrance an aerosol from the smoking
article, wherein the one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles
are configured to adjustably release flavor or fragrance upon
receipt of a pressure applied to the at least one filter segment
while rolling the filter between fingers of a smoker, and wherein
the quantity of flavor or fragrance released is proportional to an
amount of pressure applied while rolling the filter.
[0009] The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be
configured as a filter mechanism.
[0010] At least one flavoring or fragrancing particle may be of a
different type than at least one other flavoring or fragrancing
particle.
[0011] The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be
integrated within fibers of the filter segment.
[0012] The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be
coated with a shell, the shell allowing the adjustable release of
the flavor or fragrance.
[0013] The shell may include at least one of gum acacia, xanthan
gum, modified starch, cyclodextrin, gelatin, and polysaccharides
carbohydrate.
[0014] The shell may be an impermeable and breakable shell
configured to release the flavor or fragrance once fully or
partially broken in proportion to the amount of pressure applied
while rolling the filter.
[0015] At least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing
particles may include a menthol flavorant or fragrance.
[0016] At least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing
particles may be an encapsulated powder.
[0017] The at least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing
particles may have a powder loading of 0.1 to 10 mg per mm of
filter length.
[0018] At least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing
particles may include an encapsulated powder containing 2 to 90%
flavorant or fragrance.
[0019] At least one of the one or more flavoring or fragrancing
particles may be configured to provide a pressure drop in the
filtering element within the range of 10 to 130 mm of water.
[0020] The at least one filter segment may include an outer
wrapping, the outer wrapping having one or more visual instructions
printed thereon providing instructions for rolling the fitter.
[0021] The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be
configured to release no flavorant or fragrance until rolling
pressure is applied.
[0022] The one or more flavoring or fragrancing particles may be
configured to release a defined initial amount of flavorant or
fragrance without an application of rolling pressure, and to
increase the amount of flavorant or fragrance released in
proportion to the amount of pressure applied.
[0023] In some aspects of the invention, a method for adjustably
releasing flavoring or fragrancing particles as part of a smoking
experience is provided. The method may include providing a smoking
article having a filtering element comprising one or more flavoring
or fragrancing particles configured to flavor or fragrance aerosol
from the smoking article; and causing one or more of the flavoring
or fragrancing particles to adjustably release flavor or fragrance
upon receipt of pressure or heat applied to the at least one filter
segment, wherein the quantity of flavor or fragrance released is
proportional to an amount of pressure or heat applied to the at
first one filter segment.
[0024] In accordance with some aspects of the invention, a filter
element for an aerosol device is provided. The filter element may
include a first filter segment having a plurality of flavorant
beads of a first flavorant type; and a second filter segment having
a second plurality of flavorant beads of a second flavorant type,
wherein the first plurality of flavorant beads and the second
plurality of flavorant beads are configured to adjustably flavor an
aerosol upon receipt of a pressure applied to the first filter
segment or the second filter segment, the pressure being sufficient
to activate the first plurality of flavorant beads or the second
plurality of beads.
[0025] The first plurality of flavorant beads or the second
plurality of flavorant beads may be configured to adjustably
release flavor upon receipt of a pressure applied through rolling
of the first or second filter segment between fingers of a
smoker.
[0026] The first or second plurality of flavorant beads may be
configured to flavor the aerosol in direct proportion to the
applied pressure.
[0027] The first or second plurality of flavorant beads may be
integrated within fibers of the filter element.
[0028] The filter element may include a plug wrap, wherein the
first or second plurality of flavorant beads is deposited on the
surface of the plug wrap.
[0029] The filter element may include a multi-layer plug wrap,
wherein the first or the second plurality of flavorant beads are
deposited between at least a first layer of the multi-layer plug
wrap and a second layer of the multi-layer plug wrap.
[0030] The first or second plurality of flavorant beads may each
comprise a shell that is broken to provide adjustable controlled
release of flavorant.
[0031] The first or second plurality of flavorant beads may
comprise menthol flavorant.
[0032] The first type of flavorant may react with the second type
of flavorant to release a flavorant to the aerosol.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention will be better understood after a reading of
the following description of the preferred embodiments when
considered with the drawings in which:
[0034] FIGS. 1A-1C are schematics of three exemplary aspects of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic showing the deposition of pressure
sensitive encapsulated flavor particles between two flexible
carrier substrates according to principles of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic showing various embodiments of a
flexible band designed for enabling the delivery of pressure
sensitive encapsulated flavor particles according to principles of
the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a multiple segment filter according
to principles of the present invention having two different
fragrance materials;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a chart showing particle count released to the
air for cigarettes embodying the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a chart demonstrating the total amounts of
menthol delivered by an embodiment of the present invention under
different flavor delivery activation conditions;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the puff-by-puff menthol delivery
by an embodiment of the present invention under different flavor
delivery activation conditions;
[0046] FIG. 13a is a chart showing the flavor release levels of
various embodiments of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 13b is a chart showing the removal of gas phase
components of an embodiment of the present invention before and
after flavor delivery activation;
[0048] FIG. 14 is a chart showing the flavor delivery of two
embodiments of the present invention under different flavor
delivery activation conditions;
[0049] FIG. 15 is a chart showing the flavor delivery of five
embodiments of the present invention under different flavor
delivery activation conditions;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] Referring now to the drawings in general, it will be
understood that the illustrations are for the propose of describing
preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to
limit the invention thereto.
[0051] The present invention is directed to a cigarette filter
design, composition, and method of use to release encapsulated
flavorant compositions from a plurality of particles which are
responsive to pressure and friction, such as solid/semi-solid
micro-beads or similar flavorant carrier structures (i.e. powders,
open ended hollow fibers, microgels, etc. contained in the filter
wherein the amount of menthol delivered prior to, during, or after
use of the cigarette can be controlled, allowing customization of
flavor taste on a puff by puff basis. Additionally, solid
flavorants, such as powder or pellets, that respond to friction and
air flow for vaporization may also be included. In addition to
providing flavorant, the particles may be additionally or
alternatively configured to provide a fragrancing effect. Unless
otherwise noted herein, embodiments of the invention described
herein with respect to the use of flavorants are equally applicable
to the use of fragrancing particles.
[0052] According to principles of the present invention, flavorant
is released as desired when smoking by rolling/twisting the
flavorant-containing cigarette filter between one's fingers white
applying slight pressure, sufficient to hold the article between
the finger(s) and thumb white rolling. Accordingly, the consumer
can opt for no flavor delivery or a low flavor delivery, and choose
if and when to increase the amount of flavor. The quantity of
flavor released is proportional to the amount of pressure applied
while rolling the filter between he finger and thumb and/or the
number of rolls. The technology uses rolling motion while applying
pressure to the filter to deliver variable quantities of flavors
during smoking based on the preferences of the adult consumer.
[0053] FIGS. 1A-1C show three example configurations of a cigarette
embodying aspects of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1A, a
cigarette may include a tobacco column 102, a first filter segment
104, and one or more second, optional filter segments 106. First
filter segment 104 may include a plurality of flavoring particles
105 configured to flavor the smoke from tobacco column 102. In
accordance with some aspects of the invention, the flavoring
particles may act as an additional filtering medium for the smoke.
Optional filter segments 106 may contain other flavor releasing
ingredients, gas, and/or particulate abatement technologies.
[0054] First filter segment 104 may contain cellulose acetate (CA)
tow, and the flavoring particles 105 may include, for example,
encapsulated flavorant compositions such as an encapsulated powder
containing a 2-90 wt % flavorant. In some aspects, the flavoring
particles may include encapsulated flavorant compositions, such as
solid flavorants, having 100% flavorant in the case of
unencapsulated solid flavors. The flavoring particles 105 may be
added such that desirable functional characteristics of the first
filter segment 104 are maintained (i.e. pressure drop, TAP, etc.)
while achieving powder loadings of 0.1 to 10 mg per mm of filter
length. In some aspects, the encapsulate loading is preferably
within the range of 1 to 7 mg per mm CA tow, and most preferably
within the range of 2 to 5 mg per mm CA tow. Where encapsulated
particles are used in the aggregate, the encapsulate aggregate size
may be 20 to more than 4000 um, for example, with a preferred size
of 20-1000 um, with a size of 300 um being most preferred.
[0055] The encapsulate flavor compositions may, for example, be in
the form of a single particle type or an aggregate of a plurality
of particle types. Example flavorings/fragrances may include, for
example, menthol and menthol mixtures, vanilla, coffee, chocolate,
cream, mint, spearmint, peppermint, wintergreen, lavender,
cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey,
jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple,
peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, and eucalyptus, among other
flavors/fragrances. In general, the practice of this invention is
not limited to specific fragrance/flavor but includes
flavors/fragrances mixtures and mixtures of encapsulate materials
to design customer desired fragrance/taste profiles, such as the
use of Brazilian and synthetic menthol mixture or other
flavor/fragrance combinations.
[0056] The first filter segment 104 may contain the plurality of
micro-encapsulated beads (free flowing powder, or optionally
fully/partially agglomerated powders), and may be constructed from
traditional materials such as cellulose acetate tow fibers or other
synthetic/natural fibers. Likewise the filter web can be
manufactured from bundles of longitudinally oriented fibers or from
fibrillated natural or synthetic fibers. Furthermore,
non-traditional filter materials can also be used as the primary
material of construction, such as fibrous cellulose, sheet, strips,
spheres or any symmetric/asymmetric shapes. The preferred flavor
material disclosed has been demonstrated to have effectiveness as a
filtering media.
[0057] Likewise, filter media can also consist of polymer based
materials, such as divinyl benzene-co-styrene, or singular polymer
compositions such as styrene. In addition, suitable fitter
materials consist of tobacco traditionally used in the tobacco
column. In this instance, the additional benefit of imparting
additional flavor can be achieved with respect to the practice of
the invention.
[0058] In some aspects of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, first
filter segment 104 may include a plug wrap 110. Preferably, the
plug wrap 110 for the filter section 104 comprises at least one
metallized layer that imparts heating or cooling to the filter
segment depending on the degree of ventilation. The metallized plug
wrap 110 is also referred to herein as a "foil plugwrap" or "FP."
One or more ventilation holes 108 may also be included. As seen in
FIG. 1B, first filter segment 104 may be placed between two
optional filter segments 106. The two optional filter segments 106
shown in FIG. 1B may be comprised of the same filtration materials,
in some aspects, or may be comprised of different filtration
materials. As seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the overall length of the first
filter segment 104 may be adjusted, and combined with additional
traditional filter segment(s) 106. Furthermore, the flavoring
particles 105 may be incorporated between the filter and tobacco
column, in some aspects of the invention. In other aspects of the
invention, the flavoring particles 105 may be incorporated into the
tobacco column 102, such as, for example, in the tipping paper
overlapping section (e.g., under the filter tipping paper).
[0059] The micro encapsulated powder composition may comprise a
singular flavor or a plurality of flavorants. Likewise,
encapsulated powders of differing composition can be combined to
create unique flavor combinations that may not otherwise be
possible due to incompatibility issues.
[0060] Furthermore, the encapsulated flavorants of differing type
can optionally, and intentionally, react with each other upon
practice of the invention to create an additional benefit such as
self-heating, self-cooling, or alteration of vapor pressure of the
individual encapsulated ingredients. Likewise, the fragrance in the
encapsulates can be releasable by either heat, water, or any of the
smoke stream components, or by the vaporizing action of the
turbulence of the smoke across the materials. The quantities,
particle size, and distribution of particle sizes can be adjusted
to accommodate and further enable practice of the invention. For
example, a combination of particle sizes or of different particle
hardness and/or texture has the potential to further facilitate the
practice of the invention. The fragrance containing matrices could
also be semi-solids or gel-like materials which when subjected to
the mechanical pressure of the activation mechanism release the
fragrance partially or in totality to the smoke stream.
[0061] Tables 1 and 2 provide examples of the amount of flavorant
(such as menthol) released in proportion to the number of finger
rolls or the finger pressure applied to the filter.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Number of finger roll None 1 2 3 4 5+
Released menthol 12 or 18 36 54 72 90+ (ug/mg TPM) none
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Finger pressure g/(50 mm{circumflex over (
)}2 finger area) 0 250 750 1000 1250 Max Released menthol Minimum
38 56 68 88 Maximum (ug/mg TPM) or none
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plug wrap may comprise a
single layer or a hi-layer material wherein the encapsulated
fragrance/flavorant is deposited either on the surface of the
single layer or between the bi-layers. As shown in FIG. 2, the
encapsulated fragrance/flavorant may comprise two different types
of micro encapsulated material, which may be designed to react with
each other upon applied pressure. In addition, the layer material
can optionally be porous, non-porous, metallized foil or any
combination thereof, suitable to be used as plug wrap or
incorporated in the plug wrap. The resulting composition and
arrangement is suitable for filter fabrication using known
manufacturing techniques.
[0063] FIG. 3 shows another aspect of the invention comprising a
flexible band or sleeve 304 disposed around the functional, flavor
delivering section of the filter 302. Such a ring type band can be
made of any plastic type material, natural, synthetic,
biodegradable, composite, or multi-layered laminate, having
appropriate mechanical properties. For example, the band must be
sufficiently rigid yet flexible as to allow deformation, yet return
to the original shape once the deformation forces applied to the
circumference is removed. The band material can be rigidly affixed
to the tipping paper so that it does not move upon use and as a
further benefit, assists in returning the cigarette filter to the
original shape after compression. Likewise it can be of sufficient
thickness to provide desired resistivity to compression forces
applied to the axial dimension (across he diameter). In some
aspects, the band may be a wrap that is wrapped around the flavor
delivering section of the filter 302.
[0064] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the external surface of
the flexible band 304 may have ridged or raised features, random or
systematic, to provide a desirable tactile feel and enable the
application of frictional force upon rolling. Similarly, the
interior surface of the flexible band may be a textured surface
having ridges or raised features to facilitate the release of the
flavorant. Furthermore, the band can have holes or regions to allow
airflow through the band to facilitate air dilution in low tar
cigarettes. In addition, the band can have channels on the inside
surface that can guide air around the band into the air dilution
holes. This has the added benefit of preventing blocking of air
dilution holes by the smoker. Lastly, encapsulated fragrances can
be deposited in the channel(s) of the band, wherein upon applying
pressure to the circumference, flavor is released. In this manner
flavor wilt be drawn into the mainstream smoke via the ventilation
holes. This element has particular utility in that different
flavors can be added to a single cigarette type by attaching the
"flavor band." The band can also have added logos, color patterns,
etc. for additional cosmetic distinction.
[0065] This featuree can assist in delaminating a bi-layer
construction that contains the encapsulated flavors and improve in
single layer configuration, thus enhancing the overall release.
Furthermore, this feature can assist in preventing over deformation
of the filter material, preserving the original filter
functionality. The invention can be used or combined with any
flavor releasing technology to improve the overall utility and
efficacy of the cigarette filter.
[0066] In some aspects of the invention, the band or another
portion of the filter may include markings instructing a user of
the cigarette on how to roll the cigarette in order to release the
flavorant. For example, the markings may include arrows indicating
the direction the fingers should be rolled. Any other type of
visual, instruction providing element may also be used.
[0067] The present invention is not limited to having the
fragrance/flavor release material in a single filter segment. The
releasing material can be compartmentalized, as shown in FIG. 4,
where independent filter segments are used to carry the various
potential embodiments for this invention. For example, two
functionalized filter segments can have different concentrations of
releasing material such that the consumer has the option of rolling
in one or another section to change the taste or the amount of the
released fragrance/flavors.
[0068] In addition, the filter could be designed with concentric
ring(s) of releasing material carrying filter web, as shown in FIG.
5. This design allows for different flavor and fragrance types in
each ring and give the consumer the ability to change the
proportion/variety/tone of the delivered flavor/fragrance by
increasing the strength of the finger pressure/rolling mechanical
action. Any/all of the disclosed formulation (i.e., non-reactive,
different flavor/fragrances, reactive encapsulates, etc.) as well
as metallized foil(s) of ring layer(s) mentioned above is
applicable to this embodiment. Note that polymeric beads/absorbent
carbon particles could be used in all/some of the concentric layers
to control the chemical component distributions in the delivered
smoke.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, the filter segment may comprise a
plurality of small flavor/fragrant particles inserted among the
fiber of the cigarette filter. The particles may be substantially
the same size. Alternately, the particles may include a
range/plurality of sizes having a narrow or wide size distribution
to obtain a wide range of fragrance delivery. The specific
flavor/fragrance composition/formulation(s) can be varied based on
the cigarette desired performance as long as they respond to
friction and pressure.
[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 7, group(s) of small flavor/fragrant
particles may be dispersed on a filter web and formed by a mixture
of mechanically fragile particles. The mix is formed by a first
group containing a reactive material and the second group
containing unique/different fragrances/flavors. The shell of the
second group can react with the reactive material contained in the
first group--as shown in the left side of FIG. 7. No flavor is
delivered unless the shells of the reactive containing particles
are partially/fully broken. Then the released material from the
first group reacts with the shell of the second group to release a
fragrance/flavor--as shown in the right side of FIG. 7. This is not
limited to a reaction on the second group of particle shells but
the first particle group could contain a chemical that, upon
reaction with a second chemical in the second group of particle,
can from a fragrance/flavor. In addition both groups can contain
reactive material to produce a fragrance/flavor.
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 8, group(s) of small flavor/fragrant
particles may be coated with an impermeable but breakable or soft
shell to allow for control for either off/on or adjustable delivery
of flavor/fragrances(s). No flavor is delivered unless the shells
are partially/fully broke. After the shells are broken/tom, the
level of flavor delivered is controlled by the extent of
rolling/finger pressing. Formulations applicable to form a
shell/core structure for the practice of this invention are known
in the arts as those containing gum acacia, xanthan and similar
gums, modified starch mixes, cyclodextrin based, gelatin based, and
polysaccharides carbohydrates such as pectin as well as poly vinyl
alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and their fixtures. In addition, other
shell forming methods include encapsulating cross-linked polymers
with the flavorant therein, wherein the encapsulated cross-linked
polymer forms a polymer-rich outer region and the
flavorant/fragrance forms a flavorant/fragrance-rich core region;
for example, using as a shell polyvinyl alcohol/acetate,
ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers mixtures or similar mixtures.
These examples are not limited but include others known in the arts
for the formation of a shell in a shell/core structure to
encapsulate fragrance/flavors aggregates.
[0072] An alternative solution shown in FIG. 9 is a small
bladder+valve/atomizer inside the filter that can be compressed
repeatedly to adjust flavor release.
[0073] The present invention relies on friction and pressure or
multiplanar pressure, not just single plane/direct pressure, to
release flavorants from encapsulates or other structured materials
wherein they are friable under mechanical stress. An advantage is
that release or additional release of flavor is intentional on the
part of the consumer. Release due to inadvertent pressure during
manufacture or storage is thus avoided/
[0074] To that end, the physical characteristics of the preferred
embodiment of encapsulated flavors in powder form, impact the total
and puff by puff menthol deliveries. Therefore an apparent
relationship exists between the physical nature of the flavor
delivery material, the quantity of encapsulated material
incorporated into the filter, physical construction of the filter,
dimensions of the fitter tow, and the fitter performance in
reducing the particulate material of mainstream smoke. Relevant to
this invention, physical nature of the encapsulated menthol
(flavorant/fragrance) powder, namely the extent of particle
aggregation, agglomeration size, and primary particle size impact
the menthol delivery. Preferably, the particle size is and/or
efficacy of the filter media is sufficient that flavor material
particles do not release from the filter upon normal use
conditions. FIG. 10 illustrates particle release data from unlit
cigarettes as measured by light scattering using a Lasair II Laser
Particle Counter Model 510A instrumentation (Filtrona, UK) to
determine particle count released (0.5 to 25 um) under a constant
flow rate of 1.05 L/min (30s) to simulate cigarette smoking. The
filters contained 3 mg of encapsulated powder per mm of cellulose
acetate tow optionally adhered to the fibers using triacetin
plasticizer during the manufacturing process. As seen in FIG. 10,
the particle transfer for the flavorant-containing prototype is
similar to that of the reference and control cigarettes.
[0075] The methods described herein allow for the consumer to have
the option to adjust the flavor delivered from a cigarette from no
or passive flavor/fragrance delivery to a delivery condition that
includes the ability to have incrementally higher level of
flavor/fragrance delivery without deforming the fitter and
subsequently reducing the filtration efficiency. TAP deliveries
have been shown to be within typical variability among non-treated
replicates when measured using industry accepted protocols for each
of the non-limiting examples presented.
[0076] The effectiveness of this method and composition to deliver
variable total menthol from a cigarette filter as compared to
conventional menthol technologies and other flavor delivery
technologies is illustrated in FIG. 11. The graph of FIG. 11 shows
example results of applied rolling pressure on the total release of
menthol from a cigarette constructed with an embodiment of the
filter technology described herein. The data illustrate the
quantitative effect of increased rolling pressure on the total
menthol release from the flavor containing filter. As shown at
1104, as the rolling pressure increases on the filter, the quantity
of total menthol delivered per cigarette increases proportionally,
in accordance with principles of the present invention. In
addition, when the flavor containing filter is subjected to direct,
non-rolling pressure (normal force), as shown at 1106, no
additional flavorant is released, further demonstrating the utility
of the rolling under slight pressure. In conventional flavor
delivery methods, as shown at 1108, the amount of flavor delivered
when pressure is applied is substantially the same as when no
pressure is applied. Moreover, as shown at 1110, in one prior art
flavor deliver method, once a flavor particle has been crushed, the
amount of flavor delivered remains substantially constant
irrespective of the number of rolls applied to the filter. To that
end, it is not possible to increase or alter the total flavor
delivery from cigarettes constructed and fabricated using
traditional or other prior art methods to apply flavorants to the
tobacco. In those methods, the flavor cannot be altered or varied
once the "flavor bead" has been broken, nor does rolling under
pressure method, described herein, alter the total delivered
menthol from the cigarettes in either case.
[0077] While FIG. 11 shows, at 1102 for example, that some
flavorant is delivered when no rolling pressure is applied,
encapsulated flavorant compositions can be formulated to only
release flavorants upon rolling the filter under pressure, thus
providing a non-flavorant, variable flavorant delivery experience
during smoking.
[0078] It was discovered that on a puff by puff basis, the increase
in delivery of flavor changes after rolling the filter under
pressure as described. For example, rotting under pressure after
the third puff increased the flavor delivery by approximately 5
times during the subsequent puff FIG. 12 shows a series of samples
for which the filters were rolled under the same amount of pressure
by hand at different points during the smoking of the cigarette.
The data indicate that each puff can be customized to preference.
The magnitude of the increase is proportional to the amount of
pressure applied and number of rolls according to the method
described. This function allows for improved and/or changeable puff
by puff balance based on consumer preference for the cigarette. The
consumer experience might be largely based on the puff by puff
delivery of flavor not a total delivery of flavor per cigarette,
wherein the disclosed invention has the utility of delivering
improved taste experience as compared to static flavor delivery
technology. Furthermore, when applying a similar amount of pressure
and number of rolls, the total delivery of menthol is similar per
cigarette. In the example below, the total delivered menthol from
each cigarette was within 12%.
[0079] FIG. 13a demonstrates that the present invention is
compatible with other active cigarette components such as foil
plugwrap (FP) and a filter adsorbent. In addition, FIG. 13b shows
that use of the rolling while applying pressure method does not
interfere with the adsorbent performance for mainstream smoke
carbonyl yield reductions. The "combo" filter design has separate
filter segments for flavor and absorbent material and the "hybrid"
filter design has a filter segment containing both flavor and
absorbent material.
[0080] In one aspect of the present invention, the flavor delivery
material can be deposited on the filter fibers or incorporated
into/on the plug wrap or tipping paper. It can be embedded in the
paper or two fibers. The additive particles can be coated onto
other filter additives such as adsorbent particles or tobacco, etc.
in the filter. The mode of flavor delivery in this case relies on
the rubbing pressure and friction between the cellulose acetate
filter and the plug wrap and/or friction between flavor particles
to fracture particles and release the flavor. Conversely, in the
case of a bi-layer configuration as shown in FIG. 2, the layers can
delaminate under rolling pressure causing the encapsulant to
rupture and release the flavorant. The graph in FIG. 14
demonstrates the utility of depositing encapsulated powders in the
filter fibers or as a coating on the plugwrap under equivalent
rolling pressure and number of rolls. Section 1402 shows
encapsulated flavorant powder incorporated into the cellulose
acetate filter (on the tow fibers) and rolled under pressure to
varying degrees. Section 1404 shows encapsulated flavorant power
incorporated into the cellulose acetate filter (on the plugwrap)
and rolled under pressure to varying degrees.
[0081] Deposition of encapsulated flavor materials in or on the
surface substrates that can be incorporated into the plug wrap have
the added benefit of not loading the actual filter tow with a
finely divided material, and thus avoiding potential manufacturing
difficulties or undesirable effects on the filter performance, such
as pressure drop.
[0082] Likewise, sufficiently large encapsulant particles do not
function in the preferable manner as smatter particle/agglomerate
sizes, as large particles alter the function of the fitters by
causing non uniform pressure drop in the filter. Thus smoke will
tend to flow around the lower pressure drop regions of the filter
that do not contain added encapsulates. As noted in FIG. 14, the
ability of a friable encapsulant material to release flavorants
under rolling pressure (induced friction) can be evaluated and
estimated by incorporating candidates into the plug wrap. Under
those conditions, the impact on physical characteristics can be
estimated and/or controlled.
[0083] FIG. 15 illustrates the effect of particle size and
agglomeration, and particle hardness on menthol released from
cigarettes equipped with the novel flavor delivery system disclosed
herein. Data indicate that an optimal, preferable primary particle
size, aggregatesize, and agglomeration size exist with respect to
the physical nature of the filter material. For example, effective
menthol release was observed using finely divided non-agglomerated
encapsulated powders as compared to agglomerated powder under the
same conditions.
[0084] Likewise, the physical nature of the flavor containing
material must not impact or alter the overall intended function of
the filter (i.e. delivery of total particular material, air
dilution, etc.). Material F provided no response to the rolling
while applying pressure technique as it is a material very similar
in characteristics to the those beads used in cigarettes
implementing a crushing technique, such as is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,836,895. This material responds to pressure at much
greater forces than applied in practice of this invention. The
beads were not crushed prior rolling and did not release any flavor
under the rolling while applying pressure technique.
[0085] In one aspect of the present invention, a finely divided
powder containing the payload is incorporated in the filter tow or
inside of the plugwrap or tipping paper. The user can hold the
cigarette by the filter and firmly roll the filter between his
fingers. Few and/or more gentle rolls will produce less release of
flavor than more and/or stronger rolls.
[0086] In another aspect of the present invention, agglomerated
powder or larger size non-agglomerated particles is incorporated
with or without a shell coating. This provides for no-release (off)
if the treatment were not applied and more varied formulations for
control can allow for quick decrease in the amount of flavor
released if a person doesn't roll the cigarette again (for dial
down of flavor).
[0087] It will be understood that the present invention is not
limited to application with cigarettes, but may be used with any
type of smoking article, as well as electronic cigarettes.
[0088] Furthermore, it will be understood that the basic concept of
friction-release of fragrance/flavor/odor complexing agents is
applicable to non-cigarette applications such as use in shoe
inserts, carpet fresh, massage lotion, upholstery fabric, etc.
[0089] While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary
embodiments, those skilled in the art wilt recognize that the
invention can be practiced with modifications the spirit and scope
of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely
illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all
possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the
invention.
* * * * *