U.S. patent application number 15/385081 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-13 for smoking article.
The applicant listed for this patent is British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited. Invention is credited to Philip Russell FAWCUS, Karl KALJURA.
Application Number | 20170099870 15/385081 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47294347 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170099870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KALJURA; Karl ; et
al. |
April 13, 2017 |
SMOKING ARTICLE
Abstract
A smoking article comprising one or more rod articles, an inner
layer extending around the rod articles, and an outer layer
extending around the inner layer. The inner and outer layers are
integrally formed. The outer layer comprises a selection portion
configured to move over an underlying part of the inner layer to
select a property of the smoking article.
Inventors: |
KALJURA; Karl; (London,
GB) ; FAWCUS; Philip Russell; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
47294347 |
Appl. No.: |
15/385081 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14429678 |
Mar 19, 2015 |
9532595 |
|
|
PCT/GB2013/052534 |
Sep 30, 2013 |
|
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15385081 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24D 1/027 20130101;
A24D 3/043 20130101; A24D 3/041 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24D 1/02 20060101
A24D001/02; A24D 3/04 20060101 A24D003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 5, 2012 |
GB |
1217893.5 |
Claims
1.-22. (canceled)
23. A smoking article comprising: one or more rod articles, an
inner layer extending around the rod articles, an outer layer
extending around the inner layer, the smoking article comprises a
limiter to limit movement between the inner layer and the outer
layer, and the limiter comprises a slot defined by one of the inner
and outer layers, and a limiter element moveable within the slot to
limit movement, the smoking article further comprising a
ventilation area defined by the other of the inner and outer layers
from the layer defining the slot, wherein the ventilation area is
movable relative to the slot, such that an area of overlap of the
slot and ventilation area controls a ventilation of the smoking
article.
24. The smoking article as claimed in claim 23 wherein a portion of
the outer layer is frangibly connected to a further part of the
outer layer and/or the underlying part of the inner layer is
frangibly connected to a further part of the inner layer.
25. The smoking article as claimed in claim 23, wherein the outer
layer, and optionally also the inner layer, comprises a forward
part and a rearward part longitudinally rearward of the forward
part.
26. The smoking article as claimed in claim 25, wherein the outer
layer comprises a selection portion configured to move over an
underlying part of the inner layer to select a property of the
smoking article and wherein the selection portion is at an
interface between the forward and rearward parts.
27. The smoking article as claimed in claim 26, wherein the forward
part is frangibly connected to the rearward part and configured to
detach from the rearward part on application of a force.
28. The smoking article as claimed in claim 23, comprising an
indexing mechanism configured for indexing movement between the
outer layer and a said rod article.
29. A smoking article assembly for forming two smoking articles,
comprising: rod articles for forming the smoking articles, an inner
layer extending around the rod articles, an outer layer extending
around the inner layer, and a limiter for each smoking article to
limit movement between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein
the limiters each comprise a slot defined by one of the inner and
outer layers, and a limiter element moveable within the slot to
limit movement, the smoking article assembly further comprising a
ventilation area for each smoking article defined by the other of
the inner and outer layers from the layer defining the slots,
wherein each ventilation area is movable relative to one of the
slots, such that an area of overlap of the slot and ventilation
area controls a ventilation of the smoking article, and wherein the
smoking article assembly is configured to be cut into two separate
smoking articles.
30. The smoking article assembly as claimed in claim 29, wherein
the limiter elements are each initially at an end of a slot and
arranged such that the two smoking articles are rotatable in a same
sense on the two separated smoking articles.
31. A blank for wrapping around one or more rod articles to form a
smoking article, the blank comprising: a first area for forming an
inner layer extending around the rod articles, a second area for
forming an outer layer extending around the inner layer, and
wherein one of the first and second areas defines a slot and a
limiter element, and the other of the first and second areas
defines a ventilation area, wherein, when the blank is wrapped
around one or more rod articles to form a smoking article, the
limiter element is moveable within the slot to limit movement and
the ventilation area is movable relative to the slot, such that an
area of overlap of the slot and ventilation area controls a
ventilation of the smoking article.
32. The blank as claimed in claim 31, wherein the blank is
configured to wrap around rod articles to form two smoking
articles, wherein the one of the first and second areas defining a
slot and a limiter element defines a slot and a limiter element for
each of the two smoking articles and the other of the first and
second areas defining a ventilation area, defines a ventilation
area for each of the two smoking articles, and wherein the blank is
configured to be cut into two sections for two separate smoking
articles.
33. The blank as claimed in claim 32, wherein the first area
comprises a selection portion for each smoking article and wherein
the limiter couples the selection portion of each smoking article
to the underlying part of the inner layer, and the limiter of each
smoking article is configured such that the selection portion of
each of the two smoking articles is rotatable in a same sense on
the two separated smoking articles.
34. The blank as claimed in claim 33, wherein the limiter element
is initially at an end of each slot and arranged such that the two
smoking articles are rotatable in a same sense on the two separated
smoking articles.
35. A method of manufacturing a smoking article comprising:
providing one or more rod articles, wrapping a blank around the rod
articles, wherein the blank is wrapped to form an inner layer
extending around the rod articles, and the blank is further wrapped
to form an outer layer extending around the inner layer, wherein
the blank defines a slot and a limiter element on one of the inner
and outer layers, and a ventilation area on the other of the inner
and outer layers, wherein an area of overlap of the slot and
ventilation area controls a ventilation of the smoking article.
36. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein providing one or
more rod articles comprises providing rod articles for forming two
smoking articles, wherein the blank defines a slot, a limiter
element and a ventilation area for each smoking article, and the
method further comprises cutting the wrapped blank to form two
separate smoking articles.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a smoking article, a
smoking article assembly, a blank for forming a smoking article,
and a method of manufacturing a smoking article.
BACKGROUND
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,158 describes a smoking article in which
a ventilation can be modified by rotation of a part of the smoking
article.
SUMMARY
[0003] An embodiment of the invention provides, in a first aspect,
a smoking article comprising: one or more rod articles, an inner
layer extending around the rod articles, an outer layer extending
around the inner layer, wherein the inner and outer layers are
integrally formed, and wherein the outer layer comprises a
selection portion configured to move relative to an underlying part
of the inner layer to select a property of the smoking article.
[0004] An embodiment of the invention provides, in a second aspect,
a smoking article assembly for forming two smoking articles,
comprising: rod articles for forming the smoking articles, an inner
layer extending around the rod articles, an outer layer extending
around the inner layer, wherein the inner and outer layers are
integrally formed, and wherein the outer layer comprises a
selection portion for each smoking article configured to move over
an underlying part of the inner layer to select a property of the
smoking article, and wherein the smoking article assembly is
configured to be cut into two separate smoking articles.
[0005] An embodiment of the invention provides, in a third aspect,
a blank for wrapping around one or more rod articles to form a
smoking article, the blank comprising: a first area for forming an
inner layer extending around the rod articles, a second area for
forming an outer layer extending around the inner layer, wherein
the first and second areas are integrally formed, and wherein the
second area defines a selection portion configured to move over an
underlying part of the inner layer to select a property of the
smoking article.
[0006] An embodiment of the invention provides, in a fourth aspect,
a method of manufacturing a smoking article comprising:providing
one or more rod articles, wrapping a blank around the rod articles,
wherein the blank is wrapped to form an inner layer extending
around the rod articles, and the blank is further wrapped to form
an outer layer extending around the inner layer such that the inner
and outer layers are integrally formed, wherein the outer layer
comprises a selection portion configured to move over an underlying
part of the inner layer to select a property of the smoking
article.
[0007] An embodiment of the invention provides, in a fifth aspect,
a smoking comprising: one or more rod articles, an inner layer
extending around the rod articles, an outer layer extending around
the inner layer, the smoking article comprises a limiter to limit
movement between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the
limiter comprises a slot defined by one of the inner and outer
layers, and a limiter element moveable within the slot to limit
movement, the smoking article further comprising a ventilation area
defined by the other of the inner and outer layers from the layer
defining the slot, wherein the ventilation area is movable relative
to the slot, such that an area of overlap of the slot and
ventilation area controls a ventilation of the smoking article.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal cross-section of a smoking
article according to the invention,
[0010] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank according to a first
embodiment of the blank,
[0011] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank according to a second
embodiment of the blank, and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a blank according to a third
embodiment of the blank.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] As used herein, the term "smoking article" includes
smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos
whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,
reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not-burn
products (i.e. products in which flavour is generated from a
smoking material by the application of heat without causing
combustion of the material).
[0014] A smoking article formed by an embodiment of the apparatus
or method comprises an elongate source of smokable material. In
particular, the smokable material is tobacco, and is arranged in a
cylindrical tobacco rod. One or more filters or filter sections are
attached to the tobacco rod. The filter or filter sections define a
longitudinal axis, which is common to a longitudinal axis of the
tobacco rod. As used herein, the term "component of a smoking
article" includes any component part of a smoking article such as a
tobacco rod, filter, filter section, or a combination of these. One
or more components of the smoking article are circumscribed by a
wrap. The wrap can have the function of one or more of: connecting
two components, providing structural support to one or more
components, allowing movement relative to another part of the
smoking article to control a property of the smoking article (e.g.
ventilation), or any other function.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary smoking article 100, which may be
manufactured according to an embodiment of the apparatus or method.
This smoking article is merely an example, and the apparatus and
method may be used in the manufacture of different types of smoking
articles having a first wrapped layer, and a second wrapped layer
circumscribing the first wrapped layer.
[0016] The smoking article 100 comprises a first part comprising a
source of smokable material 111. In this example, the smokable
material is tobacco, in the form of a tobacco rod. The smoking
article 100 further comprises one or more filter sections attached
to the source of smokable material in. The exemplary smoking
article comprises a part movable to select a property of the
smoking article e.g. a ventilation level. In this example, the
movement is a rotation. In some implementations, the smoking
article optionally comprises a limiter (limiting mechanism),
configured to limit movement to a pre-determined range.
[0017] The smoking article comprises a first filter section 112 and
a second filter section 114. The first filter section 112 is
attached to the source of smokable material to form a single unit.
The tobacco rod and first filter section 112 may be connected with
a covering layer to affix the first filter section 112 to the
tobacco rod, for example formed of sheet material, e.g. tipping
paper, as is known. The tobacco rod and first filter section are
referred to as a first part of the smoking article, or as a tobacco
unit. The elongate tobacco rod and first filter section define a
longitudinal axis of the smoking article. A downstream (or
rearward) direction is defined towards a mouth end of the smoking
article. An upstream (or forward) direction is defined towards a
lighting end, or tobacco rod, of the smoking article.
[0018] A second part of the smoking article comprises the second
filter section 114. The second filter section 114 is co-axial with
the first filter section 112, and is located rearwardly of the
first filter section 112. The tobacco rod, first filter section 112
and second filter section 114 can be considered as examples of rod
articles no or a "core" of the smoking article, around which an
inner wrap and an outer wrap are wrapped. The smoking article may
be formed with one or more rod articles.
[0019] The first and/or second filter sections 112,114 may be made
of a conventional filtration material, e.g. cellulose acetate tow.
The first and/or second filter sections 112,114 further comprises a
sheet material, for example paper, e.g. plugwrap, which is wrapped
around the filtration material. The filtration material and
surrounding wrapped sheet material forms an example of a rod
article. The inner and outer wraps described are separate and
additional to the sheet material wrapped directly around the
filtration material or tobacco material, and forming the filter
rods or tobacco rod. The first filter section 112 is separate to
the second filter section 114, separated at an interface 128.
[0020] The smoking article 100 comprises an inner wrap 113, in the
form of a sleeve. The inner wrap 113 is a cylindrical tube,
extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 111, first
filter section 112 and/or second filter section 114. The inner wrap
113 is formed from a first blank of sheet material. The inner wrap
113 forms part of the second part of the smoking article. The
tobacco rod and first filter section are dimensioned to rotate as a
unit around a longitudinal axis within the inner wrap 113. The
inner wrap is also termed the inner layer.
[0021] The inner wrap is optionally formed with a separation line
136 which extends substantially circumferentially. The separation
line 136 is a frangible connection, for example, in the form of a
perforation line. The material of the inner wrap is configured to
easily break along the separation line 136 into a rearward part
113a and a forward part 113b to allow relative rotation of the
first and second parts of the smoking article. Once the separation
line 136 broken, a first interface 120 is formed between the
rearward part 113a and forward part 113b.
[0022] The smoking article 100 further comprises an outer wrap 125.
The outer wrap 125 extends around the circumference of the inner
wrap 113. The outer wrap 125 is in the form of a cylindrical tube.
The outer wrap 125 is formed from a second blank of sheet material.
The outer wrap 125 forms part of the first part of the smoking
article. The outer wrap is also termed the outer layer.
[0023] In some embodiments, the material forming the outer wrap 125
includes a separation line 138, which extends substantially
circumferentially. The material of the outer wrap 125 comprises a
frangible connection, which is configured to easily break along the
separation line 138 into a forward part 125a and a rearward part
125b. The forward part 125a is affixed to the first part of the
smoking article, and may be a component of the first part of the
smoking article which is rotatable relative to the second part as
described for the outer wrap 125 above. Once the separation line
138 broken, a second interface 14 is formed between the rearward
part 125b and forward part 125a.
[0024] The rearward part 113a may be affixed to the second filter
114 by a first connection area 150. The forward part 113b may be
affixed to the first filter 112 and/or tobacco rod ii by a second
connection area 152.
[0025] The forward part 125a may be affixed to the first part of
the smoking article by a third connection area 154. In particular,
the third connection area 154 may connect the forward part 125a of
the outer wrap 125 to the forward part 113b of the inner wrap 113.
The rearward part 125b of the outer wrap may be affixed to the
inner wrap 113 by a fourth connection area 156.
[0026] The first, second, third and fourth connection areas
150,152,154,156 comprise adhesive to adhere the adjacent layers
together. In some aspects, the inner and outer wraps comprise one
or more further areas of adhesive to connect the inner and outer
wraps and/or inner wrap and rod articles.
[0027] The smoking article may comprise a ventilation system (not
shown) configured to allow adjustment of a ventilation of the
smoking article. The ventilation system may include one or more
ventilation areas, which in turn include ventilation apertures
and/or air permeable material, in one or each of the first part and
second part. For example, when ventilation areas in the inner layer
and/or outer layer of sheet material around the first and/or second
filter sections are aligned or overlap, air can flow into the body
of the first and/or second filter section. The ventilation is
selected by selecting a position of the second part relative to the
first part to determine an amount of overlap of the ventilation
areas.
[0028] The embodiment described is an example only of a smoking
article having an inner layer and an outer layer around one or more
rod articles. The inner and/or outer layers may be configured
differently, with less or more separation lines or adhesive areas.
The outer wrap is at least partially arranged around the inner
wrap, such that at least part of the inner wrap is radially within
the outer wrap. The inner and outer wraps are generally tubular,
and in particular, cylindrical.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a blank 200 for forming a smoking article. The
blank 200 forms the inner layer 113 and the outer layer 125 of the
smoking article 100. The blank 200 is wrapped twice around the rod
articles, such that the inner layer and outer layer are integrally
formed, as will be explained.
[0030] The blank 200 comprises an inner layer area 213, or a first
area, arranged to form the inner layer of a smoking article. An
edge 236 of the blank is arranged to be attached to the one or more
rod articles, and wrapped around to circumscribe the rod articles.
As shown, the vertical edge 236 at the right is aligned with a
longitudinal axis of the rod articles, and attached to the rod
articles. The inner layer area 213 has a length to extend around
the whole circumference of the rod articles. The length of the
inner layer area is shown as the length extending horizontally from
the edge 236 to the line 242. The line 242 is merely for
illustration, and the blank is not broken or perforated along the
line 242.
[0031] The blank 200 further comprises an outer layer area 225, or
a second area, arranged to form the outer layer of the smoking
article. The outer layer extends around the inner layer, and hence
also around the rod articles. The outer layer area extends from the
line 242 to the edge 239 of the blank, which is at an opposite end
of the blank to the edge 236. The outer layer area 225 has a length
to extend around the whole circumference of the rod articles and
inner layer.
[0032] The inner layer area 213 and outer layer area 225 are
integrally formed on the blank. Thus, the inner and outer layers
are integrally formed. The blank is arranged to be wrapped twice
around the rod articles to form the inner and outer wraps.
[0033] The outer layer area 225, and optionally the inner layer
area 213 also, is configured to define a forward part 230 and a
rearward part 232. In particular, both inner layer area and outer
layer area define a forward part 230 and a rearward part 232. The
blank 200 is arranged to split both the inner layer area and the
outer layer area into a forward part and a rearward part, which are
rotatable relative to each other in the smoking article.
[0034] The blank 200 comprises a portion 240 which is a part of,
i.e. integrally formed with, the forward part of the outer layer.
The portion 240 is termed a selection portion 240 for convenience.
The selection portion 240 is configured to rotate over the inner
layer. The selection portion 240 defines an outer interface 238
between the forward and rearward parts of the outer layer 225. The
further boundaries of the selection portion 240 are defined
below.
[0035] The blank 200 further defines an inner interface 237 between
the forward and rearward parts 230,232 of the inner layer 213. The
inner interface 237 and outer interface 238 each extend
substantially circumferentially when the blank 200 is wrapped
around the rod articles. The inner interface 237 is longitudinally
spaced from the outer interface 238, and in particular, is forward
of the outer interface 238. The inner wrap area 213 underlying the
selection portion 240 is a part of, i.e. integrally formed with,
the rearward part 232.
[0036] The inner and outer interfaces 237,238 are connected by a
selection portion interface 260. The selection portion interface
260 extends substantially longitudinally (when wrapped) between the
inner interface and the outer interface. The selection portion
interface 260 forms a break substantially between the inner and
outer layer, such that the inner and outer layer are separable over
the longitudinal extent of the selection portion interface 260.
Thus, the selection portion 240 of the outer layer is rotatable
directly over an underlying area 262 of the inner layer. The inner
and outer layers forward and/or rearward of the selection portion
remain integrally formed. The selection portion 240 extends
longitudinally over the longitudinal extent of the selection
portion interface 260. A longitudinally forward edge of the
selection portion 240 is illustrated by a circumferential line 264
between edge 239 and the selection portion interface 260. The
selection portion 260 is integral with the blank 200 forward of the
line 264, and the line 264 is for illustration purposes only and
does not represent a feature of the blank 200.
[0037] The selection portion interface 260 is located on the outer
layer, adjacent and spaced from the inner layer. The underlying
area 262 extends around the whole circumference of the rod
articles. Additionally, the underlying area 262 extends a short
distance as the outer wrap, between the line 242 and the selection
portion interface 260. The outer wrap of the underlying area is
affixed (e.g. by adhesive) to the overlapping underlying layer.
This overlap secures the underlying area 262 as a cylinder around
the rod articles. The underlying area 262 is defined as the
integral part of the inner wrap which underlies the selection
portion 240, i.e. aligned and having the same longitudinal extent
as the selection portion interface 260.
[0038] The outer wrap 225, including the selection portion 240,
extends around the whole circumference of the inner wrap. In
addition, the outer wrap 225 and selection portion 240 extend
further circumferentially to form an overlap, affixed to the
overlapped selection portion to secure the outer wrap 225 and
selection portion as a cylinder.
[0039] The inner interface 237, outer interface 238 and selection
portion interface 260 are configured to be formed in the single
piece of sheet material forming the blank 200. The blank 200 is
configured such that the forward and rearward parts 230,232 are
initially connected. The inner interface 237, outer interface 238
and selection portion interface 260 initially are not separated by
a break in the blank 200. The blank 200 is configured to separate
on application of a force, e.g. preferentially break along the
inner interface, outer interface and selection portion interface
260. In particular, the inner interface 237, outer interface 238
and selection portion interface 260 are formed by a frangible
connection in the sheet material. For example, the frangible
connection is a perforation line in the sheet material of the blank
200. The parts of the blank 200 are integrally formed, and
configured to separate along the frangible connections to form
separate forward and rearward parts when an external force is first
applied to rotate the selection portion.
[0040] The blank of any embodiment comprises a sheet material. The
sheet material can be formed of paper (e.g. tipping paper), or a
plastics or polymer material. In particular, the sheet material can
be regenerated cellulose or regenerated cellulose acetate. The
regenerated cellulose acetate can be cast regenerated cellulose
acetate. In some examples, the sheet material is a laminate of any
two (or more) materials. For example, the sheet material is a
laminate of any of paper (e.g. tipping paper), a plastics material,
polymer material, regenerated cellulose, regenerated cellulose
acetate, or cast regenerated cellulose film. In particular, the
sheet material is a laminate of paper and regenerated cellulose.
Any sheet material of the smoking article can comprise any of the
types of sheet material described.
[0041] The smoking article may optionally comprise a limiter
(limiting mechanism) configured to limit movement between the first
and second parts of the smoking article when assembled, i.e. limit
rotational movement of the selection portion 240. The limiting
mechanism is configured to limit rotation to a pre-determined
range. In some embodiments, the pre-determined range of rotation
may be through an angle of from about 90 to 180 degrees, and can
be, for example, approximately 120 degrees. The limiting mechanism
can limit rotation between a position in which the first and second
ventilation areas have no overlap, and a further position in which
the first and second ventilation areas are in full overlap.
[0042] The limiting mechanism comprises engaging parts on the inner
wrap 213 and outer wrap 225, which engage between the inner wrap
213 and outer wrap 225. Thus, the limiting mechanism is configured
to limit movement between the first and second parts of the smoking
article to a predetermined range, which in some examples is by
limiting movement between the inner wrap 213 and outer wrap
225.
[0043] The limiting mechanism comprises a first contact surface
270a and a second contact surface 270b. The first contact surface
270a and second contact surface 270b are configured to engage with
a stop 272 to limit the range of movement in a first and second
direction respectively. The first and second contact surfaces 270a,
270b are at opposite ends of a window or slot 271. The slot 271 is
formed as a cut-out from the blank 200, in the inner layer area
213. The slot 271 is an aperture in the material of the inner
layer.
[0044] The stop 272 is attached to one or more of the outer wrap
area 225 and rod articles no, when the blank 200 is wrapped around
the rod articles. The stop 272 is moveable within the slot 271 to
limit movement between the first and second parts of the smoking
article (forward and rearward parts 230,232 of the blank 200). The
first contact surface 270a and the second contact surface 270b are
circumferentially spaced to limit rotation, i.e. the slot 271
extends circumferentially. In some examples, the stop 272 and first
and second contact surfaces 270a, 270b have engaging edges which
are complementary, i.e. match to engage simultaneously across their
width. For example, the first and second contact surfaces 270a,
270b and engaging edges of the stop 272 extend perpendicularly to
the axis of the slot 271, i.e. parallel to the axis of the smoking
article. The stop 272 may have a substantially square or
rectangular area.
[0045] In the example shown, the slot 271 is in the form of an
aperture extending circumferentially through the sheet material of
the inner layer area 213 of the blank 200, which when wrapped,
overlies the first filter section 112.
[0046] The selection portion 240 is configured to move relative to
the underlying area 262 to control a property of the smoking
article. In some aspects, the selection portion 240 is rotatable
relative to the underlying part, around a longitudinal axis of the
rod articles. The property controlled is a ventilation of the
smoking article. For example, the rotational position of the
selection portion controls an area of one or more ventilation area
or aperture 280 which are aligned with a further ventilation area
or aperture to allow ingress of ventilating air. In particular, the
aperture 280 is selectively alignable with the slot 271 in the
inner layer area, in which the stop is movable. The ventilation
aperture 280 is variably covered by the underlying area 262 of the
inner layer to block the ventilation aperture 280, and prevent
ingress of air. The aperture 280 and the slot 271 are movable
relative to each other, and the amount of overlap of the aperture
280 and the slot 271 in the different layers determines the level
of ventilation. The aperture 271 has the dual function of providing
the first contact surface 270a and the second contact surface 270b
as part of the limiting mechanism, and also controls a level of
ventilation by allowing ventilating air through the inner layer
dependent on alignment with the second ventilation area 280.
[0047] The stop 272 is affixed to the outer layer, and does not
determine the level of ventilation. Optionally, an underlying rod
article comprises a further ventilation aperture or a porous outer
wrap. Alternatively or in addition, the selection portion controls
a different property of the smoking article, e.g. a flavourant
release.
[0048] In some examples, the stop 272 is affixed to an interior of
the outer wrap 125 when wrapped, which corresponds to the outer
wrap area 225. In particular, the stop is affixed to the selection
portion 240. The stop 272 forms a protrusion, extending radially
into the slot 271.
[0049] In some examples, the stop 272 is initially formed as a part
of one of the inner wrap area 213, outer wrap area 225 or rod
articles. In particular, the stop 272 is initially formed as part
of, i.e. integrally formed with, the inner wrap area 213. The area
of sheet material of the blank 200 for forming the stop 272 is
separable from the remainder of the blank 200 along a separation
line 275, for example, by perforations formed in the material of
the blank 200. The slot 271 is formed adjacent the area of sheet
material for forming the stop 272, in the same one of the inner
layer or outer layer in which the stop 272 is formed. The area of
sheet material of the inner wrap for forming the stop may be
affixed to one or more adjacent layers, in particular, to one or
both of the outer layer or tobacco unit. For example, the stop 272
may be affixed to the adjacent layer(s) by adhesive. The stop 272
is formed from the same layer of material as the slot and first and
second contact surfaces, i.e. the same one of the inner wrap area
213, outer wrap area 225 or rod articles. On an initial movement
between the inner and outer wraps of the smoking article, the area
of sheet material forming the stop 272 is urged towards the slot
271, separating that area of sheet material from the remainder of
the inner wrap, and forming a distinct movable stop 272.
[0050] The first contact surface 270a is initially formed as an
edge of the slot 271. The second contact surface 270b is defined by
the separation line 275. The stop 272 is formed with edges which
are complementary to the first and second contact surfaces 270a,
270b, for example, having rounded edges as shown.
[0051] Alternatively, the slot 271 is formed in the outer layer
area 225. The stop 272 is also formed in the outer layer area 225,
and affixed to the inner layer area when the blank is wrapped
around the rod articles. Generally, the slot 271 can be formed in
either of the inner or outer layers to limit movement of the inner
layer relative to the outer layer. This applies to the limiter of
any embodiment.
[0052] The smoking article further comprises an indexer (indexing
mechanism) configured to provide for indexing of movement of the
selection portion 240 relative to the underlying area 262. One or
more pawls (not shown) are affixed to an interior surface of the
inner layer area during manufacture, in particular, to part of the
inner layer area movable relative to the selection portion, e.g.
forward part 332b. The pawl is one or more upstanding protrusions
arranged to releasably engage with a plurality of discrete features
to form the indexer. The pawl is configured to engage with features
(e.g. ridges) on an exterior of the rod articles, to provide
indexing on rotation between the inner wrap and at least one of the
rod articles, in particular, the first filter section 112.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank 300 according to a second
embodiment of the invention. The blank 300 is configured to form an
inner layer and an outer layer for a plurality of smoking articles,
in particular, two smoking articles. The blank 300 is arranged to
be cut along a cut line 350 to split the blank into a first section
301 and a second section 302, one section for each smoking article.
Each of the sections 301,302 has the functions described above.
[0054] The blank 300 forms the inner layer 113 and the outer layer
125 of the smoking article 100. The blank 300 is wrapped twice
around the rod articles, such that the inner layer and outer layer
are integrally formed, as described above.
[0055] The blank 300 comprises an inner layer area 313, or first
area, arranged to form the inner layer of the two smoking articles.
An edge 236 of the blank is arranged to be attached to the one or
more rod, as described above. The length of the inner layer area
313 is shown as the length extending horizontally (relating to a
circumferential extent) from the edge 236 to a line 242, as
described above.
[0056] The blank 300 further comprises an outer layer area 325, or
second area, arranged to form the outer layer of the smoking
articles. The outer layer area 325 extends from the line 242 to an
edge 239 of the blank, as described above. The inner layer area 313
and outer layer area 325 are integrally formed on the blank 300, as
described above.
[0057] The outer layer, and optionally the inner layer also, is
configured to define a forward part 330a,330b on the first and
second sections respectively, and a rearward part 332a,332b on the
first and second sections respectively. In particular, both inner
layer and outer layer define a forward part and a rearward part, on
each of the first and second sections 301,302. The blank 300 is
arranged to split both the inner layer area and the outer layer
area into the forward parts 330a,330b and the rearward parts 332a,
332b.
[0058] The rearward parts 332a,332b of the first and second
sections 301,302 of the blank are adjacent. As such, the rearward,
or mouth end, of the smoking articles are formed together. In
particular, a rod article wrapped by the blank at the rearward end
of the smoking articles is a filter rod. In some examples, a single
filter rod is wrapped by both the first and second sections 301,302
of the smoking article.
[0059] The blank 300 comprises a first selection portion 340a on
the first section 301, and a second selection portion 340b on the
second section 302. The blank 300 is configured such that at least
the first and second selection portions 340a,340b of the outer
layer rotate over the inner layer, on the first and second sections
respectively. The selection portions 340a,340b are integrally
formed with the forward parts of the outer layer. The selection
portions 340a, 340b define a radially outer interface 338a, 338b
between the forward and rearward parts of the outer layer, for each
section 301,302 of the blank. The selection portions 340a,340b are
configured to move over an underlying part 362a, 362b of the inner
layer 313 to select a property of the smoking article. The outer
interfaces 338a, 338b correspond to the second interface 140, as
described above.
[0060] The blank 300 further defines radially inner interfaces
337a, 337b between the forward and rearward parts of the inner
layer, on the first and second sections respectively, as described
with respect to the first interface 120, substantially as described
above.
[0061] The inner and outer interface are connected by a first and
second selection portion interfaces 360a, 360b on the first and
second sections respectively, substantially as described above for
the selection portion interface 260.
[0062] The first selection portion interface 360a extends as a line
with substantially no width, e.g. extending longitudinally with
substantially zero circumferential extent. The first selection
portion interface 360a is a break between immediately adjacent
parts of the blank. The first selection portion interface 360a can
be formed as a frangible connection, e.g. a perforation line. The
first selection portion interface 360a allows movement of the first
selection portion to increase the extent of the first selection
portion interface 360a. The first selection portion interface 360a
does not allow movement in the opposite direction, since the
selection portion abuts against the adjacent part of the outer
layer also defining the first selection portion interface 360a.
[0063] The second selection portion interface 360b is a cut-out
area of the blank 300. The cut-out area is formed prior to wrapping
the blank around the rod articles. The cut-out area defines an
aperture in the material of the blank 300 prior to application of a
force to separate the further interfaces. The second selection
portion interface 360b is an area which extends circumferentially
(when wrapped) and longitudinally. In particular, the cut-out area
extends in two-dimensions. The area of the blank forming the second
selection portion interface 360b is removed from the blank 300. The
cut-out area can be rectangular as shown.
[0064] The circumferential extent of the second selection portion
interface 360b allows movement of the selection portion in a
direction which reduces the circumferential extent of the second
selection portion interface 360b. Thus, movement in both directions
is allowed by the second selection portion interface 360b. In
particular, the cut-out is arranged such that the selection portion
of each of the two smoking articles is rotatable in a same sense on
the two separated smoking articles. Thus, the direction of
operation of the two smoking articles is the same. The cut-out area
is configured to allow rotation of a portion of the outer layer
relative to the inner layer of the second section 302, in a
direction reducing the extent of the cut-out, over a range to
control a property of the smoking article. For example, a
functional range of movement of the second section 302 in a
direction reducing the extent of the cut-out is the same as a
functional range of the first section 301.
[0065] The blank 300 further comprises a limiter (limiting
mechanism) for each section, configured to limit rotational
movement of each selection portion. The limiter on each section
301,302 is substantially as described above, and can have any of
the features described above.
[0066] The first section 301 comprises a first engaging element 372
movable in a first slot 371 having ends 370a,370b. The area of
sheet material of the blank 300 for forming the stop 372 is
frangible connected, i.e. separable, from the remainder of the
blank 300 along a separation line 375. For example, the frangible
connection is by perforations formed in the material of the blank
300. The first engaging element 372 is initially at the end 370b of
the slot 371, shown as the right of the first slot. When wrapped
around the rod articles, the first engaging element 372 is
rotatable in an anti-clockwise direction from the initial position
along the first slot, as viewed from a mouth end of the smoking
article. This movement increases the extent of the first selection
portion interface 360a.
[0067] The second section 302 comprises a second engaging element
392 movable in a second slot 391 having ends 390a,390b. The slots
371,391 are apertures in the material of the inner layer. The area
of sheet material of the blank 300 for forming the stop 392 is
separable from the remainder of the blank 300 along a separation
line 395, for example, by perforations formed in the material of
the blank 300. The second engaging element 392 is initially at an
end of the second slot 390b, shown as the left of the second slot.
When wrapped around the rod articles, the second engaging element
392 is rotatable in an anti-clockwise direction from the initial
position along the second slot, as viewed from a mouth end of the
smoking article. This movement reduces the extent of the second
selection portion interface 360b.
[0068] The initial circumferential extent of the second selection
portion interface 390b allows initial movement of the second
engaging element 392 along the second slot 391 in the same
rotational sense (when wrapped) as the first engaging element 372
along the first slot 371. Thus, smoking articles formed using the
first section 301 of the blank and smoking articles formed using
the second section 302 of the blank function identically. The
cut-out at the second selection portion interface 390b provides for
manufacturing two smoking articles with a single blank which
function identically.
[0069] If both of the engaging elements are initially located at
the same end of the slot, i.e. the right as shown, movement of both
engaging elements increases the circumferential extent of the
selection portion interfaces. However, when the two smoking
articles are then separated, the movement of the first and second
engaging elements would be in different rotational senses.
[0070] The cut line 350 indicates the location along which an
external cutter (not shown) is arranged to cut during manufacture,
and does not indicate a feature on the blank 300. Alternatively,
the cut line 350 indicates a feature of the blank along which the
blank preferentially separates, e.g. a perforation line.
[0071] The smoking articles manufactured using the blank 300
further comprise an indexer (indexing mechanism) configured to
provide for indexing of movement of the selection portions, as
described above.
[0072] The property controlled is a ventilation of the smoking
article. For example, the rotational position of the selection
portion controls an area of one or more ventilation area or
aperture 380 which are aligned with a further ventilation area or
aperture to allow ingress of ventilating air. In particular, the
aperture 380 is selectively alignable with the slot 371,391 in the
inner layer area, in which the stop is movable. The ventilation
aperture 380 is variably covered by the underlying area 362a,b of
the inner layer to block the ventilation aperture 380, and prevent
ingress of air. The aperture 380 and the slot 371,391 are movable
relative to each other, and the amount of overlap of the aperture
380 and the slot 371,391 in the different layers determines the
level of ventilation. The stop 372,392 is affixed to the outer
layer, and does not determine the level of ventilation. Optionally,
an underlying rod article comprises a further ventilation aperture
or a porous outer wrap. Alternatively or in addition, the selection
portion controls a different property of the smoking article, e.g.
a flavourant release.
[0073] An initial ventilation is the same for the two smoking
articles produced from the blank 300. The ventilation areas
380,371;380,391 are arranged on the blank 300 such that an initial
ventilation with no relative movement between the parts of the
smoking article is the same. On relative movement between parts of
the smoking article, the ventilation areas 380,371;380,391 are
arranged on the blank 300 such that ventilation varies in the same
manner for the two smoking articles produced from the blank
300.
[0074] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a blank 400. The blank
400 is configured similarly to FIG. 3, and the same reference
numerals indicate the same features. The blank 400 defines a first
section 401 and a second section 402, each configured to form part
of separate smoking articles, as described with respect to FIG. 3.
The limiter is the same as described with respect to FIG. 3.
[0075] The blank 400 comprises a first and second selection portion
interface 460a,460b which have a circumferential extent when
wrapped. A first selection portion interface 460a extends both
circumferentially and longitudinally, and the second selection
portion interface 460b extends both circumferentially and
longitudinally. The first and second selection portion interface
460a,460b have substantially the same dimensions. The first and
second selection portion interface 460a,460b are cut-outs from the
blank material, as described above.
[0076] The dimensions of the first selection portion interface 460a
do not affect the functioning of the smoking articles compared to
the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3. In some examples, the
presence of identical selection portion interface 460a, 460b
assists in ensuring that tensions and forces on the blank material
are relatively uniform during manufacture.
[0077] During manufacture, the blank 200 is wrapped twice around
rod articles for forming one smoking article, or the blank 300,400
is wrapped twice around rod articles for forming two smoking
articles. The wrapping is carried substantially as described above.
After wrapping, the blank 300,400 is cut along the cut line 350 to
split the blank 300,400 into a section for each smoking article. In
some examples, a rod article extends longitudinally through the cut
line 350. The rod article is also cut into two separate sections,
one for each smoking article.
[0078] Any feature of any embodiment can be used in combination
with any other feature from any other embodiment. Details of a
feature more fully described in a different embodiment can be
incorporated into any other embodiment.
[0079] The cut-outs described can be formed by removing an area of
the sheet material by any method. Alternatively, the sheet material
can be formed initially with the cut-out. The cut-out refers to an
aperture in the sheet material, and does not imply a particular
method of manufacture.
[0080] The embodiments of the invention describe that the slot
271,371,391 of any embodiment has the dual function of limiting
rotation and providing ventilation when overlapping with a
ventilation area in an adjacent layer. A smoking article, blank or
smoking assembly can comprise features of the slot, limiter and/or
ventilation system independently of the integral inner and outer
layers or cut-out features described. In particular, any inner and
outer layer can comprise the slot, limiter and/or ventilation
system described. The inner and outer layers can be formed by
separate sections of sheet material, which are attached
independently to rod articles. Any further feature described can be
included in combination the slot, limiter and/or ventilation
system, independently of the integral inner and outer layers.
[0081] The movement of the selection portions relative to the
underlying layer has been described as a rotational movement.
Alternatively, the movement is a longitudinal movement, i.e. along
a longitudinal axis of the rod articles or smoking articles.
Alternatively, the movement is a combination of longitudinal and
rotational movement.
[0082] The limiter has been described as comprising a stop
integrally formed with the inner wrap. Alternatively, the stop
comprises a raised protrusion of any type, movable within a slot.
For example, the stop is formed by adhesive, forming a raised
protrusion. The stop extends radially outwardly from the rod
articles, into the slot of any embodiment. In some examples, the
stop is connected to both the outer wrap and the rod articles. In
an alternative arrangement, the stop extends through the slot in
the inner layer, and attaches to both radially adjacent layers,
i.e. to both the outer layer and the rod articles forming the first
part of the smoking article. The outer wrap and the rod articles
form a single unit, between which the inner wrap is rotatable. The
stop provides a connection between the outer wrap and the tobacco
unit. The stop may be formed only of adhesive, adhered to both the
outer wrap and the tobacco unit. The attachment of the stop to both
radially adjacent layers means that the stop cannot be moved out of
the slot, for example, by a radial deformation of the inner wrap
defining the slot. Alternatively, the slot is formed in the outer
wrap, and the stop movable within the slot is attached to the inner
wrap.
[0083] The smoking article has been described as the selection
portion moving over an underlying portion to select a property of
the smoking article. Alternatively, the underlying portion can be
considered as moving under, or relative to, the selection
portion.
[0084] In order to address various issues and advance the art, the
entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various
embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and
provide for superior smoking articles or manufacturing of smoking.
The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a
representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive
and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in
understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be
understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions,
features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are
not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by
the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that
other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made
without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure.
Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist
essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements,
components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the
disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but
which may be claimed in future.
* * * * *