U.S. patent application number 15/534162 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for a smoking article, a smoking article filter section and a method of manufacturing a smoking article.
The applicant listed for this patent is British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited. Invention is credited to Mark AUSTIN, Mark BAILEY, Lisa HARVEY, Karl KALJURA, Sydney TAVERN, Tina WHITTON.
Application Number | 20170360086 15/534162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54937250 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170360086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KALJURA; Karl ; et
al. |
December 21, 2017 |
A smoking article, a smoking article filter section and a method of
manufacturing a smoking article
Abstract
A smoking article and a method of manufacturing a smoking
article A smoking article has a filter section for receiving smoke
and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, a variable
ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable
level of ventilation into the filter section and a flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke
and/or other aerosol downstream of said ventilation
arrangement.
Inventors: |
KALJURA; Karl; (London,
GB) ; WHITTON; Tina; (London, GB) ; BAILEY;
Mark; (London, GB) ; TAVERN; Sydney; (London,
GB) ; HARVEY; Lisa; (London, GB) ; AUSTIN;
Mark; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
54937250 |
Appl. No.: |
15/534162 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 8, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2015/053761 |
371 Date: |
June 8, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24D 3/041 20130101;
A24D 3/066 20130101; A24D 3/063 20130101; A24D 3/061 20130101; A24D
3/048 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24D 3/04 20060101
A24D003/04; A24D 3/06 20060101 A24D003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 8, 2014 |
GB |
1421802.8 |
Jun 22, 2015 |
GB |
1510972.1 |
Claims
1. A smoking article comprising: a filter section comprising
filtration material arranged to filter smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article; a variable ventilation
arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of
ventilation into the filter section; and a flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
passing through the filtration material of the filter section at a
location in said smoke and/or other aerosol downstream of said
ventilation arrangement.
2. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour
source is configured to selectively release flavour to said smoke
and/or other aerosol.
3. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour
source comprises one or more capsules.
4. A smoking article according to claim 3, wherein said one or more
capsules each have a diameter of from 2 mm to 6 mm.
5. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour
source comprises at least one selected from plant material, a
thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow,
flavour impregnated particles and a sheet material comprising a
flavourant.
6. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the flavour
source is located within said filter section.
7. A smoking article according to claim 1, further comprising a
further ventilation arrangement configured to provide a level of
ventilation into the filter section which is not user
controllable.
8. A smoking article according to claim 7, wherein the level of
ventilation provided by said further variable ventilation
arrangement is within the range of from 5% to 50% of the volume of
smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article
passing through the filter section when said variable ventilation
is at its minimum level.
9. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said variable
ventilation arrangement provides ventilation which is user
controllable within a sub-range within the range of from 0% to 90%
of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said
smoking article passing through the filter section.
10. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said filter
section forms at least a component of a first part of the smoking
article and further comprising a second part movable relative to
the first part in order to control the level of ventilation
provided by the variable ventilation arrangement.
11. A smoking article according to claim 10, wherein said first or
second part comprises a sleeve configured to move relative to the
other of the first or second part to control the level of
ventilation provided by the variable ventilation arrangement.
12. A smoking article according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve is
rotatable with respect to the filter section, and the level of
ventilation is varied by altering an angular position of the sleeve
relative to the filter section.
13. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter
section comprises a first filter section having a length of 5 to 25
mm, the smoking article further comprising a second filter section
having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and the variable ventilation
arrangement provides ventilating air at a position between 6 and 20
mm from a mouth end of the smoking article.
14. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter
section comprises a first filter section and the smoking article
further comprises a second filter section, the first and second
filter sections forming a filter arrangement, and the second filter
section being located downstream of the first filter section; and
wherein a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the
second filter section is lower than a resistance to gaseous flow
through the length of the first filter section; and the resistance
to gaseous flow through the length of the filter arrangement
remains substantially constant as the level of ventilation is
varied.
15. A smoking article according to claim 14, wherein the first and
second filter sections comprise tow filaments, and the first filter
section differs from the second filter section by one or more of:
tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume, cross-section
of tow filaments and degree of crimping.
16. A smoking article according to claim 14, wherein the second
filter section comprises at least one air passage extending
longitudinally through the length thereof
17. A smoking article according to claim 16, wherein the second
filter section comprises fibrous filtration material formed having
an annular cross section.
18. A smoking article according to claim 17, wherein the second
filter section comprises a tube of fibrous filtration material and
the air passage extends along a central longitudinal axis through
the length of the second filter section.
19. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the flavour
source comprises a flavour additive release component configured to
release a plurality of discrete deliveries of flavour additive.
20. A smoking article according to claim 19, wherein the flavour
additive release component comprises an open cell structure which
comprises the flavour additive and is at least partially surrounded
by an additive-impermeable layer.
21. A smoking article according to claim 20, further comprising an
encapsulating structure which at least partially surrounds the open
cell structure and additive-impermeable layer.
22. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour
source is provided in a filter unit which is provided separately
from the smoking article and is attachable to the smoking article
by a user.
23. A smoking article according to claim 22, further comprising a
sealing member configured to restrict the ingress of air into the
smoking article between the filter unit and the smoking
article.
24. A smoking article according to claim 22, wherein the smoking
article comprises a recess and at least part of the filter unit is
arranged to be received in the recess when the filter unit is
attached to the smoking article.
25. A smoking article according to claim 24, wherein the recess is
formed by a tubular filter element provided at the downstream end
of the smoking article.
26. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter
section comprises a further flavour source configured to release
flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said
smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol
downstream or upstream of said ventilation arrangement.
27. A smoking article according to claim 26, wherein the further
flavour source comprises one or more capsules.
28. A filter section for a smoking article comprising filtration
material arranged to filter smoke and/or other aerosol generated by
said smoking article, the filter section comprising: a variable
ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable
level of ventilation into the filter section; and a flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
passing through the filtration material of the filter section at a
location in said smoke and/or other aerosol downstream of said
ventilation arrangement.
29. A filter section according to claim 28, wherein the flavour
source comprises a flavour additive release component configured to
release a plurality of discrete deliveries of flavour additive.
30. A smoking article according to claim 28, wherein said flavour
source is provided in a filter unit which is provided separately
from remaining components of the filter section and is attachable
to the filter section by a user.
31. A method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method
comprising: forming a filter section comprising filtration material
arranged to filter smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said
smoking article; providing a variable ventilation arrangement
configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into
the filter section; and providing a flavour source configured to
release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol passing through
the filtration material of the filter section at a location in said
smoke and/or other aerosol downstream of said ventilation
arrangement.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a smoking article, a
filter section for a smoking article and a method of manufacturing
a smoking article.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cigarettes can include a filter section for filtering
mainstream smoke. It is known to provide cigarettes with a flavour
source, such as a flavour capsule, within the filter section, to
add additional flavour to the smoke generated by the cigarette.
SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments of the invention provide, in a first aspect, a
smoking article comprising a filter section for receiving smoke
and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, a variable
ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable
level of ventilation into the filter section and a flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke
and/or other aerosol downstream of said ventilation
arrangement.
[0004] The flavour source can be configured to selectively release
flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol. The flavour source can
comprise one or more capsules. The one or more capsules can each
have a diameter of from 2 mm to 6 mm.
[0005] The flavour source can comprise at least one selected from
plant material, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant
dispersed in filter tow, flavour impregnated particles and a sheet
material comprising a flavourant. The flavour source can be located
within said filter section.
[0006] The smoking article can further comprise a further
ventilation arrangement configured to provide a level of
ventilation into the filter section which is not user
controllable.
[0007] The level of ventilation provided by the further variable
ventilation arrangement can be within the range of from 5% to 50%
of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said
smoking article passing through the filter section when said
variable ventilation is at its minimum level.
[0008] The variable ventilation arrangement can provide ventilation
which is user controllable within a sub-range within the range of
from 0% to 90% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article passing through the filter
section.
[0009] The filter section can form at least a component of a first
part of the smoking article and the smoking article can further
comprise a second part movable relative to the first part in order
to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable
ventilation arrangement. The first or second part can comprise a
sleeve configured to move relative to the other of the first or
second part to control the level of ventilation provided by the
variable ventilation arrangement. The sleeve can be rotatable with
respect to the filter section, and the level of ventilation is
varied by altering an angular position of the sleeve relative to
the filter section.
[0010] The filter section can comprise a first filter section
having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and/or the smoking article can
further comprise a second filter section having a length of 5 to 25
mm, and/or the variable ventilation arrangement can provide
ventilating air at a position between 6 and 20 mm from a mouth end
of the smoking article.
[0011] The filter section can comprise a first filter section and
the smoking article can further comprise a second filter section,
the second filter section being located downstream of the first
filter section, and wherein a resistance to gaseous flow through
the length of the second filter section is lower than a resistance
to gaseous flow through the length of the first filter section and
the resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the filter
arrangement remains substantially constant as the level of
ventilation is varied.
[0012] The first and second filter sections can comprise tow
filaments, and the first filter section can differ from the second
filter section by one or more of: tow weight, number of tow
filaments in unit volume, cross-section of tow filaments and degree
of crimping.
[0013] The second filter section can comprise at least one air
passage extending longitudinally through the length thereof. The
second filter section can comprise fibrous filtration material
formed having an annular cross section.
[0014] The second filter section can comprise a tube of fibrous
filtration material and the air passage extends along a central
longitudinal axis through the length of the second filter
section.
[0015] The smoking article can comprise a cigarette.
[0016] The flavour source can comprise a flavour additive release
component configured to release a plurality of discrete deliveries
of flavour additive.
[0017] The flavour additive release component can comprise an open
cell structure which comprises the flavour additive and is at least
partially surrounded by an additive-impermeable layer.
[0018] The smoking article can further comprise an encapsulating
structure which at least partially surrounds the open cell
structure and additive-impermeable layer.
[0019] The flavour source can be provided in a filter unit which is
provided separately from the smoking article and is attachable to
the smoking article by a user.
[0020] The smoking article can further comprise a sealing member
configured to restrict the ingress of air into the smoking article
between the filter unit and the smoking article.
[0021] The smoking article can comprise a recess and at least part
of the filter unit can be arranged to be received in the recess
when the filter unit is attached to the smoking article. The recess
can be formed by a tubular filter element provided at the
downstream end of the smoking article.
[0022] The filter section can comprise a further flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke
and/or other aerosol downstream or upstream of said ventilation
arrangement.
[0023] The further flavour source can comprise one or more
capsules.
[0024] Embodiments of the invention provide, in a second aspect, a
filter section for a smoking article for receiving smoke and/or
other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the filter section
comprising a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide
a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section,
and a flavour source configured to release flavour to said smoke
and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a
location in said smoke and/or other aerosol downstream of said
ventilation arrangement.
[0025] The flavour source can comprise a flavour additive release
component configured to release a plurality of discrete deliveries
of flavour additive.
[0026] The flavour source can be provided in a filter unit which is
provided separately from remaining components of the filter section
and is attachable to the filter section by a user.
[0027] Embodiments of the invention provide, in a third aspect, a
method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising
forming a filter section for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article, providing a variable ventilation
arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of
ventilation into the filter section and providing a flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke
and/or other aerosol downstream of said ventilation
arrangement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of a
smoking article according to a first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the smoking article
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank for forming a wrapper for
a smoking article according to a second embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 3b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
smoking article according to the second embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article
according to the second embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article according
to a third embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram showing a method of
manufacturing a smoking article;
[0036] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a smoking article according
to a fourth embodiment having a separate filter unit; and
[0037] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of an alternative filter unit
which can be used with the smoking article of the fourth
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] 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 and other nicotine delivery devices capable of generating
an aerosol for delivery to a consumer. Such smoking articles may be
provided with a filter for the gaseous flow drawn by the
smoker.
[0039] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and their formats are
often named according to the cigarette length: "regular" (typically
in the range 68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm),
"short" or "mini" (68 mm or less), "king-size" (typically in the
range 75-91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or
"super-king" (typically in the range 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94
mm to about 101 mm) and "ultra-long" (typically in the range from
about 110 mm to about 121 mm).
[0040] They are also named according to the cigarette
circumference: "regular" (about 23-25 mm), "wide" (greater than 25
mm), "slim" (about 22-23 mm), "demi-slim" (about 19-22 mm),
"super-slim" (about 16-19 mm), and "micro-slim" (less than about 16
mm). Accordingly, a cigarette in a king-size, super-slim format
will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference
of about 17 mm. Cigarettes in the regular, king-size format are
preferred by many customers, namely with a circumference of from 23
to 25 mm and an overall length of from 75 to 91 mm.
[0041] Each format may be produced with filters of different
lengths, smaller filters being generally used in formats of smaller
lengths and circumferences. Typically the filter length will be
from 15 mm, associated with short, regular formats, to 30 mm,
associated with ultra-long super-slim formats. The tipping paper
will have a greater length than the filter, for example from 3 to
10 mm longer.
[0042] Smoking articles and filters described hereinafter can be
manufactured in any of the above formats. The smoking article can,
for instance, be from 70 to 100 mm in length and from 14 to 25 mm
in circumference.
[0043] The terms `upstream` and `downstream` used herein are
relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream
smoke (or other aerosol) drawn though a smoking article in use.
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a smoking article 10 according to a first
embodiment. The smoking article 10 is a cigarette in the present
example. However, other smoking articles can be used.
[0045] The smoking article 10 comprises a source of smokable
material, such as tobacco, attached to a filter arrangement which
comprises a first filter section 12 and a second filter section 14.
The source of smokable material is in the form of a tobacco rod 11,
which is attached to the first filter section 12. The second filter
section 14 is located downstream of the first filter section 12 and
tobacco rod 11. A ventilation arrangement 17 provides a user
controllable variable level of ventilation into the first filter
section 12, as described in more detail below.
[0046] The second filter section 14 comprises a flavour source
configured to release flavour to the smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by the smoking article 10 at a location downstream of the
ventilation arrangement 17. In the present example, the flavour
source comprises plant flavour particles, although other flavour
sources as described herein can be used. Plant-based flavourants
and plant flavour particles are referred to respectively as
botanicals and botanical particles, and will be described in more
detail below.
[0047] The smoking article 10 comprises a first part comprising the
tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11
and first filter section 12 are connected with a covering layer to
affix the first filter section 12 to the tobacco rod 11, which is
formed of tipping paper. The tobacco rod 11 and first filter
section 12 are referred to as a tobacco unit. The elongate tobacco
rod 11 and first filter section 12 define a longitudinal axis of
the smoking article.
[0048] A second part of the smoking article comprises the second
filter section 14 and a sleeve 13 which is movable relative to the
first part of the smoking article. The sleeve 13 is in the form of
a tube extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 11
and/or first filter section 12. The tube can be cylindrical. The
sleeve 13 is formed of paper in the present example, although other
materials can be used. The first and second filter sections 12,14
each comprise filtration material which is wrapped in a sheet
material, which may be paper, e.g. plugwrap. The first and second
filter sections 12, 14 form a filter arrangement. The first filter
section 12 is upstream of the second filter section 14. The second
filter section 14 is at a mouth end of the sleeve 13, adjacent to,
and separate from, the first filter section 12.
[0049] The tobacco rod 11 and attached first filter section 12 are
connected by tipping paper (not shown). The tipping paper is a
standard tipping paper, or a relatively thick recessed tipping
paper, or a board type tipping paper.
[0050] The ventilation arrangement 17 is configured to allow
adjustment of a ventilation level of the smoking article 10. The
ventilation arrangement 17 comprises one or more first ventilation
areas 15 on the sleeve 13. In the present example, the first
ventilation areas 15 are at a location closer to the downstream end
of the first filter section 12 than to the upstream end. The
smoking article further comprises one or more second ventilation
areas 16 around the first filter section 12. For example, the one
or more second ventilation areas 16 are defined by a layer(s) of
sheet material around the first filter section 12 or around the
filtration material of the first filter section 12. The ventilation
arrangement 17 provides for ventilating air to enter into the first
filter section.
[0051] Ventilation areas 1546 are formed as ventilation apertures
or air permeable material. In some embodiments, when ventilation
areas 15 on the sleeve 13 are exposed, air can flow into the body
of the smoking article 10. When first ventilation areas 15 on the
sleeve 13 and the corresponding second ventilation areas 16 around
the second filter section 12 are aligned, air can flow into the
body of the smoking article 10. Ventilation areas 15,46 are aligned
by rotation of the first part of the smoking article relative to
the second part. In particular, the ventilation is controlled by
rotation of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12.
The ventilation arrangement 17 provides a selectable variable level
of ventilation controlled by adjusting the overlap of the first
ventilation area 15 with the second ventilation area 16. The amount
of ventilation depends on the effective ventilating area, which is
determined by the area of the overlap of the first and second
ventilation areas. The level of ventilation can be selected by
selecting a position of the second part relative to the first part
e.g. by rotation of the second part relative to the first part.
Thus, the ventilation arrangement 17 provides for a variable size
of effective ventilation area, providing a variable intake of
air.
[0052] The first filter section 12 and second filter section 14 are
made of a known filtration material. The filtration material for
both filter sections can be tow, for example, cellulose acetate
tow. The filtration material of the first filter section is
homogenous, and independently, the filtration material of the
second filter section is homogenous. The term "homogenous" is used
to mean that the filtration material is substantially uniform
throughout each filter section, and in particular, is uniform in a
longitudinal and/or radial direction through each of the first and
second filter sections 12,14. At least one physical property of the
homogenous first filter section may be different to the homogenous
second filter section.
[0053] The first and second filter sections both comprise fibrous
material, comprising tow filaments. The tow weight is a measure of
the amount of tow fibres in a certain volume. The tow weight can
provides an indication of the density of a fibrous material within
the filter section. The first and second filter sections are
manufactured using filtration material formed or treated to have
required properties, for example, providing the different pressure
drop per unit length for the first and second filter sections.
[0054] The second filter section 14 comprises botanical particles
(not shown) embedded in the fibrous material. The second filter
section 14 is similar to a "Dalmatian" type filter, comprising
fibrous filtration material through which botanical particles have
been sprinkled before the fibrous material is folded and wrapped in
a wrapping material. The botanical particles are comprised of dried
and chopped plant materials, and may be formed from botanicals such
as menthol, juniper, coffee, anise or any other botanical having
suitable taste and aroma characteristics. Any part of a chosen
plant, for example the roots, leave, flowers, stems, or buds, can
be used in the formation of botanical particles.
[0055] The plurality of botanical particles in the second filter
section 14 impart a taste and/or aroma to the smoke which passes
through the second filter section 14. As the level of ventilation
is varied the level of dilution of the unflavoured smoke is
changed. However, the amount of flavoured smoke which reaches the
mouth end of the smoking article remains more constant than the
unflavoured smoke, resulting in an overall smoking article 10 in
which the intensity of smoke can be controlled while providing a
relatively stable level of additional flavour. The added flavour
is, however, altered as a proportion of the overall taste which the
smoker receives from the combination of smoke and added flavour,
and therefore the smoking article 10 provides a new consumer
experience in this regard.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tobacco rod 11 and first
filter section 12 are dimensioned to rotate as a unit around a
longitudinal axis with the second filter section 14 positioned
within the sleeve 13. A restraining means (not shown) retains the
first part and second part in a fixed longitudinal arrangement, and
prevents extension of the smoking article 10. Thus, the first part
cannot slide longitudinally relative to the second part, i.e. the
sleeve is not movable longitudinally relative to the second filter
section 14.
[0057] The level of ventilation can be selected by selecting an
angular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the second filter
section 14.
[0058] In some examples, the first ventilation areas 15 are
configured to increase in size non-linearly with respect to angular
position. The first and second ventilation areas 15, 16 are
configured such that the level of ventilation has a substantially
linear dependence on the angular position of the sleeve 13 relative
to the second filter section 14.
[0059] In some aspects, the one or more first and second
ventilation areas 15, 16 maintain a fixed longitudinal position
relative to the first and second filter sections, when the sleeve
13 is rotated relative to the second filter section 14.
[0060] In the present embodiment, the second filter section 14 is
securely attached and fixed within the sleeve 13. Rotation of the
second filter section 14 relative the first filter section 12
therefore causes rotation of the first filter section 12 within the
sleeve 13.
[0061] By selecting a different angular position of the second
filter section 14 relative to the first filter section 12, the
registry between the first ventilation areas 15 in the sleeve 13
and the second ventilation areas 16 in the sheet material or
plugwrap around the first filter section 12 can be selectively
increased or decreased. The level of ventilation in the smoking
article 10 can therefore be increased or decreased.
[0062] The second filter section 14 comprises botanical particles
which lie downstream of the ventilation areas 15. The level of
ventilation in the smoking article 10 controls the dilution of
smoke which passes through the first part of the smoking article 10
with air which enters the smoking article 10 through the
ventilation areas 15. Therefore, while the level of ventilation
controls the dilution of smoke, it does not substantially influence
the level of additional flavour in the smoking article which can
therefore be maintained as relatively constant.
[0063] FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank 30 forming a wrapper for a
smoking article according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3b is
longitudinal cross-sectional view of a smoking article 32 to which
the blank 30 of FIG. 3a has been applied. The smoking article 32
comprising the blank 30 has substantially the same functions as
described above. Features have the same arrangement and function
unless otherwise described.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 3b, the rod article 32 includes a tobacco
rod 11, similar to that previously described, and first and second
filter sections 12, 14 downstream of the is tobacco rod 11. The
second filter section 14 is provided in a first part 14' at the
mouth-end of the smoking article 32 and a second part 14'' upstream
of the first part 14'. Both the first and second parts 14', 14''
are provided downstream of the first filter section 12 and tobacco
rod 11, at the mouth end of the smoking article. The first filter
section 12 is provided between the second part 14'' of the second
filter section 14 and the tobacco rod 11. The second part 14'' of
the second filter section 14 comprises botanical particles 18, as
described with respect to the first embodiment. The first filter
section 12 is divided into a first part 12' and a second part 12''
by a cut 12''', allowing the first part 12' of the first filter
section 12 to move relative to the second part 12''.
[0065] The blank 30 is configured to wrap twice, and in the present
example twice only, around the whole circumference of the rod
article 32. The blank 30 has a first section 30a which first wraps
around the rod article 32 forming an inner layer and a second
section 30b which then wraps around the first section 30a, forming
an outer layer. The blank 30 is therefore configured to define two
complete layers extending around the circumference of the rod
article 32, and comprises areas 30a, 30b to define an inner layer
and an outer layer.
[0066] The first section 30a of the blank 30 comprises a first end
portion 30a' connected to the second filter section 14 and to the
first part 12' of the first filter section 12, and therefore
connecting the second filter section 14 and the first part 12' of
the first filter section 12 together. The first section 30a of the
blank 30 also comprises a second end portion 30a'' connected to the
second part 12'' of the first filter section 12 and to the tobacco
rod 11. The second section 30b of the blank 30 is separated into a
first part 30b' and a second part 30b- by a cut 31.
[0067] The blank 30 comprises, on the first section 30a, a control
element 34 movable in a circumferentially extending channel 36,
configured to control ventilation and limit movement.
[0068] The control element 34 is movable circumferentially within a
limited range. The control element 34 is movable between a first
engaging surface and a second engaging surface. The first engaging
surface and second engaging surface define the circumferentially
extending channel 36 in which the control element 34 is
movable.
[0069] The control element 34 defines first and second limiting
surfaces 34a, 34b at the edges is of the control element in the
direction of movement, i.e. at the circumferential edge of the
control element 34. Contact of the first and second limiting
surfaces 34a, 34b of the control element 34 with the first engaging
surface and the second engaging surface of the circumferentially
extending channel 36 limits relative rotation between the first and
second parts of the smoking article.
[0070] The first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b extend at an
angle to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The first and
second engaging surfaces also extend at an angle to the
longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and/or at an angle to the
axis of movement of the control element. The first and second
engaging surfaces extend at the same angle and/or have a
complementary shape to the first and second limiting surfaces 34a,
34b.
[0071] A longitudinal movement restricting arrangement 35 comprises
a sliding element 37 which is arranged to move between first and
second restricting elements 38a and 38b. Sliding element 37 is
attached to first and second restricting elements 38a and 38b with
a frangible connection. The frangible connection is a
circumferentially extending line of perforations. The part of the
blank including the sliding element 37, control element 34, first
and second restricting elements 38a and 38b and circumferentially
extending channel 36 extends one time around the whole
circumference of the smoking article, e.g. to form a tube. The
sliding element 37 is attached to first part 30b' of the second
section Sob of the blank 30, together with the first part 30a' of
the first section 30a of the blank, and therefore moves, together
with the first part 30a' of the first section 30a, the second
filter section 14 and the first part 12' of the first filter
section 12, relative to the second part 30a'' of the first section
30a of the blank 30 and the second part 12'' of the first filter
section 12, and the tobacco rod 11.
[0072] The second section Sob of the blank 30 forming the outer
layer, comprises a ventilation area 39' at a location 39 on the
blank. In some examples, the ventilation area 39' comprises a
single aperture. Alternatively, the ventilation area 39' comprises
a plurality of discrete permeable areas or apertures. For example,
the apertures are formed by electroperforation (EP). The
ventilation area 39' is arranged to align with the channel 36 when
the blank 30 is wrapped around the rod article 32.
[0073] The control element 34 has a further function in controlling
the ventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the control
element 34 directly controls the ventilation of the smoking article
by selectively blocking one or more ventilation areas. The control
is element 34 is configured to be movable relative to one or more
ventilation areas in a radially adjacent, and integrally formed,
part of the smoking article. The control element 34 is formed of a
material which is substantially impermeable to air, in particular,
paper which is not permeable to air. The control element 34 is
configured to move between the ventilation area 39' and the
underlying rod article 32 of the smoking article, such that
ventilation air cannot enter the smoking article through the
channel 36 which is blocked by the control element 34. The control
element is impermeable to air between the first and second limiting
surfaces 34a, 34b. The first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b
define both the limits of rotation and define the amount of
ventilation area which is covered or uncovered.
[0074] Thus, the control element 34 has the dual function of both
directly controlling a level of ventilation by covering a part of a
ventilation area and limiting relative movement of the first and
second parts of the smoking article between maximum and minimum
levels of ventilation.
[0075] In some embodiments, the second part 14'' of the second
filter section 14 comprises flavourant in the form of botanical
particles. However, the second filter section 14 can comprise other
forms of flavourant, such as one or more capsules, a thread loaded
with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow, flavour
impregnated particles or a sheet material comprising a flavourant,
which lie upstream of the ventilation area 39' and can be included
in the first and/or second parts 14', 14'' of the second filter
section 14. The level of ventilation in the smoking article 10
controls the dilution of smoke which passes through the first part
of the smoking article 10 with air which enters the smoking article
10 through the ventilation area 39'. However, this does not
significantly influence the level of additional flavour applied to
the gaseous flow through the smoking article by the flavour source.
Therefore level of flavour added to mainstream smoke can be kept
relatively constant as the dilution of smoke is varied.
[0076] In some aspects, the blank 30 comprises a further
ventilation area (not shown) at a location 33 on the blank
downstream of the variable ventilation arrangement 39'. The further
ventilation area comprises a plurality of discrete ventilation
areas or apertures, for example, in a circumferentially extending
line. The further ventilation area can be formed by a laser.
Generally, one or more of the ventilation areas comprise a
plurality of discrete ventilation areas or apertures. The further
ventilation area provides a constant minimum level of ventilation
which is unaffected by the variable amount of ventilation from the
ventilation area 39'. The amount of ventilation provided by the
further ventilation area can be predetermined in the manufacture of
the smoking article 10 and is, for instance, between 5% to 50% of
the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking
article passing through the filter section when said variable
ventilation is at its minimum level. The variable ventilation
arrangement 39', 36 can be arranged to provide ventilation which is
user controllable within a sub-range within the range of from 0% to
90% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said
smoking article passing through the filter section, for instance
from 0% to 50% ventilation.
[0077] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article 32
according to the second embodiment.
[0078] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 40
according to a third embodiment, which is the same as the smoking
article 32 of the second embodiment, except that in the third
embodiment, the second filter section 14 is provided as a single
continuous filter component, rather than in first and second parts,
and comprises a user activated flavour release component in place
of the botanical particles 18. The flavourant release component is
preferably in the form of a capsule 41 which comprises an outer
wall and an inner volume filled with fluid flavourant. The
flavourant can be selectively released by the user of the smoking
article 40 into the adjacent filtration material by squeezing the
outside of the filter to deform or rupture the outer wall of the
capsule 41. In the present example, the capsule has a diameter of
3.5 mm, although other sizes can be used, for instance diameters of
2.5, 3, 4 or 4.5 mm, micro capsules or macro capsules with
diameters in the range from 1 mm to 7 mm or larger.
[0079] The capsule 41 defines a cavity having a volume which is
filled with flavourant. The outer wall or shell may be formed using
gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a polysaccharide,
polysaccharide derivative or any other suitable material, using
methods known in the art. The outer shell surrounds and
encapsulates the flavourant. The capsule 41 is configured to
release all of the flavourant contents when the outer wall is
ruptured. The outer shell is frangible on compression, and is
configured to break apart over substantially the whole surface of
the outer shell, or alternatively rupture only in a predefined area
when compressed.
[0080] Alternatively, capsule 41 is configured to release only a
part of the flavourant on inward pressure from a user, such that
the flavourant contents are released in a plurality of discrete
deliveries. The outer shell is resiliently deformable and may be
configured to rupture in a predetermined area, or over a part of
the surface area only, to form one or more slits or apertures when
compressed.
[0081] The outer shell may be formed from a single part, or a
plurality of parts sealed together. An outer shell formed from two
parts may be configured to rupture at a weakened region, for
example along a longitudinal or circumferential seam joining the
two parts, which opens under pressure to define a slit. The capsule
41 may only release a part of the contents through the slit when
the capsule 41 is compressed before returning at least partially to
its original shape, when the compression of the capsule 41
ceases.
[0082] Additionally, the capsule 41 may comprise a substrate, which
is a body of absorbent material impregnated with the flavourant.
The substrate is a porous matrix with an open structure, in
particular, an open cell structure, e.g. an open cell foam
structure. The substrate is configured to be progressively
compressible and configured to release at least a part, and
preferably only a part, of the flavourant contents when partly
compressed. The flavourant is distributed within the substrate, and
preferably, absorbed by the substrate. The substrate is preferably
formed of a filtration material, for example, cellulose acetate.
The filtration material may be in the form of a known tow of
filtration material suitable as a filter. The outer shell does not
inhibit release of the flavourant once ruptured. The substrate may
be at least partially resiliently deformable and may at least
partially return towards the original shape, when the compression
of the capsule 49 ceases. In the partial expansion of the substrate
following release of the compressive force, the substrate may
re-absorb a part of the released flavourant. References to release
of the flavourant are therefore intended to refer to the net
release of flavourant after the compressive force has ended.
[0083] The substrate may be formed by extrusion of the material
containing the flavourant, which is then cut to a suitable length.
A closed cell foam substrate may not require an outer shell to
retain the flavourant, and so may form the capsule 41 without an
outer shell. Alternatively, the capsule 41 may comprise the closed
cell foam substrate encapsulated in an outer shell.
[0084] The second filter section 14 comprises one or more capsules
41 which lie downstream of the ventilation areas 39, 36. The level
of ventilation in the smoking article 40 controls the dilution of
smoke which passes through the first part of the smoking article
with air which enters the smoking article 40 through the variable
ventilation area 39'. After the flavourant has been released from
the one or more capsules by compression of the first filter
section, the level of flavour in the smoking article is relatively
unaffected by user changes in the level of ventilation provided
into the smoking article, as compared to the dilution of the
mainstream smoke.
[0085] In the embodiments described herein, a flavour source is
provided downstream of a variable ventilation arrangement. In
addition, a further, second flavour source can be provided upstream
of the variable ventilation arrangement. For instance, the first
filter section 12 can comprise one or more first flavour release
components and the second filter section 14 can comprise one or
more second flavour release components. The first and second
flavour release components can each be any of the flavour sources
described herein. The amount of flavour provided by the flavour
source which lies upstream of the variable ventilation area 17, 39'
can be increased or decreased by varying the level of ventilation
of the smoking article. The amount of flavour provided by the
flavour release component downstream of the variable ventilation
area 17, 39' can be predetermined and is substantially unaffected
by the level of ventilation of the smoking article. In this way, a
baseline amount of flavour can be provided by the first flavour
release component as a minimum level. The total amount of flavour
can be increased to a maximum level by reducing the amount of
ventilating air which dilutes the flavour of the second flavour
release component. Accordingly, the amount of flavour provided by
the smoking article may be varied over a wide range to suit the
taste of a user.
[0086] In some embodiments, a first flavour release component
comprises a first capsule and a second flavour release component
comprises a second capsule.
[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a method of manufacturing
smoking articles according to the invention. The method comprises
forming a filter section (step S1), in the present example from a
known filtration material, for example, cellulose acetate tow. A
variable ventilation arrangement, for instance an arrangement as
described herein, is provided (step S2) which is configured to
provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter
section. The variable ventilation arrangement can be provided, for
instance, by inner and outer wrappers having selectably overlapping
ventilation areas.
[0088] A flavourant source is provided (step S3) to release flavour
at a location downstream of the ventilation arrangement. In some
embodiments, the flavourant source is a plurality of botanical
particles, as described herein, and these are applied to the filter
tow of a filter section upstream of the filter section into which
the variable ventilation is applied. In alternative embodiments,
other flavour sources as described herein can be used, for instance
capsules or flavour loaded threads.
[0089] The first and second filter sections may be longitudinally
aligned with a source of smokeable material.
[0090] Any other known filter components can be added to the
smoking articles described herein. Examples of further filter
components include a third filter section, for instance a filter
section with particulate material (e.g. carbon, activated charcoal)
or an additional hollow section having an air passage therethrough.
The first and/or second filter sections can each be considered as
comprising one or more discrete filter sections. The filter
sections can be considered as generally upstream and downstream of
the variable ventilation area.
[0091] In a further embodiment, the second filter section, located
downstream of the first filter section, can be arranged such that a
resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the second filter
section is lower than a resistance to gaseous flow through the
length of the first filter section. The resistance to gaseous flow
through the length of the filter arrangement remains substantially
constant as the level of ventilation is varied. The first filter
section can for instance, differ from the second filter section by
one or more of: tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume,
cross-section of tow filaments and degree of crimping. The second
filter section can, for instance, be a tubular section having at
least one air passage extending longitudinally through the length
thereof. The second filter section could, for instance, comprise
fibrous filtration material formed having an annular cross section,
in particular a tube of fibrous filtration material with the air
passage extending along a central longitudinal axis through the
length of the second filter section.
[0092] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a smoking article 50
according to a fourth embodiment, in this case provided with a
separate filter unit 52.
[0093] The smoking article 50 comprises a first filter section 12
and a second filter section 14. A source of smokable material is in
the form of a tobacco rod 11, as previously described, which is
attached to the first filter section 12 using a tipping paper. The
second filter section 14 is, in the present example, a tubular
filter section having a channel 14' extending through its centre
and forming a recess at the downstream end of the smoking article
50. The second filter section 14 is located downstream of the first
filter section 12 and tobacco rod 11. A ventilation arrangement
comprising a ventilation area 39 which can be controlled by a used,
and further ventilation area 33 providing a base level of
ventilation, are provided, as previously described with reference
to the second and third embodiments. The filter unit 52 is arranged
to be coupled to the second filter section 14 of the smoking
article 50 by a user.
[0094] The filter unit 52 comprises a surface 52' configured to at
least partially face an end surface 14'' of the second filter
section 14 when the filter unit 52 is coupled to the smoking
article 50. The filter unit 52 further comprises a sealing member
62 extending over at least part of the filter unit surface 52' and
configured to restrict the ingress of air into the smoking article
50 between the filter unit 52 and smoking article 50 when the
filter unit 52 is coupled to the second filter section 14. The
sealing member 62 may also be referred to herein as a sealing
element 62. The sealing member 62 may comprise, but is not limited
to, a gasket and/or one or more adhesive layers. The surface 52' is
also referred to herein as a surface portion 52.
[0095] The filter unit 52 can be configured to be connected onto
the end surface 14'' of the second filter section 14 using the
sealing member 62. For instance, the sealing member 62 can comprise
adhesive for connecting the surface portion 52' of the filter unit
52 to the end surface 14'' of the second filter section 14.
[0096] The filter unit 52 comprises a first portion 58, in the
present embodiment having a generally cylindrical shape and an
outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the smoking
article 50. The first portion 58 is formed as a tube of filter
material, for instance plasticised cellulose acetate tow, wrapped
in a tipping paper 60, although could be formed from other
materials and/or wrapped with other materials or provided as an
unwrapped filter section. The filter unit surface 52' is provided
on the first portion 58.
[0097] The filter unit 52 also comprises a second portion 54
extending from the first portion 58 and arranged to be inserted
into the recess formed by the channel 14' extending through the
second filter section 14. The second portion 54 can be inserted
into the recess by a user to couple the filter unit 52 to the
smoking article 50. In the present example, the second portion 54
extends away from the filter unit surface 52' of the first portion
58 and has a generally cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter
than the first portion 58. The first and second portions 58, 54 are
coaxially arranged. The second portion 54 extends proud of the
sealing member 62 provided on the filter unit surface 52'. The
second portion 54 also extends through the first portion 58. The
second portion 54 is formed as a cylinder of filter material, in
the present case plasticised cellulose acetate tow, wrapped in an
air impermeable plug wrap 56. However, alternatively, the second
portion 54 can be formed from other materials, such as paper, or
may be provided as a non-wrapped acetate filter portion.
[0098] The channel 14' of the second filter section 14 is sized to
accommodate at least a part of the second portion 54 of the filter
unit 52 when the filter unit 52 is coupled to the smoking article
50.
[0099] The sealing element 62 may comprise a body which is air
impermeable in at least one direction. For instance, the sealing
element 62 may allow smoke flowing longitudinally through the
smoking article 50 to pass through it, but prevent smoke from
passing through the element 62 laterally so as to exit between the
filter unit 52 and the smoking article 50 when these components are
connected together.
[0100] The sealing element 62 may comprise any suitable thickness,
for example between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, between 0.1 mm and 2 mm or
between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. The sealing element can, for instance,
have a thickness of 0.5 mm or 1 mm.
[0101] The sealing element 62 may comprise any one or more of one
or more adhesive portions and one or more air impermeable bodies.
The air impermeable body can be a closed cell foam such as, but not
limited to, closed cell polymeric foams such as polyurethane foam
or polystyrene foam. The air impermeable body comprises a body
which is impermeable to air passing through the body in at least
one direction.
[0102] The filter unit 52 may be attached to the smoking article 52
in any suitable way. This may include forming an interference fit
between the side walls of the recess formed by the second filter
section 14 and the longitudinal outer walls of the second portion
54 of is the filter unit 52. Additionally or alternatively the
filter unit 52 may be attached to the smoking article 50 via the
sealing element 62. The sealing element 62 can be attached to the
surface portion 52' of the first portion 58 by any means including
an adhesive forming part of the sealing element 62 and/or any other
suitable securing means such as being thermally bonded. The sealing
element 62 can be attached to the end surface 14'' of the second
filter section 14 by any means including an adhesive forming part
of the sealing element 62 and/or an adhesive located upon the end
surface 14'' of the second filter section 14.
[0103] The adhesive material used herein may comprise a natural
adhesive (bio-adhesive) and/or a synthetic adhesive. The synthetic
adhesive may be based on any of: an elastomer material; a
thermoplastic material; an emulsion and a thermosetting material
such as epoxy, polyurethane, cyanoacrylate or acrylic. The adhesive
may be any non-reactive adhesive such as: a drying adhesive, a
pressure sensitive adhesive, a contact adhesive, a hot adhesive.
The adhesive may be a reactive adhesive. The adhesive may be a
permanently tacky adhesive, for instance allowing the smoking
article 50, filter unit 52 and sealing member 62 to be separated
and repositioned.
[0104] In alternative examples, the sealing element 62 may not have
adhesive or may be omitted entirely. As an alternative or in
addition to the sealing member 62, the filter unit 52 can be
coupled to the end surface 14'' via the second portion 54 of the
filter unit 52 which is received in the recess at the downstream
end of the smoking article. The outer surface of the second portion
54 and/or the inner surface of the recess 14' may include
protrusions, other surface features, adhesives, or be dimensioned
to result in an interference fit, which couples the filter unit 52
onto the end surface 14'' of the second filter section 14.
[0105] In use, the smoking article 50 can be provided to users as a
separate component to the filter unit 52, wherein the annular
sealing element 62 is adhered to the surface portion 52' by an
adhesive layer.
[0106] The user can select whether or not to attach the filter unit
52 to the smoking article 50 prior to smoking the smoking article
50, and can in this way control the length of filter of the smoking
article 52 and therefore the level of filtration of the aerosol
generated by the smoking article 50.
[0107] The filter unit 52 further comprises a source of flavourant,
in the present example a pressure rupturable capsule 64. The
capsule can take any form described herein, and is preferably a
hard shelled seamless substantially spherical capsule with a
diameter between 3 mm and 6 mm, containing a liquid flavour
additive, such as menthol. The source of flavourant in the filter
unit can alternatively be provided in any of the other forms
described herein, such as at least one selected from plant
material, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in
filter tow, flavour impregnated particles and a sheet material
comprising a flavourant.
[0108] In addition to the source of flavourant in the filter unit
52, a further source of flavourant can be provided in at least one
of the first and second filter sections 12, 14, which can be
modified to receive the further source of flavourant as required.
The further flavour source can be configured to release flavour to
said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by the smoking article 50
at a location in the smoke and/or other aerosol downstream or
upstream of the ventilation arrangement 39. The further source of
flavourant can be provided as a pressure rupturable capsule. The
capsule can take any form described herein, and is preferably a
hard shelled seamless substantially spherical capsule with a
diameter between 3 mm and 6 mm, containing a liquid flavour
additive, such as menthol. The further source of flavourant can
alternatively be provided in any of the other forms described
herein, such as at least one selected from plant material, a thread
loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow, flavour
impregnated particles and a sheet material comprising a
flavourant.
[0109] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of an alternative filter unit
70 which can be used with the smoking article 50 of the fourth
embodiment. The alternative filter unit 70 is, in the present
example, sized to fit substantially within the recess 14' at the
downstream end of the smoking article 50. However, alternatively,
the alternative filter unit 70 can be formed in a similar way to
the filter unit 52 described with reference to FIG. 7a.
[0110] FIG. 7b shows an exemplary flavour additive release
component 72, also referred to as an additive release component,
within the filter unit 70. The flavour additive release component
72 is configured to release a plurality of discrete deliveries of
flavour additive. In the present example, the flavour additive
release component 72 comprises an open cell structure containing an
additive which is held within the open cells of said structure (not
shown) by an additive-impermeable layer. The flavour additive
release component 72 is at least partially elongate in shape and
extends longitudinally in a filter plug 74 within the filter unit
70. The filter plug 74 is formed from cellulose acetate tow which
surrounds the flavour additive release component 72, and is wrapped
in a plug wrap 76 which is impermeable to air and/or liquid. The
flavour additive release component 72 has an aperture 72' through
which the contents of the component 72, for instance within the
open cell structure, can be released. The aperture 72' is at a
longitudinal end of the additive release component 70, and is
preferably located on a central longitudinal axis.
[0111] A portion of the additive contents, preferably a fluid
flavourant, is ejected from additive release component 72 on an
initial partial compression, and further doses of additive may be
released on subsequent compressions. The aperture 72' may be formed
by a frangible area of weakness, or alternatively, a slit valve for
example. For example, the outer wall of the component 72 may be
provided with a narrow slit, which substantially prevents additive
from exiting when the additive release component 72 is not
compressed. On compression of the additive release component 72,
the additive-impermeable layer is ruptured, opening the
interconnected open cells to the exterior of the open cell
structure. The encapsulating structure of the component 72 may
partially contain the additive, and allow exit of the additive
through the aperture 72'.
[0112] The aperture 72' has been shown at only one end of the
flavour additive release component 72. Alternatively, the flavour
additive release aperture 72' may be at both longitudinal ends of
the component 72. Alternatively, the additive release component 72
may define apertures at any two spaced apart locations.
[0113] The flavour additive release component 72 is arranged so
that under the application of force, additive is ejected, squirted
or driven forcibly from the additive release component. The
ejection of additive from the additive release component 72 means
that the additive may be deposited further from the component and
over a larger area than would otherwise be possible. For example,
the encapsulating structure may comprise a region configured such
that additive is released is ejected or squirted through that
(optionally relatively small) region when a force is applied
thereto.
[0114] In some embodiments, the encapsulating structure may include
one or more apertures. In some embodiments, these apertures may be
closed before actuation of the additive release component 72.
Alternatively, the encapsulating structure may be configured to
rupture or break in a predetermined region only upon actuation, for
example by compression. A region of the encapsulating structure may
have a greater tendency to rupture because it has a reduced
thickness compared to other parts of the encapsulating structure,
or because it is formed from an otherwise weaker or weakened
material, and/or as a result of the overall shape of the
encapsulating structure and/or other parts of the additive release
component.
[0115] In some embodiments, the encapsulating structure is
configured to transmit force to the open cell structure in such a
way that facilitates the release of additive from the open cell
structure. For example, the encapsulating structure may be
configured to spread the compressive force applied by the user so
that it will be applied over a greater area of the open cell
structure, so that a greater number of the cells are distorted
and/or compressed than would be distorted and/or compresses by
application of the same amount of force to an additive release
component which does not include the encapsulating structure.
[0116] The additive release component 72 may comprise one or more
open cell structures. In some embodiments, the additive release
component 72 comprises a plurality of open cell structures and
these may comprise the same or different additives.
[0117] Any encapsulating structure included as part of the additive
release component 72 comprises an encapsulating material and this
material may be the same as or different from the support material
forming the body of the open cell structure and/or the material of
the additive-impermeable layer.
[0118] Thus, in some embodiments, the encapsulating material may
comprise one or more polymers. These polymers may be natural or
synthetic, and may be crosslinked. For example, one or more of the
polymers may be polysaccharides, and for example, one or more of
these polysaccharides may be cellulose, or any suitable derivative
thereof, such as cellulose acetate. In some embodiments, both the
encapsulating structure and the support material are formed from
cellulose acetate. Alternatively or in addition, both the
encapsulating structure and the support material may comprise
gelatin.
[0119] In some embodiments, polysaccharide polymers are preferred
because they are biocompatible, non-toxic and hypo-allergenic. In
addition, they can be made water insoluble and relatively heat
stable at lower temperatures (e.g. below approximately 75.degree.
C.) through crosslinking, they can be crosslinked by salt bridges,
and they can be heated and burned to yield tasteless products.
[0120] In certain embodiments, the encapsulating structure may be
formed from one or more of the following encapsulating materials:
polysaccharides (including, for example, starch, alginate, agar,
pectin, carrageenan and gums), proteins (including, for example,
gelatine and casein), fats and fatty acids, cellulose derivatives,
lipids (including, for example, waxes, shellac, carnuba and
beeswax).
[0121] In some embodiments, the encapsulating structure may be
constructed from a frangible material. In one embodiment the
encapsulating structure is composed of a low solubility, high
molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol. A number of suitable
alternative materials are known, and by way of example, capsules
typically utilized in the pharmaceutical industry may be used. Such
capsules may be gelatin-based, for example, or may be formed from a
polymeric material, such as modified cellulose. One type of
modified cellulose which may be used is hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose. Many biodegradable materials are known which may be
suitable for use in the production of additive release components
and these include high molecular weight polyethylene glycols,
polylactic acid, plastarch material, polycaprolactone,
polyglycolide, a polyhydroxyalkanoate such as
poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, and zein-derived bioplastics.
[0122] Any suitable method of manufacture may be used to fabricate
the open cell structure of the additive release component
comprising open cells defined by walls of a support material, with
at least some of the open cells holding an additive. For example, a
person skilled in the art would have no difficulty in forming a
suitable open cell structure by creating and reticulated form.
[0123] Any materials for the additive, additive release component
or filter must be safe to use, and are subject to regulatory
approval.
[0124] One or more additive release components may be incorporated
into the filter unit 70, or as the flavour source in any of the
smoking articles 10, 32, 40 described herein. An additive release
component may be positioned at any suitable location in a smoking
article and may be, for instance, provided as the further flavour
source described above, in addition to or instead of being provided
as the primary flavour source described in the embodiments
herein.
[0125] In yet further embodiments, the additive release component
72 may be positioned so that at least part of it is external to the
smoking article 50. For example, the additive release component may
be attached to an external, radial recess or groove formed in the
surface of the smoking article, for example around a part of the
filter section.
[0126] Where the additive release component is located within a
filter, the filter material in which the component is held may
comprise any suitable filter material, such as cellulose acetate,
polypropylene, paper or any other suitable material. The filter may
comprise a reaction surface against which the additive release
component can be urged, in order to facilitate actuation of the
additive release component and release of the additive. In some
embodiments, the additive release components may be located on a
periphery of the filter. The radially adjacent filter material may
provide a reaction surface against which the additive release
component can be urged. Preferably, the filter material may be
relatively hard (e.g. containing an increased amount of
plasticiser) to form the reaction surface, and may have a hardness
on the Filtrona scale of more than 90%. The additive release
component may be located within the filter material, or may be
located in a cavity adjacent to the filter material. The cavity may
be formed by an elongate inner rod of filter material, which one or
two annular outer sections of filter material surround. A covering
layer forming an exterior of the filter is attached to one or both
of the outer sections of filter material, and spaced from the inner
rod to define a cavity. Preferably, the inner rod is harder than
the annular outer sections, optionally by containing more
plasticiser.
[0127] As discussed above, the open cell structure may collapse
after being compressed to release the additive contained therein.
Where the additive release component collapses following actuation
(for example, because the open cell structure is not resiliently
deformable, or is not enclosed in an encapsulating structure which
reverts substantially to its original size and shape after
actuation), actuation will either cause the section of the smoking
article containing the additive release component to collapse, or
the outer shape of the section of the smoking article will be
retained and a void will be created within the section. The smoking
article may be provided with a strengthened outer section
surrounding the additive release component to ensure that the
smoking article retains its shape after actuation of the additive
release component. This strengthened outer section may constitute
an annular portion of greater structural rigidity, such as an
additional surrounding layer or a layer of filter material having
increased hardness (as described above). A void in the smoking
article created by actuation of the additive release component may
generally correspond to the difference between the original shape
of the additive release component and its shape after actuation. In
embodiments where the additive release component is embedded in
filter material in the filter section of a smoking article,
actuation of a collapsing additive release component will leave a
void around the component. In some embodiments, the filter is
designed to allow for this creation of a void and its effect on the
airflow through the filter.
[0128] The additive release component may be sized, shaped, or
positioned so that at least a portion of the component is within
the smoking article, and a portion is external to the smoking
article. In other words, at least a portion of the external
component may not be encompassed by the smoking article. For
example, when the smoking article is a cigarette, at least a
portion of the external component may not be encompassed by the
plugwrap, cigarette paper, tipping paper, or any other paper or
covering of the cigarette. In other words, at least a portion of
the component may be outside of all of the other components of the
smoking article both prior to and during use. In particular, the
user may be able to see, touch, and feel at least a portion of the
component directly. In some embodiments, the component may protrude
from the smoking article filter. The external portion may merely
comprise a single surface. For example, the component may be shaped
to fit within a cavity in a smoking article filter, one surface of
the component being shaped so that when the component is combined
with the filter, the external surface of the component is flush
with the outer surface of the filter.
[0129] Where at least a portion of the component is external to the
smoking article, at least this portion of the component will be
directly accessible to the user. Therefore, the user will be able
to readily detect the release of the additive from the component,
for example, by simply feeling the movement of the component, by
observing the release of the additive, or by detecting an aroma.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, release of the additive from the
component may be accompanied by an audible noise, or a detectable
change in the feel of the component.
[0130] The portion of the component that is at or near the surface
of the smoking article, or is external to the smoking article may
be a section of the component structure towards which force should
preferably be exerted in order to release the additive. For
example, in components in which the additive is released due to one
part of the component being pushed into another part of the
component, the part of the component that is pushed may be at or
near the surface, or may protrude from the surface, of the smoking
article. The smoking article may include some indication that force
should be exerted in this region in order to release the additive.
For example, the component may comprise a surface having pimples or
ridges, or other features, that may be detectable through any
filter material or wrapping layers of the smoking article;
alternatively or in addition, the smoking article filter may
comprise a graphic or other printed indication on the outer
surface.
[0131] The size of the additive release component and/or open cell
structure may be dependent on the volume of additive required,
which in turn may be dependent on a number of factors, including
the potency of the additive and the degree of smoke modification
desired. Generally, it is preferable for the volume of the additive
release component and/or open cell structure to be as large as
possible, so that as much additive as possible may be provided, to
modify the smoke as significantly as possible.
[0132] It should be noted that in some embodiments, air flow
through the open cell structure may be possible once the
additive-impermeable layer has been ruptured or otherwise opened.
In some embodiments, this airflow will be minimal. In other
embodiments, no air flow through the additive release component
will be possible.
[0133] The additive release component and/or open cell structure
should not be so large that it has an adverse effect on the
filtration or draw characteristics of the filter. Furthermore, as
the size of the additive release component and/or open cell
structure is increased, the risk of accidental release of additive
from the component may also be increased.
[0134] In some embodiments, the length of the component is within
the range 1 mm to 50 mm, and may be from 3 mm to 350 mm, or from 15
mm to 35 mm. The diameter of the component is preferably within the
range 0.1 mm to 6 mm, and more preferably 1 mm to 5 mm. In one
particular embodiment, the component is at least 7 mm in length. In
some embodiments the component is elongate in shape, being longer
than it is wide.
[0135] The additive release component and the open cell structure
incorporated therein may have essentially any shape. The component
and/or open cell structure may be, for example, spherical,
toroidal, hemispherical, conical, trapezoidal, pyramidal, oblate,
ellipsoidal, elongate, cylindrical, cubic, or any other suitable
shape. The shape of the component and/or open cell structure may
only be restricted by the desired manner of release of the
additive.
[0136] The size and/or shape of the additive release component and
the open cell structure incorporated therein may be substantially
identical or may be different.
[0137] If a large amount of additive is required, then more than
one additive release component may be incorporated into a smoking
article. The components may have the same or different shapes, may
be of the same or of different sizes, and may comprise the same,
similar or different additives.
[0138] In the embodiments described herein, wrapping material is
applied to the smoking article assembly to attach the component
parts. The paper wrapping material is typically tipping paper,
which is substantially impermeable prior to the inclusion of
apertures as described herein. In addition, a sleeve is wrapped
around the smoking article. The sleeve is configured to move
relative to the first filter section and, optionally, is securely
attached to the second filter section.
[0139] The smoking article is configured to allow the ingress of a
selectively variable amount of air upstream of the second filter
section. For example, ventilation apertures are formed in the
outermost layer of paper wrap and/or the paper sleeve. The
ventilation apertures are formed by a mechanical cutting tool or a
laser. The ventilation apertures are formed in the wrapping
material prior to the assembly of the smoking article (i.e.
pre-perforated apertures) or, optionally, when the smoking article
is assembled.
[0140] The ventilation has been described as entering the smoking
article upstream of the second filter section, and in particular,
into the first filter section. Alternatively, the ventilation can
be at least partially into the second filter section, e.g. adjacent
an upstream end of the second filter section.
[0141] The smoking article can comprise one or more ventilation
areas providing a base level of ventilation. Such ventilation areas
are not variable in size.
[0142] In order to address various issues and advance the art, the
entirety of this disclosure illustrates by way of illustration
various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be
practiced and provide for a superior smoking article. 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.
* * * * *