U.S. patent application number 16/124006 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for igniter apparatus for a smoking article, and associated method.
The applicant listed for this patent is R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Invention is credited to Bruce Alan Bengtsson, August Joseph Borschke, Michael Francis Dube, Geoffrey W. Kennard, Jason Eugene Kobisky, Dennis L. Potter, Robert F. Soreo, Cynthia Stewart Stokes, Jeffrey S. Taggart.
Application Number | 20190003709 16/124006 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52577987 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190003709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Borschke; August Joseph ; et
al. |
January 3, 2019 |
IGNITER APPARATUS FOR A SMOKING ARTICLE, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
Abstract
An igniter apparatus is provided, comprising a heat precursor
source having a heat precursor; a heating arrangement configured
to, on demand, receive the heat precursor from the heat precursor
source and to emit heat associated with the heat precursor and
capable of igniting an ignitable article; and a sensory precursor
source having a sensory precursor substance, wherein the sensory
precursor substance is configured to provide a perceptible sensory
effect, and wherein the sensory precursor source is in
communication with the heating arrangement and is configured to
release the sensory precursor substance in association with the
heat emitted by the heating arrangement. An associated method is
also provided.
Inventors: |
Borschke; August Joseph;
(Winston-Salem, NC) ; Dube; Michael Francis;
(Winston-Salem, NC) ; Stokes; Cynthia Stewart;
(Lexington, NC) ; Kobisky; Jason Eugene;
(Winston-Salem, NC) ; Bengtsson; Bruce Alan;
(Winston-Salem, NC) ; Potter; Dennis L.;
(Kernersville, NC) ; Taggart; Jeffrey S.;
(Cleveland Heights, OH) ; Kennard; Geoffrey W.;
(Chardon, OH) ; Soreo; Robert F.; (Cleveland
Heights, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company |
Winston-Salem |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52577987 |
Appl. No.: |
16/124006 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14178081 |
Feb 11, 2014 |
10094562 |
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16124006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23Q 13/04 20130101;
F23Q 2/345 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F23Q 13/04 20060101
F23Q013/04; F23Q 2/34 20060101 F23Q002/34 |
Claims
1-44. (canceled)
45. An igniter apparatus, comprising: a heat precursor source
having a heat precursor; a heat emitting element arranged to
receive the heat precursor, on demand, from the heat precursor
source, the heat emitting element emitting therefrom heat
associated with actuation of the heat precursor, the emitted heat
being capable of igniting a lighting portion of an ignitable
article; and an ignition receptacle having the heat emitting
element therein and extending therefrom to define an ignition port
aligned with the heat emitting element, the ignition port being
arranged to receive the lighting portion of the ignitable article
therethrough so as to guide the lighting portion of the ignitable
article into operable engagement with the heat emitting element for
ignition of the lighting portion of the ignitable article.
46. The apparatus of claim 45, comprising: a sensory precursor
source having a sensory precursor substance capable of providing a
perceptible sensory effect upon actuation thereof; and a sensory
precursor emitting element in communication with the heat emitting
element and arranged to release the sensory precursor substance in
the ignition receptacle into association with the heat emitted by
the heat emitting element.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the sensory precursor
emitting element is disposed within the ignition receptacle.
48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the sensory precursor
substance is actuated via interaction with the heat emitted by the
heat emitting element to produce the perceptible sensory
effect.
49. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the ignition port and the
heating element define an axis extending therethrough, with the
heating element being arranged to extend perpendicularly to the
axis, such that a laterally-extending surface of the lighting
portion of the ignitable article inserted through the ignition port
is directed along the axis into operable engagement with the
heating element.
50. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the heat precursor comprises
an ignitable fuel and the lighting portion comprises a combustible
element, and wherein the heat emitting element is arranged to
ignite the fuel to produce a flame having the heat associated
therewith for igniting the combustible element of the ignitable
article.
51. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the heat emitting element
comprises a resistive heating element, the heat precursor source
comprises an electrical energy source, the heat precursor comprises
electrical current, and the lighting portion comprises a
combustible element, and wherein the resistive heating element,
upon receipt of the electrical current, produces the heat for
igniting the combustible element of the ignitable article.
52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the heat emitting element
comprises a heating membrane, the heat precursor source comprises a
catalyst source, the heat precursor comprises a catalyst, and the
lighting portion comprises a combustible element, and wherein the
heating membrane, upon receipt of and engagement with the catalyst,
reacts with the catalyst to produce the heat for igniting the
combustible element of the ignitable article.
53. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the ignitable article
comprises a combustible heat generation segment forming the
lighting portion and an aerosol generation segment serially
disposed with respect to the combustible heat generation
segment.
54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the combustible heat
generation segment comprises a carbonaceous material.
55. An ignition method, comprising: providing, on demand, a heat
precursor from a heat precursor source; emitting heat associated
with the heat precursor and capable of igniting an ignitable
article about a lighting portion thereof from a heat emitting
element, the heat emitting element emitting the heat in response to
receipt of the heat precursor from the heat precursor source;
receiving the lighting portion of the ignitable article within an
ignition receptacle, the ignition receptacle having the heat
emitting element therein and extending therefrom to define an
ignition port aligned with the heat emitting element, through the
ignition port such that the lighting portion of the ignitable
article is guided into operable engagement with the heat emitting
element; and igniting the lighting portion of the ignitable article
with the heat associated with the heat precursor emitted by the
heat emitting element.
56. The method of claim 55, further comprising: releasing, from a
sensory precursor source, a sensory precursor substance in the
ignition receptacle into association with the heat emitted by the
heat emitting element using a sensory precursor emitting element in
communication with the heat emitting element; and providing a
perceptible sensory effect from the sensory precursor substance
upon actuation thereof with the heat emitted by the heat emitting
element.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein providing the perceptible
sensory effect comprises directing the sensory precursor substance
into interaction with the heat emitted by the heat emitting
element, such that the sensory precursor substance is actuated via
interaction with the heat to produce the perceptible sensory
effect.
58. The method of claim 55, wherein the heat precursor comprises an
ignitable fuel and the lighting portion comprises a combustible
element, and wherein igniting the lighting portion of the ignitable
article comprises igniting the fuel with the heat emitting element
to produce a flame having the heat associated therewith for
igniting the combustible element.
59. The method of claim 55, wherein the heat emitting element
comprises a resistive heating element, the heat precursor source
comprises an electrical energy source, the heat precursor comprises
electrical current, and the lighting portion comprises a
combustible element, and wherein igniting the lighting portion of
the ignitable article comprises receiving the electric current at
the resistive heating element, the electric current interacting
with the resistive heating element to produce the heat for igniting
the combustible element.
60. The method of claim 55, wherein the ignition port and the
heating element define an axis extending therethrough, with the
heating element being arranged to extend perpendicularly to the
axis, wherein igniting the lighting portion of the ignitable
article comprises inserting a laterally-extending surface of the
lighting portion of the ignitable article through the ignition port
and directing the laterally-extending surface of the lighting
portion of the ignitable article along the axis into operable
engagement with the heating element.
61. The method of claim 55, wherein the heat emitting element
comprises a heating membrane, the heat precursor source comprises a
catalyst source, the heat precursor comprises a catalyst, and the
lighting portion comprises a combustible element, and wherein
igniting the lighting portion of the ignitable article comprises
engaging the catalyst with the heating membrane, the catalyst
reacting with the heating membrane to produce the heat for igniting
the combustible element.
62. The method of claim 55, wherein the ignitable article comprises
a combustible heat generation segment forming the lighting portion
and an aerosol generation segment serially disposed with respect to
the heat generation segment, and wherein receiving the lighting
portion of the ignitable article within the ignition receptacle
comprises receiving the lighting portion of the ignitable article
through the ignition port such that the combustible heat generation
segment is guided into operable engagement with the heat emitting
element.
63. The method of claim 62, wherein the combustible heat generation
segment comprises a carbonaceous material, and wherein igniting the
lighting portion of the ignitable article comprises igniting the
carbonaceous material with the heat emitted by the heat emitting
element.
64. An ignition system, comprising: an ignitable article comprising
a heat generation segment and an aerosol generating segment
serially disposed with respect thereto, the heat generation segment
forming a lighting portion of the ignitable article; and an igniter
apparatus arranged to interact with the ignitable article, the
igniter apparatus, comprising: a heat precursor source having a
heat precursor; a heat emitting element arranged to receive the
heat precursor, on demand, from the heat precursor source, the heat
emitting element emitting therefrom heat associated with actuation
of the heat precursor, the emitted heat being capable of igniting
the lighting portion of the ignitable article; and an ignition
receptacle having the heat emitting element therein and extending
therefrom to define an ignition port aligned with the heat emitting
element, the ignition port being arranged to receive the lighting
portion of the ignitable article therethrough so as to guide the
lighting portion of the ignitable article into operable engagement
with the heat emitting element for ignition of the lighting portion
of the ignitable article.
65. The system of claim 64, comprising: a sensory precursor source
having a sensory precursor substance capable of providing a
perceptible sensory effect upon actuation thereof; and a sensory
precursor emitting element in communication with the heat emitting
element and arranged to release the sensory precursor substance in
the ignition receptacle into association with the heat emitted by
the heat emitting element.
66. The system of claim 65, wherein the sensory precursor emitting
element is disposed within the ignition receptacle.
67. The system of claim 65, wherein the sensory precursor substance
is actuated via interaction with the heat emitted by the heat
emitting element to produce the perceptible sensory effect.
68. The system of claim 64, wherein the ignition port and the
heating element define an axis extending therethrough, with the
heating element being arranged to extend perpendicularly to the
axis, such that a laterally-extending surface of the lighting
portion of the ignitable article inserted through the ignition port
is directed along the axis into operable engagement with the
heating element.
69. The system of claim 64, wherein the heat precursor comprises an
ignitable fuel and the lighting portion comprises a combustible
element, and wherein the heat emitting element is arranged to
ignite the fuel to produce a flame having the heat associated
therewith for igniting the combustible element of the ignitable
article.
70. The system of claim 64, wherein the heat emitting element
comprises a resistive heating element, the heat precursor source
comprises an electrical energy source, the heat precursor comprises
electrical current, and the lighting portion comprises a
combustible element, and wherein the resistive heating element,
upon receipt of the electrical current, produces the heat for
igniting the combustible element of the ignitable article.
71. The system of claim 64, wherein the heat emitting element
comprises a heating membrane, the heat precursor source comprises a
catalyst source, the heat precursor comprises a catalyst, and the
lighting portion comprises a combustible element, and wherein the
heating membrane, upon receipt of and engagement with the catalyst,
reacts with the catalyst to produce the heat for igniting the
combustible element of the ignitable article.
72. The system of claim 64, wherein the heat generation segment
comprises a carbonaceous material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Field of the Disclosure
[0001] The present disclosure relates to products made or derived
from tobacco, or that otherwise incorporate tobacco, and are
intended for human consumption; and more particularly, to an
igniter apparatus and method for components and configurations of
such smoking articles.
Disclosure of Related Art
[0002] Popular smoking articles, such as cigarettes, have a
substantially cylindrical rod-shaped structure and include a
charge, roll or column of smokable material, such as shredded
tobacco (e.g., in cut filler form), surrounded by a paper wrapper,
thereby forming a so-called "smokable rod", "tobacco rod" or
"cigarette rod." Normally, a cigarette has a cylindrical filter
element aligned in an end-to-end relationship with the tobacco rod.
Preferably, a filter element comprises plasticized cellulose
acetate tow circumscribed by a paper material known as "plug wrap."
Preferably, the filter element is attached to one end of the
tobacco rod using a circumscribing wrapping material known as
"tipping paper." It also has become desirable to perforate the
tipping material and plug wrap, in order to provide dilution of
drawn mainstream smoke with ambient air. Descriptions of cigarettes
and the various components thereof are set forth in Tobacco
Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999);
which is incorporated herein by reference. A traditional type of
cigarettes is employed by a smoker by lighting one end thereof and
burning the tobacco rod. The smoker then receives mainstream smoke
into his/her mouth by drawing on the opposite end (e.g., the filter
end or mouth end) of the cigarette. Through the years, efforts have
been made to improve upon the components, construction and
performance of smoking articles. See, for example, the background
art, and cigarette components and technology, discussed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,479,098 to Thomas et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,056,
both to Borschke et al.; which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0003] Certain types of cigarettes that employ carbonaceous fuel
elements have been commercially marketed under the brand names
"Premier" and "Eclipse" by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. See, for
example, those types of cigarettes described in Chemical and
Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of
Burn Tobacco, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988) and
Inhalation Toxicology, 12:5, p. 1-58 (2000). Additionally, a
similar type of cigarette recently has been marketed in Japan by
Japan Tobacco Inc. under the brand name "Steam Hot One."
Furthermore, various types of smoking products incorporating
carbonaceous fuel elements for heat generation and aerosol
formation recently have been set forth in the patent literature.
See, for example, the types of smoking products proposed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,836,897 to Borschke et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,035 to
Banerjee et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,726 to Sebastian et al.; US
Pat. Pub. Nos. 2012/0042885 to Stone et al.; 2013/0019888 to
Tsuruizumi et al; 2013/0133675 to Shinozaki et al. and 2013/0146075
to Poget et al.; PCT WO Nos. 2012/0164077 to Gladden et al.;
2013/098380 to Raether et al.; 2013/098405 to Zuber et al.;
2013/098410 to Zuber et al.; 2013/104914 to Woodcock; 2013/120849
to Roudier et al.; 2013/120854 to Mironov; EP 1808087 to Baba et
al. and EP 2550879 to Tsuruizumi et al.; which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety. A historical perspective of
technology related to various types of smoking products
incorporating carbonaceous fuel elements for heat generation and
aerosol formation may be found, for example, in the background are
discussed in US Pat. Pub. No. 2007/0215167 to Llewellyn Crooks et
al., which is also incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] It would be highly desirable to provide a manner or method
for lighting or otherwise lighting smoking articles that are
intended to burn tobacco to produce smoke, or that are otherwise
intended to produce aerosol as a result of ignition of a
combustible fuel element or source. In particular, it would be
desirable to enhance the lighting experience of a smoker of a
smoking article. For example, it would be desirable provide a
manner or method for efficiently and effectively introducing
enhanced sensory or other perceptible effects for a smoker to
experience upon ignition of a smoking article for use, as well as
during the period that the smoking article is smoked.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The above and other needs are met by aspects of the present
disclosure which, in one aspect, provides an igniter apparatus,
comprising a heat precursor source having a heat precursor; a
heating arrangement configured to, on demand, receive the heat
precursor from the heat precursor source and to emit heat
associated with the heat precursor and capable of igniting an
ignitable article; and a sensory precursor source having a sensory
precursor substance, wherein the sensory precursor substance is
configured to provide a perceptible sensory effect, and wherein the
sensory precursor source is in communication with the heating
arrangement and is configured to release the sensory precursor
substance in association with the heat emitted by the heating
arrangement.
[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an
ignition method, comprising providing, on demand, a heat precursor
from a heat precursor source; emitting heat associated with the
heat precursor and capable of igniting an ignitable article from a
heating arrangement configured to receive the heat precursor from
the heat precursor source; and providing a perceptible sensory
effect associated with a sensory precursor substance from a sensory
precursor source in communication with the heating arrangement,
wherein the heating arrangement is configured to release the
sensory precursor substance in association with the heat emitted
thereby.
[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure thus relate to igniter
apparatuses and ignition methods for smoking articles, and in
particular, for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as cigarettes,
wherein the smoking article includes a lighting end (i.e., an
upstream end) and a mouth end (i.e., a downstream end). The smoking
article may also include an aerosol-generation system that includes
(i) a heat generation segment, and (ii) an aerosol-generating
region or segment located downstream from the heat generation
segment. The heat generation segment may be formed or extruded from
carbonaceous materials, in order to produce heat when lit; and
hence, provide heat for the physically separate aerosol-generating
region for aerosol generation.
[0008] In a general aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure
may broadly implement apparatuses and methods involving a discrete
device such as an igniter apparatus, external to the smoking
article, being configured to deliver one or more elements or
components (wherein one or more such elements or components may be
exogenous to the smoking article) of a sensory or perceptive
arrangement to the smoking article, so as to facilitate delivery of
the sensory or perceptive arrangement or effect associated
therewith via the smoking article to the user thereof. Generally,
the sensory or perceptive arrangement or effect associated
therewith delivered to the user via the smoking article is
desirably prominent during the initial (i.e., lighting) puffs of
the smoking article, though in other aspects, the sensory or
perceptive arrangement or effect associated therewith may desirably
be provided to the user following the initial puffs up to
exhaustion of the consumption of the smoking article. In other
general aspects, the sensory or perceptive arrangement or effect
associated therewith delivered or provided to the user via the
smoking article may be selected to complement the smoke produced by
lighting the smoking article and/or throughout the smoking process,
to facilitate the enjoyment of the smoking article by the user, to
increase the satisfaction of the user in consuming the smoking
article, and/or to otherwise enhance the user experience with the
smoking article.
[0009] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure
are set forth in more detail in the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Having thus described the disclosure in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a longitudinal
cross-sectional view of a representative smoking article;
[0012] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an ignition method,
according to one aspect of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIGS. 3-30 each schematically illustrate various
arrangements of an igniter apparatus incorporating a sensory
precursor delivery arrangement for a smoking article, according to
various aspects of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIGS. 31 and 32 schematically illustrate alternate
arrangements of an igniter apparatus incorporating a sensory
precursor delivery arrangement for a smoking article, according to
other aspects of the present disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 33 schematically illustrates an alternate sensory
precursor delivery arrangement for a smoking article, according to
another aspect of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The present disclosure now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all aspects of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, the
disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not
be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather,
these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout.
[0017] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may
relate, for example, to apparatuses and methods involving a
discrete device such as an igniter apparatus, external to the
smoking article, configured to deliver one or more elements or
components of a sensory or perceptive arrangement to the smoking
article, so as to facilitate delivery of the sensory or perceptive
arrangement or effect associated therewith via the smoking article
to the user thereof. Accordingly, such aspects may relate to or
otherwise involve various smoking articles, and the arrangement of
various components thereof, in such an arrangement as to be
responsive to or otherwise facilitate the delivery of the one or
more elements or components from the discrete device to the smoking
article, and delivery of the sensory or perceptive arrangement or
effect associated therewith at least partially through the smoking
article to the smoker. See, for example, the types of smoking
articles discussed in the background art and referenced in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/098,137 to Ademe et al., which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a representative smoking article 10 in
the form of a cigarette. The smoking article 10 has a rod-like
shape, and includes a lighting end 14 and a mouth end 18. At the
lighting end 14 is positioned a longitudinally-extending, generally
cylindrical, heat generation segment 35. The heat generation
segment 35 includes a heat source 40 circumscribed by insulation
42, which may be coaxially encircled by wrapping material 45. The
heat source 40 preferably is configured to be activated by direct
ignition of the lighting end 14. The smoking article 10 also
includes a filter segment 65 located at the other end (mouth end
18), and an aerosol-generating segment 51 (which may incorporate
tobacco) that is located in between those two segments.
[0019] The heat source 40 may include a combustible fuel element
that has a generally cylindrical shape and can incorporate a
combustible carbonaceous material. Such combustible carbonaceous
materials generally have high carbon content. Preferred
carbonaceous materials may be comprised predominantly of carbon,
typically have carbon contents of greater than about 60 percent,
generally greater than about 70 percent, often greater than about
80 percent, and frequently greater than about 90 percent, on a dry
weight basis. Such combustible fuel elements can incorporate
components other than combustible carbonaceous materials (e.g.,
tobacco components, such as powdered tobaccos or tobacco extracts;
flavoring agents; salts, such as sodium chloride, potassium
chloride and sodium carbonate; heat stable graphite fibers; iron
oxide powder; glass filaments; powdered calcium carbonate; alumina
granules; ammonia sources, such as ammonia salts; and/or binding
agents, such as guar gum, ammonium alginate and sodium alginate). A
representative fuel element, for example, has a length of about 12
mm and an overall outside diameter of about 4.2 mm. A
representative fuel element can be extruded or compounded using a
ground or powdered carbonaceous material, and has a density that is
greater than about 0.5 g/cm.sup.3, often greater than about 0.7
g/cm.sup.3, and frequently greater than about 1 g/cm.sup.3, on a
dry weight basis. See, for example, the types of fuel element
components, formulations and designs set forth and referenced in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,451 to Riggs et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,897 to
Borschke et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,879 to Barnes et al.; and
US Pat. Pub. Nos. 2007/0215167 to Llewellyn Crooks et al. and
2007/0215168 to Banerjee et al. and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/098,137 to Ademe et al.; which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety. Still other embodiments of fuel
elements may include those of the types described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,819,655 to Roberts et al. or U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/0044818
to Takeuchi et al., each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0020] The fuel element preferably is circumscribed or otherwise
jacketed by insulation 42, or other suitable material. A
representative layer of insulation 42 can comprise glass filaments
or fibers. The insulation 42 can act as a jacket that assists in
maintaining the heat source 40 firmly in place within the smoking
article 10. The insulation preferably is configured such that drawn
air and aerosol can pass readily therethrough. The insulation 42
can be provided as a multi-layer component including an inner layer
or mat 47 of non-woven glass filaments, an intermediate layer of
reconstituted tobacco paper, and an outer layer of non-woven glass
filaments. These may be concentrically oriented or each
overwrapping and/or circumscribing the heat source. Various other
insulation embodiments may be molded, extruded, foamed, or
otherwise formed. Examples of insulation materials, components of
insulation assemblies, configurations of representative insulation
assemblies within heat generation segments, wrapping materials for
insulation assemblies, and manners and methods for producing those
components and assemblies, are set forth and referenced in U.S.
Pat. App. Pub. No. 2012/0042885 to Stone et al. and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/098,137 to Ademe et al., which is
incorporated herein by reference. Insulation assemblies have been
incorporated within the types of cigarettes commercially marketed
under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by R. J. Reynolds
Tobacco Company, and as "Steam Hot One" cigarette marketed by Japan
Tobacco Inc.
[0021] Preferably, both ends of the heat generation segment 35 are
open to expose at least the heat source 40 and insulation 42 at the
lighting end 14. The heat source 40 and the surrounding insulation
42 can be configured so that the length of both materials is
co-extensive (i.e., the ends of the insulation 42 are flush with
the respective ends of the heat source 40, and particularly at the
downstream end of the heat generation segment). Optionally, though
not necessarily preferably, the insulation 42 may extend slightly
beyond (e.g., from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm beyond) either or
both ends of the heat source 40. Moreover, heat and/or heated air
produced when the lighting end 14 is ignited during use of the
smoking article 10 can readily pass through the heat generation
segment 35 during draw by the smoker on the mouth end 18.
[0022] The heat generation segment 35 preferably is positioned with
one end disposed at the lighting end 14, and is axially aligned in
an end-to-end relationship with a downstream aerosol-generating
segment 51. The close proximity of the heat generation segment 35
to the lighting end 14 provides for direct ignition of the heat
source/fuel element 40 of the heat generation segment 35. The
aerosol-generating segment 51 typically includes a substrate
material 55 that, in turn, acts as a carrier for an aerosol-forming
agent or material (not shown). For example, the aerosol-generating
segment 51 can include a reconstituted tobacco material that
includes processing aids, flavoring agents, and glycerin. The
foregoing components of the aerosol-generating segment 51 can be
disposed within, and circumscribed by, a wrapping material. The
wrapping material can be configured to facilitate the transfer of
heat from the lighting end 14 of the smoking article 10 (e.g., from
the heat generation segment 35) to components of the
aerosol-generating segment 51. That is, the aerosol-generating
segment 51 and the heat generation segment 35 are configured in a
heat exchange relationship with one another. The heat exchange
relationship is such that sufficient heat from the heat source 40
is supplied to the aerosol-formation region to volatilize
aerosol-forming material for aerosol formation. In some
embodiments, the heat exchange relationship is achieved by
positioning those physically separate segments in close proximity
to one another. A heat exchange relationship also can be achieved
by extending a heat conductive material from the vicinity of the
heat source 40 into or around the region occupied by the
aerosol-generating segment 51.
[0023] A representative wrapping material for the substrate
material 55 may include heat conductive properties to conduct heat
from the heat generation segment 35 to the aerosol-generating
segment 51, in order to provide for the volatilization of the
aerosol forming components contained therein. The substrate
material 55 may be about 10 mm to about 22 mm in length, with
certain embodiments being about 11 mm up to about 21 mm. The
substrate material 55 can be provided from a blend of flavorful and
aromatic tobaccos in cut filler form. Those tobaccos, in turn, can
be treated with aerosol-forming material and/or at least one
flavoring agent. The substrate material can be provided from a
processed tobacco (e.g., a reconstituted tobacco manufactured using
cast sheet or papermaking types of processes) in cut filler form.
Certain cast sheet constructions may include about 270 to about 300
mg of tobacco per 10 mm of linear length. That tobacco, in turn,
can be treated with, or processed to incorporate, aerosol-forming
material and/or at least one flavoring agent, as well as a burn
retardant (e.g., diammonium phosphate or another salt) configured
to help prevent ignition and/or scorching by the heat-generation
segment. A metal inner surface of the wrapping material of the
aerosol-generating segment 51 can act as a carrier for
aerosol-forming material and/or at least one flavoring agent. In
other embodiments, the substrate 55 may include a tobacco paper or
non-tobacco gathered paper formed as a plug section. The plug
section may be loaded with aerosol-forming materials, flavorants,
tobacco extracts, or the like in a variety of forms (e.g.,
microencapsulated, liquid, powdered). A burn retardant (e.g.,
diammonium phosphate or another salt) may be applied to at least a
distal/lighting-end portion of the substrate to help prevent
ignition and/or scorching by the heat-generation segment. In these
and/or other embodiments, the substrate 55 may include pellets or
beads formed from marumarized and/or non-marumarized tobacco.
Marumarized tobacco is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No.
5,105,831 to Banerjee, et al., which is incorporated herein by
reference. See also, those types of substrates set forth in and
referenced in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/098,137 to Ademe
et al. and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2004/0173229 to Crooks et al.,
2011/0271971 to Conner et al. and 2012/0042885 to Stone et al.
which are incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, both ends
of the aerosol-generating segment 51 are open to expose the
substrate material 55 thereof.
[0024] Together, the heat generating segment 35 and the
aerosol-generating segment 51 form an aerosol-generation system.
The aerosol-generating segment 51 is positioned adjacent to the
downstream end of the heat generation segment 35 such that those
segments 51, 35 are axially aligned in an end-to-end relationship.
Those segments can abut one another, or be positioned in a slightly
spaced apart relationship, which may include a buffer region 53.
The outer cross-sectional shapes and dimensions of those segments,
when viewed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the smoking
article 10, can be essentially identical to one another. The
physical arrangement of those components preferably is such that
heat is transferred (e.g., by means that includes conductive and
convective heat transfer) from the heat source 40 to the adjacent
substrate material 55, throughout the time that the heat source is
activated (e.g., burned) during use of the smoking article 10.
[0025] A buffer region 53 may reduce potential scorching or other
thermal degradation of portions of the aerosol-generating segment
51. The buffer region 53 may mainly include empty air space, or it
may be partially or substantially completely filled with a
non-combustible material such as, for example, metal, organic,
inorganic, ceramic, or polymeric materials, or any combination
thereof. The buffer regions may be from about 1 mm to about 10 mm
or more in thickness (length), but often will be about 2 mm to
about 5 mm in thickness (length).
[0026] The components of the aerosol-generation system preferably
are attached to one another, and secured in place using an overwrap
material 64. For example, the overwrap material 64 can include a
paper wrapping material or a laminated paper-type material that
circumscribes each of the heat generation segment 35, and at least
a portion of outer longitudinally extending surface of the
aerosol-generating segment 51. The inner surface of the overwrap
material 64 may be secured to the outer surfaces of the components
it circumscribes by a suitable adhesive.
[0027] The smoking article 10 preferably includes a suitable
mouthpiece such as, for example, a filter element 65, positioned at
the mouth end 18 thereof. The filter element 65 preferably is
positioned at one end of the cigarette rod adjacent to one end of
the aerosol-generating segment 51, such that the filter element 65
and the aerosol-generating segment 51 are axially aligned in an
end-to-end relationship, abutting one another but without any
barrier therebetween. Preferably, the general cross-sectional
shapes and dimensions of those segments 51, 65 are essentially
identical to one another when viewed transversely to the
longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The filter element 65 may
include filter material 70 that is overwrapped along the
longitudinally extending surface thereof with circumscribing plug
wrap material. In one example, the filter material 70 includes
plasticized cellulose acetate tow, while in some examples the
filter material may further include activated charcoal in an amount
from about 20 to about 80 mg disposed as a discrete charge or
dispersed throughout the acetate tow in a "Dalmatian type" filter.
Both ends of the filter element 65 preferably are open to permit
the passage of aerosol therethrough. The aerosol-generating system
preferably is attached to the filter element 65 using tipping
material 78. The smoking article optionally can be air-diluted by
providing appropriate perforations 81 in the vicinity of the mouth
end region 18, as is known in the art. Filters may include
materials and may be manufactured by methods such as, for example,
those disclosed and referenced in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/098,137 to Ademe et al., which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0028] The aerosol-forming materials can vary, and mixtures of
various aerosol-forming materials can be used, as can various
combinations and varieties of flavoring agents (including various
materials that alter the sensory and/or organoleptic character or
nature of mainstream aerosol of a smoking article), wrapping
materials, mouth-end pieces, filter elements, plug wrap, and
tipping material. Representative types of these components are set
forth in and referenced in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/098,137 to Ademe et al. and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2007/0215167
to Llewellyn Crooks, et al., which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0029] Cigarettes described with reference to FIG. 1 may be used in
much the same manner as those cigarettes commercially marketed
under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by R. J. Reynolds
Tobacco Company and "Steam Hot One" by Japan Tobacco Inc. That is,
during use in accordance with the present invention, the smoker
lights the lighting end 14 of the smoking article 10 using that
type of igniter apparatus that is described in greater detail
hereinafter, in a manner similar to the way that conventional
smoking articles are lit, such that the fuel element 40 at the
lighting end 14 is ignited. The mouth end 18 of the smoking article
10 is placed in the lips of the smoker. Aerosol generated by the
aerosol generation system is drawn through the smoking article 10,
through the filter element 65, and into the mouth of the smoker.
That is, when smoked, the smoking article yields visible mainstream
aerosol that resembles the mainstream tobacco smoke of traditional
cigarettes that burn tobacco cut filler.
[0030] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure thus
acknowledge that smoking article of the types disclosed herein may
include or do include many different components or elements. In
some instances, as also disclosed herein, it is evident that two or
more components may interact to form the desired function or
provide the desired effect. Moreover, in some aspects, a component
or combination of components may be, for example, actuated by
exposure to heat to form the desired function or provide the
desired effect. As such, certain aspects of the present disclosure
generally relate, for example, to apparatuses and methods involving
a discrete device such as an igniter apparatus, external to the
smoking article, configured to deliver one or more elements or
components (wherein one or more such elements or components may be
exogenous to the smoking article) of a sensory or perceptive
arrangement to the smoking article, so as to facilitate delivery of
the sensory or perceptive arrangement or effect associated
therewith via the smoking article to the user thereof. Accordingly,
such aspects may relate to or otherwise involve various smoking
articles, and the arrangement of various components thereof, in
such an arrangement as to be responsive to or otherwise facilitate
the delivery of the one or more elements or components from the
discrete device to the smoking article, and delivery of the sensory
or perceptive arrangement or effect associated therewith at least
partially through the smoking article to the user. In addition,
aspects of the present disclosure involving the sensory or
perceptive arrangement or effect associated therewith delivered to
the user may otherwise be similarly applicable to other forms and
arrangements of smoking articles such as, for example, conventional
cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
[0031] In general, aspects of the present disclosure may broadly
implement apparatuses and methods involving a discrete device such
as an igniter apparatus, external to the smoking article, being
configured to deliver one or more elements or components (wherein
one or more such elements or components may be exogenous to the
smoking article) of a sensory or perceptive arrangement to the
smoking article, so as to facilitate delivery of the sensory or
perceptive arrangement or effect associated therewith via the
smoking article to the user thereof. In some instances, exogenous
elements or components may include materials or substances that
were not included in the smoking article during the manufacture
thereof, or otherwise may include desirable elements or components
added to the smoking article from externally thereto. That is,
particular aspects of the disclosure, for example, are directed to
enhancing the flavor in a cigarette by adding flavor to a
manufactured cigarette during lighting, and/or otherwise
introducing flavor to a cigarette that has been manufactured
without incorporation of an added flavor. Alternatively stated, in
some aspects, a lighter and the lighting process for a cigarette
may be implemented to introduce flavor into the cigarette.
Generally, the sensory or perceptive arrangement or effect
associated therewith delivered to the user via the smoking article
is desirably prominent during the initial (i.e., lighting) puffs of
the smoking article, though in other aspects, the sensory or
perceptive arrangement or effect associated therewith may desirably
be provided to the user following the initial puffs up to
exhaustion of the consumption of the smoking article. In other
general aspects, the sensory or perceptive arrangement or effect
(i.e., a flavor or aroma) associated therewith delivered or
provided to the user via the smoking article may be selected to
complement the smoke produced by lighting the smoking article
and/or throughout the smoking process, to facilitate the enjoyment
of the smoking article by the user, to increase the satisfaction of
the user in consuming the smoking article, and/or to otherwise
enhance the user experience with the smoking article.
[0032] One aspect of the present disclosure, as schematically
illustrated in FIG. 2, thus involves an ignition method, which
comprises providing, on demand, a heat precursor from a heat
precursor source (block 90); emitting heat associated with the heat
precursor, wherein the heat is capable of igniting an ignitable
article, from a heating arrangement configured to receive the heat
precursor from the heat precursor source (block 92); and providing
a perceptible sensory effect, such as a flavor or aroma, associated
with a sensory precursor substance from a sensory precursor source
in communication with the heating arrangement, wherein the heating
arrangement is configured to release the sensory precursor
substance in association with the heat emitted thereby (block
94).
[0033] In aspects where the heat precursor source comprises a fuel
source having an ignitable fuel as the heat precursor, and the
heating arrangement comprises an igniter arrangement, the method
may further comprise igniting the fuel received from the fuel
source with the igniter arrangement to produce a flame having the
heat associated therewith for igniting the ignitable article. The
fuel may be mixed with the sensory precursor substance prior to the
resulting mixture being received by the igniter arrangement, or
upon ignition thereof to produce the flame. In other instances, the
sensory precursor substance may be directed into interaction with
the flame. The sensory precursor substance may, in some aspects, be
actuated by interacting the sensory precursor substance with the
fuel, to thereby produce the perceptible sensory effect. In other
instances, the sensory precursor substance may be actuated by
igniting the sensory precursor substance, or by interacting the
sensory precursor substance with the heat associated with the flame
or the heat associated with the flame, to thereby produce the
perceptible sensory effect.
[0034] In some aspects, the step of igniting the fuel to produce a
flame having the heat associated therewith may further comprise
emitting the sensory precursor substance without actuation thereof
by one of the flame and the heat associated therewith. That is, the
sensory precursor substance may be substantially unaffected by the
heat/flame. Further, an aerosol may be formed from the sensory
precursor substance, by exposing the sensory precursor substance to
the flame and/or the heat associated therewith. In particular
instances, the heat and the sensory precursor substance associated
therewith are configured to interact with an ignitable article,
such as a smoking article, and the method may further comprise
interacting the sensory precursor substance with an element of the
ignitable article to form an aerosol. That is, the sensory
precursor substance from the igniter apparatus may require
interaction with an element of the ignitable article, in order to
form an aerosol.
[0035] In other aspects, the heating arrangement may include a
heat-emitting element and the sensory precursor source may be
disposed adjacent to the heat-emitting element. In such instances,
the method may comprise actuating the sensory precursor substance
with the heat emitted by the heat-emitting element, and may further
comprise emitting the sensory precursor substance in association
with the heat emitted by the heat-emitting element.
[0036] In still other aspects, the sensory precursor source may be
configured as a consumable element comprised of the sensory
precursor substance, and the method may further comprise consuming
the consumable element and actuating the sensory precursor
substance in response to the heat emitted by the heat-emitting
element. Otherwise, the sensory precursor source may be configured
as a non-consumable element comprised of the sensory precursor
substance, and the method may further comprise actuating the
sensory precursor substance of the non-consumable element in
response to the heat emitted by the heat-emitting element.
[0037] In some aspects, the heat precursor source may comprise an
electrical power source having electrical power as the heat
precursor, and the heating arrangement may comprise a heating
element, such as a resistive heating element. In such instances,
the method may further comprise powering the heating element with
the electrical power received from the electrical power source to
produce the heat for igniting the ignitable article. In other
aspects, the heat precursor source may comprise a catalyst source
having a catalyst as the heat precursor, and the heating
arrangement may comprise a heating membrane, wherein the method may
further comprise reacting the heating membrane with the catalyst
received from the catalyst source to produce the heat for igniting
the ignitable article. In still further aspects, the heat precursor
source may comprise a fuel source having an ignitable fuel as the
heat precursor, and the heating arrangement may comprise a heating
membrane, wherein the method may further comprise reacting the fuel
received from the fuel source with a catalyst received from a
catalyst source to produce the heat for igniting the ignitable
article. In such instances, the step of emitting heat may further
comprise emitting the sensory precursor substance without actuation
thereof by the catalyst.
[0038] Various arrangements of apparatuses according to aspects of
the present disclosure will now be addressed in detail. In some
instances, a particular aspect may be referred to as being similar
to one or more other aspects disclosed herein. In such instances,
even though particular details may not be expressly discussed for a
particular aspect, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
disclosure related to that aspect will incorporate details and
disclosure of the other aspects indicated as being similar in
nature. For example, a recitation that the arrangement shown in
FIG. 10 is similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 9 will serve to
incorporate the disclosure of and description related to the
arrangement of FIG. 9 into the disclosure of and description
related to the arrangement of FIG. 10. As schematically
illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3-30, one aspect of the present
disclosure involves an igniter apparatus, generally indicated by
the numeral 100. Such an igniter apparatus 100 may comprise, for
instance, a heat precursor source 200 having a heat precursor
element 250. For example, the heat precursor source 200 (otherwise
referred to herein as a "fuel source") may comprise a reservoir,
and the heat precursor element 250 may comprise, for example,
butane or other suitable organic fuel capable of being ignited to
produce heat. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that
the heat precursor element may not necessarily be restricted to a
combustible material capable of producing heat. For example, the
heat precursor source 200, in some instances, may comprise a power
reservoir (i.e., a battery, capacitor, etc.) having a heat
precursor element comprising, for example, electric power (i.e.,
for powering a resistive heating element). One skilled in the art
will also appreciate that the heat precursor source 200 may be
refillable (or rechargeable), or may otherwise be configured to be
disposable or replaceable.
[0039] The igniter apparatus 100 may further comprise a heating
arrangement 300 configured to, on demand, receive the heat
precursor element 250 from the heat precursor source 200, and to
emit heat associated with the heat precursor element 250. For
example, the heating arrangement 300 may include an on-demand
actuator 350 (including, for example, an "igniter arrangement") for
causing the heating arrangement 300 to initiate production and
emission of heat capable of igniting an ignitable article 150
(i.e., a spark generator for igniting a combustible fuel such as
butane, or a switch for completing a circuit providing electrical
power to a resistive heating element). In some instances, the
actuator 350 may also be configured to maintain delivery of the
heat precursor element 250 from the heat precursor source to the
heating arrangement 300, in order to generate the emitted heat, as
long as the demand is present or otherwise selected (i.e., via
continued actuation of the actuator). For example, a flame lighter
may be configured such that actuation of a striker provides a
spark, while at the same time, releasing butane from the reservoir,
wherein the spark ignites that butane to provide a flame (and
heat), and wherein the flame continues to burn as long as the
striker is held in the actuated position (or until the reservoir is
emptied of butane). Various "conventional" lighters are disclosed,
for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 2,032,695 to Gimera et al.; U.S. Pat.
No. 2,737,037 to Zellweger; U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,092 to Masson; U.S.
Pat. No. 3,756,766 to Green; U.S. Pat. No. 3,766,946 to Corarg;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,737 to Johnsson; U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,734 to
Nolf; U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,570 to Lowenthal; U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,852
to Meury; U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,240 to Lowenthal; U.S. Pat. No.
5,649,554 to Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,596 to Zelenik;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,575 to Sher; U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,082 to Smith;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,405 to Sewalt; U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,470 to
Meister; U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,392 to Johnson; and U.S. Pat. No.
7,946,293 to Gerardi; and US Pat. App. Nos. 2012/0315588 to
Kondrat; and 2014/0026904 to Monty et al.; each of which is
incorporated herein by reference. The lighter fluids used within
traditional or conventional types of lighters can vary, and can
include fuels such as butane, ethanol and liquid hydrocarbon
mixtures that provide so-called naphtha types of fluids. Various
traditional types of light fluids have been commercially available;
such as, for example, Colibri Premium Butane Fuel Refill by
Colibri, Ronsonol Lighter Fluid from Ronson and Zippo Premium
Lighter Fluid from Zippo Manufacturing Company.
[0040] In one particular instance, the heat precursor source 400
may comprise, for example, a fuel source having an ignitable or
combustible fuel as the heat precursor element 250, and the heating
arrangement 300 may comprise, for example, an igniter arrangement
325 (in addition to or instead of the actuator 350) configured to
ignite the ignitable/combustible fuel received from the fuel
source, to produce a flame having heat associated therewith,
wherein the flame and/or the heat may be implemented for igniting
the ignitable article 150 (i.e., a smoking article).
[0041] In particular aspects of the present disclosure, the igniter
apparatus 100 also includes a sensory precursor source 400 having a
sensory precursor substance 450. Generally, the sensory precursor
source 400 may be arranged in communication with the heating
arrangement 300, and may be configured to release the sensory
precursor substance 450 in association with the heat/flame emitted
by the heating arrangement 300. Further, the sensory precursor
substance 450 may be configured to provide a perceptible sensory
effect. As used herein, the terms "flavor," "aroma," or "odor"
refer to substances, such as a liquid, a gel, or a solid (e.g., a
crystalline material or a dry powder), that provide a concentrated
release for a perceptible sensory effect such as, for example,
taste, mouth feel, moistness, coolness/heat, and/or
fragrance/aroma/odor), or otherwise may include components that aid
in flavoring or scenting mainstream cigarette smoke, or may
comprise, for example, a breath freshening agent for the smoker, a
deodorizing agent for the cigarette butt, a moistening or cooling
agent for the cigarette smoke, or a composition capable of
otherwise altering the nature or character of the cigarette. One
skilled in the art will also appreciate that the sensory precursor
source 400 may be refillable (or rechargeable), or may otherwise be
configured to be disposable or replaceable.
[0042] The sensory precursor substance 450 may comprise, for
example, an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid (e.g., a solution or
dispersion of at least one flavoring ingredient within water or an
organic liquid such as an alcohol or oil, or a mixture of water and
a miscible liquid like alcohol or glycerin). Exemplary flavoring
agents providing such flavor/aroma/fragrance/odor can be natural or
synthetic, and the character of these flavors can be described,
without limitation, as fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionary, floral,
fruity or spice. Specific types of flavors include, but are not
limited to, tobacco, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cream, mint,
spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, lavender, cardamom,
nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine,
ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime,
cherry, and strawberry. See also, Leffingwill et al., Tobacco
Flavoring for Smoking Products, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
(1972). Flavorings also can include components that are considered
moistening, cooling or smoothening agents, such as eucalyptus.
These flavors may be provided neat (i.e., alone) or in a composite
(e.g., spearmint and menthol, or orange and cinnamon). Composite
flavors may be combined as a mixture. That is, in some aspects, the
sensory precursor substance 450 may be a mixture of a flavoring
agent and a diluting agent or carrier. Suitable diluting agents
include ethanol and propylene glycol, and in certain instances
water can be used as a carrier, particularly when the sensory
precursor substance is housed in an arrangement physically separate
from the lighter fluid of the heat precursor element. Another
representative diluting agent is a triglyceride, such as a medium
chain triglyceride, and more particularly a food grade mixture of
medium chain triglycerides. See, for example, Radzuan et al., Porim
Bulletin, 39, 33-38 (1999). The amount of flavoring and diluting
agent may vary. In some instances, the diluting agent may be
eliminated altogether, and the entire sensory precursor substance
450 can be comprised of flavoring agent. Alternatively, the sensory
precursor substance 450 can be almost entirely comprised of
diluting agent, and only contain a very small amount of relatively
potent flavoring agent. In one embodiment, the composition of the
mixture of flavoring and diluting agent is in the range of about 5
percent to about 75 percent flavoring, and more preferably in the
range of about 5 to about 25 percent flavoring, and most preferably
in the range of about 10 to about 15 percent, by weight based on
the total weight of the sensory precursor substance 450, with the
balance being diluting agent. One skilled in the art will also
appreciate that, in some instances, the water or other liquid that
may be included in the sensory precursor substance 450 may function
to provide cooling for the smoke drawn through the smoking
article.
[0043] The perceptible sensory effect may be provided merely upon
release of the sensory precursor substance 450 from the sensory
precursor source 400. For example, the sensory precursor substance
450 could comprise a liquid, vapor/aerosol, or solid that is
associated with a particular flavor or odor (i.e., aroma), when
released or dispensed from the sensory precursor source 400. In one
such aspect, for instance, the sensory precursor substance 450 may
comprise a flavored liquid having a menthol flavor. The sensory
precursor substance 450, in such instances, may be contained within
a sensory precursor source 400 (i.e., reservoir) appropriately
incorporated into the igniter apparatus 100. In some instances, the
sensory precursor substance 450 may be pressurized within the
sensory precursor source 400 so as to form a vapor, aerosol, or
mist, upon dispensation thereof, and such that the sensory
precursor substance 450 is emitted or delivered with force or under
pressure from the igniter apparatus 100. In other instances, the
sensory precursor source 400 may have associated therewith an
on-demand pressurization provision (i.e., a pump sprayer or
pressurizer) or a pump mechanism. In still other instances, the
sensory precursor source 400 may be replaceable (i.e., a
replaceable and disposable cartridge).
[0044] In other aspects, the sensory precursor component 450 may
require actuation, upon release from the sensory precursor source
400, in order to provide the perceptible sensory effect. In such
instances, the sensory precursor substance 450 could comprise, for
example, a liquid, vapor/aerosol, or solid that is associated with
a particular flavor or odor when released or dispensed from the
sensory precursor source 400 and actuated, for instance, by heat.
That is, in one instance, the sensory precursor substance 450 may
be heat-actuated such that the perceptible sensory effect is only
provided when the sensory precursor substance 450 is exposed to a
sufficient level of heat. In one such particular aspect, for
instance, the sensory precursor substance 450 may comprise a
resinous substance that may or may not be consumed upon exposure to
heat and/or flame, but releases a menthol flavor and/or odor when
exposed to the heat and/or flame. In other instances, the sensory
precursor substance 450 may comprise a flavored liquid having a
particular flavor or odor, wherein the liquid, upon exposure to
heat/flame, forms an aerosol or vapor, and wherein the heat/flame
may function as a vehicle for transporting or delivering the
aerosol/vapor and the associated flavor or odor.
[0045] In still other aspects, the sensory precursor component 450
may require interaction/actuation with an element disposed
externally to the igniter apparatus 100, after being released from
the sensory precursor source 400, in order to provide the
perceptible sensory effect. That is, in some aspects, the heat and
the sensory precursor substance associated therewith may generally
be configured to interact with an ignitable article 150. In some
aspects, the sensory precursor substance 450 may be particularly
configured to interact with an element of the ignitable article 150
to form, for instance, an aerosol for delivering the perceptible
sensory effect. In other aspects, for instance, in the case of the
ignitable article 150 comprising a smoking article, the sensory
precursor substance 450 could comprise, for example, a liquid,
vapor/aerosol, or solid that is associated with a particular flavor
or odor when released or dispensed from the sensory precursor
source 400 and actuated, for instance, by engaging or otherwise
interacting with a catalyst disposed within the smoking article,
whether in the main body (tobacco rod) or filter element thereof.
The catalyst example may thus represent the corresponding element
for the sensory precursor substance 450, which is also disposed
externally to the igniter apparatus (i.e., disposed in the smoking
article). That is, in some aspects, the particular flavor or odor
(i.e., aroma), or other perceptible sensory effect, may only be
provided upon interaction of the sensory precursor component 450
released from the sensory precursor source 400, with the
corresponding element (i.e., catalyst) included within the
ignitable article 150 (i.e., smoking article). In one instance, the
interaction between the sensory precursor substance 450 and the
external element may be facilitated by exposure to heat, or the
perceptible sensory effect may only be provided when the sensory
precursor substance 450 interacts with the external element (i.e.,
catalyst) in the presence of heat provided, for instance, by the
heating arrangement 300 of the igniter apparatus 100.
[0046] Depending on the form of the sensory precursor substance 450
and the location/disposition of the sensory precursor source 400,
the sensory precursor substance 450 may be emitted/delivered in
different manners. For example, in one aspect, the sensory
precursor source 400 may be disposed within the igniter apparatus
100, and the fuel source (heat precursor source 200 containing, for
example, a combustible fuel in liquid or vapor/aerosol form) and
the sensory precursor source 400 (containing the sensory precursor
substance 450) may be configured and arranged to mix the fuel with
the sensory precursor substance 450, prior to the resulting mixture
being received by the igniter arrangement 325/heating arrangement
300. In some instances, the heat precursor source 200 and the
sensory precursor source 400 may be configured as the same
reservoir, wherein, for example, the fuel and the sensory precursor
substance 450 each comprise a liquid, or form a liquid
solution/mixture upon interaction, and are thus pre-mixed prior to
being dispensed to the igniter arrangement 325/heating arrangement
300. In instances where the heat precursor source 200 and the
sensory precursor source 400 are configured as discrete reservoirs,
each of the reservoirs may be configured to be in communication
with a single conduit which is, in turn, in communication with the
igniter arrangement 325/heating arrangement 300, such that the
pre-mixed fuel and sensory precursor substance 450 is received by
the igniter arrangement 325/heating arrangement 300. In such
aspects, for example, the fuel may be combustible, while the
sensory pre-cursor substance 450 is, for instance, not combustible
or is otherwise actuated by exposure to the heat of combustion of
the fuel to produce the perceptible sensory effect. In some
instances, however, the sensory precursor substance 450 may be
combustible or otherwise actuated by ignition thereof to produce
the perceptible sensory effect. Further, in some instances, the
sensory precursor substance 450 may be configured to be actuated by
interaction with the fuel to produce the perceptible sensory
effect. In still other instances, the sensory precursor substance
450 is configured not to be actuated by the flame and/or the heat
associated therewith, but is urged into engagement with the
ignitable article 150 by the flame and/or heat associated
therewith. That is, the sensory precursor substance 450 may not be
ignitable or otherwise actuated by heat, but can be carried to the
smoking article by the flame/heat and the perceptible sensory
effect associated therewith can be directed through the smoking
article to the user, or can be generated through interaction of the
sensory precursor substance with one or more elements within the
smoking article (i.e., the sensory precursor substance 450 could at
least partially comprise a catalyst).
[0047] In yet other aspects, the heat precursor source 200 and the
sensory precursor source 400 are configured as discrete reservoirs,
wherein each of the reservoirs may be configured to be in
communication with a single conduit, and wherein each conduit, in
turn, is arranged in communication with the igniter arrangement
325/heating arrangement 300. In such instances, the fuel and the
sensory precursor substance 450 may be mixed in a selected manner
by the igniter arrangement 325/heating arrangement 300. For
example, both the fuel and the sensory precursor substance 450 may
be released/dispensed upon actuation of the actuator 350. That is,
for instance, the igniter arrangement 325/heating arrangement 300
may be configured to mix the fuel with the sensory precursor
substance 450, upon ignition thereof, to produce the flame/heat. In
other instances, the actuator 350 may be configured as a two stage
actuator, wherein an initial actuation may, for example, dispense
and ignite the fuel, while a second actuation or a further
actuation of the actuator 350 may, for instance, dispense the
sensory precursor substance 450. In still other instances, a
separate actuator may be provided for dispensing the sensory
precursor substance 450, which may be separately and selectively
actuated in relation to the actuator 350 for dispensing and
igniting the fuel. In aspects involving a separate actuator for
dispensing the sensory precursor substance, the sensory or
perceptive arrangement or effect associated therewith delivered to
the user via the smoking article may additionally and selectively
be made prominent by the user at other periods during the
consumption of the smoking article, rather than merely during the
initial (i.e., lighting) puffs of the smoking article. That is, the
igniter apparatus 100 may, in some instances, be implemented for
dispensation of the sensory precursor substance 450, via the
separate actuator, at any time up to exhaustion of the consumption
of the smoking article. In such instances, the dispensed sensory
precursor substance 450 may be actuated by interaction with the
heat generated by the ignited smoking article itself. Further, the
sensory or perceptive arrangement or effect associated therewith
delivered to the user may be enjoyed throughout the consumption of
the smoking article. In still other instances, the separate
actuator may allow the sensory or perceptive arrangement or effect
associated therewith to be delivered to the user toward the end of
the smoking article consumption process to dispense a pleasant
taste/aroma/aftertaste/after-effect (i.e., breath freshener) at or
after the last puff.
[0048] In some further instances, the igniter arrangement
325/heating arrangement 300 may be configured to direct the sensory
precursor substance 450 into interaction with the flame/heat. In
such aspects, for example, the fuel may be combustible, while the
sensory pre-cursor substance 450 may be, for instance, not
combustible or is otherwise actuated by exposure to the heat of
combustion of the fuel to produce the perceptible sensory effect.
In some instances, however, the sensory precursor substance 450 may
be combustible or otherwise actuated by ignition thereof to produce
the perceptible sensory effect. In still other instances, the
sensory precursor substance 450 is configured not to be actuated by
the flame and/or the heat associated therewith, but is urged into
engagement with the ignitable article 150 by the flame and/or heat
associated therewith. That is, the sensory precursor substance 450
may not be ignitable or otherwise actuated by heat, but can be
carried to the smoking article by the flame/heat and the
perceptible sensory effect associated therewith can be directed
through the smoking article to the user, or can be generated
through interaction of the sensory precursor substance with one or
more elements within the smoking article.
[0049] The heating arrangement 300 may be configured in various
manners to emit the heat capable of igniting the ignitable article
150. In general, the heating arrangement 300 may include a
heat-emitting element 375. In some aspects, the sensory precursor
source 400 may be disposed adjacent to the heat-emitting element
375. In particular instances, the sensory precursor substance 450
from the sensory precursor source 400 may be configured to be
actuated by the heat emitted by the heat-emitting element 375.
Accordingly, the sensory precursor source 400 may be arranged with
respect to the heat-emitting element 375 so as to emit the sensory
precursor substance 450 in association with the heat emitted by the
heat-emitting element 375.
[0050] In one such aspect, the sensory precursor source 400 may be
configured as a consumable element comprised of the sensory
precursor substance 450. In such instances, the consumable element
may be configured to be consumed, and the sensory precursor
substance 450 configured to be actuated to provide the perceptible
sensory effect, in response to the heat emitted by the
heat-emitting element 375. In another aspect, the sensory precursor
source 400 may be configured as a non-consumable element comprised
of the sensory precursor substance 450. In such instances, the
non-consumable element may be configured to not be consumed, and
the sensory precursor substance 450 configured to be actuated to
provide the perceptible sensory effect, in response to the heat
emitted by the heat-emitting element 375. That is, the sensory
precursor substance 450 may be actuated by the heat to produce the
perceptible sensory effect, but the sensory precursor substance 450
is not otherwise consumed by exposure to the heat/flame.
[0051] The configuration of the heating arrangement 300 may vary
from the combustible fuel aspects previously disclosed. For
example, in some aspects, the heat precursor source 200 may
comprise an electrical power source having electrical power as the
heat precursor substance 250. In such instances, the heating
arrangement 300 may comprise a heating element configured to be
powered by the electrical power received from the electrical power
source to produce the heat for igniting the ignitable article
150.
[0052] In other aspects, the heat precursor source 200 may comprise
a catalyst source having a catalyst as the heat precursor substance
250. In such instances, the heating arrangement 300 may comprise a
heating membrane configured to react with the catalyst received
from the catalyst source to produce the heat for igniting the
ignitable article 150. In other aspects, a catalyst source having a
catalyst, may be additionally included in the igniter apparatus
100, wherein the heat precursor source 200 may comprise a fuel
source having an ignitable fuel as the heat precursor substance
250, and wherein the heating arrangement 300 may comprise a heating
membrane configured to react the fuel received from the fuel source
with the catalyst received from the catalyst source to produce the
heat for igniting the ignitable article 150. In such aspects, the
sensory precursor substance 450 may be configured not to be
actuated by the catalyst. In other instances, a separate catalyst
source may not be included, but the catalyst may be present as a
component of the fuel. In such cases, the catalyst may be selected
to interact with the fuel, or otherwise to be non-reactive in
regard to the fuel.
[0053] In one example aspect, as particularly shown in FIG. 3, the
igniter apparatus 100 may comprise, for example, a conventional
lighter, having a heat precursor source 200 configured as a
pressurized reservoir for containing a heat precursor substance 250
comprising a combustible fuel such as, for example, butane. The
heating arrangement 300 generally comprises an actuator 350,
wherein, upon actuation, the actuator 350 may be configured to open
a valve (i.e., at least a portion of the "heat-emitting element
375") associated with the heat precursor source 200 to release the
heat precursor substance 250 therefrom. Further, actuation of the
actuator 350 may also actuate the igniter arrangement 325 to
provide a spark or other impetus for igniting the pressurized
combustible fuel 250 released from the heat precursor source 200
via the heat emitting element 375 of the heating arrangement 300,
to produce the flame/heat 500 for igniting the discrete ignitable
article 150 (i.e., smoking article). The igniter apparatus 100 may
also include a sensory precursor source 400 configured as a
pressurized reservoir for containing a sensory precursor substance
450 comprising, for example, an aromatic or flavored liquid or low
viscosity gel. In such instances, actuation of the actuator 350 may
also open a valve (i.e., at least a portion of the "sensory
precursor-emitting element 475") associated with the sensory
precursor source 400 to release the sensory precursor substance 450
therefrom and into interaction with the flame/heat 500 emitted by
the heat-emitting element 375. The emitted sensory precursor
substance (i.e., an aerosol 550 of the sensory precursor substance
450) may be actuated or not actuated by interaction with the heat
to produce the perceptible sensory effect. Once released from the
sensory precursor source 400, the emitted sensory precursor
substance 550 may be delivered to the ignitable article (i.e.,
smoking article) 150, for instance, by the pressurization in the
sensory precursor source 400 released through the sensory
precursor-emitting element 475, or by suction imparted to and
through the smoking article 150 by the user and into interaction
with the emitted sensory precursor substance 550. In some
instances, the interaction of the emitted sensory precursor
substance 550 with the heat/flame may create a propellant force for
urging the emitted sensory precursor substance 550 into engagement
with the ignitable article (smoking article) 150.
[0054] In another example aspect, as shown in FIG. 4, the igniter
apparatus 100 may be similarly configured as the aspect shown in
FIG. 3. However, the illustrated aspect may also include, for
example, a housing 460 defining an ignition chamber 470 extending
about the heat-emitting element 375 and the sensory
precursor-emitting element 475. The housing 460 may also define an
orifice 480 configured and arranged to receive the ignitable end of
the ignitable element (i.e., smoking article) 150 for ignition
thereof and/or for delivery of the emitted sensory precursor
substance 550 (and associated perceptible sensory effect) thereto.
In some instances, the housing 460 may also define one or more
perforations 490 for allowing atmospheric oxygen into the ignition
chamber 470 for supporting combustion of the fuel (heat precursor
substance 250) released by the heat-emitting element 375, or
otherwise for equalizing the pressure in the ignition chamber 470
is response to the suction imparted to and through the smoking
article 150 by the user and into interaction with the heat
500/emitted sensory precursor substance 550 within the ignition
chamber 470.
[0055] In a further example aspect, as shown in FIG. 5, the igniter
apparatus 100 may be similarly configured as the aspect shown in
FIG. 3. However, the illustrated aspect may have, for example, the
sensory precursor-emitting element 475 configured in a different
manner. For example, the sensory precursor-emitting element 475 may
comprise a heat-conductive tubular member (i.e., comprised of a
brass or other suitable material) extending from the sensory
precursor source 400 and in communication with the sensory
precursor substance 450 therein. The sensory precursor-emitting
element 475 may extend into proximity with the heat-emitting
element 375 (i.e., over the exit of the valve from which the
ignitable fuel is dispensed), and the portion thereof in proximity
to the heat-emitting element 375 may, for instance, define one or
more vents 560. The sensory precursor-emitting element 475 (brass
tube) may be fixed in proximity to the heat-emitting element 375,
or may be movable into proximity with the heat-emitting element 375
on demand (i.e., swiveled about an axis extending through the
portion of the sensory precursor-emitting element 475 into the
sensory precursor source 400.
[0056] The emission of the sensory precursor substance 450 may be
accomplished in different manners. For example, the sensory
precursor substance 450 may be direct by pressure in the sensory
precursor source 400, through the brass tube to the portion thereof
disposed in proximity to the heat-emitting element 375. In some
aspects, the tube may include, for example, a gravity trap or other
accumulation region disposed about the dispensing end thereof so as
to facilitate retention of the sensory precursor substance 450
toward the dispensing end. Upon actuation of the heat-emitting
source 375, the brass tube (sensory precursor-emitting element 475)
may be heated and, in turn, heat the sensory precursor substance
450 therein. In response, for instance, the sensory precursor
substance 450 may form a bubble or otherwise expand within the
brass tube and through the vents 560. In such instances, the
emitted sensory precursor substance 550 may aerosolize and be
delivered to the ignitable article 150 or, for example, the
"lighting end 160" of the ignitable article 150 may be brought into
contact with the bubble of the sensory precursor substance 450
(which may then force or otherwise deliver the sensory precursor
substance 450 onto the end of the smoking article 150, as the
smoking article is being ignited).
[0057] In other aspects, the heat-emitting element 375 may
initially be actuated and then followed by actuation of the sensory
precursor-emitting element 475 (i.e., direct the sensory precursor
substance 450 into the brass tube for dispensation via the vents
560). The actuation of the sensory-precursor-emitting element 475
may be accomplished by the same actuator 350 used to actuate the
heat-emitting element 375 (i.e., by additional actuation of the
actuator 350) or by a second, separate actuator (not shown in this
embodiment). In other instances, the second actuator may be
configured and arranged to move the dispensing end of the sensory
precursor-emitting element 475 (brass tube) into proximity with the
heat-emitting element 375 for interaction with the heat/flame. In
still other instances, for example, a pressure-actuated or
heat-actuated valve (not shown) may be disposed within the tube
prior to the dispensing end, at or about the dispensing end, or in
one or more of the vents 560. The valve may be response to heat
from the heat-emitting element 375 or pressure from the
heat-emitting element 375 and/or the sensory precursor source 400,
to release and emit the sensory precursor substance 450. In still
other aspects, actuation or other movement of the tube to bring the
dispensing end thereof into proximity with the heat-emitting
element 375, prior to actuation thereof, may cause the sensory
precursor substance 450 to be directed from the sensory precursor
source 400 toward the dispensing end of the tube. In yet other
instances, the igniter apparatus 100 may include a cover element
(not shown) extending over the actuator 350, the heat-emitting
element 375, and/or the sensory precursor-emitting element 475,
when the use opening the cover prior to actuating the heat-emitting
element 375, and/or the sensory precursor-emitting element 475 may
cause the sensory precursor substance 450 to be directed from the
sensory precursor source 400 toward the dispensing end of the
tube.
[0058] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates yet another example aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. In
this aspect, the sensory precursor source 400 may have an opening
600 disposed in proximity to the heat-emitting element 375, wherein
the opening 600 may ordinarily be closed by a closure element 620.
The closure element 620 may be actuated (opened) on demand (i.e.,
following actuation of the heat-emitting element 375). In actuating
the closure element 620, the sensory precursor-emitting element 475
may, in turn, be actuated thereby (or otherwise by a separate
actuator--not shown). In such instances, the sensory
precursor-emitting element 475 may comprise, for example, a
vibrating diaphragm, vibrating piezoelectric element, or other
vibratory arrangement 640, which may be powered by a battery 660 or
other appropriate power source. The actuated vibratory arrangement
640 may be configured to emit vibrations that interact with the
sensory precursor substance 450, for example, to aerosolize the
sensory precursor substance 450, which is then emitted through the
opening 600 and into interaction with the heat-emitting element
375. In some instances, a screen or other porous member 680 may be
disposed and arranged about the opening 600, wherein the porous
member 680 may be configured to facilitate formation of the aerosol
by the sensory precursor substance 450. In other instances, the
porous member 680 may facilitate a local accumulation of the
aerosol precursor substance 450 externally to the sensory precursor
source 400, wherein the "lighting end 160" of the ignitable article
150 may be inserted into the opening 600 and brought into contact
with the local accumulation of the sensory precursor substance 450,
which may then force or otherwise deliver the sensory precursor
substance 450 onto or into the lighting end 160 of the smoking
article 150.
[0059] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates still another example
aspect of an igniter apparatus 100 according to the present
disclosure. In this aspect, the sensory precursor source 400 may
have a wick or other siphoning arrangement 700 extending from the
sensory precursor source 400 and into proximity with the
heat-emitting element 375. The wicking/siphoning arrangement 700
may thus be configured to direct the sensory precursor substance
450 from the sensory precursor source 400 toward and into proximity
with the heat-emitting element 375 (i.e., the wicking/siphoning
arrangement may be continually "wetted" with the sensory precursor
substance 450). The sensory precursor-emitting element 475 may, in
such instances, be actuated on demand (i.e., following actuation of
the heat-emitting element 375) by a separate actuator 350 (not
shown). In such instances, the sensory precursor-emitting element
475 may comprise, for example, a vibrating diaphragm, vibrating
piezoelectric element, or other vibratory arrangement 720 disposed
about the distal end of the wick/siphoning arrangement 700, wherein
the vibratory arrangement 720 may powered by a battery 740 or other
appropriate power source. The actuated vibratory arrangement 720
may be configured to emit vibrations that interact with the
wick/siphoning arrangement 700 and/or the sensory precursor
substance 450 interacted therewith, for example, to aerosolize the
sensory precursor substance 450, which is then emitted into
interaction with the heat-emitting element 375. In some instances,
a screen or other porous member 760 may be disposed and arranged
about the distal end of the wicking/siphoning arrangement 700,
wherein the porous member 760 may be configured to facilitate
formation of the aerosol by the sensory precursor substance 450
(i.e., through interaction with the aerosolized sensory precursor
substance formed by the vibratory arrangement 730, or through
interaction with the vibratory arrangement 720 to cooperatively
aerosolize the sensory precursor substance 450). In other
instances, the porous member 760 may facilitate a local
accumulation of the aerosol precursor substance 450 externally to
the sensory precursor source 400 (i.e., on the external surface of
the porous member 760), wherein the "lighting end 160" of the
ignitable article 150 may be brought into contact with the local
accumulation of the sensory precursor substance 450/porous member
760, which may then force or otherwise deliver the sensory
precursor substance 450 onto or into the lighting end 160 of the
smoking article 150.
[0060] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates another example aspect of
an igniter apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. In
this aspect, the sensory precursor source 400 may be configured,
for example, as a bladder or other deformable container 800 for
containing the sensory precursor substance 450 therein. A portion
of the deformable container 800 may be at least partially
surrounded by a coil spring or other suitable compressible member
810, wherein the compressible member 810 is in operable engagement
with a compression actuator (i.e., thumbwheel) 820. In such
instances, advancement of the thumbwheel in a particular rotational
direction may, in turn, actuate the compressible member 810 to
constrict and apply pressure to the deformable container 800. The
pressure applied to the compressible member 810, by the thumbscrew
820, causes an increase in pressure within the compressible member
810 and thereby pressurizes the sensory precursor substance 450
therein. An actuatable valve 840 may be engaged and in
communication with the deformable container 800, wherein
pressurization of the deformable container 800 causes the sensory
precursor substance to be directed to the valve 840. The valve 840
may be, for example, pressure-actuated or, in other instances, may
be actuated by a supplemental actuator 860 (i.e., a manual release
for the flow control element in the valve 840). Following the valve
840, the released sensory precursor substance 450 may then be
directed to an emission arrangement 880 and, from the emission
arrangement 880 toward and into proximity with the heat-emitting
element 375. In some instances, the emission arrangement 880 may
facilitate formation of an aerosol from the sensory precursor
substance 450 upon emission thereof. The sensory precursor-emitting
element 475 may, in such instances, be actuated on demand (i.e.,
following actuation of the heat-emitting element 375) by the
supplemental actuator 860. In other instances, the emission
arrangement 880 may facilitate a local accumulation of the aerosol
precursor substance 450 externally to the sensory precursor source
400 (i.e., at or about the distal end of the emission arrangement
880 in proximity to the heat-emitting element 375), wherein the
"lighting end 160" of the ignitable article 150 may be brought into
contact with the local accumulation of the sensory precursor
substance 450/emission arrangement 880, which may then force or
otherwise deliver the sensory precursor substance 450 onto or into
the lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150.
[0061] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates another example aspect of
an igniter apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. In
this aspect, the sensory precursor source 400 may have a wick or
other siphoning element 900 extending from the sensory precursor
source 400 and toward the heat-emitting element 375. The
wicking/siphoning element 900 may thus be configured to direct the
sensory precursor substance 450 outwardly from the sensory
precursor source 400 (i.e., the wicking/siphoning element 900 may
be continually "wetted" with the sensory precursor substance 450).
In this aspect, the sensory precursor source 400 may have an
opening 920 which may ordinarily be closed by a closure element
940. The closure element 940 may be actuated (opened) on demand
(i.e., prior to actuation of the heat-emitting element 375). In
some instances, the closure element 940 may be inwardly hinged, and
actuation thereof may occur, for example, through exertion of
force/pressure thereto with the lighting end 160 of the smoking
article 150. By urging the lighting end 160 of the smoking article
150 to actuate (open) the closure element 940, the lighting end 160
of the smoking article 150 may further be directed through the
opening 920 and brought into contact with the wicking/siphoning
element 900 having a local accumulation of the sensory precursor
substance 450. Contact between the lighting end 160 of the smoking
article 150 and the wicking/siphoning element 900 may then force or
otherwise deliver the sensory precursor substance 450 onto or into
the lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150. The smoking
article 150 may then be withdrawn from the sensory precursor source
400 through the opening 920, and then the lighting end 160 ignited
via actuation of the heat-emitting element 375, as previously
disclosed in regard to other aspects.
[0062] FIG. 10 illustrates a similar example arrangement of an
igniter apparatus 100, as shown for example, in FIG. 9. However, in
such instances, the sensory precursor substance 450 may comprise a
substance other than a liquid, and a wicking/siphoning element is
not necessarily implemented. For example, the sensory precursor
substance 450 may comprise, for instance, a powder or granular
substance associated with the perceptible sensory effect. In such
instances, the lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150 may be
brought into direct engagement with the sensory precursor substance
450 in the sensory precursor source 400, which may then force or
otherwise deliver the sensory precursor substance 450 onto or into
the lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150. The smoking
article 150 may then be withdrawn from the sensory precursor source
400 through the opening, and then the lighting end 160 ignited via
actuation of the heat-emitting element 375, as previously disclosed
in regard to other aspects.
[0063] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement
shown in FIG. 3. In such an arrangement, however, the actuator 350
may be configured solely to open a valve (i.e., at least a portion
of the "heat-emitting element 375") associated with the heat
precursor source 200 to release the heat precursor substance 250
therefrom, wherein actuation of the actuator 350 may also actuate
the igniter arrangement 325 to provide a spark or other impetus for
igniting the pressurized combustible fuel 250 released from the
heat precursor source 200 via the heat emitting element 375 of the
heating arrangement 300, to produce the flame/heat 500 for igniting
the discrete ignitable article 150 (i.e., smoking article). The
sensory precursor source 400 may be configured as a pressurized
reservoir for containing a sensory precursor substance 450
comprising, for example, an aromatic or flavored liquid. In such
instances, the sensory precursor-emitting element 475 may include a
receptacle 1100 for receiving the lighting end 160 or mouth end 170
of the smoking article 150. Disposed within the receptacle 1100 may
be a valve 1120 separating the receptacle 1100 from the sensory
precursor source 400. The valve 1120 may be configured such that
insertion of the lighting end 160 or mouth end 170 of the smoking
article 150, and urging the lighting end 160/mouth end 170 toward
the sensory precursor source 400 and against the valve 1120,
manually depresses (opens) the valve 1120 to cause dispensation of
the pressurized sensory precursor substance 450 directly into
engagement with the lighting end 160/mouth end 170 of the smoking
article 150. In other instances, the lighting end 160/mouth end 170
may be brought into engagement with the valve 1120, and a separate
actuator (not shown) used to actuate the valve 1120 to release the
sensory precursor substance 450. The smoking article 150 may then
be withdrawn from the receptacle 1100, and then the lighting end
160 ignited via actuation of the heat-emitting element 375, as
previously disclosed in regard to other aspects.
[0064] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement
shown in FIG. 3. In such an arrangement, however, the actuator 350
may be configured solely to open a valve (i.e., at least a portion
of the "heat-emitting element 375") associated with the heat
precursor source 200 to release the heat precursor substance 250
therefrom, wherein actuation of the actuator 350 may also actuate
the igniter arrangement 325 to provide a spark or other impetus for
igniting the pressurized combustible fuel 250 released from the
heat precursor source 200 via the heat emitting element 375 of the
heating arrangement 300, to produce the flame/heat 500 for igniting
the discrete ignitable article 150 (i.e., smoking article). In this
exemplary aspect, the sensory precursor source 400 may be
configured as a compartment for receiving and containing a sensory
precursor substance 450 comprising, for example, an aromatic or
flavored solid (i.e., a wax or other resin material). The solid
sensory precursor substance 450 may be consumable in response to
and in interaction with heat/flame, or may otherwise be
non-consumable in response to heat/flame. Further, the sensory
precursor substance 450 may have an elongate rod-like
configuration, and be configured to be received by the sensory
precursor source 400 to extend outwardly thereof such that a distal
end 1200 thereof is in proximity with the heat-emitting element
375. In some instances, an adjustment arrangement (not shown, but
see, e.g., the thumbscrew shown in FIG. 8) may be engaged with the
sensory precursor substance 450 and configured to adjustably extend
the rod from the sensory precursor source 400 and to retract the
rod toward and into the sensory precursor source 400. In this
manner, the distal end 1200 of the rod may be optimally positioned
with respect to the proximity to the heat-emitting element 375. The
lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150 may then be ignited via
actuation of the heat-emitting element 375, and the emitted sensory
precursor substance 550 brought into engagement therewith, as
previously disclosed in regard to other aspects herein.
[0065] FIGS. 13 and 14 schematically illustrate still further
example arrangements of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the
arrangement shown in FIG. 12. In each such arrangement, the sensory
precursor source 400 may be configured as a compartment for
receiving and containing a sensory precursor substance 450
comprising, for example, an aromatic or flavored solid (i.e., a wax
or other resin material). The solid sensory precursor substance 450
may be consumable in response to and in interaction with
heat/flame, or may otherwise be non-consumable in response to
heat/flame. Further, the sensory precursor substance 450 may have
an elongate rod-like configuration, and be configured to be
received by the sensory precursor source 400 to extend outwardly
thereof such that a distal end 1300, 1400 thereof is in proximity
with the heat-emitting element 375. In some instances, the rod may
define an orifice 1320, 1420 about the distal end 1300, 1400
thereof, wherein the orifice 1320, 1420 may be arranged such that
the flame emitted by the heat-emitting element 375 is directed
therethrough. In this manner, the lighting end 160 of the smoking
article 150 may be ignited on the opposing side of the rod (i.e.,
through the orifice 1320, 1420) from the heat-emitting element 375,
wherein the heat associated with the flame may be able to interact
with the sensory precursor substance 450 about the perimeter
thereof. In some aspects, an adjustment arrangement (not shown, but
see, e.g., the thumbscrew shown in FIG. 8) may be engaged with the
sensory precursor substance 450 and configured to adjustably extend
the rod from the sensory precursor source 400 and to retract the
rod toward and into the sensory precursor source 400. In this
manner, the orifice 1320, 1420 defined by the distal end 1300, 1400
of the rod may be optimally positioned with respect to the
proximity to the heat-emitting element 375. The lighting end 160 of
the smoking article 150 may thus be ignited via actuation of the
heat-emitting element 375, and the emitted sensory precursor
substance 550 brought into engagement therewith, as previously
disclosed in regard to other aspects herein.
[0066] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangements
shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In such an arrangement, however, the
actuator 350 may be configured solely to open a valve (i.e., at
least a portion of the "heat-emitting element 375") associated with
the heat precursor source 200 to release the heat precursor
substance 250 therefrom, wherein actuation of the actuator 350 may
also actuate the igniter arrangement 325 to provide a spark or
other impetus for igniting the pressurized combustible fuel 250
released from the heat precursor source 200 via the heat-emitting
element 375 of the heating arrangement 300, to produce the
flame/heat 500 for igniting the discrete ignitable article 150
(i.e., smoking article). In this exemplary aspect, the sensory
precursor source 400 may be configured as a housing for receiving
and containing a sensory precursor substance 450 comprising, for
example, an aromatic or flavored solid (i.e., a wax or other resin
material). The solid sensory precursor substance 450 may be
consumable in response to and in interaction with heat/flame, or
may otherwise be non-consumable in response to heat/flame. Further,
the sensory precursor source 400, containing the sensory precursor
substance 450, may be configured and arranged to form a tubular
element. In some instances, the tubular element may include
concentric inner and outer walls, wherein the sensory precursor
substance 450 may be disposed between the concentric inner and
outer walls. In other instances, the tubular element may include an
outer wall for receiving a generally tubular form of the sensory
precursor substance 450 (i.e., the sensory precursor substance 450
is formed and shaped to provide a tubular element which is received
within an outer cylinder. In either instance, the sensory precursor
source 400/sensory precursor substance 450 may be configured to be
received by the igniter apparatus 100 so as to surround the
heat-emitting element 375. That is, the sensory precursor source
400/sensory precursor substance 450 can be attached to or otherwise
incorporated into the igniter apparatus 100 such that the
heat-emitting element 375 is arranged to direct the heat/flame
through the inner wall of the tubular element, or through the
orifice defined by the tubular sensory precursor substance 450. The
lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150 may then be ignited via
actuation of the heat-emitting element 375 and the heat/flame
extending through the inner wall of the tubular element, or through
the orifice defined by the tubular sensory precursor substance 450,
and the emitted sensory precursor substance 550 brought into
engagement therewith, as previously disclosed in regard to other
aspects herein. In such an exemplary aspect, an appropriate sensory
precursor substance 450/sensory precursor source 400 may include a
matrix comprising, for instance, sepiolite, an alumina composite,
an adsorbent graphite composite, paraffin wax, or combinations
thereof, wherein the matrix may further incorporate a flavorful or
aromatic substance that may be actuated by exposure to heat/flame
(i.e., an oil such as peppermint oil or spearmint oil; or a solid
or composite such as ethyl vanillin glucoside which releases the
ethyl vanillin flavor upon heat decomposition of the glucoside).
Additionally, the sensory precursor substance 450/sensory precursor
source 400 may also have the form of a suitably modified and
adapted fragrance gel-type of material, such as those types of
fragrance gel compositions referenced, discussed and disclosed in
US Pat. App Pub. Nos. 210/0221207 to Watkins et al., 2012/0091218
to Mikkelsen et al., 2013/0202788 to Mikkelsen et al. and
2013/0157922 to Mikkelsen et al.; each of which are incorporated
herein by reference. See also, those types of fragrance gel types
of materials that are commercially available from sources such as
The Dial Corporation.
[0067] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement
shown in FIGS. 9-11. In such an arrangement, however, the actuator
350 may be configured solely to open a valve (i.e., at least a
portion of the "heat-emitting element 375") associated with the
heat precursor source 200 to release the heat precursor substance
250 therefrom, wherein actuation of the actuator 350 may also
actuate the igniter arrangement 325 to provide a spark or other
impetus for igniting the pressurized combustible fuel 250 released
from the heat precursor source 200 via the heat emitting element
375 of the heating arrangement 300, to produce the flame/heat 500
for igniting the discrete ignitable article 150 (i.e., smoking
article). That is, the igniter apparatus 100 may be similar to a
conventional cigarette lighter. In some instances, the igniter
apparatus 100 preferably includes a "flip open" lid 1600. In such
instances, aspects of the present disclosure may implement a
sensory precursor source 400 configured to be received within the
lid 1600. The sensory precursor source 400 may be configured as a
pressurized reservoir for containing a sensory precursor substance
450 comprising, for example, an aromatic or flavored liquid. In
other instances, the reservoir may be pressurizable (i.e., a
"squeeze" type pressurization configuration). The lid 1600 and/or
the reservoir may be configured such that the reservoir is
removable/replaceable (i.e., disposable). In such instances, the
sensory precursor-emitting element 475 may include a receptacle
1620 for receiving the lighting end 160 or mouth end 170 of the
smoking article 150. Disposed within the receptacle 1620 may be a
valve separating the receptacle 1620 from the sensory precursor
source 400. The valve may be configured such that insertion of the
lighting end 160 or mouth end 170 of the smoking article 150, and
urging the lighting end 160/mouth end 170 toward the sensory
precursor source 400 and against the valve, manually depresses
(opens) the valve to cause dispensation of the pressurized sensory
precursor substance 450 directly into engagement with the lighting
end 160/mouth end 170 of the smoking article 150. In other
instances, the lighting end 160/mouth end 170 may be brought into
engagement with the valve, and a separate actuator used to actuate
the valve to release the sensory precursor substance 450 (i.e., the
user squeezing the reservoir may cause the sensory precursor
substance 450 to be dispensed through the valve). The smoking
article 150 may then be withdrawn from the receptacle 1620, and
then the lighting end 160 ignited via actuation of the
heat-emitting element 375, as previously disclosed in regard to
other aspects.
[0068] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement
shown in FIG. 15. In such an arrangement, however, the sensory
precursor source 400 may be configured as a discrete assembly for
receiving and containing a sensory precursor substance 450
comprising, for example, an aromatic or flavored solid (i.e., a
gel, wax or other resin material). The solid sensory precursor
substance 450 may be consumable in response to and in interaction
with heat/flame, or may otherwise be non-consumable in response to
heat/flame. Further, the sensory precursor source 400 may be
configured and arranged to be received by the igniter apparatus 100
(i.e., a conventional cigarette lighter) as an accessory.
Otherwise, the sensory precursor source 400 may be configured to
receive a particular configuration of a conventional cigarette
lighter. For example, the sensory precursor source 400 may be
configured as a ring, snap clip, or other (removable) mechanical
securement arrangement that may be engaged with and secured to a
conventional cigarette lighter in a desired position and in an
unobtrusive manner. The securement arrangement may further include
an extension member extending therefrom toward the heat-emitting
element 375 of the cigarette lighter. The sensory precursor
substance 450 may be formed, for example, as a tubular element, a
rod-like element, or in any other suitable configuration, and
secured to the extension member so as to be disposed in proximity
to the heat-emitting element 375. In some instances, the sensory
precursor substance 450 may be engaged with or otherwise contained
by a supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is
engaged with the extension member (instead of the sensory precursor
substance 450 being directly engaged with the extension member). In
one particular example, the sensory precursor source 400/sensory
precursor substance 450 can be attached to or otherwise
incorporated into the igniter apparatus 100 such that the
heat-emitting element 375 is arranged to direct the heat/flame
through an orifice defined by the sensory precursor substance 450
in a ring-like form. The lighting end 160 of the smoking article
150 may then be ignited via actuation of the heat-emitting element
375 and the heat/flame extending through the orifice defined by the
ring including the sensory precursor substance 450, and the emitted
sensory precursor substance brought into engagement therewith, as
previously disclosed in regard to other aspects herein.
[0069] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates still another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement
shown in FIG. 17. In such an arrangement, however, the sensory
precursor substance 450 may be in a liquid form, and the sensory
precursor source 400 may be configured as a discrete assembly for
receiving and containing a sensory precursor substance 450.
Further, the sensory precursor source 400 may be configured and
arranged to be received by the igniter apparatus 100 (i.e., a
conventional cigarette lighter) as an accessory. Otherwise, the
sensory precursor source 400 may be configured to receive a
particular configuration of a conventional cigarette lighter. For
example, the sensory precursor source 400 may be configured as or
may include a ring, snap clip, or other (removable) mechanical
securement arrangement that may be engaged with and secured to a
conventional cigarette lighter in a desired position and in an
unobtrusive manner. In instances where the sensory precursor
substance 450 is a liquid, aerosol, etc., the sensory precursor
source 400 may further include an actuator 1800 configured to
release the sensory precursor substance 450 from the sensory
precursor source 400 via the sensory-precursor-emitting element 475
and into proximity with the heat-emitting element 375 of the
cigarette lighter. The sensory precursor source 400 may be formed,
for example, as a "C" shaped housing or other suitable contour for
extending at least partially about the heat-emitting element 375 of
the cigarette lighter, while including a suitable reservoir for
containing the sensory precursor substance 450 in liquid form. The
sensory-precursor-emitting element(s) 475 may further be configured
and arranged with respect to the sensory precursor source 400 so as
to be disposed in proximity to the heat-emitting element 375. When
the sensory precursor source 400 is attached to or otherwise
engaged with the cigarette lighter, the actuator 1800 may be
configured and arranged to extend into operable engagement with the
actuator 350 for the heat-emitting element 375. For example, and as
shown, the actuator 1800 for the sensory-precursor-emitting element
475 may be configured to extend into contact with the actuator 350
for the heat-emitting element 375, and to have a substantially
similar actuation configuration. As such, actuation of the actuator
350 for the heat-emitting element 375 will also simultaneously
actuate the actuator 1800 for the sensory-precursor-emitting
element 475 such that the sensory precursor substance 450 is
emitted in conjunction with the heat/flame from the heat-emitting
element 375. The lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150 may
then be ignited via actuation of the heat-emitting element 375, and
the emitted sensory precursor substance brought into engagement
therewith, as previously disclosed in regard to other aspects
herein.
[0070] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates yet another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement
shown in FIG. 18. In such an arrangement, the sensory precursor
source 400 may be configured as or may include a ring, snap clip,
or other (removable) mechanical securement arrangement 1900 that
may be engaged with and secured to a conventional cigarette lighter
in a desired position and in an unobtrusive manner. In instances
where the sensory precursor substance 450 is a liquid, aerosol,
etc., the sensory precursor source 400 may further include an
actuator 1920 configured to release the sensory precursor substance
450 from the sensory precursor source 400 via the
sensory-precursor-emitting element 475 and into proximity with the
heat-emitting element 375 of the cigarette lighter. The sensory
precursor source 400 may be formed, for example, as a "C" shaped
housing or other suitable contour for extending at least partially
in proximity to the heat-emitting element 375 of the cigarette
lighter, while including a suitable reservoir for containing the
sensory precursor substance 450 in liquid form. The
sensory-precursor-emitting element(s) 475 may particularly be
configured and arranged with respect to the sensory precursor
source 400 so as to be disposed in proximity to the heat-emitting
element 375. However, when the sensory precursor source 400 is
attached to or otherwise engaged with the cigarette lighter, the
actuator 1920 may be configured and arranged to require a separate
and discrete actuation from the actuator 350 for the heat-emitting
element 375. For example, and as shown, the actuator 1920 for the
sensory-precursor-emitting element 475 may be disposed opposite to
and separate from the actuator 350 for the heat-emitting element
375, such that the user can selectively actuate the actuator 1920
for the sensory-precursor-emitting element 475 such that the
sensory precursor substance 450 is only emitted, on demand, into
interaction with the heat/flame from the heat-emitting element 375.
The lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150 may thus be ignited
via actuation of the heat-emitting element 375, and the emitted
sensory precursor substance selectively and on demand brought into
engagement therewith, as previously disclosed in regard to other
aspects herein.
[0071] FIG. 20 schematically illustrates yet another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement
shown in FIG. 3. In such an aspect, the igniter apparatus 100 may
comprise, for example, a conventional lighter, having a heat
precursor source 200 configured as a pressurized reservoir for
containing a heat precursor substance 250 comprising a combustible
fuel such as, for example, butane. The heating arrangement 300
generally comprises an actuator 350, wherein, upon actuation, the
actuator 350 may be configured to open a valve (i.e., at least a
portion of the "heat-emitting element 375") associated with the
heat precursor source 200 to release the heat precursor substance
250 therefrom. Actuation of the actuator 350 may also actuate an
igniter arrangement 325, comprising, for example, a piezoelectric
igniter, to provide a spark or other impetus for igniting the
pressurized combustible fuel 250 released from the heat precursor
source 200 via the heat emitting element 375 of the heating
arrangement 300, to produce the flame/heat 500 for igniting the
discrete ignitable article 150 (i.e., smoking article). The igniter
apparatus 100 may also include a sensory precursor source 400
configured as a pressurized reservoir for containing a sensory
precursor substance 450 comprising, for example, an aromatic or
flavored liquid. In such instances, actuation of the actuator 350
may also open a valve (i.e., at least a portion of the "sensory
precursor-emitting element 475") associated with the sensory
precursor source 400 to release the sensory precursor substance 450
therefrom and into interaction with the flame/heat 500 emitted by
the heat-emitting element 375. The sensory precursor-emitting
element 475 may be configured in different manners. For example, in
some instances, the sensory precursor-emitting element 475 may
comprise, a spray pump, whether manual or electrically-operated,
dispensing the sensory precursor substance 450 from the sensory
precursor source 400 through a spray nozzle to emit the sensory
precursor substance 450 in proximity to the heat-emitting element
375. The emitted sensory precursor substance (i.e., an aerosol 550
of the sensory precursor substance 450) may be actuated or not
actuated by interaction with the heat to produce the perceptible
sensory effect. Once released from the sensory precursor source
400, the emitted sensory precursor substance 550 may be delivered
to the ignitable article (i.e., smoking article) 150, for instance,
by the pressurization in the sensory precursor source 400 released
through the sensory precursor-emitting element 475, or by suction
imparted to and through the smoking article 150 by the user and
into interaction with the emitted sensory precursor substance 550.
In some instances, the interaction of the emitted sensory precursor
substance 550 with the heat/flame may create a propellant force for
urging the emitted sensory precursor substance 550 into engagement
with the ignitable article (smoking article) 150.
[0072] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates yet another example
arrangement of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement
shown in FIG. 20. In such an aspect, the heat-emitting element 375
of the igniter apparatus 100 may comprise, for example, a resistive
heating element, and the heat precursor source 200 may comprise,
for instance, one or more batteries or other suitable electrical
power source. The heating arrangement 300 may comprise an actuator
350, wherein, upon actuation, the actuator 350 may be configured to
actuate electrical circuitry and/or the resistive heating element
(i.e., at least a portion of the "igniter arrangement 325" or
"heat-emitting element 375") associated with the heat precursor
source 200 (i.e., batteries), and to release the heat precursor
substance 250 (i.e., electrical current) therefrom, wherein the
electrical current is then directed to the resistive heating
element. The electrical current directed to the resistive heating
element may thus produce the heat 500 for igniting the discrete
ignitable article 150 (i.e., smoking article). The igniter
apparatus 100 may also include a sensory precursor source 400
configured as a reservoir for containing a sensory precursor
substance 450 comprising, for example, an aromatic or flavored
liquid. In such instances, actuation of the actuator 350 may also
actuate electrical circuitry and/or an electrically-operated pump
(i.e., at least a portion of the "sensory precursor-emitting
element 475") associated with the sensory precursor source 400, via
the battery(ies) or other power source, to direct the sensory
precursor substance 450 from the reservoir and into interaction
with the heat 500 emitted by the heat-emitting element 375. In
instances where the sensory precursor-emitting element 475
comprises an electrically-operated pump, the sensory precursor
substance 450 may be dispensed from the sensory precursor source
400 through a spray nozzle to emit the sensory precursor substance
450 in proximity to the heat-emitting element 375. The emitted
sensory precursor substance (i.e., an aerosol 550 of the sensory
precursor substance 450) may be actuated or not actuated by
interaction with the heat to produce the perceptible sensory
effect. Once released from the sensory precursor source 400, the
emitted sensory precursor substance 550 may be delivered to the
ignitable article (i.e., smoking article) 150, for instance, by the
pressurization in the sensory precursor source 400 released through
the sensory precursor-emitting element 475, or by suction imparted
to and through the smoking article 150 by the user and into
interaction with the emitted sensory precursor substance 550. In
some instances, the interaction of the emitted sensory precursor
substance 550 with the heat may create a propellant force for
urging the emitted sensory precursor substance 550 into engagement
with the ignitable article (smoking article) 150. In some
instances, similarly to the aspects shown in FIG. 4, the
heat-emitting element 375 (i.e., the resistive heating element) and
the sensory-precursor-emitting element 475 (i.e., the spray nozzle)
may be disposed in a receptacle 2100 configured to receive the
lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150, for ignition thereof
and/or for delivery of the emitted sensory precursor substance 550
(and associated perceptible sensory effect) thereto through direct
contact therebetween.
[0073] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a further arrangement
aspect of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement shown
in FIG. 3. The igniter apparatus 100 may comprise, for example, a
conventional lighter, having a heat precursor source 200 configured
as a pressurized reservoir for containing a heat precursor
substance 250 comprising a combustible fuel such as, for example,
butane. The heating arrangement 300 generally comprises an actuator
350, wherein, upon actuation, the actuator 350 may be configured to
open a valve (i.e., at least a portion of the "heat-emitting
element 375") associated with the heat precursor source 200 to
release the heat precursor substance 250 therefrom. Further,
actuation of the actuator 350 may also actuate the igniter
arrangement 325 to provide a spark or other impetus for igniting
the pressurized combustible fuel 250 released from the heat
precursor source 200 via the heat emitting element 375 of the
heating arrangement 300, to produce the flame/heat 500 for igniting
the discrete ignitable article 150 (i.e., smoking article). The
igniter apparatus 100 may also include a sensory precursor source
400 configured as a pressurized reservoir for containing a sensory
precursor substance 450 comprising, for example, an aromatic or
flavored liquid. In such instances, actuation of the actuator 350
may also open a valve (i.e., at least a portion of the "sensory
precursor-emitting element 475") associated with the sensory
precursor source 400 to release the sensory precursor substance 450
therefrom and into interaction with the flame/heat 500 emitted by
the heat-emitting element 375. In such aspects, the sensory
precursor-emitting element 475 may include an injector member 2200
extending from the sensory precursor source 400 and into proximity
to (or extending through) the flame/heat emitted by the
heat-emitting element 375 (the injector member 2200 may also be
configured to be movable into proximity to (or extending through)
the flame/heat emitted by the heat-emitting element 375), such
that, for example, the heat/flame warms the sensory precursor
substance 450 within the injector member 2200 and facilitates
injection of the sensory precursor substance 450 into the smoking
article 150. The injector member 2200 may be configured to be
received within the lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150
(i.e., in order for the lighting end 160 to be inserted into the
emitted heat/flame, the lighting end 160 must be positioned such
that the distal end of the injector member 2200 is received
therein). In some instances, the injector member 2200 may include
an alignment aide (not shown) to facilitate centering of the
injector member 2200 in the lighting end 160 and/or limiting the
extent to which the injector member 2200 can be inserted into the
smoking article 150 through the lighting end 160. In some
instances, the sensory precursor source 400 may comprise a
replaceable cartridge or the like, wherein the
sensory-precursor-emitting element 475 may at least in part support
such replaceability of the reservoir for the sensory precursor
substance 450. The emitted sensory precursor substance (i.e., an
aerosol 550 of the sensory precursor substance 450) may be actuated
or not actuated by interaction with the heat to produce the
perceptible sensory effect. Once released from the sensory
precursor source 400 via the injector member 2200, the emitted
sensory precursor substance 550 may be delivered directly into the
smoking article 150, for instance, by the pressurization in the
sensory precursor source 400 released through the sensory
precursor-emitting element 475, or by suction imparted to and
through the smoking article 150 by the user and into interaction
with the emitted sensory precursor substance 550. In some
instances, the interaction of the emitted sensory precursor
substance 550 with the heat/flame may create a propellant force for
urging the emitted sensory precursor substance 550 into engagement
with the ignitable article (smoking article) 150.
[0074] FIG. 23 schematically illustrates another arrangement aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement shown in
FIG. 22. In such instances, the igniter apparatus 100 may further
include a lighting chamber 2300 extending to cover the
heat-emitting element 375 and the sensory-precursor-emitting
element 475. The lighting chamber 2300 may define a lighting port
2320 generally aligned with the flame/heat 500 emitted by the
heat-emitting element 375. Accordingly, the lighting port 2320 may
be used if the igniter apparatus 10 is used only for ignition
purposes. The lighting chamber 2300 may also define a sensory
precursor port 2340 generally aligned with the sensory
precursor-emitting element 475, which may be in the form of an
injector member 2360, as otherwise disclosed herein in relation to
FIG. 22. The sensory precursor port 2340 may this facilitate
alignment of the lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150 with
the injector member 2360. As disclosed in regard to FIG. 22, the
actuator 350 may be configured to actuate valves associated with
the sensory precursor source 400/sensory precursor-emitting element
475 and the heat precursor source 200/heat-emitting element
375.
[0075] In some instances, the actuator 350 may thus be implemented
to provide further actuation functions. For example, the actuator
350 may further be configured to actuate (mechanically or
otherwise) one or more supplemental injectors 2380 configured to
pierce and enter a lateral or side surface of the smoking article
150, instead of or in addition to the injector member 2360
extending longitudinally into the smoking article 150 through the
lighting end 160. Actuating the supplemental injector(s) 2380 into
engagement with the smoking article 150 may further actuate a valve
in communication with the sensory precursor source 400 to release
the sensory precursor substance 450 through the supplemental
injector(s) 2380 and directly into the smoking article 150. In
other instances, actuation of the actuator 350 may also actuate a
pump (not shown) to pump the sensory precursor substance 450
through the supplemental injector(s) 2380.
[0076] FIG. 24 schematically illustrates another arrangement aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement shown in
FIG. 21. In such instances, the igniter apparatus 100 may implement
two or more selectable sensory precursor sources (e.g., 400A, 400B,
400C, 400D). The desired sensory precursor source may be selected
by an associated selector (i.e., 2400A, 2400B, 2400C, 2400D). Upon
selection of a desired sensory precursor source (i.e., 400A) by
actuation of the associated selector (i.e., 2400A), a corresponding
sensory precursor-emitting element 475 (i.e., injector member
2420A) may be actuated for cooperating with the heat-emitting
element 375 to dispense the corresponding sensory precursor
substance 450. In other instances, a common injector member may be
implemented, with the selectable sensory precursor sources (e.g.,
400A, 400B, 400C, 400D) being in communication therewith, such that
the selected sensory precursor source (i.e., 400A) directs the
corresponding sensory precursor substance to that common injector
member. Upon selecting the desired sensory precursor source (i.e.,
400A), the corresponding sensory precursor substance may be
dispensed, for example, by a manual pump dispenser mechanism (i.e.,
2440A), wherein each manual pump or actuation thereof causes the
dispensation of a selected amount of the corresponding sensory
precursor substance through the injector member (i.e., 2420A).
[0077] FIG. 25 schematically illustrates another arrangement aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement shown in
FIGS. 22 and 24. In such instances, the selectable sensory
precursor sources 2500 may comprise, for example, pressurized
cartridges each containing a particular sensory precursor
substance, with the selectable sensory precursor sources 2500 being
configured to dispense the corresponding sensory precursor
substance, for instance, through a common injector member 2520. A
particular sensory precursor source may be selected, for example,
by way of a selector 2540 configured to release the corresponding
sensory precursor substance from the corresponding pressurized
sensory precursor source 2500 to be dispensed via the common
injector member 2520.
[0078] FIG. 26 schematically illustrates another arrangement aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100, implementing selectable sensory
precursor source configuration similar to the arrangement shown in
FIGS. 24 and 25. In such instances, an igniter module 5 may
comprise two or more igniter apparatuses (e.g., 100A, 100B, 100C)
of the types otherwise disclosed herein. Each igniter apparatus
100A, 100B, 100C, may include a corresponding sensory precursor
source (e.g., 200A, 200B, 200C), as well as a corresponding
heat-emitting element 375 and sensory precursor-emitting element
475. The sensory precursor sources can be, though are not
necessarily, the same. Similarly, the corresponding sensory
precursor substances 450, heat-emitting elements 375 and sensory
precursor-emitting elements 475 can each be, though are not
necessarily, the same. In some instances, the sensory precursor
sources 200A, 200B, 200C can comprise replaceable/disposable
cartridges. The heat precursor source(s) 400 can be, though are not
necessarily, the same. In some instances, the heat-emitting
elements 375 can share a single heat precursor source 400. If
implemented, the sensory precursor sources 200A, 200B, 200C, can
share a single pump or have individual pumps associated therewith.
In the example arrangement shown, the igniter arrangements (e.g.,
100A, 100B, 100C) can be arranged adjacent to each other in the
igniter module 5, and the heat-emitting elements 375 and sensory
precursor-emitting elements 475 can be covered with a single access
housing 2600 defining an access port 2620 configured to receive the
lighting end 160 of the smoking article 150. In some instances, the
interface between the access housing 2600 and the igniter module 5
may include one or more alignment aides 2640 for facilitating
alignment of the access port 2620 with the heat-emitting element
375 and sensory precursor-emitting element 475 of each of the
available igniter apparatuses. The access housing 2600 may be, for
example, arranged to rotate the access port 2620 about a central
axis wherein the alignment aides 2640 may provide a positive
indicia of alignment with one of the igniter apparatuses (i.e., a
"click" sound, a detent engagement, or opening of the access port
2620 only when aligned with one of the igniter apparatuses).
[0079] FIG. 27 schematically illustrates another arrangement aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement shown in
FIG. 3. In such instances, the sensory precursor source 400 may
comprise, for example, a flexible pouch or bladder 2700 disposed
within the heat precursor substance 250 (i.e., butane) in the heat
precursor source 200. That is, in one example, the sensory
precursor source 400 may be a flexible (i.e., rubber) pouch or
bladder 2700 disposed within the butane in the fuel reservoir
comprising the heat precursor source 200. In such instances, an
increase in pressure of the butane upon vaporization (i.e.,
actuating the heat-emitting element 375 to produce the heat/flame)
may, in turn, exert an increased pressure on the flexible
pouch/bladder 2700 and cause the emission of the sensory precursor
substance 450 via the sensory precursor-emitting element 475
(configured, for example, as a pressure release valve). In other
instances, the sensory precursor-emitting element 475 may be
actuated by the actuator 350 in conjunction with actuation of the
heat-emitting element 375 by the actuator 350, as disclosed in
relation to FIG. 3.
[0080] FIG. 28 schematically illustrates another arrangement aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement shown in
FIG. 3. In such instances, either or both of the heat precursor
source 200 and the sensory precursor source 400 may comprise, for
example, a flexible pouch or bladder, and a mechanically-actuated
pressure mechanism 2800 may be provided to pressurize the heat
precursor substance 250 and/or the sensory precursor substance 450
within the corresponding heat precursor source 200/sensory
precursor source 400. That is, in one example, a manually-actuated
rotary knob 2820 may be engaged with a threaded rod 2840. A
compression member 2860 may be engaged with the threaded rod 2840,
wherein the compression member 2860 is constrained from rotating
with the threaded rod 2840. Accordingly, rotation of the rotary
knob 2820 by the user, in turn, causes the threaded rod 2840 to
rotate. The threaded engagement between the threaded rod 2840 and
the compression member 2860 thereby causes the compression member
2860 to travel in a direction parallel to the axis of the threaded
rod 2840, depending on the direction in which the rotary knob 2820
is rotated. The pressure mechanism 2800 may thus be configured such
that rotation of the rotary knob 2820 moves the compression member
2860 in a particular direction so as to compress or otherwise
impart pressure to either or both of the heat precursor source 200
and the sensory precursor source 400. In such a manner, either or
both of the heat precursor source 200 and the sensory precursor
source 400 may be manually pressurized for emitting the heat
precursor substance 250 and/or the sensory precursor substance 450
upon actuation of the actuator 350. In some particular instances, a
dosing chamber 2880 may be implemented in association with the
sensory precursor source 400/sensory precursor-emitting element
475, in order for a pre-selected dosage of the sensory precursor
substance 450 to be emitted upon actuation thereof, as
predetermined or otherwise selected.
[0081] FIG. 29 schematically illustrates another arrangement aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement shown in
FIG. 28. In such instances, pressurization of at least the sensory
precursor source 400 may be accomplished in a different manner. For
example, a manually-actuated pump diaphragm or pump membrane 2900
may be engaged with the sensory precursor source 400 such that
manual actuation thereof by the user introduces air into the
sensory precursor source 400 to pressurize the sensory precursor
substance 450 therein (i.e., deforming or pumping the "bulb" forces
air into the sensory precursor source 400 and increases the
pressure therein). The sensory precursor-emitting element 475 may
thus be actuated by the actuator 350 in conjunction with actuation
of the heat-emitting element 375 by the actuator 350, as disclosed
in relation to FIG. 3, such that both the sensory precursor
substance 450 and the heat precursor substance 250 are both
emitted, with at least the sensory precursor substance 450 being
emitted in association with the pressure imparted to the sensory
precursor source 400 by the pump membrane 2900.
[0082] FIG. 30 schematically illustrates another arrangement aspect
of an igniter apparatus 100 similar to the arrangement shown in
FIGS. 22 and 29. In such instances, particularly where an injector
member 3000 is implemented to directly inject or introduce the
sensory precursor substance 450 into the smoking article 150 via
the lighting end 160 thereof as shown, for example, in relation to
FIG. 22, the manually-actuated pump diaphragm or pump membrane 3020
as shown, for example, in FIG. 29, may also be implemented with
respect to the sensory precursor source 400. In such instances, the
dosage of the sensory precursor substance 450 emitted into the
smoking article 150 may be directly proportional to the number of
manual actuations of the pump membrane 3020 (i.e., the greater the
number of pumps or actuations of the pump membrane 3020, the
greater the amount of the sensory precursor substance 450 emitted
via the injector member 3000 into the smoking article 150.
[0083] In another example aspect, as shown in FIG. 31, an igniter
apparatus 100 can be arranged similarly to the arrangement shown in
FIG. 19. In such an arrangement, the sensory precursor source 400
may be configured as or may include a ring, snap clip, or other
(removable) mechanical securement arrangement 3100 that may be
engaged with and secured to a conventional cigarette lighter in a
desired position and in an unobtrusive manner. In instances where
the sensory precursor substance 450 is a liquid, aerosol, etc., the
sensory precursor source 400 may further include a wicking member
3120 configured to wick the sensory precursor substance 450 from
the sensory precursor source 400 via the sensory-precursor-emitting
element 475. The wicking member 3120 may be further configured to
extend into proximity with the heat-emitting element 375 of the
cigarette lighter. The sensory precursor source 400 may be formed,
for example, as a "C" shaped housing or other suitable contour for
extending at least partially in proximity to the heat-emitting
element 375 of the cigarette lighter, while including a suitable
reservoir for containing the sensory precursor substance 450 in
liquid form. The sensory-precursor-emitting element 475 may
particularly be configured and arranged with respect to the sensory
precursor source 400 so as to be disposed in proximity to the
heat-emitting element 375. In this manner, the wicking member 3120
may be continually wetted with the sensory precursor substance 450
and arranged to be in interaction with the heat/flame from the
heat-emitting element 375 upon actuation thereof. The lighting end
160 of the smoking article 150 may thus be ignited via actuation of
the heat-emitting element 375, and the emitted sensory precursor
substance brought into engagement therewith in conjunction with
such actuation of the heat-emitting element 375, as previously
disclosed in regard to other aspects herein. One skilled in the art
will further appreciate that, in some instances, the igniter
apparatus 100 may also implement a wicking member or other wicking
arrangement involving the delivery of the heat precursor substance
250 to the heat-emitting element 375 (i.e., to form a "dual wick"
igniter apparatus), in addition to other aspects of delivering the
heat precursor substance 250 from the heat precursor source 200 to
the heat-emitting arrangement, as otherwise disclosed herein. In
some instances, the "dual wicks" may be combined upon extending
from the heat precursor source 200 and the sensory precursor source
400 so as to provide, for example, a "dual reservoir, single wick"
configuration. In addition, the wicking member(s) may be configured
to as to be flammable or non-flammable, as necessary or desired.
The wicking member(s) as implemented in such exemplary aspects may
be of the type(s) used for conventional heat-emitting elements of
certain types of lighters disclosed herein and, in particular
instances, the implemented wicking member 3120 may correspond to a
commercially available replacement wick for those certain types of
lighters.
[0084] In still another example aspect, as shown in FIG. 32, an
igniter apparatus 100 can be arranged similarly to the arrangement
shown in FIG. 21. In such instances, the actuator 350/igniter
arrangement 325 may also be configured to actuate a heating element
3200 disposed and arranged to interact with the sensory precursor
substance 450 (i.e., a resistive heating coil disposed within the
sensory precursor source 400 so as to directly interact with the
sensory precursor substance 450). The heating element 3200 may
thus, on demand, vaporize at least a portion of the sensory
precursor substance 450, and direct the vaporized sensory precursor
substance 3220 toward the sensory precursor-emitting element 475,
such that the vaporized sensory precursor substance 450 is
delivered directly into the lighting end 160 of the smoking article
150. In such instances, similarly to the operation and function of
an electronic cigarette ("e-cigarette"), the delivery of the
vaporized sensory precursor substance 450 in conjunction with the
user draw (i.e., suction) through the smoking article may combine
to produce and deliver the perceptible sensory effect to the
user.
[0085] In other instances, as shown, for example, in FIG. 33, the
sensory precursor substance 450 may comprise a consumable strip
configured to be dispensed from a sensory precursor source 400
comprising a suitable dispenser, as will be appreciated by one
skilled in the art. The consumable strip may be further configured
to adhere, for example, to the tobacco rod portion of a smoking
article (i.e., cigarette) 150, by way of, for instance, a suitable
adhesive. In some instances, such as adhesive is preferably
heat-resistant. Once the consumable strip is attached/adhered to
the tobacco rod portion of the smoking article 150 (generally
toward the lighting end 160), the smoking article 150 may be
ignited and consumed by the user. In doing so, combustion of the
tobacco rod portion will eventually extend to the portion having
the strip adhered thereto, and further consumption of the smoking
article 150 will cause the strip to interact with the
heat/combustion of the tobacco rod portion and thereby cause
consumption of the strip. The strip may further be responsive to
the heat and/or combustion/consumption thereof to produce the
perceptible sensory effect, which may then be drawn into and
through the smoking article in response to the suction imparted to
the mouth end 170 by the user.
[0086] In light of possible interrelationships between aspects of
the present disclosure in providing the noted benefits and
advantages associated therewith, the present disclosure thus
particularly and explicitly includes, without limitation,
embodiments representing various combinations of the disclosed
aspects. Thus, the present disclosure includes any combination of
two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this
disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are
expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific embodiment
description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read
holistically such that any separable features or elements of the
disclosure, in any of its aspects and embodiments, should be viewed
as intended, namely to be combinable, unless the context of the
disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.
[0087] Aerosols that are produced by cigarettes of the present
disclosure are those that comprise air-containing components such
as vapors, gases, suspended particulates, and the like. Aerosol
components can be generated from burning tobacco of some form (and
optionally other components that are burned to generate heat); by
thermally decomposing tobacco caused by heating tobacco and
charring tobacco (or otherwise causing tobacco to undergo some form
of smolder); and by vaporizing aerosol-forming agent. As such, the
aerosol can contain volatilized components, combustion products
(e.g., carbon dioxide and water), incomplete combustion products,
and products of pyrolysis.
[0088] Aerosol components may also be generated by the action of
heat from burning tobacco of some form (and optionally other
components that are burned to generate heat), upon substances that
are located in a heat exchange relationship with tobacco material
that is burned and other components that are burned. Aerosol
components may also be generated by the aerosol-generation system
as a result of the action of the heat generation segment upon an
aerosol-generating segment. In some embodiments, components of the
aerosol-generating segment have an overall composition, and are
positioned within the smoking article, such that those components
will have a tendency not to undergo a significant degree of thermal
decomposition (e.g., as a result of combustion, smoldering or
pyrolysis) during conditions of normal use.
[0089] In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, a
cigarette lighter available under the tradename 207 Regular Street
Chrome from Zippo Manufacturing Company is provided, for instance,
as the igniter apparatus. Essentially pure spearmint oil (i.e., the
sensory precursor substance) is provided, and that spearmint oil is
dissolved in a lighter fluid commercially available as Zippo
Premium Lighter Fluid from Zippo Manufacturing Company (i.e., the
heat precursor substance). In particular, about 15 weight parts
spearmint oil is dissolved in about 85 weight parts lighter fluid.
The resulting lighter fluid mixture is loaded into the empty
cigarette lighter, so as to provide the lighter fluid for that
lighter. The cigarette lighter then is used in a conventional way
to light a commercially available, tobacco burning cigarette (e.g.,
a filtered cigarette marketed under the brandname Camel by R. J.
Reynolds Tobacco Company as the ignitable article). Upon draw
during the lighting puff, the drawn cigarette tobacco smoke
possesses the aroma and flavor of spearmint That is, the spearmint
flavor incorporated within the cigarette lighter (i.e., spearmint
flavor exogenous to the cigarette) is transferred to the cigarette
(and is drawn into the cigarette). Additionally, the aroma and
flavor of spearmint is perceived as being present in drawn smoke on
later puffs of that cigarette, after the lighting puff Typically,
the amount of spearmint oil that is employed relative to the
lighter fluid is at least about 5 weight parts, often at least
about 10 weight parts spearmint oil (and less than about 95 weight
parts, often less than about 90 weight parts lighter fluid); while
the upper level of spearmint oil relative to the lighter fluid is
about 25 weight parts, often at least about 20 weight parts
spearmint oil (and at least about 75 weight parts, often at least
about 80 weight parts lighter fluid). In such mixtures with the
lighter fluid, different flavors may be provided in different
amounts to obtain the desired efficacy. For example, such mixtures
with the lighter fluid could involve menthol of between about 5
weight parts and about 75 weight parts with respect to the lighter
fluid, or peppermint of between about 10 weight parts and about 30
weight parts with respect to the lighter fluid.
[0090] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a
cigarette lighter available under the tradename 207 Regular Street
Chrome from Zippo Manufacturing Company is provided. Essentially
pure spearmint oil is provided, and that spearmint oil is dissolved
in a lighter fluid that is 190 proof ethanol (USP). In particular,
about 15 weight parts spearmint oil is dissolved in about 85 weight
parts lighter fluid. The resulting lighter fluid mixture is loaded
into the empty cigarette lighter, so as to provide the lighter
fluid for that lighter. The cigarette lighter then is used in a
conventional way to light a commercially available, tobacco burning
cigarette (e.g., a filtered cigarette marketed under the brandname
Camel by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Upon draw during the
lighting puff, the drawn cigarette tobacco smoke possesses the
aroma and flavor of spearmint. That is, the spearmint flavor
incorporated within the cigarette lighter (i.e., spearmint flavor
exogenous to the cigarette) is transferred to the cigarette (and is
drawn into the cigarette). Additionally, the aroma and flavor of
spearmint is perceived as being present in drawn smoke on later
puffs of that cigarette, after the lighting puff Typically, the
amount of spearmint oil that is employed relative to the lighter
fluid is at least about 5 weight parts, often at least about 10
weight parts spearmint oil (and less than about 95 weight parts,
often less than about 90 weight parts lighter fluid); while the
upper level of spearmint oil relative to the lighter fluid is about
25 weight parts, often at least about 20 weight parts spearmint oil
(and at least about 75 weight parts, often at least about 80 weight
parts lighter fluid). In such mixtures with the ethanol (USP)
lighter fluid, different flavors may be provided in different
amounts to obtain the desired efficacy, wherein such flavors may be
provided, for example, by aromatic compounds such as pyrazines,
vanillin, menthol, and/or essential oils such as spearmint oil or
peppermint oil. For example, such mixtures with the lighter fluid
could involve a berry note substance of between about 5 weight
parts and about 15 weight parts with respect to the ethanol-based
lighter fluid, or brown note (i.e., pyrazines and/or other flavors
characteristic of tobacco) of between about 5 weight parts and
about 15 weight parts with respect to the lighter fluid.
[0091] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a
cigarette lighter generally of the type described with reference to
FIGS. 19 and 31 is provided. Essentially pure menthol crystals
(solids) are provided, and that those crystals are dissolved in
propylene glycol. In particular, about 75 weight parts menthol
crystals are dissolved in about 25 weight parts propylene glycol,
to form a liquid solution. The resulting flavored, fluid mixture
(i.e., the sensory precursor substance) is loaded into the
appropriate additional compartment of the cigarette lighter. The
cigarette lighter then is used in a conventional way to light a
commercially available, tobacco burning cigarette (e.g., a filtered
cigarette marketed under the brandname Camel by R. J. Reynolds
Tobacco Company). Upon draw during the lighting puff, the drawn
cigarette tobacco smoke possesses the aroma and flavor of menthol
that is provided from the additional compartment (i.e., the sensory
precursor source) of the cigarette lighter. That is, the menthol
flavor incorporated within the cigarette lighter (i.e., menthol
exogenous to the cigarette) is transferred to the cigarette (and is
drawn into the cigarette). Additionally, the aroma and flavor of
menthol is perceived as being present in drawn smoke on later puffs
of that cigarette, after the lighting puff. Typically, the amount
of menthol that is employed relative to the propylene glycol is at
least about 50 weight parts, often at least about 70 weight parts
menthol (and less than about 50 weight parts, often less than about
30 weight parts propylene glycol).
[0092] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a
cigarette lighter generally of the type described with reference to
FIGS. 19 and 31 is provided. Essentially pure peppermint oil is
provided, and that oil is dissolved in vegetable oil (e.g., a
mixture of medium chain triglycerides). In particular, about 75
weight parts peppermint oil is dissolved in about 25 weight parts
vegetable oil, to form a liquid solution. The resulting flavored,
fluid mixture is loaded into the appropriate additional compartment
of the cigarette lighter. The cigarette lighter then is used in a
conventional way to light a commercially available, tobacco burning
cigarette (e.g., a filtered cigarette marketed under the brandname
Camel by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company). Upon draw during the
lighting puff, the drawn cigarette tobacco smoke possesses the
aroma and flavor of peppermint that is provided from the additional
compartment of the cigarette lighter. That is, the peppermint
flavor incorporated within the cigarette lighter (i.e., peppermint
exogenous to the cigarette) is transferred to the cigarette (and is
drawn into the cigarette). Additionally, the aroma and flavor of
peppermint is perceived as being present in drawn smoke on later
puffs of that cigarette, after the lighting puff Typically, the
amount of peppermint oil that is employed relative to the vegetable
oil is at least about 50 weight parts, often at least about 70
weight parts peppermint (and less than about 50 weight parts, often
less than about 30 weight parts vegetable oil).
[0093] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a
cigarette lighter generally of the type described with reference to
FIGS. 19 and 31 is provided. Essentially pure vanillin (which may
be in solid form) is provided, and is dissolved in ethanol. In
particular, about 25 weight parts vanillin is dissolved in about 75
weight parts ethanol, to form a liquid solution. The resulting
flavored, fluid mixture is loaded into the appropriate additional
compartment of the cigarette lighter. The cigarette lighter then is
used in a conventional way to light a commercially available,
tobacco burning cigarette (e.g., a filtered cigarette marketed
under the brandname Camel by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company). Upon
draw during the lighting puff, the drawn cigarette tobacco smoke
possesses an enhanced aroma and flavor of vanillin, and that
enhanced flavor and aroma is provided from the additional
compartment of the cigarette lighter. That is, the vanillin
incorporated within the cigarette lighter (i.e., vanillin exogenous
to the cigarette) is transferred to the cigarette (and is drawn
into the cigarette). Additionally, the enhanced aroma and flavor of
vanillin is perceived as being present in drawn smoke on later
puffs of that cigarette, after the lighting puff.
[0094] Many modifications and other aspects of the disclosures set
forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which
these disclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. For example, those of skill in the art will appreciate
that embodiments not expressly illustrated herein may be practiced
within the scope of the present disclosure, including that features
described herein for different embodiments may be combined with
each other and/or with currently-known or future-developed
technologies while remaining within the scope of the claims
presented here. In one particular example, one skilled in the art
will appreciate that, in some instances, the various sensory
precursor source 400/sensory precursor substance 450 arrangements
disclosed herein may be configured as discrete components or
assemblies that may be retrofitted or otherwise configured as an
optional accessory for an igniter apparatus 100, such as a
conventional cigarette lighter, of the types also disclosed herein.
One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the various
sensory precursor source 400/sensory precursor substance 450
arrangements disclosed herein may be discrete components or
assemblies that may be configured to receive an igniter apparatus
100, such as a conventional cigarette lighter, of the types also
disclosed herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
disclosures are not to be limited to the specific aspects disclosed
and that equivalents, modifications, and other aspects are intended
to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *