U.S. patent application number 16/648730 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-16 for a filter unit for a smoking article.
The applicant listed for this patent is British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited. Invention is credited to Karl KALJURA, Samuel WHIFFEN.
Application Number | 20200221762 16/648730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60270182 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200221762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KALJURA; Karl ; et
al. |
July 16, 2020 |
A Filter Unit for a Smoking Article
Abstract
A filter unit for a smoking article includes a tube having a
first portion and a second portion, wherein an inner diameter of
the first portion is different from an inner diameter of the second
portion. The filter unit also includes a sleeve at least partially
surrounding the tube. Also described are a smoking article having
the filter unit and a kit including a smoking article and the
filter unit.
Inventors: |
KALJURA; Karl; (London,
GB) ; WHIFFEN; Samuel; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
60270182 |
Appl. No.: |
16/648730 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
September 28, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2018/052787 |
371 Date: |
March 19, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24D 3/04 20130101; A24C
5/474 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24D 3/04 20060101
A24D003/04; A24C 5/47 20060101 A24C005/47 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 29, 2017 |
GB |
1715922.9 |
Claims
1. A filter unit for a smoking article comprising: a tube having a
first portion and a second portion, wherein an inner diameter of
the first portion is different from an inner diameter of the second
portion; and a sleeve at least partially surrounding the tube.
2. A filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the second portion
is at a distal end of the filter unit.
3. A filter unit according to claim 2, wherein the inner diameter
of the second portion decreases with distance from the distal end
of the filter unit.
4. A filter unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an inner
diameter of the second portion is greater than an inner diameter of
the first portion.
5. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an
outer diameter of the second portion is greater than an outer
diameter of the first portion.
6. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an
outer diameter of the first portion is substantially the same as an
outer diameter of the second portion.
7. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
each of the first portion and the second portion has a first end
and a second end, and the second end of the first portion adjoins
the first end of the second portion and has an inner diameter
substantially the same as the first end of the second portion.
8. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the
tube is formed from paper, card, cardboard or plastic.
9. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:
a cylindrical element, wherein the sleeve at least partially
surrounds the cylindrical element.
10. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
the cylindrical element is formed from filter material and
comprises a body having an end surface adjacent to the tube and a
recess formed in the end surface.
11. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein
the element comprises a smoke modifying substance disposed within
the filter material of the element.
12. A filter unit according to claim ii, wherein the smoke
modifying substance comprises an encapsulated substance.
13. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein
the filter unit is arranged to be coupled to a smoking article by a
user.
14. A smoking article comprising a filter unit according to any one
of claims 1 to 13.
15. A smoking article according to claim 14, wherein the second
portion of the tube is disposed at a mouth end of the smoking
article.
16. A kit comprising a smoking article and a filter unit according
to any one of claims 1 to 13.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a filter unit for a smoking
article, a smoking article including such a filter unit and a kit
of parts comprising a smoking article and a filter unit.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cigarettes and other smoking articles produce an aerosol,
such as smoke in the case of cigarettes, which is inhaled by a
user. A filter may be provided as part of a smoking article, or can
be provided as a separate component which can be attached or
coupled to a smoking article by a user. Filters can be configured
to modify properties of aerosol produced by the smoking article;
for example, by adding flavourant to the aerosol produced by the
smoking article.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a filter unit for a smoking article comprising a tube having a
first portion and a second portion, wherein an inner diameter of
the first portion is different from an inner diameter of the second
portion and a sleeve at least partially surrounding the tube.
[0004] The second portion can be at a distal end of the filter
unit.
[0005] The inner diameter of the second portion can be arranged to
decrease with distance from the distal end of the filter unit.
[0006] An inner diameter of the second portion can be greater than
an inner diameter of the first portion.
[0007] An outer diameter of the second portion can be greater than
an outer diameter of the first portion.
[0008] An outer diameter of the first portion can be substantially
the same as an outer diameter of the second portion.
[0009] Each of the first portion and the second portion can have a
first end and a second end, and the second end of the first portion
can adjoin the first end of the second portion and can have an
inner diameter substantially the same as the first end of the
second portion.
[0010] The tube can be formed from paper, card, cardboard or
plastic.
[0011] The filter unit can comprise a cylindrical element, and the
sleeve can at least partially surround the cylindrical element.
[0012] The cylindrical element can be formed from filter material
and can comprise a body having an end surface adjacent to the tube
and a recess formed in the end surface.
[0013] The element can comprise a smoke modifying substance
disposed within the filter material of the element. The smoke
modifying substance can comprise an encapsulated substance.
[0014] The filter unit can be arranged to be coupled to a smoking
article by a user.
[0015] According to embodiments of the invention, there is also
provided a smoking article comprising a filter unit as set out
above.
[0016] The second portion of the tube can be disposed at a mouth
end of the smoking article.
[0017] According to embodiments of the invention, there is also
provided a kit comprising a smoking article and a filter unit as
set out above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1a is a side-on cross sectional view of a first filter
unit including a tube formed from filter material and where the
filter unit forms part of a smoking article;
[0020] FIG. 1b is a side-on cross sectional view of an outer
chamfered tube for use as an alternative to the tube used in the
first filter unit of FIG. 1a;
[0021] FIG. 1c is a side-on cross sectional view of a filter insert
for use with the first filter unit of FIG. 1a;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side-on cross sectional view of a second filter
unit including a tube formed from filter material and where the
filter unit is provided as a discrete unit for use with a separate
smoking article;
[0023] FIG. 3a is a side-on cross sectional view of a third filter
unit including a filter body comprising a recess and where the
third filter unit forms part of a smoking article;
[0024] FIG. 3b is an end-on view of the third filter unit of FIG.
3a;
[0025] FIG. 3c is an end-on view of another third filter unit
design having a triangular shaped recess;
[0026] FIG. 3d is an end-on view of another third filter unit
design having a hexagonal shaped recess;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side-on cross sectional view of a fourth filter
unit including a tube formed from sheet material and provided as a
discrete component for use with a separate smoking article;
[0028] FIGS. 5a to 5d are perspective views of an apparatus for
shaping a tobacco industry product;
[0029] FIGS. 6a to 6c are side-on cross sectional and end-on views
of respective first, second and third shaping heads for use with
the apparatus of FIGS. 5a to 5d;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of shaping a
tobacco industry product; and
[0031] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of shaping a
tobacco industry product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] As used herein, the term "tobacco industry product" is
intended to include smoking articles comprising combustible smoking
articles and their components such as cigarettes, cigarillos,
cigars, tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own cigarettes, (whether
based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,
reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable
material), electronic smoking articles and their components such as
e-cigarettes, heating devices that release compounds from substrate
materials without burning such as tobacco heating products, and
hybrid systems to generate aerosol from a combination of substrate
materials, for example hybrid systems containing a liquid or gel or
solid substrate; and aerosol-free nicotine delivery articles and
their components such as lozenges, gums, patches, articles
comprising breathable powders and smokeless tobacco products such
as snus and snuff. Components of the above articles include filter
units, filter plugs, filter inserts and tubes for use in products
such as smoking articles;
[0033] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a smoking
article for combustion, selected from the group consisting of a
cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.
[0034] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a
non-combustible smoking article.
[0035] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating
device which releases compounds by heating, but not burning, a
substrate material. The material may be for example tobacco or
other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
In one embodiment, the heating device is a tobacco heating
device.
[0036] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid
system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a
combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may
comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not
contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a
liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate
may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may
or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system
comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.
[0037] Filter units described herein can be provided to users as an
integral component of a smoking article or as a discrete component
separate from a smoking article. When provided separately, filter
units and smoking articles can be packaged separately, or packaged
together as a kit of parts.
[0038] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and their formats are
often named according to the cigarette length: "regular" (typically
in the range 68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm),
"short" or "mini" (68 mm or less), "king-size" (typically in the
range 75-91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or
"super-king" (typically in the range 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94
mm to about 101 mm) and "ultra-long" (typically in the range from
about 110 mm to about 121 mm).
[0039] They are also named according to the cigarette
circumference: "regular" (about 23-25 mm), "wide" (greater than 25
mm), "slim" (about 22-23 mm), "demi-slim" (about 19-22 mm),
"super-slim" (about 16-19 mm), and "micro-slim" (less than about 16
mm). Accordingly, a cigarette in a king-size, super-slim format
will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference
of about 17 mm. Cigarettes in the regular, king-size format are
preferred by many customers, namely with a circumference of from 23
to 25 mm and an overall length of from 75 to 91 mm.
[0040] Each format may be produced with filters of different
lengths, smaller filters being generally used in formats of smaller
lengths and circumferences. Typically the filter length will be
from about 15 mm, associated with short, regular formats, to 30 mm,
associated with ultra-long super-slim formats. The tipping paper
will have a greater length than the filter, for example from 3 to
10 mm longer, such that the tipping paper covers the filter and
overlaps the tobacco rod to connect the filter to the tobacco
rod.
[0041] Smoking articles and filter units described herein can be
made in, but are not limited to, any of the above formats.
[0042] The filter material forming any of the filter units or other
filter components described herein can comprise cellulose acetate
fibre tow. The filter material can also be formed using other
materials used to form fibres, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH),
polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol
succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT),
starch based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester
materials and polysaccharide polymers or a combination thereof. The
filter material may be plasticised with a suitable plasticiser for
the filter material, such as triacetin where the filter material is
cellulose acetate tow, or may be non-plasticised. The tow used to
produce the filter unit or other filter component can use any
suitable specification, such as fibres having a `Y` shaped or other
cross section, filamentary denier values between 2.5 and 15 denier
per filament, for example between 3.0 and 9.0 denier per filament
and total denier values of 10,000 to 50,000, for example between
15,000 and 45,000.
[0043] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer
to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to
create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers.
They may include extracts (e.g., liquorice, hydrangea, Japanese
white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol,
Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry,
peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint,
peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg,
sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla,
lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine,
ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander,
coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha),
flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial
receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar
substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame,
saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose,
sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives or substances such as
charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening
agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or
blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil,
liquid, or powder.
[0044] In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are
used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components.
[0045] FIG. 1a is a side-on cross sectional view of a first filter
unit 1 including a tube 2, formed from filter material in the
present example, and forming part of a smoking article 3. The
smoking article 3 has a mouth end 3a, arranged to be placed in the
user's mouth when smoking, and a lit end 3b, arranged to be lit
when smoking. The filter unit 1 is connected to an aerosol
generating material 4, in the present case cut tobacco in the form
of a rod, by a tipping paper 5. The aerosol generating material 4
is wrapped in a wrapper 6, for instance cigarette paper.
[0046] The tube 2 comprises a wall having inner and outer surfaces
which are substantially circular in cross section, in the present
example, for cross sections taken along the longitudinal length of
the tube. An inner diameter of the tube 2 is defined between two
diametrically opposite points on the inner surface of the wall,
while an outer diameter of the tube 2 is defined between two
diametrically opposite points on the outer surface of the wall. The
wall of the tube 2 may have a thickness in the range of about 0.5
mm to about 5 mm. For example, the wall may have a thickness of
between about 1 mm and about 4 mm, between about 1.0 mm and about 3
mm or between about 1.0 mm and about 2 mm, or about 1.3 mm.
[0047] The tube 2 has a first portion 2a and a second portion 2b.
In FIG. 1, these portions 2a, 2b are disposed longitudinally along
the length of the tube 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second
portions 2a, 2b are arranged either side of a longitudinal position
on the tube indicated by dashed line `X`. The first portion 2a of
the tube 2 extends from an end of the tube 2 furthest from the
mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3 up to the dashed line `X`,
and the second portion 2b of the tube 2 extends from the dashed
line `X` to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article. An inner
diameter of the first portion 2a of the tube 2 is different from an
inner diameter of the second portion 2b of the tube 2. The second
portion 2b is at a distal end of the filter unit, in particular at
the mouth end 3aof the smoking article 3 in the present
example.
[0048] In the present example, an inner diameter of the second
portion 2b, illustrated in FIG. 1 by arrow `B`, is greater than an
inner diameter of the first portion 2a, illustrated by arrow `A`.
The inner diameter `A` of the first portion 2a can be in the range
of about 2 mm to about 6 mm, about 3 mm to about 5 mm, or about 3
mm to about 4 mm. For example, the inner diameter of the first
portion 2a may be about 5 mm. The inner diameter `B` of the second
portion 2b varies along the length of the second portion 2b in the
present example. The largest inner diameter `B` of the second
portion 2b can be in the range of about 2.5 mm to about 8 mm, about
3 mm to about 7 mm, or about 4 mm to about 6 mm. For example, the
largest inner diameter `B` of the second portion 2bmay be about 5
mm.
[0049] The overall length of the tube 2 may be in the range of
about 3 mm to about 25 mm, or about 5mm to about 12 mm. For
example, the length of the tube 2 may be about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10
mm.
[0050] The length of the first portion 2a may be in the range of
about 2 mm to about 25 mm, or about 4 mm to about 10 mm. For
example, the length of the first portion 2a may be about 4, 5, 6,
7, 8 or 9 mm.
[0051] The length of the second portion 2b may be in the range of
about 0.5 mm to 8 mm. For example, the length of the second portion
2b may be about 1 mm to about 5 mm, about 1 mm to about 3 mm or
about 2 mm.
[0052] The second portion 2b may be formed by indenting the filter
material at the end of the tube 2 closest to the mouth end 3a of
the smoking article. Alternatively, the second portion 2b may be
formed by cutting the end of the tube 2 to remove filter material
from the end of the tube 2.
[0053] In the present example, the outer diameter of the second
portion 2b is the same as the outer diameter of the first portion
2a.
[0054] In the present example, each of the first portion 2a and the
second portion 2b has a first end and a second end. The second end
of the first portion 2a adjoins the first end of the second portion
2b, and has an inner diameter substantially the same as the first
end of the second portion 2b.
[0055] The tube 2 has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The inner
surface of the first portion 2a is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the tube 2. The inner surface of the second
portion 2b is chamfered in that it is at an angle to the
longitudinal axis of the tube 2, in the present example. The inner
diameter of the second portion 2b decreases with distance from a
distal end, for instance the mouth end 3a, of the filter unit. The
angle of intersection between a straight line following the inner
surface of the second portion 2b of the tube 2 and the longitudinal
axis of the tube 2 may be in the range of about 10.degree. to about
80.degree., or about 20.degree. to about 70.degree., or about
30.degree. to about 60.degree.. For example, the angle may be about
45.degree..
[0056] Although a tube 2 having a uniformly chamfered inner edge
has been described with reference to FIG. 1, other tube shapes can
be used. For instance, the second portion 2b of the tube 2 can have
an inner diameter `B` which is uniform along the length of the
second portion 2b, and therefore forms a step at the location shown
by line `X` between the first and second portions 2a, 2b.
Alternatively or in addition, a chamfer or step as described in
respect of the inner diameter of the second portion 2b of the tube
2 may be provided in the outer diameter of the second portion 2b of
the tube 2. FIG. 1b illustrates an outer chamfered tube 2' which
can be used in place of the tube 2 used in the smoking article 3 of
FIG. 1a, in which a chamfer is provided on an outer edge of the
tube 2' such that an outer diameter of the second portion 2b',
illustrated in FIG. 1b by arrow `D`, is smaller than an outer
diameter of the first portion 2a', illustrated by arrow `C`. The
tube 2' has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The outer surface of
the first portion 2a' is substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the tube 2'. The outer surface of the second portion 2b' is
chamfered in that it is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the
tube 2', in the present example. The angle of intersection between
a straight line following the outer surface of the second portion
2b' of the tube 2' and the longitudinal axis of the tube 2' may be
in the range of about 10.degree. to about 80.degree., or about
20.degree. to about 70.degree., or about 30.degree. to about
60.degree.. For example, the angle may be about 45.degree..
[0057] Referring again to FIG. 1a, in the present example, the
first filter unit 1 further includes a sleeve 7. The sleeve 7 is
formed from a sheet material such as plug wrap. In alternative
examples, the sleeve 7 can be formed in other ways, for instance
from plastic or other materials.
[0058] The first filter unit 1 also includes an upstream filter
segment 8, arranged upstream of the tube 2 in the direction of
mainstream smoke when the smoking article is drawn on by a user.
The upstream filter segment 8 has a longitudinal axis (not shown).
The upstream filter segment 8 has a curved outer surface 8a
circumscribing the segment 8, a first longitudinal end surface 8a
closest to the lit end 3a of the smoking article 3 and a second
longitudinal end surface 8b closest to the mouth end 3a of the
smoking article 3. The longitudinal end surfaces 8a, 8b are
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upstream filter
segment 8. In the present example, the tube 2 and the upstream
filter segment 8 have a common longitudinal axis.
[0059] The sleeve 7 is wrapped around the tube 2 and the upstream
filter segment 8. In the present example, an adhesive is provided
between the sleeve 7 and the tube 2 and upstream filter segment 8
and in this way the sleeve 7 connects the tube 2 to the upstream
filter segment 8.
[0060] In the present example, the end of the tube 2 closest to the
mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3 is flush with the end of the
sleeve 7 closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3.
However, in alternative examples, the tube 2 may extend beyond the
end of the sleeve 7 closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking
article 3, or may stop short of the end of the sleeve 7 closest to
the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3. For instance, when the
outer chamfered tube 2' of FIG. 1b is used in place of the tube 2
of FIG. 1a, the sleeve 7 may surround only the first portion 2a' of
the tube 2', and the tipping 5 can also extend up to the edge of
the sleeve 7 closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3.
In this way, the smoking article 3 can be provided with an outer
chamfered edge at the mouth end 3a giving a smooth surface against
which the users lips can be placed, facilitating the user in
holding the smoking article in their mouth. In the present example,
the sleeve 7 fully surrounds the outer surface of the upstream
filter segment 8.
[0061] The length of the upstream filter segment 8 may be selected
according to the desired filtration performance of the filter unit
1, and may be in the range 5 mm to 25 mm, or 10 mm to 15 mm. For
example, the length of the upstream filter segment 8 may be about
12 mm.
[0062] The outer diameter of the upstream filter segment 8 may be
substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tube 2. Either
or both of the tube 2 and the upstream filter segment may comprise
a separate plug wrap (not shown) around which the sleeve 7 is
wrapped.
[0063] The tube 2 and upstream filter segment 8 may be formed of
filter material, in particular a fibrous filter material. The tube
2 and/or upstream filter segment 8 can contain substances such as
additives or agents for modifying the aerosol, in the present case
smoke, generated by the smoking article 3. For example, a frangible
capsule (not shown) containing a flavourant or other additive or
substance such as water may be located within the upstream filter
segment 8. The capsule can be located at a central longitudinal
position within the upstream filter segment 8, or may be offset
from the central longitudinal position.
[0064] The capsule has a liquid centre and a frangible outer shell
which can be broken by a user by squeezing the filter unit 1, to
thereby release the flavourant. The flavourant is transferred to
the aerosol generated by the smoking article 3 as the smoking
article 3 is smoked by the user.
[0065] In alternative examples, the first filter unit 1 may include
alternative substances such as additives or agents for modifying
the aerosol generated by the smoking article 3, such as granules of
activated carbon or other adsorbents, humectants, diluents etc.
[0066] The smoking article 3 can be a cigarette in any of the
smoking article formats described herein.
[0067] FIG. 1c is a side-on cross sectional view of a filter insert
10 for use with the filter unit of FIG. 1a. The filter insert 10
includes a cylindrical element 11 formed from cellulose acetate tow
wrapped in a sleeve 12, in the present case a plug wrap. The filter
insert 10 may be inserted into the hollow centre of the tube 2 of
the smoking article 3 by a user, for instance such that the insert
10 abuts the second longitudinal end surface 8b of the upstream
filter segment 8. The filter insert 10 may include a smoke
modifying substance allowing the user to alter properties of the
aerosol passing through the smoking article 3 when the smoking
article 3 is smoked and the filter insert 10 is inserted into the
tube 2. The inner chamfer in the second portion 2b of the tube 2
can facilitate insertion of the filter insert 10 into the tube 2
and, for instance, enable the outer diameter of the filter insert
10 to be substantially the same as the inner diameter `A` of the
tube 2, which would otherwise make insertion of the insert 10 into
the tube difficult.
[0068] FIG. 2 is a side-on cross sectional view of a discrete
second filter unit 15 including a tube 16 formed from filter
material and provided as a separate unit 15 for use with a smoking
article 17. The second filter unit 15 can be attached onto the
mouth end 17a of the smoking article 17 by a user. The second
filter unit 15 is configured to modify one or more properties of an
aerosol, such as smoke, which is generated by the smoking article
17. The second filter unit 15 has a mouth end 16a arranged to be
inserted into a user's mouth when the second filter unit 15 is
attached to the smoking article 17.
[0069] The tube 16 of the second filter unit 15 is generally
similar in design to the tube 2 of the first filter unit 1
illustrated in FIG. 1a, and corresponding features and dimensions
apply except where alternatively stated below.
[0070] The tube 16 has a first portion 16a and a second portion
15b. These portions 16a, 16b are the portions of the tube 16 either
side of a longitudinal position on the tube indicated in FIG. 2 by
dashed line `X`. The first portion 16a of the tube 16 extends from
an end of the tube 16 closest to the mouth end 16a of the second
filter unit 15 up to the dashed line `X`, and the second portion 10
of the tube 16 extends from the dashed line `X` to the edge of the
tube 16 furthest from the mouth end 16a of the filter unit. An
inner diameter of the first portion 16a of the tube 16 is different
from an inner diameter of the second portion 16b of the tube
16.
[0071] In the present example, an inner diameter of the second
portion 16b, illustrated in FIG. 2 by arrow `B`, is greater than an
inner diameter of the first portion 16a, illustrated by arrow `A`.
The inner diameter `A` of the first portion 16a may be in the range
of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, about 6 mm to about 9 mm, or about 6
mm to about 9 mm. For example, the inner diameter of the first
portion 16a may be about 8 mm. Inner diameter of the first portion
may be selected to correspond to the outer diameter of the mouth
end 17a of the smoking article 17. The inner diameter `B` of the
second portion 10 varies along the length of the second portion 10
in the present example. The largest inner diameter `B` of the
second portion 16b can be in the range of about 6 mm to about 12
mm, about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm. For
example, the largest inner diameter `B` of the second portion 2b
may be about 9 mm.
[0072] In the present example, the outer diameter of the second
portion 16b, is the same as the outer diameter of the first portion
16a.
[0073] In the present example, the second filter unit 15 further
includes a sleeve 18. The sleeve 18 is formed from a sheet material
such as plug wrap. In alternative examples, the sleeve 18 can be
formed in other ways, for instance from plastic or other
materials.
[0074] The second filter unit 15 also includes a downstream filter
segment 19, arranged downstream of the tube 16 in the direction of
mainstream smoke when the smoking article 17 is drawn on by a user
with the second filter unit 15 attached to the smoking article 17.
The downstream filter segment 19 has a longitudinal axis (not
shown). The downstream filter segment 19 has a longitudinal end
surface 19a furthest from the mouth end 16a of the second filter
unit 15. In the present example, the tube 16 and the downstream
filter segment 19 have a common longitudinal axis.
[0075] The sleeve 18 is wrapped around the tube 16 and the
downstream filter segment 19. In the present example, an adhesive
is provided between the sleeve 18 and the tube 16 and downstream
filter segment 19 and in this way the sleeve 18 connects the tube
16 to the downstream filter segment 19.
[0076] In the present example, the end of the tube 16 furthest from
the mouth end 16a of the second filter unit 15 extends beyond the
end of the sleeve 18 furthest from the mouth end 16a of the second
filter unit 15. In the present example, the tube 16 extends 0.5 mm
beyond the sleeve 18. However, in alternative examples, the tube 16
may extend between about 0.5 and 10 mm, for instance between about
0.5 mm and 3 mm beyond the end of the sleeve 18 furthest from the
mouth end 16a of the second filter unit 15, or may be flush with
the edge of the sleeve 18 or stop short of the end of the sleeve 18
furthest from the mouth end 16a of the filter element 15. In the
present example, the sleeve 18 fully surrounds the outer surface of
the downstream filter segment 19.
[0077] The length of the downstream filter segment 19 may be
selected according to the desired filtration performance of the
second filter unit 15, and may be in the range 5 mm to 25 mm, or 10
mm to 15 mm. For example, the length of the downstream filter
segment 19 may be about 12 mm.
[0078] The outer diameter of the downstream filter segment 19 may
be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tube 16.
Either or both of the tube 16 and the downstream filter segment 19
may comprise a separate plug wrap (not shown) around which the
sleeve 18 is wrapped.
[0079] The tube 16 and downstream segment 19 may be formed of
filter material, in particular a fibrous filter material, as
described herein. The tube 16 and/or downstream segment 19 can
contain substances such as additives or agents for modifying the
aerosol, in the present case smoke, generated by the smoking
article 17. For example, a frangible capsule (not shown) as
described elsewhere herein and containing a flavourant or other
additive may be located within the downstream filter segment 19.
The capsule can be located at a central longitudinal position
within the downstream filter segment 19, or may be offset from the
central longitudinal position.
[0080] In alternative examples, the second filter unit 15 may
include alternative substances such as additives or agents for
modifying the aerosol generated by the smoking article 17, such as
granules of activated carbon or other adsorbents, humectants,
diluents etc.
[0081] The smoking article 17 can be a conventional cigarette in
any of the smoking article formats described herein.
[0082] The discrete second filter unit 15 can be coupled or
attached to the smoking article 17 by a user. In the present
example, the tube 16 of the second filter unit 15 is arranged to
receive a mouth end portion 17a of the smoking article 17 so that
the second filter unit 15 and the smoking article 17 can be
attached or coupled together by a user. The mouth end 17a of the
smoking article 17, in the present example, abuts the longitudinal
end surface 19a when the second filter unit 15 is connected to the
smoking article 17. The user can select whether or not to attach
the second filter unit 15 to the smoking article 17 prior to
smoking the smoking article 17, and can in this way control the
length of filter of the smoking article 17 and therefore the level
of filtration of the aerosol generated by the smoking article 17,
as well as any other modification of the aerosol performed by the
second filter unit 15.
[0083] The second filter unit 15 may be attached to the smoking
article 17 in any suitable way. This may include forming an
interference fit between an inner surface of the tube 16 and an
outer surface of the smoking article 17. In this case, the
interference fit is such that a seal is formed at the interface
between the inner surface of the tube 16 and the outer surface of
the smoking article 17, which inhibits the ingress of gases (such
as air) that would normally enter into the smoking article 17 via a
gap between the outer surface of the smoking article 17 and the
inner surface of the tube 16. The amount of air entering into a
smoking article between the two neighbouring surfaces may be
variable and/or unwanted. Restricting the ingress of air therefore
provides a degree of control of the airflow into and/or through the
smoking article 17.
[0084] The tube 16 has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The inner
surface of the first portion 16a is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the tube 16. The inner surface of the second
portion 16b is chamfered in that it is at an angle to the
longitudinal axis of the tube 16, in the present example. The angle
of intersection between a straight line following the inner surface
of the second portion 16b of the tube 16 and the longitudinal axis
of the tube 16 may be in the range of about 10.degree. to about
80.degree., or about 20.degree. to about 70.degree., or about
30.degree. to about 60.degree.. For example, the angle may be about
45.degree..
[0085] In the present example, the inner portion of the edge of the
tube 16 furthest from the mouth end 16a of the second filter unit
16 is chamfered such that an inner diameter of the second portion
16b, illustrated by arrow `B` is greater than an inner diameter of
the first portion 16a, illustrated by arrow `A`. This arrangement
makes it easier for the user to insert an end 17a of the smoking
article 17 into the tube 16, in order to couple the second filter
unit 15 to the smoking article 17.
[0086] FIG. 3a is a side-on cross sectional view of a third filter
unit 20 forming part of a smoking article 21. The third filter unit
20 comprises a body 22 formed of filter material. The smoking
article 21 includes a rod of aerosol generating material 23, in the
present case cut tobacco, wrapped in a sheet material 24, in the
present case cigarette paper. The rod 23 and third filter unit 20
are connected by tipping 25 which surrounds the third filter unit
20 and partially surrounds the rod 23. The smoking article 21 has a
mouth end 21a to be inserted in the user's mouth when smoking. The
body 22 of the third filter unit 20 has an end surface 26 at the
end of the body 22 closest to the mouth end 21a of the smoking
article 21 furthest from the rod 23 and a recess 27 formed in the
end surface 26. The recess 27 is a hollow depression in the body
22. The recess 27 extends into, but not entirely through, the body
22. In the present example, the body 22 is cylindrical, and the end
surface 26 is a longitudinal end surface of the body 22.
[0087] In the present example, the recess 27 has the shape of a
conical frustum, and has an inner base surface 27a and an inner
side surface 27b. In other examples, the recess 27 may have the
shape of other frustums, and may have multiple side surfaces.
Alternatively, the recess may be cylindrical, conical or
hemispherical in shape.
[0088] The recess 27 may be formed in the filter material of the
body 22 by indentation. In this case, the filter material of the
body 22 may be compressed during formation of the recess 27. In
other words, the filter material at or close to an inner surface of
the recess 27 is denser than the filter material in other areas of
the body 22, such as the end of the body 22 furthest from the
longitudinal end surface 26. Alternatively, the recess 27 can be
formed by removing filter material from the body 22 at the end
surface 26. The recess 27 can direct smoke to a particular portion
of the body 22 in which the recess 27 is located, by reducing the
volume of material in that part of the body 22, and enable
particular formations of smoke from the mouth end 21a of the
smoking article 21.
[0089] The body 22 may include a smoke modifying substance/additive
(not shown) disposed within the filter material of the body 22. The
smoke modifying substance/additive may be any smoke modifying
substance/additive, such as flavours or other additives, as
described herein.
[0090] The third filter unit 20 may further include a sleeve 28,
such as plug wrap, which is wrapped around the body 22. In the
present example, the body 22 is flush at the mouth end 21a of the
smoking article with the edge of the sleeve 28. In other examples,
the sleeve 28 and/or tipping 25 may extend beyond an end of the
body 22. The space thus formed by the sleeve 28 and/or tipping 25
extending beyond an end of the body 22, such as the longitudinal
end surface 26, may be arranged to receive a filter insert, such as
that illustrated in FIG. 1c.
[0091] FIG. 3b is an end-on view of the third filter unit 20. FIG.
3c is an end-on view of another design for a third filter unit 20',
in this case having a triangular shaped recess having an inner base
surface 27a' and inner side surfaces 27b' and longitudinal end
surface 26'. FIG. 3d is an end-on view of another design for a
third filter unit 20'', in this case having a hexagonal shaped
recess having an inner base surface 27a'' and inner side surfaces
27b'' and longitudinal end surface 26''.
[0092] The third filter units 20, 20', 20'' described herein having
a recess formed in an end surface can be used to form components of
other filter units and filter inserts described herein. For
instance, the third filter units 20, 20', 20'' described herein
having a recess formed in an end surface can be used as the
upstream filter segment 8 of the first filter unit 1 described with
reference to FIG. 1a, as the filter insert 10 as described with
reference to FIG. 1c, or as the downstream filter segment 19 of the
second filter unit 15 described with reference to FIG. 2. In each
case, the recess would be arranged to face the mouth end of the
product.
[0093] FIG. 4 is a side-on cross sectional view of a fourth filter
unit 30, including a tube 31 formed from sheet material, and
provided as a discrete component for use with a separate smoking
article 17 as described with reference to FIG. 2. The fourth filter
unit 30 has a mouth end 30a and comprises a tube 31 having a first
portion 31a and a second portion 31b. An inner diameter of the
first portion 31a is different from an inner diameter of the second
portion 31b. The fourth filter unit 30 also includes a downstream
filter plug 32 arranged closer to the mouth end 30a of the filter
unit 30 than the tube 31 and formed from filter material. The
fourth filter unit 30 further comprises a sleeve 33 partially
surrounding the tube 31 and surrounding the downstream filter plug
32. The tube 31 of the present example can be formed from a sheet
material such as paper, card, cardboard, plastic or similar
materials.
[0094] The fourth filter unit 30 can be coupled or attached to
another tobacco industry product, such as smoking article 17, by a
user. The tube 31 is arranged to receive a portion of the smoking
article 17, for instance the mouth end 17a of the smoking article
17, so that the filter unit 30 and the smoking article 17 can be
attached or coupled together by a user. The fourth filter unit 30
is configured to modify one or more properties of an aerosol, such
as smoke, which is generated by the smoking article 17.
[0095] In the present example, the tube 31 is formed from a sheet
material separate from the sleeve 33, enabling the tube 31 to be
formed of stiffer material than may be possible for use in wrapping
the downstream filter plug 32. An inner diameter `B` of the second
portion 31b is greater than an inner diameter `A` of the first
portion 31a. This arrangement makes it easier for the user to
couple the fourth filter unit 30 to the smoking article 17. In the
present example, an outer diameter `B` of the second portion 31b is
greater than an outer diameter of the first portion 31a. This
arrangement may be referred to as the tube 31 having a `widened
end`. The dimensions of the tube 31 of FIG. 4 can correspond to the
dimensions of the tube 16 described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0096] The tube 31 formed from sheet material described with
reference to FIG. 4 can be used in place of the tube 2 at the mouth
end of the smoking article 3 described with reference to FIG.
1a.
[0097] FIGS. 5a to 5d are perspective views of an apparatus 40 for
shaping a tobacco industry product 41. The tobacco industry product
41 may be (for example) a smoking article, a filter, or a tube, or
other components described herein. The filter may be an individual
filter unit, or may be part of a smoking article. The tube may be
part of another tobacco industry product, e.g. a filter unit or a
smoking article. Any of these tobacco industry products 41 may have
a longitudinal axis. Any of these tobacco industry products may
have a longitudinal end surface. Tubular components may also have
an inner surface around the inside of the tube. The apparatus 40
can be used, for instance, to form any of the tubes 2, 2', 16, 31
of the first, second and fourth filter units 1, 15, 30 described
herein, or the recess 27 formed in the filter body 22 of the third
filter unit 20 described herein.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 5a, the apparatus 40 comprises a shaping
head 42 configured to change the shape of a first end of the
tobacco industry product 41 (not shown in this Figure). The
apparatus 40 further comprises an actuator arrangement 43
configured to move the shaping head 42 and/or tobacco industry
product 41. The actuator arrangement 43 is configured to move the
shaping head 42 and/or tobacco industry product 41 in a direction
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tobacco
industry product 41 such that the shaping head 42 is brought into
contact with a first end 41a of the tobacco industry product 42 in
order to change the shape of the first end 41a.
[0099] Alternatively or in addition to the above, the actuator
arrangement 43 can be configured to move the shaping head 42 and/or
tobacco industry product 41 such that the shaping head 42 is
brought into contact with a first longitudinal end surface and/or
an inner surface of the tobacco industry product 42 in order to
change the shape of the first longitudinal end surface and/or an
inner surface.
[0100] In some examples, a receiving unit is arranged to receive
and grip the tobacco industry product 41, so as to hold tobacco
industry product 41 in position while it is shaped. This may be
achieved by mechanical means, such as a clamp, or alternatively by
means such as vacuum suction, as described in more detail
below.
[0101] In use, when the shaping head 42 is brought into contact
with the first end 41a of the tobacco industry product 41, the
pressure exerted on the end 41a of the tobacco industry product 41
by the shaping head 42 deforms the material of the tobacco industry
product 41, thereby changing a shape of the end of the tobacco
industry product 41. Changing the shape of the end of the tobacco
industry product 41 may, for instance, include changing an inner
and/or outer diameter of the tobacco industry product 41, as well
as forming an indentation in the end 41a.
[0102] The actuator arrangement 43 may be configured to move the
shaping head 42 and/or tobacco industry product 41 in a
reciprocating fashion. In other words, actuator arrangement 43 may
be configured to move the shaping head 42 and/or tobacco industry
product 41 so that they are first brought into contact with each
other and are then moved apart from each other.
[0103] The shaping head 42 may be cylindrical in shape. In the
present example, the shaping head 42 is substantially cylindrical
in shape, and the end of the shaping head 42 has a chamfered
profile. In other words, the shaping head 42 comprises a surface
which is angled with respect to a side surface and a longitudinal
end surface thereof.
[0104] In other exemplary arrangements, the shaping head 42 may be
conical in shape. The shaping head 42 may have the shape of a
frustum, such as a conical frustum. The shaping head 42 may be
hemispherical in shape or may have a shape which has relatively low
orders of rotational symmetry or no rotational symmetry. For
instance, when forming the third filter units 20' and 20'' of FIGS.
3c and 3d herein, the end of the shaping head 42 would have a
triangular frustum shape with order 3 rotational symmetry or a
hexagonal frustum shape with order 6 rotational symmetry. The
shaping head 42 can have, for instance, order 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8 or infinite/continuous rotational symmetry.
[0105] In the present example, the shaping head 42 has a
longitudinal axis (not shown). The apparatus 40 is configured to
rotate the shaping head 42 about its longitudinal axis, for
instance for shaping heads 42 having infinite/continuous rotational
symmetry. Rotating the shaping head 42 when the shaping head 42 is
brought into contact with the end of the tobacco industry product
41 can provide a more even change in the shape of the end of the
tobacco industry product 41, resulting in a uniform end profile,
compared to a fixed shaping head 42. However, the apparatus 40 can
be configured such that the shaping head 42 is fixed when the
shaping head 42 has an order of symmetry less than infinite, for
instance order 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 rotational symmetry. A known
method of applying a shape to a filter which is visible from the
mouth end of the filter is to create a tube filter having that
shape running through the centre as a bore. However, in such cases,
the standard cigarette making process requires such a shape to have
at least order 2 rotational symmetry, otherwise the shape will not
be the same when the tube is used in different orientations. The
use of a shaping head 42 which can be applied directly to a filter
body addresses this issue, meaning that shapes with order 1
rotational symmetry can be applied uniformly to cigarette
filters.
[0106] FIGS. 6a to 6c are side-on cross sectional and end-on views
of respective first, second and third shaping heads 42, 42' and
42'' for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 5a to 5d. The first
shaping head 42, illustrated in FIG. 6a, comprises a conical
frustum shape, and can be used to form the third filter unit 20 of
FIGS. 3a and 3b. The second shaping head 42', illustrated in FIG.
6b, comprises a triangular frustum shape, and can be used to form
the third filter unit 20' of FIG. 3c. The third shaping head 42'',
illustrated in FIG. 6c, comprises a hexagonal frustum shape, and
can be used to form the third filter unit 20'' of FIG. 3d.
[0107] The apparatus 40 may be configured so that, in use, the
longitudinal axis of the shaping head 42 and the longitudinal axis
of the tobacco industry product 41 are aligned. In such an
arrangement, the shaping head 42 and the tobacco industry product
41 may be said to have a common longitudinal axis.
[0108] In the present example, the apparatus 40 comprises a drum 43
arranged to move the tobacco industry product 41 relative to the
shaping head 42 in order to bring the shaping head 42 into contact
with an end of the tobacco industry product 41.
[0109] The drum 43, in the present example, is provided as a
modification to the known separator drum used in cigarette
manufacture to separate first and second tobacco rods so that a
filter can be placed between the tobacco rods and the rods and
filter can then be wrapped in tipping paper. The drum 43 is
modified to include a head support unit 44 which supports a
plurality of shaping heads 42 arranged such that they are spaced
circumferentially around the drum 43. The longitudinal axis of each
of the shaping heads 42 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the
drum 43. The drum 43 includes a plurality of moving plates 45 in
each of which first and second product receiving units or regions
46 are provided, in the form of flutes 46 in the present example.
Each flute 46 is arranged to receive a tobacco industry product 41
and is generally shaped as an elongate groove formed in the plate
45 within which the tobacco industry product 41 can sit. The
tobacco industry products 41 are held within the flutes 46 by
suction through apertures formed in the base of the flutes 46, as
known in conventional separator and similar drums.
[0110] In the present example, the moving plates 45 move in a
reciprocating manner towards and away from the shaping heads 42
held by the head support member 44 in order to bring tobacco
industry products 41 into contact with the shaping heads 42. In an
alternative exemplary arrangement, the apparatus 40 may be
configured so that both the plates 45 and the head support unit 44
are arranged to move in use, or so that only the head support unit
44 moves, in order to bring the shaping heads 42 into contact with
the end of the tobacco industry product 41. Should additional force
be required to hold the tobacco industry products 41 within the
product receiving regions 46 provided in the plates 45, then these
can be adapted to include an alternative gripping arrangement.
Alternatively or additionally, a swash-plate type arrangement can
be used to push tobacco industry products 41 longitudinally from
the end opposite to the end which is to be shaped.
[0111] The apparatus 41 may further comprise a heating element 47
which is arranged to heat the shaping heads 42. When the shaping
heads 42 are heated during contact with the end of the tobacco
industry product 41, the heat may deform the material of the
tobacco industry product 41, which aids in changing the shape of
the end of the tobacco industry product 41. The heating element may
be an induction coil. Alternatively, the shaping head 42 may be
heated by a hot air system or a direct thermocouple.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 5d, a gearing mechanism 48 can be used to
rotate the shaping heads 42, in the form of mandrels in the present
example. Each mandrel 42 extends into a base shaft 42a which
extends into and is supported by the head support unit 44. In
particular, the head support unit 44 includes first and second
bearings 44a, 44b which support the base shaft 42a of each mandrel
42, allowing it to rotate. Each mandrel base shaft 42a is also
connected to and arranged to be turned via a mandrel driving cog
48a which in turn meshes with a fixed cog 48b extending around the
periphery of the drum 43 and fixed in relation to the head support
unit 44. As the outer portions of the drum 43 rotate, including the
head support unit 44, this causes the mandrel driving cog 48a for
each mandrel 42 to rotate as its teeth mesh with the fixed cog 48b,
and this rotates the mandrel 42. Other arrangements for turning the
shaping heads 42 can also be used, such as a separate motor
arrangement for rotating one or more of the heads 42. The mandrel
driving cogs 48a can be removed from the mandrel base shafts 42a of
the mandrels 42 in order to provide fixed rather than rotating
mandrels 42.
[0113] In an alternative exemplary arrangement, the apparatus 40
may further comprise a second shaping head (not shown) which is
substantially the same as the shaping head 42 described above, and
is arranged to change the shape of a second end of the tobacco
industry product 41. In this arrangement, the apparatus 40 can
shape both ends of the tobacco industry product 900, either
simultaneously or in sequence.
[0114] Also presented herein is a method of shaping a tobacco
industry product. The method is shown in FIG. 7 and comprises the
steps of: providing a tobacco industry product (S101); and changing
the shape of a first end of the tobacco industry product by moving
a shaping head and/or the tobacco industry product in a direction
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tobacco
industry product such that the shaping head is brought into contact
with the first end of the tobacco industry product (S102).
[0115] Also presented herein is a further method of shaping a
tobacco industry product. The method is shown in FIG. 8 and
comprises the steps of: providing the tobacco industry product
(S201); and changing the shape of a first end of the tobacco
industry product by moving a shaping head and/or the tobacco
industry product such that the shaping head is brought into contact
with a first longitudinal end surface and/or an inner surface of
the tobacco industry product (S202).
[0116] In order to address various issues and advance the art, the
entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various
embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and
provide for superior smoking articles and filter units therefor.
The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a
representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive
and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in
understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be
understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions,
features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are
not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by
the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that
other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made
without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure.
Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist
essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements,
components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the
disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but
which may be claimed in future.
* * * * *