U.S. patent application number 17/244462 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for elongated smoking article.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nerudia Limited. Invention is credited to Marco Falk, Kate FERRIE, Christopher LORD, Edward Ross SHENTON, Ian STUART.
Application Number | 20210244087 17/244462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005566662 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210244087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Falk; Marco ; et
al. |
August 12, 2021 |
Elongated Smoking Article
Abstract
An elongated smoking article is described that comprises a
cylindrical smoking body with a combustible material and a hollow
bore filter element downstream to the cylindrical smoking body. The
hollow bore filter element comprises a first base area facing the
smoking body and a second base area opposite the first base area
and a hollow bore extending from the first base area to the second
base area. The elongated smoking article further comprises a filter
membrane that is arranged between the smoking body and the hollow
bore filter, that comprises at least one filter aperture aligned
with the hollow bore, that is configured for filtering particles
emitted by the heated smoking body, that is permeable for vapor
emitted by the heated smoking body and has an effective size
between 0.5 .mu.m and 1.5 mm.
Inventors: |
Falk; Marco; (Hamburg,
DE) ; FERRIE; Kate; (Liverpool, GB) ; LORD;
Christopher; (Liverpool, GB) ; SHENTON; Edward
Ross; (Liverpool, GB) ; STUART; Ian;
(Liverpool, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nerudia Limited |
Liverpool |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005566662 |
Appl. No.: |
17/244462 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2019/079366 |
Oct 28, 2019 |
|
|
|
17244462 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24D 3/04 20130101; A24D
1/004 20130101; A24D 1/045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24D 3/04 20060101
A24D003/04; A24D 1/04 20060101 A24D001/04; A24D 1/00 20060101
A24D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 29, 2018 |
GB |
1817558.8 |
Jul 23, 2019 |
EP |
19187689.5 |
Claims
1. An elongated smoking article, comprising: a cylindrical smoking
body with a combustible material; a hollow element downstream to
the cylindrical smoking body and comprising a first base area
facing the smoking body and a second base area opposite the first
base area and a hollow bore extending from the first base area to
the second base area; and a filter membrane arranged between the
smoking body and the hollow element, comprising at least one filter
aperture aligned with the hollow bore permeable for vapor emitted
by the heated smoking body and having an effective size between 0.5
.mu.m and 1.5 mm.
2. The elongated smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the
filter membrane is further configured to distribute heat emitted by
the heated smoking body and/or generated by a device for heating
the smoking body.
3. The elongated smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the
filter membrane is configured for mixing vapor components emitted
by the heated smoking body.
4. The elongated smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the
filter membrane is configured for filtering particles emitted by
the heated smoking body.
5. The elongated smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the
hollow element is one of a hollow bore filter element configured
for filtering substances from vapor emitted by the heated smoking
body and a hollow tube portion configured for mixing the vapor
emitted by the heated smoking body.
6. The elongated smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the
filter membrane is disc-shaped and/or wedged between the smoking
body and the hollow element.
7. The elongated smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the
membrane is formed of aluminum foil, paper, mesh material and/or
cloth material.
8. The elongated smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the
filter membrane comprises at least one first portion extending
along a lateral surface of the hollow element and bent from a
second portion extending over the first base area and comprising
the at least one filter aperture.
9. The elongated smoking article according to claim 8, wherein the
at least one first portion is glued to the lateral surface of the
hollow element and/or formed of paper and/or wherein the second
portion is formed of metal mesh.
10. The elongated smoking article according to claim 8, wherein the
filter membrane is formed of a metal mesh and is attached to the
smoking body or the hollow element by a form closure and/or force
closure between the at least one first portion and the smoking body
or the hollow element.
11. Method for producing a hollow element for an elongated smoking
article according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: providing a
hollow element with a first base area, a second base area opposite
the first base area and a hollow bore extending from the first base
area to the second base area; providing a membrane sheet with a
width exceeding a distance between the first base area and the
second base area; applying an adhesive to a first portion of the
membrane sheet, the first portion having a width corresponding to
the distance between the first base area and the second base area;
separating a segment from the membrane sheet, the segment having a
length corresponding to the width of the membrane sheet; attaching
the first portion of the segment to a lateral surface of the hollow
element via the adhesive; and bending a second portion of the
segment over the first base area of the hollow element.
12. A smoking system, comprising an elongated smoking article
according to claim 1 and a heating device comprising a main body
and a cavity configured for receiving the smoking body of the
elongated smoking article and being configured for heating the
smoking body and the filter membrane of the elongated smoking
article inserted in the cavity.
13. The smoking system according to claim 12, wherein the heating
device comprises an elongated heating element projecting into the
cavity and configured for penetrating the smoking body and
contacting the filter membrane of an elongated smoking article
inserted into the cavity.
14. The smoking system according to claim 12, wherein the heating
devices comprises a heat source for contactless heating of the
filter membrane or an electric contact for providing a heating
current to the conductive filter membrane.
15. A heating device for a smoking system according to claim 12.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The present disclosure is a continuation of, and claims
priority to, international patent application no. PCT/EP2019/079366
filed on Oct. 28, 2019, claiming priority to applications nos.
GB1817558.8, filed Oct. 29, 2018, and EP19187689.5, filed on Jul.
23, 2019.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an elongated smoking
article comprising a smoking body filled with a combustible
material and a hollow element downstream to the cylindrical smoking
body and comprising a first base area facing the smoking body. A
filter membrane is disposed between the smoking body and the hollow
element and comprises at least one filter aperture that is aligned
with the hollow bore of the hollow element, that is permeable for
vapor emitted by the heated smoking body and that has an effective
size between 0.5 .mu.m and 1.5 mm. The present disclosure further
refers to a smoking system comprising the elongated smoking article
of the disclosure and a heating device for heating the elongated
smoking article, as well as to a heating device for such a smoking
system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a
smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought
that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are
generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion
of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the
tobacco smoke itself.
[0004] Elongated smoking articles, such as e.g. (filter) cigarettes
or cigarillos, are usually of cylindrical shape and comprise a
smoking body that is filled with a combustible material. Therein,
the combustible material comprises tobacco or a tobacco related
product, such as e.g. shredded tobacco or reconstituted tobacco.
For forming the smoking body, the combustible material is
surrounded by a wrapping paper. Usually cigarettes have a
cylindrical filter element that is aligned with the smoking body.
The filter element is configured to filter substances, e.g. tar,
from the combustion gases emitted by the burning combustible
material and might comprises cellulose acetate, paper, and/or
charcoal. Usually, the filter element is packed using a so-called
plug wrap, e.g., a paper plug wrap. The filter element is usually
attached to one end of the tobacco rod using a circumscribing
wrapping material known as tipping paper. Therein, the tipping
paper can be overlaid with and attached to both, the filter element
and the smoking body. A conventional cigarette of this type is used
by lighting the end opposite the filter element and burning the
smoking body. The smoker receives smoke into their mouth by drawing
on the filter element of the cigarette.
[0005] Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to
produce tar and other potentially harmful byproducts. There have
been proposed various smoking substitute systems (or "substitute
smoking systems") in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco. Such
smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement
therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a
dependence on nicotine. In general, smoking substitute systems are
intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst
providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to
those experienced with traditional smoking and with combustible
tobacco products. Some smoking substitute systems use smoking
substitute articles that are designed to resemble a traditional
cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown in
the past years. There are a number of different categories of
smoking substitute systems, each utilizing a different smoking
substitute approach.
[0006] One approach for a smoking substitute system is the
so-called "heat not burn" ("HNB") approach in which tobacco (rather
than an "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release vapor. The
tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco. The vapor may
contain nicotine and/or flavorings. In the HNB approach, the
intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the
tobacco does not undergo combustion. In the following, products
used in such HNB approach are referred to as heated tobacco
products, even when referring to a state in which these tobacco
products are not yet heated. In other words, the term heated
tobacco products refers to products that can be used, i.e., heated,
in a HNB type device.
[0007] A typical HNB smoking substitute system may include a device
and a heated tobacco product as a consumable. The device and
consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together.
Further the heated tobacco product might also be formed as an
elongated smoking article and can be used without burning the
combustible material of the smoking body. In use, heat may be
imparted to the smoking body by a heating element of the device
such that the combustible material of the smoking body is heated to
a temperature below the combustion temperature of the combustible
material. The heated combustible material, usually tobacco or a
tobacco related product, emits vapor that can be drawn and inhaled
by a user. Therein, moisture in the combustible material can be
released as vapor and vapor may also be formed from a
carrier/humectant in the combustible material, including e.g.,
propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine, as well as from
additionally volatile compounds released from the combustible
material.
[0008] In heated tobacco products the amount of vapor might be less
than the amount of vapor and/or smoke emitted by a burning
combustible material. Hence, a user experience might be different
from a classical tobacco product. Further, while heating the
combustible material, particles might be emitted by the heated
combustible material and hence the emitted vapor is usually
filtered before it can reach the mouth of a user. However, the
filtering might also diminish the amount of vapor that can reach
the mouth of the user thus further distinguishing the smoking
experience from a classical tobacco product. Further, known heated
tobacco products often provide insufficient mixing of the vapor
components i.e. incomplete mixing of the nicotine with the carrier,
because they are vaporized from the tobacco at different
temperatures. Unmixed nicotine gas can also result in an unpleasant
sensation for the user.
[0009] It is thus an object of the present disclosure to overcome
or reduce the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an
elongated smoking article that is configured to be used as a heated
tobacco product without combustion and that provides an improved
user experience.
SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE
[0010] One or more of the drawbacks of the prior art could be
avoided or at least reduced by means of the present disclosure,
particularly by an elongated smoking article that is extending in a
longitudinal direction. The elongated smoking article comprises a
cylindrical smoking body that is configured to be heated during
smoking of the smoking article. Therefore, the smoking body
comprises combustible material that is preferably surrounded by a
plug wrap.
[0011] The elongated smoking article further comprises a hollow
element that is disposed (positioned) downstream to the cylindrical
smoking body and comprises a first base area that is facing the
smoking body. The hollow bore filter element further comprises a
second base area that is opposite the first base area as well as a
hollow bore that is extending through the whole hollow element from
the first base area to the second base area. In the context of the
present disclosure, the terms downstream and upstream refer to a
flow direction of the vapor components when a user draws on the
elongated smoking body. Preferably, the hollow element is disposed
(positioned) adjacent to the smoking body.
[0012] The elongated smoking article according to the present
disclosure further comprises a filter membrane that is arranged
between the smoking body and the hollow element, particularly
between a base area of the cylindrical smoking body and the first
base area of the hollow element. The filter membrane comprises at
least one filter aperture that is aligned with the hollow bore,
i.e., that is arranged in a section of the filter membrane that is
overlaying the hollow bore. In other words, the filter aperture is
overlaid with the hollow bore in the first base area of the hollow
element. The filter aperture has a smaller (effective) size than a
diameter of the hollow bore in the first base area of the hollow
element. The at least one filter aperture is permeable for vapor
emitted by the heated smoking body and has an effective size
between 0.5 .mu.m and 1.5 mm.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment the at least one filter aperture
of the filter membrane is configured to filter particles emitted by
the heated smoking body. For heated tobacco products, hollow
elements as specified below have been shown to provide a pleasant
user experience, particularly by allowing a user to draw amounts of
vapor comparable to conventional tobacco products with a resistance
to draw also comparable to conventional tobacco products. However,
due to the hollow bore extending through the whole filter element,
the filtering capacity is limited. The present disclosure
advantageously allows reducing the risk of particles and/or heat of
the heated smoking body to reach the mouth of a user without
significantly increasing the resistance to draw experienced by the
user. In other words, the filter membrane can advantageously be
used in combination with hollow bore filter elements or, in
combination with a hollow tube portion as described below, even
instead of hollow bore filter elements.
[0014] For filtering particles emitted by the heated smoking body,
the at least one filter aperture preferably has an effective size
between 0.5 .mu.m and 0.5 mm, further preferred between 1 .mu.m and
0.1 mm and particularly preferred between 10 .mu.m and 50 .mu.m.
Filter apertures of this size are particularly suitable for
filtering particles emitted by the heated smoking body.
[0015] Further preferred, the at least one filter aperture of the
filter membrane is configured for mixing the various components of
the vapor while passing through the at least one filter aperture.
In other words, by providing the filter element with at least one
filter aperture downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, the
various components of the vapor are forced to co-locate and mix as
they pass through the at least one filter aperture. Hence, the user
is not exposed to unmixed nicotine gas and user experience is
further improved.
[0016] In an embodiment directed predominantly to mixing the vapor
components, the filter membrane may only have a single filter
aperture that might be positioned at the axial center of the filter
membrane. In such embodiment, the at least one filter aperture has
an effective size between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm e.g., around 1 mm.
Filter apertures of this size are particularly suitable for mixing
vapor emitted by the smoking body. Further, the filter membrane may
preferably comprise filter apertures of different effective
sizes.
[0017] By the aforementioned advantageous effects of filtering and
mixing the present disclosure advantageously allows utilizing the
advantages of hollow elements, such as e.g., hollow bore filter
elements and hollow tube portions, in a heated smoking article.
Exemplarily, the use of the filter membrane allows to provide a
heated tobacco product with a resistance to draw that is similar to
conventional tobacco products, while at the same time minimizing
the risk of particles or unmixed vapor components reaching the
user's mouth. Hence, user experience while smoking the heated
tobacco product is significantly increased.
[0018] However, by positioning an additional filter membrane in the
flow path of the vapor emitted by the heated smoking body, the
vapor might be cooled by the filter membrane. Such cooling may lead
to unwanted precipitation of vapor components at the filter
membrane. Hence, the filter membrane is preferably configured to
distribute heat emitted by the heated smoking body. Further
preferred, the filter membrane is configured to distribute heat
that is generated by a device for heating the smoking body. The
filter membrane configured to distribute heat emitted by the heated
smoking body and/or generated by a device for heating the smoking
body provides further advantageous effects. First, the (heated)
filter membrane advantageously improves particle size by slowing
the cooling rate of the vapor, while the vapor passes through the
filter membrane. Research has shown that such slower cooling and
thus the generation of larger particle sizes leads to a better
vaping experience.
[0019] Essentially, by distributing heat emitted by the heated
smoking body and/or generated by a device for heating the smoking
body, the filter membrane provides a second heating element, which
is slightly cooler than a primary heat source for heating the
smoking body. As this second heating element equally contacts the
vapor as it passes through the membrane, the temperature difference
experienced by the vapor as it moves from the smoking body to the
user mouth via a mouthpiece is reduced, hence creating a slower
vapor cooling rate.
[0020] A further benefit of the (heated) filter membrane acting as
second heating element is that the vapor particles are allowed more
easily through the filter membrane so that they can condense at a
later stage into larger particles. In other words, the vapor which
passes through will not be condensed on the filter membrane,
meaning that the vapor won't be reduced by the filter membrane. In
an embodiment, wherein the filter membrane is directly adjacent to
the smoking body, another benefit is due to secondary heating of
the combustible material of the smoking body. Therein, the heating
of the combustible material may be improved by better distribution
of the heat due to the filter membrane and/or by bringing
additional heat generated by the device for heating the smoking
body to the smoking body. Such improved heating advantageously
benefits to vapor production by increasing thermal transfer across
the diameter of the combustible material and a reduction in
preheating time.
[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the hollow element is
attached to one of the base areas of the smoking body in an
end-to-end relationship and elongates the smoking body.
Particularly, a first base area of the hollow element faces a base
area of the smoking body in an end-to-end relationship. A second
base area of the hollow element is opposite the first base area.
Therefore, the hollow element preferably is also of cylindrical
shape with the same cross section as the smoking body. The hollow
element is further configured to draw vapor, from the heated
smoking body. In another embodiment, the hollow element, e.g., a
hollow tube portion, is located downstream the smoking body with
another element, e.g., a filter, being located in between the
smoking body and the hollow element.
[0022] The elongated smoking article preferably comprises a tipping
paper that is circumscribing the smoking body and the hollow
element. In other words, the tipping paper circumferentially
encloses the cross sections of the smoking body and the hollow
element and extends in the longitudinal direction across the
smoking body and the hollow element. The tipping paper is further
preferably attached to the external surfaces of both, the smoking
body and the hollow element and thus connects the smoking body and
the hollow element. Preferably, the tipping paper is adhered to the
external surfaces of the smoking body and the hollow element. In
another preferred embodiment, the smoking body and the hollow
element are affixed to each other by other means such as e.g., by
the wrapping paper of the elongated smoking article, e.g., if
further elements are in between hollow element and smoking
body.
[0023] Preferably, the hollow element of the elongated smoking
article according to the present disclosure is one of a hollow bore
filter element and a hollow tube portion. Therein, the hollow bore
filter element is configured to reduce specific substances from
combustion gases that are emitted from the heated smoking body,
particularly the heated combustible material. The filter element
may comprise a filter plug, e.g., from cellulose acetate, that
comprises a central hollow bore extending along the whole length of
the filter. At the same time and in comparison to completely hollow
tube portions, such hollow bore filters, when disposed adjacent to
the smoking body, further provide a support base surface for the
combustible material of the smoking body and sufficient mechanical
support for a tipping paper and/or a wrapping paper surrounding the
elongated smoking article.
[0024] However, in another preferred embodiment the hollow element
is a hollow tube portion, such as e.g. a hollow cardboard tube. In
such an embodiment, the hollow bore extends substantially over the
whole first base area as well as the whole second base area. Such
hollow tube is configured to allow for cooling and/or mixing of the
vapor emitted by the heated smoking body. Particularly, in such
embodiment, the positioning of the filter membrane upstream (and
adjacent) the hollow tube portion allows for the expansion of the
restricted vapor flow into the hollow tube portion and hence
improves mixing of the vapor components. Hence mixing of the vapor
in the hollow element and thus uniformity of the vapor drawn by a
user is improved by the at least one filter aperture of the filter
membrane. A hollow tube portion as the hollow element may be
positioned downstream the smoking body with another filer element
disposed between hollow tube portion and smoking body.
[0025] The hollow tube portion may further comprise embedded
flavoring materials for improving the gustatory qualities of the
vapor. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow tube portion is
positioned adjacent the smoking body and a support base surface for
the combustible material of the smoking body is preferably formed
by the filtering membrane that is covering the first base area.
Alternatively, the support base surface for the combustible
material of the smoking body is formed by another filter element
that is disposed between the smoking body and the downstream hollow
tube portion (hollow element) or filter membrane.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the hollow element is the
hollow bore filter element as described above and a hollow tube
portion as described above is disposed adjacent to and downstream
of the hollow bore filter element. Alternatively, another hollow
bore filter element is disposed adjacent to the smoking body and
the hollow element is the hollow tube portion disposed downstream
of the another hollow bore filter element.
[0027] Further preferred, the elongated smoking article of the
disclosure also comprises a second filter element that is adjacent
to and downstream of the hollow element and that is configured as a
mouthpiece for a user. The hollow element and the second filter
element preferably are of cylindrical shape and of at least nearly
the same diameter as the smoking body and/or the hollow bore filter
element. The second filter element preferably is a second hollow
bore filter element that does not significantly increase a
resistance to draw experienced by a user. The smoking body, the
hollow element, i.e., the hollow bore filter element and/or the
hollow tube portion, and/or the second filter element are
preferably circumferentially wrapped by a wrapping paper and
connected therewith.
[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the filter membrane is
disc-shaped, particularly preferred with the same diameter as the
cylindrical smoking body and hollow element. In other words, the
base areas of the filter membrane are of essentially circular
shape. However, other shapes such as e.g., elliptical shapes are
also possible for these base areas. Depending on a thickness of the
filter membrane, the filter membrane might be either considered of
flat shape or of cylindrical shape. Such filter membrane is
preferably attached to one or both of the smoking body and the
adjacent element, e.g., the hollow element.
[0029] Exemplarily, a suitable adhesive can be applied to a base
area of the adjacent element facing the smoking body, e.g., on the
first base area of the hollow element. Also preferred, the filter
membrane is wedged between the smoking body and the adjacent
element, e.g., between smoking body and hollow element. In such an
embodiment, the filter membrane can be secured in position without
being adhered/attached to the smoking body and/or the adjacent
element, e.g., by force closure and/or by the wrapping paper
circumferentially surrounding the elements of the elongated smoking
article.
[0030] Particularly preferred, the filter membrane comprises a
plurality of filter apertures. Therein, the filter apertures are
preferably configured as a plurality of through holes in the
membrane, as a plurality of openings in a mesh-shaped material
and/or as a plurality of openings or pores in a cloth shaped
material. In other words, the filter apertures are preferably
inserted into the material of the filter membrane, e.g., by
perforation, or are formed by the material of the filter membrane
itself, e.g., as voids between the web bars of a mesh-material.
[0031] In the context of this disclosure, the effective size of the
filter apertures as introduced above preferably refers to a linear
extension characteristic for the cross-sectional area of the
openings available for vapors to pass through the aperture
openings. For a circular aperture, the effective size refers to a
diameter of the filter aperture and to a square aperture the
effective size refers to a side length of the filter aperture.
[0032] The aperture openings are preferably suitable for filtering
particles emitted by the heated smoking body while being permeable
for vapors emitted by the heated smoking body. Further, the
aperture openings are significantly smaller than the hollow bore of
the hollow element, usually having a size of several millimeters,
e.g., 3.5 mm. Further, the aperture openings are significantly
larger than the pores or channels of a full cellulose acetate
filter, particularly with respect to a hollow bore filter element
being the hollow element.
[0033] Hence, the aperture openings advantageously allow for
filtering particles from the vapor emitted by the heated smoking
body without increasing the resistance to draw significantly.
Further, the aperture openings advantageously contribute to mixing
of the emitted vapor. The size of the filter apertures
advantageously ensures that no ash or tobacco particles can pass.
It is thus possible to build up a secure stick design while having
a hollow bore through all filter and tube segments which generates
an intensive tobacco taste and smoke experience.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the elongated smoking article
of the disclosure, the filter membrane is configured for
distributing heat emitted by the heated smoking body and/or
generated by a device for heating the smoking body. Further
preferred, the filter membrane is configured for deflecting and/or
absorbing heat emitted by the heated smoking body and/or generated
by a device for heating the smoking body.
[0035] In other words, the filter membrane preferably is configured
to block, dissipate and/or distribute heat which is generated by
the device for heating the smoking body. All of these effects
finally lead to an improved distribution of heat in the elongated
smoking article. By the filter membrane, a user's mouth is
advantageously protected from too much heat. Further, by
distributing the heat the uniformity of heating of the smoking body
might be improved. At the same times any other elements of the
elongated smoking article downstream of the filter membrane, such
as e.g., the hollow element, are protected from too much heat. In
the case of cellulose acetate filter elements downstream the filter
membrane, blocking and/or absorbing the heat advantageously
protects these downstream elements from melting.
[0036] The filter membrane is preferably configured to reflect heat
radiation and/or to block heat transport by heat conduction by
comprising at least one layer of material with low heat
conductivity. Alternatively or additionally, the filter membrane is
configured to absorb heat by comprising at least one additional
layer with high heat conductivity, whereas such layer is preferably
combined with a downstream layer of low heat conductivity. In other
words, a layer of the filter membrane facing the smoking body is
preferably configured with heat reflecting property and a high heat
conductivity for absorbing and/or distributing heat, whereas a
downstream layer of the filter membrane is preferably configured
with a low heat conductivity in order to block heat transport.
Hence, a first layer of the filter membrane facing the smoking body
has a higher heat conductivity of a second layer adjacently
downstream the first layer.
[0037] In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the
filter membrane that is facing the smoking body comprises a
heat-deflecting material, i.e., a material configured for
reflecting heat radiation. Preferably, the heat deflecting material
is aluminum commonly used in the tobacco industry. Advantageously,
aluminum distributes the heat that is not reflected. Further
preferred, at least one layer of the filter membrane is of low heat
conductivity, such as e.g., of a paper material. Particularly
preferred, the filter membrane is formed of a laminate sheet
comprising an aluminum layer and a paper layer, wherein the
aluminum layer is either adhered to or coated onto the paper layer.
Such paper-aluminum-laminates are commonly used in the packaging of
tobacco-related products. In this embodiment, the aluminum layer is
facing the smoking body for reflecting the heat emitted therefrom.
Further preferred, the filter membrane comprises a metal mesh,
wherein such metal mesh can also be combined with a paper layer for
forming a metal-paper-laminate sheet. Therein, the metal mesh is
preferably circumferentially surrounded by the paper sheet that is
used for fixation.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the elongated smoking article
of the disclosure, the at least one aperture opening is, preferably
the plurality of aperture openings are, formed in the filter
membrane by laser perforation. However, other forms of perforation
such as e.g., needle punching or the like, are also preferred for
generating the at least one aperture opening. However, as already
mentioned above the aperture openings may also be formed by the
material of the filter membrane itself, such as a mesh material,
and perforation is obsolete. Therein, during manufacture of the
elongated smoking article, the size of the
perforation(s)/channel(s) can be selected depending on the desired
nicotine "hit" delivery. Particularly preferred, the filter
membrane is fully or partially formed of aluminum foil, paper, mesh
material, activated carbon, extruded tobacco and/or cloth material.
Particularly preferred, the mesh material is a metal mesh, e.g.,
from copper or aluminum.
[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filter membrane
of the disclosure further comprises at least one first portion and
a second portion. The at least one first portion extends along a
lateral surface of the hollow bore filter element, e.g., along the
whole length or part thereof and is bent from a second portion of
the filter membrane. The second portion of the filter membrane is
bent from the at least one first portion, particularly over the
first base area of the hollow element such that it extends over the
first base area of the hollow element at least partially. In other
words, the second portion is covering at least part of the first
base area of the hollow element and the at least one first portion
is bent to cover a part of the lateral surface of the hollow
element. Further, the second portion of the filter membrane
comprises the at least one filter aperture as described above,
i.e., being aligned with the hollow bore in the first base area.
This embodiment advantageously provides an improved fixation of the
filter membrane to the hollow element, particularly via the at
least first portion being fixed to the lateral surface of the
hollow bore filter element. Preferably, the filter membrane is
formed of aluminum foil, paper, mesh material and/or cloth material
or a mixture of those materials, such as e.g., an
aluminum-paper-laminate.
[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one
first portion and the second portion of the filter membrane are
formed of a metal mesh. Further preferred, such filter membrane
comprises a plurality of first portions, e.g., two ore more, first
portions that are bent from the second portion covering the first
base area onto the lateral surface for providing a form and/or form
closure between the first portions and the lateral surface of the
filter element. Further preferred, the second portion is formed of
a metal mesh and configured for being placed on the first base
area, e.g., by comprising a disc-shape. Then, the at least one
first portion is extending outward from the second area in the
plane of the second area before being bent onto the lateral surface
of the hollow bore filter element. Further preferred, in this
embodiment the at least one first portion can also be formed of a
paper material or a cloth material and is configured to be glued to
the lateral surface of the hollow bore filter element. Also
preferred, a form closure is provided with lateral surfaces of the
smoking body.
[0041] Further preferred, the second portion has a rectangular or
circular shape that is suitable for covering the hollow bore in the
first base area of the hollow element. According to a preferred
embodiment, at least two first portions extend laterally from
respective parts of the circumference of the second portion. In
other words, the first portions protrude as flaps from the second
portion, wherein the flaps are separate from each other and can be
separately bent to extent over the lateral surface of the hollow
element. In such embodiment, each of the flaps can be glued to the
lateral surface of the hollow element or the plurality of flaps
commonly provides a form closure with the hollow element. In an
alternatively preferred embodiment, one first portion surrounds the
entire second portion circumferentially. Exemplarily, in case of a
circular second portion, the first portion is formed by a circular
ring connected to the second portion in a radially outward
direction. Such one first portion can also be glued to or provide a
from closure with the lateral surface of the hollow element.
[0042] The first portion of the filter membrane is preferably glued
to the lateral surface of the hollow element. Hence, the filter
membrane is properly fixed to the hollow element. However, the
first portion can also be attached to the hollow element by other
means, such as e.g., stitching or the like. Also preferred, the
first portion is attached to the hollow element solely by the
wrapping paper wrapped around the hollow element and the first
portion and/or by the second portion being wedged between the
smoking body and the hollow element.
[0043] Further preferred, the filter membrane comprises a third
portion that is bent from the first portion and that extends over
the second base area. In other words, the third portion is
preferably bent over the second base area, particularly above the
hollow bore in the second base area. According to this embodiment,
the third portion also has at least one filter aperture that is
aligned with the hollow bore in the second base area. The filter
apertures in the third portion are preferably configured as
described above. By providing such third portion a second filter
membrane is provided in the flow path of the vapor emitted by the
smoking body hence increasing the filter efficiency with respect to
particles emitted by the heated smoking body and/or increasing the
heat deflecting efficiency of the membranes.
[0044] The (combustible material of the) smoking body is preferably
capable of being heated to release at least one volatile compound
that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate is
preferably located at the upstream end of the elongated smoking
article. In order to generate an aerosol, combustible material
comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be
vaporized/aerosolized and that may provide the user with a
recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable
chemical and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include
the group consisting of: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and
opoids, cathine and cathinone, kavalactones, mysticin,
beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A together with any
combinations, functional equivalents to or synthetic alternatives
of the foregoing.
[0045] The combustible material of the smoking body may comprise
plant material. The plant material may comprise least one plant
material selected from the list including Amaranthus dubius,
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Amica,
Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia
maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum,
Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana,
Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy),
Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica
(Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce
Opium), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca
(Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis,
Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta
cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White
Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora
incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior),
Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum,
Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria
galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana,
Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sida acuta (Wireweed), Sida
rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes
lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Tumera
diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha
Brava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to,
and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.
[0046] Preferably, the plant material is tobacco. Any type of
tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to,
flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air
cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, perique
tobacco and rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above
mentioned tobaccos. Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be
used. This includes leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.
The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco,
tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded
tobacco, homogenized tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco,
cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or
paper recon). The combustible material of the smoking body may
comprise a gathered sheet of homogenized (e.g. paper/slurry recon)
tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet. In some
embodiments, the sheet used to form the combustible material of the
smoking body has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m2, e.g.
greater than or equal to 110 g/m2 such as greater than or equal to
120 g/m2. The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to
300 g/m2 e.g. less than or equal to 250 g/m2 or less than or equal
to 200 g/m2. The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190
g/m2. The combustible material of the smoking body may comprise at
least 50 wt % plant material, e.g. at least 60 wt % plant material
e.g. around 65 wt % plant material. The combustible material of the
smoking body may comprise 80 wt % or less plant material e.g. 75 or
70 wt % or less plant material.
[0047] The combustible material of the smoking body may comprise
one or more additives selected from humectants, flavorings,
fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and binders. Humectants are
provided as vapor generators--the resulting vapor helps carry the
volatile active compounds and increases visible vapor. Suitable
humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g. propylene glycol (PG),
triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG))
and their esters (e.g. glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They
may be present in the combustible material of the smoking body in
an amount between 1 and 50 wt %. The humectant content of the
combustible material of the smoking body may have a lower limit of
at least 1% by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2 wt
%, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as at
least 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.
The humectant content of the combustible material of the smoking
body may have an upper limit of at most 50% by weight of the plant
material, such as at most 40 wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such
as at most 20 wt %. Preferably, the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt
% of the combustible material of the smoking body, such as 1 to 20
wt % Suitable binders are known in the art and may act to bind
together the components forming the combustible material of the
smoking body. Binders may comprise starches and/or cellulosic
binders such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl
cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose, gums such
as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum, organic acids and
their salts such as alginic acid/sodium alginate, agar and pectins.
Preferably the binder content is 5 to 10 wt % of the combustible
material of the smoking body e.g. around 6 to 8 wt %. Suitable
fillers are known in the art and may act to strengthen the
combustible material of the smoking body. Fillers may comprise
fibrous (non-tobacco) fillers such as cellulose fibers,
lignocellulose fibers (e.g. wood fibers), jute fibers and
combinations thereof. Preferably, the filler content is 5 to 10 wt
% of the combustible material of the smoking body e.g. around 6 to
9 wt %. The combustible material of the smoking body may comprise
an aqueous and/or non-aqueous solvent. In some embodiments, the
combustible material of the smoking body has a water content of
between 5 and 10 wt % e.g. between 6 to 9 wt % such as between 7 to
9 wt %. The flavoring may be provided in solid or liquid form. It
may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavor (including
e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon)
and tobacco flavor. The flavoring may be evenly dispersed
throughout the combustible material of the smoking body or may be
provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations
throughout the combustible material.
[0048] The combustible material of the smoking body may be formed
in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the
article/consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. The smoking
body may have a diameter of between 5 and 10 mm e.g. between 6 and
9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g. around 7 mm. It may have an axial length of
between 10 and 15 mm e.g. between 11 and 14 mm such as around 12 or
13 mm. The combustible material of the smoking body may be
circumscribed by a wrapping layer e.g. a paper wrapping layer. The
wrapping layer may overlie an inner foil layer or may comprise a
paper/foil laminate (with the foil innermost).
[0049] The filter elements mentioned herein, particularly the
hollow bore filter elements, may each have a substantially
cylindrical shape with a diameter substantially matching the
diameter of the smoking body (with or without its associated
wrapping layer). The axial length of one or each filter element may
be less than 20 mm, e.g. between 8 and 15 mm, for example between 9
and 13 mm e.g. between 10 and 12 mm. At least one hollow bore
filter element may have a bore diameter between 1 and 5 mm, e.g.
between 2 and 4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm. The bore diameter is
preferably greater than the diameter of the flow aperture(s).
[0050] The elongated smoking article may further comprise another
(solid) filter element. That another (solid) filter element may
include a capsule e.g. a crushable capsule (crush-ball) containing
a liquid flavoring e.g. any of the flavorings listed above. The
capsule can be crushed by the user during smoking of the elongated
smoking article to release the flavoring. The capsule may be
located at the axial center of the (solid) filter element.
[0051] A hollow tube element defines a space or cavity or chamber
between the combustible material of the smoking body and the
downstream end of the elongated smoking article. The hollow tube
element acts to allow both cooling and mixing of the aerosol. The
hollow tube element may be at least partly (e.g., entirely)
circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer. The hollow tube
element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10 mm e.g.
between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g. around 7 mm. It may have an
axial length of between 10 and 15 mm e.g. between 12 and 14 mm or
13 and 14 mm e.g. around 14 mm
[0052] In some embodiments, the elongated smoking article may
further comprise an aerosol-cooling element which is adapted to
cool the aerosol generated from the combustible material of the
smoking body (by heat exchange) before being inhaled by the user.
The aerosol-cooling element will be downstream from the combustible
material of the smoking body. The aerosol cooling element may be at
least partly (e.g. completely) circumscribed by the (paper)
wrapping layer. The aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a
plastics material selected from the group consisting of polylactic
acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) and
polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The aerosol-cooling element may
be formed of a crimped/gathered sheet of material to form a
structure having a high surface area with a plurality of
longitudinal channels to maximize heat exchange and aerosol
cooling.
[0053] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method
for producing or manufacturing a hollow element, preferably a
hollow bore filter element or a hollow tube portion for an
elongated smoking article according to the present disclosure. The
so produced hollow element can thus be used for manufacturing an
elongated smoking article according to the disclosure. The method
for manufacturing the hollow element comprises at least the
following steps.
[0054] In a first step of the method, a hollow element is provided
that has a first base area, a second base area opposite to the
first base area and a hollow bore that extends from the first base
area to the second base area. Such hollow elements are known from
the prior art and the provided hollow element does not differ from
those elements. In another step of the method of the disclosure, a
membrane sheet is provided that has a width that exceeds a distance
between the first base area and the second base area. In other
words, the width of the membrane sheet exceeds the length of the
hollow element.
[0055] In the method of the disclosure, then an adhesive is applied
to a first portion of the membrane sheet, wherein the first portion
has a width that corresponds to the distance between the first base
area and the second base area. In other words, the first portion of
the membrane sheet is only a part of the membrane sheet and thus a
portion of the membrane sheet is not covered by the adhesive.
Depending on the position of the first portion, either one second
portion of the membrane sheet on one side of the first portion
remains free of adhesive or second portion and a third portion on
both sides of the first portion remain free of adhesive.
[0056] In a next step of the method of the disclosure, a segment is
separated from the membrane sheet, wherein the segment has a length
corresponding to the width of the membrane sheet, In other words,
the segment is separated, e.g., cut, from the membrane sheet in the
width direction of the membrane sheet. Hence, a plurality of
segments connected to each other in a length direction of the
membrane sheet perpendicular to the width direction of the membrane
sheet form the membrane sheet. The separation of the segment is
preferably performed by blade-cutting or the like. The segment has
thus a first portion covered by the adhesive and a second portion
without adhesive on one side of the first portion and eventually
also a third portion.
[0057] In the method of the disclosure, the first portion of the
segment is then attached to a lateral surface of the hollow element
via the adhesive. In other words, the segment is adhered to the
hollow element. This can be done by placing the segment onto the
hollow element or by rolling the hollow element over the segment or
the like. After the segment is attached to the hollow element and,
eventually, after the adhesive is dried, the second portion of the
segment is bent over the first base area of the hollow element. In
a preferred embodiment, wherein the first portion is a central
portion of the membrane sheet in a width direction thereof as
described above, further a third portion of the segment is bent
over the second base area of the hollow element.
[0058] Preferably, the membrane sheet used in the method of the
disclosure comprises at least one aperture opening as described
above that is located in the second portion and, eventually, in the
third portion of the membrane sheet. Then, the first portion is
bent over the first base area such that the aperture openings in
the first portion are aligned with the hollow bore in the first
base area and, eventually, the second portion is bent over the
second base area such that the aperture openings in the second
portion are aligned with the hollow bore in the second base area.
Alternatively, the method further comprises the step of
perforating, preferably laser perforating, the second portion
and/or the third portion of the membrane sheet, i.e., before the
segmentation of the segment, or the step of perforating, preferably
laser perforating, the second portion and/or the third portion of
the segment, i.e., after the segmentation of the segment.
[0059] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a smoking system
comprising an elongated smoking article according to the present
disclosure and a heating device for heating the elongated smoking
article. Therefore, the heating device comprises a main body and a
cavity that is configured for receiving the smoking body of the
elongated smoking article. In other words, the smoking body of the
smoking article can be inserted into the cavity of the device.
According to the present disclosure, the heating device is
configured for heating the smoking body and the filter membrane of
an elongated smoking article that is inserted in the cavity. In
other words, with the smoking system of the disclosure, the
advantages of a filter membrane configured to distribute heat
generated by the device for heating the smoking body are achieved.
Particularly, the cooling rate of the vapor is reduced, the
evaporation of vapor constituents at the filter membrane is avoided
and formation of larger particles is improved.
[0060] The heating device preferably is a HNB device, i.e. a device
adapted to heat but not combust the combustible material of the
smoking body. The main body of the device is preferably configured
for housing the heating element, e.g., within the cavity of the
heating device. The main body is further preferably configured to
house a power source for the heating element as well as control
electronics for the heating element. The main body may further
comprise display means and control means for interaction with a
user of the heating device.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the heating
element comprises an elongated e.g. rod-, tube- or blade-shaped
heating element. The heating element preferably projects into the
cavity within the main body for receiving the elongated smoking
article, particularly the smoking body, as described above. The
elongated heating element is preferably configured for penetrating
the smoking body of the inserted elongated smoking article for
heating the combustible material of the smoking body. The elongated
heating element is further configured to contact the filter
membrane of an elongated smoking article inserted into the cavity
of the smoking device with its smoking body. Hence, by heating the
elongated heating element also the filter membrane is heated by
means of heat conduction and hence the filter membrane is
distributing the heat generated by the elongated heating element of
the device.
[0062] According to this embodiment, the filter membrane is
preferably positioned immediately adjacent to the smoking body such
that the elongated heating element does not have to extend
unnecessarily out of the smoking body. As the filter membrane
contacts the heating source an optimal thermal transfer into the
filter membrane is ensured. The temperature of the filter membrane
will depend upon the temperature of the heating element, the shape
and style of the heating element, how well the heating element
contacts the filter membrane, the material of the filter membrane,
the conductivity of the heating element and the airflow through the
filter membrane. Depending on these conditions, the filter membrane
will reach a peak temperature between 100.degree. C. and
250.degree. C. In other words, a second heating element is provided
by the filter membrane by distributing the heat generated by the
heating element.
[0063] In this embodiment, the filter membrane is preferably
constructed from a thermally conductive material which is porous
enough to enable the vapor to flow through and fine enough to
prevent particulate matter from passing through the filter
membrane. Particularly, preferred, the filter membrane is made from
a woven metal mesh, such as stainless steel (304 or 316 grade),
copper, aluminum, brass or Kanthal (FeCrAl) mesh. The
aforementioned metals allow for a suitable heat transfer whilst
matching the permeability criteria. Particularly preferred, the
metal mesh has at least one filter aperture with an effective size
lower than 0.1 mm, further preferred a filter aperture with
effective size between 10 .mu.m and 50 .mu.m. Further preferred,
the filter membrane is formed by a permeable ceramic disc, cloth or
a metallic foil which has been perforated with a plethora of holes
smaller than 100 .mu.m. In such embodiment, the majority of the
holes are preferably below 50 .mu.m.
[0064] In a further preferred embodiment, the filter membrane is
provided as a thin metallic component, e.g. from aluminum, which is
photoetched, chemically etched or chemically milled. Such metallic
component can also be provided as a thin component with precise,
holes or openings in the micron range and customized for optimal
heat transfer and filtration. Further preferred, the filter
membrane is made of a polymer material, such as e.g., PP, nylon,
polyester, PET, PEEK, PTFE or PLA. PLA is particularly preferred as
a biodegradable polymer. Particularly preferred, the polymers are
blended with other additives, such as glass fibers in order to
increase or decrease particular mechanical properties or
characteristics of the filter membrane such as e.g., the thermal
stability or the electrical conductivity thereof.
[0065] Further preferred, according to this embodiment the filter
membrane is configured to be a flexible component, i.e., to flex in
reaction of the elongated heating element being pushed against it.
In other words, the flexible membrane is preferably not rigid.
Further preferred, the filter membrane has a Young's modulus below
2 GPa, preferably below 1 GPa and particularly preferred below 0.5
GPa. The flexibility of the filter membrane ensures a good thermal
contact with the heating element while minimizing the risk of
damages to the filter membrane, particularly when the elongated
smoking article may be used in devices from different manufacturers
with heating elements of different length. Also in this embodiment,
the filter membrane may be formed as a laminate with a plurality of
layers as set forth above.
[0066] According to another preferred embodiment of the smoking
system, the heating device comprises a heat source for contactless
heating of the filter membrane or an electric contact for providing
a heating current to the conductive filter membrane. In other
words, in this embodiment, the filter membrane is heated up by
energy transmission to the filter membrane, wherein the transmitted
energy has another form than heat energy. In other words, a
non-contact heating arrangement is provided for the filter membrane
by the device.
[0067] The heat source for contactless heating of the filter
membrane is preferably realized as an inductive heating device,
i.e., a device configured to emit electromagnetic waves that heat
up the filter membrane when received by the filter membrane. In
such an embodiment, the inductive heat source preferably is the
same heat source as one used to create vapor from the smoking body.
However, the inductive heat source for heating the filter membrane
may also differ from a heat source used for heating the smoking
body, wherein the latter may be inductive or not. In such case, the
heat source for heating the filter membrane preferably acts from
one or two sides of the filter membrane or annularly surrounds the
smoking body.
[0068] If the same inductive heat source is used for the heating
smoking body and filter membrane, the filter membrane of a smoking
body inserted into the cavity is preferably in the magnetic field
range of the inductor coil used to heat an electromagnetic
susceptor disposed in the smoking body. In case of an inductive
heat source, the filter membrane is preferably constructed from a
ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material that contains a magnetic
element such as iron, cobalt or nickel or an alloy of these
material. Each of the aforementioned materials is an acceptable
susceptor material for the use in inductive heating
applications.
[0069] However, the method for heating the filter membrane may also
be different from the method for heating the smoking body.
Exemplarily, an IR lamp, a laser or another form of radiative
heating method may be used for heating the filter membrane. When
using such radiative heat source, the material used for the filter
membrane preferably has an emissivity value of at least 90% or more
in order to absorb the radiation and not reflect it. If a metal is
used for the filter membrane, a coating is preferably applied to
the material for increasing emissivity. Such coating may also
improve the resistance of the filter membrane towards external
influences, such as e.g., the acidity of the vapor emitted by the
heated smoking body.
[0070] Further preferred, the heating device comprises at least one
electric contact for providing a heating current to the metal
filter membrane. Such heating may also be considered as contact
heating, wherein the heating energy is transmitted as electric
energy to the filter membrane and transformed to heat by the filter
membrane itself. In such embodiment, the filter membrane may
exemplarily formed by a wound glow filament or by a mesh formed of
glow filaments. If only one electric contact is provided, an
electric ground may be provided by the housing of the heating
device contacting the filter membrane directly or indirectly. The
electric contact may also be formed semi-annularly in the cavity to
contact a wire that is wound around the smoking body and that is
contacting or constituting the filter membrane.
[0071] In this embodiment, the filter membrane can be principally
positioned anywhere within the elongated smoking article. However,
it is preferred for the component to be within a range of 10 mm
from the smoking body in order to allow for the advantageous
effects as described above, e.g., related to a reduced cooling rate
of the vapor. Also preferred, the filter membrane is positioned
more than 15 mm away from the vapor outlet, i.e., the mouth piece,
in order to avoid that the vapor reaching the user's mouth is of
too high temperature. Also in this embodiment, the filter membrane
is preferably heated to a temperature of 50.degree. C. to
250.degree. C., which is eventually slightly less than the heating
temperature of the smoking body.
[0072] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a
heating device for a smoking system as described above. Therefore,
the heating device comprises a main body and a cavity that is
configured for receiving the smoking body of the elongated smoking
article. According to the present disclosure, the heating device is
configured for heating the smoking body and the filter membrane of
an elongated smoking article that is inserted in the cavity. The
heating device preferably is a HNB device, i.e., a device adapted
to heat but not combust the combustible material of the smoking
body. The main body of the device is preferably configured for
housing the heating element, e.g., within the cavity of the heating
device. The main body is further preferably configured to house a
power source for the heating element as well as control electronics
for the heating element. The main body may further comprise display
means and control means for interaction with a user of the heating
device. The heating device preferably comprises an elongated
heating element projecting into the cavity and configured for
penetrating a smoking body of an elongated smoking article inserted
into the cavity and for contacting the filter membrane of such an
elongated smoking article. Also preferred, the heating device
comprises a heat source for contactless heating of the filter
membrane or an electric contact for providing a heating current to
the metal filter membrane. Embodiments of the heating device are
identic to those described for the smoking system.
[0073] Further aspects and preferred embodiments of the disclosure
result from the dependent claims, the drawings and the following
description of the drawings. Different disclosed embodiments are
advantageously combined with each other if not stated
otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0074] Further features of the disclosure will become apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail
exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings in
which:
[0075] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an
elongated smoking article according to the prior art;
[0076] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an
elongated smoking article according to a first embodiment;
[0077] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an
elongated smoking article according to a second embodiment;
[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an hollow
bore filter element according to an embodiment and schematic front
views of the base areas of such hollow bore filter element;
[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective partial view of
an elongated smoking article according to the second
embodiment;
[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an
elongated smoking article according to a third embodiment;
[0081] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates schematic front views of
filter membranes according to embodiments;
[0082] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates schematic front views of
filter membranes according to further embodiments;
[0083] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an elongated smoking
article according to a fourth embodiment;
[0084] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an elongated smoking
article according to a fifth embodiment;
[0085] FIG. 11 illustrates a smoking system comprising the
elongated smoking article according to a fourth embodiment and a
prior art heating device comprising a heating element for heating
the elongated smoking article;
[0086] FIG. 12 illustrates a smoking system according to an
embodiment and comprising an elongated smoking article and a
heating device; and
[0087] FIG. 13 illustrates a smoking system according to another
embodiment and comprising an elongated smoking article and a
heating device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT
[0088] With reference to FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view of an
elongated smoking article according to the prior art is
illustrated. The elongated smoking article includes a cylindrical
smoking body 10 filled with combustible material 11. The
cylindrical surface of the smoking body 10 is surrounded by a
wrapping paper. The wrapping paper 12 typically incorporates a
fibrous material, such as a cellulosic material, e.g. a
lignocellulosic material. Exemplary cellulosic materials include
flax fibers, hardwood pulp, softwood pulp, hemp fibers, esparto
fibers, and sisal fibers, wherein mixtures of cellulosic materials
can be employed.
[0089] One base area of the smoking body 10 is open to expose the
combustible material 11. At this open base area of the smoking body
10 a heating element to heat the combustible material 11 could be
inserted into the smoking body. At the other base area a hollow
bore filter element 20 is positioned. The filter element 20 may be
at least partially formed of a weave, mesh, paper, membrane, and/or
other appropriate structure providing the desired diffusivity. Its
thickness and density may be determined during manufacture or
altered thereafter to provide desired diffusivity. The hollow bore
filter element comprises a hollow bore 25. Preferably, smoking body
10 and the hollow bore filter element 20 has a diameter of 7.2 mm
and the hollow bore 25 has a diameter of 3.5 mm.
[0090] Adjacent to the hollow bore filter element 20 a hollow tube
portion 30 is positioned that is formed by a cardboard tube having
the same diameter as the smoking body 10 and the hollow bore filter
element 20. Adjacent to the hollow tube portion 30 a second hollow
bore filter element 40 with a hollow bore 45 having a diameter of 2
mm is positioned. The hollow tube portion 30 and the second hollow
bore filter element 40 have also a diameter of 7.2 mm.
[0091] The smoking body 10, the hollow bore filter element 20, the
hollow tube portion 30 and the second hollow bore filter element 40
are axially aligned in an end-to-end relationship along a
longitudinal relationship of the elongated smoking article. The
base areas 21, 22 of the hollow bore filter element 20 are open to
permit the passage of air and smoke therethrough. One of these base
areas, i.e., the first base area 21, contacts the smoking body 10
and the other base area opposite the first base area, i.e., the
second base area 22, contacts the hollow tube portion 30. The
hollow bore filter element 20 includes a filter material, such as
e.g. plasticized cellulose acetate or a biodegradable material,
which is configured to reduce substances in combustion gases that
are drawn by a smoker from the heated smoking body 10 through the
second base area 22 of the hollow bore filter element 20.
[0092] Preferably, the smoking body 10, the hollow bore filter
element 20, the hollow tube portion 30 and the second hollow bore
filter element 40 are fixed to each other via a wrapping paper (not
shown) that is circumscribing all of the aforementioned components.
The wrapping paper is wrapped around these components along the
longitudinal direction and is attached by an adhesive to external
surfaces of these components and/or to itself. Thus, the wrapping
paper provides a force closure between the aforementioned
components via an indirect adhesive bond using a suitable adhesive,
such as e.g., a water-based adhesive of the type traditionally
employed by cigarette manufacturers for application of wrapping
paper during filtered cigarette manufacture. The wrapping paper
hence extends around the longitudinally extending periphery of
substantially the entire length of the elongated smoking
article.
[0093] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an
elongated smoking article 100 according to a first embodiment of
the present disclosure. The elongated smoking article 100 of FIG. 2
differs of that from FIG. 1 in that a disc-shaped filter membrane
50 is positioned in between the smoking body 10 and the hollow bore
filter element. The filter membrane is adhered to the first base
area 21 of the hollow bore filter element 20 and/or wedged between
the smoking body 10 and the hollow bore filter element 20 by
indirect force closure due to the wrapping paper (not shown). The
filter membrane 50 comprises a plurality of aperture openings 55
that are aligned with the hollow bore 25 of the hollow bore filter
element 20 as schematically shown in FIG. 2. The function of the
filter membrane 50 is described in detail with respect to FIG. 5
and a redundant description is thus omitted with respect to FIG.
2.
[0094] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an
elongated smoking article 100 according to a second embodiment of
the present disclosure. The elongated smoking article 100 of FIG. 2
differs of that from FIGS. 1 and 2 in that a first portion 51 of
the filter membrane 50 is attached to a lateral surface of the
hollow bore filter element 20. A second portion 52 of the filter
membrane 50 is bent from the first portion 51 and over the first
base area 21 of the hollow bore filter element 20. A plurality of
aperture openings (not shown) are arranged in the second portion 52
and aligned, i.e., overlaid, with hollow bore 25. The filter
membrane 50 is advantageously well attachable to the hollow bore
filter element 20.
[0095] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a hollow
bore filter element 20 according to an embodiment and schematic
front views of the base areas 21, 22, of such hollow bore filter
element 20. The hollow bore filter element 20 has a first portion
51 of a filter membrane 50 attached thereto as already described
with respect to FIG. 3. A second portion 52 of the filter membrane
50 is bent over the first base area 21 of the hollow bore filter
element 20 and comprises a plurality of aperture openings 55 that
are overlaid with the hollow bore 25 in the first base area 21 as
shown in the plan view on the first base area 21. Further, a third
portion 53 is bent over the second base area 22 of the hollow bore
filter element 20 and comprises a mesh 56 with a plurality of
openings that are overlaid with the hollow bore 25 in second base
area 22 as shown in the plan view thereon.
[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective partial view of
an elongated smoking article 100 according to the first embodiment
as well as a working principle thereof. As can be seen in FIG. 5,
particles 70, such as e.g., ash, as well as vapor 80 are emitted
from the smoking body 10 that is heated to a temperature below its
combustion temperature. These particles 70 and vapor 80 are drawn
from a user in a downstream direction of the elongated smoking
article 100 towards the hollow bore filter element 20 thereof. A
distance between smoking body 10 and hollow bore filter element 20
is solely shown for illustrative purposes, the smoking body 10 and
hollow bore filter element 20 are actually located directly
adjacent.
[0097] The hollow bore filter element 20 is configured as already
described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4 and comprises a second
portion 52 of a strip-shaped segment 50 bent over the hollow bore
25 with a plurality of aperture openings 55 aligned with hollow
bore 25. The strip-shaped segment 50 is formed from a
paper-aluminum laminate, wherein the aluminum layer is facing
upward in the first portion 51 and in direction of the smoking body
10 in the second portion 52. Due to the second portion 52 heat
emitted by the smoking body 10 and/or a heating element (not shown)
inserted therein, is deflected back towards the smoking body 10 and
thus kept away from a user's mouth. Further, the aperture openings
55 with a size of 10 .mu.m filter the particles 70 out of the
stream and let only vapor 80 pass to the user's mouth. The vapor 80
then passes predominantly through the hollow bore 25 of the hollow
bore filter element 20 as illustrate in FIG. 5 by the central set
of arrows marked with reference 80. Hence, a user experience is
characterized by less/low heat, particles and resistance to
draw.
[0098] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an
elongated smoking article 100 according to a third embodiment. The
elongated smoking article 100 differs from the smoking articles 100
according to the first and second embodiment in two respects.
First, in the third embodiment the hollow element is a hollow tube
portion 30 that is positioned adjacent to the smoking body 10. In
other words, the first hollow bore filter element 20 is omitted,
whereas the second hollow bore filter element 40 downstream the
hollow tube portion 30 is kept as a mouthpiece for the user. Second
the filter membrane 50 is formed differently then in the first and
second embodiment, particularly as shown in FIG. 7A as described
below.
[0099] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates schematic front views of
filter membranes 50 according to embodiments. The filter membranes
50 of FIG. 7 are fully formed of a metal mesh, e.g. a copper or
aluminum mesh, wherein the mesh openings form the aperture openings
as described above. Each of the filter membranes shown in FIG. 7
comprises a central circular second portion 52 that is configured
to be overlaid with, i.e., to cover, the hollow bore 25, 35 of the
hollow element 20, 30. Further, each of the filter membranes 50 of
FIG. 7 comprises at least one first portion 51. Particularly, the
filter membrane 50 of FIG. 7A comprises four first portions 51 that
extend laterally from the second portion 52. Each of the first
portions 51 has a rectangular shape and is configured to be bend to
cover the lateral surface of the hollow element 20, 30. Due to the
plasticity of the metal mesh, the first portions 51 stay fixed in
the bent position and provide a form and/or force closure with the
lateral surface of the hollow element 20, 30. The filter membrane
50 of FIG. 7B comprises two first portions 51 that are configured
identically to the first portions 51 of FIG. 7A. The filter
membrane 50 of FIG. 7C comprises a single first portion 51 that is
formed as a circular ring circumferentially surrounding the central
second portion 52. The single first portion 51 is also configured
to be bent over the lateral surface of the hollow element 20, 30,
to be plastically deformed and to provide a form and/or force
closure with the lateral surface.
[0100] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates schematic front views of
filter membranes 50 according to further embodiments. In the filter
membranes 50 of FIG. 8, only the central second portion 52 is
formed from a metal mesh material that is circumferentially
embedded by a paper carrier 54. The paper carrier 54 might be
double layered and an edge region of the metal mesh second portion
52 might be glued between the layers of the paper carrier 54. First
portions 51 extend from the paper carrier of the filter membrane
and are configured to be bend over the lateral surface of the
hollow element 20, 30 and to be glued to the lateral surface.
Particularly, the filter membrane 50 of FIG. 8A comprises four
first portions 51 that extend laterally from the second portion 52.
Each of the first portions 51 has a rectangular shape and is
configured to be bend to be glued to the lateral surface of the
hollow element 20, 30. The filter membrane 50 of FIG. 8B comprises
two first portions 51 that are configured identically to the first
portions 51 of FIG. 7A. The filter membrane 50 of FIG. 8C comprises
a single first portion 51 that is formed as a circular ring
circumferentially surrounding the central second portion 52. The
single first portion 51 is also configured to be bent over the
lateral surface of the hollow element 20, 30, to be glued to the
lateral surface.
[0101] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an elongated smoking
article 100 according to a fourth embodiment. Again, the elongated
smoking article 100 comprises a smoking body 10 at the upstream end
of the elongated smoking article 100. The smoking body 10 comprises
reconstituted tobacco as combustible material 11 which includes
nicotine as a volatile compound. The combustible material 11
comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered
shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The
tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene
glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) and has a moisture content
of between 7 to 9 wt %. The combustible material 11 further
comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder. The smoking
body 10 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that
the elongated smoking article 100 resembles a conventional
cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of
around 12 mm.
[0102] The smoking body 10 is circumscribed by a paper wrapping
layer and the elongated smoking article 100 comprises an upstream
hollow bore filter element 20 and a downstream (terminal) second
hollow bore filter element 40. The two hollow bore filter elements
20, 40 are spaced by a hollow tube portion 30. Both hollow bore
filter elements 20, 40 are formed of cellulose acetate tow and
wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown). Both hollow
bore filter elements 20, 40 have a substantially cylindrical shape.
The diameter of the upstream hollow bore filter 20 matches the
diameter of the smoking body 10. The diameter of the second hollow
bore filter element 40 is slightly larger and matches the combined
diameter of the smoking body 10 and the wrapping layer. The
upstream hollow bore filter element 20 is slightly shorter in axial
length than the second hollow bore filter element 40 at an axial
length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the second hollow bore filter
element 40.
[0103] The cardboard hollow tube portion 30 is longer than each of
the two hollow bore filter elements 20, 40 having an axial length
of around 14 mm. Each hollow bore filter element 20, 40 comprises a
hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in
the upstream filter 20 is slightly larger than the diameter of the
bore in the terminal filter 40 having a diameter of 3 mm compared
to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 40. The cardboard hollow
tube portion 30 and the upstream hollow bore filter element 20 are
circumscribed by the wrapping layer. The terminal hollow bore
filter element 40 is joined to the upstream elements forming the
elongated smoking article 100 by a circumscribing paper tipping
layer. The tipping layer encircles the terminal filter 40 and has
an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of
the cardboard hollow tube portion 30.
[0104] A filter membrane 50 in the form of a foil disc with a
single filter aperture 55 having a 1 mm diameter is provided
downstream of the of the upstream hollow bore filter element 20,
i.e., it is interposed between the smoking body 10 and the
cardboard hollow tube portion 30 as well as between the hollow bore
filter element 20 and the cardboard hollow tube portion 30.
[0105] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an elongated smoking
article 100 according to a fifth embodiment which is identical to
that of FIG. 9 except that the terminal filter element is a solid
third filter element 46 and comprises a crushable capsule 47
(crushball) having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or
cherry or vanilla flavoring. The capsule 47 is spherical and has a
diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the
third filter element 46.
[0106] FIG. 11 illustrates a smoking system 300 comprising the
elongated smoking article 100 according to a fourth embodiment and
a heating device 200 according to the prior art that is comprising
a heating element for heating the elongated smoking article 100.
The elongated smoking article 100 is inserted into the heating
device 200 which is comprising a rod-shaped heating element (not
shown). The heating element projects into a cavity 61 within the
main body 60 of the heating device 200. 5 The elongated smoking
article 100 is inserted into the cavity 61 of the main body 60 of
the heating device 200 such that the heating rod penetrates the
smoking body 10. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco 11 in the
smoking body 10 is effected by powering the heating element, e.g.
with a rechargeable battery (not shown).
[0107] As the tobacco is heated, moisture and nicotine from within
the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapor and entrained
within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the
terminal hollow bore filter element 40. After the vapor passes
through the upstream hollow bore filter element 20, the nicotine,
moisture and humectant are forced to co-locate as they pass through
the filter aperture 55 in the filter membrane 50 thus effecting
good mixing. The vapor flow path then increases in cross-sectional
area within the cardboard hollow tube portion 30 which further
effects efficient mixing of the vapor components. As the vapor
cools within the hollow tube 30, it condenses to form an aerosol
containing the volatile compounds.
[0108] FIG. 12 illustrates a smoking system 300 comprising an
elongated smoking article 1020 and a heating device 200 according
to an embodiment. Therein, the heating device 200 comprises a main
body 60 having a cavity 61 which is configured to receive the
elongated smoking article 100, particularly the smoking body 10
thereof. An elongated heating element 62 extends into the cavity
60. The elongated smoking article 100 shown in FIG. 12 comprises a
smoking body 10 that is separated by a filter membrane 50 from an
adjacent hollow bore filter element 20. A hollow tube portion 30 is
adjacent and downstream of the hollow bore filter element 20. When
the smoking body 10 of the elongated smoking article 100 is
inserted into the cavity 61, the elongated heating element 62
protrudes into the smoking body 10 for heating the combustible
material 11 of the smoking body 10.
[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the length of the elongated
heating element 62 is adapted to the length of the smoking body 10
in a lengthwise direction of the elongated smoking article 100. As
the length of the elongated heating element 62 is the same or
slightly more than the length of the smoking body 10, the elongated
heating element 62 contacts the filter membrane 50. Hence, when the
elongated heating element 62 is activated to heat the smoking body
10 it also heats the filter membrane 50. The filter membrane 50
then distributes the heat generated by the heating device 200 for
achieving advantageous effects such as a reduced cooling rate of
the vapor and hence forming of larger particles in the vapor as
well as reduced precipitation of vapor particles at the filter
membrane 50.
[0110] FIG. 13 illustrates a smoking system 300 comprising an
elongated smoking article 100 and a heating device 200 according to
another embodiment. Therein, the heating device 200 again comprises
a main body 60 having a cavity 61 which is configured to receive
the elongated smoking article 100, particularly the smoking body 10
thereof. An elongated heating element 62 extends into the cavity
60. The elongated smoking article 100 shown in FIG. 13 comprises a
smoking body 10 with an adjacent hollow bore filter element 20. The
hollow bore filter element 20 is separated from an adjacent and
downstream hollow tube portion 30 by the filter membrane 50. When
the smoking body 10 of the elongated smoking article 100 is
inserted into the cavity 61, the elongated heating element 62
protrudes into the smoking body 10 for heating the combustible
material 11 of the smoking body 10. However, in this embodiment,
the heating element 62 does not directly contact the filter
membrane 50.
[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the heating device 200 of this
embodiment further comprises inductive heat sources 63. These
inductive heat sources 63 are connected to a power source, e.g., a
battery, of the heating device 200 for drawing electric power from
the power source and generating an electromagnetic field from the
drawn electric power. The electromagnetic field emitted by the heat
sources 63 is such that it induces an electric current in the
filter membrane 50, and this current is sufficient for heating up
the filter membrane 50.
REFERENCE SIGNS
[0112] 10 cylindrical smoking body [0113] 11 combustible material
[0114] 20 hollow bore filter element [0115] 21 first base area
[0116] 22 second base area [0117] 25 first hollow bore [0118] 30
hollow tube portion [0119] 40 second hollow bore filter element
[0120] 45 second hollow bore [0121] 46 third filter element [0122]
47 crushable capsule [0123] 50 filter membrane [0124] 55 filter
aperture [0125] 51 first portion [0126] 52 second portion [0127] 53
third portion [0128] 60 main body of heating device [0129] 61
cavity of heating device [0130] 62 elongated heating element [0131]
63 heat source [0132] 100 elongated smoking article [0133] 200
heating device [0134] 300 smoking system
* * * * *