CN220557411U

CN220557411U - Filter element, multi-segment filter and smoking article

Info

Publication number: CN220557411U
Application number: CN202223150482.8U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 罗西·安娜·库尔比; 阿里耶夫·拉赫曼; 吉扬托; 伊尔哈姆·法迪拉·拉马丹; 伊安·阿宁迪亚; 阿古什·法罗尼
Original assignee: Essentra Filter Products Development Co Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Essentra Filter Products Development Co Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-23
Filing date: 2022-11-23
Publication date: 2024-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-23
Also published as: KR20240118075A; EP4183273A1; GB202116870D0; WO2023094439A1

Abstract

The utility model relates to a filter element, a multi-section filter and a smoking article. The filter element includes a longitudinally extending core made of paper filter material or other biodegradable (e.g., non-cellulose acetate containing) filter material, a first wrapper engaged about an outer peripheral surface of the core, and a second wrapper engaged about the first wrapper, the first wrapper defining with at least the second wrapper a plurality of channels extending longitudinally from an upstream end of the filter element and/or a plurality of channels extending longitudinally from a downstream end of the filter element.

Description

Filter element, multi-segment filter and smoking article

Technical Field

The present utility model provides a mouthpiece, filter or filter element for use with a smoking article such as a cigarette, tobacco heating product or heated non-combustible product.

Background

The holder, filter or filter element for smoking articles such as cigarettes, tobacco heating products or heat-non-burn (HNB) products may be manufactured from a number of different materials. Currently, 98% of commercial cigarette filters include a certain amount of cellulose acetate (source: european International (Euromonitor International)). However, cellulose acetate is non-biodegradable, and thus, cigarette filters (and butts) containing cellulose acetate can persist in the environment for many years. Because of this and in view of new european union regulations in effect in 2021 (aimed at reducing the use of disposable plastics such as cellulose acetate filters), there is an increasing interest in filter elements (such as mouthpieces) that do not contain disposable plastics and are biodegradable.

An alternative filter material for cellulose acetate is paper. Filters comprising paper as a filter material are well known in the art. Paper filters have many advantages over cellulose acetate filters in terms of enhanced biodegradability and higher filtration efficiency at a given pressure drop. However, they also have a number of disadvantages, for example, they can have a detrimental effect on the taste of cigarettes and have a low retention of toxic phenolic compounds. Thus, the experience of smoking with a conventional paper (i.e., single paper) filter cannot be compared to the experience of cigarettes from conventional cellulose acetate filters.

It is therefore desirable to provide a mouthpiece, filter or filter element for a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, tobacco heating product, heating non-combustion (HNB) product) that provides acceptable filtration and organoleptic properties while having improved biodegradability compared to conventional materials such as cellulose acetate.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present utility model there is provided a filter element characterised in that the filter element comprises a longitudinally extending core of biodegradable filter material, a first wrapper engaged around an outer peripheral surface of the core, and a second wrapper engaged around the first wrapper, the first wrapper defining with at least the second wrapper a plurality of first channels extending longitudinally from an upstream end of the filter element and/or a plurality of first channels extending longitudinally from a downstream end of the filter element.

According to an aspect of the present utility model, there is provided a filter element comprising a longitudinally extending core of biodegradable filter material, a first wrapper engaged around an outer peripheral surface of the core, and a second wrapper engaged around the first wrapper, the first wrapper defining with at least the second wrapper a plurality of second channels extending in a longitudinal direction of the filter element and not extending from an upstream or downstream end of the filter element.

The longitudinally extending core paper filter material of the present utility model or other biodegradable (e.g., non-cellulose acetate) filter material is biodegradable and has enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. The present utility model thus provides a mouthpiece, filter or filter element with enhanced biodegradability and is therefore more environmentally friendly and more compliant with the eu regulations.

The term "biodegradable" refers to paper or other biodegradable filter material, mouthpiece, filter or filter element capable of exhibiting at least 90% biodegradability after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO14855-1 determination of final aerobic biodegradability of plastic material under controlled composting conditions-method by analysis of released carbon dioxide (Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions-Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide)).

Preferably, the paper or other biodegradable filter material, mouthpiece, filter or filter element is "readily biodegradable". The phrase "readily biodegradable" refers to paper or other biodegradable filter material, mouthpiece, filter or filter element that is capable of rapidly decomposing and completely biodegrading when immersed in water. Preferably, the paper or other biodegradable filter material, mouthpiece, filter or filter element has a "easy biodegradability" level of biodegradability measured according to the OECD 301B "easy biodegradability" ("Ready Biodegradability") method (modified Sturm test), as is well known in the art. Here, the phrase "readily biodegradable" will be understood to mean a level of biodegradability of the "readily biodegradable" level.

In some examples, the channels may extend only a portion of the length of the core. In other examples, the channels may extend the entire length of the core.

It will be appreciated that where the channel may extend only part of the length of the core, the channel will be closed or blocked at an end remote from the end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element from which the channel extends. It will also be appreciated that where the channel extends the entire length of the core, the channel will be open at both the upstream and downstream ends of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element.

The at least one longitudinally extending portion of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element may not include a channel in its cross-section. It will be appreciated that the portion may be located at one or both ends (i.e. the downstream end and/or the upstream end) of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element, or the portion may be located in the middle of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element.

The portion (or each portion) of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element that does not include a channel in its cross-section is referred to herein as a rod-like portion or rod-like portion. The portion (or each portion) of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element comprising the longitudinally extending channels (which extend the entire length of the core or only part of the length of the core) is referred to herein as a fluted portion or fluted portion.

In an example, a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to the present utility model comprises a 9mm channel section at one end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element, and an 18mm rod section for the remaining length of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element (i.e. the other end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element). In another example, a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to the present utility model comprises a 7mm trough section at the downstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element, a 7mm trough section at the upstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element, and a 7mm rod-shaped portion between the trough sections. In another example, a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to the present utility model is completely fluted and comprises a trough section of 27mm for the entire length of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element. In another example, a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to the present utility model comprises a 7mm rod-shaped section at the downstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element, a 7mm rod-shaped section at the upstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element, and a 7mm slot section between the rod-shaped sections. Thus, the mouthpiece, filter or filter element of the present utility model may have a fluted portion and/or a rod-like portion.

The length of the fluted portion may be 5mm to 30mm, such as 8mm to 25mm, such as 10mm to 20mm, such as 12mm to 15mm. The length of the rod-shaped portion may be 5mm to 30mm, for example 8mm to 25mm, for example 10mm to 20mm, for example 12mm to 15mm.

The applicant has found that a mouthpiece, filter or filter element comprising a groove or grooves and a rod-like portion may provide improved filtration performance compared to conventional paper (e.g. single paper) filters, in particular in terms of phenol. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the channels of the fluted portion increase the surface area available for smoke filtration compared to a single paper filter, thus reducing phenol production. In an example, a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to the present utility model may reduce phenol production by up to 12% compared to a single paper filter.

In addition, the applicant found that the grooves or grooves and bars were includedOther mouthpieces, filters or filter elements of the shape, e.g. Corinthian ^TM Filters, e.g. CPS ^TM In contrast to filters made from cellulose acetate in combination with a plasticizer to form a trough, the mouthpiece, filter or filter element of the present utility model is free of plastic and is therefore biodegradable while still providing acceptable filtration and organoleptic properties.

Preferably, the length of the channels is from 5mm to 30mm, for example from 9mm to 25mm. The channels extending longitudinally from one end (upstream or downstream) may have a different length than the channels extending from the other end, or they may have the same length.

Preferably, the channels will preferably have a substantially uniform depth over their longitudinal extent, but variations are also possible, for example if the channels extend only part of the length of the core and thus have closed ends. The depth (e.g., maximum depth) of each channel is 0.5mm to 2.6mm, such as 0.8mm to 2.2mm, such as 1.3mm to 2.1mm, preferably 1.35mm to 2mm, such as 1.4mm to 1.9mm.

The width (e.g., maximum width) of each channel is 1.0mm to 3.0mm, such as 1.3mm to 2.1mm, preferably 1.35mm to 2mm, such as 1.4mm to 1.9mm.

The mouthpiece, filter or filter element may comprise 5 to 25 channels, preferably 10 to 16 channels extending longitudinally from the upstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element and/or 5 to 25 channels, preferably 10 to 16 channels extending longitudinally from the downstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element.

The total cross-sectional area of these channels may amount to 2% to 12%, preferably 4% to 8% of the total cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element.

Applicants have found that a mouthpiece, filter or filter element comprising channels of these dimensions may provide improved smoothness compared to standard paper (e.g., a single paper) and standard cellulose acetate (e.g., cellulose acetate) filters. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the additional ventilation provided by these sized channels helps to overcome the "paper taste" typically associated with paper filters and reduce irritation of smoke or vapors, thus improving smoothness.

The first wrapper may be a paper having a basis weight of 60gsm to 100gsm, such as a paper having a basis weight of 70gsm to 90gsm (e.g., plug wrap), such as a paper having a basis weight of 80gsm (e.g., plug wrap). Preferably, the first wrapper is breathable.

The first wrapper may be coloured. The first wrapper may be a colored paper (e.g., plug wrap). The color may be black, red, yellow, orange, green, blue, pink, purple, etc., or various hues thereof. Herein, "colored" refers to a color (i.e., hue) that is different from white or off-white (i.e., the color of paper).

The applicant has found that the use of coloured paper (e.g. plug wrap) to retain the first wrapper can provide a unique end appearance that is visually attractive and can help to combat counterfeits.

The first wrapper may have longitudinally extending corrugations (e.g., grooves and ridges) that, together with the second wrapper, define channels extending in the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element. The first wrapper may be a sheet of material having a profiled surface such that the first wrapper has longitudinally extending corrugations (e.g., grooves and ridges) along regular portions of its length. The first wrapper may be engaged around the outer peripheral surface of the core with the profiled (e.g. corrugated) surface facing the second wrapper. Each channel may be provided between the corrugations of the first wrapper and the inner surface of the second wrapper. The core of paper or other biodegradable (e.g., comprising non-cellulose acetate) filter material may conform to the profiled (e.g., corrugated) surface of the first wrapper.

The first wrapper may have a corrugated portion (i.e. longitudinally extending corrugations as described above) and a non-profiled (i.e. flat) portion. The first wrapper may be a sheet of material having alternating profiled and planar surfaces such that the first wrapper has corrugations (e.g., grooves and ridges) extending longitudinally along a regular portion of its length, and a planar portion along a regular portion of its length. As described above, the corrugated portion of the first wrapper may define a channel (i.e. a fluted portion) with at least the second wrapper extending in the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element, while the flat portion of the first wrapper may not define a channel (i.e. a rod-like portion) in the length of the core around which the flat portion of the first wrapper engages. Thus, the corrugated and flat portions of the first wrapper may define, with the second wrapper at least, respectively, a fluted region and a rod-shaped region of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element. It will be appreciated that a core made of paper or other biodegradable (e.g., comprising non-cellulose acetate) filter material may conform to the profiled (e.g., corrugated) and/or non-profiled (i.e., flat) surfaces of the first wrapper.

Applicants have found that the use of a paper wrapper having a basis weight of 80gsm with a profiled (e.g., corrugated) surface for the first wrapper maintains structural integrity and channel depth.

The second wrapper may be paper having a basis weight of 25gsm to 140gsm, such as 60gsm to 100gsm (e.g., plug wrap), such as 80gsm (e.g., plug wrap).

The second wrapper may be breathable (e.g. up to 32000 Coresta units). Alternatively, the second wrapper may be impermeable to air.

The mouthpiece or filter element may comprise a plurality of other channels defined by the first wrapper and at least the second wrapper, which channels extend in the longitudinal direction of the core and extend only part of the length of the core, but not from the upstream or downstream end of the core. The mouthpiece or filter element may comprise 5 to 25 other channels, preferably 10 to 16 other channels, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the core and extend only part of the length of the core, but not from the upstream or downstream end of the core. In such examples, the filter has more than one portion without channels (i.e., more than one rod-like portion).

In an example, a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to the present utility model comprises a 5mm channel section at one end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element, a 5mm rod-shaped portion adjacent to the channel section, a 5mm channel section at the other end of the mouthpiece, a 5mm rod-shaped portion adjacent to the channel section, and another 5mm channel section between the rod-shaped portions, such that the channels of the sections do not extend from the upstream or downstream end of the core.

The paper filter material and/or other biodegradable (e.g., comprising non-cellulose acetate) filter material may be paper (in any form) that is commonly used in filters for smoking articles. The paper filter material and/or other biodegradable (e.g., comprising non-cellulose acetate) filter material may be standard paper, nonwoven paper, airlaid paper, carbon impregnated paper, or cellulose/lyocell/viscose based paper.

The paper filter material and/or other biodegradable (e.g., comprising non-cellulose acetate) filter material may be non-plastic plant-based fibers (e.g., flax, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch, or wood pulp or mixtures of such materials).

The applicant has found that the use of standard paper filter material may be particularly suitable for the core of the present utility model, since standard paper filter material has good filtration properties and is flexible such that it can easily conform to the profiled (e.g. corrugated) and/or non-profiled (i.e. flat) surfaces of the first wrapper, which means that channels only exist between the first wrapper and the second wrapper.

Preferably, the length of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element is from 12mm to 30mm, for example from 15mm to 28mm, for example from 18mm to 26mm, for example from 20mm to 24mm.

Preferably, the circumference of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element is 14mm to 30mm, for example 16mm to 25mm, for example 24mm to 25mm.

The mouthpiece or filter element may be biodegradable, having a biodegradability of greater than 90% as measured by the method of analysing released carbon dioxide, as determined by the final aerobic biodegradability of ISO14855-1 plastic material under controlled composting conditions.

Preferably, the mouthpiece, filter or filter element has a "easy biodegradability" level of biodegradability as measured according to the OECD 301B "easy biodegradability" method (modified Sturm test).

The mouthpiece, filter or filter element may include a smoke or vapor altering agent that may alter or enhance the consumer experience. The smoke or vapor altering agent may impart additional taste or odor to the vapor passing through the mouthpiece or filter, or may suppress certain flavors or odors. The smoke or vapor modifying agent may be located in or on a longitudinally extending core made of paper or other biodegradable (e.g., non-cellulose acetate containing) filter material or on the first wrapper and/or the second wrapper. The smoke or vapor modifying agent may be a particulate additive. The particulate additive may be activated carbon (e.g., activated carbon particles), zeolite, ion exchange resin (e.g., weakly basic anion exchange resin), sepiolite (e.g., sepiolite particles), silica gel, alumina, molecular sieves, carbonaceous polymer resins, and diatomaceous earth. The particulate additive may be a mixture of two or more of these additives. The smoke or vapor altering agent may be a liquid additive (e.g., a flavour enhancing additive, such as an additive that is chemically beneficial to smoke). The flavour enhancing additive may be any known in the art, for example peppermint, fruit, berry, vanilla, chocolate, coffee and the like with a suitable carrier such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil, other oils and the like. The additive beneficial to smoke chemistry may be Propyl Gallate (PG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), triacetin (Triacetin) or triethyl citrate (TEC).

The filter element of the present utility model may be used in a multi-segment filter as a single segment with one or more discrete other segments. The filter structure may be two, three, four or more discrete sections. The discrete segments may be, for example, plugs made of filter material (e.g., paper filter material and/or other biodegradable (e.g., non-cellulose acetate containing) filter material), which may include capsules, carbon, CPS, tubing, acetate, paper, peppermint, and the like. The multi-section filter may be attached to a tobacco rod (the tobacco rod may be made of any form of tobacco, including reconstituted tobacco).

According to the present utility model there is provided a smoking article comprising a filter element or multi-section filter as described and claimed herein joined at one end to a wrapped tobacco rod (e.g. by conventional means, i.e. by tipping paper).

In an example, a smoking article according to the utility model comprises a filter according to the utility model comprising a 9mm fluted portion at one end of the filter and an 18mm rod-like portion as the remaining length of the filter, joined to a wrapped tobacco rod (i.e. by tipping paper) at the fluted end. In another example, a smoking article according to the utility model comprises a filter according to the utility model comprising a 9mm flute section at one end of the filter and an 18mm rod-like portion as the remaining length of the filter, joined to a wrapped tobacco rod (i.e. by tipping paper) at the rod-like end.

It will be appreciated that in the above examples, the end appearance of the smoking article is different to the consumer, depending on whether the fluted end or the rod-shaped end is joined to the wrapped tobacco rod, and thus whether the fluted end or the rod-shaped end is located at the mouth end of the smoking article and is therefore visible. The applicant has found that by arranging the fluted section (as opposed to the rod-shaped section) at the mouth end of the smoking article, a unique end appearance can be provided to the consumer that is visually attractive and can help to combat counterfeits. Alternatively, the arrangement of the rod-shaped end at the mouth end of the smoking article may give the impression of a standard single-section (i.e. single-paper) filter.

According to the present utility model, there is also provided in a further aspect a method for manufacturing a mouthpiece, filter or filter element, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a longitudinally extending continuous core made of paper filter material or other biodegradable (e.g., non-cellulose acetate containing) filter material;

engaging and securing a first wrapper (e.g. plug wrap) around the outer peripheral surface of the core;

engaging and securing a second wrapper around the wrapped core, the first wrapper defining with at least the second wrapper a plurality of channels extending in the longitudinal direction of the core;

The continuous core is cut to form individual mouthpieces or filter elements arranged such that the cut ends form an upstream end of the mouthpieces, filters or filter elements and a downstream end of the mouthpieces, filters or filter elements.

The first wrapper may be a sheet of material with projections to provide a profiled surface such that the first wrapper has longitudinally extending corrugations (e.g. grooves and ridges) along regular sections of its length.

Preferably, the first wrappers are uniformly convex so as to provide grooves of uniform depth and width over their longitudinal extent. The depth of the grooves may be 0.5mm to 2.6mm, for example 0.8mm to 2.2mm, for example 1.3mm to 2.1mm, preferably 1.35mm to 2mm, for example 1.4mm to 1.9mm. The width (e.g., maximum width) of each groove may be 1mm to 3.0mm, such as 1.3mm to 2.1mm, preferably 1.35mm to 2.1mm, such as 1.4mm to 1.9mm.

The first wrapper may have a raised (e.g., corrugated) portion and a non-profiled (i.e., flat) portion. The raised portions and flat portions may be alternating and may have the same or different lengths.

It will be appreciated that the corrugated portion of the first wrapper may define a channel (i.e. a fluted portion) with at least the second wrapper extending in the longitudinal direction of the core, while the flat portion of the first wrapper may not define a channel (i.e. a rod-like portion) in the length of the core around which the flat portion of the wrapper engages. Thus, the corrugated and flat portions of the first wrapper may define, respectively, at least with the second wrapper, a fluted region and a rod-shaped region of a separate mouthpiece, filter or filter element (i.e. after cutting).

The continuous core of paper filter material or other biodegradable (e.g., comprising non-cellulose acetate) filter material may be cut axially at any location along the continuous core to form individual mouthpieces or filter elements. It will be appreciated that the cut end forms an upstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element and a downstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element. Thus, depending on whether the continuous core is cut through or between the fluted portions or rod-like portions, the length and arrangement of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element (i.e., slot-rod, i.e., slot-rod-slot, i.e., rod-slot-rod) will be determined.

It will be appreciated that the paper filter material or other biodegradable (e.g., comprising non-cellulose acetate) filter material, first wrapper, second wrapper, channel dimensions, etc. described above may be used in a method of manufacturing a mouthpiece, filter or filter element.

According to the present utility model, a mouthpiece, filter or filter element obtained by the method as described and claimed herein is provided below.

Drawings

The utility model will now be described in further detail by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to an example of the utility model;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to another example of the utility model;

fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to another example of the utility model;

fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to another example of the utility model;

fig. 5 shows a comparison of the filter of the present utility model that can deliver mainstream smoke with a conventional paper filter and a CPS acetate filter.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100 of 27mm length and 24mm circumference. The mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100 comprises a longitudinally extending core 101 of standard paper filter material of 27mm length, a first wrapper 102 of 80gsm paper joined around the outer peripheral surface of the core 101, and a second wrapper 103 of 100gsm paper joined around the first wrapper 102. The first wrapper 102 and at least the second wrapper 103 define sixteen channels 104 (i.e. fluted portions) of depth 1.5mm, width 1.2mm and length 9mm extending longitudinally from the upstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 101. The total cross-sectional area of these channels was 6.1% of the total cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element. The remaining 18mm length of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100 does not include channels (i.e., is a rod-like portion) in its cross-section.

The mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100 may be manufactured by using techniques known in the art by a method comprising the steps of:

providing a longitudinally extending continuous core made of 36gsm standard paper filter material;

engaging and securing a 80gsm first wrapper having alternating raised (e.g., corrugated) and non-profiled (i.e., flat) portions around the outer peripheral surface of the core;

engaging and securing a second wrapper of 100gsm paper around the wrapped core, the first wrapper defining with at least the second wrapper a plurality of channels extending in the longitudinal direction of the core;

the continuous core is cut between the raised and non-profiled portions of the first wrapper to form individual mouthpieces, filters or filter elements 100 arranged such that the cut ends form fluted upstream ends of the mouthpieces, filters or filter elements and rod downstream ends of the mouthpieces, filters or filter elements.

Figure 2 shows a mouthpiece, filter or filter element 200 of 27mm length and 24mm circumference. The mouthpiece, filter or filter element 200 comprises a longitudinally extending core 201 of standard paper filter material of 27mm length, a first wrapper 202 of 80gsm paper joined around the outer peripheral surface of the core 201, and a second wrapper 203 of 100gsm paper joined around the first wrapper 202. The first wrapper 202 and at least the second wrapper 203 define sixteen channels 204 of depth 1.2mm, width 1.8mm and length 27mm extending longitudinally along the entire length of the core 201. The total cross-sectional area of these channels is 4.5% of the total cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element.

It will be appreciated that the method for manufacturing the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100 described above may be used to manufacture the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 200. However, in the method for manufacturing the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 200, the first wrapper is only raised such that the first wrapper has longitudinally extending corrugations (e.g., grooves and ridges) along a regular portion of its length and does not include non-profiled (i.e., flat) portions.

Figure 3 shows a mouthpiece, filter or filter element 300 of 27mm length and 24mm circumference. The mouthpiece, filter or filter element 300 comprises a longitudinally extending core 301 of standard paper filter material of 27mm length, a first wrapper 202 of 80gsm paper joined around the outer peripheral surface of the core 301, and a second wrapper 303 of 100gsm paper joined around the first wrapper 302. The first wrapper 302 defines, with at least the second wrapper 303, sixteen channels 304 of 1.35mm depth, 1.35mm width and 9mm length extending longitudinally from the upstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 300, and 12 channels 304 of 1.35mm depth, 1.35mm width and 9mm length extending longitudinally from the downstream end of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 300. The total cross-sectional area of these channels is 4.8% of the total cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element. The remaining 9mm length of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 300 does not include channels (i.e., is a rod-like portion) in its cross-section.

It will be appreciated that the above-described method for manufacturing the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100 may be used to manufacture the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 300. However, in the method for manufacturing the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 300, the continuous core is cut through the raised portion of the first wrapper such that the cut ends form fluted upstream and downstream ends of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 300.

Fig. 4 shows a mouthpiece, filter or filter element 400 of length 27mm and circumference 24 mm. The mouthpiece, filter or filter element 400 comprises a longitudinally extending core 401 of standard paper filter material of 27mm length, a first wrapper 402 of 80gsm paper joined around the outer peripheral surface of the core 401, and a second wrapper 403 of 100gsm paper joined around the first wrapper 402. The first wrapper 402 and at least the second wrapper 403 define sixteen channels 404 of depth 1.35mm, width 1.35mm and length 7mm, the sixteen channels 404 not extending from the upstream or downstream ends of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 400. The total cross-sectional area of these channels is 4.8% of the total cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element. The two remaining 7mm length mouthpieces, filters or filter elements 400 located on either side of the 7mm fluted portion do not include channels (i.e. are rod-shaped portions) in their cross-section.

It will be appreciated that the above-described method for manufacturing the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100 may be used to manufacture the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 400. However, in the method for manufacturing the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 400, the continuous core is cut through the non-profiled (i.e., flat) portion of the first wrapper such that the cut ends form the rod-shaped upstream and downstream ends of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 400.

It will be appreciated that the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100, 200, 300 and 400 may be used in a multi-segment filter as a single segment with one or more discrete other segments. Further, it will be appreciated that the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100, 200, 300, and 400, or a multi-segment filter comprising the mouthpiece, filter or filter element 100, 200, 300, or 400, may be joined at one end to a wrapped tobacco rod for use as a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product, e.g., an HNB product).

Smoke and sensory test 1

The filter a of the present utility model (as shown in fig. 1) is manufactured by the above-described method.

The filter was tested with conventional paper filters (i.e., single paper filters) and conventional cellulose acetate (i.e., single acetate) filters.

Filter a, the single paper filter, and the single acetate filter were assembled for smoke testing by joining each of the filter a, the single paper filter, and the single acetate filter at one end to a wrapped tobacco rod to form a cigarette. The mouth end of each cigarette is then inserted into a smoking machine configured to smoke the cigarette. The test was performed at standard room temperature and humidity.

The amount of phenol in the smoke of the cigarette including filter a (30.8 mg/cigarette) was lower than the amount of phenol in the smoke of the cigarette including the single paper filter (34.7 mg/cigarette). Thus, the filter of the present utility model is able to reduce the amount of phenol by up to 12% compared to a single paper filter.

Filter a, the single paper filter and the single acetate filter were assembled for sensory testing by joining one end of each filter to a wrapped tobacco rod to form a cigarette. The results of the preliminary smoke panel show that the mouthpiece, filter or filter element of the present utility model can improve smoothness compared to a single paper filter and a single acetate filter.

Smoke and sensory test 2

The filter of the present utility model is structured identically to acetic acid comprising high quality wound cellulose acetate fibers bonded together by a plasticizerCellulose filters (i.e. Combined Performance Superior available from Essentra plc ^TM (CPS ^TM ) Filters) were tested. Such filters are known as CPS acetate filters.

Filter a, the single paper filter, and the single acetate filter were assembled for smoke testing by joining each of the filter a, the single paper filter, and the single acetate filter at one end to a wrapped tobacco rod to form a cigarette. The mouth end of each cigarette is inserted into a smoking machine configured to smoke the cigarette. The test was performed at standard room temperature and humidity.

Fig. 5 shows the amounts of phenol, nicotine-free dry particulate matter (NFDPM), nicotine, carbon monoxide and water in the smoke of each filtered cigarette. The results for the single paper filtered cigarettes from smoke and sensory test 1 have been included in figure 5 for comparison.

Filter a had a lower yield (11.4 mg/cigarette) of dry particulate matter (NFDPM) removed than CPS acetate filter (13.69 mg/cigarette). Thus, the filter of the present utility model is capable of reducing the amount of NFDPM compared to CPS acetate filters. Filter a also had nicotine, carbon monoxide and water yields comparable to the CPS filter, indicating that the mouthpiece, filter or filter element of the present utility model is comparable to a cellulose acetate filter of the same construction. Thus, the mouthpiece, filter or filter element of the present utility model may provide a biodegradable filter with comparable filtration performance that may replace the CPS acetate filter.

Filter a and CPS acetate filter were assembled for sensory testing by joining each filter to a wrapped tobacco rod at one end to form a cigarette. The results of the smoke panels demonstrate that the mouthpiece, filter or filter element of the present utility model can improve smoothness compared to a single paper filter and a CPS acetate filter. In this test, filter a provided both smoother smoke than the single paper filter and also smoother smoke than the CPS acetate filter.

Biodegradability test

The biodegradability of paper filter materials and/or other biodegradable (e.g., non-cellulose acetate containing) filter materials used in the mouthpiece, filter or filter element of the present utility model are compared to the biodegradability of known cellulose acetate filters and cellulose acetate containing filters.

Biodegradability is measured by the method of analysing released carbon dioxide according to the determination of the final aerobic biodegradability of ISO14855-1 plastic materials under controlled composting conditions. The test provides a numerical value (expressed as a percentage) of the biodegradability of the material over a period of 180 days under optimal oxygen, temperature and humidity conditions.

Table 1 shows the biodegradability results of monoacetate filters, air laid paper filters (Genia), wood pulp paper filters compared to conventional Cellulose Acetate (CA) filter rods when tested according to the method of ISO 14855-1. These filters are purchased or manufactured according to methods known in the art.

TABLE 1

Table 1 shows that wood pulp paper has the highest biodegradability among all filter materials. In addition, airlaid paper (Genia) also exhibited good biodegradability compared to CA.

Thus, the paper filter material and/or other biodegradable filter materials used in the mouthpiece, filter or filter element of the present utility model degrade faster and more widely than cellulose acetate.

In another aspect of the utility model, there is provided a method for manufacturing a mouthpiece, a filter or a filter element, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:

providing a longitudinally extending continuous core formed of paper filter material or other biodegradable (non-cellulose acetate containing) filter material;

engaging and securing a first wrapper (e.g., plug wrap) around an outer peripheral surface of the core;

Engaging and securing a second wrapper about the wrapped core, the first wrapper defining with at least the second wrapper a plurality of channels extending in the longitudinal direction of the core;

A method of manufacturing a mouthpiece, filter or filter element according to the above aspect, wherein the first wrapper is raised to provide a profiled (e.g. corrugated) surface such that the first wrapper has longitudinally extending corrugations along a regular section of the length of the first wrapper.

According to a further aspect of the present utility model there is provided a mouthpiece, filter or filter element obtainable by a method according to any of the above aspects.

Claims

1. A filter element comprising a longitudinally extending core of biodegradable filter material, a first wrapper engaged around an outer peripheral surface of the core, and a second wrapper engaged around the first wrapper, the first wrapper defining with at least the second wrapper a plurality of first channels extending longitudinally from an upstream end of the filter element and/or a plurality of first channels extending longitudinally from a downstream end of the filter element.

2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the first channel extends the entire length of the core.

3. The filter element of claim 1, comprising 5 to 25 first channels extending longitudinally from the upstream end of the filter element and/or 5 to 25 first channels extending longitudinally from the downstream end of the filter element.

4. A filter element according to claim 3, comprising 10 to 16 first channels extending longitudinally from the upstream end of the filter element and/or 10 to 16 first channels extending longitudinally from the downstream end of the filter element.

5. The filter element of claim 1, wherein a total cross-sectional area of the first channels extending longitudinally from the upstream end and/or the downstream end of the filter element is up to 2% to 12% of the total cross-sectional area of the filter element.

6. The filter element of claim 5, wherein a total cross-sectional area of the first channels extending longitudinally from the upstream end and/or the downstream end of the filter element is up to 4% to 8% of the total cross-sectional area of the filter element.

7. The filter element of claim 1, comprising a plurality of second channels defined by the first wrapper and at least the second wrapper, the plurality of second channels extending in a longitudinal direction of the core and extending only a portion of a length of the core but not from the upstream end or the downstream end of the core.

8. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable filter material is a paper filter material.

9. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable filter material comprises non-cellulose acetate.

10. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the first channel extends only a portion of the length of the core.

11. The filter element of any of claims 1-10, wherein at least one longitudinally extending portion of the filter element does not include the first channel within a cross-section of the at least one longitudinally extending portion.

12. The filter element of any of claims 1-10, wherein the first channel has a length of 5mm to 30mm.

13. The filter element of claim 12, wherein the first channel has a length of 9mm to 25mm.

14. The filter element of any of claims 1-10, wherein each first channel has a depth of 0.5mm to 2.6mm.

15. The filter element of claim 14, wherein each first channel has a depth of 0.8mm to 2.2mm.

16. The filter element of claim 15, wherein each first channel has a depth of 1.3mm to 2.1mm.

17. The filter element of claim 16, wherein each first channel has a depth of 1.35mm to 2mm.

18. The filter element of claim 17, wherein each first channel has a depth of 1.4mm to 1.9mm.

19. The filter element of any of claims 1-10, wherein each first channel has a width of 1.0mm to 3.0mm.

20. The filter element of claim 19, wherein the width is a maximum width.

21. The filter element of claim 19, wherein each first channel has a width of 1.3mm to 2.1mm.

22. The filter element of claim 21, wherein each first channel has a width of 1.35mm to 2mm.

23. The filter element of claim 22, wherein each first channel has a width of 1.4mm to 1.9mm.

24. The filter element of any of claims 1-10, wherein the first wrapper has longitudinally extending corrugations defining first channels with the second wrapper extending in a longitudinal direction of the filter.

25. A filter element comprising a longitudinally extending core of biodegradable filter material, a first wrapper engaged around an outer peripheral surface of the core, and a second wrapper engaged around the first wrapper, the first wrapper defining with at least the second wrapper a plurality of second channels extending in a longitudinal direction of the filter element and not extending from an upstream or downstream end of the filter element.

26. The filter element of claim 25, wherein the biodegradable filter material is a paper filter material.

27. The filter element of claim 25, wherein the biodegradable filter material comprises non-cellulose acetate.

28. The filter element of claim 25, wherein the second channel extends only a portion of the length of the core.

29. The filter element of any of claims 25 to 28, wherein at least one longitudinally extending portion of the filter element does not include the second channel within a cross-section of the at least one longitudinally extending portion.

30. A filter element according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the length of the second channel is from 5mm to 30mm.

31. The filter element of claim 30, wherein the second channel has a length of 9mm to 25mm.

32. A filter element as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the depth of each second channel is from 0.5mm to 2.6mm.

33. The filter element of claim 32, wherein each second channel has a depth of 0.8mm to 2.2mm.

34. The filter element of claim 33, wherein each second channel has a depth of 1.3mm to 2.1mm.

35. The filter element of claim 34, wherein each second channel has a depth of 1.35mm to 2mm.

36. The filter element of claim 35, wherein each second channel has a depth of 1.4mm to 1.9mm.

37. The filter element of any of claims 25 to 28, wherein each second channel has a width of 1.0mm to 3.0mm.

38. The filter element of claim 37, wherein the width is a maximum width.

39. The filter element of claim 37, wherein each second channel has a width of 1.3mm to 2.1mm.

40. The filter element of claim 39, wherein each second channel has a width of 1.35mm to 2mm.

41. The filter element of claim 40, wherein each second channel has a width of 1.4mm to 1.9mm.

42. The filter element of any of claims 1-10 and 25-28, wherein the first wrapper is paper having a basis weight of 60gsm to 100 gsm.

43. The filter element of claim 42, wherein the paper of the first wrapper is plug wrap.

44. The filter element of claim 42, wherein the first wrapper is paper having a basis weight of 70gsm to 90 gsm.

45. The filter element of claim 44, wherein the first wrapper is paper having a basis weight of 80 gsm.

46. The filter element of any of claims 1-10 and 25-28, wherein the first wrapper is gas permeable.

47. The filter element of any of claims 25-28, wherein the first wrapper has longitudinally extending corrugations defining with the second wrapper a second channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the filter.

48. The filter element of claim 47, wherein the corrugations are grooves or ridges.

49. The filter element of any of claims 1-10 and 25-28, wherein the second wrapper is paper having a basis weight of 25gsm to 140 gsm.

50. The filter element of claim 49, wherein the paper of the second wrapper is plug wrap.

51. The filter element of claim 49, wherein the second wrapper is paper having a basis weight of 70gsm to 90 gsm.

52. The filter element of claim 51, wherein the second wrapper is paper having a basis weight of 80 gsm.

53. The filter element of any of claims 1-10 and 25-28, wherein the biodegradable filter material is a nonwoven paper, an airlaid paper, a carbon impregnated paper, or a cellulose/lyocell/viscose based paper.

54. The filter element of any one of claims 1-10 and 25-28, wherein the biodegradable filter material is a non-plastic plant-based fiber.

55. The filter element of claim 54, wherein the plant-based fiber is flax, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp or a mixture of these materials.

56. The filter element of any one of claims 1-10 and 25-28, wherein the filter element has a length of 12mm to 30mm.

57. The filter element of claim 56, wherein the filter element has a length of 15mm to 28mm.

58. The filter element of claim 57, wherein the filter element has a length of 18mm to 26mm.

59. The filter element of claim 58, wherein the filter element has a length of 20mm to 24mm.

60. The filter element of any one of claims 1-10 and 25-28, wherein the filter element has a biodegradability of greater than 90% as measured by a method of analyzing released carbon dioxide according to the determination of the final aerobic biodegradability of ISO14855-1 plastic material under controlled composting conditions.

61. The filter element of any one of claims 1-10 and 25-28, wherein the filter element has a "easy biodegradability" level of biodegradability measured according to the OECD 301B "easy biodegradability" method.

62. A multi-section filter, characterized in that it comprises a filter element according to any one of claims 1-61 as a first section, and one or more separate second sections.

63. A smoking article comprising a filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 61 or a multi-section filter according to claim 62 joined at one end to a wrapped tobacco rod.

64. The smoking article of claim 63, wherein the smoking article is a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, or a heated non-combustible product.

65. A smoking article according to claim 63, wherein said filter element or said multi-section filter is attached at one end to a wrapped tobacco rod by tipping paper.