DK166707B1 - SMOKE MOVEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

A member is provided for conducting heat from a combustible fuel element to an 'aerosol' generator which includes aerosol-forming material. The conducting member is spaced from the lighting end of the fuel element by at least 5 mm., and can circumscribe both the fuel element and generator, at least partially. Alternatively, the conductor contacts the fuel element along less than approx. half its length, e.g. it is embedded within it. Pref. the fuel element has a length of less than approx. 30 mm and has a density of about 0.5 g/cc.

Description

in DK 166707 B1

The present invention relates to a cigarette-like smoking product of the kind set forth in claim 1. It thus relates to a smoking product substantially in the form of a cigarette which produces an aerosol similar to tobacco smoke and which advantageously contains lesser amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products than normally produced by a conventional cigarette.

Many smoking products have been proposed over the years, especially over the last 20 to 30 years, but none of these products have ever achieved any success in the market.

Despite decades of interest and effort, there are still no smoking products on the market that provide the benefits and benefits of conventional cigarette smoking, without providing substantial amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products produced by a conventional cigarette.

The present invention is directed to a cigarette type smoking product comprising a carbonaceous fuel element at the ignition end and a physically separate aerosol forming member located between the fuel element and the mouth of the product. According to the invention, the initially mentioned smoking product is characterized by the ring of tobacco-containing material according to the characterizing part of claim 1 and thus surrounds at least part of the aerosol-forming member. It is preferred that the smoking product comprises a heat conducting member disposed to conduct heat from the fuel member to the aerosol forming member. It is also preferred that the fuel element comprises one or more longitudinal flow openings or ducts. Advantageously, at least a portion of the fuel element is surrounded by an elastic resilient insulating jacket, thereby reducing radial heat loss.

Upon ignition, the fuel element generates heat which is used to evaporate the aerosol forming materials in the aerosol forming member. These materials are then sucked towards the mouth end, especially during suction and into the user's mouth in a similar manner to a conventional cigarette smoke. Smoking products according to the invention can produce significant amounts of aerosol, both at the beginning and over the useful life of the product, and can provide the user with the emotions and benefits of c in goose smoking. The aerosol-forming organ produced by the aerosol is produced without significant thermal degradation and is delivered advantageously to the user with substantially reduced pyrolysis and incomplete combustion product quantities than normally supplied with a conventional cigarette.

The annular portion of tobacco-containing material disposed around the perimeter of the aerosol forming organ helps to simulate the feel and taste and aroma of a known cigarette. 15 As the fuel element burns, hot gases are advantageously sucked through the tobacco-containing material so that the tube-like aerosol comprises the evaporative tobacco flavor and flavor.

Advantageously, the fuel element used in the smoking product of the invention is less than about 30 mm long, preferably less than about 20 mm long, and has a density of at least about 0.5 g / cm 2, preferably of at least about 0.7 g / cm as measured, for example, by mercury displacement. Suitable fuel elements may be formed or extruded from comminuted or reconstituted tobacco and / or a tobacco substitute, and preferably contain combustible carbon. Preferred fuel elements also have one or more longitudinal flow channels, preferably from 5 to 9 flow channels or 30 more, which assist in regulating the heat transfer from the burning fuel element to the aerosol forming materials of the aerosol forming member.

Advantageously, the aerosol forming means comprises a substrate or carrier, preferably of a heat-stable material carrying one or more aerosol forming materials. Preferably, there is a conductive heat exchange connection between the fuel and the aerosol generator. The conductive heat exchange compound is obtained by providing a heat conducting member such as a metal conductor which contacts the fuel element and the aerosol forming member and effectively conducts or transfers the heat from the burning fuel element to the aerosol forming member. This thermally conductive member preferably touches the fuel element and the aerosol forming member about at least a portion of their peripheral surfaces, and is preferably recessed or spaced from the ignition end of the fuel element, advantageously at least about 3 mm and preferably at least about 5 mm to avoid interference with the the ignition and burning of the fuel and to prevent the heat conducting part from protruding in any way. In particular, it is preferred that the thermally conductive portion also encloses at least one portion of the substrate for the aerosol forming materials. Alternatively, a separate conductive container may be provided to enclose the aerosol forming materials.

At least part of the aerosol forming member is provided with a peripheral sheath of tobacco-containing material such as tobacco or tobacco mixed with insulating fibers, e.g. glass fibers. The annular portion of tobacco disposed around the perimeter of the aerosol forming member advantageously acts as an insulating member to help keep heat in the aerosol forming member. The tobacco ring also helps to simulate the aroma, feel or grip and taste of a known cigarette.

Preferably, at least one fuel element portion is provided with a peripheral insulating member, such as a sheath of insulating fibers.

This portion is preferably of a resilient or resilient non-combustible material that is at least 0.5 mm thick. This portion reduces the radial heat loss and assists in retaining and directing the heat from the fuel element towards the aerosol-forming member and to reduce the fuel-emitting property of the fuel. The preferred insulating member encloses at least one portion of the fuel element and advantageously at least one portion of the aerosol forming member, which helps to simulate the feel of a conventional cigarette. The materials used for the isolation of the fuel element and the aerosol forming member may be the same or different.

5

Since the preferred fuel element is relatively short, the burning fire cone is always close to the aerosol forming member, maximizing heat transfer to it and the resulting aerosol production, especially in embodiments equipped with a multiple flow duct fuel element, a heat conducting portion and / or an insulating part. A relatively high density fuel material is used to help ensure that the small fuel element burns long enough to simulate a conventional cigarette burn time and to provide sufficient energy to generate the aerosol amounts. Since the aerosol-forming substance is physically separated from the fuel element, it is subjected to substantially lower temperatures than are found in the burning firecone, thereby reducing the possibility of heat decomposition of the aerosol former.

The smoking product according to the invention usually has an mouthpiece comprising means such as a longitudinal flow channel for supplying the volatile material produced by the aerosol forming member to the user. It is preferred that the mouthpiece comprises an elastic or resilient outer member such as an annular section of cellulose acetate to assist in simulating a grip as on a conventional cigarette. Advantageously, the goods have the same overall dimensions as a known cigarette, and as a result, the nozzle and the aerosol delivery means generally extend over half or more of the length of the product. Alternatively, the fuel element and the aerosol forming member may be manufactured with a built-in nozzle or aerosol delivery means for use with a separate disposable or reusable nozzle.

A tobacco joint can be placed between the aerosol forming member and the mouth of the product. A tobacco batch can also be mixed with or used as a substrate for the aerosol forming material. Other substances such as flavorings may also be included in the product to flavor and otherwise alter the aerosol supplied to the user.

5

Smoking products according to the invention usually use substantially less fuel on a volume basis, and preferably on a weight basis, than conventional cigarettes to produce acceptable aerosol levels. In addition, the aerosol 10 supplied to the user usually has a lower content of pyrolysis and incomplete combustion products due to the non-degraded aerosol of the aerosol-forming organ, and because of the high density short fuel element, especially in embodiments with a plurality of longitudinal flow channels , substantially reduced amounts of pyrolysis and / or incomplete combustion products are produced over a conventional cigarette, even when the fuel element comprises tobacco or other cellulosic material.

As used herein, and for the purposes of the present application only, "aerosol" is defined to include vapors, gases, particles and the like, both visible and invisible, and in particular those components which the user perceives to be "smoke-like" generated by the heat effect. from the burning fuel element of the substance, the space in the aerosol-forming organ, or elsewhere in the article, stops. As defined in this way, "aerosol" includes volatile aromatizers and / or pharmacologically or physiologically active substances, whether or not they produce a visible aerosol.

30

As used herein, the term "conductive heat exchange compound" is defined as a physical arrangement of the aerosol-forming member and the fuel element, whereby heat is transferred by conduction from the burning fuel element to the aerosol-forming member, substantially during the entire burning time of the fuel element. Conductive heat exchange connection can be obtained by placing the aerosol forming member in contact with the fuel element and close to the burning element of the fuel element, and / or by using a conductive member to transfer heat from the burning fuel to the aerosol forming member. Preferably, both methods are used to provide conductive heat exchange.

As used herein, the term "insulating member" refers to all materials which primarily act as insulators. Preferably, these materials do not burn during use, but they may include slow-burning carbons and similar materials, and in particular materials that melt during use, such as low temperature gradient glass fibers. Suitable insulators have a thermal conductivity in g-cal / (s) (cm 2) (° C / cm) of less than about 0.05 and preferably less than about 0.02, and more preferably less than about 0.005. See Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 34 (4th ed., 1969) and Lange's Handbook of Chemistry, 10, pp. 272-274 (11.

ugave, 1973).

The invention is described in greater detail below on the basis of the drawings in which FIG. 1 - 3 are longitudinal sections through various embodiments of a smoking product; Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 3A show different designs for flow openings in fuel elements, seen from the end and suitable for use in the embodiments of the invention; 2A is a sectional view along the line shown in FIG. 2 according to the invention according to the invention along 2A-2A in fig. 2, FIG. 2B is an enlarged scale view of a metal container used in the embodiment of FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a longitudinal section through a preferred embodiment of a fuel element flow port suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention.

DK 166707 B1 7

The 1 to 3 embodiments of the subject matter of the invention preferably have the general dimensions of a conventional cigar. As shown, the smoking products comprise a short, about 20 mm long, combustible fuel element 10 and associated aerosol forming member 12, and a film-lined paper tube 14 forming the mouthpiece 15 of the product.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a resilient jacket 72 surrounds the periphery of both the fuel element 10 and the aero-10 solar forming member 12. The resilient jacket 72 is advantageously composed of a mixture of tobacco and insulating fibers such as glass fibers. Advantageously, the glass fibers melt during the combustion of the fuel element. This jacket 72 is wrapped with a non-porous paper 73 such as P 878-5, delivered from Kimberly-Clark. In this embodiment, the fuel element is about 15-20 mm long and preferably has 3 or more holes 16 to increase the flow of atmospheric air through the fuel. 3 suitable flow channel arrangements are illustrated in FIG. 1A, 1B and 1C.

In this embodiment, the aerosol forming member 12 comprises a metal container 74 which encloses a granular substrate 38 and / or densified tobacco 76, each of which may or may comprise an aerosol forming material. As illustrated 25, the open end 75 of the container 74 overlaps the rear portion of the fuel element 10 by 3-5 mm. Alternatively, the open end 75 abuts against the rear end of the fuel element 10. The opposite end of the container 74 is shrunk to form a wall 78 having a plurality of channels 80 for the flow of gases, two-back flavors, and / or the aerosol forming material into the aerosol delivery channel 18.

A plastic tube 44 preferably abuts or overlaps the weighting 78 of the metal container 74 and is surrounded by a section of resilient cellulose acetate tow 42 of high density / density. An adhesive layer 82, or other material, may be applied to the fuel end of the bladder 42 to seal the bladder and block an atmospheric flow of air therethrough. A low efficiency filter stopper 45 is disposed at the mouth of the product, and the bladder 42 and filter plug 45 are preferably wrapped with a known prop wrap paper 85. A second layer of cigarette paper 86 may be used to connect the rear portion of the insulating cap 72 to the tow section. .

In a modified embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tobacco / glass fiber sheath 72 can also be used in place of the cellulose acetate blister 42 such that the sheath extends from the ignition end to the filter plug 45. In embodiments of this kind, an adhesive layer is preferably applied to the annular cross-section of the filter plug which abuts the insulating the end of the sheath or a short annular blister section is placed between the insulating sheath and the filter piece with adhesive applied to both ends.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which a 10-15 mm long fuel element 10 is wrapped with an insulating sheath 72 of glass fibers and the aerosol forming member is enclosed by a sheath of tobacco 88. The glass fibers used in this embodiment preferably have a softening temperature below 650 ° C, such as test fibers 6432 and 6437, supplied from Owens-Corning, Toledo, Ohio, to melt during use. The fiberglass and tobacco caps are each wrapped with a propom strike 85, such as Ecusta 646, and are assembled with a wrapper of cigarette paper 89, such as 780-63-5 or P 878-16-2, supplied from Kimberley-Clark. In this embodiment, the metal capsule 90 overlaps the rear 3 - 4 mm of the fuel element such that it is disposed approximately 6 - 12 mm from the ignition end, and the rear portion of the capsule 30 90 is shrunk to a shape as a rounded tab, see FIG. 2B. In the middle of the capsule and at its mouth there is a channel 91. At the junction points between the shrunk and shrunken portion of the capsule, there are 4 additional channels 92. Alternatively, the back of the capsule may have a rectangular or square cross-section instead of the tabs, or one may be used. a simple tubular capsule having a shrunken mouth end with or without peripheral ducts 92.

DK 166707 B1 9

At the mouth end of the tobacco sheath 88 there is an mouth end piece 40 comprising an annular section of cellulose acetate tow 42, a plastic tube 44, a low efficiency filter piece 45, and layers of cigarette paper 85 and 89. The mouth end piece 40 is connected to the fuel / caps end with sheaths at an enveloping layer of nozzle paper 86. As shown, the plastic tube 44 * s is encapsulated at intervals to the capsule 90. Thus, hot vapors flowing through the channels 92 pass through the tobacco cover 88 where volatile components of the tobacco are evaporated or extracted. , and then to the channel 18, where the tobacco sheath abuts against the cellulose acetate bladder 42.

In embodiments of this kind which have fuel insulating sheaths 72 of low density or density, atmospheric air and gases pass through the sheath 72 and into the tobacco sheath 88. Thus, the peripheral duct 92 of the capsule may be avoided for extracting tobacco flavor from tobacco caps 88.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the sheath 94 comprises tobacco 20 or a mixture of tobacco and insulating fibers, such as glass fibers. As shown, the tobacco sheath 94 extends just past the metal container 96 mouth end. In embodiments of this kind, the container 96 is preferably provided with one or more longitudinal slots 99 on the periphery (preferably 2 slots at 180 ° intervals) such that the vapors from the aerosol generator flow through the annular tobacco section surrounding the aerosol generator to extract tobacco flavor before flowing in. in channel 18.

As illustrated, the tobacco at the fuel element end of the sheath 94 is compressed. This helps reduce air flow through the tobacco, reducing its combustion potential. In addition, the container 96 helps to extinguish the tobacco by helping to lower the heat. This heat-lowering effect helps to stifle any combustion of the tobacco surrounding the capsule, and it also helps to distribute the heat evenly to the tobacco around the air-forming organ.

DK 166707 B1 10 thereby supporting the release of tobacco flavor components. In addition, it may be desirable to treat that portion of cigarette paper wrapper 85, 89 near the rear end of the fuel with a material such as sodium silicate to help extinguish the tobacco so that it will not burn significantly beyond the exposed portion of the cigarette. fuel element. Alternatively, the tobacco itself may be treated with a combustion modifier to prevent combustion of the tobacco surrounding the aerosol generator.

10

Upon ignition of any of the above mentioned embodiments, the fuel element burns and produces the heat used to evaporate the aerosol forming material or materials present in the aerosol generating means. These volatile materials are then sucked towards the mouth end, especially during suction, and into the user's mouth in the same way as for a known cigarette.

Since the fuel element is relatively short, the hot burning firecone is always close to the aerosol-forming body, which results in maximum heat transfer to the aerosol-forming organ and any tobacco flavor, and the resulting production of aerosol and by choice tobacco flavor, especially when the preferred heat conductive part is used. Since the fuel element is 25 short, there is never a long section of non-burning fuel to act as a means for lowering heat, as is common in previous thermal aerosol products. The low fuel quantity also tends to reduce the amount of incomplete combustion or pyrolysis products 30, especially in embodiments containing carbon and / or multiple through-openings.

Heat transfer and therefore aerosol for the supply are also increased by the use of flow openings through the fuel, which openings suck hot air to the aerosol generator, especially during suction. The heat transfer is increased by means of the preferred heat-conducting part which is spaced or set back from the ignition end of the fuel element to avoid interfering with the ignition and combustion of the fuel and to avoid any unsightly projection, even after use. In addition, the preferred insulating part tends to limit, control and concentrate the heat towards the center of the article, thereby increasing the heat transfer to the aerosol forming substance.

Since the aerosol-forming material is physically separated from the fuel element, it is subjected to substantially lower temperatures than those found in the burning fire cone. This reduces the possibility of heat decomposition of the aerosol generator and associated bad taste. This results in aerosol production during suction but minimal aerosol production from the aerosol-forming organ during wetting.

In the preferred embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, the short fuel element, the recirculated heat conducting portion, the insulating portion and / or the channels of the fuel interact with the aerosol generator to provide a system capable of producing substantial aerosol quantities and, by choice, tobacco flavor in reality. every single sigh. The close placement of the fire cone by the aerosol generator after a few suctions, in conjunction with the conductive portion, the insulating portion and / or the multiple flow openings in the fuel element, results in a very large heat supply both during suction and during a relatively long incremental period between puffs.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is presumed that the aerosol forming member is maintained at a relatively high temperature between the suction and that the heat supplied during suction, which is significantly increased by means of the preferred flow openings, is used primarily to evaporate the aerosol forming material. This increased heat transfer ensures more efficient use of available fuel energy, reduces the amount of fuel needed and contributes to delivering early aerosol.

DK 166707 B1 12

Further, by an appropriate choice of the fuel element composition, number, size, design and arrangement of the fuel element flow opening, insulating jacket, paper cover and / or heat conducting member, it is possible to significantly control the combustion characteristics of the fuel chain. This provides a significant control of the heat transfer to the aerosol generator, which in turn can be used to change the number of suction and / or the amount of aerosol supplied to the user.

10

In general, the combustible fuel elements which can be used in the practice of the present invention are less than about 30 mm long. Preferably, the fuel element is about 20 mm or less, especially about 15 mm or less in length. Advantageously, the diameter of the fuel element is about 8 mm or less, preferably between about 3 and 7 mm and especially between 4 and 6 mm. The density of the fuel elements that can be used here ranges from about 0.5 g / cm 3 to about 1.5 g / cm 3, as measured, for example, by mercury displacement. The density is preferably greater than 0.7 g / cm 3 and preferably greater than 0.8 g / cm 3. In most cases, a high density material is desirable as it helps ensure that the fuel element will burn long enough to simulate the burning time of a known cigarette and to provide sufficient energy to produce it. required aerosol amount.

The fuel elements suitable for practicing the present invention are carbonaceous fuel elements (i.e., fuel elements comprising primarily carbon). Carbonaceous fuel elements are particularly advantageous as they produce minimal pyrolysis and incomplete combustion products, produce little or no visible sidestream smoke, and minimal ash, and have a high heat capacity. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol supplied to the user has no significant mutagenic activity as measured by the Ames test. See Ames et al., Mut. Res., 31: 347-364 (1975); Nagas et al., Mut. Res., 42: 335 (1977).

DK 166707 B1 13

Fuel additives and combustion modifiers may also be included in the fuel to provide appropriate combustion and glow characteristics. If desired, fillers such as diatomic soils and binders such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) may also be included in the fuel. Flavors, such as tobacco extracts, can be included in the fuel to give the aerosol a tobacco flavor or other flavor.

It is preferred that the fuel element has one or more longitudinal flow openings. These flow openings help to regulate the heat transfer from the fuel element to the aerosol forming member, which is important both in terms of heat transfer to produce sufficient aerosol and in avoiding so much heat transfer that the aerosol generator is degraded. These flow openings provide porosity and also increase heat transfer to the substrate by increasing the amount of hot gases reaching the substrate. They also tend to increase the rate of combustion.

Generally, a large number of flow openings, for example about 5-9 or more, are provided, especially in connection with a relatively large gap between the flow openings, as in FIG. 1A and 3A, a large convection heat transfer, leading to large aerosol delivery. A large number of flow openings generally also help to facilitate ignition.

30 Large convection heat transfer tends to produce a larger amount of CO in the main stream. In order to reduce the CO level, fewer flow openings or a higher density fuel element can be used, but such changes generally cause the fuel element to be more difficult to ignite and to reduce the convection heat transfer, thereby reducing the aerosol delivery rate and amount. lowered. However, it has been discovered that when the flow openings are arranged with little spacing as in FIG. IB, so that they can burn through or gather to form a flow opening, at least. at the ignition end, the amount of CO in the combustion products 5 is generally lower than at the same arrangement but with widely dispersed flow openings.

Another preferred arrangement for the through-flow openings of the fuel element and which can be used in embodiments of the object of the invention is that shown in FIG. 3B illustrates designs which are found to be particularly advantageous in terms of low CO delivery and ignition ease. In this preferred arrangement, a short section is provided at the ignition end of the fuel element with a plurality of channels, preferably from about 5 to 9, joined in a large cavity 97 extending from the mouth end of the fuel element. The number of channels at the ignition end provides a large surface area designed to allow easy ignition and early aerosol delivery. The cavity, which can have a length of 30 - 95%, preferably 20% more than 50% of the length of the fuel element, helps to ensure uniform heat transfer to the aerosol forming member and causes a tendency for little CO to be supplied. mainstream.

The aerosol forming means used in the practice of the invention is physically separate from the fuel element. By physically separated is meant that the substrate, container or chamber containing the aerosol forming materials is not mixed with or constitutes part of the burning fuel element. As mentioned, this arrangement works to reduce or eliminate heat degradation of the aerosol-forming material and the presence of sidestream smoke. While the aerosol forming member is not part of the fuel, it is preferably in conductive heat exchange with the fuel element and preferably abuts or is adjacent to the fuel element. It is better if the conductive heat exchange compound is obtained by means of a heat conducting member, such as a metal tube or 15 DK Ί66 / ϋ / b1 film, which is preferably disposed offset spaced from the ignition end of the fuel.

It is preferred that the aerosol forming means comprise one or more thermally stable materials carrying one or more aerosol forming materials. As used herein, a thermally stable material is one that can withstand high temperatures, for example, 400 ° C - 600 ° C, which occurs close to the fuel, without decomposition or burning. Although not preferred, other aerosol-forming means such as heat-breakable microcapsules or solid aerosol-forming substances are within the scope of the present invention provided that they are capable of releasing sufficient aerosol-forming vapors to adequately resemble two-15 back smoke.

Thermally stable materials which can be used as a substrate or carrier for the aerosol forming materials are well known to those skilled in the art. Suitable substrates should be porous and should be able to retain an aerosol-forming material when not in use, and be capable of releasing a potential aerosol-forming steam upon heating by the fuel element. Substrates, especially particulate matter, may be placed in a container, preferably formed of a conductive material.

25

Suitable thermally stable materials include thermally stable adsorbent carbons such as porous quality carbons, graphite, active or inactive carbon, and the like. Other suitable materials include inorganic solids such as ceramic, glass, alumina, vermiculite, clays such as bentonite, and the like. Preferred carbon substrate materials include porous carbon such as PC-25 and PG-60 available from Union Carbide and SGL carbon available from Calgon. A preferred aluminum substrate is SMR-14-1896, available from Davidson Chemical Division / W.R.

Grace & Co., sintered at high temperatures, for example, higher than about 1000 ° C, are washed and dried prior to use.

DK 166707 B1 16

The aerosol forming material or materials used in the invention must be capable of forming an aerosol at the temperature present in the aerosol forming member when heated by the burning fuel element. Such materials 5 are preferably composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, but they may comprise other materials. The aerosol forming materials may be in solid, semi-solid or liquid form. The boiling point of the materials and / or material mixture can be in the range up to about 500 ° C. Substances with these characteristics include 10 polyhydric alcohols such as glycerine and propylene glycol, as well as aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as methyl stearate, dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradodecan dioate and others.

The preferred aerosol forming materials are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures of polyhydric alcohols. Particularly preferred aerosol formers are glycerine, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol or mixtures thereof.

The aerosol-forming material may be dispersed on or in the aerosol-forming member at a concentration sufficient to penetrate or coat the substrate, carrier or container. For example, the aerosol-forming substance can be applied at full strength or in a dilute solution by dipping, spraying, steam depositing or similar methods. Solid aerosol forming components can be blended into the substrate and evenly distributed throughout prior to formation.

While the density of the aerosol forming material will vary from carrier to carrier and from one aerosol forming material to the other, the amount of liquid aerosol forming materials can generally range from about 20 mg to about 120 mg, preferably from about 35 mg to about 85 mg, and especially from about 35 mg to about 65 mg. As much as possible of the aerosol generator carried on the aerosol forming body should be provided to the user as WTPM. Preferably, about 2% by weight, or better still, 17 over about 15% by weight and more preferably about 20% by weight of the aerosol generator, delivered to the aerosol forming member is delivered to the user as WTPM.

The aerosol forming organ may also comprise one or more volatile flavoring agents such as menthol, vanilin, artificial coffee, tobacco extracts, nicotine, caffeine, spirituosa and other aerosol flavoring agents. It may also include other desirable volatile, solid or liquid materials. Alternatively, these substances, as desired, may be disposed between the aerosol-forming member and the mouth end, such as in a separate substrate or chamber in the duct leading from the aerosol-forming member to the mouth-end, or in a tobacco variety used as desired. If desired, these volatiles can be used in place of some or all of the aerosol-forming material, so that the item supplies a non-aerosolar flavor or other material to the user.

As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the smoking product 20 of the invention also comprises a ring of tobacco or tobacco-containing material around the aerosol-forming member, which can be used to impart tobacco flavor to the aerosol. In such cases, hot vapors are passed through the tobacco to extract and evaporate the volatile components of the tobacco without combustion or substantial pyrolysis. The location of the tobacco joint around the perimeter of the aerosol forming member, as shown in FIG. 1, 2 and 3 increase the heat transfer to the tobacco, especially in embodiments using a heat conducting portion or conductive container between the aerosol forming material and the peripheral two-tray sheath. The tobacco in these embodiments also acts as an insulating part for the aerosol generator and helps to simulate the grip and aroma, as for a known cigarette. In addition, a second tobacco charge may be provided within the aerosol forming means where the tobacco or condensed tobacco particles may be mixed with or used in place of the substrate for the aerosol forming materials.

DK 166707 B1 18

The tobacco-containing material may contain any tobacco available to the skilled person, such as Burley, Flue Cured, Turkish, reconstituted tobacco, extruded or densified tobacco blends, tobacco-containing sheets and the like. In a favorable way, tobacco mixtures can be used to obtain a greater flavor variation. The tobacco-containing material may also include known tobacco additives such as fillers, liners, reinforcing agents such as glass fibers, wetting agents and similar substances. Flavorings can also be added to the tobacco material as well as flavor modifiers.

The thermally conductive portion preferably used in the practice of the present invention is typically a metal (e.g., aluminum) tube, strip or foil having a lasting thickness of from less than about 0.01 mm to about 0.2 mm or more. The thickness, shape and / or type of the conductive material (e.g. other metals or Grafoil from Union Carbide) can be durable to achieve virtually any desired degree of heat transfer. Generally, the heat transfer portion must be set far enough back to avoid any interference with the fuel element ignition but close enough to the ignition end to provide conductive heat transfer at the first and middle sucks.

Preferably, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the thermally conductive portion touches or overlaps the rear portion of the fuel element and at least a portion of the aerosol forming member and is displaced back or spaced from the ignition end by at least about 3 mm or more, preferably about 5 mm or more. It is preferred that the thermally conductive portion extend beyond no more than half the length of the fuel element. It is particularly preferred that the heat conducting portion does not overlap or otherwise affect more than approximately the rear 5 mm of the fuel element. Preferred 35 reset parts of this kind do not interfere with the ignition or fuel element firing. Preferred resilient conductive parts also help to extinguish the fuel when it burns back to the contact point with the conductor, helping to lower the heat, and does not protrude even after the fuel has been consumed.

It is preferred that the heat conducting member also forms a conductive container which encloses the aerosol forming materials. Alternatively, a separate conductive container may be weighed, especially in embodiments using particulate substrates or semi-liquid aerosol forming materials. Without acting as a container for the aerosol forming materials, the conductive container improves the heat distribution to the aerosol forming materials and the preferred peripheral tobacco sheath, and helps prevent migration of the aerosol former to the other components of the product. The container also provides a means for regulating the pressure drop through the article by varying the number, size, and / or location of the flow openings through which the aerosol generator is delivered to the mouth of the article. In addition, the container may have peripheral channels or slots for regulating and directing the vapor flow through the two-back ring around the aerosol forming member. The use of the container also simplifies the manufacture of the product by reducing the number of necessary elements and / or manufacturing steps.

The insulating parts provided around the fuel in the practice of the present invention are preferably formed into an elastic resilient sheath of one to several layers of an insulating material. Advantageously, this sheath is at least about 0.5 mm thick, preferably at least 1 mm thick, and more preferably from about 1.5 to about 2 mm thick. It is preferred that the sheath extends over more than half the length of the fuel element. It is better if it extends over the entire periphery of the fuel element. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, various materials can be used to isolate the fuel and to surround the aerosol forming member.

DK 166707 B1 20

V

Insulating parts which may be used in accordance with the present invention generally comprise inorganic or organic fibers such as those made of glass, alumina, silica, glassy materials, mineral wool, carbon, silicones, boron, organic polymers, cellulose -containing substances and similar, comprehensive mixtures of these materials. Non-fibrous insulating materials such as s in 1 i -cium aerogel, pearlite, glass and similarly formed in mats, strips or other forms may also be used. Preferred insulating parts are resiliently resilient to help simulate the grip as for a known cigarette. Preferred insulating materials should melt during use and should have a softening temperature below about 650 - 700 ° C. Preferred insulating materials should also not be able to burn during use. However, slow-burning carbons and similar materials can be used. These materials primarily act as an insulating jacket, retaining and controlling a significant portion of the heat generated by the burning fuel element of the aerosol forming member. As the insulating jacket is heated to a limited degree close to the burning fuel element, it can also conduct heat towards the aerosol forming member.

Currently preferred insulating materials for the fuel element include ceramic fibers such as glass fibers. Two suitable glass fibers are available from Manning Paper Company, Troy, New York, under the designations Manniglas 1000 and Manniglas 1200. Preferred glass fibers have a low softening point, for example below 650 * 0, using the ASTM Experimental Procedure, see 338-73. Preferred glass fibers include experimental materials made by Owens-Corning, Toledo, Ohio under designations 6432 and 6437 which have a softening point of about 640 ° C and melt during use.

35 Several inorganic fibers are marketed with a binder, for example PVA, which functions to maintain structural consistency during handling. These binders which would have a rancid aroma upon heating should be removed, for example by heating in atmospheric air at about 650 ° C for up to 15 minutes before use. If desired, about 3% by weight of pectin can be added to the fibers to provide mechanical strength to the sheath without providing rancid aroma.

Alternatively, the insulating material may be wholly or partially replaced by tobacco, either loosely packed or tightly packed. The use of tobacco, which substitutes for part or all of the insulating jacket, serves the additional function of adding tobacco flavor to the aerosol main stream and producing a tobacco side stream flavor, in addition to acting as an insulator. In these embodiments, where the tobacco sheath encloses the aerosol-forming organ and the fuel, the sheath acts as a non-combustible insulator, as well as contributing tobacco flavor to the aerosol main stream. In embodiments where the tobacco encloses the fuel, the tobacco is preferably consumed only to the extent that the fuel source is consumed, i.e. up to approximately the point of contact between the fuel element and the aerosol forming member. This can be achieved by compressing the tobacco around the fuel element and / or using a conductive heat sink means, as in FIG. 3. This can also be accomplished by treating the cigarette paper wrapper and / or tobacco with materials which help to extinguish the tobacco at the point where it overlaps the aerosol forming member.

When the insulating portion surrounding the fuel comprises fibrous materials other than tobacco, a barrier member may be used between the insulating portion and the mouth of the product. Such a barrier means comprises an annular portion of high density cellulose acetate tow, which abuts the ring of two-backed material and which is sealed at one end, for example, with glue, to block the flow of air through the blower.

In most embodiments of the invention, the fuel / aerosol forming organ combination will be attached to a mouthpiece such as a foil-lined paper or cellulose acetate / patch illustrated in the drawing, although a mouthpiece may be provided separately, for example in form by a cigarette holder. This element of the article provides the flow openings which channel the evaporated aerosol forming materials into the user's mouth. Because of its length, preferably about 35 to 50 mm or more, it also keeps the hot fire cone away from the user's mouth and fingers, and provides sufficient time for the hot aerosol to form and cool before it reaches the user.

Appropriate nozzles should be inactive with respect to the aerosol-forming substances, may have an anhydrous or liquid-tight inner layer, should cause minimal aerosol loss by condensation or filtration, and should be able to withstand the temperature at the interface with the other elements of the product. Preferred mouthpieces include the cellulose acetate tube used in many of the illustrated embodiments, which acts as an elastic resilient outer portion and assists in simulating the grip as of a known cigarette in the mouth end portion of the product. Other appropriate mouthpieces will be obvious to one skilled in the art.

Useful mouthpieces for goods according to the invention may, if desired, comprise a "filter" tip used to give the item the appearance of a known filter cigarette. Such filters include cellulose acetate filters and plastic filters which are hollow or shielded, such as those made of polypropylene. Such filters do not significantly interfere with aerosol supply.

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The entire length of the item or any part of it may be wrapped with cigarette paper. Preferred papers at the fuel element end should not flame open during the combustion of the fuel element. In addition, the paper should have adjustable wrap characteristics and should produce a gray cigarette-like ash.

In the embodiments using an insulating jacket, where the paper burns away from the jacket-carrying fuel element, maximum heat transfer is achieved due to that the air flow to the fuel source is unlimited. However, paper that remains fully or partially intact can be produced when exposed to the heat from the burning fuel element. Such papers 5 provide a limited flow of air to the burning fuel element, thereby helping to regulate the temperature at which the fuel element burns and the resulting heat transfer to the aerosol-forming member.

To reduce the combustion rate and temperature of the fuel element, thereby maintaining a low C0 / C02 ratio, a non-porous or not at all porous paper may be used to be weakly porous, e.g. holes, like wrapping. Such a paper regulates the heat supply, especially in the middle suction (e.g. suction 4 to 6).

In order to make the aerosol delivery, which would otherwise be diluted by radial (i.e. from outside) infiltration of atmospheric air through the article, as large as possible, a non-porous paper from the aerosol forming member can be used at the mouth end.

Paper types as mentioned above are known in the art of cigarette paper, and combinations of such papers can be used to produce various functional effects. Preferred papers used in articles of the present invention include Ecusta 01788 and 646 prop wrap paper made from Ecusta, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina and Kimberley-Clark's 30 KC 63-5, P 878-5, P 878-16-2 and 780-63 -5 types of paper.

Preferred embodiments of the invention can deliver at least 0.6 mg of aerosol measured as wet total particulate matter (WTPM) in the first three suction when smoked under FTC smoking conditions. 35 (FTC smoking conditions consist of two seconds suction (35 ml total volume) separated by 58 seconds of suction.) More preferred embodiments of the subject matter of the invention may provide 1.5 mg

Claims (7)

10 Patent Claims. A cigarette-like smoking product comprising: (a) a carbonaceous fuel element (10), (b) a physically separate aerosol forming member (12) containing aerosol forming material (38) between the fuel element (10) and the mouth end of the article, and a physical separate tobacco-containing mass (88, 94), characterized in that the physically separate tobacco-containing mass (88, 94) surrounds a portion of the aerosol forming member (12). Product according to claim 1, characterized in that the aerosol-forming material (38) is enclosed in a heat-conducting container (90, 96). Product according to claim 2, characterized in that the container (90, 96) is in contact with the fuel element (10). Product according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it further comprises an elastic insulating member (72) which encloses at least a portion of said aerosol forming member (12) and / or the fuel element (10). Product according to claim 4, characterized in that the insulating part (72) is elastic and is at least approx. 0.5 mm thick. Product according to claim 4, characterized in that the insulating part (72) melts during use. Product according to claim 4, characterized in that the insulating part does not burn during use. 10 15 20 30 35