EP2621294B1 - Tobacco smoke filter - Google Patents

Tobacco smoke filter Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2621294B1
EP2621294B1 EP11767741.9A EP11767741A EP2621294B1 EP 2621294 B1 EP2621294 B1 EP 2621294B1 EP 11767741 A EP11767741 A EP 11767741A EP 2621294 B1 EP2621294 B1 EP 2621294B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filter
wrapper
core
additive
tobacco smoke
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP11767741.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2621294A1 (en
Inventor
Paul F. Clarke
Patrick G. Meredith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Essentra Filter Products Development Co Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Essentra Filter Products Development Co Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Essentra Filter Products Development Co Pte Ltd filed Critical Essentra Filter Products Development Co Pte Ltd
Priority to PL11767741T priority Critical patent/PL2621294T3/pl
Publication of EP2621294A1 publication Critical patent/EP2621294A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2621294B1 publication Critical patent/EP2621294B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/04—Tobacco smoke filters characterised by their shape or structure
    • A24D3/043—Tobacco smoke filters characterised by their shape or structure with ventilation means, e.g. air dilution
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/06—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/062—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters characterised by structural features
    • A24D3/063—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters characterised by structural features of the fibers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/04—Tobacco smoke filters characterised by their shape or structure
    • A24D3/048—Tobacco smoke filters characterised by their shape or structure containing additives
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/06—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/08—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters of organic materials as carrier or major constituent
    • A24D3/10—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters of organic materials as carrier or major constituent of cellulose or cellulose derivatives
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/06—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/12—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters of ion exchange materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/06—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/16—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters of inorganic materials
    • A24D3/163—Carbon

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to filters and filter elements for smoking articles such as cigarettes.
  • Cigarette filters containing particulate additives are well known in the tobacco industry.
  • the vast majority of such filters comprise a number of segments abutted longitudinally, in which the mouth end segment does not contain any particulate additives and so presents an acceptable end appearance, whilst one or more of the upstream segments comprise or contain particulate additives.
  • multi-segment filters are more complex and costly to produce than "single section" filters (which are formed from one (distinct) section of filtering material rather than two or more segments of filtering material), because of the requirement to make the various segments by separate processes and subsequently correctly arrange and abut the different segments to form the multi-segment filter rod; single section filters may be made e.g. by a single machine in a one-pass process.
  • EP 1 797 780 discloses a tobacco smoke filter having a first and second wrapper around a core comprising an additive and a channel extending from one end of the filter core between the wrappers.
  • 'monocarbon' filters i.e. single section filters incorporating carbon that have at least one end free of particulate additive and which can be manufactured in a one-pass process.
  • These are the 'Active Patch' (see GB 2261152 ) and the 'Smooth Core' (see WO 2006/059134 ) filters. These respectively feature particulate additive on either a portion of the inner face of the wrapper or in a centrally located pod.
  • 'CPF' filters' e.g. see GB 2133269 . These feature an inner wrap that has embossed grooves over part of its length and have the advantage of providing enhanced filtration efficiency and/or lower pressure drop compared to standard cellulose acetate filters. In addition, they can provide a distinctive end appearance. Such filters can be used as a single section filter or as a segment within a multi-segment filter. In GB 2261152 , it was proposed that features of the CPF filter could be combined with those of the Active Patch filter to create a single section CPF filter containing, e.g. carbon. Such filters can be termed 'APF/CPF'.
  • a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g. single section) core of tobacco smoke filtering material including an additive (e.g. a particulate additive) spaced longitudinally from a first (downstream) end of the core; a first wrapper (e.g. of air-permeable material) around the core; and a second wrapper around the first wrapper; the first wrapper defining at least with (e.g. between itself and) the second wrapper at least one channel extending longitudinally of the filter from at least one end thereof.
  • the first wrapper defines (at least with the second wrapper) at least one channel extending longitudinally from a first (downstream) end of the filter.
  • the first wrapper defines at least with (e.g. between itself and) the second wrapper at least five channels (for example 5 to 23 channels, for example 9 to 20 channels), extending longitudinally of the filter from at least one end thereof.
  • a filter or filter element of around 24-25 mm circumference may include, for example, 14 to 20 channels.
  • a filter or filter element of around 16-17 mm circumference may include, for example, 9 to 14 channels.
  • the particulate additive is spaced (distanced) longitudinally from the first (downstream) end of the core such that it is not visible from the first (downstream or mouth) end of the core.
  • the longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material comprises a (e.g. single section) rod shaped core of tobacco smoke filtering material having fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) therewithin a (or at least one) pocket of additive (e.g. particulate additive).
  • the rod shaped core of tobacco smoke filtering material may optionally have an additional wrapper (e.g. porous or non porous) engaged around the rod shaped core.
  • the provision of the fully enclosed pocket of additive within the core of the tobacco smoke filtering material has the effect that the additive is longitudinally spaced (distanced) from the first (downstream) end of the core (because there is tobacco smoke filtering material between the pocket of additive and the first end of the core).
  • a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g. single section) core of tobacco smoke filtering material including an additive (e.g. a particulate additive) spaced longitudinally from a first (downstream) end of the core; a first wrapper (e.g. of air-permeable material) around the core; and a second wrapper around the first wrapper, the first wrapper defining at least with (e.g. between itself and) the second wrapper at least one channel extending longitudinally of the filter from one end thereof; wherein the longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material comprises a rod shaped core of tobacco smoke filtering material having fully enclosed (e.g.
  • the first wrapper defines at least with (e.g. between itself and) the second wrapper at least five channels (for example 5 to 23 channels, for example 9 to 20 channels), extending longitudinally of the filter from at least one end thereof.
  • a filter or filter element of around 24-25 mm circumference may include, for example, 14 to 20 channels.
  • a filter or filter element of around 16-17 mm circumference may include, for example, 9 to 14 channels.
  • the first wrapper is of air permeable material.
  • the first wrapper is an air permeable wrapper.
  • the first wrapper may be, for example, air permeable filtering paper (e.g. corrugated air permeable filtering paper) or a wrapper of cellulose acetate (e.g. corrugated air permeable cellulose acetate).
  • the first wrapper is corrugate, thereby providing (defining) at least with (e.g. between itself and) the second wrapper channels extending longitudinally of the filter from at least one end thereof.
  • the first wrapper may be corrugate, the corrugations providing (defining) [e.g. together with the second wrapper] 5 or more channels, for example 5 to 23 channels, for example 9 to 20 channels, extending longitudinally of the filter from at least one end thereof.
  • a filter or filter element of around 24-25 mm circumference may include, for example, 14 to 20 channels (provided by the corrugations).
  • a filter or filter element of around 16-17 mm circumference may include, for example, 9 to 14 channels (provided by the corrugations).
  • corrugate or corrugated includes the meaning shaped into folds including parallel and alternating ridges and grooves.
  • the corrugations in the first wrapper are embossed grooves (e.g. formed by embossing the material of the first wrapper).
  • the first wrapper may, for example, be a sheet having a profiled (e.g. embossed, corrugated) surface, the sheet being wrapped around the core so that the profiled surface facing the second wrapper (i.e. facing radially outwards) forms channels with the second wrapper.
  • the corrugate first wrapper will be wrapped around the core so the corrugations (and channels) are oriented longitudinally (e.g. substantially longitudinally) along the axial direction of the core.
  • Each channel may be provided by a corrugation of the first wrapper, and is preferably closed or blocked at the end remote from the end of the filter from which the channel extends.
  • the core surface conforms to the radially inward facing (profiled) surface of the first wrapper (i.e. the surface of the first wrapper which faces the core).
  • the core surface does not conform to the radially inward facing (profiled) surface of the first wrapper; in this embodiment, the first wrapper may define longitudinally extending channels with the core as well as with the second wrapper.
  • the first wrapper is profiled on only one surface, the sheet being wrapped around the core so that the profiled surface faces the second wrapper (i.e. facing radially outwards) to form channels with the second wrapper, the enwrapped core surface conforming to the unprofiled corrugated inner surface of the first wrapper, leaving channels only between the first and second wrapper.
  • the present invention may provide a single section filter with a 'pod', or fully enclosed pocket of particulate additive axially located centrally (e.g. as described in WO 2006/059134 ), and a corrugated inner wrap that is embossed with grooves over part of its length, which form channels (with the second wrapper).
  • a single section filter with a 'pod', or fully enclosed pocket of particulate additive axially located centrally (e.g. as described in WO 2006/059134 ), and a corrugated inner wrap that is embossed with grooves over part of its length, which form channels (with the second wrapper).
  • the filter By controlling such parameters as the size and location of the central pod (pocket) and the length and location of the grooved portion of the first (inner) wrapper, it is possible to channel the smoke through the filter in such a way that the filtration performance, taste experience and end appearance can be varied. For example, when a central pod of activated carbon granules is used, smoke can be directed away from the pod if the channels ("fluted region") occupy a similar longitudinal region of the filter to the pod therefore creating less of a 'carbon taste' to the smoker.
  • smoke can be preferentially directed through the pod if the channels (fluted region) occupy a different longitudinal region of the filter to the pod, therefore creating more 'carbon taste' for the smoker (if the pod includes carbon) or other taste (if the pod includes other flavouring agent).
  • the filter enables higher tar retention (at the same pressure drop) or lower pressure drop (at the same tar retention) than conventional 'Smooth Core' filters.
  • the longitudinally extending core (e.g. single section longitudinally extending core) of tobacco smoke filtering material may have fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) therewithin a single pocket of additive (e.g. particulate additive) close to the second end (e.g. the upstream tobacco end in a filter cigarette) and remote from the first end (e.g. the downstream or buccal or mouth end), or close to (but spaced longitudinally from) to the first end and remote from the second end.
  • the longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material may have fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) therewithin a single pocket of additive (e.g. particulate additive) positioned equidistantly between the second end of the core (e.g.
  • the single longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material may have fully enclosed therewithin one or more (e.g. two, three, four) separate pockets of additive (e.g. particulate additive).
  • the fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) pocket(s) of additive may taper towards one or both ends - e.g. may be of a generally ellipsoidal configuration. If there is more than one pocket of additive, these may have even longitudinal spacing. Other pocket dispositions are possible - e.g. relatively close longitudinal spacing alternating with longer spacing - it being possible to achieve this by appropriate adjustment of the manufacturing process.
  • the longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material comprising a rod shaped core of tobacco smoke filtering material having fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) therewithin a (or at least one) pocket of additive (e.g. particulate additive) may be manufactured, for example, by the methods and apparatus disclosed in WO 2006/059134 .
  • the filtering material may be for example any of those materials (usually filamentary, fibrous, web or extruded) conventionally employed for tobacco smoke filter manufacture.
  • the filtering material may be natural or synthetic filamentary tow, e.g. of cotton or plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or cellulose acetate filamentary tow. It may be, for example, natural or synthetic staple fibres, cotton wool, web material such as paper (usually creped) and synthetic non-wovens, and extruded material (e.g. starch, synthetic foams).
  • the additive may be a particulate additive.
  • the particulate additive may any particulate additive suitable for use in a tobacco smoke filter - e.g. activated carbon, zeolite, ion exchange resin (e.g. a weakly basic anion exchange resin), sepiolite, silica gel, alumina, molecular sieves, carbonaceous polymer resins and diatomaceous earths.
  • the particulate additive may be a mixture of two, or more, materials.
  • the additive may include a smoke modifying agent (for example a flavourant). This may be any smoke modifying agent (e.g. flavourant) known or suitable for use in a smoking article such as a cigarette, for example flavourant such as menthol, spearmint, clove oil etc.
  • the flavourant may be any flavouring agent known for use in tobacco smoke filters or filter elements.
  • the flavouring agent may be menthol, spearmint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla etc.
  • a preferred smoke modifying agent (flavourant) is menthol.
  • the additive may be sepiolite granules to which menthol flavourant has been applied. If the longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering includes fully enclosed (e.g.
  • the additive may be a particulate additive such as activated carbon (see above), which is for example enclosed within the filtering material as a discrete pocket or pod of particles of particulate additive which is substantially separate from, and fully enclosed within, the filtering material.
  • the fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) pocket(s) of additive may be a frangible capsule or capsules, or one or a plurality of frangible microcapsules.
  • the capsule(s) or microcapsule(s) may contain a variety of media - e.g. a smoke modifying agent such as a flavourant (such as those flavourants disclosed above) and/or a liquid, solid or other material e.g. to aid smoke filtration.
  • a smoke modifying agent such as a flavourant (such as those flavourants disclosed above)
  • a liquid, solid or other material e.g. to aid smoke filtration.
  • the use of capsules or microcapsules is well known in the art.
  • the weight of the additive (e.g. a particulate additive of around 0.5 g/cm 3 density) fully enclosed within the longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material may, for example, be between 10 and 65 mg, for example 20 and 50mg, for example between 25 and 40mg, per filter, for a filter of 20 to 30mm length.
  • the weight of the first additive may, for example, be between 40 and 65 mg per filter, for a filter of 20 to 30mm length (e.g. if a high loading is required).
  • the weight of the first additive may, for example, be between 10 and 40 mg per filter, for a filter of 20 to 30mm length (e.g. if a lower loading is required).
  • the filter or filter element may include at least one channel extending longitudinally of the filter from a first (downstream) end thereof, and at least one channel extending longitudinally of the filter from the second (upstream), each channel extending only part of the core length.
  • the (or one or more) channels may extend longitudinally from the first (downstream) end of the filter to the second (upstream) end of the filter.
  • at least one portion of the filter or filter element includes no longitudinally extending channels along its length (i.e. that the channel(s) does not extend longitudinally from the first (downstream) end of the filter to the second (upstream) end of the filter).
  • the filter or filter element may include up to 23 channels, preferably between 14 and 20 channels, extending longitudinally from one (or both) ends of the filter or filter element (for a filter/element of around 25mm circumference).
  • the filter or filter element may include 5 or more channels, for example 5 to 23 channels, preferably 14 to 20 channels (for example 9-14 channels or 14-20 channels), extending longitudinally from one (or both) ends of the filter or filter element.
  • the total cross-sectional area of these channels may amount to between 2 and 12%, preferably at least 4%, more preferably between 4 and 8%, of the overall cross-sectional area of the filter or filter element.
  • a filter according to the invention may have 15 channels at one or both ends of the filter which are about 0.45mm deep and at a pitch of about 1.5mm; another filter may have 0.32mm deep channels, the number of channels (at each or either end) being 23, at a pitch of 1.05mm.
  • a filter or filter element of around 24-25 mm circumference may include, for example, 14 to 20 channels.
  • a filter or filter element of around 16-17 mm circumference may include, for example, 9 to 14 channels.
  • the tobacco smoke filter may be of length 15 to 40 mm, e.g. 17 to 35 mm, e.g. 20 to 30 mm.
  • the tobacco smoke filter may be of circumference 14 to 28 mm, for example 16 to 26 mm, for example 16 to 17 mm or 24 to 25 mm.
  • each channel is 2mm or greater, preferably between 2.5mm and 23mm, more preferably between 3mm and 15mm, more preferably between 3.5mm and 9mm.
  • the channel or channels extending from one end (upstream or downstream) may be a different length to those extending from the other end (if present), or they may be the same length.
  • the channels may be between 7 and 8mm long.
  • the channels may be between 3 and 4mm long, for example 3.75mm long.
  • channels extend from one end (upstream or downstream) only and are between 7 and 8mm long.
  • channels extend from both upstream and downstream ends and are between 3 and 4mm long (at each end).
  • the channels will preferably be of substantially uniform depth over their longitudinal extent, although there may be variation, for example where a channel approaches a closed end.
  • the completed filters of the invention may have a second wrapper which is air permeable (which may be of inherently permeable material and/or perforate) around the first (e.g. corrugated) wrapper.
  • This permeable outer wrapper may be the tipping overwrap by which the filter is incorporated in a filter cigarette, such overwrap being applied only at the cigarette manufacturing stage.
  • the filter rod is initially produced with the first wrapper exposed, and the invention includes such rods (see below) as well as the completed filters with the outer wrapper attached.
  • a (e.g. single section) tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material including an additive (e.g.
  • a particulate additive spaced longitudinally from a first (downstream) end of the core; and a first wrapper (e.g. of air-permeable material) around the core; the first wrapper being corrugate, the corrugations (on its radially outer face) defining at least one channel extending longitudinally of the filter from one end thereof; wherein the longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material comprises a rod shaped core of tobacco smoke filtering material having fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) therewithin a (or at least one) pocket of additive (e.g. particulate additive).
  • the filters can also be used in conjunction with a second wrapper which is air-impermeable, e.g. tipping overwrap.
  • the (or each) portion of the filter which includes longitudinal channels may be referred to herein as a flute or fluted portion.
  • the (or each) part or portion of the filter which does not include longitudinal channels (over the filter cross section) e.g. the or each portion where the first wrapper is plain - e.g. not embossed/not corrugated
  • a bar or bar portion e.g. the filter cross section
  • a filter according to the invention includes a 3mm flute portion at each end and a single central bar portion as the remaining full length of the filter.
  • Such a configuration has a further advantage that the amount of filtering material in the core (e.g. cellulose acetate tow) may be reduced because the pressure drop (PD/mm) of bar is higher than that of flute. This configuration may also give a more desirable end appearance.
  • the tobacco smoke filter further comprises at least one channel (e.g. defined by the first wrapper and the second wrapper) which extends longitudinally of the filter and which extends only part of the core length but which does not extend from either the upstream or downstream ends of the filter.
  • the tobacco smoke includes one or more longitudinal channels (a fluted portions) at one or both of the upstream and downstream end of the filter; and a further longitudinal channel or channels within the filter (a further fluted portion).
  • the filter may have additional fluted and/or bar areas.
  • a filter of the invention (or a filter which includes a filter element of the invention) is joined to a wrapped tobacco rod with one (the second, upstream) end of the filter towards the tobacco.
  • the filter may, for example, be joined to the wrapped tobacco rod by ring tipping [which engages around just the adjacent ends of the (wrapped) filter and rod to leave much of the filter wrap exposed] or, more preferably, by a full tipping overwrap (which engages around the full filter length and the adjacent end of the tobacco rod).
  • Any filter or filter cigarette according to the invention may be unventilated, or may be ventilated by methods well known in the art, e.g. by use of a pre-perforated or air-permeable wrapper(s) (plugwrap), and/or laser perforation of wrapper(s) (plugwrap) and tipping overwrap.
  • a ventilating full tipping overwrap may likewise be inherently air-permeable or provided with ventilation holes, and in ventilated products where both filter plugwrap and tipping overwrap are present ventilation through the overwrap will usually be in register with that through the plugwrap. Ventilation holes through a filter plugwrap, or through a tipping overwrap, or through both simultaneously, may be made by laser perforation during filter or filter cigarette production.
  • Ventilation in a filter or filter cigarette according to the invention is localised longitudinally of the product, this localisation is preferably to one or two regions selected from upstream of, downstream of, and in register with the or a pocket of additive, depending upon the ventilation and filtering performances required. Ventilation upstream of and/or in register with a pocket of first additive is frequently preferred. There may be ventilation between portions (or pockets or patches) of second additive when two or more are present.
  • a multiple rod comprising a plurality (e.g. 2, 4, 6 etc.) of filters (or filter elements) as described above and/or herein integrally joined end-to-end in a mirror image relationship.
  • FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates a filter according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates a filter according to a second embodiment of the invention
  • FIGURE 3 schematically illustrates a filter according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 1, 2 and 3 show examples of 'Smooth Core' CPF filters.
  • Figure 1 shows a single section tobacco smoke filter 1 of 27mm length and 24.5mm circumference comprising a longitudinal extending core 2 of tobacco smoke filtering material in the form of a rod shaped core of cellulose acetate filtering material having fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) therewithin a "pod" or pocket 3 of additive in the form of particles 4 of activated carbon in the central portion of the core and filter.
  • the core (pod filter element) 2 may, for example, be formed by the method disclosed in WO 2006/059134 .
  • a first wrapper 5 of air-permeable filtering paper (or corrugated cellulose acetate) which is corrugated longitudinally (i.e.
  • the corrugations or grooves run in the axial direction of the filter) over all of its length apart from a non-corrugated circumferential portion 6 in the central portion or section of the filter 1 (i.e. the section of the wrapper which surrounds the part of the core 2 which includes the embedded pocket or pod).
  • the core surface conforms to the corrugations in first wrapper 5.
  • an uncorrugated second wrapper 10 of air-permeable paper. The core and the wrappers 5 and 10 extend over the entire length of the filter 1.
  • filter 1 has a set of 15 channels 9a of length 7.5mm, formed at the first, or downstream, end 11 of the filter (formed between the corrugated portion of first wrapper 5 and the uncorrugated second wrapper 10 of air-permeable paper), and a second set of 15 channels 9b of length 7.5mm at the second or upstream end 13 of the filter (formed between the corrugations in the first wrapper 5 and the uncorrugated second wrapper 10) at the second end; these corrugations form fluted portions or flutes at each end 11, 13 of the filter 1.
  • the uncorrugated area of wrapper 5 in the circumferential portion 6 forms an uncorrugated or non-fluted bar portion (bar) of length 12mm in the centre of the filter.
  • This bar portion blocks the end of each channel opposite the end of the filter from which it extends.
  • This bar portion of the filter includes no longitudinally extending channels over the cross section of the filter 1 along the full length of the bar portion.
  • Formation of the corrugate first wrapper (e.g. by embossing), application of the corrugate first wrapper around the core, and application of the second wrapper may be by well known methods - for example those described in GB2133269 . It will be appreciated that the process of applying the first wrapper is synchronised with, and is in registration with, the process of forming and positioning the pod in the central section of the filter core.
  • Filter 1 may be attached to a cigarette by ring-tipping or by a full tipping overwrap, for example, such methods are well known in the art. It will be appreciated that other materials that are well known in the art may be used to form core 2, and wrappers 5, 10.
  • the filter includes embossed (corrugated) channels 9a, 9b (i.e. is 'fluted') at either end, giving a distinctive appearance to both ends of the filter; and has a central portion 6 (i.e. a 'bar') that is not embossed.
  • a pocket of activated carbon granules is located within the body of filter, approximately located within the region defined by the bar. In use, with the filter attached at end 13 to a cigarette (not shown), some of the smoke enters directly into the core 2 and passes to the end 11 of the filter 1, being filtered by contact with the filaments which form the core, and coming into contact with activated carbon in the pocket.
  • filters according to the invention may also be used with non-ventilating wrappers, in which case there will be no diluting air drawn into the filter through the wrapper.
  • the example of Figure 1 is a single section filter with a 'pod' or fully enclosed pocket of particulate additive axially located centrally (e.g. as described in WO 2006/059134 ) and an inner wrap that is embossed with grooves (channels) over part of its length.
  • the filter avoids both the manufacturing cost and complexity associated with particulate-bearing multi-segment filters (because it is a single section filter), and the CCO disadvantages of APF/CPF single section filters (because the activated carbon is located within the pod or pocket and not on the wrapper).
  • the Figure 1 example also illustrates that by controlling such parameters as the size and location of the central pod (pocket) and the length and location of the grooved portion of the inner wrap, it is possible to channel the smoke through the filter in such a way that the filtration performance, taste experience and end appearance can be varied.
  • smoke is preferentially channelled through the carbon pod because the fluted region occupies a different longitudinal region of the filter to the pod, therefore creating more 'carbon taste' for the smoker.
  • the filter enables higher tar retention (at the same pressure drop) or lower pressure drop (at the same tar retention) than conventional 'Smooth Core' filters.
  • smoke can be channelled away from the pod by providing a different arrangement in which the fluted region occupies a similar longitudinal region of the filter to the pod therefore creating less of a 'carbon taste' to the smoker (see e.g. Figure 3 ).
  • Figure 2 shows a further embodiment, with a single fluted region facing the mouth end of the filter 31 (right hand side of the diagram) thereby presenting a distinctive mouth end appearance.
  • Figure 2 shows a single section tobacco smoke filter 21 of 27mm length and 24.5mm circumference comprising a longitudinal extending core 22 of tobacco smoke filtering material in the form of a rod shaped core of cellulose acetate filtering material having fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) therewithin a "pod" or pocket 23 of additive in the form of particles 24 of activated carbon located towards the second or upstream end 33 of the filter.
  • first wrapper 25 of air-permeable filtering paper which is corrugated longitudinally over all of its length apart from a circumferential non corrugated portion 26 towards the second or upstream end 33 of the filter (i.e. the section of the wrapper which surrounds the part of the core 2 which includes the embedded pocket or pod).
  • the core surface conforms to the corrugations in first wrapper 25.
  • an uncorrugated second wrapper 30 of air-permeable paper is positioned adjacent the first wrapper 25 and forming (defining) channels 29a with the corrugations in first wrapper 25.
  • the core and the wrappers 25 and 30 extend over the entire length of the filter 1.
  • filter 21 has a set of channels 29a (e.g. 15 channels 29a) of length 15 mm, formed at the first, or downstream, end 31 of the filter, formed between the corrugated portion of first wrapper 25 and the uncorrugated second wrapper 30 of air-permeable paper.
  • channels 29a e.g. 15 channels 29a
  • These channels (corrugations) form fluted portions or flutes at downstream or mouth end 31 of the filter 1, providing distinctive end appearance at this end, with a bar region at the other end.
  • the pocket of activated carbon granules is located approximately under the bar region, towards the tobacco end of the filter.
  • Figure 3 shows a further embodiment, with a single fluted region facing the tobacco end of the filter 53 (left hand side of the diagram) thereby presenting a conventional mouth end appearance.
  • the carbon pod is also located towards the tobacco end of the filter, approximately concurrent with the fluted region.
  • Figure 3 shows a tobacco smoke filter 41 of 27mm length and 24.5mm circumference comprising a longitudinal extending core 42 of tobacco smoke filtering material in the form of a rod shaped core of cellulose acetate filtering material having fully enclosed (e.g. embedded) therewithin a "pod" or pocket 43 of additive in the form of particles 44 of activated carbon located towards the second or upstream end 53 of the filter.
  • first wrapper 45 of air-permeable filtering paper which is corrugated longitudinally over all of its length apart from a circumferential non corrugated portion 46 towards the first or downstream end of the filter (i.e. the section of the wrapper which does not surround the part of the core 42 which includes the embedded pocket or pod).
  • the core surface conforms to the corrugations in first wrapper 45.
  • an uncorrugated second wrapper 50 of air-permeable paper. The core and the wrappers 45 and 50 extend over the entire length of the filter 41.
  • filter 21 has a set of channels 49b (e.g. 15 channels 49b) of length 10 mm, formed at the second, or upstream, end 51 of the filter, formed between the corrugated portion of first wrapper 45 and the uncorrugated second wrapper 50 of air-permeable paper.
  • channels 49b e.g. 15 channels 49b
  • These channels (corrugations) form fluted portions or flutes at upstream end 51 of the filter 41, with a bar region at the other (mouth) end.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
EP11767741.9A 2010-09-29 2011-09-27 Tobacco smoke filter Active EP2621294B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL11767741T PL2621294T3 (pl) 2010-09-29 2011-09-27 Filtr dymu tytoniowego

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1016387.1A GB201016387D0 (en) 2010-09-29 2010-09-29 Tobacco smoke filter
PCT/GB2011/001398 WO2012042199A1 (en) 2010-09-29 2011-09-27 Tobacco smoke filter

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2621294A1 EP2621294A1 (en) 2013-08-07
EP2621294B1 true EP2621294B1 (en) 2019-05-22

Family

ID=43128164

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11767741.9A Active EP2621294B1 (en) 2010-09-29 2011-09-27 Tobacco smoke filter

Country Status (11)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2621294B1 (pl)
JP (1) JP6462212B2 (pl)
KR (1) KR101987886B1 (pl)
CN (1) CN103281919B (pl)
GB (1) GB201016387D0 (pl)
HU (1) HUE045486T2 (pl)
LT (1) LT2621294T (pl)
PL (1) PL2621294T3 (pl)
RU (1) RU2603597C2 (pl)
TW (1) TWI589233B (pl)
WO (1) WO2012042199A1 (pl)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104780794B (zh) 2012-09-28 2019-04-19 菲利普莫里斯生产公司 具有减少的嘴端着色的发烟制品
MY194048A (en) * 2013-03-28 2022-11-09 Philip Morris Products Sa Smoking article including a flavour delivery member
GB201310599D0 (en) 2013-06-13 2013-07-31 Filtrona Filter Prod Dev Co Tabacco smoke filter
KR20180114825A (ko) 2017-04-11 2018-10-19 주식회사 케이티앤지 전자 담배 제어 방법 및 장치
US11877593B2 (en) * 2017-11-28 2024-01-23 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol generating article having improved mouth end cavity
GB201720490D0 (en) * 2017-12-08 2018-01-24 Essentra Filter Products Dev Co Pte Ltd Tobacco smoke filter
US11432581B2 (en) 2018-09-07 2022-09-06 Altria Client Services Llc Capsule containing a matrix, device with the matrix, and method of forming the matrix

Family Cites Families (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3428049A (en) * 1965-12-21 1969-02-18 American Tobacco Co Tobacco smoke filter element
US3396733A (en) * 1966-03-23 1968-08-13 Lorillard Co P Cigarette tip
US4256122A (en) * 1979-04-11 1981-03-17 Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation Cigarette filter
AU559129B2 (en) * 1981-07-06 1987-02-26 Cigarette Components Limited Wrapped filter
IE53192B1 (en) * 1981-07-06 1988-08-17 Cigarette Components Ltd Cigarette filter
NO157125C (no) * 1982-04-08 1988-06-01 Filtrona Ltd Sigarettfilterelement, alternativt med et omgivende, ventilerende munnstykkemateriale.
US4488563A (en) * 1982-04-29 1984-12-18 Mitsubishi Acetate Co., Ltd. Filter plug
GB2133269B (en) * 1982-12-13 1986-08-20 Filtrona Ltd Tobacco smoke filter
US4506683A (en) * 1983-05-09 1985-03-26 Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation Ventilated mouthpiece for a smoking article
US4580584A (en) * 1984-02-21 1986-04-08 Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation Cigarette filter
US5178166A (en) * 1990-09-20 1993-01-12 Philip Morris Incorporated Filter cigarette
GB9121782D0 (en) 1991-10-14 1991-11-27 Cigarette Components Ltd Cigarette filter containing particulate smoke modifying additive
US6631722B2 (en) * 1993-09-30 2003-10-14 British-American Tobacco Company Limited Tobacco smoke filter elements
US7243659B1 (en) * 2000-07-12 2007-07-17 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Recess filter and smokeable article containing a recess filter
EP1321050B1 (de) * 2001-12-18 2006-10-04 British American Tobacco (Germany) GmbH Filter für einen rauchbaren Artikel
EP1670327B2 (en) * 2003-09-30 2012-02-22 R.J.Reynolds Tobacco Company Filtered cigarette incorporating an adsorbent material
US7856990B2 (en) * 2003-09-30 2010-12-28 R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Filtered cigarette incorporating an adsorbent material
GB0426615D0 (en) * 2004-12-03 2005-01-05 Filtrona Suisse Sa Tobacco smoke filter
CN1718122A (zh) * 2005-04-14 2006-01-11 曾立 具有微孔和沟槽二元结构的卷烟滤嘴棒包裹纸
WO2006136197A1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2006-12-28 V. Mane Fils Smoking device incorporating a breakable capsule, breakable capsule and process for manufacturing said capsule
EA008885B1 (ru) * 2005-11-29 2007-08-31 Марсиль Робертович Ахметшин Сигарета с фильтром
EP1797780A1 (en) * 2005-12-15 2007-06-20 Gallaher Limited Smoking article
GB0619958D0 (en) * 2006-10-09 2006-11-15 Filtrona Int Ltd Tobacco smoke filter
US7972254B2 (en) * 2007-06-11 2011-07-05 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Apparatus for inserting objects into a filter component of a smoking article, and associated method
GB0718406D0 (en) * 2007-09-20 2007-10-31 British American Tobacco Co Smoking article with modified smoke delivery
GB0809865D0 (en) * 2008-05-30 2008-07-09 British American Tobacco Co Filter for a smoking article

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PL2621294T3 (pl) 2019-11-29
EP2621294A1 (en) 2013-08-07
JP2013538580A (ja) 2013-10-17
CN103281919B (zh) 2016-03-02
HUE045486T2 (hu) 2019-12-30
TW201216873A (en) 2012-05-01
CN103281919A (zh) 2013-09-04
KR101987886B1 (ko) 2019-06-11
TWI589233B (zh) 2017-07-01
RU2013114719A (ru) 2014-11-10
GB201016387D0 (en) 2010-11-10
JP6462212B2 (ja) 2019-01-30
LT2621294T (lt) 2019-08-26
WO2012042199A1 (en) 2012-04-05
KR20130139266A (ko) 2013-12-20
RU2603597C2 (ru) 2016-11-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2685849B1 (en) Tobacco smoke filter
EP2621294B1 (en) Tobacco smoke filter
RU2585247C2 (ru) Фильтр для курения табака
CN113841925A (zh) 烟草烟雾过滤器
EP2579736B1 (en) Tobacco smoke filter
EP2549896B1 (en) Tobacco smoke filter
CN112998312A (zh) 烟草烟雾滤嘴
KR20200096280A (ko) 담배 연기 필터
RU2780049C2 (ru) Фильтр или фильтрующий элемент для табачного дыма, способ его получения и курительное изделие, включающее такой фильтр или фильтрующий элемент
US20220378088A1 (en) Filter element, mouthpiece and cooling element
CN220777401U (zh) 吸嘴或过滤器元件、过滤器、多棒、吸烟制品、冷却元件和加热气溶胶生成系统

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130327

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190107

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: ESSENTRA FILTER PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT CO. PTE. LTD.

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602011059208

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1134992

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: RO

Ref legal event code: EPE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20190522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190922

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190822

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190823

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1134992

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190522

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HU

Ref legal event code: AG4A

Ref document number: E045486

Country of ref document: HU

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602011059208

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200225

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190927

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190927

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190930

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20190930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190930

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20190927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190930

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190922

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190522

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Payment date: 20220830

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: LT

Payment date: 20220921

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20220921

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: BG

Payment date: 20220923

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20220830

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: HU

Payment date: 20220907

Year of fee payment: 12

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230530

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602011059208

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MM4D

Effective date: 20230927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230927

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240331