EP4312605A1

EP4312605A1 - Superabsorbent material inside a filter

Info

Publication number: EP4312605A1
Application number: EP22719918.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel Lickefeld
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2021-04-01
Filing date: 2022-03-31
Publication date: 2024-02-07
Also published as: JP2024511590A; WO2022207836A1

Abstract

A filter section for a smoking article, wherein the filter section comprises a cylindrical shape and extends from a distal to a mouth end, thereby creating a flow path for at least one fluid, wherein the filter section further comprises at least one filter material and a cavity, wherein the cavity is surrounded by the filter material. According to the invention the cavity comprises at least two compartments being in fluid connection to the filter section and blocked by a common breakable barrier, wherein each of the compartments comprises components for a mixture with a hydrophilic character to absorb water from the fluid flow path, wherein a first compartment comprises at least a first component and a second compartment comprises at least a second component, wherein the first component comprises a dispersed tobacco product and the second component comprises a fluid absorbent material.

Description

Superabsorbent material inside a filter

Description

The present invention relates to a filter section for a smoking article, wherein the filter section comprises a cylindrical shape and extends from a distal to a mouth end, thereby creating a flow path for at least one fluid, wherein the filter section further comprises at least one filter material and a cavity, wherein the cavity is surrounded by the filter material. Filter sections with cavities are known in the tobacco industry, especially when capsules for flavour enhancement are arranged inside that cavities. These capsules often contain flavour compounds like menthol, fruit flavours or other synthetic flavours. By crushing the breakable hull of the capsule they release their flavoured content, wherein this results in an extra taste sensation for the user.

Further, also filter sections which comprise fluid absorbent materials and thereby extract harmful constituents from vapour which flows through the filter section are known in the tobacco industry. The absorbing materials usually comprise a hydrophilic character and thereby absorb moisture with the harmful constituents from the smoke.

Due to the fact that some users prefer an intense and natural taste of tobacco during smoking, there are also filters known in the tobacco industry which enhance the natural taste of tobacco during smoking by comprising tobacco particles inside the filter. By getting in contact with smoke which flows through the filter section, such tobacco particles release additional tobacco taste to the smoke. Thereby a natural taste enhancement of the smoke can be reached.

In order to provide a consumer with a natural tobacco taste as well as a smoking experience that minimises harmful constituents, it would be conceivable to mix the tobacco particles with the hydrophilic material. Due to the fact that tobacco particles which are used inside smoking articles and especially in filter sections are usually not perfectly dried, they contain moisture. Thereby it would be disadvantageous to mix tobacco particles with a hydrophilic material inside the filter section ex-factory. In general, it would be advantageous to store tobacco particles and fluid-absorbent materials in a preserved state until shortly before consumption of the smoking article in order to avoid possible reactions with oxygen and moisture from the air.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a filter section which prevents reaction with each other while being stored, wherein mixing the components shortly before usage of a smoking article to provide a natural flavour enhancement as well as an absorption of harmful constituents is allowed. This object is achieved by the filter section of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are object of the depending claims.

According to the invention the cavity inside the filter section comprises at least two compartments being in fluid connection to the filter section and blocked by a common breakable barrier, wherein each of the compartments comprises components for a mixture with a hydrophilic character to absorb water from the fluid flow path, wherein a first compartment comprises at least a first component and a second compartment comprises at least a second component, wherein the first component comprises a dispersed tobacco product and the second component comprises a fluid absorbent material.

The common breakable barrier is preferably waterproof to prevent a moisture exchange from the tobacco particles to the fluid absorbent material. Preferably the barrier also comprises edges and/or is connected to the filter material in such a way that moisture exchange cannot take place around the breakable barrier.

It is conceivable that by only arranging a common breakable barrier inside the filter material, additional material for capsules or similar compartments with a surrounding shell is not necessary. Thereby more space for the arrangement of components inside the filter section is available. Additionally the production speed would be increased compared to a filter with capsules, since only the common breakable barrier has to be placed inside the filter section and no additional capsules have to be produced.

The common breakable barrier is preferably made from a two dimensional piece of material, while a capsule must be formed as a spherical and three dimensional body.

It is conceivable that the common breakable barrier comprises a membrane, such that only air or gases can pass through it. Preferably the membrane thereby filters harmful constituents and/or humidity from the air flowing through it.

In a preferred embodiment the shell of capsules and/or the common breakable barrier are made from membranes which can filter harmful constituents from the smoke passing through the filter element. Preferably these membranes are dialysis membranes which allow specific constituents to pass through, while other components are blocked. A semi permeable membrane would especially allow air to pass through, while other constituents are filtered and thereby are not inhaled by the consumer. Preferably the membrane has a filter function.

Preferably the breakable barrier is crushable by a consumer applying force to the area of the filter section where the barrier is arranged. The components inside the compartments preferably contact each other and preferably also mix with each other upon breaking of the barrier. Preferably the mixing efficiency of the components can also be increased by moving and/or shaking the filter section after crushing of the breakable barrier.

A consumer can crush the breakable barrier by applying the force onto filter segment orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the smoking article.

It is conceivable that the barrier is dissolved by smoke passing by and/or through it, wherein the dissolving preferably occurs upon heating it, or getting in contact with humidity from the smoke.

The thickness of the breakable barrier is preferably comprises a maximum thickness in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article of 0.5 mm, more preferably 1mm and most preferably 2 mm. The breakable barrier further comprises a minimum thickness in the longitudinal direction of 0.1 pm, preferably 10 pm and most preferably 0.1 mm.

The breakable barrier preferably comprises a two dimensional shape of a plate with a circular, square and/or polygonal shape. Thereby the barrier is preferably arranged inside the filter material with its plane preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the filter section.

It is conceivable that by mixing the components they start to react with each other.

Further it is conceivable that at least one of the components comprises additives which enhance a reaction of the components with themselves and/or with the smoke.

It is conceivable that the breakable barrier does not break upon a force applied by a consumer, wherein it is preferably decomposable by heat and thereby at least partially dissolves itself by being heated. Preferably the breakable barrier is heated from smoke which flows through the filter section and gets into contact with the barrier. Preferably the dissolving of the barrier happens fully automatically while smoking, so that a user does not have to manually crush the barrier.

The tobacco particles inside the filter section preferably comprise a powder form. Preferably the tobacco particles can also be mixed with an additive to comprise the form of a tobacco paste. It is conceivable that tobacco arranged inside the filter section especially increases the smoking experience for a consumer, since the tobacco enriches the inhaled vapour with a natural tobacco taste. The size of the tobacco particles is preferably bigger than 10pm.

It is conceivable that tobacco inside at least one of the compartments is arranged in a capsule, wherein the tobacco preferably comprises a powdery form. The capsule with tobacco particles is preferably also made from the membrane material, wherein the capsule is preferably flown through by the smoke, which thereby gets an enhanced tobacco taste without the need of breaking a capsule. It is conceivable that the capsule only releases its flavour particles to the smoke passing through it, wherein solid particles remain inside the capsule. ln another embodiment the capsule comprises an SAP, wherein smoke passing through the capsule gets cleaned and dried by humidity and/or harmful constituents stick to the SAP inside the capsule.

Also preferably the tobacco particles are mixed with cellulose and/or or a different filter material inside the compartment. It is conceivable that various sizes of tobacco particles are arranged inside the filter section. Preferably the tobacco particles comprise a powder form, wherein the tobacco particles would then comprise a larger surface to be able to better react and/or release their flavour.

In a preferred embodiment the fluid absorbent material inside at least one of the compartments comprises at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP). It is conceivable that the SAP material inside one compartment can also be a mixture of different SAPs. It is conceivable that the SAP can comprise different shapes and/or properties. Preferably at least two SAPs with different shapes and/or properties can be or are mixed together. This would combine preferred properties of different SAPs.

The arrangement of SAPs would be useful to filter harmful constituents from a vapour to be inhaled by a consumer of the cigarette. The SAP preferably soaks up humidity from within the vapour and thereby decreases the amount of harmful constituents in the vapour which are bound to the humidity and/or solved in the humid vapour.

SAP is a material which is preferably capable of absorbing a multiple of their own weight in a liquid. Preferably the SAP becomes larger in volume upon absorbing a liquid. Preferably the SAP also changes its shape and/or properties upon absorbing of water.

Preferably at least one of the SAPs in the filter section comprises a powder shape and/or the shape of a three dimensional body, preferably a sphere and/or cube and/or any other geometrical body.

SAPs in powder form preferably becomes a hydrogel by absorbing a fluid. A previously shaped and/or a solid body of SAP preferably keeps its shape by absorbing a fluid, but grows in its volume depending on the amount of absorbed fluid Preferably a SAP which is suitable for being used in a filter section is based on acrylic acid. Preferably the SAP can also be based on polyacrylamide. Also a mixture of both is conceivable to combine preferred properties of the materials.

Preferably also other organic and/or inorganic SAP materials can be used in the filter section. Preferably a Core-Cross-Linker (CXL) is added to the polymer which makes the polymer insoluble in water.

In a preferred embodiment the SAP inside the filter material comprises environmental- friendly and/or non-toxic and/or biodegradable properties. Thereby it is conceivable that the used SAP is a polysaccharide-based SAP. Preferably the whole filter material is environmental-friendly and/or non-toxic and/or biodegradable wherein this would lead to fewer problems with disposal of the filter section.

In a preferred embodiment the SAP comprises starch aldehydes and citric acid. Preferably starch aldehydes and citric acid are mixed in a ratio which results in a SAP.

In a preferred embodiment the SAP comprises polysaccharides, wherein carboxymethyl cellulose is used as an ingredient. Preferably also other cellulose materials can be used as an ingredient.

Preferably a polysaccharide based SAP comprises a maximum weight related swelling ratio of between 80g/g and 10Og/g, preferably between 84g/g and 90g/g and most preferably of 87g/g. Thereby the 1g of SAP preferably absorbs and/or binds 87g of fluid.

It is conceivable that SAPs with different weight related swelling ratios can be used in the filter section.

Preferably the weight related swelling ratio of the SAP is less than the theoretical maximum swelling ration, which would allow to use ingredients with less purity and thereby lower the costs for synthesising the SAP.

Preferably the amount of SAP inside the filter section is less than 10%, more preferably less than 7% and most preferably less than 5%. It is conceivable that the SAP inside the compartment in the filter section is mixed with cellulose fibres. Preferably thereby the SAP comprises the shape of a powder. The SAP preferably comprises different particle sizes and shapes. Also preferably just the SAP can be arranged inside a compartment, without any further additives.

In a preferred embodiment the compartments are separated by at least one breakable barrier, wherein the compartments and/or the breakable barrier are surrounded by a breakable sleeve. It is conceivable that the breakable sleeve is formed as a hollow cylinder and thereby the breakable barrier divides the hollow cylinder into at least two compartments. Preferably thereby the reaction and/or moisture exchange between the components inside the individual compartments is reduced. Preferably only one compartment is surrounded by a breakable sleeve. It is conceivable that especially a compartment with a highly reactive component is surrounded by a breakable sleeve.

Preferably the breakable sleeve is breakable upon a consumer applying force to break the breakable barrier. Also preferably the breakable sleeve is decomposable by heat and thereby at least partially dissolves itself upon heating. Preferably the breakable sleeve is in a fluid connection to smoke inside the filter and thereby gets heated by smoke during the smoking process.

It is conceivable that the breakable sleeve is arranged on the inner side of the compartments inside the filter section. The sleeve thereby preferably seals the compartments from the filter material which surrounds the compartments. The sleeve is preferably arranged by coating the inside walls of the filter material which show towards the compartment. The coating is preferably arranged by spray painting. The sleeve is preferably made of an organic material and very preferably made from starch.

Due to the sleeve preferably surrounding the inner volume of the compartments, it preferably comprises the shape of the compartments. Is conceivable that the sleeve comprises a longitudinal shape, with its longitudinal axis preferably being arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter material. Preferably the sleeve comprises the shape of a cylinder, square tube, or other polygonal form in its cross sectional view.

It is conceivable that the sleeve comprises a minimum cross sectional diameter of 1 mm, more preferably 3 mm and most preferably 5 mm. the sleeve preferably comprises a maximum cross sectional diameter of 6 mm, more preferably 8 mm and most preferably 10 mm. ln a preferred embodiment at least one component in one of the compartments comprises properties of a paste and/or fluid, wherein mixing of components in the compartments by breaking the breakable barrier results in a mixture with fluid and/or pasty consistency.

In a preferred embodiment at least one of the compartments comprises at least one capsule, wherein the capsule comprises a further component of the mixture. Preferably a capsule comprises a fluid component which would react with other components and/or the filter material when not being stored in a capsule. Also SAPs are preferably arranged in a capsule to prevent them from reacting with humidity before usage of the filter section and/or smoking article. Preferably a capsule comprises a fluid which wets a component in the compartment. Preferably the capsule is arranged in the compartment with the tobacco particles and wets the tobacco articles to create a tobacco paste. Preferably such fluid is an aerosol former and/or taste enhancing component.

It is conceivable that the material of the capsule also comprises the membrane material. The membrane preferably keeps an inner pressure of the capsule low to allow fluids and preferably air to pass through it. It is conceivable that the membrane functions as a filter to filter humidity and/or harmful constituents from smoke and/or gas passing through it. In a preferred embodiment the capsule comprises at least one breakable barrier, wherein the capsule is thereby divided at least into two compartments. Preferably each of the compartments inside the capsule comprise a different component. Also preferably the components inside the capsule are mixed upon breaking of the common breakable barrier. It is conceivable that the shell of the capsule also breaks upon breaking of the breakable barrier and thereby the mixture is released into the filter material of the filter section.

It is conceivable that a capsule arranged in a compartment in the filter section is breakable by a consumer applying force to the filter section. Preferably the capsule is arranged in a way inside the filter section in that it is crushed the same time when the breakable barrier is arranged. Also preferably the capsule is arranged in a way that a consumer can break the barrier and the capsule individually. Also preferably the capsule is decomposable by heat and thereby at least partially dissolves itself upon heating. Preferably the capsule is in a fluid connection to smoke inside the filter and thereby gets heated by smoke during the smoking process.

In a preferred embodiment the compartments are arranged in a way that they are surrounded by smoke and/or vapour flowing through the filter section along the flow path. Preferably the smoke also flows through the compartments when the breakable barrier is crushed. Preferably thereby the smoke reacts with at least one component inside the compartments.

In a preferred embodiment the mixture is a gel. It is conceivable that by combining at least two components they react with each other to become a gel. Preferably the mixture of the components becomes a gel by reacting with smoke during the smoking process. It is conceivable that the mixture also becomes a gel upon breaking a capsule with a fluid component and mixing it with the mixture.

In a preferred embodiment the filter material comprises a porous structure which allows the mixture to distribute inside the filter section. Preferably the filter soaks up the mixture. It is conceivable that the mixture can be distributed inside the filter material by applying force to the filter section and thereby deforming it. Also possible could be a distribution of the mixture upon shaking and/or moving of the filter section.

The object is also reached by a method for manufacturing a filter section for a smoking article, wherein the filter section comprises a cylindrical shape and extends from a distal to a mouth end, thereby creating a flow path for at least one fluid, wherein the filter section further comprises at least one filter material such as cellulose acetate or other suitable materials, and a cavity, wherein the cavity is surrounded by the filter material, comprising the following steps: providing the filter material; forming at least one cavity inside the filter material; arranging a breakable barrier to separate at least two compartments; arranging one component into one compartment; arranging a different component into the other compartment; forming the filter section. Preferably the filter section is first formed, wherein afterwards the cavity is formed. Preferably then the first component is arranged inside the cavity, wherein afterwards the breakable barrier is arranged and finally the second component is arranged inside the cavity.

In a preferred method a further breakable barrier is arranged to achieve a further compartment. In this embodiment the two breakable barriers would divide three compartments with preferably three different components.

It is conceivable that even more breakable barriers are arranged inside the filter section and thereby further compartments are created. Preferably at least one compartment comprises a capsule and also preferably the capsule is dissolvable by heat. It is conceivable that in at least two compartments a capsule is arranged. These two capsules preferably comprise different wall thicknesses and thus release their contents with a time delay when exposed to heat.

In a preferred embodiment the compartments are arranged inside the cavity inside the filter material. The breakable barriers preferably constitute the division between the compartments.

In a preferred embodiment a breakable sleeve is created by coating the surface of the cavity with a sealing material. Preferably a breakable sleeve comprises a thinner wall thickness and allows the storing of a larger amount of a component in comparison to what would fit inside a capsule. Preferably the breakable sleeve is fluid tight and also preferably functions as a capsule. The breakable sleeve might be applied by assembling a filter section with a cavity and afterwards spraying it with appropriate sealing material.

In a preferred embodiment the filter section can be used with a smoking article, wherein the cavity inside the filter section comprises at least two compartments being in fluid connection to the filter section and blocked by a common breakable barrier, wherein each of the compartments comprises components for a mixture with a hydrophilic character to absorb water from the fluid flow path, wherein a first compartment comprises at least a first component and a second compartment comprises at least a second component, wherein the first component comprises a dispersed tobacco product and the second component comprises a fluid absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment the fluid absorbent material inside at least one of the compartments comprises at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Preferably the fluid absorbent material comprises at least one SAP.

Preferably the smoking article comprises at least one tobacco section which produces smoke and/or vapour upon heating. This smoke then preferably flows through the filter section and comes into contact with the components inside the filter section. It is conceivable that the components thereby react with the smoke and/or vapour in the intended purpose.

Further advantages and embodiments according to the invention are illustrated in the attached drawing.

Fig. 1 a smoking article with a filter section according to the invention

Fig. 2 a filter section according to the invention

Fig. 3 a filter section with a capsule

Fig. 4 a filter section with a mixture

Figure 1 shows a filter section 1 according to the invention attached to a tobacco section 14 of a smoking article 2, wherein the tobacco section 14 is attached to the distal end of filter section 3. Thereby the filter material 5 inside the filter section 1 is in a fluid connection with the tobacco section 14. The filter section 1 itself comprises a cavity 6, wherein the cavity is divided by the breakable barrier 12 into a first compartment 7a and a second compartment 7b. The first compartment 7a is arranged on the side of the breakable barrier 12 which faces the distal end of the filter section 3. The second compartment 7b is arranged on the side of the breakable barrier 12 which faces the mouth end of the filter section 4.

Preferably the first component 8a inside the first compartment 7a is a dispersed tobacco product 10, and the second component 8b inside the second compartment 7b is a fluid absorbent material 11. It is conceivable that the components in the compartments can changed, wherein the first compartment 7a then would comprise a fluid absorbent material 11, and the second compartment 7b would comprise a dispersed tobacco product 10. In fig. 1 the fluid flow path f shows, which way smoke and/or vapour which is generated in the tobacco section 14 of the smoking article 2 takes when a consumer uses the smoking article 2. The smoke and/or vapour exits the tobacco section 14 along the fluid flow path f into the distal end of the filter section 3. Thereby the smoke and/or vapour gets into contact with filter material 5.

The filter material 5 comprises the cavity 6 in which the compartments 7 are arranged. The smoke and/or vapour which flows through the filter material 5 thereby also gets into contact with the cavity 6 and thus also with the components 8 which are arranged inside the compartments 7 inside the cavity 6. By contact with the components 8 the smoke and/or vapour reacts with them and finally exits the smoking article 2 through the mouth end of the filter section 4.

Fig. 2 shows the same filter section as shown in fig. 1, wherein this filter section 1 is not attached to a tobacco section 14 to form a smoking article according to fig. 1. The filter section 1 in fig. 2 thereby can be attached to various other smoking articles, such as self- rolled cigarettes, cigarettes for heat not burn devices, or other products where it would be beneficial to filter smoke and/or add additional flavour.

The filter section 1 in fig. 2 comprises the cavity 6, the compartments 7, the components 8, and the breakable barrier 12. The cavity 6 is preferably arranged in the middle of the filter section 1 regarding to the distal end 3 and the mouth end 4. Also the breakable barrier 12 is preferably arranged in the middle of the filter section 1 regarding to the distal end 3 and the mouth end 4. Thereby the breakable barrier 12 preferably splits the cavity 6 evenly into two compartments 7, wherein the first compartment 7a comprises the same volume than the second compartment 7b.

The flow path f in fig. 2 shows the flow direction of vapour and/or smoke which flows through the filter section 1. Preferably the smoke and/or vapour distributes evenly inside the filter section 1 to better react with components 8 inside the filter section.

Fig. 3 shows a filter section 1 with a cavity 6 inside a filter material 5, wherein inside the cavity 6 a capsule 13 is arranged. Thereby the components 8 are not directly arranged inside the cavity 6, but in a capsule 13 before being arranged inside the filter section 1. The capsule 13 would then preferably comprise at least one breakable barrier 12 inside the capsule 13, wherein the breakable barrier would thereby separate the components 8 inside the capsule 13.

Preferably the inner space of the capsule 13 is divided into a first compartment 7a and a second compartment 7b, wherein the first compartment 7a would comprise a first component 8a and the second compartment 7b would comprise a second component 8b. It is conceivable that the capsule 13 comprises further breakable barriers 12 and thereby also more compartments 7 and more preferably also more components 8.

It is conceivable that there are at least two capsules 13 inside the filter section 1 , wherein each of the capsules 13 would thereby preferably comprise a different component 8.

Preferably two capsules 13 are arranged inside the filter section 1 wherein the first capsule 13 would comprise the tobacco product 10, and the second capsule 13 would comprise the fluid absorbent material 11.

Preferably also multiple capsules 13 can be arranged in the filter section 1. Preferably all capsules 13 comprise different components 8 which react with each other upon crushing the capsules.

The arrangement of at least one capsule 13 inside the filter section would preferably make the assembly process easier and/or faster. It is conceivable that this is caused, because the filter material 5 can be arranged first, wherein afterwards the pre-assembled capsule 13 can be arranged inside the filter material 5. This would make a step-by-step filling and/or assembly of the cavity 6 with the components 8 and the breakable barrier 13 superfluous.

Fig. 3 further shows the flow path f for the vapour and/or smoke. The cavity 5 is arranged in the same place as in fig. 1 and fig. 2, wherein the only difference to the previous figures is, that the cavity 6 is not directly filled with the components 8, but with a capsule 13.

Fig. 4 again shows the filter section 1 with the filter material 5, the fluid flow path f, the cavity 6 and the breakable barrier 12, wherein the breakable barrier in fig. 4 is crushed and thereby does not separate the compartments 7 from each other. Thereby the compartment 7a and the compartment 7b are in a fluid connection with each other, wherein this means that the components 8 can mix with each other.

In the embodiment of fig. 4 the first compartment 7a with the first component 8a and the second compartment 7b with the second component 8b are in a fluid connection with each other, wherein the first component 8a and the second component 8b are mixed with each other and form the mixture 9.

The mixture 9 preferably comprises a tobacco product 10 as well as a fluid absorbent material 11. If smoke and/or vapour flows through the filter 1 and especially through the filter material 5 with the components 8 in it, the smoke and/or vapour gets into contact with the mixture 9 and thereby reacts with it. Thus the tobacco product 10 enhances the taste of the smoke and/or vapour, wherein the fluid absorbent material 11 absorbs moisture and thereby harmful constituents from the smoke and/or vapour.

Preferably the mixture 9 comprises a powder form wherein this leads to a higher possible absorption rate of the fluid absorbent material 11 and also to greater taste enhancement from the tobacco product 10 inside the mixture 9. Preferably the mixture 9 is thereby distributable inside the filter material 5 by shaking and/or moving the filter section 1.

Preferably the mixture 9 can also comprise a fluid or semi fluid consistency, wherein a fluid consistency would preferably cause the filter material 5 to soak up the mixture 9 and distribute it in the filter section 1.

Also preferably the mixture 9 comprises a pasty consistency, wherein the distribution of a mixture 9 with a pasty consistency would preferably happen by a customer applying force to the filter section 1.

Preferably the mixture 9 in a fluid form is at least partially soaked up by the filter material 5. It is conceivable that if the mixture comprises the form of a powder, the individual particle size is preferably small enough to dissipate into the filter material 5. Preferably the mixture 9 distributes evenly inside the filter material 5 to comprise a larger reaction surface to react with the smoke and/or vapour. Reference signs

1 filter section

2 smoking article

3 distal end of filter

4 mouth end of filter

5 filter material 6 cavity

7 compartments

7a first compartment

7b second compartment

8 components inside the compartments 8a first component

8b second component

9 mixture

10 tobacco product

11 fluid absorbent material 12 breakable barrier

13 capsule

14 tobacco section of smoking article f fluid flow path

Claims

1. A filter section (1) for a smoking article (2), wherein the filter section (1) comprises a cylindrical shape and extends from a distal (3) to a mouth (4) end, thereby creating a flow path (f) for at least one fluid, wherein the filter section (1) further comprises at least one filter material (5) and a cavity (6), wherein the cavity (6) is surrounded by the filter material (5), characterized in that, the cavity (6) comprises at least two compartments (7a, b) being in fluid connection to the filter section (1) and blocked by a common breakable barrier (12), wherein each of the compartments (7a, b) comprises components (8) for a mixture (9) with a hydrophilic character to absorb water from the fluid flow path (f), wherein a first compartment (7a) comprises at least a first component (8a) and a second compartment (7b) comprises at least a second component (8b), wherein the first component (8a) comprises a dispersed tobacco product (10) and the second component (8b) comprises a fluid absorbent material (11).

2. Filter section (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid absorbent material (11) inside at least one of the compartments (7a, b), comprises at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP) (11).

3. Filter section (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the SAP (11) comprises starch aldehydes and citric acid.

4. Filter section (1) according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the SAP (11) comprises polysaccharides wherein carboxymethyl cellulose is used as an ingredient.

5. Filter section (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compartments (7a, b), are separated by at least one breakable barrier (12), wherein the compartments (7a, b) and/or the breakable barrier (12) are surrounded by a breakable sleeve.

6. Filter section (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the compartments (7a, b) comprises at least one capsule (13), wherein the capsule (13) comprises a further component of the mixture (9).

7. Filter section (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compartments (7a, b) are arranged in a way that they are surrounded by smoke and/or vapour flowing through the filter section (1) along the flow path (f).

8. Filter section (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixture (9) is a gel.

9. Filter section (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter material (5) comprises a porous structure which allows the mixture (9) to distribute inside the filter section (1).

10. A method for manufacturing a filter section (1) for a smoking article (2), wherein the filter section (1) comprises a cylindrical shape and extends from a distal (3) to a mouth (4) end, thereby creating a flow path (f) for at least one fluid, wherein the filter section (1) further comprises at least one filter material (5) such as cellulose acetate or other suitable materials, and a cavity (6), wherein the cavity (6) is surrounded by the filter material (5), comprising the following steps: providing the filter material (5); forming at least one cavity (6) inside the filter material (5); arranging a breakable barrier (12) to separate at least two compartments (8a, b); arranging one component (8a) into one compartment (7a); arranging a different component (8b) into the other compartment (7b); forming the filter section (1).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized by, arranging a further breakable barrier (12 c) to achieve a further compartment (7c).

12. Method according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that, the compartments (7a, b) are arranged inside the cavity (6) inside the filter material (5).

13. Method according to at least one of the previous claims 11 to 13, characterized by, creating a breakable sleeve by coating the surface of the cavity (6) with a sealing material.

14. A smoking article (2) with a filter section (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-9, characterized in that, the cavity (6) comprises at least two compartments (7a, b) being in fluid connection to the filter section (1) and blocked by a common breakable barrier (12), wherein each of the compartments (7a, b) comprises components (8) for a mixture (9) with a hydrophilic character to absorb water from the fluid flow path (f), wherein a first compartment (7a) comprises at least a first component (8a) and a second compartment (7b) comprises at least a second component (8b), wherein the first component (8a) comprises a dispersed tobacco product (10) and the second component (8b) comprises a fluid absorbent material (11).

15. A smoking article (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the fluid absorbent material (11) inside at least one of the compartments (7a, b), comprises at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP) (11).