GB2528243A

GB2528243A - Mouthpiece

Info

Publication number: GB2528243A
Application number: GB1411622.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Farenden; Darren Seymour; David Russell; David Spendlove; Shane Clarke
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd; British American Tobacco Co Ltd
Current assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2014-06-30
Publication date: 2016-01-20
Also published as: GB201411622D0

Abstract

A mouthpiece 5 for a smoking article 1 comprising a coaxially aligned cylindrical rim 10, and cylindrical hub 12, and one or more spokes 11 extending between connecting the rim and hub, wherein the points of attachment of the one or more spokes to the hub 15 (figures 3 and 4) and the rim 16 (figures 3 and 4) are located on different radial lines 17, 18 (figure 3). Preferably the hub is hollow and the spokes can either be curved or straight. The angle between the radial lines can be between 40 degrees and 120 degrees, and more preferably be about 80 degrees. The mouthpiece can be used in connection with a second cylindrical part 4 to form a mouthpiece assembly or can be used in conjunction with a smoking article 3 or a smoking article filter 2.

Description

MOUTHPIECE

FTELD

The invention relates, among other things, to a mouthpiece for a smoking article.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide smoking articles such as cigarettes with filters at the mouth end.

A filter may comprise a mouthpiece.

Jo SUMMARY

Tn a first embodiment, a mouthpiece for a smoking article is provided. The mouthpiece comprises a cylindrical rim, a cylindrical hub, and one or more spokes extending between and thereby connecting the rim and hub. The rim and the hub are coaxially aligned. The points of attachment of the one or more spokes to the hub and the rim are located on different radial lines.

The hub maybe hollow. The spokes maybe curved or straight.

The angle between the radial lines may be between 400 and 120°.

The mouthpiece may be suitable for use in connection with a second cylindrical part to form a mouthpiece assembly.

In a second embodiment, a smoking article filter comprising a mouthpiece is provided.

In a third embodiment, a smoking article comprising a mouthpiece is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIVHON OF THE DRAWTNGS

Embodimcnts will now be dcscribcd, by way of exampic only, with rcfercncc to thc accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a partially unwrapped smoking article with a mouthpiece according to a first embodiment in situ; Figure 2 shows the mouthpiece of Figure in isohtion; Figure 3 is a diagram of a mouthpiece similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2; and, Figure 4 is a diagram of a mouthpiece according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term "smoking article" includes smokable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigariflos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not-burn products.

Figure 1 shows a smoking article 1 including a filter element 2.

jo The smoking article 1 includes a source ofsmokeable material which, in the embodiment shown comprises tobacco, in the form of a cylindrica' tobacco rod 3. The tobacco rod 3 is in axial alignment with, and is connected to, the filter element 2.

The filter element 2 comprises a main filler part 4 and a mouthpiece 5.

The tobacco rod 3, main filter part 4, and mouthpiece 5 are generally cylindrical, have a similar outer diameter, and are arranged co-axially, thereby defining a longitudinal axis 6.

A plug wrap 7 is wrapped around and thereby combines the main filter part 4, and mouthpiece 5 to form the filter element 2. The plug wrap 7 maybe porous or non-porous.

A tobacco paper 8 is wrapped around the tobacco rod 3. A tipping paper 9 is wrapped around and thereby combines a length of the tobacco rod 3, and the filter element 2.

The relative axial positions of various features are described hereinafter as if the smoking article 1 is orientated with the tobacco rod 3 at the far end of the filter element 2, and thc words "ncar" and "far", and rclatcd words, arc to bc undcrstood accordingly.

This is merely for convenience, and it will be appreciated that the smoking article 1 can have any orientation. The "length" of the mouthpiece refers to the dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis 6. Terms such as "longer", "shorter", and related words, are to be construed accordingly.

The main filter part 4 includes filtration material which, in the present example, comprises cellulose acetate tow. In other examples, any suitable filter material maybe used.

The mouthpiece 5 includes a rim 10, a plurality of members ii (hereinafter referred to as "spokes"), and a hub 12.

The rim 10 has the form of an outer, hollow cylindrical part, and the hub 12 has the form of an inner, hollow cylindrical part. The rim 10 and the hub 12 are coaxial, and in jo the example shown are substantially coextensive.

An annular space 13 is provided between the rim 10 and the hub 12. The hollow hub 12 and the annular space 13 define a flow path through the mouthpiece 5 through which, in use, smoke may be drawn.

The spokes 11 are sized and shaped sufficiently to connect the hub 12 to the rim 10, while aflowing flow to be drawn through the mouthpieces via the annular spaces 13 in the axial direction.

In the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the spokes 11 are curved and sweep in an arc between the hub 12 and the rim 10. The spokes 11 may have any degree of curvature. For example, the spokes 11 may be straight, as shown in Figure 4, or may be in a substantially spiral configuration. The curve of the spokes ii maybe in the form of a consistent arc, or may, for example, be more tightly curved in one part of the spoke than another.

The spokes ii have a rectangular cross-section which is elongated in a direction parallel to the axis 6. The cross-section has a uniform size and shape along the entire length of thc spokes 11. In othcr cxamplcs, the spokcs 11 may havc any cross-scctional shapc, for examp'e, the spokes ii maybe square, rhombic, triangular, circular or oval in cross-section. The cross-section may vary along the length of the spokes ii. To provide adequate mechanical strength and a substantial flow path, the spokes 11 may have a cross-sectional shape that is elongated in a direction parallel to the axis 6.

The spokes 11 are distributed substantially evenly around the mouthpiece 5. Each of the spokes 11 is attached at one end to the circumferential outer surface of the hub 12 and at the other end to the circumferential inner surface of the rim 10. Figures 3 and 4 show in more detail the geometiy of an example spoke hA, which is attached to the hub 10 at point 15, and to the rim 12 at point 16.

A first radial line 17 may be envisaged extending between the axial centre 6 of the mouthpiece 5 through the point 15 at which the spoke nA is attached to the hub 12. A second radial line i8 maybe envisaged extending between the axial centre 6 of the mouthpiece through the point 6 at which the spoke nA is attached to the rim 10.

jo As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first and second radial lines 17,18 are different and not coincident. That is to say, the points of attachment 15,16 of the spoke nAto the hub 12 and the rim 10 are located on different radial lines 17, i8.

In the mouthpieces of Figures 1, 2, and 3, the angle between the first and second radial fines 17, iS is approximately ioo0. In the mouthpiece of Figure 4, the angle is about 600. In other embodiments, the angie maybe about 700, 800, or 90°. Tn other examples, the angle between the first and second radial lines 17, 18 maybe greater than 10, 10°, 20°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 70° and may be less than 180°, 160°, 140°, 120°, or 100°. For example, the angle between the first and second radial lines 17, 18 may be between 40° and 120°, between 50° and 110°, between 6o° and 100°, between 70° and 95°, such as about 80°, 85°, or 90°.

As a result of the configuration of the mouthpiece jj, wherein the points of attachment of the spokes 11 to the hub 12 and rim 10 are on different radial lines, the mouthpiece has been found to have improved compressibility. In particular, due to the configuration of the spokes ii, the mouthpiece 5 has been found to be more flexibly deformable than differently configured mouthpieces.

Thc improvcd comprcssibility and flexibility of thc mouthpiccc 5 has bccn found to offer manufacturing advantages, and in particular, the improved resilience of the mouthpieces has been found to make it compatible with existing manufacturing equipment and processes.

For example, it has been found that the rim may become deformed during the manufacturing process of monthpieces in which the points of attachment of the spokes to the hub and rim are on the same radial lines. In particular, the circular cross sectional shape of the rim may be distorted into a shape approaching that of a regular polygon, wherein the number of sides of the polygon equals the number of spokes of the mouthpiece. Thus, mouthpieces comprising, for example, six spokes which are attached to the hnb and rim on the same radia' lines have an increased tendency for the circuthr rim to become distorted into an approximately hexagonal shape. Likewise, five spoke mouthpieces become distorted into an approximately pentagonal shape. In contrast, it has been found that the claimed mouthpieces, in which the points of attachment of the spokes to the hub and rim are on different radial lines, demonstrate a significantly improved ability to retain or revert to a circular shape during and/or following the o manufacturing process. The effect is particularly pronounced when the mouthpiece forms part of a larger unit, and the manufacturing process comprises, for example, attaching the mouthpiece to further parts of a functional assembly.

Furthermore, although the spokes ii of the mouthpieces function to provide support for the rim 10 and the outer surface of the smoking article 1, the arrangement of the spokes ii has been found to provide a springy resilience and soft fed to the mouth end of the smoking artide 1, when the smoking artide is in use.

The mouthpiece 5 may be manufactured by any suitable method, and from any suitable material. Plastic materials are generally preferred for manufacture of the mouthpiece 5 and, in particular, they may be moulded from a thermoplastic such as high density polyethylene.

The mouthpieces may be used in any smoking article to support the structure of the article whist allowing flow to be drawn therethrough. Such articles may include, for example, electronic cigarettes, inhalers, or other nicotine delivery systems. Such articles need not include, for example, a tobacco rod 3, or a main filter part 4.

Dcpcnding on thc typc of smoking articlc, thc mouthpiccc s may have any suitablc dimensions. Tn the embodiment shown, the mouthpiece is 7-8mm in diameter, such as or about The internal dimensions of the rim 10 may also be selected depending on the type of smoking artide. Tn the embodiment shown, the internal diameter maybe 6-7mm in diameter, such as 6.i-6.mm or about 6.3mm. The hub 12 may have any suitable diameter, and in the embodiment shown is i-3mm, such as 2-or about The mouthpiece may form part of a larger unit. For example, the mouthpiece may be attached to a second part, which maybe substantially cylindrical, having substantially the same diameter as the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be rotatably or slidably attached to the second cylindrical part to form a larger mouthpiece assembly. The larger mouthpiece assembly may be a functional assembly and may in use, for example, function to control the degree of flavourant or pressure drop of the smoke flow.

Although referred to as a "mouthpiece", and generally located at the mouth end of the smoking article, the mouthpiece may be situated at any longitudinal position within the jo smoking article, such as for example, between the filter and the tobacco rod. Moreover, a smoking article may comprise a plurality of mouthpieces, such as 2, 3, or 4 mouthpieces, which may be located together or at different longitudinal positions within the smoking article. For example, the smoking article may comprise a mouthpiece at the extreme mouth end and also between the filter and tobacco rod.

Tt will be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the embodiment shown in Figures ito 4. Each of these modifications, and others that are not explicitly described but will be obvious to the skilled person, may be used individually or in combination with any of the other modifications where technically feasible.

The rim 10 and hub 12 of the mouthpieces may be the same length or one may be longer than the other and thus protrude from the mouthpiece 5 towards the mouth end or main filter part 4. For example, the rim 10 may extend beyond the spokes ii towards the mouth end of the smoking article 1, thus providing a lip around the edge of the mouthpiece 5.

The spokes 11 may have a length substantially similar to that of the rim 10 and/or hub 12 of the mouthpiece 5, or the spokes 11 may be shorter. When the spokes 11 are shorter in length than thc rim 10 or hub 12, they may bc located at onc cnd of thc mouthpiece 5, or centred.

One or more of the spokes 11 may have different cross-sectional areas and/or shapes from one or more of the other spokes. For example, a first spoke may have a larger cross-sectional area than a second spoke. in addition or alternatively, one or more of the spokes 11 may have a non-uniform and/or differently shaped cross section along its length. For example, one or more of the spokes maybe tapered such that the cross-sectional area varies along the length of the spoke.

The mouthpieces may have any suitable number of spokes ii. There may be one or more spokes, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight spokes, for example.

The mouthpiece 5 may comprise a plurality of sets of spokes 11. The multiple sets of spokes may be identical in terms of number, shape, and orientation of spokes, or may be different. The sets of spokes 11 may be aligned with one another, or for example, may be rotated or reversed relative to one another.

Tnstead of being a hollow cylindrical open tube as shown in Figures 1-3, the hub 12 may be sealed at one or both ends.

The mouthpiece may comprise means for attachment to the main filter part 4. For example, the rim 10 may extend to encompass a portion of the main filter part 4. Tn addition, or alternatively, an extension of the hub 12 or spokes 11 may be received within a recess of the main filter part 4. Thus, when assembled, the main filter part 4 may be deformed by, and engage strongly with, the mouthpiece.

The main filter part 4 may comprise a plurality of filter parts. The filter parts may comprise longitudinally aligned cylindrical filter segments which are combined by means of a plugwrap. In addition, or alternatively, one or more of the filter parts may comprise an annular filter section with a different filter material in the core, which may be a conventional filter material, or for example, an adsorbent.

The filter element 2 may comprise a smoke modifying agent, which may be for example, a flavourant, a deodoriser, a dilLient, an adsorbent, or any other substance that is capable of modifying the gaseous flow.

The smoke modifying agent may comprise an adsorbent such as activated carbon material, which maybe included in the filter in various ways. For example the activated carbon material may be held in a cavity within the main filter part 4. Tn addition, or alternatively, the activated carbon material maybe included in the form of a charcoal patch on the inside of the plugwrap material 7.

The filter element 2 may comprise an additive release component in the form of a capsule. The capsule may contain a smoke modifjing agent. Prior to or during use of the smoking article 1 the user can app'y force to, and thus deform, the filter element 2 and the capsule. The application of force causes the capsule to rupture and release the smoke modifying agent. Once the capsule has been ruptured, the smoke modifying agent may become entrained in smoke which is drawn through the filter element 2.

The mouthpiece 5 may comprise a reaction surface against which the additive release component can be urged, in order to facilitate release of the smoke modi'ing agent.

As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materia's which, where local regulations permit, maybe used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, avender, cardamon, cdery, cascarilla. nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other smoke modifying agents such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They maybe imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They maybe in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

Embodiments of the invention are configured to comply with applicable laws and/or regulations, such as, by way of non-limiting example, regulations relating to flavours, additives, emissions, constituents, and/or the like. For example, the invention maybe configured such that a smoking article implementing the invention is compflant with applicable regulations before and after adjustment by a user. Such implementations may be configured to be compliant with applicable regulations in all user-selectaNe positions. In some embodiments, the configuration is such that a smoking article implementing the invention meets or exceeds required regulatoiy test(s) in all user-selectable positions, such as, byway of non-limiting example, the testing threshold(s)/ceiling(s) for cigarette emissions and/or smoke constituents.

Tn order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior flow control device. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented onlyto assist in understanding and teach the daimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, o examp'es, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitaNy comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Tn addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be daimed in future. -10-

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mouthpiece for a smoking article comprising a cylindrical rim, a cy'indrical hub, and one or more spokes extending between and thereby connecting the rim and hub, wherein the rim and the hub are coaxially aligned and the points of attachment of the one or more spokes to the hub and the rim are located on different radial lines.
2. A mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the hub is hollow.o
3. A mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spokes are curved.
4. A mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spokes are straight.
5. A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims wherein the angle between the radial lines is between 40° and 1200.
6. A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims wherein the angle between the radial lines is between 600 and 1000.
7. A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims wherein the angle between the radial lines is about 800.
8. A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims, for use in connection with a second cylindrical part to form a mouthpiece assembly.
9. A smoking article filter comprising a mouthpiece as claimed in any of the preceding claims.
10. A smoking articic comprising a mouthpiccc as claimcd in any of thc prcccding dams.
ii. A mouthpiece for a smoking article as hereinabove described.