GB2560175A

GB2560175A - A flavour applicator for a cigarette, a cigarette paper and a cleansing stick

Info

Publication number: GB2560175A
Application number: GB1703325.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peters Gunther
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-01
Filing date: 2017-03-01
Publication date: 2018-09-05
Also published as: GB201703325D0; EP3589144A1; EP3589144B1; WO2018158400A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a flavour applicator 2, comprising a housing 1 defining a reservoir 3; an application tip 4a-c arranged in contact with the reservoir; and a flavouring contained within the reservoir for application to a cigarette. The flavouring may be nicotine, sweetening, coffee, tea, whisky, spirit, fruit, mint, menthol or confectionary, and may comprise one, or a mixture, of propylene glycol and glycerol. The application tip may have a profile for engagement with a cylindrical body, such a cigarette. The tip may comprise a fibrous material arranged to wick flavour from the reservoir, or may comprise a porous ceramic. Also disclosed is a cleansing stick, possibly for cleaning the users teeth, comprising a housing defining a reservoir; a fibrous cleaning tip arranged in contact with the reservoir; a flavouring contained within the reservoir for flavouring a surface or article to be cleaned. Also disclosed is a paper for rolling a cigarette, comprising at least one marking arranged to be visible on the cigarette when rolled, wherein said marking runs along the entire smoking length of the cigarette (fig. 5). Further disclosed is a method of using the flavour applicator disclosed above, comprising drawing at least one line of flavour on a cigarette.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A flavour applicator for a cigarette, a cigarette paper and a cleansing stick

Abstract Title: A Flavour Applicator for a Cigarette, a Cleansing Stick and a Rolling Paper with a Marking (57) Disclosed is a flavour applicator 2, comprising a housing 1 defining a reservoir 3; an application tip 4a-c arranged in contact with the reservoir; and a flavouring contained within the reservoir for application to a cigarette. The flavouring may be nicotine, sweetening, coffee, tea, whisky, spirit, fruit, mint, menthol or confectionary, and may comprise one, or a mixture, of propylene glycol and glycerol. The application tip may have a profile for engagement with a cylindrical body, such a cigarette. The tip may comprise a fibrous material arranged to wick flavour from the reservoir, or may comprise a porous ceramic. Also disclosed is a cleansing stick, possibly for cleaning the user’s teeth, comprising a housing defining a reservoir; a fibrous cleaning tip arranged in contact with the reservoir; a flavouring contained within the reservoir for flavouring a surface or article to be cleaned. Also disclosed is a paper for rolling a cigarette, comprising at least one marking arranged to be visible on the cigarette when rolled, wherein said marking runs along the entire smoking length of the cigarette (fig. 5). Further disclosed is a method of using the flavour applicator disclosed above, comprising drawing at least one line of flavour on a cigarette.

4a

<r

4b

Fig. 1

ZB

4c

1/2

Fig. 1

2/2

A Flavour Applicator for a Cigarette, A Cigarette Paper and A Cleansing Stick

The present invention relates to a flavour applicator for a cigarette and to a cigarette paper. In addition, the invention provides a cleansing stick and a cigarette and flavour applicator assembly.

A cigarette is of course very well-known and may generally be defined as a tobacco rod wrapped in paper with or without a filter tip. A cigarette can be either factory-made or self-made, known as “roll-your-own” or “make-your-own” smoking articles. Typically a cigarette has a cylindrical shape body with a diameter between 6 and 8 mm.

Many smokers like the taste of menthol cigarettes from time to time but not all the time and therefore choose to live without menthol cigarettes. In particular, given the cost of cigarettes, many smokers do not want to buy a full packet of menthol cigarettes if they might only want to smoke one or two as a novelty. In addition, when a user has purchased a box of menthol cigarettes, after the pack has been opened the menthol concentration decreases quickly. That means that it is not practicable to buy a box of menthol and simply store them for when they might be desired as if there is a delay of more than, say, a few days the menthol flavour might all have gone.

In some countries menthol or other such flavoured cigarettes have been banned or are due to be banned in the near future.

Products do exist that allow the mentholisation of a pack of cigarettes, by inserting a piece of cardboard impregnated with menthol crystals. Transfer of the menthol aroma flavour takes at least an hour and all the cigarettes in the packet will be mentholised. Equal uniform distribution of the menthol flavour to the cigarettes within the box can take several hours.

Such a solution does not easily enable the selective mentholisation of only some,

e.g. a single one, of the cigarettes within a box.

GB-A-1,305,008 discloses a make-up applicator for applying perfume directly to a user. A felt tip pen like device is used.

US-A-2009/0317432 discloses an assembly for the application of nail varnish composition. The assembly comprises a felt-tip applicator and a nail varnish composition provided within it.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cigarette flavour applicator, comprising a housing defining a reservoir for the flavour; an application tip arranged in use in contact with the reservoir; a flavouring contained within the reservoir for application to a cigarette.

The invention provides a cigarette flavour applicator which uses an application tip in contact with a reservoir of a flavouring. This facilitates the selective flavouring of an individual cigarette on an as-needed basis by the user. Furthermore, the flavour applicator can be stored and retained separately from the cigarettes themselves which means that the problems associated with evaporation of the flavouring due to decreasing concentration after exposure to air is addressed.

Furthermore, by providing a fibre-tipped applicator, the amount of flavouring applied to an individual cigarette can be varied on an individual basis. That means that in contrast to conventional methods of flavouring cigarettes, if a user wants to have a particularly strong flavouring on a specific cigarette, he can apply more flavouring than on any other. Thus a reliable, easy to use and simple mechanism for selectively varying and controlling the flavouring on cigarettes is achieved.

In one example, the flavouring is selected from the group consisting nicotine, sweetening, coffee, tea, whisky, spirit, fruit, mint, menthol or confectionary.

Accordingly the flavour applicator can be used to selectively flavour a cigarette with any one of a number of possible flavouring. This list above is not exhaustive and it is expected that other possible flavourings can be used.

In one example, the application tip has a profile for engagement with a cigarette. Preferably, the profile is concave and more preferably, the concavity, has a curvature to match that of a standard cigarette.

Thus a flavour applicator is provided that has a tip that is shaped for optimal engagement with a cigarette. This enables controlled, simplified and repeatable application of flavouring to cigarettes. In other words, with a tip that is shaped for engagement with a cigarette a user knows (or can learn very easily and quickly) how much flavour will be applied by, say a single stroke of the applicator.

In an example, the flavouring comprises a base liquid as a solvent formed of one or more of, or a mixture of PG (propylene glycol) and glycerol ((VG) vegetable glycerine).

In an example, the flavouring contains up to 10 % water by volume.

In an example, the flavouring contains nicotine up to 4 % by volume.

In an example, the flavouring contains between 1% and 5% by volume of a flavour.

In an example, the flavouring contains up to 10% glycerol by volume.

In an example, the flavouring contains up to 25% glycerol by volume.

In an example, the flavouring contains up to 50% glycerol by volume.

In an example, the application tip comprises a fibrous material arranged to wick flavour from the reservoir. In other words the tip might be in the form of an elongate fibrous wicking member arranged in use to have a first end in contact or contactable with flavouring in the reservoir such that the fibrous tip can then serve to wick flavouring along its length for application to a cigarette.

In another example, the application tip is formed of a porous ceramic material.

Again, the tip might be in the form of an elongate member arranged in use to have a first end in contact or contactable with flavouring in the reservoir such that the porous tip can then serve to enable transport of flavouring along its length for application to a cigarette

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleansing stick comprising a housing defining a reservoir for a flavouring; a fibrous cleaning tip arranged in use in contact with the reservoir; a flavouring contained within the reservoir for flavouring a surface or article to be cleaned.

The cleaning article is similar to the flavour applicator of the first aspect. The tip is fibrous or in some way suitable for cleaning and as well as or instead of being used to apply flavour to a cigarette the fibrous tip is specifically for use in cleaning surfaces. Typical surface that can be cleaned include teeth that have become discoloured to smoking or indeed the fingers or finger nails of smokers. By using a flavouring, such as menthol, the article being cleaned can also be perfumed which is a desired effect with an article being cleaned. In one specific example if a user is cleaning his teeth with the article the use of a mint or menthol flavour is desired a sit leaves a pleasant taste within the user’s mouth.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of applying flavour to a cigarette, comprising with a flavour applicator according to the first aspect of the present invention drawing on a cigarette so as to apply flavouring to the cigarette.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a flavour applicator (unassembled) for a cigarette;

Figure 2 is a view showing the use of a flavour applicator with a cigarette;

Figure 3 is an example of a cleansing stick for cleaning teeth, shown in use;

Figure 4 is a view of a tip maintenance step; and

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a cigarette for use in an adjustably flavourable cigarette and applicator assembly.

Figure 1 shows the unassembled component parts of a cigarette flavour applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. The applicator comprises a housing 1 arranged to receive and hold a reservoir 3. An application unit 2 is provided, which will be described in more detail below. A lid 5 is provided. Finally,a source of flavouring (not shown) is provided which is typically a bottle of a flavouring to be poured into the reservoir prior to the reservoir 3 being placed (or after it is placed) within the housing 1.

The application unit 2 includes a tip 4 formed of a generally fibrous material and connected or formed integrally with a wicking part arranged, when assembled, to be in contact with flavouring provided within the reservoir 3. Three differently shaped tips are shown numbered 4a to 4c. The application unit 2 is arranged to threadably engage with the housing 1 once the reservoir 3 filled with flavouring has been arranged within the housing 1. A threaded portion 1 a is provided on the housing for engagement with a correspondingly threaded portion 2a forming part of the application unit 2.

On engagement of the application unit 2 with the housing 1, the wicking part of the tip 4 will be in engagement with the liquid flavouring and thereby provide wicking of the liquid towards the application tip 4. Whilst some aspects of this arrangement will be familiar from other fields, within the field of flavour application to cigarettes the assembly provides a novel and useful way for flexibly flavouring an individual cigarette upon desire.

Figure 2 shows a view of an individual cigarette 8 being flavoured with the assembly 9. As can be seen, a relatively straightforward process is required by which a line of flavouring can be applied along the length of a cigarette. As will be explained below, this provides efficient and uniform distribution of flavouring within a cigarette such that the experience that a user has is that the cigarette smoked will be like a menthol cigarette rather than a conventional cigarette filled with pure tobacco with no additional flavouring.

In Figure 2 the end of the application tip can be seen to be curved in a manner so as to match the cylindrical curvature of the cigarette itself. This enables a lager surface area of the cigarette to be covered with only a single stroke of the applicator and therefore a larger amount of flavour to be applied with reduced effort by the user. In some examples, the degree of curvature is varied so as to vary the amount of flavouring that would be added with a single stroke of the applicator. Referring again to Figure 1, three different examples of tips 4 are shown each having a different shaped end. The end of Figure 4c is curved as described above and as shown in Figure 2 so as to match the cylindrical surface of the cigarette. In Figure 4a a more pointed tip is shown which, will enable a degree of control to be achieved by a user by controlling which part of the tip actually engages with a cigarette during flavour application. If the very end part of the tip is used, then for each line drawn on the cigarette, a relatively small amount of flavour will be applied. If the edge of the triangular end part is used then the application surface area will be increased. The tip 4b of Figure 1 is a straight line so enables variation to be achieved easily by varying the pressure applied during flavour application.

The pressure that a user applies and the natural resilience of the cigarette itself can also affect the amount of flavouring applied in a single stroke. It is assumed that after a few uses a user will grow familiar with the force required and/or the amount of flavouring required to flavour the cigarette to the desired degree.

Referring now to Figure 5 a view of a cigarette is shown for use with the flavour applicator of Figures 1 and 2. The cigarette includes the usual parts that would be expected of a cigarette i.e. a filter end 10, a lighting end 11 and paper 12 rolled and filled with tobacco 13. In addition, provided on the cigarette paper are a number of markings 14 which run substantially along the entire length of the cigarette. In some examples they do extend along the entire length of the cigarette, or a least along the entire smoking length of the cigarette, i.e. the length of the cigarette that is filled with tobacco and would normally be smoked. This might be the length of the cigarette minus the length of the filter tip when one is provided.

In this example, three lines 14 are provided thereby defining two channel regions

15. By providing such markings, and in particular by providing a plurality of channels 15, it is possible to provide fiducial markings which act as a guide to a user to denote regions on the cigarette that should be covered or applied with the flavour. This means that the amount of flavour applied by a user can be consistently repeated which is particularly helpful for a user once they are aware of the strength of flavouring that they find optimal. For example, some users may find that filling one of the channels provides a sufficient amount of flavouring whereas others might prefer two, or more. Clearly, the number of channels can be varied and if desired, can extend all the way around the circumference of the cigarette.

In addition, markings 16 are provided along the length of one or more of the channels or lines which enables a user to selectively flavour only a part of their cigarette and again, to do so consistently and repeatedly with confidence.

Considering again Figures 1 and 2, it is typical that the housing 1, the application unit 2 and the cap 5 are formed of plastic and/or metal such as aluminium. They might typically be manufactured by injection moulding. Alternative materials for use for any or all of these components include metal such as steel and copper or wood or indeed ceramics.

The reservoir 3 and tip 4 of the application unit 2 are commonly formed from plastic fibres. Polyester fibres such as polyethylene terephthalate provide good performance. Porous ceramics can be used alternatively for the reservoir and/or the tip if better durability is required. The application unit 2 and the tip 4 including the wicking part provide a specific function which is to facilitate the transport of the flavouring from the reservoir 3 to the tip 4 and onward to a cigarette to be flavoured. It will be appreciated that typically and most easily, the reservoir 3 will be provided as a plastic or metal tube within which liquid can be poured and then when used, arranged to receive the wicking end of the tip 4. However it is also possible that the entirety of the reservoir 3, the tip 4 and the application unit 2 are provided as a single unitary component formed of a porous ceramic. When the user needs to restock the application assembly, the entirety of the reservoir can be submerged within a source of flavouring which is then absorbed into the body of the porous member.

The flavour itself that is used will typically be a menthol flavouring which will involve some flavouring elements themselves together with an appropriate solvent.

The liquid:

Liquid formulations are similar to common commercial e-liquids. Typically a solvent or base liquid is provided which is a mixture of PG (propylene glycol) and glycerol ((VG) vegetable glycerine). The base liquid can range from 100 per cent PG to 100 per cent VG.

PG and VG are hygroscopic and adsorb water from ambient air during usage. Prior to sale, the flavouring will be provided in a bottle preferably contained within hermetically sealed packaging. Accordingly after opening the sealed packaging, the PG and VG are expected to adsorb water from ambient air. Typical water uptake over several weeks of usage ranges from 3% (PG) to 8 % (VG) and mixtures in-between accordingly. Adding a few per cent water to the mixture reduces the effect. Preferably the mixture is provided with about 5% water. It is known that commercial e-liquids contain between zero and 10% water.

Nicotine content ranges from zero (nicotine-free) to 4% and flavour content from zero (for users who mix it by themselves) to 5%. Typically the flavour concentration of around 1% is sufficient for most flavourings.

It is preferred that the glycerol content should be on the lower side, e.g. for use in the flavouring composition. Typically, the glycerol concentration is at a maximum of 25%, and more preferably about 10%. A maximum of 50% would typically be used.

The materials for use in the manufacture of the application device are commercially available. The size, shape and liquid reservoir capacity can vary from application to application and adapted according to a user’s needs.

Examples have been made and have been shown to have significant shelf lives and stability. Samples have been shown to be functional 6 months after manufacture and to have demonstrated no leakage or drying-out.

Hygienic aspects have also been considered for applications with saliva or skin contact. This is particularly important when the device is configured or used as a cleansing stick as will be described in greater detail below. PG/VG mixtures have welldescribed and well known anti-bacterial properties. In any event, regular replacement of the tip 4 or indeed the entire application unit 2 is possible.

Nicotine containing products require child-proof packaging, e.g. sealed in blister packs.

A number of possible applications have been developed. These include menthol flavouring or indeed alternative flavourings such as coffee aroma and nicotine. Four different examples have been prepared and tested as follows:

Taste enhancement of tobacco products, flavour application on cigarettes

a) Product M1 for menthol application on cigarette wrapper; 5 % menthol in PG, max 10 % VG, 5 % water

b) Product M2

Menthol replacement: 10 % DL-iso-menthone in PG

Menthone is milder, less sharp than menthol. See also 3. Cleansing.

c) Product TM for applying menthol-nicotine-aroma: 65 % PG, 25 % VG, 1 % menthol, 1 % nicotine, 1 % tobacco extract, 5 % water.

d) Product CN % PG, 42 % VG, 5 % water, 2 % nicotine, 1 % coffee aroma (also for oral administration)

As explained above, in use then to flavour a cigarette, liquid is added to the smoking article by drawing one or more lines along the paper seam of a cigarette. By drawing the line on the seam paper porosity is minimised and so preferably the fiducial marking referred to above are provided on or close to the seam on the cigarette. In practice, it will be expected that the wrapper or paper will become slightly transparent. Drying could take a few minutes but it is not necessary for the smoking experience. The paper structure is not affected by the solvents used, which contrasts with water-based liquids which would cause wrinkling or waving of the paper surface. If coloured liquids are used, the line will remain visible.

In one example, in addition to the ingredients mentioned above, for use in the various flavourings, some ethanol (up to 20% by volume) is added which speeds up the drying of the flavouring on the cigarette.

In a further embodiment, the application can be used for the oral administration of nicotine. Instead of or as well as using a flavouring such as menthol, nicotine is provided in solution within the reservoir 4 of the application unit 9. In such cases, an application tip 5 is provided wider than that shown in Figures 1 and 2. A user can then directly apply nicotine to their mouths. It is known that nicotine uptake in the mouth cavity is slower as compared to inhalation during smoking of cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Accordingly, the nicotine content within the solution is provided as between 2% and 4%, 1% and 6%, or preferably between 2% and 4% within the solution. Nicotine is colourless and tasteless but due to the fact that some users report a slight bitterness, a sweetening flavouring can be added or indeed any flavouring which will counteract the sense of bitterness. For example flavours such as coffee, tea, whisky, fruit or confectionary would work well and deliver a more intense sensation by comparison to the administration of inhalation products such as cigarettes or e-cigarettes.

Furthermore, the nicotine administration device can also be used instead of orally, by applying directly onto a user’s skin. In other words the action would be similar to applying a felt tip to one’s skin but the nicotine would quickly be received by the user. This provides a very easy to use and flexible way to provide nicotine without any smoking and without the lack of flexibility provided by skin-based nicotine patches.

Figures 3a and 3b show a further example of the flavour applicator. In this example, the applicator is configured for use as a cleansing stick. The stick can be used to clean teeth and fingers to remove tar staining and smell and also to remove adhesive or glue residues which can appear after tearing off price sticker labels from goods or removing sticky residues on plastic cards such as credit cards. Most materials such as plastics, wood, metal and cardboard are PG-resistant. Resistance of colours and coatings on cardboard boxes may be tested before using the stick. A touch of menthol or peppermint flavouring supports the cleansing effect. If the tip gets dirty or disintegrated at the top after some usage, it can be cut and reshaped by scissors several times or easily exchanged with a spare.

io Figure 4 shows a tip being replaced. A knife 17 is used to remove an end region of the tip which has become damaged due to use. A new exposed region 19 can then be used by a user in due course.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cigarette flavour applicator, comprising a housing defining a reservoir for the flavour;

an application tip arranged in use in contact with the reservoir;

a flavouring contained within the reservoir for application to a cigarette.

2. A cigarette flavour applicator according to claim 1, in which the flavouring is selected from the group consisting nicotine, sweetening, coffee, tea, whisky, spirit, fruit, mint, menthol or confectionary.

3. A cigarette flavour applicator according to claim 1 or 2, in which the application tip has a profile for engagement with a cylindrical-shaped body with diameter between 6 and 8 mm.

4. A cigarette flavour applicator according to claim 3, in which the profile is concave.

5. A cigarette flavour applicator according to claim 4, in which the concavity, has a curvature to match that of a standard cigarette.

6. A cigarette applicator according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which the flavouring comprises a base liquid as a solvent formed of one or more of, or a mixture of PG (propylene glycol) and glycerol ((VG) vegetable glycerine).

7. A cigarette applicator according to claim 6, in which the flavouring contains up to 10 % water by volume.

8. A cigarette applicator according to any of claims 1 to 7, in which the flavouring contains nicotine up to 4 % by volume.

9. A cigarette applicator according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the flavouring contains between 1% and 5% by volume of a flavour.

10. A cigarette applicator according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the flavouring contains up to 10% glycerol by volume.

11. A cigarette applicator according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the flavouring contains up to 25% glycerol by volume.

12. A cigarette applicator according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the flavouring contains up to 50% glycerol by volume.

13. A cigarette applicator according to any of claims 1 to 12, in which the application tip comprises a fibrous material arranged to wick flavour from the reservoir.

14. A cigarette applicator according to any of claims 1 to 13, in which the application tip is formed of a porous ceramic material.

15. A cleansing stick comprising:

a housing defining a reservoir for a flavouring;

a fibrous cleaning tip arranged in use in contact with the reservoir;

a flavouring contained within the reservoir for flavouring a surface or article to be cleaned.

16. A cigarette paper for rolling a cigarette, the cigarette paper comprising at least one marking arranged such that it is visible on the cigarette when rolled, wherein the marking runs substantially along the entire length of the smoking length of the cigarette when rolled.

17. A cigarette paper according to claim 16, wherein there is a plurality of markings positioned so as to define one or more visible channels along the length of a cigarette when rolled.

18. A method of flavouring a cigarette , the method comprising, with a flavour applicator, comprising a housing defining a reservoir for the flavour; an application tip arranged in use in contact with the reservoir; and a flavouring contained within the reservoir for application to a cigarette, drawing on a cigarette to thereby apply flavour to the cigarette.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein drawing comprises applying a line of

5 flavour to the cigarette.

20. A method according to claim 19, comprising drawing plural lines onto the cigarette.

io

21. A method according to any of claims 18 to 20, comprising moving the tip in engagement with the cigarette at a speed selected so as to impart to the cigarette a desired amount of flavour.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1703325.9 Examiner: Mr Owen Cundy