GB2602244A

GB2602244A - A flavour applicator

Info

Publication number: GB2602244A
Application number: GB2016574.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mallerman Robert
Original assignee: Penthol Ltd
Current assignee: Penthol Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-19
Filing date: 2020-10-19
Publication date: 2022-06-29
Also published as: WO2022084665A1; GB202016574D0

Abstract

A flavour applicator 100 for applying a flavouring solution to a cigarette comprises: a reservoir 104 for containing a flavouring solution; and an applicating member 102 fluidly coupled to the reservoir 104. The applicating member 102 may be porous (i.e. comprising porous foam or felt), or may be non-porous (i.e. comprising a roller ball structure). The applicator 100 may be in the form of, for example, a roller ball pen, felt-tip pen, marker pen, or brush pen, or may be in the form of a hand pump spray or aerosol. The applicating member 102 may be contoured to maximise contact with the cigarette, it may have a concave contacting surface, the contacting surface may be larger than the width of the applicating member 102, and it may be in the form of a nozzle. The applicator 100 may be part of a cigarette receiving device, such that a cigarette can be passed through an aperture and the applicating member 102 will apply the solution to the cigarette, or may comprise an attachment means to attach to a cigarette container. The flavouring solution may comprise flavouring agent (i.e. menthol), cooling agent, sweetener (i.e. sucralose) and carrier solvent (i.e. ethanol and water).

Description

I

A Flavour Applicator

FIELD

[0001] The invention disclosed herein relates to a flavouring solution for use in creating a flavoured tobacco article, such as a cigarette; a flavour applicator for use in applying a flavouring solution to a tobacco article, such as a cigarette; a flavour applicator containing a flavouring solution for use in applying a flavouring solution to a tobacco article, such as a cigarette and a method of administration thereof.

[0002] In particular the disclosure is concerned with a menthol cigarette flavouring solution and a means of applying the same.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Flavoured tobacco products that provide a variety of different tastes and aromas are known in the art. Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, can be flavoured to change the taste of the primary smoke inhaled by the smoker, which provides an enjoyable smoking experience. Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, that are flavoured also reduce the impact of secondary smoke on the smoker's surroundings by relatively lessening the tobacco smell that may be unpleasant to non-smokers.

[0004] Numerous flavoured tobacco products are widely enjoyed by smokers across the globe. For example, menthol cigarette smokers account for about 25 to 35% of all smokers in the UK, approximately 2.5 million smokers, and around 10-15% of all smokers globally. As of 20th May 2020, the purchase of menthol cigarettes has been banned across the EU as part of the EU Revised Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU). With the removal of menthol cigarettes from the marketplace across Europe, and elsewhere in the world, smokers who enjoy flavoured tobacco products are now turning to alternative flavouring methods to prepare and enjoy a flavoured smoking experience.

[0005] Previous methods for preparing a flavoured cigarette include using flavoured filters tip and cards which smokers can use to prepare their own flavoured roll-up cigarettes. When a cigarette with a flavoured filter tip or card is smoked, the tobacco smoke passes the flavoured tip or card and is infused with flavour. However, such solutions are only available to smokers who prepare their own cigarettes.

[0006] With the removal of flavoured cigarettes from the marketplace, alternative flavouring methods are highly desirable. Therefore, there is a need for an improved solution to preparing a flavoured cigarette.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a flavouring solution for use in creating a flavoured a cigarette, a flavour applicator for use in applying a flavouring solution to a cigarette and a method of administration thereof [0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flavouring solution for a cigarette comprising: a. 25 to 55wt% flavouring agent; b. 1 to 20 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.1 to 5 wt% sweetener; d. carrier solvent.

[0009] The flavouring solution of the present invention provides an improved smoking experience for the user wherein the user can apply the flavouring solution to a smoking article, such as a pre-rolled cigarette, in an amount such that a desired flavour can be experienced by the smoker.

[0010] The flavouring agent may be selected from any flavouring agent suitable for use in a smoking article. Suitably, the flavouring agent may be any suitable material, or combination of materials, that is capable to create the desired aroma and taste when applied to a cigarette.

[0011] The flavouring agent may be a natural material, such as an extract, for example a plant extract, such as a plant extract derived from a herb. The flavouring agent may be a synthetic material which is chemically identical to a natural substance, for example, vanillin, which is a synthesised natural component of vanilla. The flavouring agent may be a synthetic material that is obtained by chemical synthesis or chemical modification of a natural substance which is not present in nature, for example, ethylvanillin, which is a synthetic vanilla flavour agent. The flavouring agent may be a mixture of a natural material and/or a synthetic material.

[0012] It is understood that flavouring agents that are suitable for use in smoking articles, such as cigarettes, are flavouring agents that are transferable into to the smoke of a cigarette from the flavouring solution of the present invention.

[0013] Typically, the flavouring agent may be 2-lsopropy1-5-methylcyclohexanol (menthol) or a derivative thereof The flavouring agent may be selected from one or more of group consisting of ()menthol, (+)-menthol, (+)-isomenthol, (+)-neomenthol, (+)-neoisomenthol, (-)-isomenthol, (-)-neomenthol, (-)-neoisomenthol. Typically, the flavouring agent may be (+)-menthol, or (-)menthol, or a racemic mixture of (+) and (-) menthol.

[0014] The flavouring agent may be a solid at room temperature. The flavouring agent may be fully dissolvable in the carrier solvent at room temperature such that the flavouring solutions described herein are solutions.

[0015] The flavouring solution may comprise between 25-55 wt% flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may comprise at least 25 wt% of flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as at least 30 wt%, such as at least 35 wt%, for example at least 40 wt%, at least 42 wt% or at least 45 wt%.

[0016] The flavouring solution may comprise at most 55 wt% of flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as at most 52 wt%, such as at most 50 wt%, such as at most 48 wt%.

[0017] The flavouring solution may comprise between 25-55 wt% of flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 25-52 wt%, such as between 25-50 wt%, such as between 25-48 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 30-55 wt% of flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 30-52 wt%, such as between 3050 wt%, such as between 30-48 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 35-55 wt% of flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 35-52 wt%, such as between 35-50 wt%, such as between 35-48 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 40-55 wt% of flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 4052 wt%, such as between 40-50 wt%, such as between 40-48 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 45-55 wt% of flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 45-52 wt%, such as between 45-50 wt%, such as between 45-48 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 47-55 wt% of flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 47-52 wt%, such as between 47-50 wt%, such as between 47-48 wt%.

[0018] The flavouring solution may comprise between 47-48 wt% flavouring agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may contain about 47wt% flavouring agent.

[0019] The flavouring solution as described herein comprises 1-20wt% cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The cooling agent may be a cold thermosensory agonist, typically a thermoreceptor (TRPV) agonist, for example a TRPM8 or TRPA1 agonist.

[0020] The cooling agent advantageously provides a cooling effect to the smoke produced by a cigarette to which the flavouring solution has been applied. Further the cooling agent provides a fresh and clean cooling sensation to the user. The cooling agent may be a cold thermosensory agonist which interacts with the thermoreceptor (TRPV) of the smoker, such that the temperature of the smoke is sensed by the user as cooler, therefore, producing a smoke that is more comfortable to inhale and exhale.

[0021] The cooling agent may be selected from any cooling agent suitable for use in a smoking article. Suitably, the cooling agent may be any suitable material, or combination of materials, that is capable to create the desired cooling effect when applied to a cigarette.

[0022] The cooling agent may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of N-Ethy1-5-methy1-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3); N-RethoxycarbonyOmethyl)-p-menthane-3- carboxamide (WS-5); (1R",2S")-N-(4-Methoxypheny1)-5-methy1-2-(1-methylethyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-12); N,2,3-trimethy1-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23) and N,2-diethyl-3-methyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (VVS-27), typically, N-Ethy1-5-methy1-2-(1- methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3); N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5) and N,2,3-trimethy1-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23), more typically, N-Ethy1-5-methy1-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3).

[0023] The cooling agent may be crystalline and may be dissolved in the carrier solvent of the flavouring solution. The cooling agent may be a liquid and may be dispersible in the carrier solvent of the flavouring solution. The cooling agent may comprise a solvent such as glycerine.

[0024] Typically, the cooling agent is a solid, such as a crystalline solid.

[0025] The flavouring solution may comprise between 1-20 wt% cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may comprise at least 1 wt% of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as at least 2 wt% cooling agent or at least 3wt°/0 cooling agent or at least 4 wt% cooling agent.

[0026] The flavouring solution may comprise at most 15 wt% of cooling agent, such as at most 12 wt%, or at most 10 wt% based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may comprise at most 8 wt% cooling agent, such as at most 6 wt% cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may comprise about 5 wt% cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution.

[0027] The flavouring solution may comprise between 1-15 wt%, such as 1-12 wt%, such as 1-10 wt%, such as 1-8 wt% or even 1-6 wt% of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may comprise between 2-15 wt%, such as 2-12 wt%, such as 2-10 wt%, such as 2-8 wt% or even 2-6 wt% of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may comprise between 3-15 wt%, such as 3-12 wt%, such as 3-10 wt%, such as 38 wt% or even 3-6 wt% of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may comprise between 4-15 wt%, such as 4-12 wt%, such as 4-10 wt%, such as 48 wt% or even 4-6 wt% of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution.

[0028] The flavouring solution may comprise between 4-6 wt% of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution [0029] The flavouring solution as described herein comprises 0.1-5wt% sweetener. The sweetener may be selected from any sweetener that is suitable for use in a smoking article. The sweetener may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of sucralose, ethyl maltol, erythritol, stevia, neotame or other aspartame analogues. Typically, the sweetener is sucralose.

[0030] Advantageously, sweetener may produce a sweeter flavour of the cigarette flavoured with the flavouring solution. The sweetener may also mute or supress harsh tones of the flavouring agent and/or the tobacco which improves the flavour profile of the cigarette to the user.

[0031] The flavouring solution may comprise between 0.1-5 wt% sweetener based on the total weight of the flavouring solution. The flavouring solution may comprise at least 0.1 wt% based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as at least 0.15wt%, such as at least 0.2 wt%.

[0032] The flavouring solution may comprise at most 5wt% of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as at most 2 wt%, such as at most 1 wt%, or at most 0.5 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise at most 0.4 wt% of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as at most 0.3 wt%, or even at most 0.25 wt%.

[0033] The flavouring solution may comprise between 0.1-5 wt% of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 0.1-2 wt%, such as between 0.1-1 wt%, such as between 0.1-0.5 wt%, such as between 0.1-0.4wt%, such as between 0.1-0.3 wt%, such as between 0.1-0.25 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 0.15-5 wt% of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 0.15-2 wt%, such as between 0.15-1 wt%, such as between 0.15-0.5 wt%, such as between 0.15-0.4wt%, such as between 0.15-0.3 wt%, such as between 0.15-0.25vvt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 0.2-5 wt% of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 0.2-2 wt%, such as between 0.2-1 wt%, such as between 0.2-0.5 wt%, such as between 0.2-0.4wt%, such as between 0.2-0.3 wt%, such as between 0.2-0.25 wt%.

[0034] The flavouring solution may comprise at between 0.2-0.25 wt% of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavouring solution.

[0035] Advantageously, the sweetener may leave a visible trace on the cigarette after the flavouring solution has been applied thereto and after the carrier solvent has evaporated. In this manner, a user may be given a visible indication that the flavouring solution has been applied to the cigarette.

[0036] The flavouring solution as described herein comprises a carrier solvent, which may be present in an amount of balance wt%, ie. balance wt% carrier solvent.

[0037] It is understood that the term "balance wt% carrier solvent" means that the flavouring solutions described herein are balanced to 100 wt% with the carrier solvent. For example, a flavouring solution comprising 50 wt% flavouring agent, 10wt% cooling agent and 5 wt% sweetener may be balanced to 100 wt% with 35 wt% carrier solvent.

[0038] The flavouring solutions described herein use comprising language and it is understood that the use of balance wt% carrier solvent does not result in consisting claim language. Accordingly, it is understood that the flavouring solutions described herein may comprise further components. These components are included when calculating the balance wt% carrier solvent for a flavouring solution. For example, a flavouring solution comprising 50 wt% flavouring agent, 10 wt% cooling agent and 5 wt% sweetener may also contain 5wt% additives, in which case it would be balanced to 100 wt% with 30 wt% carrier solvent.

[0039] The carrier solvent be a solvent or combination of solvents that have a volatility greater than water. The carrier solvent may be selected from any solvent suitable for use in a smoking article. Suitably, the carrier solvent may be any solvent, or combination of solvents, that is capable of producing a flavouring solution that is volatile at room temperature when applied to a cigarette.

[0040] The term "volatility" refers to the material quality of the carrier solvent which describes how readily a substance vaporises. Although there is no single defined numerical value of volatility, it is described herein using vapour pressure. A high vapour pressure indicates a high volatility. Vapour pressures at specific temperature are a well known attribute for all solvents and are often provided on material datasheets with the solvent. However, if required, the vapour pressure of a carrier solvent may be determined according to ASTM E1194-17 ("Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure").

[0041] The carrier solvent may have a vapour pressure greater than water. The carrier solvent may be selected from any solvent, or combination of solvents, that is capable of producing a flavouring solution and has a vapour pressure (at 20 °C) greater than water.

[0042] The carrier solvent may have a vapour pressure of at least 2.34 kPa (at 20 CC), more typically, at least 3 kPa (at 20 °C), more typically, at least 4 kPa (at 20 CC), such as at least 5kPa (at 20 °C), such as at least 5.8k kPa (at 20 °C) [0043] Typically, the carrier solvent has a vapour pressure of about 5.95 kPa (at 20 CC).

[0044] The carrier solvent may comprise an alcohol, such as ethanol. The carrier solvent may comprise ethanol and/or water, typically ethanol and water, more typically ethanol. The carrier solvent may comprise between 1 to 100wt% ethanol of the total weight of the carrier solvent, typically between 50 to 100vvr/0 ethanol, more typically between 75 to 100wt% ethanol, most typically between 90 to 100wt°/0 ethanol, especially between 93 to 97 wt% ethanol, such as about 95wt% ethanol.

[0045] The carrier solvent may comprise between 0 to 99 wt% water of the total weight of the carrier solvent, typically between 0 to 50 wt% water, more typically between 0 to 10 wt% water, most typically between 0 to 5 wt% water, especially between 3 to 7 wt%, such as about 5wt% water.

[0046] Typically, the carrier solvent may comprise about 95 wt% ethanol and 5 wt% water, more typically about 95.6 wt% ethanol and 4.4 wt% water. It is understood that "ethanol' produced by fractional distillation is an ethanol-water mixture containing 95.6 wt% ethanol.

[0047] The flavouring solution may comprise at least 5 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as at least 10 wt%, such as at least 15 wt%, such as at least 20 wt%, such as at least 25 wt%, such as at least 30 wt%, such as at least 35 wt%, such as at least 40 wt%, or even at least 45wt%.

[0048] The flavouring solution may comprise at most 97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as at most 95 wt%, such as at most 90 wt%, such as at most 80wt%, such as at most 70 wt%, such as at most 60 wt%, such as at most 55 wt%, or even at most 50 wt%.

[0049] The flavouring solution may comprise between 5-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 5-95 wt%, such as between 5-90 wt%, such as between 5-80 wt%, such as between 5-70 wt%, such as between 5-60 wt%, such as between 5-55 wt%, or even between 5-50 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 10-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 10-95 wt%, such as between 10-90 wt%, such as between 10-80 wt%, such as between 10-70 wt%, such as between 1060 wt%, such as between 10-55 wt%, or even between 10-50 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 15-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 15-95 wt%, such as between 15-90wt%, such as between 15-80 wt%, such as between 15-70 wt%, such as between 15-60 wt%, such as between 15-55 wt%, or even between 15-50 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 20-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 20-95 wt%, such as between 20-90 wt%, such as between 20-80 wt%, such as between 20-70 wt%, such as between 20-60 wt%, such as between 20-55 wt%, or even between 20-50 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 25-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 25-95 wt%, such as between 2590 wt%, such as between 25-80 wt%, such as between 25-70 wt%, such as between 25-60 wt%, such as between 25-55 wt%, or even between 25-50 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 30-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 3095 wt%, such as between 30-90 wt%, such as between 30-80 wt%, such as between 30-70 wt%, such as between 30-60 wt%, such as between 30-55 wt%, or even between 30-50 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 35-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 35-95 wt%, such as between 35-90 wt%, such as between 35-80 wt%, such as between 35-70 wt%, such as between 35-60 wt%, such as between 35-55wt%, or even between 3550 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 40-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 40-95 wt%, such as between 40-90 wt%, such as between 40-80 wt%, such as between 40-70 wt%, such as between 40-60 wt%, such as between 4055 wt%, or even between 40-50 wt%. The flavouring solution may comprise between 45-97.9 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution, such as between 45-95 wt%, such as between 45-90 wt%, such as between 45-80 wt%, such as between 45-70 wt%, such as between 45-60 wt%, such as between 45-55 wt%, or even between 45-50 wt%.

[0050] The flavouring solution may comprise between 45-50 wt% carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavouring solution.

[0051] Advantageously, the carrier solvent produces a flavouring solution that does not introduce a large amount of water to the cigarette such that the burnability of the cigarette would be affected. The carrier solvent also does not introduce unwanted taste or aroma of the solvent to the cigarette. Advantageously, the flavouring solution as described herein can be applied to a cigarette and dries quickly without affecting the cigarettes performance, whilst retaining a pleasant flavour profile to the smoker. The flavouring solution as described herein can therefore be applied to a cigarette and smoked near immediately after.

[0052] Accordingly, the flavouring solutions of the present invention when applied to a smoking article, such as a cigarette, the carrier solvent quickly evaporates in less than 10 seconds, typically less than 5 seconds.

[0053] The flavouring solution as described herein may further comprise an additive, for example, a colourant. The additive may infuse a colour to the flavouring solution such that it provides a visual feedback mechanism to the user so that they know how much flavouring solution has been applied to a cigarette.

[0054] In one example, the flavouring solution, when applied to a smoking article and the carrier solution is evaporated, the remaining flavouring agent and optionally, cooling agent and sweetener, may be visible on the cigarette without the need for a colourant. Advantageously, this would reduce the need for additional compounds in the flavouring solution that may be harmful to the smoker's health when smoked.

[0055] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a flavour applicator for applying a flavouring solution to a cigarette, the flavour applicator comprising: a. reservoir suitable to contain the flavouring solution; b. an applicating member fluidly coupled to the reservoir; wherein in use the applicafing member contacts the cigarette such that the flavouring solution is applied to the cigarette from the reservoir thereby flavouring the cigarette; wherein the reservoir comprises the flavouring solution described herein.

[0056] The flavour applicator as described herein advantageously provides the user a simple and quick method to apply the flavouring solution of the present invention to a cigarette, typically a pre-rolled cigarette. The smoker can therefore prepare and smoke a flavoured cigarette in a short amount of time compared to the flavouring methods known in the art.

[0057] The flavour applicator comprises an applicating member, wherein the applicating member may be a porous applicating member, such as a porous foam, porous felt or non-porous applicating member, such as a non-porous roller ball structure.

[0058] A porous applicating member provides a uniform distribution of flavouring distribution throughout the applicating member. Advantageously, there is a high amount of control for the user when flavouring of a cigarette using a porous applicating member.

[0059] The applicating member may be contoured to maximise contact with the cigarette upon application of the flavouring solution. The applicating member may have a generally concave contacting surface, preferably such that the contacting surface of the applicating member is larger than the width applicating member. The inner radius of the concave applicating member should be at least as large as the radius of the smoking article to which the flavouring solution is being applied, for example, at least as large as the radium of a cigarette.

[0060] The flavour applicator may be in the form of any suitable applicator device, such as a pen, for example a roller ball pen, felt-tip pen (marker pen) or a brush pen. A pen allows the user to control the amount of flavouring solution applied to a cigarette and therefore enables the smoker to have complete control over the flavour of their cigarette.

[0061] The flavour applicator may be in the form of a cigarette receiving device, such that a cigarette can be passed through an aperture and the applicating member will contact the cigarette and the cigarette will be suitable flavoured.

[0062] A flavour applicator can advantageously apply a specific amount of flavouring solution to each cigarette such that the flavour of each cigarette is consistent.

[0063] The reservoir of the flavour applicator may be pressurised. Advantageously, this results in an increased amount of flavouring solution released through the applicating member in use. Further, the flavouring solution can be released through the applicating member when the flavour applicator is in any orientation, such that the flavouring applicator can apply the flavouring solution in an any orientation, independent of gravity.

[0064] The flavour applicator may comprise an applicating member, wherein the applicating member is a nozzle. The applicating member may be a nozzle that controls the flow of the flavouring solution as it exits the flavour applicator such that the flavouring solution forms a fine spray of liquid or a mist. Suitable, the applicating member may be suitable atomise the flavouring solution.

[0065] The flavour applicator may be in the form of a hand pump spray or an aerosol.

[0066] Advantageously, when the flavour applicator is a nozzle, the flavouring solution can be easily applied across a surface, further the flavouring solution can be evenly applied across a surface. Therefore, the flavour applicator as described herein may apply a flavouring solution onto the surface of a cigarette, a cigarette paper and/or rolling tobacco, and provide an even application and therefore an even flavour of a flavouring smoking article derived from such items.

[0067] The flavour applicator may further comprise an attachment means configurable to be suitably attached to a cigarette container, such as to a cigarette carton. Advantageously, the flavour applicator may be attached to a cigarette carton (packet) such that a pre-rolled cigarette can be easily and conveniently flavoured. Further, the flavour applicator may be contained within a cigarette carton (packet) such that together, with the cigarette carton (packet), the smoker has a single container that contains a cigarette, flavour applicator and flavouring solution as defined herein.

[0068] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of flavouring a cigarette, the method comprising applying a flavouring solution to at least a portion of a surface of the cigarette, typically, to a smokable portion of the surface of the cigarette, wherein the flavouring solution comprises: a. 25-55 wt% flavouring agent; b. 1-20 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.1-5 wt% sweetener; d. carrier solvent.

[0069] The flavouring solution is advantageously applied to at least a portion of the surface of a cigarette such that when the smokable portion of the cigarette is ignited, the heat produced enables the flavour from the flavouring solution to mix with the smoke of the cigarette. Therefore, the smoke produced by a cigarette flavoured with the flavouring solution as described herein is also flavoured in both taste and aroma.

[0070] The flavouring solution may be applied to an exterior surface of the cigarette. Advantageously, applying the flavouring solution to the exterior surface of the cigarette allows the smoker to flavour the cigarette immediately prior to smoking.

[0071] The flavouring solution may be applied to a surface of the cigarette using a flavour applicator as described herein.

[0072] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a smoking article, typically a cigarette, that is at least partially coated with the flavouring solution as described herein.

[0073] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flavouring solution for a cigarette comprising: a. 30 to 50wt% flavouring agent; b. 3 to 10 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.15 to 2 wt% sweetener; d. carrier solvent.

[0074] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flavouring solution for a cigarette comprising: a. 40 to 50wt% menthol; b. 1 to 20 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.1 to 5 wt% sweetener; d. carrier solvent.

[0075] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flavouring solution for a cigarette comprising: a. 40 to 50wt°/0 flavouring agent; b. 4 to 6 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.1 to 5 wt% sweetener; d. carrier solvent.

[0076] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flavouring solution for a cigarette comprising: a. 25 to 55wt% flavouring agent; b. 3 to 8 wt% thermosensory agonist; c. 0.15 to 0.5 wt% sucralose; d. carrier solvent.

[0077] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flavouring solution for a cigarette comprising: a. 40 to 50wt°/0 flavouring agent; b. 4 to 6 wt% cooling agent; C. 0.15 to 0.3 wt% sweetener; d. carrier solvent.

[0078] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flavouring solution for a cigarette comprising.

a. 25 to 55wt% menthol; b. 1 to 20 wt% WS-3; c. 0.1 to 5 wt% sucralose; d. carrier solvent comprising ethanol.

[0079] Suitably, all of the components of the invention claimed herein are different materials. For example, a flavouring solution as described herein may contain menthol as the flavouring agent or as the cooling agent, however, the flavouring solution cannot contain menthol as the flavouring agent and the cooling agent. In the case of a flavouring solution wherein the flavouring agent is menthol, the cooling agent is a compound other than menthol, for example, the cooling agent may be WS-3. Similarly, any compound that may be considered to be a flavouring agent, cooling agent, sweetener or carrier solvent may not be more than one of the components in a single flavouring solution.

[0080] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word "about", even if the term does not expressly appear. The term "about" when used herein means +/-10% of the stated value. Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Singular encompasses plural and vice versa. For example, although reference is made herein to "a" flavouring agent, "an" additive, and the like, one or more of each of these and any other components can be used.

[0081] Where ranges are provided in relation to a genus, each range may also apply additionally and independently to any one or more of the listed species of that genus.

[0082] As used herein, the term "flavour" refers to a material that creates a desired taste in a product.

[0083] It is understood that although the present invention relates to cigarettes, the flavouring solution could also be successfully applied to other tobacco products such as cigars, cigarillos, cigarette rolling papers and/or loose tobacco.

[0084] All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

[0085] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the following examples and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0086] Figure la is a simplified, side-on view of a flavour applicator according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure lb is a cross-section view of the flavour applicator shown in Figure la.

[0088] Figure 2a is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavour applicator with a ball-point type applicating member.

[0089] Figure 2b is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavour applicator which has an applicating member with a contoured tip.

[0090] Figure 2c is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavour applicator which has an applicating member with a contoured tip.

[0091] Figure 3a is a cross-section view of a flavour applicator according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 3b is a top-down view of the flavour applicator shown in Figure 3a.

[0093] Figure 4a is a simplified, side-on view of a flavour applicator according to the present invention attached to the outside of a cigarette packet.

[0094] Figure 4b is a simplified, side-on view of a flavour applicator according to the present invention attached to the inside of a cigarette packet.

[0095] Figure 5 is a simplified, side-on view of a cigarette to which the flavouring solution according to the present invention has been applied by a flavour applicator.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0096] Figure la shows an example of a simplified, side-on view of a flavour applicator 100. The flavour applicator 100 is formed of an applicating member 102 and a reservoir 104 as seen in Figure lb. The reservoir 104 is suitable to contain the flavouring solution of the present invention. The applicating member 102 is fluidly coupled 106 to the reservoir 104 such that the applicating member 102 can apply the flavouring solution from the reservoir 104 to an item. In use, the applicating member 102 contacts a cigarette and the flavouring solution is applied to the cigarette from the reservoir 104 by the applicating member 102 via the fluid coupling 106. In the example of figure 1, the fluid coupling 106 is the applicating member 102 being in direct contact with the reservoir 104 and therefore any flavouring solution stored within.

[0097] The flavour applicator 100 may be contained in a housing 108 that makes handling the flavour application 100 easier and provides the user with more control. The housing 108 covers the reservoir 104, with the applicating member 102 being exposed for use. It is understood that the housing may also include a cap (not shown) that can cover the applicating member 102 when the flavour applicator 100 is not in use.

[0098] The applicating member 102 may be a porous applicating member such as a porous foam or a porous felt.

[0099] The applicating member 102 may be a non-porous applicating member such as a non-porous roller ball structure. Figure 2 shows an example of an expanded simplified, side-on view of a flavour applicator 100. The applicating member 102 is a roller ball type applicating member. The roller ball type applicating member is formed of a ball portion 110 that is operable to freely rotate in the housing 108. In use, the flavouring solution is transferred via the ball portion 110 from the reservoir 104 to the cigarette as the ball portion 110 rotates.

[00100] The applicating member 102 may be contoured to maximise contact with the cigarette upon applicating of the flavouring solution. Figure 2b and Figure 2c show an example of an expanded simplified, side-on view of a flavour applicator 100. The applicating member 102 in Figure 2b is contoured to increased contact with the external surface of a cylindrical cigarette such that the contoured applicating member 112 has a concave shape with a quarter-circle cross-sectional area.

[00101] The applicating member 102 is also shown with a contoured applicating member 114 in Figure 2c which is contoured to increase contact with the external surface of a cylindrical cigarette. The contoured applicating member 114 has a concave shape with a semi-circle cross-sectional area.

[00102] A flavour applicator 100 may be in the form of any suitable applicator device, such as a pen as shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the flavour applicator 100 may be a roller ball pen as shown in Figure 2a, or a felt-tip pen (marker pen) or a brush pen as shown in Figures 2b and Figure 2c.

[00103] Figure 3a shows a cross-section view of a flavour applicator 200. The flavour applicator is formed of two applicating members 202a and 202b and reservoir 204. The reservoir 204 is positioned adjacent to the applicating members 202a and 202b. The applicating member 202a is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 204 via the fluid coupling 206a. The applicating member 202b is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 204 via the fluid coupling 206b. The applicating members 202a and 202b are positioned parallel with respect to each other which thereby define a cavity 210 between them. The cavity 210 is at least as large as a cigarette such that the cavity 210 is operable to receive a cigarette for flavouring. In use a cigarette enters the cavity 210 and applicating members 202a and 202b contact the opposing external surfaces of the cigarette such that flavouring solution contained within the reservoir 204 is transferred to the external surface of the cigarette to produce a flavoured cigarette. The applicating members 202a and 202b may be orientated in any suitable position to successfully flavour a cigarette.

[00104] The cavity 210 is of a sufficient depth that a cigarette can enter the cavity 210 and the flavouring solution can be applied by applicating members 202a and 202b on its external surface. The reservoir 204 forms the end of the cavity.

[00105] The housing 208 contains the applicating members 202a and 202b, the reservoir 204 and the fluid couplings 206a and 206b. The housing 208 further defines the cavity 210.

[00106] The flavour applicator 200 may further comprise a lid (not shown) to prevent the loss of flavouring solution when the flavour applicator 200 is not in use.

[00107] The flavour applicator 200 may further comprise a controlling means (not shown) that controls the transfer of flavouring solution from the reservoir 204 to the applicating members 202a and 202b. The controlling means may be operable to open and close the fluid couplings 206a and 206b such that the flavouring solution in the reservoir is only transferred to the applicating members 202a and 202b when in use.

[00108] Figure 3b shows a top-down view of the flavour applicator 200 shown in Figure 3a. The cavity 210 defined by the applicating members 202a and 202b can be seen to have a circular cross section such that it can accept the smokable portion of a cigarette. The housing 208 can be seen to further define the cross-sectional shape of cavity 210. It is understood that the cavity 210 may be any shape that is operable to receive a cigarette, for example, the cavity may have a triangular or square shaped cross-section (not shown).

[00109] The flavour applicator may have a torus like geometry, for example a ring shape (not shown), wherein the applicating members are positioned about the aperture through which a cigarette can pass, and the reservoir is positioned such that it does not obstruct the movement of the cigarette through the aperture.

[00110] The flavour applicator may have one or more applicating members.

[00111] A flavour applicator as described herein may be operable to be attached to a cigarette packet for convenience. The flavour applicator may be arranged to fit on a cigarette packet and/or to fit inside a cigarette packet. Figure 4a shows a simplified, side-on view of a flavour applicator 300 attached via attachment means 302 to the outside of a cigarette packet 304. Figure 4b shows a simplified, side-on view of a flavour applicator 300 attached via attachment means 302 to the inside of a cigarette packet 304. The flavour applicator can be easily accessed to flavour a cigarette from the cigarette packet at the convenience of the smoker.

[00112] Figure 5 shows a simplified, side-on view of a cigarette 400. The cigarette 400 is formed a filter 402 and a smokable portion 404. The cigarette 400 in Figure 5 has a flavouring solution 406 as described herein applied to an external surface of the cigarette 400.

[00113] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[00114] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[00115] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[00116] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flavour applicator for applying a flavouring solution to a cigarette, the flavour applicator comprising: a. a reservoir suitable to contain a flavouring solution; b. an applicating member fluidly coupled to the reservoir; wherein in use the applicating member contacts the cigarette such that the flavouring solution is applied to the cigarette from the reservoir thereby flavouring the cigarette.
2. A flavour applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicating member is has a generally concave contacting surface.
A flavour applicator according to claim 2, wherein the inner radius of the concave applicating member is at least as large as the radius of the smoking article to which a flavouring solution is being applied, typically, at least as large as the radium of a cigarette.
4. A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicating member may be contoured to maximise contact with the cigarette upon application of the flavouring solution.
A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the contacting surface of the applicating member is larger than the width of the applicating member.
A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicating member is a porous applicating member, such as a porous foam, porous felt or non-porous applicating member, such as a non-porous roller ball structure.
7. A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the flavour applicator is in the form of any suitable applicator device, such as a pen, for example a roller ball pen, felt-tip pen (marker pen) or a brush pen.
8. A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the flavour applicator is in the form of a cigarette receiving device, such that a cigarette can be passed through an aperture and the applicating member will contact the cigarette and the cigarette will be suitable flavoured.
9. A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the flavour applicator further comprises an attachment means configurable to be suitably attached to a cigarette container.
10. A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicafing member is in the form of a nozzle.
11. A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir is pressurised.
12. A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the flavour applicator is in the form of a hand pump spray or an aerosol, suitable to apply the flavouring solution in the form of a spray, typically, suitable to atomise the flavouring solution.
13. A flavour applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the flavouring solution comprises: a. 25-55 wt% flavouring agent; b. 1-20 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.1-5 wt% sweetener; d. a carrier solvent.
14. A flavour applicator according to claim 13, wherein the flavouring solution comprises: a. 35-52 wt% flavouring agent; b. 2-15 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.1-1 wt% sweetener; d. a carrier solvent.
15. A flavour applicator according to either of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the flavouring solution comprises: a. 45-50 wt% flavouring agent; b. 3-10 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.15-0.5 wt% sweetener; d. a carrier solvent.
16. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the flavouring solution comprises: a. 47-48 wt% flavouring agent; b. 4-6 wt% cooling agent; c. 0.2-0.3 wt% sweetener; d. a carrier solvent.
17. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the flavouring agent is a natural material or a synthetic material, that is capable to create the desired aroma and taste when applied to a cigarette.
18. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the flavouring agent is menthol, or a derivative thereof.
19. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the cooling agent is selected from one or more of the group consisting of N-Ethy1-5-methy1-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3); N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3- carboxamide (WS-5); (1R",2S")-N-(4-Methoxypheny1)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide (VVS-12); N,2,3-trimethy1-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23) and N,2-diethyl-3-methyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-27), typically, N-Ethy1-5-methy1-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3); N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-pmenthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5) and N,2,3-trimethy1-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide M/S-23), more typically, N-Ethy1-5-methy1-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3).
20. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the sweetener is selected from one or more of the group consisting of sucralose, ethyl maltol, erythritol, stevia, neotame or other aspartame analogues, typically, the sweetener is sucralose.
21. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the carrier solvent has a vapour pressure of at least 2.34 kPa (at 20 °C), more typically, at least 3 kPa (at 20 °C), more typically, at least 4 kPa (at 20 °C), such as at least 5kPa (at 20 °C), such as at least 5.8k kPa (at 20 °C)
22. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 21, wherein the carrier solvent comprises an alcohol, typically ethanol.
23. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 22, wherein the carrier solvent comprises about 95wt% ethanol and 5 wt% water based on the total weight of the carrier solvent.
24. A flavour applicator according to any of claims 13 to 23, wherein the carrier solvent is present in an amount of between 40 to 60 wt%, such as 45 to 55 wt%.
25. A method of flavouring a cigarette, wherein a flavouring solution is applied to a surface of a cigarette using the flavour applicator according to any preceding claim.