JP2006504431A - Electrically heated cigarettes with controlled release flavors - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrically heated cigarette.
An electrically heated tobacco used in an electrical smoking system includes a flavor release additive and an adsorbent that is effective to remove one or more gas phase components from the mainstream smoke of the tobacco. . The flavor release additive comprises at least one flavor. When the flavor release additive reaches at least the minimum temperature during smoking, the flavor is released in the tobacco. The flavoring-release additive can have various forms including, for example, beads, films, inclusion complexes, and the like. An electrical smoking system including electrically heated tobacco, a method of making the tobacco, and a method of smoking the tobacco are also provided.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrically heated cigarette.

  Conventional cigarettes are swallowed by igniting the end of the rolled cigarette rod and inhaling air through the end, which is primarily ignited by sucking the end of the cigarette mouth. Conventional cigarettes deliver smoke as a result of the combustion of tobacco at a temperature typically above 800 ° C. while consuming the tobacco. The heat of combustion releases various gaseous combustion products and distillates from the tobacco. As these gaseous products are drawn through the tobacco, they cool and condense, forming an aerosol that provides the flavor and aroma associated with smoking.

  Conventional cigarettes produce sidestream smoke during the sip of a dose of tobacco. With the fire on, they are either completely burned out or discarded. Conventional cigarettes can be ignited again, but are undesirable for inherent reasons including flavor, taste, and aroma.

  An alternative to more traditional cigarettes is the electrically heated cigarette used in electric smoking systems. Compared to traditional cigarettes, the electric smoking system can significantly reduce sidestream smoke while at the same time suspending and resuming smoking as desired by the smoker. Exemplary electric smoking systems are described in commonly assigned US Pat. Nos. 6,026,820, 5,988,176, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Disclosure in 5,915,387, 5,692,526, 5,692,525, 5,666,976, 5,499,636, and 5,388,594 Has been. The electric smoking system includes an electric lighter and an electrically heated cigarette configured to cooperate with the lighter. The electric smoking system has an immediate response (smoke is released as soon as it is inhaled), a desired level of emission (correlated with FTC tar level), a desired suction resistance (RTD), and a dose and dose It would be desirable to be able to emit smoke in a manner similar to that experienced by smokers, such as by providing consistency between tobacco and tobacco.

  In order to add flavor and aroma to tobacco mainstream and sidestream smoke, volatile flavors have been incorporated into traditional tobacco. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,006,347, 3,236,244, 3,344,796, 3,426,011, 3,972,335, 4,715,390 No. 5,137,034, 5,144,964, and 6,325,859, as well as International Publication No. WO 01/80671 owned by the present applicant. The added flavor is preferably volatilized when the tobacco is smoked. However, volatile flavors tend to move in the tobacco to other components and possibly throughout the tobacco. Volatile flavorings can be lost from tobacco during storage and distribution in normal conditions before the tobacco is smoked. The degree of volatile flavor transfer within the tobacco depends on a variety of factors including the vapor pressure of the flavor, the solubility of the flavor in other components of the tobacco, and temperature and humidity conditions. Furthermore, in conventional tobacco, most of the added flavoring can be lost in sidestream smoke.

  Flavors incorporated into conventional tobacco can also be chemically and / or physically degraded by contact and / or reaction with other components of the tobacco and the surrounding environment. For example, activated carbon is incorporated into conventional tobacco to remove gas phase components from mainstream smoke. However, the flavoring agent incorporated into the tobacco along with the activated carbon was absorbed into the activated carbon, clogging the voids in the activated carbon, resulting in the inactivation of the activated carbon, thus losing its ability to filter tobacco smoke. .

  For the above reasons, the flavoring agents incorporated in conventional tobacco have not been released in a fully satisfying manner for smokers. As a result, flavors incorporated in some conventional tobaccos do not satisfactorily provide the desired taste effect for smokers, and the value needed for flavors to the original quality of tobacco is still below the desired level. It is. Due to flavor loss, the homogeneity of flavored tobacco is not completely satisfactory. Furthermore, the adsorption of flavoring agents by the adsorbents in tobacco deactivates the adsorbents, thus reducing their ability to remove gas phase components from tobacco smoke.

US Pat. No. 6,026,820 US Pat. No. 5,988,176 US Pat. No. 5,915,387 US Pat. No. 5,692,526 US Pat. No. 5,692,525 US Pat. No. 5,666,976 US Pat. No. 5,499,636 US Pat. No. 5,388,594 U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,347 U.S. Pat. No. 3,236,244 US Pat. No. 3,344,796 U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,011 U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,335 US Pat. No. 4,715,390 US Pat. No. 5,137,034 US Pat. No. 5,144,964 US Pat. No. 6,325,859 WO01 / 80671 WO01 / 80973

  In light of the above-described problems encountered with conventional tobacco containing flavorants and conventional tobacco also containing adsorbents, an electrically heated tobacco comprising an adsorbent and a controlled release flavorant is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the electrically heated tobacco preferably minimizes the release and transfer of flavoring in the tobacco prior to smoking, for example at ambient conditions, and thus preferably deactivates the adsorbent by the flavoring. Including adsorbents and flavors incorporated into tobacco in a form that minimizes Furthermore, the flavoring agent is preferably released in the tobacco in a controlled manner during smoking. As a result, the flavoring agent preferably improves the intrinsic properties of tobacco, while the adsorbent maintains its function of removing gas phase components from mainstream smoke.

  A preferred embodiment of the electrically heated tobacco has at least one adsorbent and a flavor release additive comprising one or more flavors. The flavoring agent can be released in the tobacco when the flavoring release additive is heated to at least the lowest temperature that occurs during tobacco smoking.

  The flavoring-release additive can be incorporated into the electrically heated tobacco in various forms. In one preferred embodiment, the flavoring release additive comprises beads. In another preferred embodiment, the flavor release additive is a film. In yet another preferred embodiment, the flavoring-release additive is an inclusion complex comprising a selected host molecule and a flavoring as a guest molecule within the inclusion complex.

  In another preferred embodiment, two or more different flavor release agents with different flavor release temperatures are placed in separate locations within the electrically heated tobacco that reach separate temperatures. The flavoring release additives can be placed at a location in the electrically heated tobacco that reaches the flavoring release temperature for those flavoring release additives. Thus, the flavoring release additive can provide an efficient and controlled flavor release during smoking.

  Electrically heated tobacco can contain a variety of adsorbents. Preferably, the flavorant is preferably adsorbed by providing a flavorant in the flavorant release additive that minimizes the release and / or movement of the flavorant until the flavorant release temperature reaches the flavor release temperature. It is substantially prevented from being adsorbed by the adsorbent and thus deactivating it, so that it does not adversely affect the adsorbent's ability to remove selected gas phase components from the mainstream smoke of tobacco. Further, since the flavoring is released by temperature into the tobacco, the flavoring can be effectively released to the smoker in a controlled manner during a tobacco dose cycle.

  A preferred embodiment of the electric smoking system includes a lighter and at least one electrically heated cigarette comprising at least one adsorbent and a flavor release additive.

  A preferred embodiment of a method of making an electrically heated tobacco includes incorporating an adsorbent and a flavor release additive into the electrically heated tobacco.

  The electrically heated tobacco includes one or more adsorbents and at least one flavoring agent to affect the flavor, taste, and / or fragrance of tobacco smoking. In a preferred embodiment, the flavoring agent is incorporated into the tobacco in the form of a flavoring release additive that preferably minimizes the release and / or migration of the flavorant in the tobacco prior to smoking. Preferably, the flavoring is released from the flavoring release additive in a controlled manner during tobacco smoking. The flavor release additive allows the flavor to enhance the intrinsic properties of tobacco while avoiding adverse effects on the effectiveness of the adsorbent to remove selected gas phase components from mainstream smoke.

  In a preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette, when the flavor release additive is heated to at least the lowest temperature (flavor release temperature) that occurs when the smoker inhales mainstream smoke through the tobacco, the flavor is contained in the tobacco. Released.

  It has been established so far that different areas of electrically heated tobacco reach different temperatures when smokers smoke. In a preferred embodiment, different flavoring-release additives are selectively placed at two or more locations on the electrically heated tobacco, each of which reaches at least a minimum temperature and is located at that location. Flavoring is released from the flavor release additive. By selectively placing one or more flavor release agents in the tobacco, the tobacco can release the flavor in a controlled manner during smoking.

  The flavoring-release additive can be of various structures and compositions, can be placed in one or more locations, and / or incorporated into one or more elements of an electrically heated cigarette. Can do. The flavor release additive can be designed to have a different associated flavor release temperature. Thus, the flavor release additive can be incorporated at an optimal location within the electrically heated tobacco to efficiently release the flavor from the particular flavor release additive.

  Electrically heated tobacco can have one or more adsorbents that can remove selected gas phase components from mainstream smoke. The flavorant is preferably adsorbed by providing a flavorant in the flavorant-release additive that preferably minimizes the release and / or migration of the tobacco flavorant until the flavorant-release additive reaches at least a minimum temperature. Inactivation of the agent is substantially prevented. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the function of the adsorbent that removes the gas phase component selected from the mainstream smoke of tobacco. Preferably, the flavoring release additive effectively provides the flavoring to the smoker in a controlled manner.

  The term “adsorption” as used herein means filtration by adsorption and / or absorption. Adsorption is intended to encompass interactions on the outer surface of the adsorbent, as well as interactions within the adsorbent gaps and grooves. In other words, an “adsorbent” is the ability to condense or retain other substance molecules on its surface and / or absorb other substances, ie other substances in the internal structure or in voids. It is a substance that has the ability to penetrate. The term “adsorbent” as used herein means either an adsorbent, an absorbent, or a substance that acts as both an adsorbent and an absorbent.

  The term “removal” as used herein means adsorption and / or absorption of at least some portion of the mainstream smoke component of tobacco.

  The term “mainstream smoke” refers to a gas mixture that travels down through the tobacco rod and is exhausted through the end of the filter, ie, the amount of smoke that is exhausted or aspirated from the end of the mouth during smoking. including. Mainstream smoke includes air that is drawn through the heated area of tobacco and wrapping paper.

  As used herein, “molecular sieve” means a porous structure composed of an inorganic material and / or an organic material. Molecular sieves include natural and synthetic materials. Molecular sieves can adsorb molecules of a specific size while at the same time eliminating larger size molecules.

  1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette 23. However, it should be understood that the electrically heated cigarette can be in another configuration suitable for smoking with an electric lighter. The electrically heated cigarette 23 includes a tobacco rod 60 and a filter tip 62 connected by a tipping paper 64. Preferably, the tobacco rod 60 includes a tobacco web or “mat” 66 wound in a cage around a free flow filter 74 at one end and a tobacco plug 80 at the other end.

  A cover wrap 71 surrounds the tobacco-containing mat 66 and is held together along a longitudinal seam. The covering wrap 71 holds the mat 66 around the free flow filter 74 and the cigarette plug 80.

  Preferably, the mat 66 includes a base web 68 and a layer of tobacco material 70. The tobacco material 70 can be disposed on the inner surface or the outer surface of the base web 68. At the tip of the tobacco rod 60, the mat 66 and the covering wrap 71 are wrapped around the free flow filter 74. Preferably, the tobacco plug 80 includes a relatively short tobacco column 82 of cut filter tobacco, held by an enclosing inner wrap 84.

  The air gap 90 is between the free flow filter 74 and the tobacco plug 80. The gap 90 is an unfilled portion of the tobacco rod 60 and is in fluid communication with the tip 62 of the free flow filter 74.

  Preferably, the tip 62 includes a free flow filter 92 disposed adjacent to the tobacco rod 60 and a mouthpiece filter plug 94 at the distal end of the tip 62 from the tobacco rod 60. Preferably, the free flow filter 92 is bowl-shaped and is permeable to air with a very low pressure drop. The mouthpiece filter plug 94 closes the free end of the tip 62.

  The tobacco 23 optionally includes at least one row of perforations adjacent to the free end of the tobacco 23. The perforations can be preferably formed as slits 17 extending through the covering wrap 71, the mat 66 and the inner wrap 84.

  To further improve the emission, at least one additional row of perforations 14 including slits 17 can optionally be formed at a location along the tobacco plug 80. The perforations 12 or 14 can include single or double rows of slits 17. The number and degree of slits 17 can be selected to control suction resistance (RTD) and release along the side wall of the tobacco 23.

  Optional holes 16 provided in the mat 66 are covered by a covering wrap 71. The perforations 12 and 14 can be used to approximate the desired emission level of the tobacco 23, and the holes 16 are used to adjust the emission with less impact on the RTD.

  Preferably, the diameter of the tobacco 23 is substantially constant along the length direction. The diameter of the cigarette 23 is preferably between 7.5 mm and 8.5 mm, similar to that of more conventional cigarettes, so that the electric smoking system 21 is used by “suckers” familiar to smokers during smoking. Provide a sense of

  Tobacco column 82 is typically typical of tobacco, such as blends comprising bright, burley, and oriental tobacco, and optionally other formulation components including reconstituted tobacco and conventional tobacco flavors. Including cut fillers of various formulations.

  The free flow filter 92 and the suction filter plug 94 are preferably connected to the plug wrap 101 as a connecting plug. The plug wrap 101 is preferably a porous and lightweight plug wrap. The connecting plug is attached to the tobacco rod 60 by a tipping paper 64.

  As mentioned above, the electrically heated tobacco 23 can include one or more adsorbents that remove gas phase components from tobacco smoke. The adsorbent can include one or more porous materials through which tobacco smoke can flow. In a preferred embodiment, the adsorbent is activated carbon. For example, the adsorbent can include activated carbon particles disposed in voids within the filter, or activated carbon particulates mixed into a fibrous material or paper. Activated carbon can be in various forms including fine particles, fibers, beads, and the like. Activated carbon can have different porous properties such as selected void size and total void volume.

  In another preferred embodiment, the adsorbent is one or more suitable molecular sieve adsorbent materials. The molecular sieve adsorbent that can be used in the electrically heated tobacco 23 is not limited to one or more of zeolite, mesoporous silicate, aluminophosphate, mesoporous aluminosilicate. Salts and other related porous materials such as mixed gels that may optionally further include inorganic or organic ions and / or metals. For example, reference may be made to Applicant's own international patent publication number WO 01/80973, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  In a preferred embodiment, the adsorbent is one or more zeolites. Zeolites include crystalline aluminosilicates having uniform and dimensionally sized grooves and / or voids such as cavities. In connection with adsorption and separation processes, there are many known unique zeolite structures with voids of different sizes and shapes that can significantly affect the properties of these materials. Molecules can be separated by zeolites by size and shape effects related to the possible orientation of the molecules in the voids and / or by differences in adsorption forces. One or more zeolites having a void larger than one or more selected gas phase components of the gas that is desired to be filtered are used in an electrically heated tobacco to pass through the voids in the molecular sieve material. Only selected molecules that are small enough can enter the cavity and be adsorbed on the zeolite.

The zeolite is not limited to one of zeolite A, zeolite X, zeolite Y, zeolite KG, zeolite ZK-5, zeolite BETA, zeolite ZK-4, and zeolite ZSM-5. This can be done. In a preferred embodiment, zeolite ZSM-5 and / or zeolite BETA is used. ZSM-5 falls into the MFI structural classification group and is represented by crystal chemistry data [Na _n (Al _n Si _96-n O ₁₉₂ ) -16H ₂ O, where n <27, orthorhombic, Pnma] Zeolite BETA, on the other hand, falls into the BEA structural group and is represented by crystal chemistry data [Na ₇ (Al ₇ Si ₅₇ O ₁₂₈ ) tetragonal, P4 12 ₂ ]. These two zeolites are thermally stable at temperatures up to about 800 ° C. and they can be incorporated into the tobacco filter and / or tobacco rod of the electrically heated tobacco 23.

  In another preferred embodiment, the adsorbent incorporated into the electrically heated tobacco 23 has a composite composition. In such embodiments, the adsorbent comprises, for example, activated carbon and one or more molecular sieve materials as described above. For example, adsorbed fibers can be impregnated using at least one adsorbent.

  Depending on the selected components that need to be removed from the tobacco mainstream smoke, microporous, mesoporous, and / or macroporous molecular sieves can be used in the electrically heated tobacco 23.

  The adsorbent can be incorporated into one or more locations of the electrically heated cigarette 23. For example, the adsorbent can be placed in the path of the bowl-shaped free flow filter 74, the free flow filter 92, and / or the void space 90. The adsorbent can additionally or alternatively be incorporated into the tobacco plug 80.

  FIG. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette 23 that includes a filter 150. Filter 150 includes oriented fibers 152 and an adsorbent in the form of a sleeve 154 such as paper surrounding the fibers. The adsorbent can be, for example, one or more activated carbons, silica gels, zeolites, and other fibrous molecular sieves. The adsorbent can be a surface modifying material such as, for example, a surface modified silica gel such as aminopropylsilyl (APS) silica gel. The adsorbent mixture can provide different filtration characteristics to achieve the desired filtered mainstream smoke composition.

  Alternatively, the fibers 152 may be carbon, silica, zeolite, etc. impregnated in microcavity fibers, such as the “TRIAD®” microcavity fibers disclosed in Applicant's International Patent Publication No. WO 01/80973. One or more adsorbent materials can be included. In preferred embodiments, the fibers are formed into microcavity fibers impregnated with one or more particulates of adsorbent material, or alternatively with continuous activated carbon fibers. The fibers preferably have a diameter of about 10 microns to about 100 microns. The fibers can have a length of about 10 microns to about 200 microns, for example.

  In another preferred embodiment, the fibers are bundles of discontinuous fibers that are oriented parallel to the mainstream smoke flow through the electrically heated tobacco.

  The filter 150 containing the fibers 152 is preferably pleatless adsorbent fibers having a controlled total and per-filament denier, eg, through a sleeve 154 preformed or formed in situ during the filter manufacturing process. It can be formed by stretching a bundle of materials. The formed filter can be cut to a desired size to a predetermined size. For example, the length of the filter can be from about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

  A filter 150 containing fibers 152 can be incorporated at one or more desired locations in an electrically heated cigarette. Referring also to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment, the filter 150 can replace the entire free flow filter 92. In another preferred embodiment, the filter 150 can replace a portion of the entire free flow filter 92. The filter 150 can contact (ie, abut) the free flow filter 74 disposed between the free flow filter 74 and the mouthpiece filter plug 94, or can contact the mouthpiece filter plug 94 (ie, Abut). The filter 150 preferably has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the free flow filter 94 to minimize smoke bypass during the filtration process.

  Preferably, the fibrous adsorbent has a suitable packing density and a high fiber length loft so that parallel paths are created between the fibers. Such a structure can effectively remove a significant amount of selected gas phase components such as formaldehyde and / or acrolein, while preferably removing only a minimal amount of particulate matter from the smoke. As such, the selected gas phase component can be significantly reduced while at the same time not significantly affecting the total component material (TPM) in the gas. In order to achieve such a filtration function, a sufficiently low packing density and a sufficiently short fiber length are desirable.

  The amount of adsorbent used in the preferred embodiment of the electrically heated tobacco 23 depends on the amount of selected gas phase components in the tobacco smoke and the amount of components desired to be removed from the tobacco smoke. .

  As mentioned above, the electrically heated cigarette 23 also includes at least one flavor release additive. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, for example, menthol, peppermint and spearmint, mint, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, mood change One or more flavors can be made including agent flavors, spice flavors such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavor. In a preferred embodiment, the flavoring is menthol and optionally at least one mint flavoring.

  As noted above, the flavoring-release additive can have a different structure and composition within the electrically heated tobacco. In one embodiment, the flavor release additive is in the form of beads. The beads preferably encapsulate the flavor and provide controlled release of the tobacco flavor during a dose cycle.

  The beads preferably include at least one encapsulating material and at least one flavoring agent. The encapsulating material preferably comprises a binder, which can be, for example, one or more of coconut oil, konjac gum, xylitol, zein, hydroxypropylcellulose, sorbitol, maltitol, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Other materials known in the art that can improve or enhance the bead-forming properties of the encapsulating material can optionally be incorporated into the beads. In a preferred embodiment, the beads have a substantially uniform composition and the flavoring is substantially uniformly distributed. Such a structure allows the flavoring to be released from the beads in a more uniform state during smoking.

  Depending on the composition of the beads, the minimum temperature at which the beads release flavoring can be adjusted. Beads comprising one or more of the binders described above preferably have a minimum temperature at which the flavoring is released at at least about 40 ° C., such as from about 40 ° C. to about 150 ° C. The beads prevent the exposure of flavors to undesired materials in the atmosphere (eg, air, package interior) and undesired materials in tobacco, and the flavor release additive is heated to a sufficiently high temperature during smoking. Until the release and / or transfer of flavoring is minimized. As a result, the flavoring agent is preferably substantially prevented from migrating in the tobacco, reacting with other substances or atmospheres in the tobacco, and inactivating adsorbents present in the tobacco.

  The beads can be in any desired shape, such as different regular or irregular shapes, including circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, other polygonal, cylindrical, fibrous, and the like. The beads can be of various sizes. Preferably, the beads are microbeads having a maximum particle size of less than about 25 microns, more preferably less than about 1 micron. Reducing the size of the beads can provide a more uniform and controlled flavor release because the surface area of the beads is increased.

  The beads can be made by any suitable process that produces beads of the desired structure, composition, and size. For example, the beads can be made by extrusion, spray drying, or other suitable process. In a preferred embodiment, the beads are formed by forming a solution, dispersant, or emulsion that includes binders, flavorings, and optional additives to form beads that can be separated and dried. It is formed. A process for preparing beads containing active ingredients such as flavors is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,325,859, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  The electrically heated tobacco 23 preferably includes an amount of beads that provides the desired amount of flavoring in the tobacco. In a preferred embodiment, the electrically heated tobacco comprises up to about 20%, more preferably from about 10% to about 15% beads, based on the total weight of tobacco in the tobacco. For example, tobacco contains 100 mg tobacco leaves, preferably up to about 20 mg beads. The beads can preferably contain up to about 20% flavor. Tobacco can include, for example, 1 to 15 mg of flavoring.

  In a preferred embodiment, the beads are placed in at least one location of the electrically heated tobacco 23 that reaches at least the lowest temperature at which flavoring is released from the beads into the tobacco during smoking. For example, the beads may be in the tobacco rod 60, in the gap 90 between the tobacco plug 80 and the free flow filter 74, on the surface of one or more free flow filters 74, on or in the mat 66, And / or can be placed on or in the inner wrap 84 surrounding the tobacco plug 80.

  In another preferred embodiment, two or more differently formulated beads having two or more different flavor release temperatures are used to achieve two or more of the electrically heated tobacco that reach different temperatures at such locations during smoking. Can be incorporated into the position. For example, a first flavorant release temperature bead is placed at a first location in the tobacco that reaches the first flavorant release temperature, and a second flavorant release temperature bead is placed at the first flavorant release temperature. A second location in the tobacco that reaches a higher second flavor release temperature. For example, the two flavor release temperatures can be varied by temperatures up to about 100 ° C. For example, these two temperatures can be varied by temperatures up to about 10 ° C, 20 ° C, 30 ° C, 40 ° C, 50 ° C, 60 ° C, 70 ° C, 80 ° C, 90 ° C, or 100 ° C.

  In another preferred embodiment, the flavoring release additive comprises a film. The film can preferably encapsulate the flavoring agent and release the flavoring agent into the tobacco at a controlled temperature during smoking. In preferred embodiments, the film comprises up to 20% by weight, more preferably from about 10% to about 15% flavor. In a preferred embodiment, the film also encapsulates menthol and optionally mint.

  The film form of the flavor release additive preferably comprises at least one encapsulant and at least one flavor. The encapsulating material preferably comprises a binder, which can be, for example, at least one or more of carrageenan, gelatin, gelled gum, gum arabic, gar gum, xantum gum, and pectin. Other materials known in the art that can improve or enhance the film-forming properties of the encapsulating material can optionally be incorporated into the film. In a preferred embodiment, the film has a substantially uniform composition and the flavoring is substantially uniformly distributed. The film encapsulating material provides a barrier to flavor release.

  Depending on the composition of the film, the minimum temperature at which the film releases flavoring can be adjusted / selected. Films containing one or more of the above-mentioned binders preferably have a minimum temperature at which flavorings of at least about 50 ° C. are released, such as up to about 120 ° C. The film prevents exposure of the flavor to tobacco and undesired substances in the atmosphere and substantially avoids the release of flavor until the film is heated to the release temperature during tobacco smoking.

  The film can be added to one or more components of an electrically heated tobacco as a liquid coating that dries to a film. There are no restrictions on the dimensions of the dried film. Preferably, the maximum thickness of the dried film is from about 50 microns to about 150 microns, more preferably about 75 microns.

  The film can be made by any suitable process that produces a film having the desired structure, composition, and dimensions. For example, the film can be applied by coating processes such as spray coating, dipping processes, electrostatic deposition, printing wheel application, gravure printing, and ink jet application. In a preferred embodiment, an emulsion, suspension, or slurry containing a binder, flavor, and optional additives is provided, and then one or more selected ingredients of the electrically heated tobacco. It is applied as a coating to one or more selected surfaces. The coating is preferably dried and moisture and / or other solvents are removed to form a solid film of the desired dimensions. Exemplary processes that can be used to prepare the film are U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,347 and Applicant's 4,715, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. , 390.

  The electrically heated tobacco 23 preferably includes an amount of film that releases the desired amount of flavor during tobacco smoking. In a preferred embodiment, the electrically heated tobacco comprises up to about 20%, more preferably from about 10% to about 15% film based on the total weight of tobacco in the tobacco to which the film is added. For example, when a film is added to the mat, the weight of tobacco leaves contained in the mat is preferably based on the weight relative to the amount of film. When a film is added to the mat and tobacco plug, the total weight of tobacco contained in the mat and tobacco plug is preferably based on the weight relative to the amount of film added to the tobacco. Preferably, the weight of tobacco leaves contained in the mat is based on the weight relative to the amount of film added to the mat, and the weight of tobacco leaves contained in the tobacco plug is relative to the amount of film added to the tobacco plug. Based on weight. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco can include from about 1 mg to about 15 mg of flavoring.

  In a preferred embodiment, the film is placed in at least one location on the electrically heated tobacco 23 that reaches a temperature at which flavoring is released into the tobacco. For example, the film can be placed on the tobacco plug 80, on the inner wrap 84 surrounding the tobacco plug 80, on the mat 66, and / or on the covering wrap 71 surrounding the mat. When the film is placed on the inner wrap 84 and / or the cover wrap 71, the weight of the inner wrap 84 and / or the cover wrap 71 is based on the weight relative to the amount of film. In another preferred embodiment, the film is preformed, engraved, and incorporated into the tobacco plug 80 and / or at other selected locations that reach the flavor release temperature.

  In another preferred embodiment, the temperature at different locations during smoking of the cigarettes has two or more different minimum flavor release temperatures at different locations on the electrically heated tobacco that exceed the minimum release temperature of different films. Flavoring films can be incorporated.

  In another preferred embodiment, the flavoring-release additive is an inclusion complex. The inclusion complex includes a “host molecule”, and the flavoring agent is a “guest molecule” in the inclusion complex. This inclusion complex provides a controlled release of flavor in tobacco during smoking. In a preferred embodiment, the flavoring agent is a lipophilic organic flavoring agent, preferably concentrated within the hydrophobic cavity of the host molecule. Preferred flavors include, but are not limited to, mint such as menthol, peppermint and spearmint, flavors of chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruits, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, mood changer Flavors, spice flavors such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavor. In a preferred embodiment, the flavoring comprises vanillin and gamma octalactone. In preferred embodiments, the inclusion complex comprises up to about 20% by weight, more preferably about 10 to 15% flavoring.

  The host molecule of the inclusion complex is preferably cyclodextrin. Cyclodextrins are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,011 and commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,964, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is a cyclic oligosaccharide containing subunits. The inclusion complex is formed when the flavoring material is mixed with cyclodextrin in solution. The flavoring agent resides within the ring structure of the cyclodextrin. Cyclodextrins and flavors are generally co-precipitated, filtered and dried.

  Alpha cyclodextrin, beta cyclodextrin, and gamma cyclodextrin contain 6, 7, and 8 glucopyranose subunits, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the inclusion complex desirably comprises a beta cyclodextrin that accommodates a wide variety of guest molecules and is readily available. Betacyclodextrin has a linked subunit ring structure with a three-dimensional torus configuration including a hydrophobic cavity with a diameter of 7.5 angstroms and hydrophilic upper and lower edges.

  The minimum temperature at which the inclusion complex comprising cyclodextrin releases flavor is from about 60 ° C. to about 125 ° C., preferably at least about 60 ° C. By incorporating the flavoring agent into the inclusion complex, the flavoring agent can be protected from exposure to undesirable substances in the tobacco until the flavoring release additive is heated to the flavoring release temperature during tobacco smoking. Preferably, release and / or movement of flavoring to the atmosphere is minimized.

  The inclusion complex is preferably in the form of a powder. The maximum size of the powder is preferably less than about 200 microns.

  Inclusion complexes can be made by forming an aqueous solution of betacyclodextrin and flavoring. The inclusion complex can be recovered in powder form from the solution. However, the solution can be added directly to one or more selected locations of one or more components of the electrically heated tobacco by any suitable treatment. The inclusion complex powder can alternatively be used to form a solution or suspension. The inclusion complex can be added by a coating process such as slurry coating, spraying, dipping process, electrostatic deposition, printing wheel application, gravure printing, ink jet application. In a preferred embodiment, a solution, suspension, or slurry comprising beta cyclodextrin and flavoring is prepared and applied as a coating to selected surfaces of selected components of electrically heated tobacco. An exemplary process that can be used to add an inclusion complex to an electrically heated cigarette is commonly owned US Pat. No. 5,144,964, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Explained.

  The electrically heated tobacco 23 preferably includes an amount of inclusion complex that provides the desired amount of tobacco flavor. In preferred embodiments, the electrically heated cigarette comprises up to about 15%, more preferably less than about 8% inclusion complex, based on the weight of the covering wrap or mat. For example, if an inclusion complex is applied to the mat, the weight of the mat is preferably a weight basis relative to the amount of inclusion complex applied to the mat. When the inclusion complex is applied to the mat and cover wrap, the total weight of the mat and cover wrap is preferably a weight basis relative to the amount of inclusion complex applied to the mat and cover wrap. The weight percent of the inclusion complex applied to the mat and / or cover wrap may be the same or different. In preferred embodiments, the tobacco comprises from about 1 mg to about 50 mg of flavoring.

  In a preferred embodiment, the inclusion complex is placed in at least one location of the electrically heated tobacco 23 that reaches at least the lowest temperature at which flavoring is released from the tobacco inclusion complex during smoking. For example, the inclusion complex can be placed on the inner wrap 84, the mat 66, and / or the covering wrap 71.

  In another preferred embodiment, the electrically heated tobacco includes two or more different types of flavoring release additives, such as beads and films and / or inclusion complexes, each flavoring release additive comprising: Has different flavor release temperatures. Different flavor release additives can be incorporated at two or more locations on the same electrically heated tobacco that reach different temperatures during smoking to provide more controlled release of flavor during smoking .

  4 and 5 show a preferred embodiment of an electric smoking system in which a preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette can be used. However, it should be understood that the preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette can be used with other constructions of electrical smoking systems, such as different electrical lighter structures. The electric smoking system 21 has an electrically heated cigarette 23 and a reusable lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the cigarette receiver 27 that is open at the front end 29 of the lighter 25. With the cigarette 23 inserted, the smoking system 21 is used in the same way as a more conventional cigarette, but does not require the cigarette 23 to be lit or defeated. The tobacco 23 is discarded after smoking.

  Preferably, each cigarette is blown at least a total of 8 times per smoking (1 dose cycle). However, the cigarette 23 can be configured to provide a total of fewer or more available clothes.

  The lighter 25 includes a housing 31 having front and rear housing portions 33 and 35, respectively. A power source 35 a, such as one or more batteries, is disposed within the rear housing 35 and provides energy to the heater fixture 39. The heater fixture 39 includes a plurality of electrical resistance heating elements 37 (FIG. 6). The heating element 37 is disposed in the front housing portion 33 for housing the cigarette 23 so as to slide. A stop 183 disposed within the heater fixture 39 forms a tobacco receiver 27 (FIG. 2).

  A control circuit 41 in the front housing portion 33 selectively establishes electrical communication between the power source 35a and one or more heating elements 37 during each dose cycle.

  The rear housing portion 35 of the housing 31 is configured to open and close to facilitate replacement of the power source 35a. Preferably, the front housing 33 is removably attached to the rear housing part 35 by mechanical engagement.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the control circuit 41 is triggered by a single dose actuated sensor 45, which is either a pressure change or a change in air flow rate that occurs at the start of tobacco inhalation by the smoker. Sensitive to. The dose actuation sensor 45 is preferably disposed within the front housing portion 33 of the lighter 25 and communicates with the space within the heater fixture 39 through a port 45 a that extends through the sidewall portion 182 of the heater fixture 39. When activated by the sensor 45, the control circuit 41 passes a current through one of the appropriate heating elements 37.

  In a preferred embodiment, an indicator 51 is provided at a position along the outside of the lighter 25 to visually display the number of doses left on the cigarette 23 and other selected information. Indicator 51 preferably includes a liquid crystal display. In a preferred embodiment, indicator 51 displays the selected image when cigarette detector 57 detects the presence of cigarette in heater fixture 39. The detector 57 can include any device that senses the presence of an electrically heated cigarette. For example, the detector can include an induction coil 1102 adjacent to the tobacco receiver 27 of the heater fixture 39 and a wire 1104 that connects the coil 1102 and an oscillator circuit in the control circuit 41. In such a case, the cigarette 23 can include a metal element (not shown) that causes the detector 57 to signal the presence of cigarette each time a suitable cigarette 23 is inserted into the receiver 27. Inductance is applied to the coil winding 1102 as occurs for 41. The control circuit 41 supplies a signal to the indicator 51. When the cigarette 23 is removed from the lighter 25, the cigarette detector 57 no longer detects the presence of the cigarette 23 and the indicator 51 is turned off.

  The heater fixture 39 secures the inserted cigarette 23 to the heating element 37 so that the heating element 37 is arranged in parallel with the cigarette 23 at approximately the same position relative to each newly inserted cigarette 23. Support in the relationship. In a preferred embodiment, the heater fixture 39 includes eight heater elements 37 arranged parallel to each other, which elements are arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of symmetry of the tobacco receiver 27. The location where each heating element 37 contacts the fully inserted cigarette 23 is referred to herein as the heater footprint or carbonization zone 42.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the heating element 37 preferably includes at least first and second serpentine elongated members 53a and 53b, respectively, adjacent at the tip 54, respectively. The heater portions 53a, 53b, and 54 form a heater blade 120. The tip 54 is adjacent to the opening 55 of the tobacco receiver 27. The opposite ends 56 a and 56 b of each heater element 37 are electrically connected to the opposite pole of the power source 35 a as selectively established by the control circuit 41. The electrical path through each heating element 37 passes through terminal pin 104 and connection 121 between pin 104 and one free end portion 56a of serpentine member 53a, through at least a portion of tip 54, respectively. Other serpentine members and their end portions 56b are established. Preferably, the connection ring 110 provides a common electrical connection for each end 56b. In a preferred embodiment, the ring 110 is connected to the anode terminal of the power source 35a through a connection 123 between the ring 110 and the pin 105.

  Preferably, the heating element 37 is individually energized by the power source 35a under the control of the control circuit 41, and heats the cigarette 23 preferably 8 times at a spaced position near the periphery of the cigarette 23. This heating results in eight doses of tobacco 23, as is commonly achieved with more conventional tobacco smoking. It may be preferable to activate more than one heating element simultaneously for one or more or all doses.

  The heater fixture 39 includes an air inlet port 1200 through which air is drawn into the lighter. When air enters the lighter, it recognizes the start of a dose and activates the dose activation sensor 45 to induce a pressure drop. The range of induced pressure drops is selected such that it falls within the range of pressure drops that can be detected by the pressure sensor 45.

  The length of the tobacco plug 80 and its relative position along the tobacco rod 60 is preferably selected based on the structure and position of the heating element 37 of the electric smoking system 21. When the cigarette 23 is properly positioned relative to the stop 182 (FIG. 2) in the lighter of the electric smoking system, a portion of each heating element contacts the tobacco rod 60. This contact area is referred to as the heater footprint 95 and it is expected that the heating element 37 will reach a high enough temperature to allow tobacco smoking without burning tobacco paper, mats or tobacco leaves. This is the area of the tobacco rod 60. The heater footprint 95 is placed along the tobacco rod 60 at a constant predetermined distance 96 from the free end 78 of the tobacco rod 60 for all tobacco 23 fully inserted into the lighter 25. Can do.

  Preferably, the length of the tobacco plug 80 of the tobacco 23, the length of the heater footprint 95, and the distance between the heater footprint 95 and the stop 182 is such that the heater footprint extends beyond the tobacco plug 80, Selection is made so that a portion of the gap 91 is overlapped by a distance 98. The distance 98 is also referred to as “heater air gap overlap” 98. The distance that the remainder of the heater footprint 95 overlaps with the plug 80 is referred to as the “heater fill overlap” 99.

  The length of the void 91 and tobacco plug 80, and the distribution of the perforated holes 263 can be adjusted to adjust the smoking characteristics of the tobacco 23, including the adjustment of taste, suction, and release. The pattern of holes 263, the length of the gap 90, and the amount of heater fill overlap 99 (and heater gap overlap 98) also adjusts the immediacy of the response to facilitate the consistency of discharge. Can be operated.

  Electrically heated cigarettes according to preferred embodiments can provide advantages. By encapsulating one or more additive flavors, especially volatile flavors, the flavor can be retained in the tobacco until it is smoked. Further, the flavoring agent can preferably be released at temperature in a controlled manner during smoking, thus providing the smoker with the improved intrinsic properties of tobacco. Preferably, the inactivation of the adsorbent in the tobacco can be minimized since the flavoring release additive can retain the flavoring until the tobacco is smoked. As a result, the adsorbent maintains its function of removing gas phase components from mainstream smoke.

  The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, while the invention has been illustrated and described according to various preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1 shows a preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette used in an electrically heated smoking system with no partially assembled tobacco. FIG. It is a figure which shows the assembled state of the electrically heated cigarette shown in FIG. 1 of the state which the one end of a tobacco is contacting the stop part of the electric lighter of an electric smoking system. FIG. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette used in an electrically heated smoking system with no partially assembled tobacco. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an electric smoking system with an electrically heated cigarette inserted into an electric lighter. FIG. It is a figure which shows the electric smoking system shown in FIG. 4 in the state where the cigarette was pulled out from the lighter. It is a figure which shows the heater attachment tool of an electric smoking system.

Explanation of symbols

16 hole 17 slit 23 electrically heated cigarette 60 tobacco rod 62 filter tip 64 chipping paper 66 mat 74 free flow filter 80 tobacco plug

Claims (37)

An electrically heated cigarette for an electric smoking system,
At least one adsorbent;
A flavoring release additive;
Including
The flavor release agent includes at least one flavor that is releasable into an electrically heated tobacco when the flavor release additive is heated to at least a minimum temperature.
Cigarette characterized by that.   The electric heating cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent is activated carbon.   The electric heating cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent is zeolite.   The electrically heated tobacco according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring agent is (i) menthol, or (ii) vanillin and gamma octalactone.   The flavors include menthol, mint, chocolate, licorice, fruit flavor, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, mood change flavor, spice flavor, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger The electrically heated tobacco of claim 1, wherein the tobacco is at least one flavorant selected from the group consisting of oil and tobacco flavor.   The electrically heated tobacco according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring release additive is in the form of beads.   The bead comprises a binder selected from the group consisting of coconut oil, "konjac" gum, hydroxypropylcellulose, xylitol, zein, sorbitol, maltitol, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Electric heating cigarette.   7. The electrically heated cigarette of claim 6, wherein the beads have a maximum particle size that is less than about 25 microns.   9. The electrically heated cigarette of claim 8, wherein the beads have a maximum particle size that is less than about 1 micron.   The electrically heated tobacco of claim 6, comprising up to about 20% by weight of the beads based on the total weight of the tobacco in the electrically heated tobacco.   The electrically heated cigarette according to claim 6, wherein the beads include up to about 20% by weight of the flavoring agent. The minimum temperature is about 40 ° C .;
The beads are disposed in at least one location of the tobacco that reaches at least about 40 ° C. during smoking of the electrically heated tobacco;
The electrically heated cigarette according to claim 6.   The bead is disposed on a tobacco rod, a gap between a tobacco plug and a free flow filter, on a free flow filter, on a tobacco-containing mat, and / or on an inner wrap surrounding the tobacco plug. 6. The electrically heated cigarette according to 6.   The electrically heated cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the flavor release additive is a film.   15. The electricity of claim 14, wherein the film comprises a binder selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, gelatin, agar, "gellan" gum, gum arabic, guar gum, "xanthum" gum, and pectin. Heated tobacco.   15. The electrically heated cigarette of claim 14, wherein the film thickness is less than about 150 microns.   15. The electrically heated tobacco of claim 14, comprising up to about 20% by weight of the film, based on the total weight of tobacco in the electrically heated tobacco.   15. The electrically heated cigarette of claim 14, wherein the film includes up to about 20 wt% of the flavoring agent.   The electric heating cigarette according to claim 14, wherein the film has an engraved form. The minimum temperature is about 50 ° C .;
The film is disposed in at least one location of the tobacco that reaches at least about 50 ° C. during smoking of the electrically heated tobacco;
The electrically heated cigarette according to claim 14.   15. The electrically heated cigarette of claim 14, wherein the film is disposed on a tobacco plug, an inner wrap surrounding the tobacco plug, a tobacco-containing mat, and / or a covering wrap surrounding the mat. . The flavor release agent is an inclusion complex containing a host molecule,
The flavoring agent is a guest molecule in the inclusion complex.
The electrically heated cigarette according to claim 1.   The electrically heated tobacco according to claim 22, wherein the host molecule is beta-cyclodextrin.   23. The electrically heated cigarette of claim 22, comprising less than about 15% by weight of the inclusion complex, based on the weight of the covering wrap and / or mat.   23. The electrically heated cigarette of claim 22, wherein the inclusion complex includes up to about 20% of the flavoring agent. The minimum temperature is about 60 ° C .;
The inclusion complex is disposed in at least one location of the tobacco that reaches at least about 60 ° C. during smoking of the electrically heated tobacco;
The electrically heated cigarette according to claim 22.   23. The electrically heated tobacco of claim 22, wherein the flavor release additive is disposed on an inner wrap surrounding the tobacco plug, on a tobacco-containing mat, and / or on a covering wrap surrounding the mat. .   The electric heating cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent is a fiber.   29. The electrically heated cigarette according to claim 28, wherein the fibers are continuous or discontinuous fibers.   29. The electrically heated cigarette of claim 28, wherein the fibers are impregnated with at least one adsorbent. A method for producing the electrically heated cigarette according to claim 1, comprising:
(A) at least one adsorbent; and (b) a flavorant release additive comprising at least one flavorant that is releasable in an electrically heated tobacco when the flavorant release additive is heated to at least a minimum temperature. Incorporating it into an electrically heated cigarette,
A method comprising the steps of: A method of smoking the electrically heated cigarette according to claim 1, comprising:
Heating a portion of an electrically heated cigarette to form smoke;
Sucking the smoke through the electrically heated cigarette;
Including
An adsorbent removes at least one selected gas phase component from the mainstream smoke;
A method characterized by that. An electric smoking system,
With a lighter,
At least one electrically heated cigarette;
Including
The electric heating cigarette is
At least one adsorbent;
A flavor release additive comprising at least one flavor that is releasable in said electrically heated tobacco when the flavor release additive is heated to at least a minimum temperature;
including,
A system characterized by that. An electrically heated cigarette,
At least one adsorbent;
At least one flavoring release additive in a form selected from the group consisting of beads, films, and inclusion complexes;
Including
Each flavor release agent includes at least one flavor that is releasable in an electrically heated tobacco when the flavor release additive is heated to at least a minimum temperature.
Cigarette characterized by that. The flavor release additive comprises at least two flavor release additives in the form of beads, films, and / or inclusion complexes;
Each flavoring release additive has a different minimum temperature at which the flavoring is released during smoking of electrically heated tobacco.
35. The electrically heated cigarette according to claim 34. A method for producing an electrically heated cigarette according to claim 34, comprising:
Incorporating (a) at least one adsorbent and (b) at least one flavor release additive in the form of a bead, film, and / or inclusion complex into an electrically heated tobacco;
Including
The flavor release additive includes at least one flavor that is releasable into the electrically heated tobacco when the flavor release additive is heated to at least a minimum temperature.
A method characterized by that. A method for smoking the electrically heated cigarette of claim 34, comprising:
Heating a portion of an electrically heated cigarette to form smoke;
Sucking the smoke through the electrically heated cigarette;
Including
An adsorbent removes at least one selected gas phase component from the mainstream smoke;
A method characterized by that.

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