JP2009504175A - Liquid discharge device for smoking articles - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for releasing a liquid that when activated activates a smoking article, such as a cigarette, to cause flavoring or other smoke modification, and a smoking article including such a liquid discharge device.
A smoking article (110) includes a rod (12) of smokable material axially aligned with a liquid discharge device (118), the device being stationary porous fixed relative to the rod (12). Quality element (20), movable porous element (22) axially aligned with and movable axially relative to stationary porous element (20), porous elements (20) and (22) At least one fragile liquid capsule (34) held therebetween, whereby the capsule (34) is movable from a first position toward the second position toward the stationary element (20), where the capsule (34) is intact. The axial movement of the element (22) ruptures the capsule (34) and releases liquid into the porous elements (20) and (22), the movable element (22) being in the first and second positions. At least one, preferably both Unnecessary movement of the axial direction is restricted.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a device for releasing liquid that when activated results in flavoring or other smoke modification to a smoking article such as a cigarette. The invention also relates to a smoking article comprising such a liquid discharge device.

  Smoking articles containing liquid additives that modify the smoke generation characteristics of the smoking article are known in the art. For example, US-A-4, 889, 144 discloses a flavoring agent encapsulated in fragile particles encapsulated in a hollow space within a cigarette filter. To release the flavor, the smoker breaks the particles before smoking by applying force to the outer surface of the filter. The smoking article disclosed in US-A-5,067,500 includes a container having an additive. By relative rotation or axial movement of the container components, the container with the additive is opened or the capsule containing the additive material is pierced by the protrusion. That is, an air flow path is provided so that the additive material can modify the properties of the smoking article.

US-A-A 2004/0261807 discloses a smoking article with a filter element comprising at least one frangible capsule. The filter element is made of plasticized cellulose acetate tow. The smoking article can be smoked without breaking the capsule, or the capsule can be crushed before, during or after smoking.
There is a need to improve the controlled delivery of liquid to a smoking article, for example to effectively and selectively modify the smoking characteristics of the smoking article.

US-A-4, 889, 144 US-A-5, 067, 500 US-A-A2004 / 0261807

  According to the present invention, there is provided a smoking article, preferably a cigarette, comprising a rod of smokable material and a liquid discharge device axially aligned with the rod, the device comprising a stationary porous element secured to the rod. A movable porous element axially aligned with respect to the stationary porous element and movable in the axial direction, and at least one fragile capsule of liquid held between the elements, whereby the movable element The axial movement of the movable element from the first position where the capsule is intact to the second position towards the stationary element causes the capsule to rupture and release liquid into the porous element, Unwanted axial movement is limited in at least one of the first and second positions, preferably both.

The smoking article according to the invention has the advantage that the movable element cannot be completely separated from the rest of the smoking article. This ensures, for example, that the movable element is not removed while the smoker is sucking the cigarette. Thus, there is no danger of the movable element being swallowed.
In the smoking article of the present invention, the liquid discharge device is a mouthpiece and acts as a smoke control agent delivery device. When activated by the smoker, i.e., when the movable element of the device is moved to its final state, the release of one or more smoke control agents from the capsule is ideally just before the article is smoked. Achieved in a controlled manner. In use, as mainstream smoke passes through the device, one or more modifiers are desorbed from the porous surfaces of the elements aligned in the axial direction of the device.

  In the liquid discharge device of the present invention, the elements are held together in such a way that they are capable of relative axial movement, but cannot be easily completely separated from each other. This can be accomplished in an advantageous manner by securing the elements together with a friction fit or by utilizing a deformable connector between them. The connector is of a material that can be easily deformed by a smoker pushing the movable element toward the stationary element, for example, a perforated or grooved plug wrap surrounding the movable element and stationary porous element. . The plug wrap can be, for example, a rigid or standard porous cellulose acetate.

  As the movable element is moved toward the stationary porous element, the deformable connector collapses into the space between the movable element and the stationary porous element without breaking. This maintains the connection between the movable element and the stationary porous element, and the movable element remains restricted from unwanted axial movement away from the stationary porous element. In this case, the unwanted axial movement of the movable element is any movement of the movable element away from the stationary porous element beyond the first first position.

Preferably, the groove of the plug wrapping paper is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the smoking article. As a result, the rigidity of the connector is reduced, so that the movable element can be easily moved relative to the sleeve. The groove means a hole longer than the second direction orthogonal to the first direction in the first direction.
In a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises a plug wrap with or without perforations or grooves covering only a part of the circumference of the movable element, for example between 90 and 180 degrees, preferably 120 degrees. Preferably, the liquid discharge device is cylindrical with a circular cross-section and has a conventional cigarette diameter generally between about 6 mm and about 9 mm.

  Preferably, the liquid discharge device further comprises a sleeve around at least a part of one of the elements, one of the elements being fixed relative to the sleeve and the other element being movable relative to the sleeve. The sleeve houses at least one of the two axially aligned elements, preferably both. The sleeve can also function to hold the elements together. Preferably, the sleeve is fixed to the movable element. Also preferably, the sleeve is around and attachable to at least a portion of the stationary element.

  In a preferred embodiment of the liquid device, the sleeve is provided by a relatively rigid tube designed to hold two axially aligned elements with a friction fit. Preferably, the tube has a substantially cylindrical and uniform circular cross section, and its outer diameter ranges from about 6 mm to about 9 mm. Preferably, the length of the tube is between about 8 mm and about 10 mm. In an advantageous embodiment, the tube is made of a rigid material that cannot be easily crushed. A preferred tube material is a suitable thermoplastic material such as polyolefin, preferably polyethylene, or rigid soft cardboard. The tube is air impermeable. In some embodiments, the tube circumscribes only the opposing end portions of the elements, and the opposite end of each element, ie the free end, extends beyond the sleeve (in the first position).

  In the smoking article of the present invention, the liquid discharge device is attached to a rod wrapped with tobacco or other smoking material by a tip secured to part or all of a stationary element, for example to make a cigarette or similar smoking article. Permanently attached. The tip can be secured directly to the stationary element or indirectly by attaching it to the sleeve of the liquid discharge device. Preferably, the sleeve is provided by rigid soft cardboard or by a tube as described above.

Preferably, the smoking article according to the present invention has approximately the same suction resistance as an equivalent smoking article without a liquid discharge device. The length of the liquid discharge device is preferably about 9 mm or less in the final state.
In a smoking article according to the present invention, the stationary element is secured to the rest of the smoking article so that it does not move relative to the rest of the smoking article during proper use and handling of the device and smoking article. When a longitudinal force is applied to the free end of the movable element, the movable element moves axially toward the stationary element. In general, the stationary and movable elements each have a substantially cylindrical shape. The opposing end faces of the elements are preferably of substantially complementary male and female form, respectively.

In some embodiments, the end face of one element opposite the other element has a cavity for receiving a capsule closed by the opposite end face of the other element. In some preferred embodiments, the end face of the other element has a cylindrical boss that is substantially the same diameter as the cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule is spherical, the end face of one element is conical and extends away from the body of the one element, and the end face of the other element is substantially complementary in shape. And the cavity is a partially spherical cavity in the center of the end face of the other element, the diameter of the cavity being substantially equal to the diameter of the capsule, but slightly larger.
In other embodiments, the one or more capsules are in an annular chamber formed by the opposing end faces of the element.

  In the first starting state, the movable element is in a first position and the opposing end faces of the stationary and movable elements are spaced apart without abutting each other to form a space for accommodating one or more fragile capsules. . In the second final state, the movable element is in the second position, and the end faces of the two elements are at least partially in contact with each other, leaving little space. Both the first and second positions are predetermined. In order to change from the first state to the second state, the movable element is moved towards the stationary element. This axial movement causes the rupture of one or more capsules and the release of liquid therefrom.

  The space formed by the opposing end faces of the two elements in the starting state is designed to hold the capsule or capsules in a defined and stable position, protecting the integrity of the capsule or capsules. And save. The space is shaped so that the capsule can be easily inserted during manufacture of the device. In an advantageous embodiment, the space is slightly larger than the capsule it contains. In some embodiments, the end face of the movable element has at least one protruding component that pierces the capsule and facilitates rupture of the capsule when the movable element is moved. Preferably, the opposing end faces of the two axially aligned elements have a substantially complementary configuration.

  In some preferred embodiments of the smoking article with an ignition end according to the present invention, the device incorporates the device until the device is in its final state, i.e., one or more capsules have ruptured and liquid has been released. Designed so that smoking articles cannot properly smoke. This is because when it is in the first state, suction at the labial end of the smoking article results in insufficient suction of airflow, if any, through the tobacco or other smoking material. This can be accomplished by providing significant ventilation (airflow) in and through the device to the extent that it cannot ignite or cannot sustain combustion. When the device is in its final state, airflow entering the device is significantly reduced by a significant increase in resistance to the airflow, allowing sufficient airflow through the tobacco or other smoking material, thus facilitating smoking articles. Allows smoking. This can be achieved by the arrangement of a ventilation section, preferably in the form of a circumferential ring, overlying the gap or somewhere else between the movable element and the stationary element in the first state. Means and methods for providing such vent sections are known in the art and include, for example, a suitable number of perforations that can be arranged in one row or more. Ventilation can be provided at other parts of the smoking article of the present invention, particularly at the filter element, so that ventilation occurs as needed during smoke absorption of the smoking article.

  In a preferred embodiment, the device includes mechanical holding means for setting and maintaining the device in a starting state until movement of the movable element is achieved. Such a holding means can also be used in the final state when the movable element is moved and the capsule is ruptured. For example, a suitable mechanical retention system involves protrusions and corresponding recesses that engage and maintain in a desired position. In some embodiments, the retention system acts as a ratchet, substantially retaining the movable element within the sleeve and moving it only in the direction of the stationary element. In other embodiments, the movable element has a circumferential protrusion around it that fits into the corresponding first groove of the stationary element or sleeve when the device is in the starting state, eliminating the need for the device Restrain the movement. Preferably, a corresponding second groove is provided in the stationary element or sleeve, into which the projection fits when the device is in its final state. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the movable element can have a circumferential groove into which a corresponding protrusion on the stationary element or on the sleeve fits. In still other embodiments where a tube is utilized, the movable element has a row of protrusions or teeth and the inner wall of the tube has one or two grooves. The first groove is disposed toward the end of the tube to accommodate the movable element, and the second groove is located closer to the other end (and the stationary element) of the tube. In the first position, the teeth of the movable element are mechanically engaged with the first groove. In the second position, the teeth engage the second groove. The movable element has at least two, preferably at least four teeth. The teeth and grooves are preferably shaped so that relative movement of the tube and the movable element is possible in only one direction. That is, movement of the movable element from the start state to the final state is possible, but movement of the movable element from the tube or from the final state to the start state is prevented. In other embodiments, an array of detents is provided for receiving teeth on the tube wall, rather than the grooves.

  The two axially aligned elements are made of an air permeable and essentially porous material, such as a porous thermoplastic material. Alternatively, the element is made from sintered metal, steel mesh, ceramic material, heat treated cellulose acetate, non-woven material, or fibrous material, such as a two-component, continuous, or stable fiber medium made by an extrusion or drawing process. It can consist of or be formed from. The filtering efficiency of the element is preferably very low or substantially zero. Filtration can be effected, for example, by a suitable filter plug placed between the device and a rod wrapped with tobacco or other smoking material. Suitable filter plugs are known in the art and can include one or more filter elements. The filter plug can be of any suitable filter material such as cellulose acetate or paper. If desired, charcoal or other known adsorbent material can be distributed to another filter material such as cellulose acetate. Preferably, the smoking article according to the present invention comprises a single, double, triple or multiple filter. More preferably, the filter plug is a double filter plug.

  A preferred material for forming the essentially porous element of the device is a thermoplastic material, more preferably a sinterable thermoplastic material. Preferred thermoplastic materials for making the element include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA), polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, polystyrene. Including polyolefins, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters such as polylactic acid, and mixtures and derivatives thereof. A particularly preferred polyolefin is polyethylene. Examples of suitable polyethylenes include low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and derivatives thereof.

  Porous thermoplastic materials suitable for use in forming the two axially aligned elements of the apparatus of the present invention are known in the art and are readily commercially available. Optionally, the porous thermoplastic material can further include additives such as lubricants, fillers, or colorants. In an advantageous embodiment, the element can be molded from a sintered thermoplastic material into one continuous and adjacent portion. Preferably, both elements are the same material and have been approved for use in food by the competent authority.

The porous material can be any material, preferably a high density material that can adsorb and / or absorb the flavoring composition at the concentration utilized in the capsule or capsules. Preferably, the average pore size (pore size) of the porous material used to make the element is at least about 10 microns, preferably from about 5 microns, preferably from about 50 microns to about 300 microns, preferably Is in the range up to about 250 microns. In an advantageous embodiment, the average pore volume or average void volume, ie the average ratio of the air volume of the porous material to the total volume of the material, is in the range between about 40% and about 60%. A particularly preferred polyethylene material for the movable and stationary elements is essentially a porous high density polyethylene (HDPE) coarse grain type and is available from “Porex, Porous Products Group” in Germany. HDPE has an average pore size of 130 microns, a density of average density of the void volume and 0.46 g / cm ³ in 55%, or 40% of the average void volume and 0.57 g / cm ^3.

  The capsule for incorporation into the pores of the present invention includes an impermeable outer shell that encloses the liquid fill. Preferably, the capsule is substantially spherical. Capsules are generally spheres with a diameter of about 1 mm to about 5 mm, preferably about 1 mm to about 4 mm, the size of which is the active agent available for the amount of encapsulated liquid and mainstream smoke. Basically determined by the amount. The outer shell can be of any suitable material, typically a polymeric material that is compatible with the contents of the capsule. Examples of suitable materials include alginate, polyvinyl acetate, and cellulose. The outer shell can include fillers such as gelatin, and optionally softeners such as glycerol, and / or preservatives. Methods and techniques for making capsules suitable for use in the present invention are known in the art.

  A liquid fill encapsulated in a frangible capsule contains at least one active agent or compound that, when released from the capsule, modifies one or more properties of the smoking article when smoked. Preferably, the mainstream smoke, particularly preferably the particle phase of the mainstream smoke is modified. For example, the smoke control agent in the capsule can be a flavoring agent or a smoke control agent other than a flavoring agent such as water or a chelating agent, eg, citric acid. Each smoke absorption performed by the smoker when the smoking article is smoked has an enhanced flavor and aroma.

  Flavorings that may be useful in the present invention include, for example, essential oils, oleoresin, anhydrides, fruit concentrates, fruit extracts, distillates, and natural / artificial chemicals. Examples of flavors that can be included in the device capsule are tobacco, cinnamon, spearmint, peppermint, vanilla, orange, peach, blueberry, strawberry flavor, cranberry, geranium extract, linalool, coffee, chocolate, menthol, eucalyptus, clove , Ginger, and citrus. A preferred flavor is menthol. These flavors are natural or synthetic and there may be more than one flavor. The flavoring agent is preferably a diluent or solvent suitable to act as a carrier, to keep the flavor uniform, to adjust the strength of the flavoring, to allow physical fixation and / or to act as a preservative. Is in. For example, suitable are oils from plants, and typically the carrier will form about 45% of the capsule contents. Smoke control agents other than flavoring agents, for example, interact with at least one component of mainstream smoke while the smoking article is burning, or by reducing the amount of such at least one component, or humidification It can change the properties of mainstream smoke by having a cooling or smoothing effect. Preferably, the interaction of mainstream smoke with one or more components is selective for a given component or components and / or has a positive effect on the smoker or the smoker's surroundings Have As mentioned above, the liquid filling may be one, two, three, or more flavorings, or other smoke control agents, provided that the drugs are compatible and do not adversely affect each other. Or any combination thereof.

Preferably, the liquid fill of the capsule contains one or more flavorings, most preferably menthol.
The strength of the capsule is sufficient to facilitate handling of the capsule during manufacture of the device, although it can be easily broken by the moving elements of the device under the action of a reasonably strong longitudinal force. The force required to break the capsule depends on its size and shape, but is generally up to about 4N for spherical capsules up to 3 mm in diameter.

  The capsule is ruptured by the application of an external force that moves the movable element from the first position to the second position. This force is applied by pushing the movable element longitudinally towards the stationary element. Such a force can be conveniently and lightly applied to the free end of the movable element with one finger. Upon rupture, the capsule releases its liquid filling into the stationary and movable element, which is then absorbed and / or adsorbed by the porous material of the element. The device optionally includes a removable cap that covers the labial end of the smoking article, particularly the free end of the movable element. In an advantageous manner, the external force that moves the movable element from the starting state to the final state is applied while the cap covers the movable element and before it is removed, for example by peeling it off. The cap should be removed before the smoking article of the present invention can be smoked. The cap can be of any shape and of any material as long as the smoking article can be removed from the lip end of the smoking article before it is smoked. The cap is preferably a flexible material such as a film of polyethylene or polyvinyl acetate. The cap can protect the liquid discharge device from inadvertent activation and may serve as an indicator of the freshness of the smoking article to the smoker.

  In the smoking article of the present invention, the liquid discharge device is a mouthpiece and acts as a smoke control agent delivery device. When activated by the smoker, i.e., when the movable element of the device is moved to its final state, the release of one or more smoke control agents from one or more capsules is ideal in a controlled manner. Specifically, this is achieved immediately before the article is smoked. In use, as mainstream smoke passes through the device, one or more drugs are desorbed from the porous surfaces of the elements aligned in the axial direction of the device. The liquid discharge device of the present invention is used in any smoking article, but can find particular use in low tar smoking articles.

In the manufacture of the liquid discharge device and smoking article according to the present invention, the tobacco rod, filter plug, and stationary element can be assembled with and covered with the tip. Preferably, double filter plugs are utilized, some of which can be stationary elements. The capsule can be secured to one of the elements using an adhesive spot. The tobacco rod, filter plug, and stationary element can then be attached to the movable element such that the liquid discharge device is in the first position and the capsule is intact between the two elements.
The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the drawings.

The embodiments shown in the figures have several common components, which are given the same reference numbers throughout the specification. Each cigarette shown in the figure is formed of a cylindrical cigarette 14 wrapped in cigarette paper 1 (shown in FIG. 1) axially aligned with a liquid discharge device according to the present invention, only a part of which is shown. A tobacco rod 12 is included. The liquid discharge devices each include a stationary element 20 and a movable element 22 and are joined to the rod 12 by a tip 24. The filter plug 26 is placed between the rod 12 and the device, the stationary element 20 abuts the filter plug 26 and is stationary with respect to the rod 12 and the filter plug 26, while the movable element 22 is 20 is axially aligned with respect to 20 and movable in the axial direction. The free end of the liquid discharge device shown is covered by a cap 28 of flexible polyethylene film material that is peeled off before the cigarette is smoked. The cap 28 can be moved from the first to the second position when the user presses the movable element 22 or can be peeled off by the cigarette user with the liquid ejection device in its final state.
The figure shows an embodiment in the starting state before activation. To move to the final state, the movable element 22 is moved towards the tobacco rod 12 (towards the left in the figure).

The cigarette 110 shown in FIG. 1 includes a liquid discharge device 118 having two axially aligned annular cylindrical elements 20, 22 of porous high density polyethylene. The tip paper 24 is secured to the stationary element 20 and extends along its entire length, extends above the filter plug 26 and is secured to the labial end region of the cigarette paper 16 of the tobacco rod 12.
The stationary element 20 forms a cavity 30 formed by a cylindrical bag path extending axially from its end face facing the movable element 22. The movable element 22 is arranged in a path and is fitted with a snap, while being movable in the axial direction. When the device 118 is in the initial state, ie, when the capsule is not ruptured as shown in FIG. 1, the walls of the path through the end face 32 of the movable element 22 and the stationary element 20 are liquid flavoring or A cavity 30 is formed that houses a fragile spherical capsule 34 of diameter d enclosing another smoke control agent. The end face 32 of the movable element 22 is separated from the end wall 36 of the path through the stationary element 20 by a distance l. Generally, l = d + 0.2 mm.
The movable element 22 protrudes from the path of the stationary element 24 by a distance p shorter than l. Generally, p = 0.8d.

  The movable element 22 is restricted from moving relative to the stationary element 20. The triangular cross-sectional protrusion 38 extends circumferentially around the portion of the movable element 22 that is in the path of the stationary element 20. The circumferential protrusion 38 is received in a circumferential groove 40 for coupling the triangular cross section of the wall of the dead end path in the stationary element 20, which is best seen in FIG. 1A, which is an exploded view of FIG. The The circumferential groove 42 of the second triangular cross section extends around the wall of the bag path closer to the end wall 36 of the path and the two grooves 40, 42 are the distance that the movable element 22 extends beyond the stationary element 20. They are separated by the same distance p.

The annular end surface of the stationary element 20 and the free end surface of the movable element 22 are covered with a cap 28.
To actuate the device, the user pushes the cap 28 towards the tobacco rod 12, preferably lightly axially with one finger, from the first position toward the capsule 34 along the path of the stationary element 20. The movable element 22 is moved, but the force required to achieve this should be sufficient to push the circumferential protrusion 38 in the movable element out of the first groove in the path wall. . As the movable element 22 is pushed along the path to the second position, it impacts and breaks the capsule 34 and releases the liquid fill into the porous elements 20, 22. When the circumferential projection 38 reaches and is seated in the second groove 42 of the path wall, in the second position, the free end face of the movable element 22 is annular to the stationary element 20 so that the cigarette 110 has a conventional appearance. It is flush with the end face and informs the user that the resistance to further movement increases and no further pressing is required. The user then lifts the cigarette 110 and smokes it, at which time the liquid from the capsule 34 in the porous polyethylene element is carried together in the smoke and flavor and / or other To fix in a way.

  In the cigarette 210 of FIG. 2, the stationary element 20 has a central axial occlusion extending from its end face facing the movable element 22. The movable element 22 has a cylindrical boss 44 that has the same outer diameter as the stationary element 20 and substantially the same diameter as the path within the stationary element 20. The boss 44 extends in the central direction from the end face 46 facing the stationary element 20 to the bag path in the stationary element 20 and can move axially in the path. The end face 48 of the boss 44 forms a cavity 30 with the wall of the pouch path, in which there is a fragile capsule 34 of diameter d containing liquid flavoring and / or other smoke control agent. The end face 48 of the boss 44 is separated from the end wall 36 of the bag path by a distance l. Generally, l = d + 0.2 mm.

  An impervious polyurethane tube 50 provides a sleeve around the movable element 22 and stationary element 20 that circumscribes the stationary element 20 except for a circumferential flange 52 at the end that abuts the filter plug 26. The end of the wall of the tube 50 abuts on the flange 52. The tube 50 circumscribes the end portion (ie, the largest diameter portion) of the body of the movable element 22 opposite the stationary element 20. The tip 24 circumscribes and is secured to the tube 50 and flange 52 of the stationary element 20 and extends above the filter plug 26 to attach the device 218 to the tobacco rod 12. The movable element 22 is slip-fitted into the tube 50 and extends beyond the tube and the tip 24 by a distance p less than l. Generally, p = 0.8d.

Around the boss 42 portion of the movable element 22 is an annular chamber 54 that does not extend into the path of the stationary element 20. The annular chamber 54 is formed by the circumscribing surface of this portion of the boss 42, the annular end surface of the stationary element 20, the opposing surface of the body of the movable element 22, and the inner surface of the tube 50, whose axial length is p is there.
The tip 24 and the tube 50 are perforated in a region that overlies the annular chamber 54 by a number of perforations 56 that allow air to enter the annular chamber 54.
The movable element 22 in this embodiment is between a circumferential protrusion 38 around the body of the movable element 22 and a first circumferential groove 40 and a second circumferential groove 42 for coupling around the inner surface of the tube 50. The interaction limits unwanted axial movement in the same manner as the cigarette 110 shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. The cap 28 covers the free end surface of the movable element 22 and the annular end surface of the tube 50.

  In the starting state shown in FIG. 2, the cigarette 210 cannot smoke, and when the smoker sucks the cigarette, the perforation 56 allows air flow through the movable element 22 into the annular chamber 54 and further into the smoker's mouth. And insufficient air is drawn through the tobacco rod to allow its ignition or combustion to be maintained. When the movable element 22 is pushed, the circumferential projection 38 around the movable element 22 is pushed out of the first circumferential groove 40. When the movable element ruptures the capsule 34 and closes the annular chamber 54 covering the bore 56, the projection 38 is received in the second circumferential groove 42 to hold the movable element in place. The cigarette can then smoke. When the capsule 34 ruptures, the liquid filling is released into the stationary element 20 and the movable element 22.

  In the cigarette 310 of FIG. 3, the sleeve 58, which is a rigid soft cardboard, overlaps under the tip over its entire length and circumscribes a portion of the filter plug 26, the stationary element 20, and the movable element 22. The stationary element 20 is secured to the filter plug 26 and the sleeve 58 that attaches the device 318 to the tobacco rod 12. The movable element 22 slides into the sleeve 58 and has substantially the same shape as the movable element of the liquid discharge device 218 shown in FIG.

  A fragile capsule 34 of diameter d containing a liquid filling is in the cavity 30, which is a central axial bag path extending into the stationary element 20 from the end face opposite the movable element 22 and from the movable element 22 into the path. It is formed by an end face 48 of a cylindrical boss 44 that extends partially. The end face 48 of the boss 44 is separated from the end wall 36 of the path by a distance l and is generally l = d + 0.2 mm. The movable element 22 extends beyond the end of the sleeve 58 and the end of the tip 24 by a distance p less than l, generally p = 0.8d.

The cigarette 310 of this embodiment is due to the placement of perforations 56 in the annular chamber 54 through the tip 24 and sleeve 58 that are covered when the movable element 22 is moved toward the stationary element 20 to rupture the capsule 34. As with the cigarette 210 shown in FIG.
The movable element 22 is connected to the cigarette movable element shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A by the interaction of the circumferential protrusion 38 on the boss 44 of the movable element 22 and the grooves 40 and 42 around the wall of the bag path in the stationary element 20. In the same way, movement in the axial direction is restricted.
Device 318 operates similarly to device 218 of FIG.

The cigarette 410 shown in FIG. 4 is the same as the cigarette 310 shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment of the device 418, it is the movable element 22 that has a central axis occlusion path and has a boss 44 'that extends into the path to form a cavity 30' for the capsule 34 therebetween. Stationary element 20.
Elements 20 and 22 are limited in relative axial movement in a manner similar to cigarettes 110, 210, and 310 shown in FIGS. However, in this case, the circumferential protrusion on the stationary element 20 around the boss 44 ′ and the two corresponding grooves are in the movable element 22 of the wall of the bag path.
Device 418 operates similarly to device 318 shown in FIG.

The cigarette 510 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is a plurality (as can be seen in FIG. 6) in the annular chamber 54 around the boss 44 ′ of the stationary element 20 between the stationary element 20 and the movable element 22. 4) except that 7) fragile capsules 34 'are retained.
In this embodiment, the axial length m of the annular chamber 54 between the stationary element 20 and the surface facing the movable element 22 is generally d + 0.1 mm, where d is the diameter of the capsule 34 '. . The movable element 22 extends beyond the sleeve 58 by a distance p that is less than m, generally p = 0.8d.

Elements 20 and 22 are limited in relative axial movement in a manner similar to cigarette 410 shown in FIG.
Cigarette 510 cannot smoke in the starting state shown in FIG. 5 due to the large amount of ventilation provided through sleeve 58 and perforations 56 in tip 24. The application of a longitudinal force at the labial end of the device 518 moves the movable element 22 in the direction of the stationary element 20 to cover the perforation 56 and the capsule 34 'ruptures to fill the elements 20,22 with liquid. Things are released.

In the cigarette 710 shown in FIG. 7, the stationary element 20 and the movable element 22 of the liquid discharge device 718 are similar to those of the device 418 shown in FIG.
However, in this embodiment, an impermeable movable sleeve 60 of rigid soft cardboard is circumscribed and fixed to the movable element 22. The stationary element 20 is secured to the filter plug 26 by a highly porous plug wrap 62 circumscribing the length of the plug 26 and the body (the larger diameter portion) of the stationary element 20 rather than the boss. The filter plug 26, and thus the device 718, is secured to the wrapped tobacco rod 12 by a tip 24 that circumscribes the rod 12 and the filter plug 26 only in the area where they abut each other.

The movable sleeve 60 extends between the opposing surfaces beyond the annular chamber 54 and circumscribes the labial end of the stationary element 20 and the filter plug 26 but is not fixed. In the starting state shown in FIG. 7, the movable sleeve 60 stops at a distance p from the tip 24 and exposes the highly porous plug package 62 of the filter plug 26 in a band of width p around the plug 26.
Elements 20 and 22 are limited in relative axial movement in a manner similar to cigarette 410 shown in FIG.

  In the starting state shown in FIG. 7, when a smoker inhales cigarettes, so much air enters the filter plug 26 through the exposed band of the highly porous plug wrap 62 that the ignition of the tobacco rod 12 and / or Cigarette 710 cannot substantially smoke because combustion cannot be achieved. When the movable element 22 is pushed toward the stationary element 20, the impermeable movable sleeve 60 slides over the exposed band of the plug wrap 62 and finally comes into contact with the tip, so that the air surrounds the filter plug 26. Prevent entering the direction. The cigarette 710 can be ignited and smoked there. As the movable element 22 is moved toward the stationary element 20, the capsule 34 ruptures and a liquid fill is released into the element.

The cigarette 810 shown in FIG. 8 is structurally similar and functionally the same as the cigarette 710 shown in FIG. The stationary element 20 and the movable element 22 have the same shape as the cigarette 310 shown in FIG. In other words, it is the stationary element 20 that has a central axial path and the movable element 22 that has a boss 44 that extends into the path and forms a cavity 30 with a capsule 34 therein.
Elements 20 and 22 are limited in relative axial movement in a manner similar to cigarette 310 shown in FIG.
The device 308 of this embodiment operates in a manner similar to that already described with respect to the cigarette 710 shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a cigarette 910 similar to the cigarette 810 shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment of the liquid ejection device 918, several smaller spherical capsules 34 ′ are retained in the annular chamber 54 around the boss 44 of the movable element 22. In this respect, the arrangement of this embodiment is similar to the arrangement of the liquid discharge device 518 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the annular chamber 54 has an axial length m, generally m = d + 0.1 mm. And d is the diameter of the capsule 34 '. The movable sleeve 60 stops before the distance p of the distal end portion 24, and generally, p = 0.8d.
Elements 20 and 22 are limited in relative axial movement in a manner similar to cigarette 810 shown in FIG.
The cigarette 910 of this embodiment functions similarly to that already described above with respect to the cigarette 710 shown in FIG.

The liquid discharge device 1018 of the cigarette 1010 shown in FIG. 10 has a sleeve circumscribing the stationary element 20 and the movable element 22, and the sleeve is a polyethylene tube 50. The end region of the stationary element 20 that abuts the filter plug 26 has a circumferential flange 52 that is not circumscribed by the tube 50, and the free end of the movable element 22 extends beyond the tube 50 by a distance p.
Elements 20, 22 have complementary conical facing surfaces, that of movable element 22 is a frustoconical surface extending from the body of the element, and that of stationary element 20 is a conical surface extending into the element. is there. The capsule 34 is held in a hemispherical cavity in the center of the conical surface of the stationary element 20, the diameter of the cavity being very slightly larger than the diameter of the capsule 34. The stationary element 20 and the movable element 22 are separated by an axial distance l in the starting state of the device shown in FIG. 10, generally l = d + 0.2 mm, where d is the diameter of the capsule 34. The distance p that the movable element 22 extends beyond the tube 50 is less than l and is generally p = 0.8d.

  The movable element 22 is held in the position shown in FIG. 10 by cooperation between the circumferential rows of teeth 64 around the movable element 22 received in the first circumferential groove 40 on the inner surface of the tube 50. The second circumferential groove 42 is provided on the inner surface of the tube 50 closer to the stationary element 20 than the first groove 40 and receives the teeth 64 when the movable element 22 is moved toward the stationary element. The teeth 64 on the movable element 22 can be formed by small notches or notches in the circumferential surface of the movable element 22 which act against the grooves 40, 42 and free end of the tube 50 of the movable element 22. And prevents unintentional accidental movement of the movable element 22 toward the stationary element 20. This limitation is overcome when sufficient force is applied to the cap 28 to push the movable element 22 toward the stationary element 20. Thereby, the end of the frustoconical surface of the movable element 22 impinges on the capsule 34 and ruptures it, so that the liquid filling flows into the elements 20, 22. The end of the frustoconical surface of the movable element 22 can be cured as necessary to facilitate capsule rupture.

  These components of the liquid discharge device according to the invention, which are fixed to each other, i.e. immobile with respect to each other, can be fixed in any suitable manner, e.g. with an adhesive, or if possible, It can be fixed by a tight friction fit. For example, in the liquid ejection devices 218 and 1018 shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the stationary element 20 can be secured within the tube 50 with a tight friction fit or secured within the tube using an adhesive.

  The liquid discharge device 1118 of the cigarette 1110 shown in FIG. 11 has a sleeve circumscribing the stationary element 20 and the movable element 22. The tip paper 24 is fixed to the stationary element 20 and extends along its entire length, extends beyond the filter plug 26, and is fixed to the labial end region of the cigarette wrapping paper 16 of the tobacco rod 12. The tip paper has a hard porous plug wrap lining 51 made of, for example, cellulose fibers. The stationary porous element 20 includes a high density core 20 surrounded by a low density ring 21 of cellulose acetate. Similarly, the movable element 22 includes a high density core 22 surrounded by a low density ring 21 of cellulose acetate. The tip 24 is perforated by a number of perforations 56 that allow air to enter the low density ring 21 through a hard porous plug wrap lining 51.

  The stationary porous element 20 and the movable element 22 are connected to each other by a deformable connector 74 shown in FIG. The connector 74 is a material that is easily deformed by a smoker pushing the movable element 22 toward the stationary element 20 and is perforated porous attached around the circumferential surface of the stationary porous element 20 and the movable element 22. Plug packaging can be used. An embodiment of such a deformable connector 74 is shown in FIG. Perforated porous plug wrap 70 includes a number of beveled grooves 72 that weaken the perforated porous plug wrap 70 in the annular chamber 54 region. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the deformable connector 74 is simply a portion of the circumference of the stationary porous element 20 and the movable element 22, for example, the circumference of the stationary porous element 20 and the movable element 22. Can be a strip of deformable material, such as lightweight paper or porous plug wrap, wrapped around a half, one third, one quarter, or one sixth. This corresponds to packaging around 180 degrees, 120 degrees, 90 degrees, or 60 degrees, respectively. Alternatively, any other percentage of the circumference can be covered, but is preferably less than 180 degrees, with 120 degrees being particularly preferred.

  In use, the movable element 22 is moved toward the stationary element 20 and ruptures the capsule 34 as previously described. During this movement, the deformable connector 74 is collapsed into the annular chamber 54 without destroying or tearing the connector 74 to maintain the connection between the movable element 22 and the stationary element 20. Since the coupling between the movable element 22 and the stationary element 20 is maintained, the movable element 22 is safely restrained within the liquid discharge device 1118.

  The cap 28 of the cigarette 1110 is shown in FIG. It is made, for example, with a laminated biodegradable food grade polymer film. The cap 28 of FIG. 13 includes a circular portion 23 and a pull tab 25. The circular portion 23 is first adhered to the end cross section of the smoking article 1110 by the adhesive spot 29 and remains fresh over the end cross section of the smoking article 1110. The pull tab 25 of the cap 28 is adhered to the side of the liquid discharge device 1118 by a further adhesive spot 29.

It will be appreciated that the smoking article of the present invention can be provided with any features conventionally found for smoking articles such as ventilation (when the liquid discharge device is in the starting state, the smoking article In addition to any ventilation used to prevent ignition or smoke absorption).
The present invention provides a liquid discharge device for use in a smoking article that allows a smoker to conveniently and effectively modify the smoking characteristics of the smoking article.

It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge | release apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded view of region A in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge | release apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge device by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge | release apparatus by the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view (on line VV in FIG. 6) of a cigarette including a liquid discharge device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing on line VI-VI of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge | release apparatus by the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge device by the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge device by the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge device by the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cigarette containing the liquid discharge device by the 10th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of the elements of the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view of a cap according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

12 rod 20 stationary porous element 22 movable porous element 34 capsule 110 smoking article 118 liquid discharge device

Claims (11)

Smoking article (110), (210), (310), (410), (510), (710), (810), (910), (1010), (1110), preferably a cigarette,
A rod (12) of smokable material;
Liquid discharge devices (118), (218), (318), (418), (518), (718), (818), (918), (1018), (1118) axially aligned with the rod When,
Including
The device is
A stationary porous element (20) fixed to the rod (12);
A movable porous element (22) axially aligned with and movable axially relative to said stationary porous element (20);
At least one fragile liquid capsule (34) and (34 ') held between said elements (20) and (22);
Including
The axial movement of the movable element (22) from a first position whereby the capsules (34) and (34 ') are intact to a second position towards the stationary element (20) Rupturing the capsule to release the liquid into the porous element;
The movable element (22) is restricted in unnecessary axial movement in at least one of the first and second positions, preferably both.
Article characterized by that.   Further comprising a sleeve (24), (50), (58), (60) around at least a portion of one of said elements (20) and (22), wherein one of said elements is fixed relative to said sleeve The smoking article (110), (210), (310), (410), (510), (510) of claim 1, wherein the other element is movable relative to the sleeve. 710), (810), (910), (1010), (1110).   The liquid in the at least one frangible capsule comprises at least one agent capable of modifying one or more properties of the smoking article, preferably at least one flavorant, more preferably menthol. The smoking article (110), (210), (310), (410), (510), (710), (810), according to any one of claims 1 to 2, (910), (1010), (1110).   The restriction is provided by cooperation between at least one male part (38) of one of the elements (20) and (22) and at least one female part of the other element. The smoking article (110), (210), (310), (410), (510), (710), (810), (910), (1010) according to any one of claims 3 to 3.   A smoking article (110), (210), (310), (410) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the restriction is provided by a deformable connector (74). ), (510), (710), (810), (910), (1010), (1110).   Ventilation sections (56), (62) for ventilating air into at least one of the elements (20) and (22), wherein the ventilation sections (56), (62) include the movable element (22). 6) is open when in the first position and is at least partially covered when the movable element is in the second position. Smoking article (210), (310), (410), (510), (710), (810), (910), (1010), (1110).   Smoking article (210), (310) according to any one of claims 2 and 6, characterized in that the ventilation section is provided by perforations (56) through sleeves (50), (58). ), (410), (510), (1010), (1110). The circumferential surface of the smoking article has an air permeable portion (62);
When the movable element (22) is in the first position, the air permeable portion (62) is exposed, allowing air into a smoking article to render it non-smoking, the movable element (22) When in the second position, the air permeable portion (62) is sufficiently covered by the sleeve (60) to allow smoking articles to be smoked.
A smoking article (710), (810), (910) according to claim 6 characterized in that.   The smokable material rod (12) and the liquid discharge device (118), (218), (318), (418), (518), (718), (818), (918), (1018), The smoking article (110), (210), (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a filter plug (26) disposed between (1118) and (1118). ), (410), (510), (710), (810), (910), (1010), (1110).   The devices (118), (218), (318), (418), (518), (718), (818), (918), (1018), (1118) are connected by the tip (24). A smoking article (110), (210), (310), (410), (510) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is fixed to a rod (12). , (710), (810), (910), (1010), (1110).   The lip side end of the liquid discharge device (118), (218), (318), (418), (518), (718), (818), (918), (1018), (1118) A smoking article (110), (210), (310), (410), (510) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is covered by a cap (28). , (710), (810), (910), (1010).

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