JP2014513538A - Support structure - Google Patents

Abstract

  A support structure for use in a smoking article is disclosed that is configured to release an additive from an additive release member in response to the application of a pressing force. The support structure changes the pressing force required to release the additive from the additive release member compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release member in the absence of the support structure. Let Also disclosed are an additive release system, a filter, a smoking article, and a method of making the smoking article.

Description

  The present invention relates to a support structure for an additive release member used in a smoking article.

  As used herein, “smoking article” includes tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, regenerated tobacco or tobacco substitutes, and non-combustion heated products (smoking by heating the material without burning it). Smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars, and fine cigars based on or not based on products from which the flavor is produced. In general, smoking articles include a filter for removing components from smoke.

  It is known to provide an additive release member containing an additive such as a flavoring agent in a smoking article. The smoker can release the flavoring agent from the additive releasing member by applying a force to the outside of the smoking article. That is, a smoker who wants to add flavor to the smoke can do so by simply crushing the smoking article.

  Since the additive release member is in the smoking article, it may be difficult for the user to release the additive. In order to solve this problem, an additive releasing member that releases the additive more easily may be used. However, such an additive release member may cause the additive to be accidentally released. Furthermore, since the additive release member is typically located within the smoking article, it may be difficult for the user to determine whether the additive has been released from the additive release member.

  According to the 1st aspect, the support structure used for a smoking article is provided. The support structure is configured such that the additive is released from the additive release member when a pressing force is applied, and the support structure is necessary for releasing the additive from the additive release member. The pressing force varies compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release member without the support structure.

  In a second aspect, there is provided an additive release system comprising a support structure according to the first aspect and an additive release member.

  In a third aspect, a filter for smoking articles is provided. The filter comprises a support structure according to the first aspect or an additive release system according to the second aspect.

  In a fourth aspect, there is provided a smoking article comprising a support structure according to the first aspect, a support system according to the second aspect, and / or a filter according to the third aspect.

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings (not to scale).
It is a figure of the additive discharge | release member support structure provided with the additive discharge | release member as it is by the 1st embodiment. It is a figure of the additive discharge | release member support structure provided with the additive discharge | release member as it is by the 1st embodiment. It is an additive discharge | release member support structure by a 1st embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the 2nd deformation | transformation state which a support structure deform | transforms and an additive discharge | release member bursts. It is an expanded view of a smoking article provided with the additive discharge | release member support structure by a 1st embodiment. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an additive release member support structure with an additive release member according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an illustration of an additive release member support structure without an additive release member according to a second embodiment. It is a development front view of a smoking article provided with an additive discharge member support structure according to a second embodiment. It is a figure of the additive discharge | release member support structure provided with the additive discharge | release member as it is by the 3rd embodiment. It is a figure of the additive discharge | release member support structure provided with the additive discharge | release member as it is by the 3rd embodiment. It is an additive discharge | release member support structure by a 3rd embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure which shows a 2nd state which a support structure deform | transforms and an additive discharge | release member bursts. It is a front expanded view of a smoking article provided with the additive discharge | release member support structure by a 3rd embodiment. It is a front expanded view of a smoking article provided with two types of additive discharge | release member support structures by a 4th embodiment. It is a figure of a smoking article filter provided with the additive discharge | release member support structure container by a 5th embodiment. It is a figure of the additive discharge | release member support structure which provided the additive discharge | release member as it is by the 6th embodiment. It is a figure of the additive discharge | release member support structure which provided the additive discharge | release member as it is by the 6th embodiment. FIG. 6 is an illustration of an additive release member support structure with an additive release member intact, according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is an illustration of an additive release member support structure with an additive release member intact, according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is an illustration of an additive release member support structure with an additive release member intact, according to another embodiment.

  The additive release member support structure is a structure that supports the additive release member and can be placed in a smoking article. With this additive release member support structure, the release of the additive from the additive release member can be easily and / or highly controlled. For example, the direction, amount, rate, timing, and / or duration of release may be controlled. The additive release member support structure may provide feedback to the user that the additive has been released from the additive release member.

  In this way, by using the additive release member support structure for smoking articles, the user can easily release the additive from the additive release member when necessary, and also precisely control the release characteristics. Can do. In addition, when the additive release member support structure is actuated, the user can feel it and thus be confident that the additive has been released. The operation of the additive release member support structure may be accompanied by a clicking sound to further provide feedback to the user that the additive has been released from the additive release member.

  The support structure may support the additive release member, for example, the support structure may be configured to accommodate the additive release member.

  In some embodiments, the support structure holds an additive release member. The support structure may constrain the additive release member. For example, the support structure may be shaped to contain or grip the additive release member and / or the additive release member may be attached to or adhered to the support structure.

  In some embodiments, the smoking article may be manufactured in such a way that an additive release member is inserted into the support structure, after which a smoking article comprising the support structure is made.

  In some embodiments, the support structure may be substantially cylindrical, in which case the center of the cylinder may be configured to accommodate the additive release member.

  The support structure can be actuated to release the additive from the additive release member. The operation may be induced by applying an external force such as a pressing force.

  The operation of the support structure may be induced by an external force applied to the support structure, and the external force may be any type of force such as pressing force or tension. In some embodiments, an external force may be applied to the support structure in an inward lateral direction. In other words, the support structure may be disposed within the smoking article and force may be applied to the outer surface of the support structure, for example, by crushing the smoking article. In some embodiments, the support structure may be cylindrical and force may be applied to the curved outer peripheral surface of the support structure.

  The external force applied to the support structure may be any force, including pressing force or tension. The external force may be applied directly to the support structure or may be applied via other components of the smoking article, eg, one or more layers of packaging and / or one or more portions of the filter media. Also good. The force acting on the filter may be transmitted to the support structure disposed therein due to the pressure around the filter material. Alternatively, a portion of the support structure may protrude from the surface of the smoking article or at or near the surface of the smoking article, so that the force can be applied substantially directly to the support structure.

  In some embodiments, the pressing direction is in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the smoking article in which the support structure is incorporated. That is, the support structure may be actuated by crushing an appropriate portion of the smoking article.

  In some embodiments, the support structure is a hard molded part.

  In some embodiments, the support structure may comprise a hard responsive surface. That is, the support structure is stiff, strong and / or difficult to bend. The support structure may be formed of a single part or made of a plurality of parts that are sufficiently rigid that they can be held together to substantially counteract the pressing during operation of the support structure. You may prepare. By doing so, the pressing force is transmitted to the additive release member.

  In some embodiments, the force applied to the support structure is transmitted and / or concentrated only on certain portions of the additive release member. In some embodiments, the support structure has an inner surface with a restriction region on which the support structure contacts the additive release member, for example due to the shape of the inner surface of the support structure. become. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by providing one or more protrusions on the inner surface of the support structure, for example by piercing the additive release member. In other embodiments, the inner surface of the support structure may have pleats or undulations.

  The support structure may comprise a deformable portion. In some embodiments, the remaining portion of the support structure substantially resists deformation due to the applied pressing force. The deformable portion may be elastically deformable or plastically deformable. The deformable portion may comprise a tapered protrusion.

  The deformable portion may be in the form of a hinged arm. Alternatively, the deformable portion may be part of the outer peripheral surface of the capsule holder, which may be formed between two weakened portions of the outer peripheral surface.

  In some embodiments, the deformation region of the support structure is not predetermined.

  The support structure may include a response surface, to which the additive release member may be pressed. In addition or in the alternative, the support structure may comprise a projection, such as a tapered projection, and the operation involves the additive release member and this projection, for example a tapered projection, pressing together. That is, it is pressed.

  The additive release member support structure may induce release of the additive from the additive release member in any possible mechanism in response to external forces. The support structure may be configured to transmit the actuation force to the additive release member to release the additive by any suitable mechanism. Release may be, for example, pumped release, directed release, multi-stage release, or single release of the additive. This type of release may be determined, for example, by the specific type and shape of the support structure and additive release member used and the material from which they are made.

  The additive release member support structure may induce single or multiple releases of the additive from the additive release member, or by variable release means, for example, the release may be the strength or duration of the force applied to the support structure. It may be proportional to time. This is achieved by appropriately selecting the material from which the support structure is made. For example, if the support structure is molded from a flexible plastic, the support structure may return to its original shape after actuation when a force is applied. In this case, depending on the nature of the additive release member, another additive may be released from the additive release member by a subsequent force applied to the support structure. On the other hand, if the support structure is made of a non-flexible material such as plastic that lacks flexibility, the support structure will break during operation. Such a configuration limits the support structure to a single operation, so that the additive release member can release the additive only once.

  The operation of the support structure may cause an audible sound or a perceptible structural change of the support structure. Therefore, the user may be able to easily determine whether or not the additive has been released from the additive release member.

  The support structure may be composed of a molded plastic material such as polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, or polyvinyl alcohol.

  Preferably, the size and shape of the additive release member support structure is determined in combination with the size and shape of the additive release member used. In this way, the additive release member may be supported by the support structure, and the support structure may physically protect the additive release member until such time as the release of the additive is required.

  Smoke drawn from the smoking article may pass through the additive release member support structure. Thus, in order to minimize the hindrance to smoke, preferably the support structure is substantially hollow and / or provided with gaps and / or channels if the additive release member is disposed within the support structure. Air may flow through the structure. The support structure and additive release member then do not interfere with the smoke passage and any ventilation through the filter in which the additive release member is placed. Such obstacles can adversely affect the pressure drop.

  The additive release member support structure may be smaller than the diameter of the smoking article in which it is used. For example, the support structure may be generally cylindrical and the outer circumference may be smaller than the diameter of the attached smoking article. Accordingly, the support structure used in a king-size smoking article filter may be about 5-10 mm in diameter. In contrast, the support structure used in the filter for superslim smoking articles may have a diameter of about 3-7 mm.

  Generally, the additive release member support structure is 3-12 mm in length, preferably 4-10 mm, and is approximately 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 mm in length.

  In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the additive release member support structure is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of a smoking article in which the support structure is used. For example, the support structure used in conventional cigarettes may be cylindrical in cross section. This is because the support structure may also serve to impart shape, form, or strength to the smoking article.

  In some embodiments, the dimension of the additive release member support structure is substantially less than the diameter of the smoking article. In this case, one or more support structures may be distributed throughout the smoking article.

  In some embodiments, the dimensions of the support structure are substantially the same as the cross-sectional dimensions of the smoking article in which the support structure is incorporated. In such embodiments, the support structure will not be surrounded by a layer of material such as filter material or voids or gaps. Rather, the support structure may be surrounded, for example, simply by tipping paper, paper wrappers, and / or plug wrappers, or other wrapping paper that surrounds the relevant portion of the smoking article.

  The additive release member support structure may have one or more granular protrusions, grooves, raised elements, or anything else displaced from a smooth surface on its outer surface. In addition or alternatively, the cross-section of the support structure is not circular, but may be hexagonal or other polygonal, elliptical, or irregularly shaped. Such elements are noticed by the user of the smoking article, so as to induce the location of the additive release member support structure within the smoking article filter and the release of the additive from the additive release member. The region of the support structure where the actuation force must be applied may be indicated.

  The additive release member support structure may be a molded plastic structure. In some embodiments, the support structure is made of a biodegradable plastic such as PLA (polylactic acid), CA (cellulose acetate), or PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol). In another embodiment, the support structure may be made using any molding plastic, ceramic, starch, cardboard, paper, cardboard, or other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. The material from which the support structure is made may be transparent or translucent in some embodiments.

  In some embodiments, the additive release member support structure may be at least partially visible to the user from, for example, a transparent window of filter chipping paper. In this case, the support structure may be made of a colorless and transparent material. Alternatively, the support structure may be colored. For example, the support structure may include a colorant. Colorants may be used to more easily indicate the location of the support structure within the filter during the manufacturing process.

  The additive release member support structure may function to provide the consumer with a sense of actuation. This may be achieved, for example, by a support structure that emits an audible sound when activated and / or by a support structure that feels shape change upon activation.

  In some embodiments, the additive release member support structure may be made in the process of first making a rod or tube having a suitable internal and / or external shape. For example, the rod or tube may be extruded or may be molded or stamped out of a sheet of suitable material, for example. The bars or tubes are then sliced or otherwise separated into individual units. Each is one support structure.

  In some embodiments, the support structure includes a molded tube having a cross-sectional shape that will receive and support the additive release member. In some embodiments, the shape of the support structure is determined to transmit a pressing force to the additive release member disposed in the internal cavity. The pressing force is transmitted to the surface of the additive release member when applied to the outer surface of the support structure. If there is local contact between the support structure and the additive release member, the force is concentrated at that location. In some embodiments, this local force transmission causes additive release when less force is applied than is necessary to rupture the additive release member in a conventional filter without a support structure. The member bursts.

  In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the support structure provides a flow path through which air can pass. The flow path may be disposed between the support structure and the additive release member and / or disposed as an indentation or groove in the outer surface outside the support structure to provide an outer surface of the support structure and the support structure. A flow path may be formed between the smoking article parts into which the body is incorporated.

  In some embodiments, the support structure is a pleated tube. For example, the pleats may be smooth and undulating, or an irregular and angular castle style.

  In some embodiments, the material of such a support structure may include or consist of a sheet material. These sheet materials include, for example, cellulose acetate (which may be extruded to be sheeted or provided in sheet form and then thermoformed to provide, for example, a pleated cross-sectional shape), Clarifoil, Cellulose diacetate (optionally shaped by thermoforming technology), such as EVA, PU, metallocene catalyzed polymer, APAO, polyamide, and Henkel Techomelt Q2237, registered trademark, hot There are heat-soluble materials including block copolymers such as Melt Technology.

  In some embodiments, the additive release member is first combined with the support structure and then the combination (also referred to as an additive release system) is inserted into the desired portion of the smoking article. The insertion into the smoking article may be performed simultaneously with the assembly of the smoking article.

  In some embodiments, the shape of the support structure is determined such that when the additive release member is inserted into the support structure, it is held in place, for example by the blades or shape of the support structure. In some embodiments, the support structure has a deformable portion that deforms to insert the additive release member and then returns to its original shape so that the additive release member is within the support structure. Held in place. When the support structure holds the additive release member, it is easy to ensure that the two components are correctly inserted into the smoking article.

  In another embodiment, the additive release member may be held on the support structure by friction mounting, and the inner diameter of the support structure is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the additive release member so that the two are aligned when combined. is there.

  In another embodiment, the additive release member may be inserted into a rod or tube, which may be sliced or otherwise separated into portions to form individual support structures. When the rod or tube is sliced or otherwise split, a support structure is formed that is coupled with the additive release member.

  The additive release member may be anything as long as it can carry the additive and release it when necessary. Release may be induced in response to an external force applied to the smoking article, for example, via the additive release member support structure with the user's finger.

  The additive release member may include an outer shell and a core, and the additive is retained in the core. The outer shell is fragile and may be plastically or elastically deformable. The core may be a simple cavity in which the additive is held. Alternatively, the core may include a spongy material, an adsorbing material, or a gel material in which the additive is held.

  The additive release member may include an outer shell and an inner core. The outer shell is fragile and may be elastically or plastically deformable.

  In this embodiment shown in the attached FIGS. 1-9, the smoking article comprises a capsule which is a capsule containing an additive in the core. However, in other embodiments, other types of additive release members carrying the additive may be used. For example, the additive release member may include a spongy material (shown in FIG. 10), an adsorbent material, a gel material, or some other suitable material.

  The additive may be released from the additive release member by any suitable means. For example, the release of the additive may be induced by a force that the user acts on the additive release member via the additive release member support structure. The force is an external force, for example, a force such as a pressing force by which the user crushes the smoking article or the support structure. Release of the additive may involve, for example, rupturing of the additive release member or crushing of the additive release member comprising a porous or spongy material.

  In some embodiments, including those shown in the accompanying FIGS. 1-9, the outer wall of the additive release member may be made of gelatin and includes an inner core filled with the additive.

  In some embodiments, including those shown in FIG. 10, the spongy material may be pressable and may be used to carry the additive. The additive may be distributed in the spongy material or optionally absorbed into the spongy material, and the additive may be released when it is pressed. The spongy material may be a number of adsorbent materials impregnated with the additive and can be progressively pressed and is configured to release at least a portion of the additive component when partially pressed. The spongy material may comprise a closed cell structure matrix, specifically a closed foam structure matrix. A closed foam defines a matrix having a plurality of small cavities, which may contain additives. The cavity is closed with foam material and holds the additive until selective release. The closed foam may be configured to release the additive when a pressing force is applied.

  The closed foam substrate does not require an outer shell that holds the additive, and therefore the additive release member may be formed without the outer shell. Alternatively, however, the additive release member may be provided with a coating on the surface of the spongy material to form an outer shell that covers the spongy material. This outer material may serve to hold the additive in the spongy material, and if the release of the contents is desired and the user applies an external force through the support structure, the outer shell is destroyed and the additive May be extruded from a spongy material.

  In some embodiments, the additive release member may be a porous material that can carry the additive. This material may be, for example, an adsorptive material or a gel material.

  The additive release member support structure may include a plurality of additive release members, which may be similar or different additive release members. In this case, the support structure may induce actuation of all additive release members with a single actuation mechanism, or the support structure carries a plurality of additive release members, which are separate from each other of the support structure. It may be devised so that it can be individually actuated by actuating mechanism means. If multiple additive release members are used, these additive release members may contain similar additives or a combination of different additives. The plurality of additives may react chemically to cause, for example, an exothermic reaction or an endothermic reaction. Additives may react with organic acids and alcohols to form esters.

  The additive release member may exist completely independently of the additive release member support structure or may include the entire support structure. For example, a portion of the support structure may be made with a sealed chamber to serve as an additive release member and include an additive.

  The size and shape of the additive release member may be determined based on the size of the support structure in which the additive release member is used. The size of the additive release member may be determined by the required amount of additive. However, the fact that acceptable filter or suction characteristics of the filter must be maintained even though the additive release member is within the filter may be taken into account.

  The additive release member may have a length in the range of 0.1 to 12 mm, more preferably 2 to 5 mm.

  When multiple additive release members are used, the additive release members may be the same or different in dimensions.

  The additive release member may be formed of various physical structures. For example, the additive release member may be a capsule, which may be a one-part capsule or a multi-part capsule, and may be a large capsule, a small capsule, a microcapsule, or the like. Many different additive release member shapes are suitable, for example, the additive release member may be generally spherical (as described in several preferred embodiments), oval, elliptical, cylindrical, or other The shape may be acceptable.

  In some embodiments, the support structure causes the additive to be released from the additive release member relative to the pressing force required to release the additive from the additive release member in the absence of the support structure. To reduce the pressing force required.

  Without the support structure, the support structure cannot be manually pressed to release the additive, but when the support structure is present, the additive release member can be pressed by hand to release the additive. You may use together. Such an additive release member has, for example, an outer shell containing a hard material and cannot be ruptured even if a pressing force is applied without a supporting structure, but if there is a supporting structure, the rupturing occurs with a pressing force. Can be made.

  In the absence of a support structure, the user of the smoking article applies a greater pressing force than would be required in the presence of the supporting structure to rupture and / or deform the outer shell of the additive release member. Need to get started.

  Because the additive release member is operated with an additive release member support structure, in some embodiments it may be more robust than additive release members previously used in smoking articles. This is because the force applied by the user's finger is concentrated on a small portion of the additive release member by the additive release member support structure, increasing the strength of the force acting on the additive release member.

  Conventional capsules incorporated into smoking article filters without a support structure are crushed so that the capsules are fragile enough to ensure that the capsules can be broken without the need for consumers to apply excessive pressure when crushing the filter. The strength is generally 2.3 kp or less. In some cases, for the same reason, conventional capsules with a crushing strength of 2.1 kp or less or 1.9 kp or less may be preferred. 1 kp is a unit of force equal to 1 kilogram force and is about 9.8 Newtons (N).

  The presence of the additive release member support structure facilitates the release of the additive from the additive release member, and preferably reduces the pressing force to be applied. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the additive release member support structure may have an additive release greater than 2.5 kp, 2.6 kp, 2.7 kp, 2.8 kp, 2.9 kp, or 3 kp. You may use with a member.

  The crushing strength in this specification means the initial crushing strength Ci of the additive releasing member, and is measured (in a dry state) before smoking. Measurement is performed using Lloyd Chatillon Digital Force Gauge, Model DFIS 50, measuring capacity 25 kg, resolution 0.02 kg, precision +/- 0.15%. It is continuously added vertically until it bursts. The dynamometer is attached to a table, the additive release member is placed in the center of the measuring table, and the measuring table is raised by a manual screw device. The pressure is then applied manually and the dynamometer records the maximum applied force at each moment of rupture of the additive release member (measured in kg). Due to the rupture of the additive release member, the additive retained in the component is released.

  The additive release member support structure may include protrusions, ledges, needle tips, tapered ends, other tapered protrusions, or areas with small surface areas, which are added when the support structure is activated. Contact the agent release member. In this way, the external pressure applied to the support structure may be concentrated in a small area on the surface of the additive release member. For example, if the additive release member is a spherical capsule, the support structure directs the force in a radial direction through the center of the capsule by means of tapered projection means, and thus localizes the force to the puncture burst, You may make it easy to burst to the maximum.

  In some embodiments, the support structure causes the additive to be released from the additive release member as compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release member in the absence of the support structure. Increase the pressing force required.

  That is, the additive release member support structure allows an additive release member that is weaker than an additive release member that has been available for smoking articles so far to be used easily. This is because the additive release member is protected from unintentional actuation and / or damage due to being supported within the support structure. The minimum crushing strength of conventional capsules used without a support structure should generally be at least 0.5 kp, so that the capsules are sufficiently robust and either early or unintentionally during cigarette manufacture. It will not be crushed.

  Thus, in some embodiments, the additive release member support structure may be used with an additive release member having a crush strength of less than 0.5 kp, less than 0.25 kp, or less than 0.2 kp.

  That is, the additive release member support structure provides a much wider range of potential tolerances that can be used to operate the additive release member than previously possible. You may use the additive discharge | release member whose crushing strength is 0.1-3 kp.

  An additive releasing member having a weak point in a region where the additive releasing member supporting structure is in contact with the additive releasing member may be used. This partial elasticity of the additive release member may be achieved in several ways. For example, the additive release member may be an oval or egg-shaped capsule, and when applied in one direction, the burst resistance may be continuously increased compared to another direction. Alternatively, partial resilience may be achieved using an additive release member that is particularly reinforced in certain areas. Such an additive release member may be, for example, an additive release member with a thick shell in a region. Of course, similar effects may be achieved by weakening the walls of the additive release member in certain areas.

  In some embodiments, the additive release member may be a bilayer member. For example, the additive releasing member may be a second encapsulating layer or a capsule further encapsulated in a sheath or the like. By doing so, it may be possible to greatly prevent unintentional or premature activation or damage, or accidental leakage. As such, stability, strength, burst resistance, ease of processing of filter preparation, etc. may be adjusted using single or multiple wall additive release members.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, the additive release member support structure has special structural features such as arms 12, rims 25, or struts 32 that contain the additive release member. Designed to be However, in another embodiment, the additive release member support structure has no special design features for accommodating the additive release member. In this case, the additive release member may simply be attached to a portion of the inner surface of the support structure. In another embodiment, the additive release member is not attached and is retained by some other means within the additive release member support structure, eg, confined between two filter parts of a composite filter within the support structure. Is done.

  In some embodiments, the additive release member is a capsule made of a fragile material. In one embodiment, the additive release member is made of low solubility high molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol. Many suitable alternative materials are known, for example, additive release members commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry may be used. Such additive release members may be based on gelatin, for example, or may be formed from a polymeric material such as modified cellulose. One type of modified cellulose that may be used is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Many biodegradable materials are known that may be suitable for use in the manufacture of additive release components, including high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, polylactic acid, plastic starch materials, polycaprolactone, poly There are glycolic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoic acids such as poly-3-hydroxybutyric acid, and zein derived bioplastics.

  Alternatively, the additive release member may comprise a hollow food material such as pasta or an extruded hollow tube of regenerated tobacco material. The inner walls of these additive release member materials are effectively coated with a waterproof material such as varnish or silicone to prevent the absorption of liquid components or deterioration due to the liquid components for a long period of time to maintain the rigidity of the additive release member materials May be.

  Instead, the additive release member is composed of wax, resin, natural or synthetic rubber, latex or plastic material to maintain its shape and strength at room temperature and smoking temperature, but burst when the additive release member support structure is activated It may be possible. Examples of suitable waxes include beeswax, candelilla, carnauba, shellac wax, caranday, sugar cane wax, myrtle wax, and petroleum wax.

  Suitable resins include epoxy resins, terpene resins, petroleum resins, ester gums, phenolic resins, and pine-based resins. Preferred rubbers include arabic gum, locust bean, guar, alginate, carrageenan, and pectin.

  In some embodiments where the additive release member includes a sponge-like porous material, any suitable sponge-like material may be used. The spongy material may be a foamed material or a foamed plastic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).

  The additive release member may be colored. For example, the additive release member may include a colorant. A colorant may be used to more easily indicate the location of the additive release member and additive release member support structure in the filter during the manufacturing process. Alternatively or in addition, the smoking article may be given an interesting and attractive appearance with a colorant, particularly intended to allow the additive release member support structure or structures to be included only in a portion of the filter media. This is even more so if it is intended, or if it is intended to provide a transparent window on the tipping paper. When a colored additive release member is used, the additive release member may be used in combination with a colorless and transparent support structure.

  Alternatively or in addition, the additive retained on the additive release member may be colored. By doing so, the additive can be seen moving from the additive release member, thus providing an additional visual indication to the user that the additive has been successfully released. This may be particularly useful when the additive release member includes a combination of additives, where one of the additives is colored, thereby indicating the release of the other colorless additive (s).

  If the additive is colored, it may help release the additive towards the area of the smoking article or smoking article filter, and it may be desirable for the support structure to have that color observed inside. For example, the additive may be released towards the peripheral area of the smoking article, for example the circumferential area, or may be released towards the mouthpiece. The colored additive may be directed to a portion of the smoking article that is visible through the transparent window.

  The additive release member may be made using any suitable method. The method of manufacturing the additive release member depends on the detailed configuration and configuration requirements. Suitable methods for manufacturing additive release members may include techniques such as co-extrusion, spin coating, coacervation, interfacial polymerization, solvent evaporation, and annular jet molding.

  In some embodiments where the additive release member is a seamless capsule, the capsule may be made using a co-extrusion method. The coextrusion method is a synchronous extrusion of two liquids that continuously form the contents of the shell and capsule (ie, the “core”, in this case the additive). The first (co-extrusion) step involves forming droplets with a liquid additive within the liquid shell material. Following the co-extrusion process, the “capsules” are individualized, for example by immersion in cooling or curing agents. The capsule is then subjected to various treatments such as washing, removal of excess liquid, coloring, and additional coating.

  Alternatively, an annular jet forming technique may be used. This method utilizes two coaxial jets to eject an inner jet of liquid core material and an outer jet of liquid shell material. This liquid flow scatters into droplets, and the liquid shell material solidifies due to phase changes induced by the presence of cross-linked ions, pH differences, temperature changes, and the like.

  In some embodiments where the additive release member includes a wax capsule, the capsule may be formed, for example, by a method that includes freezing a solution of liquid core material until small crystals are formed. According to this method, the crystals are then dropped into a molten wax and removed with a spatula after a wax coating has formed around the cold crystals. As the coated capsule approaches room temperature, the frozen core material gradually becomes liquid.

  The sponge-like foam material may be made using a foam extrusion method.

  The additive retained on the additive release member may be a flavoring agent, a deodorant, an adsorbent, a diluent, or some other substance that can improve smoke. In some embodiments, the additive may be mint or water.

  As used herein, “flavoring agents” and “flavoring agents” may be used in products intended for adult consumers to create the desired taste or flavor as approved by national regulations. Means material. These include extracts such as licorice, hydrangea, cypress, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, yew, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Cardamom, Celery, Cascarilla, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Honey Extract, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Cinnamon, Caraway, Cognac, Jasmine, Iran Iran, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or some sort of mint oil), flavor enhancer, bitter receptor site blocker, sensory receptor site promoter or stimulant, sugar, And / or sweeteners (eg, sucralose, potassium acesulfame, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or It is a breath freshener. These may be imitations, synthetic or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. These may be in any form, such as oil, liquid, or powder, as appropriate.

  The flavor may be tobacco. If the flavor is supplied as a liquid, the tobacco flavor may be derived from a tobacco extract. If the additive is a solid, the additive may be chopped, particulate or particulate tobacco leaf or regenerated tobacco material.

  The additive may be a solid such as powder, a liquid flavorant, a deodorant, a liquid such as water, or a gas such as an aromatic component.

  The additive may be an adsorbent in any suitable form other than granular, powder, fine particles. Preferably in this case, the adsorptive material has a particle size of less than 500 μm, preferably less than 100 μm. More preferably, the adsorbent material has an average particle size of less than 50 μm. The particle size is considered the particle diameter. In some embodiments, the adsorbent material has a particle size or average particle size of 200-700 μm.

  The adsorptive material is suitably selected from the group of materials having a relatively large surface area. This material may have a high or low specificity for a particular smoke component. Suitable adsorbents include carbon, activated carbon, activated charcoal, activated coconut shell charcoal, activated carbon made of coal, zeolite, silica gel, gizzard, clay, aluminum oxide (active or inactive), carbon-like resin, or combinations thereof. is there. Preferably, the adsorptive material is carbon, more preferably activated carbon or activated charcoal. In some embodiments, activated coconut shell charcoal is used.

  An example of a suitable activated carbon made of coal is made of semi-anthracite with a density about 50% greater than activated coconut shell charcoal (source: Calgon Carbon, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Washington).

  An example of a suitable carbon-like resin is derived from the pyrolysis of a sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene such as Ambersorb 572 or Ambersorb 563 (available from Rohm and Haas). To improve the efficiency of the general adsorbent, a metal oxide or other metal complex may optionally be included or impregnated in the general adsorbent portion.

  Any adsorbent material may be used as a single component or mixture and / or in a mixture with other materials.

  The filter may comprise a composite filter, in which case one of the filter parts, such as the mouthpiece, the central part, or the tobacco rod end filter part may comprise a support system. The filter may include a plurality of support structures, for example, the filter may include two, three, four, five, or six support structures.

  The filter may be provided with an indicator to indicate the region or regions of the filter to which force should be applied to actuate the support structure.

  In some embodiments, the support structure is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article into which it is inserted and occupies substantially all of the cross section of the filter. In some embodiments, the combination of the support structure and additive release member includes a plurality of passages through which air can flow, so that smoke and preferably do not adversely affect the pressure drop. A passage through which airflow passes is provided.

  The support structure may induce the release of the additive into the filter in any particular direction. This direction may be predetermined by the shape and structure of the additive release member and / or the support structure. The additive may be released directional towards a specific area of the filter. This area may be, for example, a cavity or a specific area of filter material, such as the peripheral area of a smoking article filter. The region from which the additive is released may include an active ingredient such as the second additive and may or may not be retained by the additive release member.

  The filter may include a composite filter. The filter may comprise means for indicating the area of the filter to which force should be applied to actuate the support structure. For example, the support structure may have a surface that is detectable through some layer of the smoking article package, and / or may be provided with printed graphics or other visual markings on the surface of the smoking article. The support structure may be visible in the smoking article through a filter plug wrapper and a tipping paper window.

  In some embodiments, the additive release member support structure is placed, for example, between two filter material portions within a composite filter. In the case of a triple filter, the filter part includes a mouthpiece part and a filter part at the end of the smoking material.

  In some embodiments, the additive release member support structure may be placed in the center of the filter, i.e. the two parts of the filter material may be the same size. Alternatively, the support structure may be placed off the center towards one or the other end of the filter. Indeed, in some embodiments, the filter may simply be a double filter that includes a support structure and a filter material portion at the mouth end.

  In some embodiments, the filter is attached to the smokable rod in a known manner by means of tipping paper. If opaque tipping paper is used, the filter may include means for indicating the location of the additive release member support structure and the area to which force should be applied to actuate the support structure.

  Since some of the additive release members of the present invention are designed to release the additive directionally, the direction in which the additive release member is inserted into the smoking article or smoking article filter should be controlled. .

  The smoking article may include one or more additive release members configured to directionally release the additive toward a particular area (any area) of the smoking article or smoking article filter.

  This region may include a material that is activated by the additive released from the additive release member. For example, the material may comprise an individual that is active in solution and is thus activated by the action of an additive in the form of water or a specific solvent.

  The area of interest for directed release of the additive may be a cavity in the center of the filter, which may or may not contain other active materials. For example, the cavity may contain a crystalline flavoring agent, and an additive in solvent form may be activated by being directed into the cavity and in contact with the crystal. Alternatively, the cavities may include materials that are sensitive to additives in the form of water, such as materials that change color, dissolve, emit a sound, release a flavor or aroma upon contact with water.

  The specific area to which the additive is directed is the area of the filter material, which area may contain solid material evenly distributed within the material in particulate form. Such a configuration is useful, for example, when a granular crystalline flavor is used in combination with an additive release member that includes a solvent additive. In this case, a plurality of additive release members may be used, from which the additive may be continuously released to provide flavoring throughout the use of the smoking article. In this configuration, the additive may be directed to the same region or different regions of the filter material containing the particles.

  The area to which the additive is directed may be a peripheral area of the smoking article or smoking article filter, such as an area at or near the outer periphery of the smoking article or an area of the filter mouth. Such a configuration is suitable, for example, to give the smoking article an interesting appearance when the additive is colored, and / or the additive is, for example, when the additive release member comprises a combination of colored and colorless additives. Suitable for providing a visual indication that it has been released. This configuration is also suitable for helping to diffuse the scent emitted from the smoking article when the additive is a flavoring agent.

  The smoking article or smoking article filter may contain two or more additives, each additive may be carried on a separate additive release member, which additive release member may be on a similar or separate support structure. It may be supported. This configuration is suitable, for example, when the two or more additives react chemically, or when these additives are affected by oxidation, diffusion, or other means of reducing strength over time.

  The two or more additive release members may be configured to directionally release the additives toward each other. Such a configuration can be used, for example, when the additive reacts chemically to produce an exothermic or endothermic reaction, or a reaction that generates a scent or gas, or develops color or other visual effects. Useful.

  The two or more additive release members may be configured to directionally release the additive toward the common area of the filter. This is suitable when a significant amount of additive needs to be supplied to a specific area of the filter, e.g. the additive is water, and the target area of the filter is swollen with water, dissolved in water, or with water. Suitable when containing water sensitive materials such as degrading materials.

  In some embodiments, the filter may comprise a transparent window so that the additive release member support structure and / or additive release member within the filter is visible. In this way, the user may be able to see the additive release member in the filter and visually determine whether the additive has been released.

  In some embodiments, transparent windows may be provided on the filter wrapping paper and / or chipping paper. The window may extend around the entire circumference of the smoking article. The region in which they are placed may be avoided so that only the support structure and additive release member are visible. Alternatively, the window may be enlarged so that a portion adjacent to the smoking article, such as a plug of adjacent filter material, is at least partially visible.

  The support structure may be transparent or translucent, or may include a transparent or translucent portion to allow the user to see the additive release member.

  In some embodiments, the relevant part of the smoking article, such as a filter, may comprise a means for indicating the area of the smoking article to which force should be applied to actuate the support structure. For example, the support structure may have a surface that is sensed through any layer of the smoking article package, and / or the surface of the smoking article is provided with printed graphics or other visual markings. May be.

  In order to achieve the effect of a transparent window, the chipping paper may contain a piece of transparent material. This transparent material includes, but is not limited to, any one of the following: Polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cellulose acetate membrane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene oxide (PEOX), polyethylene, cellophane, Natureflex (registered trademark), polylactic acid, plastic starch material, polycaprolactone, poly Glycolic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoic acids such as poly-3-hydroxybutyric acid, and zein derived bioplastics. The chipping paper may be made into a window by applying an opaque coating treatment to a specific portion, leaving an untreated transparent portion.

  The filter part may be formed as an independent part of the filtration material wrapped with a porous sheet material. Preferably, the filter part and the additive release member support structure are not directly connected to each other, but only by means of a wrapper or indeed a tipping paper.

  1A and 1B show an additive release member support structure 10 according to a first embodiment.

  The additive release member 11 is disposed in the additive release member support structure 10. In this embodiment, the additive release member is a fragile spherical capsule containing the additive.

  The additive release member support structure 10 has a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole. The circumference of this cylinder is the same or slightly smaller than the circumference of the smoking article filter on which the support structure is used. Protruding into the central cavity of the cylinder are three arms 12. As shown in FIG. 1B, the ends of these arms facing the center of the support structure are shaped to accommodate the capsule 11.

  The additive release member support structure 10 includes two weak portions 13 on the outer peripheral surface. In this embodiment, the fragile portion of the additive release member support structure is formed by reducing a portion of the thickness of the support structure.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the support structure is deformed by an external force applied in the direction of arrow A on the outer peripheral surface of the additive release member support structure, for example, applied by a user's finger. Specifically, the deformable portion 14 placed between the two fragile portions 13 of the additive release member support structure is bent by an external force to become a curved shape. The deformable portion 14 of the support structure does not include any arm 12.

  Such deformation reduces the internal volume of the additive release member support structure. As a result, the capsule held in place is crushed by the arms 12 of the support structure.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the capsule 11 is easily ruptured by a sharp protrusion 15 placed on the inner surface of the deformable portion 14. When the deformable portion of the additive release member support structure is deformed, the force acting on the capsule is concentrated in a small area, and the capsule is easily ruptured.

  FIG. 3 shows a developed view of a smoking article including the additive release member support structure according to the first embodiment. The smoking article includes a smoking material rod 16 and a filter 17. The filter 17 has a triple filter configuration, and the support structure 10 is placed between two portions of the cellulose acetate filter material 18 and 19 therein. The support structure 10 includes an additive release member 11, here a fragile capsule. The filter parts are joined by a filter plug wrapper (not shown) to form a filter 17, and are attached to the smokable material rod 16 by tipping paper (not shown) in a known manner.

  In use, the support structure is deformed as described above by the force applied by the user to the filter 17 in the region of the deformable portion 14 of the additive release member support structure 10, and the capsule 11 is ruptured. In this way, the additive carried by the capsule (in this embodiment flavoring agent) is released and may be taken up by the smoke drawn by the user through the filter.

  4A and 4B show an additive release member support structure 20 according to a second embodiment.

  The additive release member 21 is disposed in the additive release member support structure 20. In this embodiment, the additive release member is a fragile spherical capsule containing the additive.

  The outer periphery of the additive release member support structure 20 is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer periphery of the smoking article filter in which the support structure is used. The support structure 20 has a ring-shaped or hollow cylindrical shape and has a plurality of axial pleats 22. In this illustrated embodiment, the support structure has eight pleats. In another embodiment, the support structure may have 2 to 16 pleats. For example, the support structure may have 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 pleats.

  On the outer peripheral surface of the additive release member support structure 20, the pleats are in the form of axial grooves 23. On the inner surface of the support structure, the crease has a tapered end 24 that protrudes into the core of the support structure 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the additive release member 21 may be disposed at the center of the additive release member support structure 20. The shape of the end of the protrusion 24 is determined so as to accommodate the additive release member 21. Specifically, the distance between the tapered ends of the opposing protrusions 24 is greater than the diameter of the capsule 21. The capsule is held in the additive release member support structure by the rim 25 of the protrusion 24.

  The axial pleats 22 reduce the rigidity of the additive release member support structure 20. In particular, with respect to the force applied in the lateral direction, the rigidity is reduced with respect to the force applied from any lateral direction of the additive-releasing member support structure. In response to such a force applied by, for example, a user's finger, the additive release member support structure 20 is deformed from a substantially circular shape to a more elliptical cross-sectional shape.

  Unlike the additive release member support structure of the first embodiment, the deformable portion of the support structure of the second embodiment is not predefined and depends on where the force is applied to the support structure.

  Deformation in response to externally applied forces reduces the distance between at least one pair of opposing protrusions 24 of the additive release member support structure 20. As a result, the capsule held between the protrusions 24 is crushed. The rupture of the capsule 21 is aided by the fact that the protrusion 24 has a tapered end. As a result, the force applied to the capsule is concentrated in a small area, facilitating capsule rupture.

  FIG. 5 shows a developed view of a smoking article including the additive release member support structure according to the second embodiment. The smoking article includes a smoking material rod 26 and a filter 27. The filter 27 has a triple filter structure, and the additive release member support structure 20 is placed between two portions of the cellulose acetate filter materials 28 and 29 therein. The additive release member support structure 20 includes an additive release member 21. The filter parts are joined by a filter plug wrapper (not shown) to form a filter 27, which is attached to the smokable material rod 26 by a tipping paper (not shown) in a known manner.

  In use, the support structure 20 is deformed as described above by the force applied to the filter 27 in the region of the additive release member support structure 20 in any one direction by the user, and the capsule 21 is ruptured. To do. In this way, the additive carried by the capsule may be released and taken up by the smoke drawn by the user through the filter.

  6A and 6B show an additive release member support structure 30 according to a third embodiment.

  The additive release member 31 is disposed in the additive release member support structure 30. In this embodiment, the additive release member is a fragile spherical capsule containing the additive.

  In this embodiment, the cross-section of the outer periphery of the additive release member support structure 30 is not a perfect circle but an arc or “C-shape”. In other words, the support structure 30 has a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole with a part of the outer peripheral surface missing.

  In another aspect, the additive release member support structure 30 of the third embodiment is similar to the support structure 10 of the first embodiment. The outer periphery of the cylinder is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer periphery of the smoking article filter on which the support structure is used.

  The capsule fits snugly into the central cavity of the cylinder and is held in place by struts 32 and thick wall portions 33. As shown in FIG. 6B, one end of the column 32 and the thick wall portion 33 are joined to form a base that is shaped to receive the capsule 31.

  The additive release member support structure 30 includes a fragile portion 34 on the outer peripheral surface. The weakened portion 34 divides the portion of the support structure (including the strut 32 and the thick wall portion 33) that holds the capsule from the deformable portion of the additive release member support structure, and this deformable portion is hinged In the form of an arm 35.

  In use, the fragile portion 34 functions as a hinge or pivot, with an arm 35 hinged around it relative to the portion holding the capsule of the additive release member support structure. Can move.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support structure is deformed by an external force applied to the outer peripheral surface of the additive release member support structure by, for example, a user's finger. Specifically, the hinged arm 35 pivots around the fragile portion 34 and faces the portion of the support structure holding the capsule.

  In this way, deformation of the additive release member support structure reduces the internal volume of the support structure and, as a result, the capsule is crushed.

  The rupture of the capsule 31 is assisted by a sharp protrusion 36 placed on the inner surface of the hinged arm 35. When the hinged arm 35 is pivoted toward the capsule 31, the force applied to the capsule is concentrated in a small area, facilitating capsule rupture.

  FIG. 8 shows a developed view of a smoking article including the additive release member support structure according to the third embodiment. The smoking article includes a smoking material rod 37 and a filter 38. The filter 38 has a triple filter configuration in which the additive release member support structure 30 is placed between two portions of the cellulose acetate filter material 39, 40 therein. The additive release member support structure 30 includes an additive release member 31 which in this case is a fragile capsule. The filter parts are joined by a filter plug wrapper (not shown) to form a filter 38 and attached to the smokable material rod 37 by tipping paper (not shown) in a conventional manner.

  In use, the support structure is deformed as described above by the force applied by the user to the filter 38 in the region of the additive release member support structure 30, and the capsule 31 is ruptured. In this way, the additive carried by the capsule may be released and taken up by the smoke drawn through the filter by the user.

  The smoking article filter may include more than one additive release member support structure, and may include as many as three, four, five, or six support structures. In the case of a filter including a plurality of support structures, the additive release member carried by each support structure may include the same additive or different additives, and may have the same or different dimensions.

  When multiple additive release member support structures are present in the smoking article filter, the force applied by the user to activate the support structure may be the same or different. This allows the user to control the degree of additive released as needed.

  When one or more additive release member support structures are used in the smoking article filter, the support structures may be the same design or different designs. For example, different designs may be used if different forces are required for operation of the additive release member.

  FIG. 9 shows a development view of the smoking article according to the fourth embodiment. The smoking article includes a smoking material rod 41 and a filter 42. The filter 42 includes two additive release member support structures 43 of the type described in the second embodiment. Each support structure includes an additive release member 44, in this case a fragile capsule. Within the filter 42, the support structure 43 is placed between two cellulose acetate filter media 45, 46. The filter parts are joined by a filter plug wrapper (not shown) to form a filter 42 and attached to the smoking material rod 41 in a conventional manner by tipping paper (not shown).

  In use, the first support structure 43a is deformed as described above by the force applied by the user to the filter 42 in the region of the additive release member support structure 43, and the first capsule 44a is ruptured. Furthermore, the second support structure 43b is deformed by the force applied to the filter in the region of the support structure 43, and the second capsule 44b is ruptured. In this way, the additive carried by the capsule may be released as needed in a user-controllable manner and taken up by the smoke drawn by the user through the filter.

  FIG. 10 shows a smoking article 50 including a cylindrical rod of smoking material (in this case tobacco 51) and a filter 52. The filter 52 is wrapped with a filter plug wrapper (not shown).

  The smoking material rod 51 is aligned with the filter 52 so that the end of the tobacco rod 51 abuts the end of the filter 52. The rod is wrapped in a wrapper (not shown) and connected to the filter 52 in a conventional manner by chipping paper (not shown).

  The filter 52 is a triple filter and includes two substantially cylindrical plugs of filter material 53, separated by an additive release member support structure 54 according to the fifth embodiment.

  The additive release member 55 is disposed in the support structure 54. In this embodiment, the additive release member 55 is a spongy material containing the additive. The spongy material is covered with a fragile outer shell.

  The additive release member support structure 54 is generally hollow and cylindrical. The outer circumference of the cylinder is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer circumference of the smoking article filter 52. It is the three struts 56 that protrude into the central cavity of the cylinder and divide the cavity into three equal parts. As shown in FIG. 10, each part is configured to accommodate an additive release member 55.

  The additive release member support structure 54 includes a sharp portion 57 at the center of each of the three portions on the inner peripheral surface.

  The support structure is deformed as a result of an external force applied to the outer peripheral surface of the additive release member support structure with, for example, a user's finger. Specifically, one or more outer surfaces of the portion between the struts 56 are curved.

  Due to the deformation made in this way, the volume inside the specific part of the additive release member support structure 54 is reduced. As a result, the additive release member 55 held in the compartment of the support structure is crushed. Since there is a sharp pointed portion 57, when the deformation of the support structure is induced, the force applied to the additive releasing member is concentrated in a small region, and the additive releasing member is easily crushed. When the additive releasing member is crushed, the fragile outer shell is broken, and the additive is pushed out from the spongy material around the filter material 53.

  FIG. 11A shows a cross section of a smoking article including an additive release member support structure 60 according to a sixth embodiment.

  The additive release member 61 is disposed in the additive release member support structure 60. In this embodiment, the additive release member is a fragile spherical capsule containing the additive.

  The additive release member support structure 60 is substantially the same as that shown in the first embodiment. The only difference is that the additive release member support structure 60 has no deformable portion and does not deform even when an external force is applied.

  The additive release member support structure 60 has a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole. The outer periphery of the cylinder is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer periphery of the smoking article filter 63 in which the support structure is used. Protruding into the central cavity of the cylinder are three arms 62. As shown in the first embodiment (but not shown in FIGS. 11A or 11B), the ends of these arms facing the center of the support structure are shaped to accommodate the capsule 61. Yes.

  The support structure 10 of the first embodiment has two weak portions 13 on the outer peripheral surface, but the support structure 60 has a gap 64 as shown in FIG. 11B. That is, the additive release member 61 is not completely surrounded by the support structure 60.

  In use, external force is applied in the direction of the gap 64 and the arrow B of the additive release member support structure 60. This force presses the additive release member 61 against the arm 62 of the support structure 60. As a result, the capsules held in place by the arms 62 of the support structure are crushed.

  The rupture of the capsule 61 is assisted by a sharp protrusion 65 placed at the end of the arm 62 and facing the gap 64. Because of this pointed projection, the force applied to the capsule is concentrated in a small area, facilitating rupture of the capsule.

  12A-12C illustrate various embodiments in which the support structure is a grooved tube. In these figures, several candidates for grooved cross-sectional shapes are described. The grooves are rounded in FIG. 12A, angular in FIG. 12B, and square or castle-like in FIG. 12C.

  In some embodiments, the support structure of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 12A-12C can be described as a petal shape having a plurality of combined petals or round protrusions. Each petal or round projection has one radial outer part and two generally radial parts. The radially outer portion has a radially outer surface. This surface is configured to contact the cylindrical inner surface of the smoking article and is opposed to the radially inner surface. The radially outer surface has a first end and a second end, each end being attached to a radially outward end of one generally radial portion. Each of the substantially radial portions has a radially outward end and a radially inward end as described above. The radially inward portion of each petal or round projection is attached to the radially inward end of an adjacent petal or round projection. In this way, the holding structure can be slightly enlarged in the radial direction to grip and hold the additive release member.

  In some embodiments, including those described in FIGS. 12A-12C, the support structure may be made by extrusion and then cut to length.

  In some embodiments, the support structure may be made by any suitable technique including, for example, blow molding, injection molding, 3D printing, and a rotary die may be used. A plurality of techniques may be used in combination. These techniques are particularly useful for creating complex structures as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Example A 5 mm long additive release member support structure was made comprising an additive release member in the form of a microcapsule with a diameter of 3.4 mm.

  A filter with a length of 27 mm was made. The filter includes an additive release member support structure placed between two 10 mm and 12 mm length cellulose acetate filter sections.

  This filter was then attached to the tobacco rod in a conventional manner to make a standard king size test paper cigarette.

  The additive release member support structure was pressed to release the additive from the microcapsules. The cigarette boundary pressure drop was measured before and after operation of the additive release member support structure and the results are summarized in the table below.

  The results show that the pressure drop is not significantly affected by the operation of the additive release member support structure.

  The pressing force required to operate the additive release member was measured. The additive release member in capsule form was crushed with or without the additive release member support structure. The additive release member support structure used is that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the third specific embodiment. The crushing strength was measured using a Schleuniger tablet hardness tester, and the results are shown in Table 2.

  From the results, it can be seen that the crushing strength required for the rupture of the microcapsules using the additive release member support structure is considerably smaller than that without the additive release member support structure.

  Embodiments of the present invention comply with applicable laws and / or regulatory laws, such as but not limited to flavors, additives, releases, ingredients, and / or regulations relating to such It is configured. For example, the invention complies with applicable regulatory laws before the release of the additive and after the release of the first additive and still remains after the smoking article embodying the invention has released one or more additional additives. Can be configured as Similarly, in embodiments in which two or more additives react with each other to generate other substances, the generated substances comply with applicable laws and / or regulatory laws.

  In order to address various issues and promote the present technology, the entirety of this disclosure illustrates various embodiments by way of example. Within that embodiment, the claimed invention is put into practice to provide an excellent additive release method, a product that releases the additive and includes the additive release method. The advantages and features of the disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments, not exhaustive, and / or excluded. These are presented merely to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not intended to limit the disclosure or equivalents thereof as defined in the claims. Rather, other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope and / or concepts of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, processes, means, etc. . The disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

Claims (29)

  A support structure used for a smoking article, wherein the support structure is configured to release an additive from an additive release member in response to a pressing force, and the support structure is the support structure A support structure that changes the pressing force required to release the additive from the additive release member as compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release member in the absence of body.   The support structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure holds the additive release member.   3. Support structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support structure provides a responsive surface against which the additive release member may be pressed.   The support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support includes a protrusion, and the additive releasing member and the protrusion that press each other are involved in operation.   The support structure according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion is pointed or tapered.   The support structure according to claim 1, wherein an audible sound is accompanied by an operation of the support structure.   The support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, or polyvinyl alcohol.   The support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support structure has an outer surface, and at least a part of the outer surface is curved.   9. The support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support structure has a cavity configured to receive the additive release member.   The support structure according to claim 9, further comprising a deformable portion that is elastically deformable.   The support structure according to claim 9, further comprising a deformable portion that can be plastically deformed.   The support structure according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the deformable portion includes a protrusion.   The support structure according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the deformable portion has a form of an arm connected in a hinged manner.   The support structure according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the region of the deformation of the support structure is not predetermined.   13. A support structure according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the deformable portion is a portion of the outer surface.   The support structure according to claim 15, wherein the deformable portion is formed between two weakened portions of the outer surface.   The support structure allows the additive to be released from the additive release member as compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release member in the absence of the support structure. The support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the necessary pressing force is reduced.   The support structure allows the additive to be released from the additive release member as compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release member in the absence of the support structure. The support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the necessary pressing force is increased.   An additive release system comprising the support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and an additive release member.   20. The additive release system of claim 19, wherein the additive release member carries a flavoring agent.   21. The additive release system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the additive release member comprises an outer shell and an inner core.   The additive release system according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the shell of the additive release member is fragile and elastically or plastically deformable.   23. The additive release system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the additive release member comprises a spongy material.   A filter for smoking articles comprising the support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or the additive release system according to any one of claims 20 to 23.   The filter according to claim 24, wherein the filter comprises a composite filter.   26. A filter according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the filter comprises a marker indicating the area of the filter to which a force should be applied to actuate the support structure.   24. The filter comprises a plurality of support structures according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and / or a plurality of additive release systems according to any one of claims 19 to 23. 27. A filter according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that:   28. A support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 18, or an additive release system according to any one of claims 19 to 23, or according to any one of claims 24 to 27. Smoking product with filter.   29. A method of manufacturing a smoking article according to claim 28, wherein the method includes inserting an additive release member into a support structure to create an additive release system, and then smoking comprising the additive release system. Making a product.

Images