JP2014520565A - Smoking goods - Google Patents

Abstract

  The smoking material source 11, the filter 12, the first layer 13 surrounding at least part of the filter 12, the second layer 14 surrounding at least part of the first layer 13, and the first and second layers 13, 14 A smoking material comprising one or more passages 15 for the flow of air between them. A portion of the first layer 13 surrounds the smoking material source 11 and is for attaching the smoking material source to the filter 12.

Description

    The present invention relates to a smoking article and a method for producing a smoking article.

  As used herein, the term “smoking article” refers to smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos regardless of whether they are based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, recycled tobacco or tobacco substitutes. And products that generate heat but do not burn (ie products that generate a flavor from smoking material by applying heat without burning the smoking material). Smoking articles are usually provided with a filter to remove some components from the smoke.

  It is desirable to introduce ventilation air into the smoke. A conventionally known method for introducing such air includes providing a ventilation hole on the outside of the filter. The ventilation holes are provided relatively straight, but they have a defect that they are easily blocked by a user's finger, for example. It is also known to groove the filter for smoke or ventilation air flow. However, a smoking article including a filter provided with a groove has a complicated structure and a high manufacturing cost.

  The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a smoking material source, a filter, a first layer surrounding at least part of the filter, a second layer surrounding at least part of the first layer, A smoking article comprising one or more passages for air flow between the second layer, wherein a portion of the first layer surrounds the smoking material source and is for attaching a filter to the smoking material source I will provide a.

  Thus, the present invention is also effective and efficient in providing a path for ventilation air flow between a first layer of smoking articles, i.e., also for attaching a filter to a source of smoking material, and a second layer surrounding it. Simple methods can also be provided.

  The present invention, in a second aspect, comprises a smoking material source, a filter, a first layer surrounding at least a portion of the filter, a second layer surrounding at least a portion of the first layer, the first and One or more paths for passing air flow between the second layers, wherein at least a portion of the one or more paths is located farther from the axis of the smoking article than any part of the filter or smoking material source Provide smoking goods.

  At least a portion of the first layer may include an uneven outer surface that forms one or more paths with the second layer. The one or more paths may have one or more air outlets located near the end of the filter far from the smokable source. One or more paths may have one or more air outlets into the filter. The first layer and / or the second layer may be formed from a sheet material.

  In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a smoking article, the method comprising providing a smoking material source, providing a filter, and surrounding at least a portion of the filter with a first layer. Enclosing at least a portion of the first layer with a second layer, and forming one or more paths for passing an air flow between the first and second layers, A portion of the one layer surrounds the smoking material source and attaches the filter to the smoking material source, and at least a portion of the one or more paths is from the shaft of the smoking article more than any portion of the filter or smoking material source. Located far away.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is the perspective view which notched and showed the smoking goods by the 1st embodiment of this invention. It is an end view of the mouth end of the smoking article of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the smoking article of FIG. 1 along the AA 'line of FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an element used to form an inner cover layer of the smoking article of FIG. 1. It is the perspective view which notched and showed the smoking article by the 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the smoking article of FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of elements used to form the inner cover layer of the smoking article of FIG. 5.

First Embodiment FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a smoking article 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The smoking article 10 includes a source of smoking material, preferably tobacco, in the form of a tobacco rod 11. The smoking article 10 further includes a filter 12 mounted coaxially with the tobacco rod 11. An inner cover layer 13 is provided around the filter 12 and around the tobacco rod 11 up to a certain length. An outer cover layer 14 is provided around the inner cover layer 13. One or more channels 15 are formed between the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14. The one or more flow paths 15 form one or more paths so that ventilation air flows from near the end of the filter 12 closest to the tobacco rod 11 to the other end of the filter 12. The end of the filter 12 closest to the tobacco rod 11 is hereinafter referred to as the “tobacco end” of the filter 12 in this specification. The other end of the filter 12 is hereinafter referred to as the “mouth end” of the filter 12 in this specification.

  Preferably, tobacco rod 11 and filter 12 are both cylindrical and have substantially the same outer diameter. The filter 12 preferably includes a filter medium surrounded by a sheet material such as a plug wrapper (not shown). The plug wrapper is preferably porous, i.e., permeable to fluid flow, but may be non-porous. The filter medium is preferably cellulose acetate tow bound with a plasticizer. The filter medium is preferably homogeneous. The term “homogeneous” means that the filter media is substantially uniform throughout the filter 12. The filter 12 may include an additive, for example a smoke modifier such as activated charcoal. Filter 12 is preferably a uniform filter, but may be any other type of filter, such as a composite filter.

  Preferably, the inner cover layer 13 surrounds the entire length of the filter 12 and the tobacco rod 11 up to a certain length adjacent to the filter 12 at least once. The inner cover layer 13 is adhered and fixed around the filter 12 and the tobacco rod 11 as will be described in detail below. The inner cover layer 13 is formed from a sheet material, preferably paper. In some embodiments, the sheet material is made of a non-porous plug wrapper that has a long fiber length and is more resistant to cracking and tearing when embossed. Alternatively, the inner cover layer 13 may be formed from any other suitable material such as a relatively thick chipping paper or any kind of chipping paper or plastic material, metal foil or metallized paper. Inner cover layer 13 is preferably substantially non-porous, ie impermeable to fluid flow.

  The inner cover layer 13 preferably forms a long cylindrical tube, which is divided into an uneven portion 13a and a uniform portion 13b in the longitudinal direction. These portions 13a and 13b are preferably formed from a single sheet material.

  The uniform portion 13 b of the inner cover layer 13 preferably surrounds at least one round of the length of the filter 12 adjacent to the tobacco rod 11 and the length of the adjacent tobacco rod 11. The uniform portion 13b is preferably adhered to at least a portion of the outer surfaces of these lengths of the filter 12 and tobacco rod 11. The inner cover layer 13 is also secured around these lengths of the filter 12 and tobacco rod 11 preferably by a longitudinal seam of adhesive joining the opposing edges. Thus, the uniform portion 13b joins the filter 12 to the tobacco rod 11 and forms a seal against use of outside air into the tobacco end of the filter 12 when in use, i.e. when the user sucks the smoking article 10. It ’s useful. The inner surface of the uniform part 13b of the inner cover layer 13 and the outer surfaces of the filter 12 and the tobacco rod 11 are preferably all smooth so that a good bond and a good seal are obtained.

  The uneven portion 13a of the inner cover layer 13 preferably surrounds at least one round of the length of the filter 12 that is not surrounded by the uniform portion 13b. Therefore, preferably, the uneven portion 13 a extends to the mouth end of the filter 12. However, the uneven portion 13a may not extend to the mouth end of the filter 12, or may extend beyond the mouth end. Preferably, the concavo-convex portion 13a is fixed around the filter 12 by a longitudinal seam of an adhesive joining the opposing edges. The uneven portion 13 a is preferably bonded to at least a part of the outer surface of the filter 12.

  The uneven portion 13 a of the inner cover layer 13 is formed so as to form one or more flow paths 15 together with the outer cover layer 14.

  The flow path 15 supplies ventilation air from the vicinity of the tobacco end portion of the filter 52 to the vicinity of the suction end of the filter 12. The ventilation air is from the atmosphere around the smoking article 10. The ventilation air sent to the mouth end of the filter 12 mixes with the smoke drawn through the tobacco rod 11 and the filter 12 and dilutes it. This mixing takes place outside the smoking article 10, for example in the user's mouth. The channel 15 preferably has one or more air inlets 16 near the tobacco end of the filter 12 and one or more air outlets 17 near the mouth end of the filter 12, respectively.

  The concavo-convex portion 13a preferably has a corrugated outer surface, in particular a surface having one or more elongated grooves 18 separated by ridges 19. The ridge 19 is preferably raised with respect to the uniform portion 13 b of the inner cover layer 13.

  The grooves 18 preferably all extend substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter 12. However, the groove 18 may extend in one or more different directions. For example, these grooves may follow one or more spiral paths or one or more paths that meander along the filter 12. Such a path can provide a way to increase the length of the path and increase the pressure drop along the path. The pressure drop along the path determines the ventilation characteristics as described in detail below.

  The grooves 18 are preferably located at equal intervals on the circumference of the filter 12. Preferably 8 to 10 grooves 18 are spaced around the circumference. However, a smaller number of grooves 18, for example 1, 2, or 4 grooves 18, may be arranged, or a larger number of grooves 18, for example 18 or 36 grooves 18, may be arranged. The grooves 18 are preferably spaced around the entire circle of the filter 12, but may be spaced at one or more circumferential portions.

  Preferably, the ridges 19 and the grooves 18 each have a pointed contour such that the overall contour forms a triangle or a sawtooth shape. However, the profile of the ridges 19 and / or the grooves 18 may be different. For example, the ridges 19 and the grooves 18 may both be curved, thereby forming the entire contour to bend. The ridges 19 are pointed and the grooves 18 may be curved or vice versa, thereby forming a grooved overall profile. The ridge 19 and / or the groove 18 may include one or more substantially flat portions. For example, these may be formed in a castle-like outline. The ridges 19 and grooves 18 preferably have a constant profile, but may have a profile that varies along the length of the filter 12 and / or around the circumference. For example, the width of the groove 18 may be gradually increased toward the mouth end of the filter 12 or may be narrowed.

  The width of the groove 18 and the height of the groove 18 are preferably selected to provide the desired ventilation as described in detail below.

  The outer cover layer 14 preferably surrounds the entire length of the inner cover layer 13 at least once. However, the outer cover layer 14 need not extend to one end or both ends of the inner cover layer 13, or may extend beyond these. Preferably, the outer cover layer 14 is formed of a sheet material, preferably a uniform chipping paper. However, the outer cover layer 14 may be formed of any suitable material such as plastic material, metal foil or metallized paper. The outer cover layer 14 is preferably substantially nonporous.

The outer cover layer 14 and the inner cover layer 13 form one or more flow paths 15. Preferably, the outer cover layer 14 forms a substantially smooth cylindrical tube around the inner cover layer 13. In particular, the outer cover layer 14 forms a substantially smooth cylindrical tube that preferably surrounds the ridge 19 (or other protrusion) provided on the concavo-convex portion 13a of the inner cover layer. Thus the channel _{15a 1, 15a 2, ...,} 15a n are formed in the space between the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14 in the groove 18 of the irregularity portion 13a of the inner cover layer 13. An annular space 15 b is also formed between the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14 in which the outer cover layer 14 extends over the uniform portion 13 b of the inner cover layer 13.

  Preferably, the channels 15a each have an outlet 17 at the end closest to the suction end of the filters 12. Preferably, the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14 both extend to the end of the filter 12, so that the outlet 17 is preferably located at the end of the filter 12. However, the inner and / or outer cover layers 13, 14 may have different extending widths as described above and thus the location of the outlet 17 may also be different. Nevertheless, the outlet 17 is preferably arranged so that the outlet 17 is also in the mouth when the user puts the smoking article 10 into the mouth. Therefore, when the user sucks the smoking article 10, the ventilation air is drawn through the flow path 15a.

  The annular space 15b has an annular opening at the end away from the flow path 15a. This annular opening forms an inlet 16 for ventilation air. The annular space 15b is in fluid communication with each flow path 15a. However, the outer cover layer 14 does not need to extend to the uniform portion 13b of the inner cover layer 13, and thus there may be no annular space. In this case, the flow path 15a has an inlet 16 for ventilation air, which is located where the outer cover layer 14 ends.

  The outer cover layer 14 is secured around the inner cover layer 13 preferably by a longitudinal seam of adhesive joining the opposing edges. Further, the outer cover layer 14 is preferably bonded to at least a part of the ridge 19 (or other protrusion) provided on the uneven portion 13 a of the inner cover layer 13.

  Instead of the corrugated outer surface described above, the uneven portion 13a of the inner cover layer 13 that forms the flow path 15 between the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14 together with the outer cover layer 14 has any shape. May be. For example, the concavo-convex portion 13a may include independent protrusions, on which the outer cover layer 14 is positioned, thereby forming an air flow path in a region between the protrusions.

  In use, when the user sucks the smoking article 10, smoke and air are drawn through the tobacco rod 11 and then through the filter 12, and ventilation air is drawn through the flow path 15.

  The characteristics of the flow path 15 are preferably selected so as to obtain a desired ventilation. In particular, the suction resistance of the channel 15 is determined by, among other things, its number, cross-sectional area, length and shape. For example, when the number of the flow paths 15 is large and / or the flow paths 15 are large, the resistance to the air flow is small. This resistance is preferably selected for flow resistance through the tobacco rod 11 and filter 12 to provide the desired ventilation. For example, when the resistance of the flow path 15 is small with respect to the resistance of the tobacco rod 11 and the filter 12, the amount of air drawn through the flow path 15 is larger than the amount of smoke and air drawn through the filter 12. So the smoke is diluted more. As a result, when the resistance of the flow path 15 increases with respect to the resistance of the tobacco rod 11 and the filter 12, the amount of air drawn through the flow path 15 with respect to the amount of smoke and air drawn through the filter 12 is And therefore the smoke dilution is reduced.

  The smoking article 10 may have an advantage that the ventilation air inlet 16 is not easily blocked by the user's finger. Preferably, the inlet 16 is located closer to the tobacco end of the filter 12 or beyond the tobacco end of the filter 12 and thus away from the position normally held by the user's finger. Furthermore, the entrances 16 are preferably oriented so that they are oriented longitudinally along the smoking article 10, so that even if the finger is located near the entrance 16, the finger is less likely to block the entrance 16. In contrast, conventional smoking articles that include multiple ventilation holes in the tipping paper have the disadvantage that the ventilation holes are relatively easily blocked by the user's fingers. This has a negative impact on the stability of the smoke sent to the user.

  Moreover, the smoking article 10 has the advantage of providing more effective filtration performance. This is because the ventilation air mixes with the smoke outside the filter 12. In contrast, a conventional smoking article in which ventilation air is introduced into the filter 12 increases the flow rate of the introduced ventilation air toward the mouth end of the filter 12, thus shortening the residence time of the smoke. Has drawbacks. This has a negative effect on filtration performance.

  Since the filter 12 is preferably completely covered by the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14, the smoking article 10 also has the advantage that a small amount of smoke comes into contact with the user's finger. This is because the entrance is away from the position where the user's finger normally holds. In contrast, in a conventional smoking article that includes a plurality of ventilation holes in the tipping paper, the smoke exits from the ventilation holes and comes into contact with the user's finger when the user is not smoking the smoking article, for example.

  FIG. 4 shows a sheet 40 for forming the inner cover layer 13 of the smoking article 10. The sheet is preferably formed from uniform chipping paper as described above. The sheet is preferably rectangular, and is divided into two rectangular portions, ie, an uneven portion 40a and a uniform portion 40b.

  The uneven portion 40 a corresponds to the uneven portion 13 a of the inner cover layer 13. The uniform portion 40 b corresponds to the uniform portion 13 b of the inner cover layer 13.

  The uneven portion 40a has the contour as described above for the uneven portion 13a of the inner cover layer. The contour preferably has a plurality of raised pointed ridges 41 as described above. The raised pointed ridges 41 each preferably have an oblique triangular side wall 42 at the end closest to the uniform portion 40b of the sheet 40. However, the side wall 42 may be substantially perpendicular to the uniform portion 40b of the sheet 40 and / or may have a different shape.

  The contour of the uneven portion 40a of the sheet 40 is preferably formed by embossing. The embossing is preferably performed using methods known per se to those skilled in the art. However, the contour may be formed using a method other than embossing. For example, if the sheet 40 is formed from a plastic material, the sheet material may be molded to form its contour. Preferably, it is formed into a corrugated or uneven shape 41 over the entire thickness of the sheet 40. Therefore, both the front and back surfaces of the sheet 40 have the same uneven contour. This is particularly suitable when the sheet 40 is formed from chipping paper. However, the corrugations or irregularities 41 may be formed only on the front surface of the sheet 40, and the back surface of the sheet may be substantially smooth. This is particularly suitable when the sheet 40 is formed from a relatively thick material.

  The smoking article 10 preferably uses a method in which the tobacco rod 11 is joined to the filter 12 by an inner cover layer 13 that is adhered and / or secured around the filter 12 and tobacco rod 11 as described above. Can be manufactured. Preferably, the sheet 40 for forming the inner cover layer 13 is embossed (or molded) before being wound around the filter 12 and the tobacco rod 11. Thereafter, the outer cover layer 14 is preferably wrapped around the inner cover layer 13 and bonded and / or secured.

  The smoking article 10 is obtained by simultaneously joining two tobacco rods 11 to each end of a two-length filter 12 and cutting the resulting article into two halves. Even if it uses the method of forming, it can manufacture. In this case, a two-length sheet 40 for forming the inner cover layer 13 and a two-length sheet for forming the outer cover layer 14 are preferably used. The sheet 40 having two lengths for forming the inner cover layer 13 preferably has a uniform portion 40b in the middle of either end portion and the uneven portion 40a having two lengths.

  Sheets having uniform and concavo-convex portions arranged symmetrically are usually preferred because they can be effectively wound without the twists or creases that can occur when using sheets having an asymmetric configuration.

  The smoking article 10 can be manufactured efficiently because the formation process mainly consists of winding a layer of sheet material around the filter 12 and the tobacco rod 11 and the winding process itself can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the smoking article 10 can be manufactured using methods and devices based on existing method devices. The device may include first and second chipping sections for providing inner and outer cover layers 13, 14, respectively.

Second Embodiment FIGS. 5 and 6 show a smoking article 50 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The smoking article 50 includes a source of smoking material that is preferably tobacco in the form of a tobacco rod 51. The smoking article 50 further includes a filter 52 mounted coaxially with the tobacco rod 51. The filter 52 is divided into two filter parts in the longitudinal direction, that is, a mouth end filter part 52a and a tobacco end filter part 52b. An inner cover layer 53 is provided around the filter 52 and around the tobacco rod 51 up to a certain length. The outer cover layer 54 is provided around the inner cover layer. One or more flow paths 55 are formed between the inner and outer cover layers 53, 54. One or more flow paths 55 form one or more paths for ventilation air flow from near the tobacco end of the filter to one or more intermediate positions of the filter.

  The tobacco rod 51 and the two filter parts 52a and 52b are preferably all cylindrical. Tobacco rod 51 and tobacco end filter portion 52b preferably have substantially the same outer diameter. The mouth end filter portion 52a preferably has a slightly larger outer diameter than the tobacco end filter portion 52b, as will be described in detail below. Each of the two filter parts 52a and 52b preferably includes a filter material surrounded by a sheet material, for example, a plug wrapper (not shown). The plug wrapper is preferably porous, but may be non-porous. A plug wrapper is not always necessary. The filter medium is preferably cellulose acetate tow bound with a plasticizer. The filter medium is preferably homogeneous. The term “homogeneous” means that the filter media is substantially uniform throughout the filter 52. The mouth end and / or tobacco end filter portions 52a, 52b may include an additive, for example a smoke modifier such as activated charcoal. The two filter parts 52a and 52b may include different filter media, may be wound with different materials, and may include different additives.

  The inner cover layer 53 preferably surrounds the entire length of the tobacco end filter portion 52b and the adjacent tobacco rod 51 at least once to a certain length. The inner cover layer 53 is preferably adhered and / or fixed around the tobacco end filter portion 52b and the tobacco rod 51 as will be described in detail below. The inner cover layer 53 is preferably formed from a sheet material, preferably paper. Some embodiments are made of non-porous plug wrappers that have long fiber lengths and are more resistant to cracking and tearing when embossed. Alternatively, the inner cover layer 53 may be formed from any other suitable material, such as a relatively thick tipping paper or any kind of tipping paper or plastic material, metal foil or metallized paper. The inner cover layer 53 is preferably substantially non-porous, i.e. impermeable to fluid flow.

  The inner cover layer 53 preferably forms a long cylindrical tube that is divided into a concavo-convex portion 53a and a uniform portion 53b in the longitudinal direction. The portions 53a and 53b are preferably formed from a single sheet material.

  The uniform portion 53b of the inner cover layer 53 preferably surrounds at least one round of the length of the tobacco end filter portion 52b adjacent to the tobacco rod 51 and the length of the tobacco rod 51 adjacent thereto. Uniform portion 53b is preferably adhered to at least a portion of the outer surfaces of these lengths of tobacco end filter portion 52b and tobacco rod 51. Uniform portion 53b is also secured around the length of tobacco end filter portion 52b and tobacco rod 51 by a longitudinal seam of adhesive, preferably joining the opposing edges. Thus, the uniform portion 53b serves to join the tobacco end filter portion 52b to the tobacco rod 51 and form a seal against the ingress of outside air into the tobacco end of the filter 52. The inner surface of the uniform portion 53b of the inner cover layer 53 and the outer surfaces of the tobacco end filter portion 52b and the tobacco rod 51 are preferably all smooth, which results in good bonding and good sealing.

  The uneven portion 53a of the inner cover layer 53 preferably surrounds at least one turn over the length of the tobacco end filter portion 52b that is not surrounded by the uniform portion 53b. The two filter parts 52a, 52b preferably have similar lengths, so that the inner cover layer 53 preferably extends midway between the tobacco end and the mouth end of the filter 52. For example, the length of the filter 52 may be 27 mm, and the uneven portion 53 a may extend a distance of 13 mm from the mouth end of the filter 52. However, the tip end filter portion 52a, the tobacco end filter portion 52b and / or the uneven portion 53a may have different lengths. Also, the edge of the uneven portion 53a closest to the mouth end of the filter 52 may be obliquely angled and / or not linear, so that the unevenness toward the mouth end of the filter 52 is not necessary. The range of the portion 53 a may vary around the circumference of the filter 52. As will be described later, the flow path 55 is determined by the range of the uneven portion 53a, and the position at which the ventilation air is introduced into the filter 52 is determined. The concavo-convex portion 53a is preferably fixed around the tobacco end filter portion 52b by a longitudinal seam of an adhesive joining the opposing edges. Further, the uneven portion 53a is preferably adhered to at least a part of the outer surface of the tobacco end filter portion 52b.

  The concavo-convex portion 53 a of the inner cover layer 53 is formed so as to form one or more flow paths 55 together with the outer cover layer 54.

  The flow passage 55 is adapted to supply ventilation air to one or more intermediate positions of the filter 52 from near the tobacco end of the filter 52. One or more intermediate positions are preferably in the vicinity of where the filter portions 52a, 52b contact. The ventilation air sent to the intermediate position enters the filter 52 and mixes with the smoke drawn through the tobacco rod 51 and filter 52, thus diluting it. This mixing occurs mainly in the filter 52. The channel 55 preferably has one or more air inlets 56 and one or more air outlets 57 in the middle of the filter 52, each near the tobacco end of the filter 52.

  The concavo-convex portion 53a preferably has a corrugated outer surface, particularly a surface having one or more elongated grooves 58 separated by ridges 59. The ridge 59 is preferably raised with respect to the uniform portion 53 b of the inner cover layer 53.

  The grooves 58 preferably all extend substantially parallel to each other and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter 52. However, the groove 58 may extend in one or more different directions. For example, the grooves may follow one or more spiral paths or one or more tortuous paths along the filter 52. Such a path is a way to increase the length of the path, thus increasing the pressure drop along the path.

  The grooves 58 are preferably located at equal intervals around the circumference of the filter 12. Preferably, 8 to 10 grooves 58 are located at intervals around the circumference. However, a smaller number of grooves 58, eg 1, 2, or 4 grooves 58 may be located, or a larger number of grooves 58, eg 18 or 36 grooves 58 may be located. . The grooves 58 are preferably located at intervals around the entire circumference of the filter 52, but may be located at intervals in one or more portions of the circumference.

  Preferably, the ridge 59 and the groove 58 each have a pointed outline such that the overall outline forms a triangle or a sawtooth shape. However, the profile of the ridge 59 and / or the groove 58 may be different. For example, both the ridge 59 and the groove 58 may be curved so that the entire contour is twisted. The ridge 59 may be pointed and the groove 58 may be curved or vice versa, thereby forming a grooved overall profile. The ridge 59 and / or the groove 58 may include one or more substantially flat portions. For example, these may be formed in a castle-like outline. The ridges 59 and grooves 58 preferably have a constant profile, but may have a profile that varies along the length of the filter 52 and / or around the circumference. For example, the width of the groove 58 may be gradually increased toward one end, or may be narrowed.

  The width and height of the grooves 58 are preferably selected to provide the desired ventilation as will be described in detail below.

  The outer cover layer 54 preferably surrounds the entire length of the inner cover layer 53 and the entire length of the suction end filter portion 52 at least once. Accordingly, the outer cover layer 54 preferably extends to the mouth end of the filter 52. However, the outer cover layer 54 may extend farther or shorter. The outer cover layer 54 is preferably formed from a sheet material, preferably chipping paper. However, the outer cover layer 54 may be formed from any suitable material such as plastic material, metal foil or metallized paper. Outer cover layer 54 is preferably substantially non-porous.

The outer cover layer 54 and the inner cover layer 53 form one or more flow paths 55. Outer cover layer 54 preferably forms a substantially smooth cylindrical tube around the length of filter 52 that is not surrounded by inner cover layer 53 and inner cover layer 53. In particular, the outer cover layer 54 forms a substantially smooth cylindrical tube that preferably surrounds the ridge 59 (or other protrusion) of the concave and convex portion 53a of the inner cover layer. Thus the channel _{55a 1, 55a 2, ...,} 55a n are formed in the space between the inner and outer cover layers 53, 54 in the groove 58 of the uneven portion 53a of the inner cover layer. An annular space 55 b is also formed between the inner and outer cover layers 53, 54 in which the outer cover layer 54 extends over the uniform portion 53 b of the inner cover layer 53. Further, the outer cover layer 54 fits snugly around the mouth end filter portion 52a. The outer diameter of the mouth end filter portion 52a is preferably substantially the same as the diameter of the cylinder surrounding the uneven portion 53a of the inner cover layer 53. Therefore, the outer cover layer 54 extends smoothly between the concave and convex portion 53a of the inner cover layer 53 and the mouth end filter portion 52a.

  The extension width of the flow path 55a toward the suction end of the filter 52 is preferably determined by the extension width of the uneven portion 53a of the inner cover layer 53 as described above. Preferably, the concavo-convex portion 53a and thus the flow path 55a preferably end at one or more intermediate positions of the filter 52 in the vicinity where the two filter portions 52a, 52b are in contact. The channels 55a each have outlets 57 at their ends, preferably at intermediate positions. Since the outer cover layer 54 fits snugly around the length of the filter 52 that is not surrounded by the inner cover layer 53, the ventilation air exiting the outlet 57 is inside the filter 52, particularly at the mouth end. Guided into the filter portion 52a.

  The annular space 55b has an annular opening at the end of the filter 52 toward the tobacco end. The annular opening forms an inlet 56 for ventilation air. The annular space 55b is in fluid communication with each of the flow paths 55a. However, the outer cover layer 54 need not extend over the uniform portion 53b of the inner cover layer 53, and therefore may not have an annular space. In this case, the flow path 55a has an inlet 56 for ventilation air located where the outer cover layer 54 ends.

  The outer cover layer 54 is secured around the inner cover layer 53, preferably by a longitudinal seam of adhesive joining the opposing edges. The outer cover layer 54 is preferably bonded at least partially to the flange 59 (or other protrusion) provided on the concave and convex portion 53 a of the inner cover layer 53.

  Instead of the corrugated outer surface described above, the concave and convex portion 53a of the inner cover layer 53 may have any shape that forms a groove between the inner and outer cover layers 53, 54 together with the outer cover layer 54. Good. For example, the concavo-convex portion 53a may include independent protrusions on which the outer cover layer 54 is located, thereby forming an air flow path in a region between the protrusions.

  In use, when the user sucks the smoking article 50, smoke and air are drawn through the tobacco rod 51 and then through the filter 52, and then the ventilation air is drawn through the channel 55 and then through a length of the filter 52. .

  The characteristics of the flow path 55 are preferably selected to provide the desired ventilation. In particular, the suction resistance of the channel 55 is determined, among other things, by its number, cross-sectional area, length and shape. This resistance and thus the pressure drop is preferably chosen to provide the desired ventilation. The location of the outlet 57 of the channel 55a, i.e. the distance from either end of the filter 52, can also be selected to provide the desired properties of the filter 52, such as filtration and dilution properties.

  The smoking article 50 has the advantage that the ventilation air inlet 56 is less likely to be blocked by the user's finger as described above for the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 shows a sheet 70 for forming the inner cover layer 53 of the smoking article 50. The sheet 70 is preferably formed from uniform chipping paper as described above. The sheet 70 is preferably rectangular, and is divided into two rectangular portions, that is, an uneven portion 70a and a uniform portion 70b. The uneven portion 70 a corresponds to the uneven portion 53 a of the inner cover layer 53. The uniform portion 70 b corresponds to the uniform portion 53 b of the inner cover layer 53.

  The concavo-convex portion 70a has the contour as described above for the concavo-convex portion 53a of the inner cover layer. The contour preferably has a plurality of raised pointed ridges 71 as described above. The raised pointed ridge 71 preferably has an oblique triangular side wall 72 at the end closest to the uniform portion 70 b of the sheet 70. However, the side wall 72 may be substantially perpendicular to the uniform portion 70b of the sheet 70 and / or may have a different shape.

  The contour of the uneven portion 70a of the sheet is preferably formed by embossing. The embossing is preferably performed in a manner known per se to those skilled in the art. However, the contour may be formed using a method other than embossing. For example, if the sheet 70 is formed from a plastic material, the sheet material may be molded to form its contour. Preferably, the sheet 70 is formed into a corrugated or uneven 71 over the entire thickness. Therefore, both the front and back surfaces of the sheet 70 have the same uneven contour. This is particularly suitable when the sheet 70 is formed from chipping paper. However, the back surface of the sheet 70 may be substantially smooth by forming corrugations or irregularities only on the surface of the sheet 70. This is particularly suitable when the sheet 70 is formed from a relatively thick material.

  The smoking article 50 is preferably joined to the tobacco end filter portion 52b by an inner cover layer 53 adhered and / or secured around the tobacco end filter portion 52b and the tobacco rod 51 as described above. Can be manufactured using a method. Preferably, the sheet 70 for forming the inner cover layer 53 is embossed (or molded) before being wound around the filter 52 and tobacco rod 51. Thereafter, the tip end filter portion 52a is preferably wrapped around the cigarette end filter portion 52a and the inner cover layer 53, and the outer end cover layer 54 is adhered and / or fixed to the cigarette end filter portion 52b and the tobacco. It is joined to the rod 51.

  The smoking article 50 can also be manufactured by using a method in which two tobacco rods 51 are simultaneously joined to each end of the tobacco end filter portion 52b having a length of two. Two sheets 70 of length for forming the inner cover layer 53 are preferably used. This sheet preferably has a uniform portion 70b and two concavo-convex portions 70a in the middle at either end. The resulting article is then cut into two halves. The tobacco end filter portion 52 may be joined to each half as described above. Alternatively, the two halves may be joined simultaneously to each end of the two tobacco end filter portions 52a. Two sheets of length to form the outer cover layer 54 are preferably used. The resulting product is cut into two halves to form two smoking articles 50.

  The smoking article 50 can be manufactured efficiently because the formation process mainly consists of winding a sheet material layer around the filter 12 and the tobacco rod 11 and the winding process itself can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the smoking article 50 can be manufactured using methods and apparatus based on existing method apparatus. The device may include first and second chipping sections for providing inner and outer cover layers 53, 54, respectively. The two filter portions 52a and 52b and their individual packaging allow the sheet 70 for forming the inner cover layer 53 to be positioned more easily, and the two sheets 70 of the length are manufactured as described above. Can be used for the method.

Further embodiments It will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments described above are not limiting. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this application.

  The uniform portions 13b, 53b of the inner cover layers 13, 53 may surround only a certain length of the tobacco rods 11, 51, not a certain length of the filters 12, 52 and the tobacco rods 11, 51. Good. The uniform parts 13b, 53b are preferably glued and fixed around the tobacco rods 11, 51 up to a certain length. This still forms a good seal against the ingress of air between the inner cover layers 13, 53 and the tobacco rods 11, 51. In this case, the concave and convex portions 13 a and 53 a of the inner cover layers 13 and 53 are preferably bonded to the filters 12 and 52, and the filters 12 and 52 are joined to the tobacco rods 11 and 51.

  The inner cover layers 13 and 53 do not need to include the uniform portions 13b and 53b, and thus may include only the uneven portions 13a and 53a. In this case, it is preferable that the uneven portions 13a and 53a are joined to each other, and a seal is formed between the filters 12 and 52 and the tobacco rods 11 and 51. When the inner surfaces of the uneven portions 13a and 53a are smooth, good sealing can be obtained by bonding and / or fixing the uniform portions 13b and 53b as described above. When the inner surfaces of the uneven portions 13a and 53a are not smooth, for example, when the inner cover layers 13 and 53 are formed from embossed chipping paper, further changes are required to achieve good sealing. For example, a relatively thick layer of adhesive may be provided between the inner cover layers 13, 53 and the tobacco rods 11, 51 to bridge the space between them.

  Instead of the smooth cylindrical shape described above, the filters 12, 52 may have different shapes.

  For example, you may provide the waveform or unevenness | corrugation of the shape which matches the waveform or unevenness | corrugation of the inner surface of the uneven | corrugated | grooved part 13a, 53a of the inner cover layers 13 and 53 in the outer surface of the filters 12 and 52. Therefore, the filters 12 and 52 substantially fill the volume inside the inner cover layers 13 and 53. This prevents any smoke path through the smoking article 10, 50 that does not pass through the filter media.

  Furthermore, only with respect to the second embodiment, the filter 52 does not have to be divided into two filter parts 52a, 52b. In this case, the filter 52 preferably has an increased length at its mouth end. The length of the inner cover layer 53 preferably starts at the end of the uneven portion 53a. The large diameter is preferably substantially the same as the diameter of the cylinder surrounding the uneven portion 53a of the inner cover layer 53. However, the filter 52 may have a uniform outer shape. In this case, the outer cover layer 54 may be provided with a length that is thick at the end of the mouthpiece. Accordingly, the outer cover layer 54 can be wound around the inner cover layer 53 and the filter 52 while reducing the mechanical stress on the filter 52 and the layers 53 and 54.

  Instead of being substantially non-porous, the inner and / or outer cover layers 13, 14, 53, 54 may be porous. For example, these layers may be formed of a porous material and / or ventilation holes may be provided in these layers. Thus, in addition to the flow along the entire length of the channels 15, 55, the ventilation air enters the channels 15, 55 through the outer cover layers 14, 54 and / or the inner cover layers 13, 53 channels. You may make it go out in the filters 12 and 52 via this. The porosity of the inner and / or outer cover layers 13, 14, 53, 54 can be selected to provide a smoking article 10, 50 having the desired ventilation characteristics.

  The inner cover layers 13 and 53 do not need to surround the tobacco rods 11 and 51, and do not need to be used for joining the filters 12 and 52 to the tobacco rods 11 and 51. Alternatively, another cover layer may be used to join the filters 12, 52 to the tobacco rods 11, 51. For example, another further cover layer may be glued and / or fixed around the uniform part 13b, 53b of the inner cover layer 13, 53 up to a certain length and the tobacco rod 11, 51 up to a certain length. . Therefore, in this case, the filters 12 and 52 may be wrapped with the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14, 53 and 54 independently of the formation of the smoking articles 10 and 50.

  Instead of being a substantially smooth cylindrical tube, the outer cover layers 14, 54 may have different shapes.

  For example, corrugations or other irregularities may be provided on the inner surfaces of the outer cover layers 14 and 54. These corrugations or irregularities may be provided to form the channels 15 and 55 instead of the corrugations or irregularities of the inner cover layers 13 and 53. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the uneven portions 13a and 53a on the inner cover layers 13 and 53. Alternatively, the channels 15 and 55 may be formed by causing the corrugations or irregularities of the outer cover layers 14 and 54 to cooperate with the corrugations or irregularities of the inner cover layers 13 and 53. For example, the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14, 53, 54 may have a plurality of aligned grooves and ridges.

  Further, the outer cover layers 14 and 54 may be provided with corrugations or irregularities on the inner surface of the region where they surround the uniform portions 13a and 53a of the inner cover layers 13 and 53. This helps to maintain the space between the inner and outer cover layers 13, 14, 53, 54 in this area, which ensures that the flow of ventilation air into the flow paths 15a, 55a is used. For example, the outer cover layers 14 and 54 are not easily blocked by deformation.

  Embodiments of the present invention are configured to comply with applicable laws and / or regulations, such as those relating to flavors, additives, emissions, ingredients, etc. according to non-limiting examples.

  Features described in any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature of any other embodiment.

Claims (15)

  A flow of air between the source of smoking material, the filter, a first layer surrounding at least a portion of the filter, a second layer surrounding at least a portion of the first layer, and the first and second layers. A smoking article, wherein the smoking article includes one or more pathways for passage, wherein a portion of the first layer surrounds the smoking source and is adapted to attach a filter to the smoking source.   A flow of air between the source of smoking material, the filter, a first layer surrounding at least a portion of the filter, a second layer surrounding at least a portion of the first layer, and the first and second layers. A smoking article comprising at least one path for passage, wherein at least a portion of the one or more paths is located further from the axis of the smoking article than any part of the filter or source of smoking material.   3. A smoking article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the first layer includes an uneven outer surface that forms one or more pathways with the second layer.   The textured outer surface typically includes a plurality of elongated ridges extending along a filter, and the one or more paths are located at least partially between adjacent ridges. 3. The smoking article according to 3.   The first layer includes a portion having a smooth inner surface that surrounds a portion of the smoking material source or surrounds adjacent portions of the smoking material source and the filter. The smoking article according to item.   The one or more pathways have one or more air inlets located near or beyond the end of the filter closer to the source of smoking material, the one or more air inlets being first and 6. A smoking article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed by a width extending towards or beyond the end of the filter of the second layer.   The one or more paths have one or more air outlets located near the end of the filter far from the smokable material source, the one or more air outlets being the first and second layers. A smoking article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed by a width extending towards or beyond the end of the filter.   The one or more pathways have one or more air outlets into the filter, the one or more air outlets into the filter from the smoking material source of the first cover layer toward one end of the filter. 8. A smoking article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second layer extends to or near the end of the filter.   The filter is longitudinally divided into first and second filter portions, the first layer extending to or near the end of the first filter portion remote from the smoking material source; The smoking article according to claim 8, wherein the layer extends to or near the end of the second filter portion remote from the smoking material source.   The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first layer and / or the second layer is formed of a sheet material.   Providing a source of smoking material; providing a filter; enclosing at least a portion of the filter with a first layer; enclosing at least a portion of the first layer with a second layer; Forming one or more pathways for passing an air flow between the second layers, wherein a portion of the first layer surrounds the smokable source and attaches the filter to the smokable source A method of manufacturing a smoking article wherein at least a portion of the one or more pathways are located further from the axis of the smoking article than any part of the filter or smoking material source.   12. The method includes forming a rugged outer surface on at least a portion of the first layer, the rugged outer surface forming the one or more paths with a second layer. The method described in 1.   The method of claim 12, wherein the first layer is formed from a sheet material and the step of forming an uneven outer surface includes embossing the sheet material.   Providing a first filter portion; enclosing at least a portion of the first filter portion with a first layer; providing a second filter portion adjacent to the first filter portion; and a second layer. 14. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising enclosing at least a portion of the first layer and at least a portion of the second filter portion. A smoking article or a method of manufacturing a smoking article as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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