JP2023501329A - Filter elements, mouthpieces and cooling elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A mouthpiece, filter element or mouthpiece comprising a longitudinally extending core (102) of filter material and one or more channels (104) extending longitudinally from the ends of the core (102). A cooling element (100) is disclosed. A particular or each channel (104) has a non-circular cross-section that varies longitudinally by rotating about the longitudinal axis l of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element (100). . [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The use of tube filter elements and tube mouthpieces in smoking articles is known in the art. Typically, a tube filter element includes a cylindrical core of filter material containing channels extending longitudinally from the ends of the cylindrical core. A tube filter element is typically included as part of a multi-segment filter, and the tube filter element is typically positioned at the mouth end of the smoking article to provide a unique end appearance. When incorporated into a smoking article, the tube filter causes smoke to leave the filter in a concentrated stream directed at the user's tongue during use.

Non-combustible smoking products have become increasingly popular in recent years. Such products include heated tobacco, also known as tobacco heating products or non-combustion heating products. A heated cigarette generally includes a cigarette, a heating element, and a power source. A heating element heats the tobacco to produce an aerosol, which is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may function to mimic the sensory aspects of conventional smoking article filters. Additionally, some non-combustion heating products include a cooling element that cools the aerosol before it reaches the mouthpiece.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending core of filter material and one or more channels extending longitudinally from ends of the core. , where the or each channel is longitudinally aligned by rotating about a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element, e.g., a longitudinal axis extending along the center of the channel. It has a non-circular cross-section that varies in direction.

A particular channel or each channel has its cross section at a first point along the length of the longitudinally extending core of the filter material along the length of the longitudinally extending core of the filter material. It is configured to be rotatable with respect to adjacent points. It will be appreciated that the cross-section of the or each channel may rotate more or less than 360° along the length of the or each channel.

Applicants have discovered that, in use, smoke passing through the mouthpiece or filter element follows a non-linear, eg, helical or spiral, path through the or each channel. It has been found that the mouthpiece or filter element of the present invention, in use, provides a different smoking sensation in which smoke is perceived to be more dispersed in the mouth compared to standard tube filter elements or mouthpieces.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the non-linear, eg, helical or spiral, path followed by the smoke leads to these differences in sensory properties. Further, Applicant believes that when the filter elements of the present invention are incorporated into smoking articles containing tobacco smoking material including cloves (e.g., kretek tobacco blend), tobacco smoke is filtered through a standard tube filter element or mouthpiece. was found to have a spicier flavor compared to smoking articles containing Further, Applicants have found that when incorporated into a tobacco smoking article such as a cigarette, the filter element of the present invention reduces nicotine-free dry particulate matter in the smoke passing through the filter compared to standard tube filters. It was discovered that it leads to a reduction in the total amount of Applicants have also found that the filter elements of the present invention provide increased retention of nicotine-free dry particulate matter and greater retention of nicotine when compared to standard tube filters.

A particular or each channel can have a cross-section that is a modified circle with one or more ridges extending from the edge of the circle toward the center of the circle. The channel cross-section may be a modified circle having two diametrically opposed ridges extending from the edges of the circle toward the center of the circle. Alternatively, a particular or each channel may have a cruciform or generally rectangular cross-section.

A particular channel or each channel may be defined around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element, e.g. around the longitudinal axis of the channel, e.g. or may include an inner surface that includes one or more ridges extending spirally (along the inner surface of each channel). One or more protuberances protrude from the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. One or more ridges may be formed on the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel.

For a particular or each channel having a cross-section that is a modified circle with one or more ridges extending from the edge of the circle toward the center of the circle, the particular or each channel is generally cylindrical in shape. , where the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel is oriented around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element, e.g. It includes one or more ridges extending spirally around it.

For the particular channel or each channel having a cruciform cross-section, the particular channel or each channel has a substantially cylindrical shape, in which case the inner surface of the particular channel or each channel extends along the length of the mouthpiece or filter element. It includes four ridges extending spirally about a directional axis, eg, about the longitudinal axis of the channel, eg, about the central longitudinal axis of the channel.

The mouthpiece or filter element can include a longitudinally extending core of filter material and one or more channels extending longitudinally from the ends of the core, a particular channel or each channel having an inner surface. and the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel is oriented around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element, e.g. may include one or more ridges that extend spirally (eg, along the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel). One or more protuberances protrude from the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. One or more ridges may be formed on the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel.

Applicant believes that, in use, the presence of one or more ridges extending spirally around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element is found in standard tube mouthpieces of constant longitudinal cross-section or It has been found to provide a different and improved smoke mouthfeel compared to filter elements.

Applicants have discovered that, in use, smoke passing through the mouthpiece or filter element follows a helical or spiral path through the or each channel. It has been found that the mouthpiece or filter of the present invention, in use, provides a different smoking sensation in which smoke is perceived to be more dispersed in the mouth compared to standard tube filter elements or mouthpieces. rice field. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the helical path followed by smoke results in these sensory property differences. Further, Applicant believes that when the filter elements of the present invention are incorporated into smoking articles containing tobacco smoking material including cloves (e.g., Kretek tobacco blend), tobacco smoke is filtered through standard tube filter elements or It was found to have a spicier flavor compared to smoking articles containing mouthpieces.

Applicants have also found that the inclusion of one or more ridges extending spirally about the longitudinal axis of the or each channel allows comparison with filter elements comprising channels having uniform longitudinal cross-sections. As a result, it was found that it can lead to improved filtration. One or more protuberances can increase the surface area of the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel, which leads to increased surface area for adsorption. Applicants have found that when incorporated into a smoking article such as a cigarette, the filter element of the present invention reduces the total amount of non-nicotine-containing dry particles in the smoke passing through the filter compared to standard tube filters. I found that it has something to do with

It will be appreciated that the longitudinally extending core of filter material has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the longitudinally extending core of filter material can define a particular channel or channels. The distance between the outer and inner surfaces of the core is known as the wall thickness.

The longitudinally extending core of filter material is preferably generally cylindrical. A longitudinally extending core of filter material may have a circumference of 14 mm to 25 mm. The filter material can be a material conventionally used in the manufacture of tobacco smoke filters, such as wire, fibrous, web, or extruded material. The filter material can be natural or synthetic filament tow, for example cotton or a polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene or cellulose acetate tow.

The filter material can be a thermoplastic or otherwise spinnable polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polylactic acid. Filter materials can be, for example, web materials such as natural or synthetic staple fibers, cotton wool, paper (usually crepe paper) and synthetic nonwovens, and extruded materials (eg starch, synthetic foams). Preferably, the filter material is a material that can be cured using a plasticizer. Preferably, the filter material comprises cellulose acetate filament tow.

The total denier of the filter material may be about 20,000-100,000 g per 9000 m, such as 20,000-80,000 g per 9000 m, such as 20,000-50,000 g per 9000 m.

When the filter material is formed from a single bale of tow, the total denier of the filter material is about 20,000 to 50,000 g per 9000 m, such as 30,000 g to 40,000 g per 9000 m, such as 30 g per 9000 m. ,000g to 38,000g, such as 30,000g, 32,000g, 33,000g, 37,000g, or 40,000g per 9000m.

When the filter material is formed from two bales of tow, the total denier of the filter material is about 40,000 to 100,000 g per 9000 m, such as 60,000 g to 80,000 g per 9000 m, such as 60,000 g per 9000 m. 000g to 76,000g, such as 60,000g, 64,000g, 66,000g, 74,000g, or 80,000g per 9000m.

The filament denier can be from 5g to 9g per 9000m, such as 5g, 7.3g, 8g, or 9.0g per 9000m.

Filter materials are usually described with reference to filament denier, total denier, and fiber cross-section. For example, filter materials may include tows having the following denier: 8.0Y40, 8.0Y32, 7.3Y33, or 9.0Y37. For example, a filter material with a denier of 8.0Y40 means that the filament denier is 8.0 g per 9000 m, the total denier is 40000 g per 9000 m, and the filaments have a Y-shaped cross-section.

The filter material may contain plasticizers. The filter material comprises about 12% to 24% by weight of the filter material and plasticizer, such as about 14% to 22% by weight of the filter material and plasticizer, such as about 16% to 20% by weight, such as about A total amount of plasticizer of 17% to 19%, eg, about 18% by weight may be included.

The total amount of plasticizer present in the mouthpiece or filter element is calculated as a percentage of the total weight of filter material and plasticizer using the general formula shown below.

Percentage of plasticizer = total amount of plasticizer (g) x 100/(total amount of plasticizer (g) + total amount of filter material (g))

In the case of fibrous filter material such as filament tow, the plasticizer acts to stiffen the fibers of the filter material. By curing the fibers of the filter material, the shape definition of the filter element, in particular the definition of the or each channel, can be improved. For example, the filter material may comprise plasticized fibers, such as plasticized tow, such as plasticized cellulose acetate tow. The formation of plasticized tows is known in the art. Plasticizers can be, for example, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). The plasticizer can be applied to the filter material by spraying the surface of the filter material using methods known in the art.

The filter material may optionally contain a binder material. The filter material may optionally contain a water-soluble binder material. Examples of water-soluble materials include water-soluble polymeric materials such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl ether, starch, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, water-soluble binders and triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), or polyethylene glycol. blends with plasticizers such as (PEG), and particulate hot-melt water-soluble binders. The inclusion of a water soluble binder material can further enhance the ability of the filter to be easily and quickly degraded, for example under environmental conditions.

The filter material may contain additives. The additive can be a particulate additive. The particulate additive can be any particulate additive suitable for use in smoke filters, such as activated carbon, zeolites, ion exchange resins (such as weakly basic anion exchange resins), sepiolite, silica gel, alumina , molecular sieves, carbonaceous polymer resins, and diatomaceous earth. A particulate additive can be a mixture of two or more materials. The additive can be a pigment, such as a pearlescent pigment or a thermochromic pigment.

Additives may include smoke modifiers (eg, flavorants). Flavoring agents can be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and the like. Smoke modifiers (eg, flavorants) may be applied to the filter material in liquid form. Smoke modifiers (eg, flavorants) may be liquefied prior to application to the filter material, eg, by heating above their melting point, eg, by mixing with a liquid carrier. A smoke modifier (eg, flavorant) may be mixed with a plasticizer and applied, for example, by spraying a mixture of smoke modifier (eg, flavorant) and plasticizer onto the filter material. Preferred smoke modifiers (eg flavorants) are menthol or clove. For example, the additive can be sepiolite granules to which a menthol flavorant has been applied.

A mouthpiece or filter element of the present invention may have a variable wall thickness due to the presence of one or more ridges on the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. The wall thickness at its narrowest point may be 0.6 mm to 2.3 mm, such as 1.8 to 2.3 mm.

A particular channel or each channel may be defined by a continuous extruded element, for example formed from a plastics material.

A particular channel or each channel may be surrounded by a filter material.

Preferably, the or each channel is defined by a filter material, for example such that the or each channel is surrounded by the filter material. In this configuration, the longitudinally extending core of filter material includes an outer surface and one or more inner surfaces, wherein the or each inner surface defines a particular channel or each channel and the particular inner surface or Each inner surface extends about the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element (e.g., along the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel), (e.g., about the longitudinal axis of the channel), e.g. It may include one or more ridges extending spirally (around the central axis), the one or more ridges being defined by the filter material. One or more ridges may protrude from the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. The or each channel may be generally cylindrical, although other shaped channels are possible, for example channels that are generally semi-cylindrical. While a particular or each channel may be generally cylindrical, the cross-section is not circular, e.g., the cross-section includes one or more ridges extending from the edge of the circle toward the center of the circle. , a cross, a rectangle, or a modified circle. Non-circular cross-sections and varying cross-sections along the length of a particular channel or each channel provide a unique appearance that can help combat counterfeiting.

A particular or each channel may extend a portion of the length of the core of filter material. Alternatively, the or each channel can extend along the entire length of the core. Preferably, the or each channel extends from the mouth end of the core of filter material so that the mouth end of the filter element or mouthpiece can be useful to combat counterfeiting while at the same time Have an unusual visual appearance that provides an interesting visual appearance to the user.

A particular or each channel may have a diameter at its widest point between 1.5 mm and 6 mm, such as between 1.5 mm and 5 mm.

For mouthpieces or filter elements having one channel, the channel is between 2 mm and 6 mm, such as between 3 mm and 5 mm, such as between 3.4 mm and 4.8 mm, such as between 3.5 mm and 4.7 mm at its widest point. , for example, may have a diameter of 3.7 mm or 4.5 mm.

For mouthpieces or filter elements having two or more channels, the diameter of each channel at their widest point is between 1.5 and 3 mm, such as between 1.8 mm and 3.0 mm, such as between 1.9 mm and It may be 3.0 mm, for example 2 mm.

One or more ridges can extend along a portion of the length of the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. Preferably, the ridge extends along the entire length of the inner surface of the or each channel. The ridge may have a width of 1.0 mm to 2 mm, such as 1.2 to 1.7 mm, such as 1.5 mm. The height of the ridges can be 0.2-1.5 mm.

The inner surface of a particular channel or each channel extends helically around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element, for example around the longitudinal axis of the channel, for example around the central longitudinal axis of the channel. It may contain 1, 2, 3 or 4 ridges present. Preferably, the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel is helical around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element, for example around the longitudinal axis of the channel, for example around the central longitudinal axis of the channel. It contains two protuberances that extend in a shape.

A mouthpiece or filter element may include more than one channel, eg, two, three, or four channels extending longitudinally from the end of the core.

The circumference of the mouthpiece or filter element can be 14-25 mm.

The length of the mouthpiece or filter element may be between 4.0 mm and 50 mm, such as between 5 mm and 32 mm.

The mouthpiece or filter element may be for use as part of a tobacco smoke filter or filter for smokable materials other than tobacco, such as marijuana. A mouthpiece or filter element of the present invention can be incorporated into a multi-segment filter as a single segment. This increases the number of functions that can be incorporated into the filter. For example, a mouthpiece or filter element according to any of the statements above can be combined with a further filter element containing an additive, eg a granular additive, eg activated carbon granules. The mouthpiece or filter element of the invention can be combined with a filter element comprising a capsule, eg a frangible capsule, eg a flavorant-containing capsule. The mouthpiece or filter element of the present invention can be combined with a filter element containing a flavorant, eg (menthol) or multiple flavorants.

The mouthpiece or filter element of the present invention can be incorporated into smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars and the like. The mouthpiece or filter element of the present invention can be incorporated into tobacco heating products or electronic cigarettes. A mouthpiece or filter element may also be used alone or as part of a filter assembled by a user to form a smoking article, eg, a roll-your-own smoking article.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a filter, eg a tobacco smoke filter, comprising a filter element according to any of the statements above. A filter, such as a tobacco smoke filter, may further comprise one or more additional filter elements. Such filters containing more than one filter element are sometimes called multi-segment filters.

One or more further filter elements may comprise a longitudinally extending core of filter material, as defined above. One or more additional filter elements may contain additives.

One or more additional filter elements may include fully enclosed (eg, embedded) pockets of additive embedded therein. The additive is, for example, activated carbon (see (see ). In another example, the fully enclosed (eg, embedded) pocket of additive can be a frangible capsule(s), or one or more frangible microcapsules. Capsules or microcapsules may contain various media such as flavorants (such as flavorants as described above) and/or smoke modifiers such as liquids, solids or other materials that aid in the filtration of smoke. can be The use of capsules or microcapsules is known in the art.

One or more additional filter elements may include flavorants provided in and/or on the threads. "Flavour Thread" filter elements are known in the art. Such filter elements typically incorporate longitudinally aligned thread or tape elements therein that carry smoke modifiers such as flavorants.

A filter may include an external wrapper, such as a plug wrap, that surrounds the filter element or one or more filter elements. The wrapper can be paper, eg, breathable paper. The weight of the wrapper is 20-50 grams per square meter, such as 27-35 grams per square meter. Particulate additives such as those described above may be applied to a wrapper or plugwrap surrounding the filter material, for example as described in GB 2261152. The further filter element can be wrapped by an external wrapper, eg a plug wrap, which surrounds the further filter element. Filter elements and further filter elements as defined according to any of the statements above may be wrapped together by an external wrapper such as a plugwrap. The outer wrapper can function to bind the filter element and secure it in place.

The filter may include a first filter element and a second filter element, the first filter element having a longitudinally extending core of filter material and one longitudinally extending from an end of the core. wherein the or each channel has a cruciform cross-section that varies longitudinally by rotating about the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element. The second filter element comprises a longitudinally extending core of filter material (eg, as defined above) and a capsule (eg, a frangible capsule) completely enclosed within the core of filter material. and Capsules may contain flavorants, smoke modifiers such as menthol, spearmint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and the like. The filter may include a plug wrap surrounding the first and second filter elements. A further plug wrap may individually surround the second filter element.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a smoking article comprising a filter, filter element or mouthpiece as described above. A smoking article may include a filter as described above joined to a wound rod of smoking material, such as tobacco smoking material. Generally, for smoking articles containing marijuana smoking material, the smoking article includes a mouthpiece according to any of the statements above. The smoking article may further comprise a tipping wrapper, eg tipping paper. The tipping wrapper couples the wound rod of smoking material to the filter or mouthpiece by engaging around the adjacent ends of the filter or mouthpiece and the wound rod of smoking material. The tipping wrapper can be configured to leave a portion of the outer surface of the filter/mouthpiece or filter wrapper exposed. The filter may be coupled to the wound rod of smoking material by a complete tipping wrapper that engages around the entire length of the filter or mouthpiece and the adjacent ends of the rod of smoking material.

Mouthpieces, filter elements, filters or smoking articles according to the invention may be non-ventilated or may be pre-perforated or ventilated by methods well known in the art, e.g. ) or by using tipping wrappers (tipping paper) and/or by laser perforation of filter wrappers and/or tipping wrappers. A mouthpiece, filter, filter element or smoking article according to the present invention is ventilated by laser perforation of a longitudinally extending core of filter material (and wrapper (plugwrap) and tipping wrapper (tipping paper), if present). can do. Air-permeable complete tipping wrappers (tipping papers) are likewise inherently breathable or ventilated, and there are both filter wrappers (plug wraps) and tipping wrappers (tipping papers). For air permeable products, ventilation via tipping wrappers (tipping paper) is usually coincident with ventilation via filter wrappers (plugwrap). Vents through the filter wrapper (plugwrap) or the tipping wrapper (tipping paper) or both at the same time can be made by laser drilling during manufacture of the mouthpiece, filter or filter element.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a plurality of rods comprising a plurality of mouthpieces or filter elements according to the invention arranged end-to-end in mirror image relationship.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a cooling element is provided that includes a longitudinally extending core of filter material and one or more channels longitudinally extending from ends of the core, wherein specific The or each channel has a non-circular cross-section that varies longitudinally by rotation about a longitudinal axis of the cooling element, eg, a longitudinal axis extending along the center of the channel.

A particular channel or each channel has its cross section at a first point along the length of the longitudinally extending core of the filter material along the length of the longitudinally extending core of the filter material. It is configured to be rotatable with respect to adjacent points. It will be appreciated that the cross-section of the or each channel may rotate more or less than 360° along the length of the or each channel.

Applicants have discovered that, in use, the aerosol produced by heating the tobacco is cooled as the aerosol passes through the or each channel. Applicants have found that the or each channel causes the aerosol to follow a non-linear, e.g., helical or spiral path through the or each channel, which has the effect of cooling the aerosol. .

A particular or each channel can have a cross-section that is a modified circle with one or more ridges extending from the edge of the circle toward the center of the circle. The cross-section of a particular channel or each channel may be a modified circle having two diametrically opposed ridges extending from the edges of the circle toward the center of the circle. Alternatively, a particular or each channel may have a cruciform or generally rectangular cross-section.

The or each channel may be defined around a longitudinal axis of the cooling element, e.g. around the longitudinal axis of the channel, e.g. around a central longitudinal axis of the channel (e.g. may include an inner surface including one or more ridges extending spirally (along the inner surface of the ). One or more protuberances protrude from the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. One or more ridges may be formed on the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel.

For a particular or each channel having a cross-section that is a modified circle with one or more ridges extending from the edge of the circle toward the center of the circle, the particular or each channel is generally cylindrical in shape. about the longitudinal axis of the cooling element, e.g. about the longitudinal axis of the channel, e.g. about the central longitudinal axis of the channel It includes one or more ridges extending spirally.

For the particular channel or each channel having a cruciform cross-section, the particular channel or each channel has a substantially cylindrical shape, in which case the particular channel or each channel has an inner surface that extends along the longitudinal axis of the cooling element. It includes four ridges extending spirally around, eg, around the longitudinal axis of the channel, eg, around the central longitudinal axis of the channel.

The cooling element may include a longitudinally extending core of filter material and one or more channels extending longitudinally from the ends of the core, the or each channel having an inner surface. and the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel extends about the longitudinal axis of the cooling element, e.g., about the longitudinal axis of the channel, e.g. may include one or more ridges extending spirally (along the inner surface of the or each channel). One or more protuberances protrude from the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. One or more ridges may be formed on the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel.

Applicants have discovered that, in use, the heated aerosol passing through the cooling element follows a helical or spiral path through the or each channel. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the helical path followed by the heated aerosol cools the aerosol.

It will be appreciated that the longitudinally extending core of filter material has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the longitudinally extending core of filter material can define a particular channel or channels. The distance between the outer and inner surfaces of the core is known as the wall thickness.

The longitudinally extending core of filter material is preferably generally cylindrical. A longitudinally extending core of filter material may have a circumference of 14 mm to 25 mm. The filter material can be a material conventionally used in the manufacture of tobacco smoke filters, such as wire, fibrous, web, or extruded material. The filter material can be natural or synthetic filament tow, for example cotton or polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene or cellulose acetate tow.

The filter material can be a thermoplastic or otherwise spinnable polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polylactic acid. Filter materials can be, for example, natural or synthetic staple fibres, cotton wool, paper (usually crepe paper) and web materials such as synthetic nonwovens, and extruded materials (eg starches, synthetic foams). Preferably, the filter material is a material that can be cured using a plasticizer. Preferably, the filter material comprises cellulose acetate filament tow.

The total denier of the filter material may be about 20,000-100,000 g per 9000 m, such as 20,000-80,000 g per 9000 m, such as 20,000-50,000 g per 9000 m.

When the filter material is formed from a single bale of tow, the total denier of the filter material is about 20,000 to 50,000 g per 9000 m, such as 30,000 g to 40,000 g per 9000 m, such as 30 g per 9000 m. ,000g to 38,000g, such as 30,000g, 32,000g, 33,000g, 37,000g, or 40,000g per 9000m.

When the filter material is formed from two bales of tow, the total denier of the filter material is about 40,000 to 100,000 g per 9000 m, such as 60,000 g to 80,000 g per 9000 m, such as 60,000 g per 9000 m. 000g to 76,000g, such as 60,000g, 64,000g, 66,000g, 74,000g, or 80,000g per 9000m.

The filament denier can be from 5g to 9g per 9000m, such as 5g, 7.3g, 8g, or 9.0g per 9000m.

Filter materials are usually described with reference to filament denier, total denier, and fiber cross-section. For example, filter materials may include tows having the following denier: 8.0Y40, 8.0Y32, 7.3Y33, or 9.0Y37. For example, a filter material having a denier of 8.0Y40 means that the filament denier is 8.0 g per 9000 m, the total denier is 40000 g per 9000 m, and the filaments have a Y-shaped cross-section.

The filter material may contain plasticizers. The filter material comprises about 12% to 24% by weight of the filter material and plasticizer, such as about 14% to 22% by weight of the filter material and plasticizer, such as about 16% to 20% by weight, such as about A total amount of plasticizer of 17% to 19%, eg, about 18% by weight may be included.

The total amount of plasticizer present in the cooling element is calculated as a percentage of the total weight of filter material and plasticizer using the general formula given below.

Percentage of plasticizer = total amount of plasticizer (g) x 100/(total amount of plasticizer (g) + total amount of filter material (g))

In the case of fibrous filter material such as filament tow, the plasticizer acts to stiffen the fibers of the filter material. By curing the fibers of the filter material, the shape definition of the cooling element, in particular the definition of the or each channel, can be improved. For example, the filter material may comprise plasticized fibers, such as plasticized tow, such as plasticized cellulose acetate tow. The formation of plasticized tows is known in the art. Plasticizers can be, for example, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). The plasticizer can be applied to the filter material by spraying the surface of the filter material using methods known in the art.

The filter material may optionally contain a binder material. The filter material may optionally contain a water-soluble binder material. Examples of water-soluble materials include water-soluble polymeric materials such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl ether, starch, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, water-soluble binders and triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), or polyethylene glycol. blends with plasticizers such as (PEG), and particulate hot-melt water-soluble binders. The inclusion of a water soluble binder material can further enhance the ability of the cooling element to disassemble easily and quickly, for example under environmental conditions.

The cooling elements of the present invention may have variable wall thickness due to the presence of one or more ridges on the inner surface of the particular channel or each channel. The wall thickness at its narrowest point may be 0.6 mm to 2.3 mm, such as 1.0 to 2.3 mm.

A particular channel or each channel may be defined by a continuous extruded element, for example formed from a plastics material.

Certain channels or each channel may be surrounded by a filter material.

Preferably, the or each channel is defined by a filter material, for example such that the or each channel is surrounded by the filter material. In this configuration, the longitudinally extending core of filter material includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a particular channel or each channel, and the inner surface (e.g., one or more ridges extending spirally about the longitudinal axis of the cooling element (e.g., about the longitudinal axis of the channel, e.g., about the central longitudinal axis of the channel). one or more ridges defined by the filter material. One or more ridges may protrude from the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. The or each channel may be generally cylindrical, although other shaped channels are possible, for example channels that are generally semi-cylindrical. While a particular or each channel may be generally cylindrical, the cross-section is not circular, e.g., the cross-section includes one or more ridges extending from the edge of the circle toward the center of the circle. , a cross, a rectangle, or a modified circle.

A particular or each channel may extend a portion of the length of the core of filter material. Alternatively, the or each channel can extend along the entire length of the core. Preferably, the or each channel extends from the mouth end of the core of filter material.

A particular or each channel may have a diameter at its widest point between 1.5 mm and 6 mm, such as between 1.5 mm and 5 mm.

For cooling elements having one channel, the channel may be 2 mm to 6 mm, such as 3 mm to 5 mm, such as 3.4 mm to 4.8 mm, such as 3.5 mm to 4.7 mm, such as 3.5 mm to 4.7 mm, at its widest point. It can have a diameter of 3.7 mm or 4.5 mm.

For cooling elements having two or more channels, the diameter of each channel at their widest point is between 1.5 and 3 mm, such as between 1.8 mm and 3.0 mm, such as between 1.9 mm and 3.0 mm. , for example 2 mm.

One or more ridges can extend along a portion of the length of the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. Preferably, the ridge extends along the entire length of the inner surface of the or each channel. The ridge may have a width of 1.0 mm to 2 mm, such as 1.2 to 1.7 mm, such as 1.5 mm. The height of the ridges can be 0.2-1.5 mm.

The inner surface of a particular channel or each channel extends 1 helically around the longitudinal axis of the cooling element, for example around the longitudinal axis of the channel, for example around the central longitudinal axis of the channel. , 2, 3 or 4 ridges. Preferably, the inner surface of the or each channel extends helically around the longitudinal axis of the cooling element, for example around the longitudinal axis of the channel, for example around the central longitudinal axis of the channel. including two ridges present.

A cooling element may include more than one channel, eg, two, three, or four channels extending longitudinally from the ends of the core.

The length of the cooling element may be 5-50 mm, such as 10-30 mm, such as 8-24 mm, such as 15-20 mm, such as 18 mm.

The circumference of the cooling element is 12-30 mm, such as 15-28 mm, such as 17-25 mm, such as 18-25 mm, such as 20-24 mm, such as 22-24 mm, such as 23 mm, such as 22 mm. obtain. The length of the cooling element can be from 4.0 mm to 50 mm, such as from 5 mm to 32 mm.

The cooling element of the present invention can be used as part of a heated aerosol generating system, which can form part of, for example, a heated cigarette.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a heated aerosol generating system comprising a cooling element as described by any statement above.

A heated aerosol generating system may include a rod of tobacco material, a heating element, a power source, one or more cooling elements according to any of the statements above, and a mouthpiece. One or more cooling elements can be positioned downstream of the heating element and tobacco rod. In use, the tobacco rod is heated thereby producing a heated aerosol. The heated aerosol then passes through one or more cooling elements, which act to cool the aerosol before it passes through the mouthpiece and into the user's mouth.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a plurality of rods comprising a plurality of cooling elements according to the invention arranged end-to-end in mirror image relationship.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element comprising drawing filter material through a molded element to form a longitudinally extending core of filter material. , wherein the shaping elements comprise rotating rods having non-circular cross-sections, the particular or each rotating rod forming one or more longitudinally extending channels within the core of the filter material; The or each channel has a cross-section that varies longitudinally by rotating about the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element.

The or each rod may be generally cylindrical and may include one or more grooves that form one or more ridges on the inner surface of the or each channel. , the one or more ridges spiral around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element, e.g. around the longitudinal axis of the channel, e.g. around the central longitudinal axis of the channel extended.

Certain rods or each rod may have a cruciform cross-section, or certain rods or each rod may have a rectangular cross-section.

The molding element may include a chamber from which a particular rotating rod or each rotating rod protrudes. The chamber may be cylindrical. As the filter material enters the chamber, the walls of the chamber shape the filter material into a longitudinally extending core of the filter material, eg, a cylindrical rod. As the filter material passes through the chamber, it passes around the particular or each protruding rotating rod, thereby forming one or more channels within the filter material. Rotation of the or each rod causes the cross-section of the or each channel to change longitudinally by rotating about the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending core.

For rods containing one or more grooves, the one or more grooves lead to the formation of one or more ridges on the inner surface of the channel. As the rod rotates and the filter material passes around the rod and into one or more grooves within the rod, one or more ridges are formed about the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending core of the filter material. It is formed on the inner surface of a spirally extending channel.

For rods with a cruciform cross-section, the channel formed will have a cruciform cross-section. Rotation of the rod defines a generally cylindrical channel, and the inner surface of the channel has a diameter around the longitudinal axis of the core of filter material, such as around the longitudinal axis of the channel, such as around the longitudinal center of the channel. Four spirally extending ridges are formed around the axis.

It will be appreciated that the diameter of the or each channel at its widest point is determined by the diameter of the or each rod at its widest point. The size and shape of any grooves in one or more rods may determine the size and shape of the ridges formed on the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel. Additionally, the number of grooves present on a particular rod or each rod may determine the number of ridges formed on the inner surface of the channel. The helical pitch of the ridges can be determined by the rotational speed at which the rod rotates and the speed at which the filter material is drawn through the shaping element.

The filter material may contain plasticizers. The filter material comprises about 12% to 24% by weight of the filter material and plasticizer, such as about 14% to 22% by weight of the filter material and plasticizer, such as about 16% to 20% by weight, such as about A total amount of plasticizer of 17% to 19%, eg, about 18% by weight may be included. Plasticizers can be, for example, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). The plasticizer can be applied to the filter material before it enters the molding element, for example the plasticizer can be sprayed onto the filter material before it enters the molding element.

The filter material can be a thermoplastic or otherwise spinnable polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polylactic acid. Filter materials can be, for example, natural or synthetic staple fibres, cotton wool, paper (usually crepe paper) and web materials such as synthetic nonwovens, and extruded materials (eg starches, synthetic foams). Preferably, the filter material is a material that can be cured using a plasticizer. Preferably, the filter material comprises cellulose acetate filament tow.

The total denier of the filter material may be about 20,000-100,000 g per 9000 m, such as 20,000-80,000 g per 9000 m, such as 20,000-50,000 g per 9000 m.

When the filter material is formed from a single bale of tow, the total denier of the filter material is about 20,000 to 50,000 g per 9000 m, such as 30,000 g to 40,000 g per 9000 m, such as 30 g per 9000 m. ,000g to 38,000g, such as 30,000g, 32,000g, 33,000g, 37,000g, or 40,000g per 9000m.

When the filter material is formed from two bales of tow, the total denier of the filter material is about 40,000 to 100,000 g per 9000 m, such as 60,000 g to 80,000 g per 9000 m, such as 60,000 g per 9000 m. 000g to 76,000g, such as 60,000g, 64,000g, 66,000g, 74,000g, or 80,000g per 9000m.

The filament denier can be from 5g to 9g per 9000m, such as 5g, 7.3g, 8g, or 9.0g per 9000m.

Filter materials are usually described with reference to filament denier, total denier, and fiber cross-section. For example, filter materials may include tows having the following denier: 8.0Y40, 8.0Y32, 7.3Y33, or 9.0Y37. For example, a filter material having a denier of 8.0Y40 means that the filament denier is 8.0 g per 9000 m, the total denier is 40000 g per 9000 m, and the filaments have a Y-shaped cross-section.

The filter material may optionally contain a binder material. The filter material may optionally contain a water-soluble binder material. Examples of water-soluble materials include water-soluble polymeric materials such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl ether, starch, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, water-soluble binders and triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), or polyethylene glycol. blends with plasticizers such as (PEG), and particulate hot-melt water-soluble binders. The inclusion of a water soluble binder material can further enhance the ability of the filter to be easily and quickly degraded, for example under environmental conditions.

Depending on the method of making the mouthpiece or filter element, the filter material may contain additives. The additive can be a particulate additive. The particulate additive can be any particulate additive suitable for use in smoke filters, such as activated carbon, zeolites, ion exchange resins (such as weakly basic anion exchange resins), sepiolite, silica gel, alumina , molecular sieves, carbonaceous polymer resins, and diatomaceous earth. A particulate additive can be a mixture of two or more materials. The additive can be a pigment, such as a pearlescent pigment or a thermochromic pigment.

Additives may include smoke modifiers (eg, flavorants). Flavoring agents can be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and the like. Smoke modifiers (eg, flavorants) may be applied to the filter material in liquid form. Smoke modifiers (eg, flavorants) may be liquefied prior to application to the filter material, eg, by heating above their melting point, eg, by mixing with a liquid carrier. A smoke modifier (eg, flavorant) may be mixed with a plasticizer and applied, for example, by spraying a mixture of smoke modifier (eg, flavorant) and plasticizer onto the filter material. Preferred smoke modifiers (eg flavorants) are menthol or clove. For example, the additive can be sepiolite granules to which a menthol flavorant has been applied.

The method may include heating the filter material as it passes through the shaping element. Heating causes the plasticized filter material to harden, thereby setting the filter material and thereby maintaining the shape formed by the molded element. Heat can be applied to the filter material by applying steam, for example superheated steam. Steam may be applied through inlets in the molding element so that the filter material is heated as it passes through the molding element.

The method may include applying cooling air to the filter material after it has passed through the shaping element. The cooling air may have a temperature of 20°C to 26°C, such as 22°C to 25°C, such as 22°C to 24.5°C.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is an end view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the present invention; 1 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the invention; FIG. 1 is a side view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the invention; FIG. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element shown in Figure 3; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element shown in Figure 3; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional end view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is an end view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the present invention; 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is an end view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the present invention; 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to the invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-segment filter according to the invention; FIG.

FIG. 1 shows an end view of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element according to an embodiment of the invention. Mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element 100 includes a longitudinally extending core of filter material 102 . The core of filter material is generally cylindrical (see Figure 2). The core of the filter material comprises cellulose acetate tow with triacetin as plasticizer in an amount of 18% by weight of the filter material and plasticizer. The cellulose acetate tow has a filament denier of 7.3 grams per 1000m and a total denier of 36000 grams per 1000m (7.3Y36). Mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element 100 also includes a channel 104 extending longitudinally through core 102 from an end of core 102 . Channels 104 are defined by the filter material that forms core 102 . The channels are surrounded by filter material. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, channel 104 is centrally located with respect to core 102 and is generally cylindrical. The circumference of the mouthpiece or filter element is 23.4 mm.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element includes an outer surface 106 defining a longitudinally extending core 102 . As shown in FIG. 2, core 102 extends along a longitudinal axis (l). A longitudinally extending core 102 includes an inner surface 108 that defines a channel 104 . Channel 104 extends along longitudinal axis l of core 102 . The distance between the outer surface 106 and the inner surface 108 is known as the wall thickness and is 1.2 mm. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner surface 108 includes two ridges 110 that extend spirally around the longitudinal axis (l) of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element. The ridge 110 extends along the inner surface 108 of the channel 104 and the ridge 110 protrudes from the inner surface 108 of the channel 104 . Two ridges 110 are integral with inner surface 108 and defined by the filter material that makes up core 102 .

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element along the plane defined by the y-axis and l-axis shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element along line AA as shown in FIG. The channel cross-section shown in FIG. 4 includes a modified circle having two diametrically opposed ridges extending from the edges of the circle toward the center of the circle. The diametrically opposed raised portions correspond to ridges 110 that extend spirally around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element. It will be appreciated that the irregular cross-sections of mouthpieces and filter elements of the present invention can be useful in combating counterfeiting. As shown in FIG. 4, the cross-section of channel 104 is rotated with respect to the channel cross-section shown at the end of filter element 100, as shown in FIG.

The ridges 110 extend spirally with respect to the longitudinal axis (l) of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element, such that the location of the ridges relative to the circumference of the channel is aligned with the filter element, mouthpiece, or cooling element. or varies along the length of the cooling element. Such uneven cross-section along the length of the filter element or mouthpiece provides additional anti-counterfeiting properties.

FIG. 5 shows a further cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element along line BB as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the cross-section of channel 104 is rotated with respect to both the cross-section shown in FIG. 4 and the end cross-section shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a further filter element or mouthpiece 200 according to the invention. The filter element or mouthpiece 200 shown in FIG. 6 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but spirally around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element, of channels 204 . It includes four ridges 210 extending along the inner surface.

FIG. 7 shows an end view of a further filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element 300 according to the invention and FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view thereof. The filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element 300 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-6 except that the filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element shown in FIGS. 300 has a channel 304 with a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section of the channel varies longitudinally of the core by rotating the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element about its longitudinal axis.

FIG. 9 shows an end view of a further filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element 400 according to the invention and FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view thereof. The filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element 400 shown in FIG. 10 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-8, except that the filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element 400 shown in FIGS. It has a channel 404 with a cruciform cross-section. The cross-section of the channel varies longitudinally of the core by rotating the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element about its longitudinal axis.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a further filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element 500 according to the invention. The filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element 500 shown in Figure 11 is similar to that shown in Figures 1-5, but includes two channels 504a and 504b. Each channel 504a, 504b includes ridges 510a and 510b that extend spirally around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, filter element, or cooling element.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a further filter element, mouthpiece or cooling element 600 according to the invention. The filter element, mouthpiece, or cooling element 600 shown in Figure 12 is similar to that shown in Figures 1-5, but includes three channels 604a, 604b, and 604c. Each channel 604a, 604b, 604c includes ridges 610a, 610b, and 610c that extend spirally around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, filter element, or cooling element.

Any of the mouthpieces or filter elements shown in FIGS. 1-12 can form part of a multi-segment filter included in a smoking article such as a cigarette. Some smoking articles, such as smoking articles containing marijuana, include a mouthpiece as described herein and do not include additional filter elements, such as filter elements included in multi-segment filters.

In use, smoke travels through the mouthpiece or filter element and the smoke follows a helical path within the channel, which means that the smoke exiting the mouthpiece or filter element spirals in, for example, the user's mouth. It means to follow the path. As explained in more detail in the examples below, the helical path followed by the smoke affects the mouthfeel of the smoke.

The cooling element may form part of a heated aerosol generating system, which may form part of a non-combustible product such as heated cigarettes. A heated aerosol generating system generally includes a heating element, a power source, a tobacco rod, one or more cooling elements, and a mouthpiece. A cooling element as described herein can be incorporated into a heated aerosol generating system between the mouthpiece and the tobacco rod. In use, the heating element heats the tobacco rod to form an aerosol. The aerosol then enters the cooling element and is cooled by the cooling element. The channel configuration causes the aerosol to follow a helical path through the cooling element, thereby reducing the temperature of the aerosol.

The filter element, mouthpiece and cooling element shown in Figures 1-12 can be manufactured by the following process.

A continuously advancing plasticized tow is drawn into the molding element. The molding element comprises a generally cylindrical chamber from which a rod (mandrel) protrudes.

The shape of the rod determines the cross-sectional shape of the channel. For example, the rods used to make the mouthpieces, filter elements or cooling elements shown in FIGS. 1-5 have two diametrically opposed grooves extending along the length of the cylindrical rod. is a containing cylinder. The rod used to make the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element shown in FIG. 6 is a cylinder with two pairs of diametrically opposed grooves. The rods used to make the mouthpieces, filter elements or cooling elements shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 have a rectangular cross-section and the mouthpieces, filter elements or cooling elements shown in The rods used to form the cooling elements have a cruciform cross-section.

In the case of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element as shown in Figure 11, the molding element includes two protruding mandrels. In the case of a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element as shown in Figure 12, the molding element includes three protruding mandrels.

The chamber also includes a steam inlet for allowing superheated steam to enter the chamber. The rod is connected to an external motor, which rotates the rod.

As the plasticized tow advances into the chamber, the tow is formed into a longitudinally extending cylindrical core by the inner walls of the chamber. The chamber functions as a die. The tow is forced around the rod while the tow is being molded by the inner walls of the chamber, thereby forming channels in the core, which are defined by the filter material. The channel shape is defined by rods as explained above. As the filter material passes through the chamber, rotation of the rod forms a longitudinally extending channel, and rotation about the central longitudinal axis of the channel varies the channel cross-section longitudinally. In the case of rods containing grooves, such as those used to make mouthpieces, filter elements, or cooling elements shown in FIGS. 1-6, the grooves in the rod define ridges on the inner surface of the channel. Rotation of the rod and consequent rotation of the groove forms a ridge on the inner surface of the channel that extends along the inner surface of the channel and follows a helical path around the longitudinal axis of the channel. By controlling the speed of rotation of the rod and the speed with which the tow is drawn through the chamber, the helical pitch of the ridges can be varied. The depth and width of each ridge can be modified by changing the depth and width of each groove in the rod. The rod may include additional grooves if additional ridges are desired. For example, the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element shown in Figure 6 uses a rod with four grooves.

In the case of a cruciform rod, the rod forms a channel with a cruciform cross-section. As the rod rotates, a generally cylindrical channel is formed in the core and the triangular gaps between adjacent prongs of the cruciform rod form ridges on the inner surface of the channel.

For a rod with a rectangular cross-section, this means that rotation of the rod changes the cross-section of the channel longitudinally by rotating along the longitudinal length of the core.

The diameter of the channel at its widest point can be varied by changing the diameter of the rod at its widest point. Similarly, the diameter of the core of filter material can be varied by modifying the diameter of the cylindrical chamber. If a channel without ridges extending along its entire length is desired, the rod can be modified to include grooves that do not extend along the entire length of the rod.

Superheated steam enters the chamber through the inlet and heats the plasticized tow. The action of heat acts to harden the plasticized tow, thereby hardening the filter material, thereby retaining its shape after leaving the molding element.

The filter material discharges from the molding element in the form of a generally cylindrical longitudinally extending core, which includes longitudinally extending channels within the core. For rods containing two grooves, the channel contains two ridges that extend spirally along the inner surface of the channel about the longitudinal axis of the channel.

The tow may be plasticized as part of the process described above before the tow enters the shaping element, e.g. continuously advancing tow is plasticized at a plasticizing station located before the shaping element. can be sprayed. Alternatively, the plasticizer can be pre-applied to the tow in a separate process.

The substantially cylindrical longitudinally-extending core may be further treated with steam and then cooled by a series of air jets to cut the substantially cylindrical longitudinally-extending core into a series of Form individual filter elements, mouthpieces or cooling elements.

FIG. 13 shows a multi-segment filter 700 including filter elements 400 similar to those shown in FIGS. Filter element 400 includes a longitudinally extending core of filter material 402 . The core is generally cylindrical as shown in FIG. Filter element 400 also includes channels 404 that extend longitudinally along the length of core 402 from the ends of core 402 . Channels 404 are defined by the filter material forming core 402, and the channels are surrounded by the filter material. Channel 404 is centrally located with respect to core 402 . Channel 404 has a generally cruciform cross-section. As shown in the cross-sectional view portion of FIG. 13, the cross-section of channel 404 changes longitudinally by rotating filter element 400 about its longitudinal axis.

As shown in the cross-sectional portion of FIG. 13, the channel includes four ridges 410 that extend spirally around the longitudinal axis of filter element 400 .

Multi-segment filter 700 also includes a second filter element 710 . The second filter element 710 includes a longitudinally extending core of filter material 720 . As shown in the second cross-sectional portion of FIG. 13, the second filter element 710 includes a capsule 740 completely encased within a core of filter material 720 . The capsule can be a breakable capsule containing smoke modifiers such as flavorants. It will be appreciated that other additives may be included in the core. The second filter element 710 is wrapped with a first plug wrap 750, and the first filter element 400 and the second filter element 710 form the first filter element and the wrapped second filter element. Wrapped together with a second plug wrap 760 that functions to hold them together.

The second filter element can be made according to standard methods known in the art. The first filter element and the second filter element can be bonded and wound using standard manufacturing methods known in the art.

Four filter cigarettes containing filter elements according to the invention were prepared along with four control filter cigarettes. Filtered cigarettes according to the present invention were prepared based on standard commercial kretek (clove flavored) tobacco cigarettes. A standard 27 mm monocellulose acetate filter was removed from the cigarette and replaced with a multi-segment filter according to the invention. The multi-segment filter of the present invention included a 20 mm stripped standard monocellulose acetate filter section bonded to a filter element of the present invention having a length of 7 mm.

Control cigarettes included a multi-segment filter comprising a 20 mm monocellulose acetate filter bonded to a 7 mm standard tube filter.

Four users smoked filter cigarettes. Users reported that compared to control cigarettes, filtered cigarettes containing filter elements of the present invention had a spicier taste and produced more evenly distributed tobacco smoke in the mouth. Users reported that control cigarettes containing standard tube filter elements produced smoke that was concentrated on the tongue.

A filter cigarette containing a single filter element was assembled as shown in FIG. Additional filtered cigarettes were assembled containing a single filter element, as shown in FIGS.

A filtered cigarette was assembled comprising a single standard tube filter element containing channels of continuous cross-section.

Each type of filtered cigarette was tested by smoking under standard conditions to determine total nicotine-free dry particulate matter (NFDPM) acquisition (according to standards ISO 17025, ISO 3308, ISO 4387).

Applicants have discovered that cigarettes containing filter elements of the present invention have lower NFDPM pick-up than cigarettes containing a single standard tube filter element.

A filter cigarette was assembled. Filtered cigarettes included a multi-segment filter comprising a single standard 7 mm tube filter element bonded to a 20 mm monoacetate filter. A standard tube filter contained channels with a continuous cross-section. A multi-segment filter was attached to the tobacco rod. Additional filtered cigarettes were constructed to include multi-segment filters containing either filter element A, B, or C. Filter elements A, B, or C were each 7 mm in length.

Filter element A is a single filter element as shown in FIGS. 1-5.

Filter element B is a single filter element as shown in FIGS.

Filter element C is a single filter element as shown in FIGS.

Total Particulate Matter (TPM) was measured for each filter element tested. Total particulate matter in mainstream smoke exiting the filters was measured by performing a smoking test under standard conditions using a method according to ISO 4387. Total particulate matter collected by the filters was measured using gravimetric analysis. Filters were also extracted using isopropanol and the extracted mixture was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) to determine total nicotine. This analysis was performed according to standard ISO10315. The extracted mixture was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to a thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD) to determine the total amount of water. This analysis was performed according to standard ISO10362.

Calculate the total amount of nicotine-free dry particulate matter NFDPM (tar) by the following formula.

NFDPM = TPM-nicotine-water (mg/cig)

Tar and nicotine retention were calculated according to the following formulas.

Nicotine retention (%) = nicotine in filter (mg) x 100%/(nicotine in mainstream smoke + nicotine in filter (mg))

NFDPM retention rate (%) = NFDPM in filter (mg) x 100%/(NFDPM in mainstream smoke + NFDPM in filter (mg))

The total amount of nicotine in the filter after smoking was measured according to the method described above. The total amount of NFDPM in the filter after smoking was calculated as above.

The NFDPM retention and nicotine retention results are summarized in Table 1 below.

As shown in Table 1 above, the filters of the present invention (including filter elements A, B and C) exhibited much higher NFDPM retention compared to standard tube filters. Furthermore, with the exception of filter element A, the filter elements of the present invention exhibited equal or higher nicotine retention compared to standard tube filters.

A cooling element according to the invention was prepared. The cooling element was constructed as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and as described above. The cooling element had a length of 18 mm and a circumference of 22.53 mm.

A comparative cooling element having a length of 18 mm was also formed from crimped polylactic acid (PLA) filter material.

A cooling element according to the invention and a comparative cooling element were each incorporated into separate tobacco heating product devices, which were smoked using a linear smoking machine under conditions conforming to standard ISO 20778.

The total amount of hydroquinone, resorcinol, and catechol in the vapor exiting the device was measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD).

The results of these tests are shown in Table 2 below.

As shown in Table 2, the cooling element of the present invention significantly reduced the amount of hydroquinone, resorcinol, and catechol present in the vapor exiting the device.

Claims (29)

a longitudinally extending core of filter material;
one or more channels extending longitudinally from the ends of the core;
A mouthpiece or filter element comprising
A mouthpiece or filter element wherein the or each channel has a non-circular cross-section that varies in the longitudinal direction by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element. 2. A mouthpiece or filter element according to claim 1, wherein the or each channel has a cross-section that is a modified circle with one or more ridges extending towards the center of the circle. 2. A mouthpiece or filter element according to claim 1, wherein the or each channel has a cruciform or rectangular cross-section. 4. A claim according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel comprises one or more ridges extending spirally around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element. mouthpiece or filter element. A mouthpiece or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending core of filter material and one or more channels extending longitudinally from the ends of said core, the or each channel defining an inner surface. wherein the inner surface of the or each channel comprises one or more ridges extending spirally around the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece or filter element. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each channel is defined by the filter material. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each channel extends along the entire length of the core. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said one or more ridges extend along the entire length of the inner surface of said channel. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said one or more ridges are integrally formed with the inner surface of said channel. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the inner surface of a particular channel or each channel comprises two ridges. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising 2, 3 or 4 channels. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumference of the longitudinally extending core of filter material is between 14 mm and 25 mm. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinally extending core of filter material has a total denier of 20000-100000 g per 9000 m. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter material comprises cellulose acetate. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter material comprises a plasticizer. A filter comprising a filter element according to any one of claims 1-15. 17. The filter of Claim 16, comprising a further filter element coupled to the first filter element. 18. A filter according to claim 17, wherein said further filter element comprises an additive. A first filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and a second filter element coupled to said first filter element, said second filter element being made of smoke filter material. 19. A device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising a longitudinally extending core and a capsule completely encased within the core of smoke filter material, said capsule containing a smoke modifier. filter. A filter according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein said channel has a cruciform cross-section. A plurality of rods comprising a plurality of mouthpieces or filter elements according to any one of claims 1 to 15 joined end-to-end in mirror image relationship. A mouthpiece or filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the mouthpiece, filter element or filter is joined to a rod of smokable material. A smoking article comprising the filter of any preceding paragraph. a longitudinally extending core of filter material;
one or more channels extending longitudinally from the ends of the core;
A cooling element comprising
A cooling element wherein the or each channel has a non-circular cross-section that varies in the longitudinal direction by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the cooling element. a longitudinally extending core of filter material;
one or more channels extending longitudinally from the ends of the core;
A cooling element comprising
The or each channel has an inner surface, the inner surface of the or each channel including one or more ridges extending spirally around the longitudinal axis of the cooling element. element. A heated aerosol generating system comprising a cooling element according to claim 23 or 24. A method of manufacturing a mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element comprising drawing filter material through a molded element to form a longitudinally extending core of filter material, the method comprising:
Said shaping element comprises one or more rotating rods having a non-circular cross-section, the or each rotating rod forming one or more channels within the core of said filter material, and the particular channel or wherein each channel has a cross-section that varies in the longitudinal direction by rotating about the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element. The or each rod includes one or more grooves forming one or more ridges on the inner surface of the or each channel, said one or more ridges being associated with said mouthpiece, filter element or cooling element. 27. The method of claim 26, extending helically around the longitudinal axis. 28. A method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said filter material comprises a plasticizer. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the filter material is heated as it passes through the shaping element.

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