JP3190304U - Smoking article having an outer wrapper with a notch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a smoking article having an alternative means for a consumer to visually recognize a part of the smoking article and to provide an outer wrapper having a more acceptable feel to the lips. SOLUTION: A mouthpiece 14 axially aligned with an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the smoking article 10 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate 12 and one or more segments 16 in which at least one incorporates particulate flavor material. Includes a substantially transparent wrapper 18 that surrounds the mouthpiece along at least a portion of the length of the mouthpiece, and an outer wrapper 20 of chipping material that surrounds the mouthpiece. The outer wrapper comprises at least one notch 22 that overlaps the substantially transparent wrapper, extends shorter than the entire circumference of the mouthpiece, and exposes the area of the substantially transparent wrapper. A part of the mouthpiece underneath becomes visible through. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a novel smoking article having a mouthpiece surrounded by an outer wrapper having a notch for viewing a portion of the mouthpiece, and a method of manufacturing such a smoking article.

  Filtered cigarettes are typically axially aligned with a tobacco cut filler cylindrical rod surrounded by a paper wrapper and end-to-end contact with the rolled tobacco rod A cylindrical filter. Usually, the rolled tobacco rod and filter are typically joined by a tipping wrapper formed of a strip of paper material surrounding the entire length of the filter and the adjacent portion of the rolled tobacco rod. Is done.

  A number of smoking articles have been proposed in the art that heat tobacco without burning it. In heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by heating a flavor generating substrate such as tobacco. Known heated smoking articles include, for example, electrically heated smoking articles, and smoking articles that generate an aerosol by transferring heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separate aerosol forming material. During smoking, heat transfer from the fuel element releases volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming material and entrains the air inhaled through the smoking article. This released compound condenses as it cools to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

  In the past, it has been proposed to provide a wrapper formed of at least partially transparent material on the smoking article so that at least a portion of the smoking article is visible through the wrapper. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,047,033 has a chipping wrapper formed of a transparent sheet or film material, such as a transparent polymer or cellulose material, which allows the consumer to observe the effectiveness of the underlying filter. Discloses a filter. Patent document 2 also has a chipping wrapper formed of a transparent material, but an opaque coating is applied to a part of the chipping wrapper, and only a part of the underlying filter is visible. Disclosure.

  However, the use of such transparent polymer or cellulosic materials can be unattractive to consumers because the mouthfeel of the material is different compared to conventional chipping paper. In particular, the tactile sensation of the transparent material is generally very different from that of the paper material, which gives the consumer a different feel when the filter is applied to the lips during smoking.

US Pat. No. 5,396,909 International Publication No. 2009/106374 Pamphlet European Patent 1,958,523 European Patent 1,571,933

  It would be desirable to provide a smoking article having a novel and alternative means for providing an outer wrapper that allows a consumer to see a portion of the smoking article and has a more acceptable feel to the lips. It is particularly desirable if such smoking articles can be assembled using standard packaging equipment and techniques.

  In accordance with the present invention, an aerosol generating substrate, a mouthpiece comprising one or more segments axially aligned with the aerosol generating substrate and at least one incorporating particulate flavoring material, and the length of the mouthpiece A smoking article is provided that includes a substantially transparent wrapper that surrounds the mouthpiece along at least a portion and an outer wrapper that surrounds the mouthpiece. The outer wrapper overlies the substantially transparent wrapper and includes at least one notch that extends shorter than the entire circumference of the mouthpiece and exposes an area of the substantially transparent wrapper, through which the particulate flavorant The part under the mouthpiece segment containing the material becomes visible.

  The term “substantially transparent” is used to describe a material that allows transmission of at least a significant proportion of incident light, and thus becomes visible through the material. In the present invention, the substantially transparent wrapper allows sufficient light transmission for the mouthpiece to be visible through the wrapper. A substantially transparent wrapper may be completely transparent. Alternatively, the wrapper may have a low level of transparency if it still transmits enough light to be visible through the wrapper.

  The thickness of the substantially transparent wrapper is preferably at least 25 micrometers, more preferably from 25 micrometers to 75 micrometers. The basis weight of the substantially transparent wrapper is preferably at least 40 grams per square meter (gsm), more preferably from 40 gsm to 80 gsm. Materials suitable for use as the substantially transparent wrapper of the smoking article according to the present invention include, but are not limited to cellophane and polypropylene. Suitable substantially transparent wrappers of various grades, thicknesses and basis weights are commercially available from various sources. For example, (not listed for violations of public order and morals) produces a variety of different grades of these materials.

  In some cases, the substantially transparent wrapper can be colored or colored, or a repeating pattern or other type of figure can be applied thereto. For example, a substantially transparent wrapper can have an embossed pattern on the surface. The embossed pattern reduces the surface area of the substantially transparent wrapper that contacts the consumer's lips, reducing any unattractive mouthfeel of the substantially transparent wrapper. In some cases, the image of the area of the mouthpiece that is visible through the notch in the outer wrapper is visually altered by the substantially transparent wrapper.

  In a smoking article according to the present invention, a portion of the mouthpiece containing particulate flavoring material is visible to the consumer through a window formed by a notch in the outer wrapper and an area under the substantially transparent wrapper. Is possible. The outer wrapper need not be formed of a transparent material and can therefore be formed of alternative materials that provide the desired feel and surface properties. The outer wrapper is preferably opaque. As in conventional cigarettes, the outer wrapper is preferably chipping paper formed of a cellulose paper sheet material. In this way, the outer wrapper gives the consumer an uncomfortable feel and mouthfeel.

  The position and size of the notch is determined such that the notch overlaps the segment of the mouthpiece that incorporates the particulate flavoring material and the particulate flavoring material in the mouthpiece is visible. Further, the location and size of the notch portion within the outer wrapper can be advantageously defined such that the substantially transparent wrapper exposed through the notch portion does not contact the consumer's lips during smoking. However, the exposed surface area of the substantially transparent wrapper is typically a chipping wrapper composed entirely of transparent film material, even when the notch contacts the consumer's lips during smoking. It is small compared to the surface area. This relatively small surface area limits the bad feel that can be caused by the use of a substantially transparent film.

  At least one notch portion extends less than the entire circumference of the mouthpiece, so that it is convenient with a single piece of sheet material that the outer wrapper can be wrapped around the mouthpiece using standard equipment and techniques Can be formed. The outer wrapper remains an integral outer wrapper even when the notch is removed from the outer wrapper.

  The at least one notch portion can be any suitable shape including, but not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, a square, a triangle, a diamond, or a rectangle. A single notch can be provided in the outer wrapper, or two or more notches spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article or the circumferential direction of the smoking article, or both Can be provided. This allows the consumer to see different parts or segments that may or may not have the same appearance. For example, when the mouthpiece has a plurality of different segments, the cutout portions can be arranged so that a large number of segments can be visually recognized. Where two or more notch portions are provided, the notch portions may be the same size and shape, or at least one of the size and shape may be different.

  It is preferred that an outer wrapper is provided over the substantially transparent wrapper and is glued or laminated onto the substantially transparent wrapper.

  The particulate flavoring material includes at least one flavoring material capable of releasing a flavor into the smoke produced by the smoking article during smoking. The particulate flavoring material preferably contains a vegetable material.

  In certain preferred embodiments, the particulate flavoring material can comprise an adsorbent or cellulose material particle impregnated with a liquid flavoring material. In some preferred embodiments, the particulate flavoring material can comprise plant leaf particles as described in US Pat. For example, the filter segment can include tobacco, green tea, peppermint, spearmint, laurel, eucalyptus, basil, sage, verbena, and tarragon leaves. Furthermore, mint plant parts can also be used. The term “mint” refers to a plant belonging to the genus Mentha. The plant material can alternatively be in the form of seeds, roots, skins or flowers, such as those commonly used as spices.

  If desired, the particulate flavoring material can be colored, for example, by adding an appropriate dye or pigment. For example, the particulate flavoring material can be of a color corresponding to the flavor that the material provides, such as green to mint flavor.

  The mouthpiece of a smoking article according to the present invention can alternatively comprise a particulate material that does not include a flavoring agent, such as a bead or granule of cellulosic material or adsorbent.

  A smoking article according to the present invention can be a cigarette with a filter or other smoking article that burns tobacco material or another combustible material to generate smoke. Alternatively, the smoking article according to the present invention can be an article in which the material is heated without being burned to generate an aerosol. In one type of heated smoking article, tobacco material or another aerosol generating material is heated by one or more electrothermal elements to generate an aerosol. In another type of heated smoking article, the aerosol transfers heat from a flammable or chemical heat source to a physically separate aerosol forming material that can be located inside, around or downstream of the heat source. Caused by.

  In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate of the smoking article includes a tobacco rod and the mouthpiece includes a filter including one or more filter segments. Both the substantially transparent wrapper and the outer wrapper surround the one or more filter segments along at least a portion of the length of the filter and have a portion under the filter that includes particulate flavoring material. It is preferable that it is visible through the notch portion of the outer wrapper. In one particular preferred embodiment, the outer wrapper is a tipping paper that joins the tobacco rod to the filter.

  When the mouthpiece of a smoking article according to the present invention comprises a filter, the filter may be formed of a single segment or a multi-segment filter comprising two or more filter segments connected longitudinally It is good. Where two or more filter segments are provided, the filter segments may be of the same configuration and material as each other, but may have different configurations or include different filter materials or additives. More preferred. The particulate flavoring material can be provided in a single filter segment, or in two or more filter segments. The same or different particulate flavoring material can be provided in two or more filter segments. The position of the notch in the outer wrapper can be adjusted to select which of the filter segments are visible.

  A substantially transparent wrapper can surround the filter along the entire length of the filter. Alternatively, a substantially transparent wrapper can surround the filter along only a portion of the filter length. In the latter case, the substantially transparent wrapper needs to surround the filter segment or the portion of the filter segment that is under the notch in the outer wrapper in the assembled smoking article.

  Preferably, the at least one notch in the outer wrapper is provided at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm from the periphery of the outer wrapper adjacent to the filter rod end. If the outer wrapper is a chipping wrapper that extends only between about 2 mm and 5 mm from the end of the filter rod along the tobacco rod, the distance of this notch is not the tobacco rod Guarantees that it overlaps the filter.

  If the filter includes a single segment, the substantially transparent wrapper can be a plug wrap that surrounds the filter material. If the filter includes two or more segments, the segments are typically wound within a plug wrap. Any or all of the two or more segments can be individually wound into the plug wrap. The filter segment under the notch in the outer wrapper is preferably surrounded by a substantially transparent plug wrap. One or more filter segments that are not visible through the notch in the outer wrapper can be wrapped in an opaque paper plug wrap in a conventional manner. The filter segments can then be joined together in a conventional manner using a substantially transparent wrapper.

  In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mouthpiece comprises a multi-segment filter including a filter segment that includes a filtering material, the particulate flavoring material is dispersed through the filtering material, and a portion of the filter segment is Visible through at least one notch window in the outer wrapper. In such embodiments, the particulate material within the filter segment is visible to the consumer.

  The filtration material in the filter segment is preferably a plug of fibrous filtration material such as cellulose acetate tow or paper. The filter plasticizer can be applied to the fiber filtration material in a conventional manner, preferably by spraying on the separated fibers before applying the particulate material to the filtration material.

  As an alternative to or in addition to the filter segments described above, the multi-segment filter may include a hollow cavity that is at least partially filled with particulate material, wherein the at least partially filled cavity A portion is visible through at least one notch window in the outer wrapper. Therefore, the particulate material in the cavity is visible to the consumer. In such embodiments, it is preferred to provide a hollow cavity between two plugs of filtration material.

  Preferably 40% to 100% of the cavity volume is filled with particulate material, more preferably 60% to 80% of the cavity volume is filled with particulate material. The cavity filter according to the second aspect of the invention can be produced using known machines and techniques for making activated carbon filters. In one such technique, two plugs of filtration material are spaced apart on a substantially transparent wrapper. The space between them is at least partially filled with particulate material, and then a substantially transparent wrapper is wrapped around the plug, leaving a cavity at least partially filled with particulate material between the plugs. It is formed. A detailed process is described in Patent Document 4, for example. Machines for carrying out these manufacturing methods are commercially available from the UK (not shown for violations of public order and morals).

  The mouthpiece can further include at least one adsorbent capable of removing at least one gas phase component from the mainstream smoke drawn through the filter. The at least one adsorbent is preferably selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon beads, activated aluminum, zeolite, sepiolite, molecular sieve and silica gel.

  Smoking articles according to the present invention include other types known to those skilled in the art, such as the filter segments described above, as well as segments including restrictors and segments used to adjust suction resistance (RTD). Various different filter segments or combinations of filter segments can be included, including filter segments.

  Preferably, at least one notch in the outer wrapper is provided at least 10 mm from the mouth end of the smoking article. This spacing helps to avoid contact between the consumer's lips and the substantially transparent wrapper area exposed through the notch during smoking.

  Preferably, at least one circumferential row of perforations is provided at a location along the smoking article, where the perforations pass through the location if there is a substantially transparent wrapper and on the outside Extend through the wrapper. This provides ventilation to the smoking article so that mainstream smoke is mixed with ambient air during smoking. Since the substantially transparent wrapper is typically non-porous, if there is a substantially transparent wrapper below the location where the perforations are provided, the perforations are substantially transparent wrappers, as well as Must extend through the outer wrapper. When the mouthpiece includes a filter, it is preferable that the perforations in the circumferential row are provided at positions along the filter.

  The at least one circumferential row of perforations is preferably located upstream of the notch portion in the outer wrapper. The term “upstream” is used to describe the relative position of the structure of the smoking article according to the invention with respect to the direction of mainstream smoke or air that is inhaled from the aerosol generating substrate through the mouthpiece during use. Advantageously, the upstream position of the perforations minimizes the deposition of particulate material on the substantially transparent wrapper below the notch, which in other cases is the outer wrapper The visibility of the filter through the notch inside can be adversely affected.

  When the mouthpiece includes a filter, the perforated part is preferably provided between 9 mm and 20 mm from the mouth end of the filter. More preferably, the perforated part is provided approximately 12 mm from the end of the filter. This prevents the perforation from being blocked or closed by the consumer's lips during smoking.

  The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing a smoking article according to the present invention as described above, the method comprising the step of providing a plurality of separate rolled filters wrapped with a substantially transparent wrapper, the filter comprising: Providing a plurality of rods of rolled cigarette including one or more filter segments, preparing a sheet of outer wrapper having a series of notches therein, and Placing one in axial alignment with one of the tobacco rods, and winding a sheet of outer wrapper around at least a portion of the wound filter and at least a portion of the adjacent tobacco rod. The filter wrapped with the outer wrapper is attached to the cigarette rod, and the notch overlaps the substantially transparent wrapper And a step of.

  The notched portion in the outer wrapper can be provided using any suitable method including, for example, a laser cutting method, or a rotary punching or drilling method. Suitable equipment for laser cutting includes a high speed laser and punching machine from the State of Illinois, USA (not shown for violations of public order and morals), the Finecut-Plus-Rotary ™ system. A suitable device for rotary punching or rotary drilling is the German one (not shown for public order and morals violations). The cutting of the outer wrapper to provide the notch is preferably performed on a continuous sheet of wrapper material, after which the wrapper material is cut to form a separate outer wrapper for each smoking article. However, it is also possible to use a specific cutting technique that allows the notch to be formed only in the outer layer once the chipping material is in place around the mouthpiece.

  Cutting the outer wrapper to provide a notch can be accomplished by incorporating a cutting device at any location on the machine after the outer wrapper has been rewound and before the outer wrapper has been wrapped around a component of the smoking article. It can be performed online on cigarette manufacturing equipment.

  Alternatively, the cutting of the outer wrapper to provide the notch portion can be performed off-line from the cigarette manufacturing equipment using a separate device that can be provided at the same or a different location as the cigarette manufacturing equipment. In this case, the steps of the method of the present invention can apply a novel configuration of the outer wrapper with a substantially transparent wrapper and cutout using standard winding techniques and equipment.

  The spacing of the notches in the outer wrapper can be adjusted according to the number of notches in each smoking article and the desired location.

  A continuous sheet of chipping material can be cut to form separate individual outer wrappers for individual smoking articles, each having a notched portion provided at a desired location. Cutting the outer wrapper can be done before the outer wrapper is wrapped around the smoking article. Alternatively, two smoking articles can be formed at a time in a known manner. For example, a filter rod that includes a filter segment for more than one filter can have a tobacco rod disposed at each end of the filter rod. A piece of tipping material on the outer wrapper can be wrapped around adjacent portions of both the filter rod and the tobacco rod. In this process, the notch in the outer wrapper is placed over the part of the filter that is desired to be visible. After wrapping, the outer wrapper chipping material piece and the filter rod are cut to form two adjacent smoking articles.

  For example, a suitable vision system including one or more cameras is preferably used to ensure alignment of the notch at the desired location on the filter of the smoking article.

  Where circumferential rows of perforations are provided within the outer wrapper and the substantially transparent wrapper (if present at the perforation location), the perforations may be provided online using known laser techniques. Is preferred. The position of the perforated part is aligned so that the perforated part is at least 9 mm, preferably at least 12 mm from the mouth end of the smoking article.

  According to the present invention, there is also provided the use of an outer wrapper on a smoking article comprising an aerosol generating substrate and a mouthpiece, wherein the outer wrapper includes at least one notch that extends shorter than the entire circumference of the mouthpiece.

  The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a smoking article according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows the smoking article of FIG. 1 with the filter rewound. Fig. 3 shows a plan view (not to scale) of the outer wrapper of the smoking article shown in Figs. Fig. 6 shows a smoking article according to a second embodiment of the invention with the filter rewound. Fig. 6 shows a smoking article according to a third embodiment of the invention with the filter rewound.

  1 and 2 includes a cigarette cut filler wound rod 12 that is substantially in the form of a substantially transparent plug wrap 18. Attached to an axially aligned filter 14 at one end, including a single filter segment 16 formed of cellulose acetate tow wrapped in a transparent wrapper. The filter segment 16 incorporates particles of cellulose material (not shown) impregnated with a liquid flavorant that are dispersed within the tow of cellulose acetate. The rolled tobacco rod 12 and the filter 14 are joined by an outer wrapper 20 formed of chipping paper that surrounds the entire length of the filter 14 and adjacent portions of the tobacco rod 12.

  The outer wrapper 20 includes a circular cutout portion 22 having a diameter of about 5 mm disposed about 5 mm from the rod end of the outer wrapper. The underlying substantially transparent plug wrap 18 is exposed through the cutout portion 22 in the outer wrapper 20, so that certain areas of the filter containing cellulose granules are visible through the cutout portion 22.

  A circumferential row of perforations 24 are provided about 12 mm from the mouth end of the cigarette 10.

  The cigarette 30 with filter shown in FIG. 4 includes three filter segments in an end-to-end configuration and a rolled rod of tobacco cut filler attached to an axially aligned filter 34. 32, a mouthpiece end segment 36 remote from the wrapped tobacco rod 32, a flavor release segment 38 disposed upstream of the mouthpiece end segment 36, and adjacent to the wound tobacco rod 32. A rod end segment 40 that abuts and is located upstream of the first flavor release segment 38.

  The tip end segment 36 includes a low filtration efficiency cellulose acetate tow plug. The flavor release segment 38 includes a plug of cellulose acetate tow in which chopped peppermint leaf particles are substantially uniformly dispersed. Rod end segment 40 includes a medium to low filtration efficiency cellulose acetate tow plug packed with activated carbon. The mouth end segment 36 and the rod end segment 40 are each wound with a porous plug wrap (not shown) in a known manner. The flavor release segment 38 is wrapped with a substantially transparent plug wrap 39.

  The combined filter segments are wrapped by a substantially transparent wrapper 42 that encloses the entire length of the filter 34. The rolled tobacco rod 32 and the wound filter 34 are joined by an outer wrapper 44 formed of tipping paper that encloses the entire length of the filter 34 and a portion of the adjacent tobacco rod 32.

  The outer wrapper 44 includes a diamond-shaped cutout 46 that is positioned overlying the flavor release segment 38 and approximately midway along the length of the filter 34. As described above in connection with cigarette 10, an area of the filter surface is visible through a substantially transparent plug wrap and a substantially transparent wrapper 42 under the notch 46. Thus, peppermint leaf particles in the cellulose tow plug forming the flavor release segment are visible.

  The filtered cigarette shown in FIG. 5 includes a cavity 58 in which the flavor release segment is filled with activated carbon particles impregnated with a liquid flavor and is provided between the mouth end segment 56 and the rod end segment 60. Except for this point, it has a configuration similar to the cigarette 30 shown in FIG. In addition, the tip end segment 56 includes a central flavor thread 62 stuffed with a liquid flavor such as, for example, menthol flavor.

  Each of the tip end segment 56 and the rod end segment 60 is wound with a porous plug wrap (not shown) in a known manner. The filter segment is then wrapped with a substantially transparent wrapper 64, thereby forming a cavity in the filter 54. As described above in connection with cigarette 30, rolled cigarette rod and filter 54 are joined by an outer wrapper 66 of chipping paper.

  The outer wrapper 66 includes a square notch 68 that is positioned overlying the cavity 58 forming the flavor release segment and is approximately midway along the length of the filter 54. The same notch 68 ′ (not shown) is provided on the opposite side of the filter 54. Thus, the activated carbon particles in the cavities in the flavor release segment are visible through the notches 68, 68 'and the underlying substantially transparent wrapper 64.

  The filters of cigarettes 30 and 50 are manufactured in a conventional manner using a substantially transparent sheet material for wrapping the filter segments or filters instead of the conventional paper material. Prior to applying the outer wrapper around the filter, a notch is formed in the sheet of chipping material.

  The specific embodiments described above relate to conventional smoking articles including filters and tobacco rods, but similar configurations of substantially transparent wrappers and outer wrappers can be used for distillation-based smoking articles or electrically heated. It will be appreciated that it may also be used with certain smoking articles.

10, 30, 50: cigarette with filter 12, 32: tobacco rod 14, 34, 54: filter 16: filter segment 18, 39: substantially transparent plug wrap 20, 44, 66: outer wrapper 22, 46, 68, 68 ': Notched portion 24: Perforated portion 36, 56: Mouth end segment 38: Flavor release segment 40, 60: Rod end segment 42, 64: Substantially transparent wrapper 58: Cavity 62: Central flavor thread

  The present invention relates to a novel smoking article having a mouthpiece surrounded by an outer wrapper having a notch for viewing a portion of the mouthpiece, and a method of manufacturing such a smoking article.

  Filtered cigarettes are typically axially aligned with a tobacco cut filler cylindrical rod surrounded by a paper wrapper and end-to-end contact with the rolled tobacco rod A cylindrical filter. Usually, the rolled tobacco rod and filter are typically joined by a tipping wrapper formed of a strip of paper material surrounding the entire length of the filter and the adjacent portion of the rolled tobacco rod. Is done.

  A number of smoking articles have been proposed in the art that heat tobacco without burning it. In heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by heating a flavor generating substrate such as tobacco. Known heated smoking articles include, for example, electrically heated smoking articles, and smoking articles that generate an aerosol by transferring heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separate aerosol forming material. During smoking, heat transfer from the fuel element releases volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming material and entrains the air inhaled through the smoking article. This released compound condenses as it cools to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

  In the past, it has been proposed to provide a wrapper formed of at least partially transparent material on the smoking article so that at least a portion of the smoking article is visible through the wrapper. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,047,033 has a chipping wrapper formed of a transparent sheet or film material, such as a transparent polymer or cellulose material, which allows the consumer to observe the effectiveness of the underlying filter. Discloses a filter. Patent document 2 also has a chipping wrapper formed of a transparent material, but an opaque coating is applied to a part of the chipping wrapper, and only a part of the underlying filter is visible. Disclosure.

  However, the use of such transparent polymer or cellulosic materials can be unattractive to consumers because the mouthfeel of the material is different compared to conventional chipping paper. In particular, the tactile sensation of the transparent material is generally very different from that of the paper material, which gives the consumer a different feel when the filter is applied to the lips during smoking.

US Pat. No. 5,396,909 International Publication No. 2009/106374 Pamphlet European Patent 1,958,523 European Patent 1,571,933

It would be desirable to provide a smoking article having a novel and alternative means for providing an outer wrapper that allows a consumer to see a portion of the smoking article and has a more acceptable feel to the lips.
It is particularly desirable if such smoking articles can be assembled using standard packaging equipment and techniques.

  In accordance with the present invention, an aerosol generating substrate, a mouthpiece comprising one or more segments axially aligned with the aerosol generating substrate and at least one incorporating particulate flavoring material, and the length of the mouthpiece A smoking article is provided that includes a substantially transparent wrapper that surrounds the mouthpiece along at least a portion and an outer wrapper that surrounds the mouthpiece. The outer wrapper overlies the substantially transparent wrapper and includes at least one notch that extends shorter than the entire circumference of the mouthpiece and exposes an area of the substantially transparent wrapper, through which the particulate flavorant The part under the mouthpiece segment containing the material becomes visible.

  The term “substantially transparent” is used to describe a material that allows transmission of at least a significant proportion of incident light, and thus becomes visible through the material. In the present invention, the substantially transparent wrapper allows sufficient light transmission for the mouthpiece to be visible through the wrapper. A substantially transparent wrapper may be completely transparent. Alternatively, the wrapper may have a low level of transparency if it still transmits enough light to be visible through the wrapper.

The thickness of the substantially transparent wrapper is preferably at least 25 micrometers, more preferably from 25 micrometers to 75 micrometers. The basis weight of the substantially transparent wrapper is preferably at least 40 grams per square meter (gsm), more preferably from 40 gsm to 80 gsm. Materials suitable for use as the substantially transparent wrapper of the smoking article according to the present invention include, but are not limited to cellophane and polypropylene. Suitable substantially transparent wrappers of various grades, thicknesses and basis weights are commercially available from various sources. For example, Company A manufactures a variety of different grades of these materials.

  In some cases, the substantially transparent wrapper can be colored or colored, or a repeating pattern or other type of figure can be applied thereto. For example, a substantially transparent wrapper can have an embossed pattern on the surface. The embossed pattern reduces the surface area of the substantially transparent wrapper that contacts the consumer's lips, reducing any unattractive mouthfeel of the substantially transparent wrapper. In some cases, the image of the area of the mouthpiece that is visible through the notch in the outer wrapper is visually altered by the substantially transparent wrapper.

  In a smoking article according to the present invention, a portion of the mouthpiece containing particulate flavoring material is visible to the consumer through a window formed by a notch in the outer wrapper and an area under the substantially transparent wrapper. Is possible. The outer wrapper need not be formed of a transparent material and can therefore be formed of alternative materials that provide the desired feel and surface properties. The outer wrapper is preferably opaque. As in conventional cigarettes, the outer wrapper is preferably chipping paper formed of a cellulose paper sheet material. In this way, the outer wrapper gives the consumer an uncomfortable feel and mouthfeel.

  The position and size of the notch is determined such that the notch overlaps the segment of the mouthpiece that incorporates the particulate flavoring material and the particulate flavoring material in the mouthpiece is visible. Further, the location and size of the notch portion within the outer wrapper can be advantageously defined such that the substantially transparent wrapper exposed through the notch portion does not contact the consumer's lips during smoking. However, the exposed surface area of the substantially transparent wrapper is typically a chipping wrapper composed entirely of transparent film material, even when the notch contacts the consumer's lips during smoking. It is small compared to the surface area. This relatively small surface area limits the bad feel that can be caused by the use of a substantially transparent film.

  At least one notch portion extends less than the entire circumference of the mouthpiece, so that it is convenient with a single piece of sheet material that the outer wrapper can be wrapped around the mouthpiece using standard equipment and techniques Can be formed. The outer wrapper remains an integral outer wrapper even when the notch is removed from the outer wrapper.

  The at least one notch portion can be any suitable shape including, but not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, a square, a triangle, a diamond, or a rectangle. A single notch can be provided in the outer wrapper, or two or more notches spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article or the circumferential direction of the smoking article, or both Can be provided. This allows the consumer to see different parts or segments that may or may not have the same appearance. For example, when the mouthpiece has a plurality of different segments, the cutout portions can be arranged so that a large number of segments can be visually recognized. Where two or more notch portions are provided, the notch portions may be the same size and shape, or at least one of the size and shape may be different.

  It is preferred that an outer wrapper is provided over the substantially transparent wrapper and is glued or laminated onto the substantially transparent wrapper.

  The particulate flavoring material includes at least one flavoring material capable of releasing a flavor into the smoke produced by the smoking article during smoking. The particulate flavoring material preferably contains a vegetable material.

  In certain preferred embodiments, the particulate flavoring material can comprise an adsorbent or cellulose material particle impregnated with a liquid flavoring material. In some preferred embodiments, the particulate flavoring material can comprise plant leaf particles as described in US Pat. For example, the filter segment can include tobacco, green tea, peppermint, spearmint, laurel, eucalyptus, basil, sage, verbena, and tarragon leaves. Furthermore, mint plant parts can also be used. The term “mint” refers to a plant belonging to the genus Mentha. The plant material can alternatively be in the form of seeds, roots, skins or flowers, such as those commonly used as spices.

  If desired, the particulate flavoring material can be colored, for example, by adding an appropriate dye or pigment. For example, the particulate flavoring material can be of a color corresponding to the flavor that the material provides, such as green to mint flavor.

  The mouthpiece of a smoking article according to the present invention can alternatively comprise a particulate material that does not include a flavoring agent, such as a bead or granule of cellulosic material or adsorbent.

  A smoking article according to the present invention can be a cigarette with a filter or other smoking article that burns tobacco material or another combustible material to generate smoke. Alternatively, the smoking article according to the present invention can be an article in which the material is heated without being burned to generate an aerosol. In one type of heated smoking article, tobacco material or another aerosol generating material is heated by one or more electrothermal elements to generate an aerosol. In another type of heated smoking article, the aerosol transfers heat from a flammable or chemical heat source to a physically separate aerosol forming material that can be located inside, around or downstream of the heat source. Caused by.

  In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate of the smoking article includes a tobacco rod and the mouthpiece includes a filter including one or more filter segments. Both the substantially transparent wrapper and the outer wrapper surround the one or more filter segments along at least a portion of the length of the filter and have a portion under the filter that includes particulate flavoring material. It is preferable that it is visible through the notch portion of the outer wrapper. In one particular preferred embodiment, the outer wrapper is a tipping paper that joins the tobacco rod to the filter.

  When the mouthpiece of a smoking article according to the present invention comprises a filter, the filter may be formed of a single segment or a multi-segment filter comprising two or more filter segments connected longitudinally It is good. Where two or more filter segments are provided, the filter segments may be of the same configuration and material as each other, but may have different configurations or include different filter materials or additives. More preferred. The particulate flavoring material can be provided in a single filter segment, or in two or more filter segments. The same or different particulate flavoring material can be provided in two or more filter segments. The position of the notch in the outer wrapper can be adjusted to select which of the filter segments are visible.

  A substantially transparent wrapper can surround the filter along the entire length of the filter. Alternatively, a substantially transparent wrapper can surround the filter along only a portion of the filter length. In the latter case, the substantially transparent wrapper needs to surround the filter segment or the portion of the filter segment that is under the notch in the outer wrapper in the assembled smoking article.

  Preferably, the at least one notch in the outer wrapper is provided at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm from the periphery of the outer wrapper adjacent to the filter rod end. If the outer wrapper is a chipping wrapper that extends only between about 2 mm and 5 mm from the end of the filter rod along the tobacco rod, the distance of this notch is not the tobacco rod Guarantees that it overlaps the filter.

  If the filter includes a single segment, the substantially transparent wrapper can be a plug wrap that surrounds the filter material. If the filter includes two or more segments, the segments are typically wound within a plug wrap. Any or all of the two or more segments can be individually wound into the plug wrap. The filter segment under the notch in the outer wrapper is preferably surrounded by a substantially transparent plug wrap. One or more filter segments that are not visible through the notch in the outer wrapper can be wrapped in an opaque paper plug wrap in a conventional manner. The filter segments can then be joined together in a conventional manner using a substantially transparent wrapper.

  In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mouthpiece comprises a multi-segment filter including a filter segment that includes a filtering material, the particulate flavoring material is dispersed through the filtering material, and a portion of the filter segment is Visible through at least one notch window in the outer wrapper. In such embodiments, the particulate material within the filter segment is visible to the consumer.

  The filtration material in the filter segment is preferably a plug of fibrous filtration material such as cellulose acetate tow or paper. The filter plasticizer can be applied to the fiber filtration material in a conventional manner, preferably by spraying on the separated fibers before applying the particulate material to the filtration material.

  As an alternative to or in addition to the filter segments described above, the multi-segment filter may include a hollow cavity that is at least partially filled with particulate material, wherein the at least partially filled cavity A portion is visible through at least one notch window in the outer wrapper. Therefore, the particulate material in the cavity is visible to the consumer. In such embodiments, it is preferred to provide a hollow cavity between two plugs of filtration material.

Preferably 40% to 100% of the cavity volume is filled with particulate material, more preferably 60% to 80% of the cavity volume is filled with particulate material. The cavity filter according to the second aspect of the invention can be produced using known machines and techniques for making activated carbon filters. In one such technique, two plugs of filtration material are spaced apart on a substantially transparent wrapper. The space between them is at least partially filled with particulate material, and then a substantially transparent wrapper is wrapped around the plug, leaving a cavity at least partially filled with particulate material between the plugs. It is formed. A detailed process is described in Patent Document 4, for example. Machines for carrying out these manufacturing methods are commercially available from B Company in the UK.

  The mouthpiece can further include at least one adsorbent capable of removing at least one gas phase component from the mainstream smoke drawn through the filter. The at least one adsorbent is preferably selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon beads, activated aluminum, zeolite, sepiolite, molecular sieve and silica gel.

  Smoking articles according to the present invention include other types known to those skilled in the art, such as the filter segments described above, as well as segments including restrictors and segments used to adjust suction resistance (RTD). Various different filter segments or combinations of filter segments can be included, including filter segments.

  Preferably, at least one notch in the outer wrapper is provided at least 10 mm from the mouth end of the smoking article. This spacing helps to avoid contact between the consumer's lips and the substantially transparent wrapper area exposed through the notch during smoking.

  Preferably, at least one circumferential row of perforations is provided at a location along the smoking article, where the perforations pass through the location if there is a substantially transparent wrapper and on the outside Extend through the wrapper. This provides ventilation to the smoking article so that mainstream smoke is mixed with ambient air during smoking. Since the substantially transparent wrapper is typically non-porous, if there is a substantially transparent wrapper below the location where the perforations are provided, the perforations are substantially transparent wrappers, as well as Must extend through the outer wrapper. When the mouthpiece includes a filter, it is preferable that the perforations in the circumferential row are provided at positions along the filter.

  The at least one circumferential row of perforations is preferably located upstream of the notch portion in the outer wrapper. The term “upstream” is used to describe the relative position of the structure of the smoking article according to the invention with respect to the direction of mainstream smoke or air that is inhaled from the aerosol generating substrate through the mouthpiece during use. Advantageously, the upstream position of the perforations minimizes the deposition of particulate material on the substantially transparent wrapper below the notch, which in other cases is the outer wrapper The visibility of the filter through the notch inside can be adversely affected.

  When the mouthpiece includes a filter, the perforated part is preferably provided between 9 mm and 20 mm from the mouth end of the filter. More preferably, the perforated part is provided approximately 12 mm from the end of the filter. This prevents the perforation from being blocked or closed by the consumer's lips during smoking.

  The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing a smoking article according to the present invention as described above, the method comprising the step of providing a plurality of separate rolled filters wrapped with a substantially transparent wrapper, the filter comprising: Providing a plurality of rods of rolled cigarette including one or more filter segments, preparing a sheet of outer wrapper having a series of notches therein, and Placing one in axial alignment with one of the tobacco rods, and winding a sheet of outer wrapper around at least a portion of the wound filter and at least a portion of the adjacent tobacco rod. The filter wrapped with the outer wrapper is attached to the cigarette rod, and the notch overlaps the substantially transparent wrapper And a step of.

The notched portion in the outer wrapper can be provided using any suitable method including, for example, a laser cutting method, or a rotary punching or drilling method. A suitable apparatus for laser cutting includes a high speed laser and punching machine from Company C, Illinois, USA, namely the Finecut-Plus-Rotary ™ system. Suitable devices for rotary punching or rotary drilling include products from the German company D. The cutting of the outer wrapper to provide the notch is preferably performed on a continuous sheet of wrapper material, after which the wrapper material is cut to form a separate outer wrapper for each smoking article. However, it is also possible to use a specific cutting technique that allows the notch to be formed only in the outer layer once the chipping material is in place around the mouthpiece.

  Cutting the outer wrapper to provide a notch can be accomplished by incorporating a cutting device at any location on the machine after the outer wrapper has been rewound and before the outer wrapper has been wrapped around a component of the smoking article. It can be performed online on cigarette manufacturing equipment.

  Alternatively, the cutting of the outer wrapper to provide the notch portion can be performed off-line from the cigarette manufacturing equipment using a separate device that can be provided at the same or a different location as the cigarette manufacturing equipment. In this case, the steps of the method of the present invention can apply a novel configuration of the outer wrapper with a substantially transparent wrapper and cutout using standard winding techniques and equipment.

  The spacing of the notches in the outer wrapper can be adjusted according to the number of notches in each smoking article and the desired location.

  A continuous sheet of chipping material can be cut to form separate individual outer wrappers for individual smoking articles, each having a notched portion provided at a desired location. Cutting the outer wrapper can be done before the outer wrapper is wrapped around the smoking article. Alternatively, two smoking articles can be formed at a time in a known manner. For example, a filter rod that includes a filter segment for more than one filter can have a tobacco rod disposed at each end of the filter rod. A piece of tipping material on the outer wrapper can be wrapped around adjacent portions of both the filter rod and the tobacco rod. In this process, the notch in the outer wrapper is placed over the part of the filter that is desired to be visible. After wrapping, the outer wrapper chipping material piece and the filter rod are cut to form two adjacent smoking articles.

  For example, a suitable vision system including one or more cameras is preferably used to ensure alignment of the notch at the desired location on the filter of the smoking article.

  Where circumferential rows of perforations are provided within the outer wrapper and the substantially transparent wrapper (if present at the perforation location), the perforations may be provided online using known laser techniques. Is preferred. The position of the perforated part is aligned so that the perforated part is at least 9 mm, preferably at least 12 mm from the mouth end of the smoking article.

  According to the present invention, there is also provided the use of an outer wrapper on a smoking article comprising an aerosol generating substrate and a mouthpiece, wherein the outer wrapper includes at least one notch that extends shorter than the entire circumference of the mouthpiece.

  The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a smoking article according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows the smoking article of FIG. 1 with the filter rewound. Fig. 3 shows a plan view (not to scale) of the outer wrapper of the smoking article shown in Figs. Fig. 6 shows a smoking article according to a second embodiment of the invention with the filter rewound. Fig. 6 shows a smoking article according to a third embodiment of the invention with the filter rewound.

  1 and 2 includes a cigarette cut filler wound rod 12 that is substantially in the form of a substantially transparent plug wrap 18. Attached to an axially aligned filter 14 at one end, including a single filter segment 16 formed of cellulose acetate tow wrapped in a transparent wrapper. The filter segment 16 incorporates particles of cellulose material (not shown) impregnated with a liquid flavorant that are dispersed within the tow of cellulose acetate. The rolled tobacco rod 12 and the filter 14 are joined by an outer wrapper 20 formed of chipping paper that surrounds the entire length of the filter 14 and adjacent portions of the tobacco rod 12.

  The outer wrapper 20 includes a circular cutout portion 22 having a diameter of about 5 mm disposed about 5 mm from the rod end of the outer wrapper. The underlying substantially transparent plug wrap 18 is exposed through the cutout portion 22 in the outer wrapper 20, so that certain areas of the filter containing cellulose granules are visible through the cutout portion 22.

  A circumferential row of perforations 24 are provided about 12 mm from the mouth end of the cigarette 10.

  The cigarette 30 with filter shown in FIG. 4 includes three filter segments in an end-to-end configuration and a rolled rod of tobacco cut filler attached to an axially aligned filter 34. 32, a mouthpiece end segment 36 remote from the wrapped tobacco rod 32, a flavor release segment 38 disposed upstream of the mouthpiece end segment 36, and adjacent to the wound tobacco rod 32. A rod end segment 40 that abuts and is located upstream of the first flavor release segment 38.

  The tip end segment 36 includes a low filtration efficiency cellulose acetate tow plug. The flavor release segment 38 includes a plug of cellulose acetate tow in which chopped peppermint leaf particles are substantially uniformly dispersed. Rod end segment 40 includes a medium to low filtration efficiency cellulose acetate tow plug packed with activated carbon. The mouth end segment 36 and the rod end segment 40 are each wound with a porous plug wrap (not shown) in a known manner. The flavor release segment 38 is wrapped with a substantially transparent plug wrap 39.

  The combined filter segments are wrapped by a substantially transparent wrapper 42 that encloses the entire length of the filter 34. The rolled tobacco rod 32 and the wound filter 34 are joined by an outer wrapper 44 formed of tipping paper that encloses the entire length of the filter 34 and a portion of the adjacent tobacco rod 32.

  The outer wrapper 44 includes a diamond-shaped cutout 46 that is positioned overlying the flavor release segment 38 and approximately midway along the length of the filter 34. As described above in connection with cigarette 10, an area of the filter surface is visible through a substantially transparent plug wrap and a substantially transparent wrapper 42 under the notch 46. Thus, peppermint leaf particles in the cellulose tow plug forming the flavor release segment are visible.

  The filtered cigarette shown in FIG. 5 includes a cavity 58 in which the flavor release segment is filled with activated carbon particles impregnated with a liquid flavor and is provided between the mouth end segment 56 and the rod end segment 60. Except for this point, it has a configuration similar to the cigarette 30 shown in FIG. In addition, the tip end segment 56 includes a central flavor thread 62 stuffed with a liquid flavor such as, for example, menthol flavor.

  Each of the tip end segment 56 and the rod end segment 60 is wound with a porous plug wrap (not shown) in a known manner. The filter segment is then wrapped with a substantially transparent wrapper 64, thereby forming a cavity in the filter 54. As described above in connection with cigarette 30, rolled cigarette rod and filter 54 are joined by an outer wrapper 66 of chipping paper.

  The outer wrapper 66 includes a square notch 68 that is positioned overlying the cavity 58 forming the flavor release segment and is approximately midway along the length of the filter 54. The same notch 68 ′ (not shown) is provided on the opposite side of the filter 54. Thus, the activated carbon particles in the cavities in the flavor release segment are visible through the notches 68, 68 'and the underlying substantially transparent wrapper 64.

  The filters of cigarettes 30 and 50 are manufactured in a conventional manner using a substantially transparent sheet material for wrapping the filter segments or filters instead of the conventional paper material. Prior to applying the outer wrapper around the filter, a notch is formed in the sheet of chipping material.

  The specific embodiments described above relate to conventional smoking articles including filters and tobacco rods, but similar configurations of substantially transparent wrappers and outer wrappers can be used for distillation-based smoking articles or electrically heated. It will be appreciated that it may also be used with certain smoking articles.

10, 30, 50: cigarette with filter 12, 32: tobacco rod 14, 34, 54: filter 16: filter segment 18, 39: substantially transparent plug wrap 20, 44, 66: outer wrapper 22, 46, 68, 68 ': Notched portion 24: Perforated portion 36, 56: Mouth end segment 38: Flavor release segment 40, 60: Rod end segment 42, 64: Substantially transparent wrapper 58: Cavity 62: Central flavor thread

Claims (16)

A smoking article,
An aerosol generating substrate;
A mouthpiece comprising one or more segments axially aligned with said aerosol generating substrate and at least one incorporating particulate flavoring material;
A substantially transparent wrapper surrounding the mouthpiece along at least a portion of the length of the mouthpiece;
An outer wrapper surrounding the mouthpiece;
The outer wrapper overlying the substantially transparent wrapper and extending at least less than the entire circumference of the smoking article and exposing at least one area of the substantially transparent wrapper A smoking article comprising a portion through which the portion of the mouthpiece that incorporates particulate flavorant material under the filter segment becomes visible.   The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating substrate comprises a tobacco rod and the mouthpiece comprises a filter having one or more filter segments.   The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the outer wrapper is a chipping paper that joins the aerosol generating substrate and the mouthpiece.   The mouthpiece includes a multi-segment filter, the at least one filter segment includes a filtering material, the particulate flavoring material is dispersed through the filtering material, and a portion of the filter material includes the outer wrapper The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the smoking article is visible through the at least one cutout window.   The mouthpiece includes a multi-segment filter that includes a hollow cavity that is at least partially filled with the particulate flavoring material, wherein a portion of the at least partially filled cavity is within the outer wrapper. The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the smoking article is visible through the at least one notch window.   The mouthpiece further comprises one or more segments incorporating at least one adsorbent selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, activated alumina, zeolite, molecular sieve and silica gel. Item 6. The smoking article according to any one of Items 5.   The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the particulate flavor material includes a cellulose material.   The smoking article according to claim 7, wherein the particulate flavor material includes a vegetable material.   9. Smoking according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one notch portion in the outer wrapper is provided at least 10 mm from the mouth end of the smoking article. Goods.   The smoking article includes at least one circumferential row of perforations extending through the substantially transparent wrapper and the outer wrapper and disposed upstream of the notch portion in the outer wrapper. The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is characterized.   The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cutout portion extends in a circumferential direction around the mouthpiece only between 5 mm and 15 mm.   The mouthpiece includes a filter including at least one filter segment surrounded by a substantially transparent plug wrap, the substantially transparent plug wrap being under the substantially transparent wrapper; The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein   The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the particulate flavor material is colored with a dye or a pigment. A method for producing the smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Providing a plurality of separate rolled filters wound with a substantially transparent sheet material, the filter including one or more filter segments, wherein the at least one filter segment is particulate. Incorporate flavoring ingredients,
Preparing a plurality of rods of rolled tobacco;
Providing a sheet of an outer wrapper having a series of notches therein;
Positioning one of the wound filters adjacent to one of the wound tobacco rods and axially aligned therewith;
Wrapping the outer wrapper sheet around at least a portion of the rolled filter and at least a portion of the adjacent rod of the rolled cigarette, the outer wrapper sheet covering the rolled filter with the cigarette -Attached to a rod, such that the notch overlaps the substantially transparent sheet material;
A method comprising the steps of:   The method of claim 14, wherein the notched portion in the sheet of chipping material is formed using a stamping process.   Use of an outer wrapper on a smoking article comprising an aerosol generating substrate and a mouthpiece, wherein the outer wrapper includes at least one notch portion that extends shorter than the entire circumference of the mouthpiece.

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