JP6298148B2 - Goods for smokers - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to articles for smokers, and in particular to cigarettes for which explicit reference is made.

  Known types of smoker articles generally comprise a filter from which the consumer inhales through the mouth and is connected to a cigarette stick, for example comprising tobacco.

  One or more capsules containing the additive to be inhaled and inserted into a cavity formed in the filter in such a way that the contents of the capsule can be released when the cigarette is smoked Cigarettes having one or more capsules are known.

  An example of such a product is described in US 2011/0023896 relating to a cigarette whose filter contains a capsule containing an additive to be inhaled.

  The capsule is positioned inside the filter and the capsule is broken in response to pressure applied to the filter by a consumer before the cigarette is smoked, so that the contents of the capsule It is adapted so that things can be inhaled.

  In that way, the smoker may choose to smoke the cigarette without inhaling the additive by not destroying the capsule, or to inhale the contents of the capsule.

  The prior art solution as just mentioned has several disadvantages.

  Since the capsule is inserted into the filter during cigarette manufacture, the cigarette can be smoked without additives or only with additives contained within the capsule.

  In practice, the consumer must select the type of additive at the point of purchase of the cigarette without the possibility of change.

  Once a cigarette is provided with a capsule of the type described above, the consumer may choose to smoke it with or without additives, and if a different additive is desired, another A variety of cigarettes must be purchased.

  In this context, the main technical problem of the present invention is to propose an article for smokers, in particular a cigarette, which does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages.

  The present invention aims to propose a smoker article that is more customizable than prior art solutions.

  Another object of the present invention is to propose an article for smokers that allows the selection of multiple types of additives even after the cigarette is purchased.

  The identified technical problem and object are achieved by the article for smokers according to claim 1.

  Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the following non-limiting description with reference to preferred but non-exclusive examples of smoker articles shown in the accompanying drawings.

It is a schematic perspective view in the 1st composition of the 1st example of the article for smokers concerning the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the smoker article of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view in the 2nd structure of the article | item for smokers of FIG. It is a figure which shows the detail of the article | item for smokers in a prior | preceding figure with a schematic cross section. FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the article for smokers according to the invention, suitably interrupted. FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the article for smokers according to the invention, suitably interrupted. It is a cross-sectional view of the article for smokers of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view in the 1st structure of the 4th Example of the article for smokers which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic perspective view in the 2nd structure of the article | item for smokers of FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the smoker article of FIG. 9 suitably interrupted.

  With reference to the accompanying drawings, the number 1 represents the article for smokers according to the present invention.

  For example, an article 1 such as a cigarette that is referred to below without limiting the effective range of the present invention has a substantially cylindrical shape and a longitudinally symmetric axis A.

  The article 1 includes a filter function element 2 and a cigarette stick 3 connected to the filter function element 2.

  The filter functional element 2 has a first end 2a coupled to one end of the cigarette stick 3, and an end intended to be placed in the smoker's mouth on the opposite side of the cigarette stick 3. Part 2b.

  The cigarette stick 3 is of a substantially known format and will not be described in detail.

  The article 1 includes connection means for connecting the filter functional element 2 to the cigarette stick 3.

  The connecting means includes, for example, a patch 4 described in detail below. The patch is preferably wrapped around the filter function element 2 and the cigarette stick 3 to connect them together.

  The filter function element 2 has an internal chamber 5 that is intended to receive an additive 6 as shown for example in FIG.

  The chamber 5 is preferably arranged along the axis of symmetry A of the article 1 for smokers.

  Additive 6 is used to flavor what is inhaled by the consumer (smoker) when smoking cigarette 1. It can be, for example, in the form of capsules, powders, particles, gels, liquids, or flavored pellets of filter material, such as the material from which the filter plug 10 is made.

  Preferably, the additive 6 is of the type whose release is determined by the combustion of cigarettes or by the heat or smoke produced by such combustion.

  Article 1 includes a duct 7 that provides access to chamber 5.

  More specifically, the duct 7 is used to insert the additive 6 into the chamber 5. In practice, the additive 6 can be inserted into the chamber 5 through a duct 7 that reaches into the chamber 5 itself.

  The duct 7 extends through the filter functional element 2 in a direction D transverse to the symmetry axis A. Preferably, the duct 7 is linear.

  Depending on the transverse position of the duct 7, the additive 6 can be easily inserted into the chamber 5. More specifically, since the duct 7 is in a direction transverse to the symmetry axis A, the ventilation of the smoker article 1 can be maintained at a correct level, and the filtering function of each filter functional element 2 is good. It remains. According to the transverse position, it is also possible to prevent the additive 6 from accidentally falling out after being inserted into the chamber 5.

  More specifically, the duct 7 has an intake port 7 a on the cylindrical outer surface of the filter functional element 2 and a discharge port communicating with the chamber 5.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 2, 6 and 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the filter functional element 2 comprises a filter plug 8 having an internal cavity 9 in which a chamber 5 is defined.

  The cavity 9 mainly extends in the longitudinal direction along the symmetry axis A of the cigarette 1.

  Preferably, the filter plug 8 is of the type known as “non wrapped acetate” (NWA).

  As is known, NWA filters comprise a filter material, particularly cellulose acetate core, surrounded in a “plasticized” cylindrical outer case made by appropriate treatment of cellulose acetate.

  This process gives the NWA filter a robust structure that maintains it in a predetermined shape.

  Preferably, the filter plug 8 has a cavity 9 formed inside it, since the NWA filter can be made in any form.

  With particular reference to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the cavity 9 is preferably in the form of a groove with a U-shaped cross section.

  As shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cavity 9 defines both a chamber 5 and a duct 7.

  In practice, the cavity 9 has an opening 9a corresponding to the inlet 7a of the duct 7.

  The opening 9 a of the cavity 9 is directed toward the cylindrical outer surface of the filter functional element 2. More specifically, the opening 9a is directed towards the cylindrical outer surface of the filter plug 8.

  According to the groove shape of the cavity 9, as a practical matter, the additive 6 is allowed to be inserted directly through the opening 9a into the chamber 5 defined by the bottom of the cavity 9.

  Thus, to form the chamber 5, only a very small portion of the filter is removed.

  More particularly, the part to be removed is in a direction transverse to the symmetry axis A in order to avoid adverse effects on the ventilation of the smoker article 1. Similarly, the transverse position of the chamber 5 can prevent the additive 6 from accidentally falling out after being inserted into the chamber 5.

  Preferably, the filter function element 2 comprises a further filter plug 10.

  The filter plug 10 includes a core portion 11 made of a filter material, and a thin body of a packaging material packaged around the core portion 11 (which is a known type and is not shown).

  The filter plugs 8 and 10 are joined together end to end, and each filter plug is connected by a tubular wrapping material 12, preferably paper, which is adhesively bonded to their outer surface. Is done.

  More precisely, the filter plug 8 is interposed between the further filter plug 10 and the cigarette stick 3.

  In more detail, between the filter plug 8 and the cigarette stick 3, there is an interposed partition element 8 ′. This element is preferably in the form of a disc and in the form of a cylinder. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 10, the partition element 8 ′ is also a “non-wrapped acetate” (NWA) type filter, but it is also different as a general filter is made. Sometimes made from material.

  The function of the partition element 8 'essentially allows the filter plug 8 to be coupled to the cigarette stick 3, while the cigarette on the cigarette stick 3 reaches or blocks it in the chamber 5. To prevent even.

  The duct 7 preferably has a circular cross-section with a diameter of 1 mm to 5 mm, in particular for the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  More generally, the minimum width of the duct 7 is preferably 1 mm to 5 mm.

  A suitable value for the diameter of the duct 7 is 3 mm which allows easy insertion of the additive 6.

  More generally, the minimum width of the duct 7 is preferably 3 mm.

  According to the present invention, the article 1 for smokers comprises a closing means that allows the duct 7 to be closed.

  The closing means is movable relative to the duct 7 between a first position where the duct is closed and a second position where the duct 7 is opened. More specifically, in the first closed position, the duct 7 is closed and the chamber 5 is not accessible from the outside of the smoker article 1. Similarly, in the open second position, the chamber 5 is accessible through the duct 7 and the additive 6 can be inserted therein.

  Preferably, the duct 7 of the smoker article 1 available to the consumer is initially closed.

  Thus, the consumer can simply ignite it in order to smoke a cigarette without additives without changing the form of the closing means.

  In that case, the closing means is preferably maintained in the closed position in order to ensure optimum ventilation during combustion.

  Alternatively, if the consumer wishes to give the cigarette the desired flavor or other selected characteristics, the consumer can place the closing means in the open second position to place the duct 7 Can open. Thereby, the additive 6 can be inserted into the chamber 5 through the duct 7.

  As such, the consumer may select an additive 6 to be inserted into the smoker article 1 to obtain the desired flavor.

  In each of the illustrated embodiments, the closing means is combined with the filter function element 2.

  Said closing means is movable relative to the filter function element 2 and thus relative to the duct 7.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, it can be observed that the closing means is connected to the filter functional element 2.

  More particularly, the closing means comprises a tubular element or sleeve 13 fitted around the filter function element 2 and rotatable about an axis of symmetry A relative thereto.

  The sleeve 13 is rotatable with respect to the duct 7, and the sleeve is for example a first position at the inlet 7a of the duct 7 shown in FIG. The opening 14 is movable between a position away from the intake port 7a of the duct 7 shown in FIG.

  The opening 14 is preferably circular and has a diameter of 1 mm to 5 mm.

  More generally, the minimum width of the opening 14 is preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm.

  A suitable value for the diameter of the opening 14 is 3 mm which allows easy insertion of the additive 6.

  More generally, the minimum width of the opening 14 is preferably 3 mm.

  More specifically, the second position adopted by the opening 14 is angularly separated from the inlet 7a by the rotation of the sleeve 13 about the symmetry axis A.

  The first position of the opening 14 at the inlet 7a of the duct 7 corresponds to the second position where the closing means is opened. Similarly, the second spaced position of the opening 14 spaced from the duct 7 corresponds to the closed first position of the closing means.

  When the opening 14 is positioned at the inlet 7a of the duct 7, the additive 6 can be inserted into the chamber 5 that is not accessible when the opening 14 is angularly spaced from the inlet 7a.

  Closing the duct 7 maintains the correct degree of ventilation of the smoker article 1 and prevents the additive 6 from accidentally leaving the chamber 5.

  Preferably, to ensure proper ventilation, the sleeve 13 has a band-like area with an opening 14 whose width is preferably just greater than the width of the intake 7a of the duct 7. This strip region is not permeable to air or is less permeable to air than the remainder of the sleeve 13.

  2, 5 and 6, the sleeve 13 is connected to the cylindrical outer surface of the filter functional element 2 at the end 2 b of the filter functional element 2, Combined.

  More precisely, the sleeve 13 is connected to the above-described tubular wrapping 12 that joins the filter plugs 8 and 10 to each other.

  The sleeve 13 is preferably a thin sheet of paper material wrapped around the filter function element 2. More specifically, the sleeve 13 is preferably made as part of the connecting patch 4 described above.

  As mentioned above, the connection patch 4 is usually used to wrap it in such a way as to connect the filter functional element 2 to the cigarette stick 3. In each of the illustrated embodiments, the connection patch 4 has a slit 15 on its outer periphery, which in practice divides it into two separate parts.

  The first part 16 of the patch 4 forms the sleeve 13, while the second part 17 forms the connection between the filter function element 2 and the cigarette stick 3.

  Therefore, the second part 17 is connected, in particular adhesively bonded, to both the tubular packaging material 12 and the cigarette stick 3 described above. The second part 17 therefore also includes a partition element 8 ′.

  In order to allow the sleeve 13 to rotate as described above, the closing means for closing the duct 7 comprises a rotary joint 18 acting between the sleeve 13 and the duct 7.

  In more detail, the joint 18 acts between the sleeve 13 and the filter function element 2 through which the duct 7 extends.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6, the joint 18 is made in the filter function element 2. More particularly, the filter functional element 2 is shaped in such a way as to define a rotary joint 18.

  As shown schematically in the enlarged view, the joint 18 is defined on the filter function element 2 by a circular slit 19 which is preferably coaxial with the axis of symmetry A of the cigarette 1.

  The slit 19 has a circular crown shape, and the slit delimits the joint 18 as a part of the core 11 made of the filter material in the vicinity of the symmetry axis A.

  The slit 19 is disposed between the free end 2b of the filter functional element 2 and the slit 15 formed on the patch 4.

  Preferably, the slit 19 is arranged in an intermediate area in the axial direction of the filter plug 10.

  The first part 16 of the patch 4 defining the sleeve 13 is mounted around the part of the filter function element 2 contained between the free end 2b and the slit 15 with respect to the symmetry axis A.

  The first part 16 of the patch 4 is connected to the filter function element 2 along a cylindrical surface 20 included between the free end 2b of the filter function element 2 and the slit 19. Preferably, this connection is achieved by adhesive bonding with adhesive G.

  The second part 17 of the patch 4 is along the cylindrical surface 21 contained between the slit 15 and the first end of the cigarette stick 3 itself that constitutes the partitioning element 8 ', with respect to the filter function element 2. And it is connected to the cigarette stick 3. Preferably, this connection is achieved by adhesive bonding with adhesive G.

  Hence, the first part 16 of the patch 4, ie the sleeve 13, rotates freely on the filter function element 2 between the slit 19 on the filter function element 2 itself and the slit 15 on the patch 4. According to this rotation, the closing means is allowed to move between the closed first position and the opened second position.

  Preferably, the joint 18 is made as part of the filter functional element 2 defined by the filter plug 10 in the packaged form.

  In that case, the first portion 16 of the patch 4 is adhesively bonded to the tubular packaging material 12.

  For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the smoker article 1 comprises an annular element or collar 22, preferably made of paper material, wrapped on a patch 4.

  The collar 22 extends along the symmetry axis A between the first portion 16 and the second portion 17 of the patch 4.

  More specifically, the collar 4 is placed on top of the slit 15 of the patch 4 to conceal it and make the smoker article 1 more aesthetically appealing.

  In one embodiment, the collar 22 is connected to the first portion 16 of the patch 4 and preferably adhesively bonded, but in an alternative embodiment it is connected to the second portion 17 of the patch 4. , Preferably adhesive bonded.

  In order to allow the insertion of the additive 6, the collar 22 has an opening 23 at the opening 14 in the sleeve 13.

  In one embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the duct 7 extends through the filter function element 2 and its opening 7 a is provided on the outer surface of the filter function element 2.

  The closing means is located along the filter function element 2 between the position shown in FIG. 8 where the inlet 7a of the duct 7 is closed and the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 where it is opened. And an annular element or collar 24 that is movable. More specifically, in the open position of the intake 7a, the duct 7 is open and the chamber 5 is accessible for the insertion of the additive 6.

  The filter function element 2 includes an NWA filter plug 25 in which the chamber 5 is formed.

  In the example shown, the filter function element 2 comprises first and second filter plugs 26, 27 at each end of the plug 25.

  The connecting patch 4 includes a sliding portion 28 that defines a collar 24 that is movable on the plug 25 to provide access to the chamber 5.

  The connecting patch 4 comprises two ends 29, 30 that define respective end stops for the collar 24.

  The duct 7 of the article 1 for a smoker according to the present invention is preferably made by perforating at least the filter functional element 2.

  The process of creating a smoker article 1 having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinally symmetric axis A pierces the filter functional element 2 to create a duct 7 along the direction D across the longitudinally symmetric axis A. The step of carrying out is provided. This process is particularly effective when the duct 7 is made in a packaged type filter plug.

  The step of drilling the filter functional element, preferably performed by a laser, also comprises the step of drilling the patch 4 to create the opening 14, if present.

  Similarly, the drilling step comprises drilling the collar 22 if present.

  Preferably, if the duct 7 also defines the chamber 5, the drilling step allows the creation of each opening on the outer surface of the smoker article 1, ie the duct 7 and the chamber 5.

  In more detail, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIG.

  The duct 7 extends from the outer side surface of the filter function element 2 to the symmetry axis A of the cigarette 1, preferably.

  Especially in the case of NWA filters, if the chamber 5 is pre-formed on the filter plug, the drilling step drills the patch 4 at the part defining the sleeve 13.

  Depending on the relatively reduced dimensions of chamber 5, access duct 7 and openings 14, 23, and to make it easier for consumers to insert additive 6 into chamber 5, the present invention For the purpose of, for example, at least one smoker article 1, preferably a group of smoker articles 1 as described above, enclosed in a packet that is a cigarette packet, and an additive 6 in the chamber 5 Also provided is a kit comprising at least one batch dispenser or applicator 100, which is drawn in FIG. The batch dispenser or applicator 100 may contain only one type of additive 6 or two or more types of additives 6 with different flavors.

  The batch dispenser 100 comprises a tank 101 (partially shown) for the additive 6 and a discharge nozzle 102 shaped to engage the opening 14 and in communication with the tank 101.

  In use, as described above, a consumer who intends to insert the additive 6 into the chamber 5 can, for example, rotate the sleeve 13 or move the collar 24 axially. Open duct 7.

  Once the duct 7 has been opened, the consumer can insert the additive 6 into the chamber 5 using the batch dispenser 100 if necessary or more preferably.

  The consumer can then close the duct 7 and proceed to smoking the article 1 for the smoker.

Claims (21)

An article for smokers,
A filter functional element (2) comprising at least one chamber (5) for the additive (6);
Cigarette stick (3),
Connection means (4, 17) acting between the filter function element (2) and the cigarette stick (3) to connect the filter function element (2) to the cigarette stick (3) When,
The article for smokers is characterized by comprising a duct (7) that provides access to the chamber (5),
A closure means, the closing with said duct (7) can be closed by means, said closing means, a second of said first position in which the duct (7) is closed duct (7) is opened Closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) that are movable relative to said duct (7) between positions;
In a smoker article (1) having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinally symmetric axis (A) comprising:
The duct (7) extends through the filter functional element (2) in a direction (D) transverse to the longitudinal symmetry axis (A), the article for smokers (1) .   The duct (7) has an inlet (7a) on the outer surface of the filter functional element (2), which is preferably cylindrical, and an outlet communicating with the chamber (5). The article for smokers according to claim 1. The filter functional element (2) comprises a filter plug (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) having an internal cavity (9), and the chamber (5) is defined in the internal cavity (9). The article for smokers according to claim 1 , wherein the article is for smokers.   The internal cavity (9) constitutes the duct (7), and the cavity (9) has an opening (9a) corresponding to the inlet (7a) of the duct (7), The article for smokers according to claim 3.   5. Smoker article according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the filter plug (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) is of the type known as "unwrapped acetate".   The filter plug (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) includes a filter material core (11) and a thin packaging material packaged around the filter material core (11). The article for smokers according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by comprising (12). The article for smokers according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the duct (7) constitutes the chamber (5). 8. The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are combined with the filter function element (2). Goods for smokers.   9. Smoker article according to claim 8, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are connected to the filter functional element (2). The closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) comprises a rotary joint (18),
The closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) is opened with respect to the duct (7) by the rotation that can be realized by the rotary joint (18). The smoker article according to claim 9, wherein the article is movable between the second position and the second position.   11. Smoker article according to claim 10, characterized in that the filter function element (2) is shaped in such a way as to define the rotary joint (18). The closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) is a sleeve (13) coaxial with the filter functional element (2), and is rotatable with respect to the duct (7). With sleeve (13),
The sleeve (13) is a first at the intake (7a) of the duct (7) in which the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) is in the opened second position. A second position spaced from the inlet (7a) of the duct (7), wherein the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are in the first closed position. 12. Smoker article according to any one of the preceding claims , characterized in that it has an opening (14) movable between the position and the position. The filter functional element (2) comprises a first filter plug (8) and a second filter plug (10),
The chamber is disposed in the first filter plug (8);
The closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are combined with the second filter plug (10);
Said connection means (4, 17) is characterized in that acting between the first said cigarette stick and filter plug (8) (3), one of claim any one of claims 1 to 12 Article for smokers described in 1. The second filter plug (10) is shaped to define a rotary joint (18);
The closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) includes the rotary joint (18), and the closed first position and the open by rotation that can be realized by the joint (18). 14. Smoker article according to claim 13, characterized in that it is movable relative to the duct (7) between the second position. The duct (7) extends through the filter functional element (2);
The closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) move along the filter function element (2) between the closed position and the open position of the intake (7a) of the duct (7). 15. Smoker article according to any one of claims 1 to 14 , characterized in that it comprises a collar (24) that is possible. 16. The article for smokers according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , characterized in that the article for smokers comprises an additive (6) inside the chamber (5). 17. The smoker according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein the additive (6) is in the form of capsules, powders, particles, gels, liquids or flavored pellets of filter material. Goods. A process for producing a smoker article having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal symmetry axis (A) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , comprising
The process extends through the filter function element (2) at least in a direction (D) across the longitudinal symmetry axis (A) by drilling at least the filter function element (2). characterized by having a step of defining said duct (7), process. The process pierces the sleeve (13) and the filter function element (2), defines the opening (14) in the sleeve, and defines the duct (7) in the filter function element. The process for producing a smoker article according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises the steps of : At least one smoker article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, preferably a group of smoker articles (1) enclosed in a packet;
At least one applicator (100) for inserting the additive (6) into the chamber (5),
kit.   21. Kit according to claim 20, wherein the applicator (100) contains one type of additive (6) or two or more types of additives (6) of different flavors.

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