JP6683403B2 - Smoking articles and mouthpieces for smoking articles - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to smoking articles and smoking mouthpieces, and in particular, but not exclusively, to smoking articles, smoking mouthpieces, and methods for forming smoking article mouthpieces.

  Cigarettes and other smoking materials produce aerosols (smoke in the case of cigarettes) that the user inhales. Filters for smoking articles are used to modify the aerosol before it reaches the mouth of the user. Filters known in the art for this purpose can be formed from plugs of fibrous cellulose acetate or other materials having similar physical properties.

  Various additives are added to the smoke filter to facilitate removal of certain smoke constituents. Examples include smoke adsorbents such as activated carbon that adsorb specific smoke components and remove them from the smoke stream passing through the filter. In addition to removing components from smoke, filter additives can impart some properties to smoke or other aerosols that pass through the filter. For example, filters can include fragrances and fragrances that modify the aroma and taste characteristics of the aerosol.

  In accordance with some aspects of the invention, a smoking article rod portion having a recess and a mouthpiece attachable to the smoking article rod portion, the elongated cylindrical column configured to be inserted into the recess by a user. A smoking article comprising a mouthpiece comprising an element, the cylindrical element having an outer surface having at least one raised area, the at least one raised area being adapted to move the cylindrical element within the recess. Configured to engage the inner surface of the recess to provide resistance, the at least one raised region being less than the displacement of the cylindrical element into and out of the recess than the displacement of the cylindrical element out of the recess. A smoking article is provided that is configured to provide resistance.

  The cylindrical elements are first and second portions, each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element and adjacent to each other, such that the first portion is inserted into the recess by the user. A first portion and a second portion, and an annular element arranged around the second portion of the cylindrical element and having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the recess. it can.

  The annular element may include a wrapper forming at least a portion of its outer surface.

  The inner diameter and / or length of the recess and the outer diameter and / or length of the cylindrical element are substantially such that at least a portion of the cylindrical element is received within the recess and can substantially fill the recess. Can be configured to match.

  The cylindrical element can include a smoke modifying additive. The smoke modifying additive is dispersed throughout the cylindrical and / or annular elements, contained within at least one fragile capsule, and comprises a vegetable additive. It can be all or at least one of including an adsorbent and attached to fibers extending in the cylindrical and / or annular elements.

  The annular element can be attached to the cylindrical element using an adhesive.

  The cylindrical element may comprise a wrapping paper forming at least a portion of its outer surface.

  The at least one raised region may be formed by embossing the outer surface of the cylindrical element.

  The at least one raised region has a first section with a relatively steep slope as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element and a relatively gentle slope as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element. And a second section with which the second section may be configured to be located in front of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.

  The at least one raised region may have a first section and a second section, the first section having a wider circumferential dimension than the second section and having a second section. The section may be configured to be positioned in front of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.

  The body of the cylindrical element can include a fibrous filter material.

  The at least one raised region is configured to engage at least one inner surface of the corresponding recess so as to prevent or limit air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical element. A raised area extending to the.

  The cylindrical element extends in at least one circumferential direction configured to engage the inner surface of the corresponding recess to prevent or limit airflow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical element. It may further comprise an outer surface having a raised area.

  The cylindrical element comprises a wrapping paper forming at least part of its outer surface, and at least one circumferentially extending raised region can be formed by embossing the wrapping paper.

  The circumferentially extending raised region may extend substantially around the entire circumference of the cylindrical element.

  According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for attachment to a smoking article by a user, wherein the mouthpiece comprises an elongated cylindrical element configured to be inserted into a corresponding recess by the user. , The cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised area, the at least one raised area configured to engage the inner surface of the recess to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical element within the recess. And the at least one raised region is configured to provide less resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than movement of the cylindrical element out of the recess.

  According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for forming a mouthpiece as defined above, the method comprising forming a wrapping material having at least one raised area disposed thereon. Forming an elongated cylinder of filter material, and coating the coating material around the elongated cylinder of filter material.

  The mouthpiece described above and elsewhere in the specification may be a filter unit.

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

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view (hereinafter referred to as a “side cross-sectional view”) of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (a filter unit in this example) separated from the smoking article rod portion. FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in FIG. 1a. FIG. 1b is a side sectional view of the smoking article of FIG. 1a with the filter unit attached to the smoking article rod portion. 2b is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in FIG. 2a. FIG. (A)-(d) of each mouthpiece (filter unit in these examples) containing various smoke modifying additives for use with the smoking article shown in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b. It is a side sectional view. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (a filter unit in this example) separated from the smoking article rod portion, the filter unit holding the filter unit engaging the smoking article rod portion. FIG. 6 shows one with at least one raised area for FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (a filter unit in this example) separated from the smoking article rod portion, the filter unit having at least one circumferentially extending raised region. It is a figure which shows a thing. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (a filter unit in this example) separated from the smoking article rod portion, the filter unit including at least one raised region shown in FIG. 4; 6 is a diagram showing one having both at least one circumferentially extending raised region shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (a filter unit in this example) separated from the smoking article rod portion, the filter unit being configured to engage the smoking article rod portion. FIG. 4 shows one with at least one circumferentially extending raised area for holding the. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece (filter unit in this example) having offset cylindrical elements for use with the smoking article shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b. 9 is a side sectional view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and two of the filter units of FIG. 8 connected to the smoking article rod portion. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a mouthpiece (a filter unit in this example) described herein. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a cylindrical element of the filter unit described with reference to FIG. 4. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a cylindrical element of the filter unit described with reference to FIG. 5.

  The term "smoking article" as used herein, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes, is a cigarette. , Cigars, smokeable products such as cigarillos, non-burnable heat-not-burn products, and nicotine delivery products such as aerosol generators including electronic cigarettes. The smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gas flow drawn by the smoker.

  Cigarettes such as cigarettes and types thereof are "regular" (typically in the range of 68 mm to 75 mm, eg about 68 mm to about 72 mm), "short" or "mini" depending on the length of the cigarette. (68 mm or less), "king size" (typically in the range of 75 mm to 91 mm, such as about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or "super king" (typically 91 mm to 105 mm, such as about 94 mm to about 94 mm). 101 mm range) and "Ultralong" (typically in the range of about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

  In addition, they are “regular” (about 23 mm to 25 mm), “wide” (over 25 mm), “slim” (about 22 mm to 23 mm), and “demislim” (about 19 mm) depending on the length of the circumference of the cigarette. .About.22 mm), "super slim" (about 16 mm to 19 mm), "micro slim" (less than about 16 mm). Thus, for example, a king size, super slim type cigarette has a length of about 83 mm and an outer circumference of about 17 mm. Regular, king-sized cigarettes, i.e. cigarettes having an outer circumference of 23 to 25 mm and a total length of 75 to 91 mm, are preferred by many customers.

  Each type can be made with filters of varying lengths, with smaller filters commonly used for smaller length and perimeter types. Typically, filter lengths are from about 15 mm associated with the short regular model to 30 mm associated with the ultralong superslim model. The tip paper is longer than the filter, for example 3-10 mm, which covers the filter and overlaps the tobacco rod to connect the filter to the tobacco rod.

  The smoking articles described herein can be manufactured in any of the above types.

  FIG. 1a shows a smoking article rod portion 2 (also referred to as an “aerosol generating portion”) and a mouthpiece (in this example, a filter unit 3) that can be separated from the smoking article rod portion 2 and can be attached to the smoking article rod portion 2 by a user. ) Is a side sectional view of the smoking article 1 including and. FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the smoking article 1 shown in FIG. 1a. In the present example, the smoking article rod portion 2 has a regular king size type, i.e. a length in the range of 75 mm to 91 mm and an outer circumference in the range of 23 mm to 25 mm. In particular, in this example, the smoking rod portion 2 has a length of 83 mm and an outer circumference of 24.6 mm. The smoking article 1 is a cigarette and the smoking article rod portion 2 comprises a tobacco rod 4 coated with a coating material (in this case cigarette paper) 5. The smoking article rod portion 2 comprises a filter 6 at its mouth end, the filter 6 comprising a first section 7 located at its tobacco rod end. The first section 7 of the filter is in this example formed from a cellulose acetate tow 8 coated with a first plug wrap 9. The filter 6 also comprises a second section 10 arranged downstream of the first section 7, which comprises a tubular element 11 covered with a second plug wrap 12. In this example, the tubular element 11 is open at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2 and is provided with a recess or cavity 13 at that end. The mouth end 16 of the tubular element 11 is exposed at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2. The tobacco rod 4 and the first and second sections 7, 10 of the filter tipping which overlap the first and second sections 7, 10 of the filter and partially overlap the coating material 5. material) 14. In another embodiment, before connecting the filter 6 to the tobacco rod 4 with the tip material 14, the first and second filter sections 7, 10 and the other sections forming the filter 6 are plugged into another plug. The webs (not shown) can be used to connect to each other.

  The filter unit 3 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21. The cylindrical element 20 has a first portion 20a and a second portion 20b that are adjacent to each other, and the first and second portions 20a and 20b each extend partially along the length of the cylindrical element 20. ing. In this example, the first portion 20 a extends from the end of the cylindrical element 20 on the insertion side to an intermediate position 22 along the length of the cylindrical element 20. In this example, the length of the cylindrical element 20 is 13 mm, and the intermediate position 22 is 6 mm from the insertion end along the length of the cylindrical element 20. The first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is configured to be inserted by the user into the recess 13 at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2.

  The annular element 21 is arranged around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20. The annular element 21 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the recess 13. In this example, the second portion 20b of the columnar element 20 extends from the mouth end of the columnar element 20 and terminates at an intermediate position 22 along the length of the columnar element 20. On the end of the annular element 21 arranged to face the smoking article rod portion 2 in use, a surface 23 of the annular element 21 is exposed, which surface 23 is used by the filter unit 3 as described below. When attached to the object rod portion 2, it abuts the mouth end 16 of the tubular element 11.

  The first part 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is adapted to be inserted into a recess of the smoking article, in this case a recess 13 formed by the tubular element 11. The inner diameter and / or length of the recess 13 and the outer diameter and / or length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 are such that the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is received in the recess 13 Are configured to be substantially coincident so that they can be substantially occupied. For example, the inner diameter and / or length of the recess 13 can be substantially the same as the outer diameter and / or length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20. In practice, the match between the dimensions of the recess 13 and the dimensions of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 depends on the materials used to form these components and the fit between them. It depends on the desired closeness. In order to facilitate the insertion of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13, it is considered preferable that the size of the recess is slightly larger than the size of the first portion 20a.

  In the example of FIGS. 1a and 1b, the recess 13 has an inner diameter of 5.10 mm and the cylindrical element 20 has an outer diameter of 5.03 mm. In another example, the inner diameter of the recess 13 and the outer diameter of the cylindrical element 20 can have other values, for example diameters in the range 3 mm to 10 mm. In the example of FIGS. 1a and 1b, the recess 13 has an internal length of 6 mm and the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has a length of 6 mm. In another example, the internal length of the recess 13 and the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 can have other values, for example a length in the range 3 mm to 20 mm.

  In this example, the annular element 21 is attached to the columnar element 20 using an adhesive (not shown). The annular element 21 may be attached to the cylindrical element 20 by means other than an adhesive, for example by mechanical means such as a friction fit or other fastening means.

  In use, the smoking article 1 is provided to the user with the filter unit 3 and the smoking article rod portion 2 as separate components. Before the user first uses the smoking rod portion 2, the filter unit 3 is attached to the smoking rod portion 2 by inserting the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13. The first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the opening of the recess 13 and until the surface 23 of the annular element 21 abuts the mouth end 16 of the tubular element 11 to prevent further insertion. It is pushed into the recess 13. The user can choose whether to attach the filter unit 3 to the smoking article rod portion 2 before smoking the smoking article 1 and thus in this way the filter length of the smoking article 1 and thus the smoking article 1 The degree of filtration of the aerosol produced by can be controlled.

  FIG. 2a is a side sectional view of the smoking article 1 of FIGS. 1a and 1b with the filter unit 3 attached to the smoking article rod portion 2. FIG. 2 b is a perspective view of the same smoking article 1 with the filter unit 3 attached to the smoking article rod part 2.

In the present example, the columnar element 20 comprises a fibrous filter material 25, which is covered on its entire circumference in a wrapping paper (in this case, a plug web) 26, the longitudinal ends of which are left uncoated. There is. In alternative embodiments, the cylindrical element 20 may be formed in other ways. Alternatively, the cylindrical element 20 may be formed from other fibrous materials and may be configured to have different structures. The cylindrical element 20 may be formed, for example, from rigid paper, plastic, card, or other material as an open or closed end hollow tube . The cylindrical element 20 also need not be wrapped with wrapping paper, but could be formed without wrapping paper, such as, for example, uncoated acetate (NWA) plugs formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filter material 25 includes a cellulose acetate fiber and / or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly Other materials used to form fibers can be included, such as (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers.

  In the present example, the annular element 21 comprises a fibrous filter material 27 formed in the form of a tube, which is entirely wrapped in a wrapping paper (in this case a plug wrapping paper) 28, the longitudinal ends of which remain uncoated. It is said that. In alternative embodiments, the annular element 21 may be formed in other ways. For example, the annular element 21 may be formed from other fibrous materials. Also, the annular element 21 need not be wrapped with wrapping paper, but can be formed without wrapping paper, such as uncoated acetate (NWA) tubing formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filter material 27 includes a cellulose acetate fiber and / or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (i-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly. Other materials used to form fibers can be included, such as (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers. Alternatively, the annular element 21 may be formed from a sheet material, such as chip paper, coated around the cylindrical element 20 to form a single or multiple layers of sheet material around the cylindrical element 20. You may Alternatively, the annular element 21 may be formed from plastic or other molding material.

  The cylindrical element 20 and / or the annular element 21 may include a filter plasticizer. The filter plasticizer acts by softening the fibrous filter material, from which the filter element is constructed so that the individual fibers can adhere to each other to form a stiffer structure. ing. Filter plasticizers, such as glycerin triacetate, also called triacetin, are suitable for columnar elements 20 and / or annular, for example when columnar elements 20 and / or annular elements 21 are formed from a fibrous filter material such as cellulose acetate. It can be used in element 21. Higher levels of plasticizer than those normally used for filter elements can be used to add rigidity to any component. For example, greater than 7%, greater than 10%, greater than 12%, or greater than 15% by weight of the fibrous filter material used can be used in either component.

  In this example, the length of the first portion 20 a of the cylindrical element 20 is substantially equal to the length of the recess 13. In another example, the length of the first portion 20 a of the cylindrical element 20 may be shorter or longer than the length of the recess 13.

  The cylindrical element 20 and / or the annular element 21 can include an aerosol modifying additive.

  3A to 3D are side cross-sectional views of the mouthpieces in the filter units 30, 40, 50, 60 of the present embodiment, and these mouthpieces are shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a and It can be used as a replacement for the mouthpiece for the filter unit 3 described with reference to Figure 2b. The filter units 30, 40, 50, 60 of FIGS. 3 (a)-(d) are generally similar in construction to the filter unit 3 of FIG. 1a and the same reference numbers are used to indicate equivalent features. ing.

  In the filter unit 30 of FIG. 3 (a), the fibrous filter material 25 of the columnar element contains therein particles of the aerosol modifying additive 31. The aerosol modifying additive 31 is activated carbon in this example. However, other additives such as adsorbents other than carbon and flavoring additives can also be used. For example, the additive may be a botanical additive. Botanical additives are licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenigreak, clove, mint, anise, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, spearmint, with the permission of each municipality. , A material derived from a plant selected from peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascary, geranium, vanilla, cassia, caraway, jasmine, ylang ylang, sage, fennel, ginger, anise and coriander.

  In this embodiment, the aerosol modifying additive 31 is distributed throughout the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol modifying additive 31 may be distributed throughout the fibrous filter material 27 of the annular element 21.

  In the filter unit 40 of FIG. 3B, a frangible capsule containing a liquid payload containing a fragrance such as menthol is arranged in the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20. The frangible capsule 41 is located at an intermediate position 22 between the first and second parts 20a and 20b of the cylindrical element and is therefore located there just below the end of the annular element 21. The user grasps the end of the annular element 21 and exerts pressure on the capsule, which breaks and releases the perfume contained therein, so that the aerosol drawn through the filter unit 40 can be modified. Has become.

  In the filter unit 50 of FIG. 3C, the elongated aerosol modifying element 51 is arranged in the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20. In this example, the elongated aerosol modifying element 51 comprises a scented thread such as menthol. The fragrance added on the thread 51 is released when the aerosol is inhaled through the filter unit 50.

  In the filter unit 60 of FIG. 3 (d), the cylindrical element 20 comprises a first plug 61 and a second plug 62, which are wound around a plug wrap 26 and are longitudinally aligned and separated from each other. A cavity is formed between the plugs 61 and 62. In the cavity, the aerosol modifying additive 63 as described with reference to FIG. 3A is arranged.

  Additional end filter sections may be provided in any of the mouthpieces or filter units described herein. In filter units containing additives such as activated carbon or vegetable additives, an additional mouthside filter section may prevent particles of such additives from reaching the user's mouth.

  In addition to, or instead of, the features of the filter units described herein, the wrapping paper covering the cylindrical elements 20 and / or annular elements 21 of the filter units described herein may be of menthol or chilli flavor. Such additives may be included to provide additional flavor, aroma and / or other sensory properties to the filter unit.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a smoking article 70 including the smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece (a filter unit 71 in this example) separate from the portion 2, and the filter unit 71 includes the filter unit 71. It has at least one raised area 73 for holding the smoking article rod portion 2 in engagement. The smoking article 70 of FIG. 4 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of FIG. 1a, and the same reference numbers are used to indicate like features. The filter unit 71 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those previously described. However, the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has at least one raised area 73 arranged to engage the inner surface of the recess 13. In this example, four such raised areas 73 are circumferentially arranged around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20. Each raised region 73 projects from the outer surface approximately 1 mm at its highest point or region, but it may project higher or lower.

  In this example, the raised areas 73 are generally triangular in both the plan view and the longitudinal cross-section, although other shapes can be used. Raised regions 73 are provided along the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element, approximately in the middle thereof, in this case approximately 3 mm from the annular element 21. However, the raised region 73 may be provided at another position around the first portion 20 a of the cylindrical element 20.

  The raised region 73 is arranged so as to prevent the movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 within the recess 13. The raised areas 73 also provide the effect of centering the first portion 20a in the recess and a cushioning effect between the cylindrical element and the recess, resulting in component dimensioning due to manufacturing tolerances of either component. Can have the effect of absorbing inaccuracies in. The raised area 73 is configured to provide less resistance to movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 than out of the recess 13. This is, in this example, the first section 73a having a relatively steep slope as it rises from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised area 73 and the raised area from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. And a second section 73b having a relatively gentle slope as it rises to the highest point or area of 73. The second section 73b is arranged so as to face the direction of movement of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13. The second section 73b is arranged in front of the first section 73a when the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the recess 13. In particular, the second section 73b is located closer to the end of the first portion 20a opposite the annular element 21 than the first section 70a. Therefore, the raised area 73 has a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the first portion 20 a is inserted into the recess 13. The first section 73a is arranged so as to face the direction of movement from the recess 13 to the outside of the cylindrical element 20. In particular, the first section 73a is closer to the end of the first portion 20a adjacent the annular element 21. Therefore, the raised region 73 has a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when pulling out the first portion 20 a from the recess 13.

  In this example, the raised region 73 has a larger circumferential extent in the first section 73a compared to the second section 73b, which also results in a circular shape compared to the case where the cylindrical element 20 is inserted. When the columnar element 20 is pulled out, the frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 is increased. In this example, the circumferential extension of the raised area 73 in the first section 73a is about 3 mm and for the second section 73b is about 0.5 mm, although other dimensions can be used.

  In this example, the at least one raised area 73 is formed by embossing the wrapping paper 72 forming the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. However, other configurations are possible. For example, the raised areas 73 can be formed by an additional material such as varnish, lacquer, adhesive or the like, or plastic, paper or other material protrusion adhered to the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. Further, any shape of raised area 73 that provides greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the columnar element 20 is withdrawn as compared to when the columnar element 20 is inserted may be used. You can

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 80 including the smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece (a filter unit 81 in this example) separate from the smoking article rod portion 2. The filter unit 81 includes at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83. The smoking article 80 of FIG. 5 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of FIG. 1a, and the same reference numbers have been used to indicate equivalent features. The filter unit 81 comprises a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those previously described. However, the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83 configured to engage the inner surface of the recess 13. In this example, the first and second raised regions 83a and 83b extending in the circumferential direction are provided so as to be separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. However, in other embodiments, a single circumferentially extending raised area 83 can be provided, or more than two can be provided.

  The first and second circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b each extend continuously around the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20. In particular, the raised regions 83a, 83b extending in the circumferential direction extend over substantially the entire circumference of the cylindrical element 20, and in this example form a band or ring around the cylindrical element 20. However, other configurations are possible, such as circumferentially extending raised regions extending over a portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 rather than the entire circumference thereof, or regions having other patterns such as a spiral configuration.

  The first and second circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b respectively prevent or limit airflow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. This is accomplished by the circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b being pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13 to form a seal between the outer surface of the cylindrical element and the inner surface of the recess 13. Preventing or limiting the air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 allows the entry of ambient air into the smoking article 80 through the filter 6 of the smoking article rod portion 2 and the filter unit 83. It is possible to help prevent or limit the above. Further, preventing or limiting the air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 is accomplished by passing between the cylindrical element 20 and the annular element 21. It makes it possible to help prevent or limit the aerosol formed by the smoking article rod part 2, which bypasses the element 21.

  The raised regions 83a and 83b extending in the circumferential direction can be formed by embossing the wrapping paper 82 forming the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. In this example, the raised regions 83a and 83b extending in the circumferential direction have a height of 1 mm from the surface of the columnar element 20 and a width of 1 mm. However, other dimensions such as between 0.5 mm and 10 mm wide and 0.5 mm to 5 mm high can be used. Further, in this example, the raised regions 83a and 83b extending in the first and second circumferential directions are separated by a distance of 2 mm, but depending on the size and the configuration of the columnar element 20, it may be 1 mm to 20 mm. Other intervals can also be used. A circumferentially extending raised region 83 is provided approximately midway along the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element, in this case approximately 3 mm from the annular element 21. However, at other locations around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20, a circumferentially extending raised portion 83 can alternatively be provided.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article 90 including the smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece (a filter unit 91 in this example) separate from the smoking article rod portion 2. It includes at least one raised area 73 described with reference to and at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83 described with reference to FIG. The smoking article 90 of FIG. 6 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of FIG. 1a, and the same reference numbers have been used to indicate equivalent features. The at least one raised area 73 is provided on the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 further from the annular element 21 than the at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83. In this example, four raised regions 73 are provided around the cylindrical element 20 at intervals and are spaced from the annular element 21 by about 4 mm. Raised areas 83 extending in the first and second circumferential directions are provided approximately 2 mm from the annular element 21. The raised region 73 and the circumferentially extending raised region 83 can be formed by embossing the wrapping paper 92 forming the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a smoking article 100 including a smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece (a filter unit 101 in this example) separate from the smoking article rod portion 2, and the filter unit 101 includes the smoking article rod. It comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area 103 for holding the filter unit 101 in engagement with the part 2. The smoking article 100 of FIG. 7 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of FIG. 1a, and the same reference numbers are used to indicate equivalent features. The at least one circumferentially extending raised area 103 functions in combination with the at least one raised area 73 described with reference to FIG. 4 and the at least one circumferentially raised area described with reference to FIG. have. In particular, the circumferentially extending raised region 103 includes a front section 103b having a relatively gentle slope as it rises from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised region 103, and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. To the highest point or area of the raised area 103, the rear section 103a having a relatively steep slope. Therefore, the raised region 103 extending in the circumferential direction relatively lowers the level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the concave portion 13 when the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the concave portion 13, and when pulling out the cylindrical element 20 from the concave portion 13. The level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 is relatively high. Furthermore, the circumferentially extending raised area 103 also functions to prevent or limit the flow of air between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20.

  FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece (filter unit 110 in this example) having an offset cylindrical element 20 for use with the smoking article described herein. The filter unit 110 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 111. The cylindrical element 20 is substantially the same as the cylindrical element 20 described above. However, in this example, the annular element 111 is arranged around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20 and extends beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20. In this example, the annular element 111 has the same longitudinal length as the cylindrical element 20. In particular, in this example, both the cylindrical element 20 and the annular element 21 have a length of 13 mm. The intermediate position 22 is 6 mm along the length of the cylindrical element 20 from the end on the insertion side, as described above, so that the annular element 21 extends beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20. It extends 6 mm. The annular element 111 is coated within a wrapping paper 112 such as tip paper. Thus, the filter unit 110 of FIG. 8 has a recess 113 at its mouth end that can receive the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 of the filter unit described herein.

  The filter unit 110 of FIG. 8 can be configured to include any of the features of the filter units of FIGS. Accordingly, the user, as shown in FIG. 8, selects a first filter unit 110 that includes an aerosol modifying additive and attaches it to a smoking article rod portion 2 as described herein. You can The user can then select another second filter unit selected from any of the filter units described herein and attach that filter unit to the first filter unit 110. Thereby, the user can obtain a plurality of characteristics of the plurality of filter units that can be connected to the same smoking article rod portion 2, for example, characteristics such as filtration characteristics and aerosol reforming characteristics.

  FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a smoking article 120 including a smoking article rod portion 2 and first and second 110a and 110b of the filter unit 110 of FIG. 8 connected to the smoking article rod portion 2. . The smoking article 120 of FIG. 9 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of FIG. 1a, and the same reference numbers are used to indicate equivalent features.

  FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming a mouthpiece (in this example, a filter unit) described herein. In the first step (S101), an elongated cylindrical body made of a filter material having a first portion and a second portion adjacent to each other is formed. The first portion is configured to be inserted into the corresponding recess of the smoking article. The cylinder can be formed using, for example, a filter rod maker. In a filter rod maker, a filter tow is fed from its source into the decorative section of the filter rod maker, where the filter tow is compressed into bars and coated on a paper wrapper such as a plug web. The plug web can be provided with embossed raised areas forming raised areas 73 and circumferentially extending raised areas 83 as described herein. The cylinder can be cut to a final length at the filter rod maker, or to a length that is a multiple of the desired final length, and then suitable when combined with the annular element 21. It can be cut into various sizes. In the second step (S102), the annular element 21 is attached around the elongated cylindrical second portion 20b formed in step S101. For example, the annular element 21 can be formed by wrapping sheet material around a cylinder or by sliding a tubular filter section over the cylinder. In either case, the annular element 21 can be adhered to the outer surface of the cylindrical element using an adhesive.

  11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming the cylindrical elements of the filter unit 71 described herein with reference to FIG. In a first step (S201), a coating material provided with at least one raised area is formed. For example, a sheet of coating material such as plug wrap may be embossed or otherwise provided with at least one raised area. In a second step (S202), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed, for example using a filter rod maker. The cylinder can be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker, where the filter tow is supplied from its source to the decorative section of the filter rod maker, where it is compressed into rods. In the third step (S203), the coating material is coated around the elongated cylinder of filter material. The cylindrical body of filter material can be cut to a final length at the filter rod maker or to a length that is a multiple of the desired final length, in which case it is suitable at a later stage. It can be cut into various sizes.

  12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming the cylindrical elements of the filter unit 81 described herein with reference to FIG. In a first step (S301), a coating material is provided which is provided with at least one circumferentially extending raised area. For example, a sheet of coating material, such as plug web, may be embossed or otherwise provided with at least one circumferentially extending raised region. In a second step (S302), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed, for example using a filter rod maker. The cylinder can be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker, in which the filter tow is supplied from its source to the decorative section of the filter rod maker, where it is compressed into rods. In the third step (S303), the coating material is coated around the elongated cylindrical body made of the filter material. The cylindrical body of filter material can be cut at the filter rod maker to a final length, or can be cut to a length that is a multiple of the desired final length, in which case it is appropriate at a later stage. Can be cut to size.

  The smoking article described herein offers the user the possibility to alter the properties of the smoking article before or during use of the smoking article. Any of the filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 described herein can be attached to any of the smoking article rod portions 2. For example, the user may have one or more smoking rod sections 2 and filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, which may be selectively attached to the rod sections 2 by the user. One selected from 101 and 110 can be provided.

  Although specific configurations have been described herein for the filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 and the smoking rod portion 2, alternative design configurations are also possible. possible. For example, in some embodiments, the annular element 21 of each filter unit 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 may be omitted and the filter comprising only the cylindrical element 20. Units can be provided. In this case, the cylindrical element 20 may comprise both the first part 20a and the second part 20b, or only the first part 20a configured to be received in the recess 13. Good. Mouthpieces other than the filter units described herein, such as plastics (polyvinyl chloride or other similar polymeric materials), papers, or cards formed of materials such as cards, with axial flow passages therethrough. A tubular mouthpiece or the like can be used. Non-filterable mouthpieces, or mouthpieces with only limited filterability, can be used for non-combustible smokers, such as heat non-combustible (HnB) products, and other nicotine delivery, such as aerosol generators such as electronic cigarettes. May be provided for use in a product. Such mouthpieces can include, for example, the same structure and materials as the filter units described herein. Furthermore, although the smoking article rod portion 2 has been described as having first and second filter sections 7, 10, it may include only the first filter section 7, or the first and second filter sections 7, 10. In addition to 10, additional filter sections may be included. For example, the smoking rod portion 2 described herein may include an additional third filter section (with an adsorbent such as activated carbon dispersed therein) at the tobacco rod end of the filter 6. Further, the smoking article rod portion 2 need not include the second filter section 10, but instead has a recess 13 at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2 formed by a rigid plug wrap or tip material. Can have. In this case, the corresponding filter unit is configured to fit this alternative recess configuration.

  Embossing is described herein to form raised areas 73, 83, 103 on the corresponding wrapping paper. Such wrapping paper can be embossed between a pair of appropriately shaped cooperating rollers to form raised areas 73, 83, 103. Multiple wrapping papers may be embossed simultaneously in parallel between the rollers.

  To address various problems and improve the art, the entire disclosure presents various examples in which the claimed invention may be embodied and provide superior smoking articles and filter units. is there. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples for purposes of illustration only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. This disclosure is presented only to understand and teach the claimed features. Advantages, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should be considered as limitations on the disclosure defined by the claims or limitations equivalent to the claims. Rather, modifications may be made utilizing other examples without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. Various examples may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, processes, means, etc.

Claims (15)

A mouthpiece attachable to a smoking rod portion, the mouthpiece comprising an elongated cylindrical element formed of plastic as a hollow tube configured to be inserted into a recess by a user,
The cylindrical element includes an outer surface having at least one raised region, the at least one raised region engaging an inner surface of the recess to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical element within the recess. And the at least one raised region provides less resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than movement of the cylindrical element out of the recess. A mouthpiece that is configured to The cylindrical element is
A first portion and a second portion, each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element and adjacent to each other, the first portion being configured to be inserted into the recess by a user. And a first part and a second part,
The mouthpiece according to claim 1, further comprising an annular element disposed around the second portion of the cylindrical element and having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the recess.   The mouthpiece of claim 2, wherein the annular element comprises a wrapper that forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the annular element.   The inner diameter and / or the length of the recess and the outer diameter and / or the length of the cylindrical element so that at least part of the cylindrical element can be received in the recess and substantially fill the recess. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to substantially match with.   A mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cylindrical element comprises a smoke modifying additive. The smoke modifying additive being dispersed throughout the cylindrical and / or annular elements;
The smoke modifying additive is contained within at least one fragile capsule;
The smoke-modifying additive comprises a vegetable additive,
The smoke modifying additive includes an adsorbent,
Said smoke modifying additive being attached to fibers extending in said cylindrical element and / or said annular element;
6. The mouthpiece according to claim 5, which is all or at least one of them.   The annular element is attached to the cylindrical element with an adhesive, and / or the cylindrical element comprises a wrapping paper forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical element. The mouthpiece according to item 3. The at least one raised region has a first section with a relatively steep slope as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element, and relatively gentle as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element. A second section with a different slope,
The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second section is arranged in front of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.   The at least one raised region has a first section and a second section, the first section having a wider circumferential dimension than the second section, and the second section The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein is arranged in front of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.   10. A mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the cylindrical element body comprises a fibrous filter material.   At least one raised region configured to engage an inner surface of the corresponding recess to block or limit airflow between an inner surface of the corresponding recess and an outer surface of the cylindrical element. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising one circumferentially extending raised region.   At least one cylindrical element configured to engage an inner surface of the corresponding recess to block or limit air flow between an inner surface of the corresponding recess and an outer surface of the cylindrical element. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, further comprising an outer surface having a raised region extending in the circumferential direction.   13. The cylindrical element comprises a wrapping paper forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the cylindrical element, the at least one circumferentially extending raised region being formed by embossing the wrapping paper. Mouthpiece described in.   14. A mouthpiece according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the circumferentially extending raised region extends substantially over the entire circumference of the cylindrical element. A smoking article rod portion having a recess,
The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
A smoking article.

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