KR20090112642A - Cigarette filter with flavored particles - Google Patents

Abstract

A smoke-enhancing filter rod comprising: (1) a filtering zone; and (2) smoke-enhancing plant flavour particles present in said filtering zone.

Description

Cigarette Filter with Flavor Particles {CIGARETTE FILTER WITH FLAVORED PARTICLES}

The present invention relates to a novel tobacco smoke reinforced filter rod, a smoking article comprising the tobacco smoke reinforced filter rod, and a method for manufacturing the tobacco smoke reinforced filter rod and smoking article.

In US Pat. No. 3,771,534, entitled "Composite Filter and Cigarette Holder," the filter cartridge is integrally formed in the cigarette holder. Two barrels are aligned, the ends of these barrels having a similar diameter, one end connected to the cigarette to smoke, and the other end connected to the short length of the cigarette acting as a tip. The filter cartridge may be impregnated with volatile oils such as menthol or mint to flavor the tobacco smoke, and the two barrels act as air chambers to cool them. The purpose of this concept is basically based on a double filter that provides protection from infectious substances. However, consumers are provided with poor flavor of tobacco smoke, and cooling of tobacco smoke is an obstacle to fixation of the flavor. Moreover, the menthol and volatile oils have been found to provide an unpleasant aftertaste for some groups of consumers.

The flavor cigarette filter made of granular activated carbon according to US Pat. No. 3,972,335, entitled “mentholated cigarette filter”, is known for its ability to effectively filter gaseous toxic agents in tobacco smoke. It is processed to improve shelf life and delivery rate. Indeed, the activated carbon not only acts as a pore-modifying agent, but is also treated with any substance or sucrose that can be absorbed and retained by activated carbon; The effect is configured to block most activated carbon reserves, so that there are fewer reserves that can adsorb tobacco smoke-flavours, such as menthol. Thus, the flavourant is retained in carbon during its shelf life, but is released when cigarette tobacco smoke passes through the filter. However, this type of cigarette filter presents a significant disadvantage to the effective flavor of tobacco smoke. The pore-blocking step by the pore-modifying agent is very complicated because the amount of pore-blocking agent as well as the type of pore-modifying agent to be added to the carbon must be accurately measured and selected so that most retained pores are blocked. This situation often results in insufficient filtration of harmful factors of tobacco smoke and very low flavor delivery, and pore-modifiers block most retention points on carbon.

In US Pat. No. 4,620,554, entitled "Cigar Taste Mitigator," a cigarette taste mitigator is attached to the top of the cigarette to provide removal of nicotine taste as well as flavor of the smoke. Such emollients consist of a blend of powdered materials. The object of this invention is to improve the nicotine taste of tobacco smoke and to reduce the irritancy associated with it. However, the present invention is primarily intended to reduce and camouflage the aftertaste and unpleasant taste of cigarette smoke caused by nicotine and other ingredients, as well as to enhance the taste of tobacco.

U.S. Patent 4,889,144, entitled "Tobacco Smoking Filter," is based on the concept of a flavored cigarette filter. The filter tip includes a space in the middle filled with flavored-sealed particles. These flavor-sealed particles are naturally occurring as well as one or more flavor substances selected from a variety of powdered useful flavors (some of which are well known licorice, cloves, cinnamon powder, vanilla, lemon, Japanese peppermint oil, etc.). Prepared with polysaccharides and diluents. This encapsulation protects the flavor against volatilization and degradation. To release the flavor, this capsule must be destroyed by the smoker by applying a force on the outside surface of the filter that is greater than the force normally applied during smoking, such as twisting or pressing the filter. In order to increase the rate of breakdown of the flavor particles, fracture-accelerating agent particles, crystalline sugar and table salt, which are harder than the flavor particles can be added. In conclusion, these products allow smokers to enjoy flavored or authentic cigarettes without destroying the flavor particles. This invention may be considered a great breakthrough in the cigarette flavor industry, but in a filter tip that includes a cavity filled with flavor particles in the center, the main problem is that the particles are often in close contact, leading to increased draw resistance. have. Therefore, such cigarettes are difficult to smoke, and consumers are not interested in these products themselves.

US patent application 2005/0070409 A1, entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Incorporating Objects in Cigarette Filters," discloses the concept of a new method of mechanically incorporating individual objects into a cigarette filter. The final filter rod holds an object, such as a flavourant containing capsule, embedded in a reticular filter.

Thus, if a cigarette with a filter is provided that adds the desired flavor to the natural taste of tobacco smoke, enhances its overall essence and provides a better and more subtle aftertaste, while providing some level of protection, Would be preferred. Indeed, the techniques provided in the prior art often over-filter the smoke to the point where the taste changes and often has to be redirected through the passage of the second filter containing the flavourant. Not only are these inventions complex, many of them result in a reduction in the overall quality, taste and aftertaste of tobacco smoke and cigarettes.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a tobacco smoke enrichment filter rod comprising means of various tobacco smoke enrichment plant flavor particles and produced through various methods as a means for enhancing tobacco smoke of a smoking article. Indeed, the tobacco smoke reinforced filter rod of the present invention consists of a filtration zone in which tobacco smoke enhanced plant flavor particles are present. The tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles may be embedded or inserted into the cavity of the filter. The filtration zone is made of a material selected from cellulose acetate tow, cellulose acetate webs, and paper. Such filter material may be dyed to match the color of the tobacco smoke enhanced plant flavor particles. Tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles include mint, vanilla, peppermint, anise, basil, laurel, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, Oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, sage, thyme, vanilla, lavender, licorice, coffee, tea, eucalyptus, cloves, roe balm, beesteak plant, curcuma And chopped flavor plants selected from turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, rose, bergamot, orange blossom, etc. and sized appropriately to be embedded or inserted in the cavity of the filter area. Particles. Mint particles are grown in the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis , Mentha cv , Mentha niliaca , Mentha piperita , Mentha piperita citrata Mentha piperita citrata cv , Mentha piperita cv , Mentha spicata crispa , Mentha cardifolia , Mentha longifolia , Mentha suaveoleens Mentha suaveolens variegata , Mentha pulegium , Mentha spicata cv and Mentha suaveolens . In addition, tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles may be a combination of natural flavor plant particles blended with menthol and / or essential oils and / or one or more components thereof. Tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles are prepared by chopping plant parts such as leaves and / or stems into sizes of 10 to 80 mesh. Tobacco smoke-enhanced filter rods are produced according to one preferred embodiment by uniformly spreading an appropriate amount of tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles on the tow moving laterally on the mechanical support. The tow used in the production of such a filter is a laterally wide tow, and the spreading of tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles is carried out by passing the tow at a constant speed under the device for distributing the particles. Tow sprayed with particles is then made into a thin rod-like bundle, coated with wrapping paper (plug wrap), and then cut into rods of a predetermined size to produce tobacco smoke reinforcement filter rods. The final filter rod consists of a single segment of tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles embedded in the filter material or of segments of regular filter material continuously bonded with segments of filter material embedded with tobacco smoke-enhanced particles. It can be prepared using the composite. According to a second preferred embodiment, the tobacco smoke reinforced filter rod is also produced by filling the cavity between two segments of regular filter material with tobacco smoke reinforced plant flavor particles. In addition, the filter rod may comprise a plurality of segments, some of which may be embedded with other particles, such as charcoal and resin.

The rod is then incorporated into a smoking article, i.e. the filter rod is a cylindrical rod of smoking filler material by wrapping two axially aligned portions end to end with a tipping material. connected to the tobacco rod continuously.

For the purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined as follows.

The term "smoking material rod" or "smoking material" as used herein is simply a portion of a smoking article that is contained in a substantially non-combustible wrapper and that should not interfere with any association with combustibility, or otherwise of a smoking material rod. It means a part of each component.

The term "carbon" as used herein may be taken to include materials that are substantially carbon only and any carbon precursors, such as carbonaceous materials. As used herein, the term "carbonaceous" includes pyrolysed materials and preferably contains carbon where some incomplete combustion products may be present as is. For example, rapidly pyrolyzed coconut fiber may be a carbonaceous material from which carbon is derived.

As used herein, the term "smoking material" means any material that can be used in smoking articles. This does not necessarily mean that the material itself is a material that sustains combustion. Smoking material is usually produced in sheets and then cut. The smoking material may then be blended with other materials to produce a smoking sufficiency filling material.

The term "cigarette smoke reinforcement" means the ability to provide improved characteristics to the smoke of a smoking article. This feature is the result of the presence of certain particles in the filter of the smoking device, and depending on the type of particles, the smoke can be scented as it passes through the filter, improving the quality of aftertaste and adding a refreshing taste.

The expression "tobacco smoke fortified plant flavor particles" means a combination of natural flavor plant particles and natural flavor plant particles blended with menthol and / or essential oils.

The expression "flavour" adds flavor to tobacco smoke produced by a smoking device when tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles are withdrawn through an embedded filter, releasing, producing, neutralizing, concealing or It means the ability of the flavor particles to deteriorate.

The term "smoking article" means a device for smoking a cigarette in which a rod of smoking material, such as tobacco, is enclosed in a circumscribing material connected to the filter by a wrapping material. Such smoking articles produce smoke which is withdrawn through the filter upon ignition. Such smoking articles include cigarettes, cigars and small cigars. Other smoking substances include recycled tobacco, tobacco substitutes, and alternative smoking products that themselves do not smoke or burn.

The term "naturally flavored plant particles" means particles of all flavorful plant parts that can be used to add flavor to the smoke of a smoking article. Such flavor plant parts include, but are not limited to, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots.

Smoking article structure

It is advantageous that the length of the smoking material rod is at least 60 mm, and the number of puffs of the rod when smoking under the smoking conditions of a standard machine is preferably at least 6 times, more preferably at least 7 times. The rod is preferably uniform in cross-sectional shape and dimension along the length of the rod.

filter

It is advantageous for the smoking article to include a filter element, which may be conventional fibrous cellulose acetate, polypropylene or polyethylene material or pleated paper material. Also, a plurality of filter members may be used. Filter elements with special pressure drop characteristics, such as those sold by Filtrona and known as The Ratio Filter, may also be used. On or in the material of this filter element, a flavor substance as described above, which is released or eluted from the filter element by an aerosol generated by heating or combustion aerosol generating means, may be further disposed.

In addition, the filter element may further contain particulate matter such as granular carbon, which is preferably activated carbon. Activated carbon is preferably activated coconut charcoal. The filter containing particulate material may be a dual filter, for example, comprising a dalmatian rod at the cellulose acetate mouth region and the tobacco end of the filter. The paper zone may form part of multiple filters. Alternatively, the filter may be a filter made according to the structural design of a filter known as an active patch filter (product of Filtrona International) as described in British Patent Specification 2249936. According to another alternative embodiment, the filter element may be a cavity filter comprising a central cavity and two end zones containing granular material.

Such filter element may be a selective removal filter as described in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 60 / 309,388 and 60 / 309,435 (both filed 2001.8.1).

The filter plug located at the mouth end can be made of various materials such as cellulose acetate tow, cellulose, paper, cotton, polypropylene web, polypropylene tow, polyester web, polyester tow or composites thereof.

In addition, the pressure drop and / or mechanical filtration efficiency of the filter plug section may be selected to achieve the desired smoking kinetics and filtration characteristics that may be necessary in the design of the particular product desired.

Another filter structure that may be useful in the present invention is that described in Applicant's co-pending international patent application PCT / GB02 / 005603. The grooved arrangement of the filters described herein allows ventilated air to enter the grooves extending towards the cigarette end and then back towards the mouth end. As a result, the CO / tar ratio is reduced. In combination with particulate additives that selectively remove the vapor phase, a significant reduction in vapor phase constituents can be achieved.

It is highly preferred that the first part of the tobacco smoke filter contains adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is preferably a general adsorbent. Typical adsorbent materials are preferably selected from the group consisting of materials with relatively large surface areas, such as activated carbon, which can adsorb various chemical compounds without high specificity.

It is even more preferred that the second part of the tobacco smoke filter of the present invention comprises conventional tobacco smoke filtering material. Suitable conventional materials include cellulose acetate, paper, polypropylene, and other materials known to those skilled in the art that can retain at least some of the particulate phase of tobacco.

The first and second parts of the tobacco smoke filter of the present invention are preferably arranged in coaxial alignment.

Wrapper

The wrapper that wraps the smoking article may include combustion additives such as sodium citrate and / or potassium citrate. Other suitable combustion additives, such as sodium or potassium salts, such as acetates and tartrates; Monoammonium phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate and the like are known to those skilled in the art. The combustion additive is advantageously present in the range of 0.5 to 2.5% by weight of the wrapper. The wrapper may also have a basis weight ranging from 20 to 40 g / m 2.

The wrapper of the smoking article may alternatively or additionally be a non-papaer wrapper, examples being the wrappers described in International Patent Applications WO 96/07336 and WO 01/41590. Such wrappers help reduce the sidestream components of tobacco smoke, but still provide smoking articles that have similar combustion and ashing properties as conventional products. That is, the wrapper allows the smoking article to burn and ash in a manner similar to conventional products.

The wrapper may suitably be a substantially non-combustible wrapper or paper wrapper as described in WO 96/07336. The main constituent elements of this application for substantially non-combustible wrappers are incorporated herein by reference. This wrapper advantageously comprises at least 65% of inorganic particulate filler, such as the inorganic materials described above.

Conventional cellulose pulp paper wrappers may have a permeability range of 2-300 CU, preferably less than 100 CU. Such wrappers may also be papers containing, for example, less than 14% magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide and having a low total filler amount as disclosed in European Patent Application No. 0 404 580.

Smoking substances

Preferably the smoking substance is a tobacco substance. Tobacco material suitably includes at least one of stem, lamina and tobacco flour. Tobacco substances preferably include one or more of the following: Virginia or yellow leaf tobacco, Burley tobacco, Orient tobacco, Regenerative tobacco. It is even more preferred that the smoking substance comprises a blend of tobacco substances. Advantageously, smoking substances include 10-80% Virginia tobacco, 10-60% Burley tobacco, 0-20% Orient tobacco, 0-120% recycled tobacco and 0-30% expanded tobacco.

The smoking material of the smoking article according to the invention preferably comprises or consists of sliced tobacco, a proportion of which may be expanded tobacco. The smoking material may be recycled tobacco or tobacco substitutes.

In addition, the smoking filler may further comprise a combustion additive for enhancing the smoking properties of the filler. Depending on the nature of the filler, the combustion additive is a combustion accelerator or combustion retardant. Suitable combustion additives may be selected from one or more salts of Group I or Group II metals, such as acetates, citrate and other combustion promoters known to those skilled in the art. Suitable combustion retardants include, for example, magnesium hydroxide, monoammonium phosphate or magnesium chloride.

In addition, the smoking filler may further comprise a ash improver, which is advantageously present in the filler in the range of 0 to 5%. Suitable ash improvers include mica, pearlite, clays such as vermiculite, kaolinite, talc, saponite, bentonite as well as one or more of the ash improvers such as disodium hydrogen orthophosphate, sodium carbonate or diammonium phosphate.

Inorganic filler

Inorganic fillers include pearlite, alumina, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate (choke), vermiculite, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, zinc oxide, calcium sulfate (gypsum), ferric oxide, pumice, titanium dioxide, calcium aluminate or other insoluble aluminate Or at least one of other inorganic filler materials. The density range of this material is suitably in the range of 0.1 to 5.7 g / cm 3. The inorganic filler material advantageously has a density of less than 3 g / cm 3, preferably less than 2.5 g / cm 3, more preferably less than 2.0 g / cm 3 and even more preferably less than 1.5 g / cm 3. Inorganic fillers having a density of less than 1 g / cm 3 are preferred. Low density inorganic fillers reduce the density of the product, improving the ash properties.

Organic filling material

In addition, the smoking filler may comprise an organic filler. The organic filler material is inert or relatively inert when alone, i.e., it is not easy to maintain combustion, but it is advantageous to be more combustible, i.e. to maintain combustion when in mixtures. Suitable organic fillers include insoluble alginates such as calcium or magnesium alginate, calcium pectinate or alginic acid, as well as unmodified cellulose such as treated or untreated wood pulp or alpha cellulose. Mixtures of inert organic and inorganic fillers may also be used.

Aerosol generating means

The aerosol generating source preferably comprises aerosol-forming means such as glycerol and / or other aerosol-forming compounds exemplified in co-pending PCT application WO96 / 07336 by Applicant. Examples include polyhydric alcohols, propylene glycol and esters such as triethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, triacetin or triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), or high boiling hydrocarbons. Other suitable aerosol-forming means will be known to those skilled in the art.

Binder

If the binder is a mixture of alginate and non-alginate binders, it is advantageous that the binder comprises at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70% of alginate. The required amount of binder to be blended can be moderately reduced when a non-alginate binder is used. The amount of alginate in the binder formulation is advantageously increased as the amount of binder combined decreases. Suitable algin-based binders include soluble alginates such as ammonium alginate, sodium alginate, sodium calcium alginate, calcium ammonium alginate, potassium alginate, magnesium alginate, triethanol-amine alginate and propylene glycol alginate. Other organic binders such as cellulose based binders, gums or gels may also be used with the algin based binders. Suitable cellulose based binders include cellulose and cellulose derivatives such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose ether. Suitable black arabic gums, gatti gums, tragacanth gums, karaya, locust bean, acacia, guar, quince seeds or xanthan gum. Suitable gels include agar, agarose, carrageenan, furoidan and furcellaran. Starch may also be used as the organic binder. Other suitable black handbooks may be selected, for example, by reference to Industrial Gums, E. Whistler (Academic Press), and the like.

coloring agent

Coloring means such as food dyes, or colorants such as licorice, caramel or malt or malt extract can be used to darken the color of the filling material. The presence of vermiculite or other inorganic material, such as iron oxide, can also provide a dark color to the filling material of smoking articles.

Suitable colorant materials include cocoa, licorice, caramel, chocolate or toffee. Finely ground, granulated or homogenized tobacco may also be used. In addition, industrially approved food colorants such as E150a (caramel), E151 (brilliant black BN), E153 (vegetable carbon) or E155 (brown HT) and the like can also be used. Other exterior materials may also be suitable. Alternatively, the presence of vermiculite or other inorganic filler material may provide a dark color to the smoking material.

The colorant is preferably present from 0 to 10% and may be present on the order of 5 to 7% by weight of the final smoking material. The colorant is advantageously less than 7%, preferably less than 6%, more preferably less than 5% of the final smoking material. More preferably, the colorant is used in less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%. Cocoa is suitably present in the range of 0-5% by weight of the final smoking material, and licorice may be present in the range of 0-4% by weight. When the colorant is cocoa or licorice, for example, the minimum amount of cocoa to obtain the desired sheet color is about 3% based on the weight of the final smoking material and licorice is about 2%. Similarly, caramel is suitably present in the range of 0 to 5% by weight of the final smoking material, preferably less than about 2%, more preferably about 1.5%. Other suitable colorants include molasses, malt extract, coffee extract, tea analogs, St. John's Bread, Prune extract or tobacco extract. Mixtures of colorants may also be used.

A series of tests evaluating the smoking properties and overall water solubility of cigarettes made with the cigarette smoke-enhanced filter in smoker panels showed desirable results compared to conventional commercial products. Compared to menthol flavored cigarettes made from natural menthol crystals or synthetic menthol crystals, the present invention provides a number of advantages. Indeed, tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles, such as mint particles embedded or embedded in the cavities of the filter, are provided [this is referred to simply as particles in the filter, and may be embedded in the filter material itself or provided in the cavities of the filter). If there is an additional possibility, it will be more clearly understood.] The smoke gives mint and refreshing taste and aftertaste as it passes through the filter compared to the overtense and cool aftertaste of menthol products.

According to the present invention, there is provided a tobacco smoke-enhancing filter rod for use in a smoking article through connection to the tobacco rod. Such tobacco smoke-enhanced filter rods comprise tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles embedded or inserted in the cavity of the filtration zone, which tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles are combined with the flavor plant particles and / or flavor plant particles incorporated in the filter. Menthol and / or essential oils and / or blends of one or more components thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, the dry particles embedded in the filtration area of the tobacco smoke reinforcement filter are particles that are cut to a predetermined size and are selected from all mint variants. Known mint variants include Mentha Arventis , Mentha cv , Mentha niliaca , Mentha piperita , Mentha piperita citrata cv , Mentha piperita cv , Mentha spicata crispa , Mentha cardifolia , Mentha longifolia , Mentha suaveolens variegata , Mentha pulegium , Mentha spicata cv and Mentha suaveolens . A preferred mint variant used in accordance with the present invention is Menta Aventis.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the type of material used in the filtration region of the tobacco smoke enhancing filter is selected from any cellulose acetate tow, cellulose acetate web and paper. Preferred materials for use in the present invention are cellulose acetates. The filtration material is usually in the form of fibrous tows, but may also be in the form of corrugated sheets in the case of other physical forms, such as paper.

According to another aspect of the invention, the type of smoking article attached to the tobacco smoke reinforcing filter may be selected from cigarettes, cigar cigarettes and small cigar cigarettes.

The present invention will now be described with respect to various stages of production of the final product, including tobacco smoke reinforced plant flavor particles, tobacco smoke reinforced filter rods and methods of making smoking articles containing such filters.

Tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles consist of flavor plant particles or flavor plant particles blended with menthol and / or essential oils and / or one or more components thereof. The primary purpose associated with plant particles used in place of artificially purified formulations in tobacco smoke-enhanced filter rods is to provide consumers with natural flavor formulations alone or in combination with menthol and / or essential oils and / or one or more components thereof, To provide a product with a taste and improved aftertaste. Plant particles include all available parts of the selected plant, such as roots, leaves, flowers, stems or shoots. These parts are collected, dried, and chopped into machines that are suitable for embedding in filter rods. The preferred humidity percentage of particles to be incorporated is from 10% to 20%, while the general humidity range of cigarettes is 10 to 14% obtained with or without dry liver. In one preferred embodiment, natural mint particles are used to add flavor to tobacco smoke. Various studies have been conducted comparing the use of natural mint particles in the filters of smoking devices to compare this smoking article to commercially available menthol cigarettes. First, studies were conducted on loading, flavor retention and overall taste when natural greenhouse and plantation mint particles were incorporated into the filter for a long time. These tests demonstrated that natural mint particles provide a different flavor than the flavor products already on the market. In addition, the characteristic taste and aftertaste of natural mint, the result of the blending of many ingredients, provides a refreshing taste and an improved aftertaste compared to the strong cooling effect of current menthol products.

Flavor particles can be incorporated into the filter rod through a variety of techniques, and the particles can be contained within the cavity of the filter rod or applied onto and / or within the filter material.

"Dalmatian type filters" can be prepared according to known techniques. For example, a "dalmatian filter" consists of a filtration material, through which the tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles are sparged, then folded and wrapped with a wrapping material. Deriving this concept of filter requires a variety of steps: first, the filter material is wound in a roll that is continuously drawn out. Lateral wide planar material is led to the tobacco smoke-enhanced particle dispersion zone by the mechanical support. A hopper is provided on the rotary dispersion roller, and a guide case is provided in front of it. Tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles fed to the hopper are applied uniformly to the filter material fed continuously down the rotary dispersion roller. One important thing to note here is that filter material sprayed with tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles can be dyed for aesthetic reasons.

After the dispersion of the particles is complete, the filter material is directed to the second zone where the folding operation takes place. The filter material folding zone is used for the folding of the filter material. A retainer plate protruding from the body of the machine is provided horizontally above the other upper surface of the receiving plate protruding from the body of the same machine through a gap corresponding to the thickness of the filter material. A pair of curved rods that are obliquely in contact with each other at the front of the retainer space are provided on the mount rod protruding from the body of the machine. The bend of each rod is provided to push down both edges of the filter material. A pair of clamping thin plates is provided on both sides at the upper surface of the retainer plate for clamping, folding and gathering at the center of the edge, lowered downward and pressed inward by the bent portion of the curved rod. have. The clamping thin plates are arranged to intersect with each other, the distance between the clamping thin plates and the retainer plate increases toward the rear side and the opposite edge portions are pulled inwardly from each other by the supply of the material. At the same time, the edge portions overlap to form overlapping portions supplied in this state. Thus, the opposite edge portion of the filter material surrounds the tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles and leads to the sleeve portion of the forming zone. After the filter material is introduced into this sleeve portion, it is collected into thin rod-like bundles containing embedded particles and then coated with porous or nonporous wrapping paper (plug wrap). The filter is then cut into rods of predetermined length in the cutter zone.

The filter may also be formed as a composite, physical form and / or composition of segments of various filter materials, where tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles are present at various locations along the length of the rod. This structure can provide a variety of advantages over ordinary "dalmatian filters" in terms of overall appearance and draw resistance. This special filter rod is made of two segments which are alternately present in the rod and held together by wrapping paper. Indeed, a composite of two to five segments of filter material or ordinary filter material, in which the flavourant particles are embedded, is continuously connected in the rod and depending on the total number of segments, a "double dalmatian filter", "triple dalmatian filter", Known as "quadruple dalmatian filter" and "quint dalmatian filter". These filters can be symmetric when the segments are all the same size, or asymmetric if two or more segments are different in length.

The first type of segmented filter rod is a "double dalmatian filter" which usually comprises segments of filter material as well as segments of filter material embedded with tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles. The segment of the filter located adjacent to the tobacco rod is a segment in which tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles are embedded to add aroma to the tobacco smoke being drawn, whereas the segment located at the mouth end is usually made of a filter material, which is a tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor. There is no step consisting of sparging of the particles, but it is produced exactly as a "dalmatian filter". This structure is interesting for two reasons. First, the presence of segments of filter material, usually at the mouth end of the cigarette, prevents tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles from falling out of the cigarette during consumer handling.

The second type of segmented filter rod consists of a "triple dalmatian filter rod". This type of filter includes two or three different segments, with one configuration option being: the tobacco rod and the segment adjacent to the mouth end are both made of normal filter material, while located between the two The segment is made of filter material embedded with tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles. Thus, when tobacco smoke passes through the filter, the flavor is added, and the appearance of the product is usually the same as a cigarette.

Another filter type is a triple dalmatian type filter in which the segment at the mouth end is a normal filter, the middle segment is embedded with mint particles, and the tobacco rod segment is, among other things, embedded with charcoal and / or resin particles.

One variant of the triple filter is distinguished from the "triple dalmatian filter rod" described above. In practice, a "cavity filter" is considered to be a filter rod in which two segments are separated by a cavity containing tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles, which is an alternative for adding the flavor of tobacco smoke. Thus, instead of two ordinary segments being separated by embedded particles, the segments are separated by pure glass tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles inserted into the cavities of the filter. Such a structure would be a consumer favorite because the appearance of the product is the same as that of a normal cigarette and has an interesting flavor.

"Quarter dalmatian filter" and "quintet dalmatian filter" are a form option according to one aspect of the invention consisting of alternating four or five segments of the filter material, usually with embedded filter material and tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles. A filter rod with The filter rod is arranged with various segments on the filter rod such that segments of normal filter material are present at the mouth end. The presence of various segments in the filter rod makes it possible to offer different products to the consumer. Indeed, various segments embedded with tobacco smoke enhanced plant flavor particles may be prepared using various or identical tobacco smoke enhanced plant flavor particles and / or charcoal and resins above all. Thus, the final product provides a smoke characterized by a more concentrated smoke or a flavor blend, so that the taste and aftertaste can be better controlled.

As demonstrated above, various smoking articles can be attached to this type of filter, and the procedure is as follows. A smoking article is prepared by filling an end-opened cylindrical rod with smoking sufficiency. These materials usually consist of blends of crushed tobacco, which may vary in composition, and existing varieties are yellow, burley, orient, Maryland, dark, darkfire, and Rustica, as well as There are also rare special cigarettes. The outer wrap material of the tobacco rod may vary in composition and properties. One end of the tobacco rod is the lit end, and the other end is adapted to engage the filter. The filter and the tobacco rod are made of similar diameters and axially aligned end to end abut and then attached to each other by tipping material. Filter ventilation may be through pre-punched tipping or online laser drilling.

While the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, further modifications may be made to the present application, which generally follow the principles of the present invention and are known or common practice in the art to which the present invention pertains and are described above. It will be appreciated that it is intended to cover any modification, use or adaptation of the invention, including departure from the disclosure of the invention, which may be applied to the components and which follows the scope of the claims.

Claims (38)

(1) filtration zones; And (2) A tobacco smoke enrichment filter rod comprising tobacco smoke enrichment plant flavor particles present in this filtration area. The filter of claim 1, wherein the tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles are a composite of natural flavor plant particles blended with menthol and / or essential oils. The filter of claim 1, wherein tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles are inserted or embedded in the cavity of the filtration area. The filter of claim 1, wherein the filtration zone is made of a material selected from cellulose acetate tow, cellulose acetate webs, and paper. 5. The filter of claim 4, wherein the tow is dyed. The filter of claim 1, wherein the natural flavor plant particles are chopped plant particles to a size suitable for embedding in the filtration zone. The filter of claim 6, wherein the filter has a size of 10 to 80 mesh suitable for embedding in the filtration area. The plant of claim 6 wherein the plant is mint, vanilla, peppermint, anise, basil, laurel, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, ginger, nutmeg , Oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, sage, thyme, vanilla, lavender, licorice, coffee, tea, jasmine, eucalyptus, cloves, roe balm, beesteste plant, turmeric filter selected from curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, rose, bergamot and orange flower. The method of claim 8, wherein the plant is Mentha Arventis , Mentha cv , Mentha niliaca , Mentha piperita , Mentha piperita , Mentha piperita citrata cv), menta l retarder cultivar (Mentha piperita cv), menta Spica other Cri spa (Mentha spicata crispa), menta Cadiz polyamic (Mentha cardifolia), menta ronggi polyamic (Mentha longifolia), Gata (Mentha in menta suahbe five lances Bari A filter that is a mint plant selected from suaveolens variegata , Mentha pulegium , Mentha spicata cv , and Mentha suaveolens . The filter of claim 1, wherein the natural flavor plant particles are particles of a flower, seed, fruit, leaf, stem, and root of the plant, or a combination thereof. The filter of claim 1, wherein the mint plant particles are particles of leaves and particles of stems. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the natural flavor plant particles are dried. A smoking article in which a tobacco smoke-enhancing filter rod consisting of one segment of the filtration zone in which the tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is embedded is continuously connected to the tobacco rod. A tobacco smoke-enhancing filter rod comprising one segment of the filtration zone in which the tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles of claim 1 is embedded and one segment of regular filter material is placed on the tobacco rod. Smoking articles connected in series. 15. A smoking article according to claim 14, wherein a segment of the filter material is usually located at the mouth end. Cigarette smoke composed of a composite in which segments of the filtration zone in which the tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles of claim 1 are embedded with alternating segments of filter material with or without other particles embedded therein. A smoking article in which a reinforcing filter rod is continuously connected to a tobacco rod. The smoking article according to claim 16, wherein the other particles are selected from charcoal, resin and plant particles. 18. A smoking article according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the composite of segments of the tobacco smoke reinforced filter rod and segments of filter material are alternately associated with three, four or five segments. 18. A smoking article according to claim 17, wherein the segment located at the mouth end is usually a segment of filter material. A smoking article in which a tobacco smoke-enhancing filter rod consisting of one segment of a filtration zone containing a cavity filled with tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is continuously connected to the tobacco rod. The smoking article according to claim 13, which is selected from cigarettes, cigarettes and small cigarettes. A method of producing a tobacco smoke reinforced filter rod according to claim 1, comprising the steps of uniformly spreading an appropriate amount of tobacco smoke reinforced plant flavor particles on a tow moving laterally on a mechanical support and then filtering the tow. Production method comprising the step of forming into a rod. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein shaping the tow into a filter comprises shaping the spread tow into thin rod-shaped bundles, cutting the bundles into segments of a predetermined size, making the segments into a desired shape and then wrapping them with wrapping paper. Coating and cutting it into a filter rod of a predetermined size. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the segment in the desired form comprises producing a single segment of filter material in which the tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles are embedded or in which particles different from segments of the filter material in which the tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles are embedded Producing a composite of segments of embedded or unembedded filter material. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the segment of filter material consists of a normal filter tow molded into thin rod-like bundles and cut into segments of a predetermined size. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the composite of segments of filter material and segments of filter material embedded with tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles are alternately associated with two, three, four or five segments. The segment of claim 25, wherein the segment located at the mouth end in any association of segments is usually a segment of filter material and / or tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles finely chop leaves and / or roots to a size of 10 to 80 mesh. Production method that is prepared by cutting. The method of claim 23, wherein the tow is a laterally wide planar tow. 24. The method of claim 23 wherein spraying tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles is effected by passing the web or tow at a predetermined rate under an apparatus for dispensing the particles. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the appropriate amount of tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles is a loading of 20 mg to 150 mg per filter tip. A method for producing a tobacco smoke-enhanced filter rod according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: preparing a composite of two segments of a common filter material of a predetermined size separated by a cavity filled with an appropriate amount of tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles and the structure The method comprising the steps of continuously bonding the wrapping paper. 32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the segments of normal filter material consist of ordinary filter tows molded into thin rod-like bundles and cut into segments of a predetermined size. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the tobacco smoke-enhancing plant flavor particles are prepared by finely chopping leaves and / or roots in sizes of 10 to 80 mesh. 32. The process according to claim 31, wherein the appropriate amount of tobacco smoke-enhanced plant flavor particles comprises a loading of 20 mg to 150 mg per filter tip. A method for producing a smoking article comprising the tobacco smoke reinforcing filter rod according to claim 1, (a) aligning the tobacco smoke enhancing filter rod with the tobacco rod; And (b) a step of wrapping the two axially aligned parts with the wrapping material with the ends abutting the ends. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the tobacco rod is an open end cylindrical rod of smoking filler material contained in the outer wrap material. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the wrapping material is a wrapping paper. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the wrapping material is prepunched or online laser drilled.