KR20200096280A - Cigarette smoke filter - Google Patents

Abstract

The tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprises a longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material, a first wrapper around the core, a second wrapper around the first wrapper, the first wrapper with at least the second wrapper. The filter or filter element forming at least one longitudinally extending channel of the filter or filter element, the (or each) longitudinally extending channel having no longitudinally extending channel in the longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element Extending shorter than the entire length of the filter or filter element further comprising at least one additive discharging vessel.

Description

Cigarette smoke filter

The present invention particularly relates to a cigarette smoke filter for cigarettes.

Combined Performance Superior (CPS) cigarette smoke filters are well known. It contains a filtering core and two wrappers, an inner wrapper and an outer wrapper. The inner wrapper is embossed, whereby a groove or corrugation is formed over a portion of its length. This creates a channel. Each filter includes a length of grooved inner wrapper ("flute") and a non-grooved inner wrapper ("bar"). This filter has the advantage that it provides improved filtration efficiency and a lower pressure drop can be used to achieve the same filtration efficiency. In addition, the embossed inner wrapper can provide a unique final appearance that can be used as an anti-counterfeiting means.

Cigarette smoke filters including additive release containers, for example frangible capsules, are also well known. The additive may be a flavoring agent. The smoker exerts pressure on the filter to break the capsule to release the flavor.

The inclusion of capsules or capsules in a CPS filter is highly desirable, while providing enhanced filtration performance while allowing the flavor to be delivered to the user on demand. Current methods of combining CPS filters and capsules require that the CPS filter element and the capsule containing the filter element be manufactured separately, and combine them (e.g., using a common outer wrapper) to produce a double segment filter. These filters lack a single core tobacco smoke filtering material. This method cannot provide a capsule that matches the flute portion of the CPS filter.

Multi-segment filters, such as double segment filters, are formed from two or more segments of filtering material. The single segment filter is formed from a single section of filtering material. Multi-segment filters (e.g., double-segment filters) require manufacturing different segments of the filtering material in a separate process, and then the different segments must be correctly placed and backed together to form a multi-segment filter rod, which is more expensive to manufacture than a single-segment filter. This costs more.

Thus, there is a need for a filter that combines the features of a CPS filter with a single element filter, ie a filter comprising a single core of filtering material. These filters enable a single pass manufacturing process and improve manufacturing efficiency.

According to the invention, a longitudinally extending (e.g. substantially cylindrical) core of tobacco smoke filtering material, a first (e.g., at least partially corrugated, e.g. breathable) core around the core A cigarette smoke filter or filter element (e.g., a single segment) comprising a wrapper, a second wrapper around the first wrapper is provided, the first wrapper with at least the second wrapper (e.g., the Between the first wrapper and the second wrapper) at least one longitudinally extending channel (e.g., a peripheral channel) of the filter or filter element, wherein the (or each) longitudinally extending channel is the filter or filter Extends shorter than the entire length of the filter or filter element such that there are no longitudinally extending channels in the longitudinally extending portion of the element, the filter or filter element having at least one additive discharging container (e.g., a capsule, e.g. A capsule (frangible capsule) is further included.

The longitudinally extending (eg substantially cylindrical) core of the tobacco smoke filtering material is a single core of the tobacco smoke filtering material. In other words, the core is, for example, formed of a single section of filtering material rather than separate sections abutting each other. Applicants have found that a filter or filter element comprising a single core of tobacco smoke filtering material can be manufactured more efficiently by a single pass manufacturing process. In addition, it is possible to place the additive discharging container at a specific location so as to deliver flavor to the smoker on demand. For example, the additive discharging vessel may be positioned coincident with an area of a filter or filter element without channels, which may provide a smoker with improved flavor release (or improved smoking sensation). The filter or filter element of the present invention can be incorporated into a multi-segment filter as a single segment. This can increase the number of functions that can be incorporated into a multi-segment filter. For example, the filter element of the present invention is combined with a filter element comprising particulate additives, for example activated carbon granules, to enable improved filtration to the user and on-demand flavor delivery. Current methods known in the art involve spraying a flavoring agent (eg, menthol) onto a tobacco smoke filtering material comprising carbon. This does not allow the release of flavoring agents by demand combined with the enhanced filtration properties of carbon. Shaped methods known in the art are also unable to combine additive discharge vessels and carbon filtration with peripheral longitudinally extending channels that allow for enhanced filtration.

Preferably the first wrapper forms with at least the second wrapper (e.g. between the first wrapper and the second wrapper) at least one longitudinally extending channel (e.g., a peripheral channel) of the filter or filter element, and , Said (or each) longitudinally extending channel extends shorter than the entire length of the filter or filter element such that there is no longitudinally extending channel in the longitudinally extending portion of this filter or filter element. There may preferably be at least 5 longitudinally extending channels, for example 5 to 25 longitudinally extending channels, for example 9 to 20 longitudinally extending channels. A filter or filter element around about 20-25 mm may comprise, for example, 14 to 20 longitudinally extending channels. A filter or filter element around about 16-17 mm may comprise, for example, 9 to 14 longitudinally extending channels.

Preferably the first wrapper is a paper wrapper. Preferably the first wrapper is a breathable wrapper. The first wrapper may be, for example, a wrapper of breathable filter paper (eg, pleated breathable filter paper) or cellulose acetate (eg, pleated breathable cellulose acetate). The weight of the inner wrapper may be 50 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , for example, 80 g/m ² .

Preferably the first (eg breathable) wrapper has a longitudinally extending corrugation defining a longitudinally extending channel (eg, between the first and second wrappers) with at least a second wrapper. The first wrapper may be (eg, at least partially) corrugated, which corrugation (eg, with the second wrapper) at least 5 longitudinally extending channels, for example 5 to 25 longitudinally It provides (forms) an extension channel, for example 9 to 20 longitudinal extension channels. A filter or filter element about 20-25 mm in circumference may comprise, for example, 14 to 20 longitudinally extending channels (provided by a corrugation). A filter or filter element around about 15-17 mm may comprise, for example, 9 to 14 longitudinally extending channels (provided by the corrugations). In this specification, the term corrugated includes the meaning of being molded into a folded shape including parallel, alternating ridges and grooves. Incorporation of these channels into a filter or filter element can improve filtration performance (eg, tar retention) compared to conventional mono acetate filters with the same pressure drop.

The filter or filter element of the invention may have a superslim filter or filter element of a circumference of 10 mm to 30 mm, for example 16 mm.

The (or each) filter comprising longitudinally extending channels (e.g., including pleats) (e.g., around the periphery of the filter) is referred to herein as a flute or fluted portion. . The (or each) filter that does not include a longitudinally extending channel (eg, around the periphery of the filter) is referred to herein as a bar or bar portion.

Preferably the tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprises at least one channel extending longitudinally from a first end of the filter or filter element, and there is no longitudinally extending channel at the second end of the filter or filter element. This embodiment may include a flute portion at one end of the filter and a bar portion at the other end of the filter. This configuration can provide a more desirable end appearance. Placing the flute portion at the end visible to the user enables visual distinction between products, for example, a product that does not contain an additive release container and a product that contains one additive release container.

In further embodiments, the corrugated first wrapper may be colored (eg, green) to provide additional visual distinction. The first wrapper may contain a pigment. Preferably the first wrapper comprises a tobacco smoke filtering material and/or a pigment that provides a color that is substantially contrasting to the color of the second wrapper. The color of this wrapper can be used to identify the flavor provided by the additive release container. The colored first wrapper may also be used as anti-counterfeiting means.

In another embodiment, the filter or filter element comprises at least one channel extending longitudinally from the upstream end of the filter or filter element, at least one channel extending longitudinally from the downstream end of the filter or filter element, and longitudinally extending It includes a filter or a central portion of the filter element without channels. This embodiment may include a flute portion at each end and a single central bar portion.

In another embodiment, the filter or filter element comprises at least one channel extending longitudinally of the filter or filter element, the (or one) longitudinally extending channel being an upstream end or a downstream end of the filter or filter element At least one channel extends only a portion of the length of the filter or filter element located at the center portion of the filter or filter element so that it does not extend from any of the bar portions at each end and a single central flute portion. It may include. This improves the filtration performance in relation to the presence of the longitudinal channels, but does not affect the final appearance.

Preferably, the length of each longitudinally extending channel is at least 2 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 23 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 3.5 mm and 9 mm. When there are flutes at both ends of the filter, the longitudinally extending channel or the channel extending from one end (upstream or downstream) may have a different length than the channel extending from the other end, or may be the same length. The longitudinally extending channels at both ends of the filter may be 7 to 8 mm long. The longitudinally extending channels at both ends of the filter may be 3 to 4 mm long, for example 3.75 mm. Providing a longitudinally extending channel of this dimension means that the performance of the filter (tar retention, etc.) must be acceptable, and also the advantages of the invention (e.g., consistent pressure drop, enhanced retention) must be reliably obtained. do.

Preferably the filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharging container (ie it is preferred that the filter or filter element comprise a single additive discharging container rather than two or more additive discharging containers). The filter or filter element may comprise two or more additive discharge vessels.

In one embodiment, the filter or filter element comprises at least one additive discharge vessel coincident with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element without longitudinally extending channels. Preferably the filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharging container (ie it is preferred that the filter or filter element comprise a single additive discharging container rather than two or more additive discharging containers). Preferably the filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharging container, the additive discharging container coinciding with said (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element without longitudinally extending channels. This embodiment may include a filter or filter element comprising a fluted portion at one end and a bar portion at the other end, wherein there is an additive discharging vessel coincident with the bar portion. The Applicant has surprisingly found that placing the additive discharging container in line with the bar portion provides a greater amount of flavor to the user than placing the additive discharging container in line with the flute portion. Placing the additive release container in the bar portion can be used to provide a greater amount of flavor to the user. Further, the tobacco smoke filtering material may include additives, for example flavoring agents. This can provide the user with an initial amount of flavoring agent. The additive release container is used to increase the amount of flavoring agent produced, and the user can change the smoking experience and, for example, increase the flavor during smoking. The second additive release container is used to further increase the amount of flavoring agent generated, and the user can change the smoking experience, for example, can further increase the flavor. The flavoring agent used in the filtering material and additive release container(s) may be mode the same flavor or may be different flavors (eg, complementary flavors).

According to the invention, in a preferred embodiment, a (e.g., substantially columnar) longitudinally extending core of (e.g., single segment) tobacco smoke filtering material, around the core (e.g., at least partially corrugated, For example, there is provided a cigarette smoke filter or filter element comprising a breathable) first wrapper, a second wrapper around the first wrapper, the first wrapper with at least a second wrapper (e.g., the first wrapper and Between the second wrappers) at least one longitudinally extending (e.g., peripheral) channel of the filter or filter element, the (or each) longitudinally extending channel being in the longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element Extends shorter than the full length of the filter or filter element such that there is no longitudinally extending channel, the filter or filter element further comprises only one (single) additive discharge vessel, and the (single) additive discharge vessel is a longitudinally extending channel Matching the longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element there is no, the additive discharging container is a capsule and contains the additive in the form of a flavoring agent. This embodiment may include a filter or filter element comprising a flute portion at one end and a bar portion at the other end, wherein there is an additive discharge vessel coincident with the bar portion (e.g., FIGS. 3). Applicants have surprisingly found that placing the additive discharging container in line with the bar portion provides a greater amount of flavor to the user than placing the additive discharging container in line with the flute portion (Example 4). Placing the additive release container in the bar portion can be used to provide a greater amount of flavor to the user.

In another embodiment, the filter or filter element comprises at least one additive discharging vessel coincident with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending channel. Preferably the filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharge vessel. Preferably the filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharge vessel, the additive discharge vessel coinciding with said (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending channel. This embodiment may include a filter or filter element comprising a flute portion at one end and a bar portion at the other end, wherein there is an additive discharging vessel coincident with the flute portion. Applicants have surprisingly found that placing the additive discharging container in line with the flute portion provides a smaller amount of flavor to the user compared to placing the additive discharging container in line with the bar portion. Placing the additive release container in line with the flute portion can be used to provide a smaller amount of flavor to the user.

In another embodiment, the filter or filter element comprises at least one additive discharging vessel coincident with the filter or a portion of the filter element, the (or one) longitudinal extension of the filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending channel. The portion meets said (or one) longitudinally extending portion of a filter or filter element without a longitudinally extending channel. Preferably the filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharge vessel. Preferably the filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharging container, and the additive discharging container coincides with the filter or part of the filter element and comprises said (or one) of the filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending channel. The longitudinally extending portion meets said (or one) longitudinally extending portion of a filter or filter element without a longitudinally extending channel. This embodiment may include a filter or filter element comprising a flute portion at one end and a bar portion at the other end, wherein there is an additive discharge vessel coincident with the intersection of the flute portion and the bar portion.

In another embodiment, the filter or filter element includes two additive discharge containers. If two additive discharge vessels are present, one additive discharge vessel may coincide with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of a filter or filter element without longitudinally extending channels, and one additive discharge vessel It may coincide with said (or one) longitudinally extending portion of a filter or filter element comprising a directional extending channel. Applicants have found that by including two additive discharging containers in the filter, users can change the amount of flavor they accept and increase the amount of flavor they accept compared to a single additive discharging container. . For example, a user can destroy one additive release container at the start of smoking, and one additive release container during smoking, which allows the user to change the smoking experience, e.g. smoking You can increase the flavor of the inside.

In a further embodiment, the filter or filter element comprises two or more additive discharge vessels. This additive release container may contain the same flavoring agent or different flavoring agents. If they contain different flavoring agents, positioning of the additive discharging container within the filter or filter element can be used to provide the user with the optimal combination of flavors. For example, the use of increasing the amount of flavoring produced in relation to locating the additive discharging container in line with the bar portion of the filter or filter element may be used to provide an optimum balance of flavor with the additive discharging container matched with the flute portion. I can.

The (or each) additive release container (e.g. capsule, e.g., fragile capsule) is completely enclosed within a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core of the tobacco smoke filtering material. . This means that the additive release container (e.g. capsule) is not visible (to smokers) at the oral end or buccal end of the filter or filter element, or at the oral end of the cigarette comprising the filter of this embodiment. Means. Preferably at least one end of the longitudinally extending (eg substantially cylindrical) core of the tobacco smoke filtering material has a uniform appearance.

Preferably the additive release container is a capsule, for example a fragile capsule. Preferably the additive release container (eg capsule, eg fragile capsule) contains the additive in the form of a flavoring agent.

The additive release container (e.g., capsule, e.g., fragile capsule) and/or tobacco smoke filtering material may contain one or more additives, e.g., flavoring agents and/or liquids, e.g. to aid in the filtering of smoke, Solid or other materials (eg, activated carbon) may be included. The additive release container and/or tobacco smoke filtering material may further contain an irritant, water, tobacco extract, smoke smoke modifying compound and/or a filter degradation accelerator. It is well known in the art to use capsules containing additives in filters. The flavoring agent can be any flavoring agent known or suitable for use in smoking articles such as cigarettes, such as menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, clove, and the like. Preferably the flavoring agent is menthol or comprises menthol. The additive release container (capsule) may contain two or more flavoring agents (and may provide a mixture of different flavors that may or may not contain menthol). The filter or filter element may contain an additive in the form of a flavoring agent (e.g., in an additive release container (e.g., a fragile capsule)), and the amount of the additive (e.g. containing a flavoring agent) is (1) Per filter/filter element) less than 35 mg. The filter or filter element may contain an additive in the form of a flavoring agent (e.g., in an additive release container (e.g., a fragile capsule)), and the amount of the additive (e.g. containing a flavoring agent) is (1) Per dog filter/filter element) 5 to 30 mg, for example 15 to 25 mg, for example 10 to 25 mg, for example 10 to 20 mg. The additive release container (e.g., a fragile) capsule (measured at its widest point in the direction across the filter perpendicular to the direction in which the longitudinally extending core extends) is 2 to 5 mm, e.g. 2.5 It may be a width of 4 mm, for example 2.5 to 3.9 mm, for example 3.0 to 3.8 mm, for example 3.2 to 3.7 mm, for example 3.35 or 3.5 mm. The additive release container ((eg, fragile) capsule) can contain less than 35 mg of flavoring agent. The additive release container ((e.g., fragile) capsule) contains 5 to 30 mg, e.g. 7 to 25 mg, e.g. 10 to 25 mg, e.g. 10 to 20 mg of flavoring agent. Can include. The filter or filter element may be 10 to 30 mm long, for example 14 to 27 mm long, for example 17 to 25 mm long.

The longitudinally extending (eg, substantially cylindrical) core comprises tobacco smoke filtering material. The tobacco smoke filtering material can be any material (typically a filament, fiber, web or extruded material) traditionally used in tobacco smoke filter manufacturing. The tobacco smoke filtering material may be, for example, a natural or synthetic filament tow of cotton or plastic (eg polyethylene or polypropylene), or a cellulose acetate filament tow. This can be, for example, a web material such as natural or synthetic staple fibers, cotton wool, paper (usually crepe paper), a (e.g., synthetic) nonwoven material, and/or an extruded material (e.g. starch, Synthetic foams, extruded foams). The filament material may have a filament denier of 2.0 or more, for example 2.0 to 5.0. The filament material may have a total denier of 9,000 to 40,000, for example 30,000. Preferably the filtering material is a cellulose acetate tow (eg in the form of a cellulose acetate filament tow, for example 3.0 Y 30,000 tow). The filtering material may be cellulose acetate to which a plasticizer has been applied (eg plasticized filament tow). Triacetin is applied to the cellulose acetate filter as a plasticizer (eg, at about 6-8% w/w) as is well known in the art.

The present invention includes, for example, a filter rod (and/or a filter element rod) of length (e.g., at least twice) comprising a plurality of filter rods (filter element rods) joined to the ends thereof. .

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element (e.g. a method of manufacturing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element as defined in the appended claims), wherein a series of tobacco smoke The filtering material is continuously advanced in the longitudinal direction, the advancing filtering material is collected in a rod shape, and the collected and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in a rod shape to provide a continuous rod (of a plurality of filters or filter elements), and ;

As the collected and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in the form of a rod, the additive discharging container (eg, capsule, eg, weak capsule) is collected and inserted into the advancing filtering material; As the collected and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in the form of a rod (e.g., when or after an additive discharging container is inserted in the collected and advancing filtering material), a first is collected around the advancing filtering material. An inner wrapper and a second outer wrapper are applied;

The inner wrapper comprises a profile portion (e.g., a corrugated portion) spaced longitudinally between the flat portions, and the profile portion (e.g., a corrugated portion) of the first wrapper is the longitudinal of the rod together with the second wrapper. A continuous rod (of a plurality of filters or filter elements) forming a directionally extending channel comprises a portion comprising a longitudinally extending channel separated by a portion not comprising a longitudinally extending channel. Preferably, by applying a first inner wrapper and a second outer wrapper around the collected and advancing filtering material, the collected and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in the form of a rod. The continuous rod can be cut to form a filter element of a single filter or to form a multi-product rod each comprising a plurality of filters or filter elements. The continuous rod can be cut in line with the profile part of the first wrapper (in this case the cut end exposes the longitudinally extending channel), or it can be cut in line with the flat part of the first wrapper (in this case The cut end does not expose the longitudinally extending channel).

The additive discharging container (e.g., capsule, e.g., weak capsule) can be collected and inserted into the advancing filtering material as the collecting and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in the form of a rod, so it is a first wrapper. The profile portion of the (e.g., corrugated portion) or the flat portion of the first wrapper (or both), or between the profile portion of the first wrapper (e.g., a corrugated portion) and the flat portion of the first wrapper. Matches the junction. This method provides a filter or filter element comprising an additive discharging container that matches both the flute portion, the bar portion, the flute portion and the bar portion, or with the junction of the flute portion and the bar portion (see Example 3). Can be used. Preferably, the additive discharging container (e.g. capsule, e.g., weak capsule) is collected as the advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in the form of a rod and is inserted in line with the flat part of the first wrapper in the advancing filtering material. (Therefore, the additive discharge container coincides with the flat portion of the first wrapper). Applicant has found that this method (see also Example 3) is efficient and can be run for at least 8 hours with an acceptable level of waste.

The present invention relates to a cigarette comprising providing an axially extending breathable core, forming a first wrapper of breathable material around the core, and wrapping a second wrapper around a wrapped core. A method of manufacturing a smoke filter is provided, wherein the first wrapper together with at least the second wrapper forms at least one longitudinally extending channel of the filter, the (or each) longitudinally extending channel being longitudinally extending in the longitudinally extending portion of the filter. It extends shorter than the entire length of the filter so that there is no direction extending channel, the filter is formed as a continuous rod of a plurality of pixels, and the step (or steps) of cutting the continuous rod to form an individual filter is performed with the cut end upstream of the filter. The end and the downstream end of the filter. The additive release container (eg capsule, eg fragile capsule) is inserted into the filter or filter element by methods known in the art. The manufactured filter or filter element comprises a single core of tobacco filtering material.

The longitudinally extending channels of the filter/element of the present invention (e.g., made by the claimed method) may have a larger cross-sectional area compared to conventional CPA filters and CPF filters of similar diameter known in the art. And this may have associated advantages in terms of visual appearance (anti-counterfeiting means). In one embodiment, a filter or filter element about 20-25 mm in circumference may comprise a longitudinally extending channel (provided by a crease) having an area of 5.5 to 7.5 mm ² , for example 6.5 mm ² . This is a larger area than a similar perimeter CPF filter or CPA filter (the area of the CPF channel is 4 mm ² , the area of the CPA filter is 5 mm ² ). In another embodiment, a filter or filter element about 15-17 mm in circumference may comprise a longitudinally extending channel (provided by a crease) having an area of 4.5 to 6.5 mm ² , for example 5 mm ² . This is a larger area than a similar perimeter CPF filter or CPA filter (the area of the CPF channel is 3 mm ² and the area of the CPA filter is 4 mm ² ).

The production method of the present invention may use standard cellulose acetate tow. It will be appreciated that other materials well known in the art can be used to form the tobacco smoke filter material, the first wrapper, the second wrapper and the additive release container.

Applicants have found that by placing the bar region at the center of the filter rather than at one end of the filter, the filter is always cut at both ends of the flute region. The bar length is not affected by the change in cut, and the performance of the final filter (eg pressure drop) is more consistent.

According to the invention there is provided a smoking article (eg cigarette) comprising a cigarette smoke filter or filter element according to the invention. The filter or filter element of the present invention is suitable for use with all types of tobacco blends.

In the filter smoking article according to the invention, the filter of the invention (or a filter comprising the filter element of the invention) is bonded to a wrapped tobacco rod with one end of the filter facing the cigarette. The filter can be bonded to the wrapped tobacco rod by ring tipping (this is applied only around the (wrapped) filter and the adjacent ends of the rod, leaving much of the filter wrap exposed). The filter can be joined by a full tipping overwrap (this applies to the entire length of the filter and to the proximal end of the tobacco rod).

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a portion of the filter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention removed from scale;
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the filter according to a further embodiment of the present invention in a cut off scale;
3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter shown in FIG. 1 taken along the longitudinal axis;
4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of three embodiments of the invention with the position of the capsules and/or the number of capsules changed.

Example 1

In Figure 1, the filter 1 comprises a circumferential longitudinally extending core 2 of tobacco smoke filtering material in the form of a cellulose acetate tow (filament denier of 3.0, total denier of 30,000). Surrounding the core 2 is a first wrapper 3 of breathable filter paper (basis weight 80 gsm) embossed to impart pleats along part of its length. A second wrapper 4 of wrinkle-free breathable filter paper (27 gsm basis weight) is wrapped around the first wrapper 3. The first wrapper 3 is pleated towards one end 1a of the filter 1 and is embossed to impart a pleat over about half of its length so as to be smooth at the second end 1b of the filter 1. The corrugated portion of the first wrapper 3 facing one end 1a is between itself and the second wrapper 4 without corrugation, with 24 channels extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter around the periphery of the core. (5a) (i.e., peripheral channels) are formed. The surface of the tobacco filtering core 2 conforms to the corrugation of the first wrapper 3. The first wrapper 3, which is corrugated such that the longitudinally extending channel 5a extends shorter than the entire length of the filter so that there is no longitudinally extending channel in the longitudinally extending portion 6 of the filter 1, is corrugated only a part of its length. have. The filter also contains a fragile capsule 9 containing menthol flavoring agent. The capsule 9 is completely enclosed in the core 2 of the tobacco smoke filtering material and is not visible, but the approximate location coincident with the portion 6 of the filter is shown by a dotted circle.

The portion 7 of the filter comprising a longitudinally extending channel 5a around the periphery of the filter may be referred to as a flute or flute portion. The portion 6 of the filter that does not comprise a longitudinally extending channel around the periphery of the filter may be referred to as a bar or a bar portion.

3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along the longitudinal axis of the filter. It can be seen that the capsule 9 coincides with a portion 6 of the filter that does not contain a peripheral longitudinally extending channel 5a.

It will be appreciated that the filter 1 can be bonded to a wrapped tobacco rod to form a cigarette by methods well known in the art. The filter can be bonded to the wrapped tobacco rod, for example by ring tipping (this is applied only around the (wrapped) filter and adjacent ends of the rod, leaving a large portion of the filter wrap exposed). The filter can be joined, for example, by a full tipping overlap (this applies to the entire length of the filter and to the adjacent end of the tobacco rod). When the bar portion of the filter 1 is joined to the tobacco rod, the fluted portion of the filter is visible from the mouth end of the cigarette. This can be used as an anti-counterfeiting means. The first wrapper 3 may be colored (ie may contain a pigment). For example, the first wrapper 3 can be colored green to contrast with the color of the tobacco smoke filtering material (which is usually white). This color differentiates the filter for anti-counterfeiting purposes and can serve to identify flavors. When the flute portion of the filter 1 is joined to the tobacco rod, the bar portion of the filter 1 is located at the mouth end of the cigarette. This gives the appearance of a conventional cigarette but has improved filtration properties associated with the presence of channels.

Example 2

In FIG. 2, filter 101 comprises a cylindrical longitudinally extending core 102 of tobacco smoke filtering material in the form of cellulose acetate tow (filament denier of 3.0, total denier of 30,000). Surrounding the core 102 is a first wrapper 103 of breathable filter paper (basis weight 80 gsm) embossed to impart pleats along a portion of its length. A second wrapper 104 of wrinkle-free breathable filter paper (27 gsm basis weight) is wrapped around the first wrapper 103. The 101st wrapper 103 is pleated toward one end 101a of the filter 101 and is embossed to impart a pleat over about half of its length so as to be smooth at the second end 101b of the filter 1. The corrugated portion of the first wrapper 103 facing the one end 101a is between itself and the second wrapper 104 without corrugation, 24 channels extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter around the periphery of the core. (105a) (i.e., a peripheral channel) is formed. The surface of the tobacco filtering core 102 coincides with the corrugations of the first wrapper 103. The longitudinally extending channel 105a extends shorter than the entire length of the filter so that there is no longitudinally extending channel in the longitudinally extending portion 106 of the filter 101 (and the longitudinally extending portion 107 of the filter is longitudinally extended. The corrugated first wrapper 103 (to include the channel 5a) is corrugated only in part of its length. The filter also includes a fragile capsule 109 containing a menthol flavoring agent. The capsule 109 is completely enclosed within the core 102 of the tobacco smoke filtering material and is not visible, but the approximate location coinciding with the portion 107 of the filter (which includes the longitudinally extending channel 105a) is a dashed line. It is shown as a circle.

The portion 107 of the filter comprising longitudinally extending channels 105a around the periphery of the filter may be referred to as a flute or flute portion. The portion 106 of the filter that does not include a longitudinally extending channel around the periphery of the filter may be referred to as a bar or bar portion.

It will be appreciated that the filter 101 may be bonded to a wrapped tobacco rod to form a cigarette by methods well known in the art. The filter can be bonded to the wrapped tobacco rod, for example by ring tipping (this is applied only around the (wrapped) filter and adjacent ends of the rod, leaving a large portion of the filter wrap exposed). The filter can be joined, for example, by a full tipping overlap (this applies to the entire length of the filter and to the adjacent end of the tobacco rod). When the bar portion of the filter 101 is bonded to the tobacco rod, the fluted portion of the filter is visible from the mouth end of the cigarette. This can be used as an anti-counterfeiting means. The first wrapper 103 may be colored (ie, may contain a pigment). For example, the first wrapper 103 can be colored green to contrast with the color of the tobacco smoke filtering material (which is generally white). This color differentiates the filter for anti-counterfeiting purposes and can serve to identify flavors. When the flute portion of the filter 101 is bonded to the tobacco rod, the bar portion of the filter 101 is located at the mouth end of the cigarette. This gives the appearance of a conventional cigarette but has improved filtration properties associated with the presence of channels.

Example 3

The filter or filter element according to the invention (eg those of FIGS. 1 and 2) can be manufactured in the following manner. This method and machine are well known in the art. Filters are made using a modified Nomo acetate filter machine (known in the art). This machine requires CPS kits and capsule inserter kits known in the art. Filters are made by the manufacture of multiple length rods. Machine tow processing is set up to form a single longitudinally extending rod of cellulose acetate tow. Next, the machine is set up to supply the breathable filter paper, and embossing is performed on this breathable filter paper so that the flute part (embossed and pleated part) and the bar part on the filter match. The capsule inserter kit is then set up to insert the capsule at a defined location in the cellulose acetate tow. By using various replacement parts for the capsule inserter kit, the capsule can be inserted into the bar portion, the flute portion, or the junction of the bar portion and the flute portion. A filter containing two capsules can also be made. The step (or steps) of cutting the continuous rod to form individual filters is arranged such that the cut ends form the upstream end of the filter and the downstream end of the filter. This method allows the characteristics of the filter to be customized to suit the needs, for example the capsule position, flute orientation and all of the color of the plug wrap can be easily changed.

Example 4

An experiment was conducted to measure the effect of the capsule position on the amount of menthol generated by cigarette users. Four filter embodiments (A-D) were tested. The filter was prepared by the method of Example 3. All filters tested included a bar portion at one end, a flute portion at the other end, and at least one capsule containing the menthol additive. The end of the flute of the filter was assumed to be an end coinciding with the user's mouth. Therefore, the amount of menthol generation was measured from the end of the flute. Filter A is the filter according to FIG. 1 and was tested without crushing a single capsule. Filter B is a filter according to FIG. 1 comprising a single capsule coinciding with a bar portion, which filter was crushed to release the menthol additive before testing. A cross-sectional view of filter B is shown in FIG. 4. Filter C is a filter according to FIG. 3 comprising a single capsule coinciding with the flute section, which capsule was crushed before testing. A cross-sectional view of filter C is shown in FIG. 4. Filter D included a single capsule matched with the bar portion and a single capsule matched with the flute portion. Both capsules were crushed prior to testing. A cross-sectional view of filter D is shown in FIG. 4.

Menthol retention data for each filter was determined by methods well known in the art. Measurements were repeated 4 times for each filter embodiment. Results are shown in Tables 1 to 4. Pad measurement data indicates the amount of menthol generated in smoke. The average menthol smoke generation of the filter is summarized in Tables 1 to 4.

Not crushed (filter A) Menthol/mg on pad Menthol/mg in filter One 0.004 5.81 2 0.004 4.79 3 0.004 2.53 4 0.004 5.51 Average 0.004 4.66

Crushed in bar (filter B) Menthol/mg on pad Menthol/mg in filter One 0.94 6.25 2 0.91 6.11 3 0.91 4.97 4 1.03 7.89 Average 0.95 6.31

Crushed in flute (filter C) Menthol/mg on pad Menthol/mg in filter One 0.88 7.32 2 0.83 6.90 3 0.87 7.99 4 0.89 6.14 Average 0.87 7.09

Both are crushed (Filter D) Menthol/mg on pad Menthol/mg in filter One 1.57 8.43 2 1.51 8.27 3 1.45 8.52 4 1.62 8.31 Average 1.54 8.38

Applicants have found that the amount of menthol generation in smoke is higher when the crushed capsule is placed in line with the bar portion. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that less menthol is retained in the cellulose acetate filter material as the flute can pass smoke to the oral end. The Applicant also found that crushing one capsule in the bar portion and one capsule (Filter D) in the flute portion is not the same as the generation amount obtained by summing the menthol generation amount data for Filters B and C. This indicates that the amount of menthol smoke produced and the amount of flavor produced may vary depending on the position of the capsule in the present invention.

Claims (24)

A tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material, a first wrapper around the core, a second wrapper around the first wrapper,
The first wrapper together with at least the second wrapper forms at least one longitudinally extending channel of the filter or filter element, and the (or each) longitudinally extending channel is a longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element A tobacco smoke filter or filter element extending shorter than the entire length of the filter or filter element such that there are no longitudinally extending channels in the filter or filter element, the filter or filter element further comprising at least one additive discharging container. The method of claim 1,
A tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the longitudinally extending core of the tobacco smoke filtering material is a single core of the tobacco smoke filtering material. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The cigarette smoke filter or filter element, wherein the first wrapper is a breathable wrapper. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein at least one additive discharge vessel coincides with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element without longitudinally extending channels. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein at least one additive discharge vessel coincides with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending channel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
At least one additive discharging vessel coincides with the filter or a portion of the filter element, the filter comprising a longitudinally extending channel or the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter element, the filter without a longitudinally extending channel Or a tobacco smoke filter or filter element meeting the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter element. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharging container, wherein the additive discharging container coincides with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element without longitudinally extending channels. Or filter element. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharge container, the additive discharge container being coincident with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending channel. Filter or filter element. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The filter or filter element comprises only one additive discharging container, the additive discharging container coinciding with a portion of the filter or filter element, and comprising a longitudinally extending channel of the filter or filter element (or one ) A longitudinally extending portion meets the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element without a longitudinally extending channel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The filter or filter element comprises two additive discharge vessels, one additive discharge vessel coinciding with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element without longitudinally extending channels, and one additive A tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the discharge vessel coincides with the (or one) longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending channel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprises at least one channel extending longitudinally from an upstream end of the filter or filter element, at least one channel extending longitudinally from a downstream end of the filter or filter element, and longitudinally extending A tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising a central portion of the filter or filter element without channels. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprises at least one channel extending longitudinally from a first end of the filter or filter element, wherein the second end of the filter or filter element does not have a longitudinally extending channel. Filter or filter element. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprises at least one channel extending longitudinally of the filter or filter element, the (or one) channel being either of the upstream end or the downstream end of the filter or filter element. The tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the at least one channel extends only a portion of the length of the filter or filter element located at a central portion of the filter or filter element so as not to extend therefrom. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the first wrapper has a longitudinally extending pleat defining the longitudinally extending channel with at least the second wrapper. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the additive release container is a capsule, for example a frangible capsule. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the additive release container contains an additive in the form of a flavoring agent. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
The tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the first wrapper comprises a pigment. The method of claim 17,
The cigarette smoke filter or filter element, wherein the first wrapper comprises a colorant that provides a color substantially contrasting to the color of the tobacco smoke filtering material and/or the second wrapper. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising a longitudinally extending core of tobacco smoke filtering material, a first wrapper around the core, a second wrapper around the first wrapper,
The first wrapper together with at least the second wrapper forms at least one longitudinally extending channel of the filter or filter element, and the (or each) longitudinally extending channel is a longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element The filter or filter element further comprises only one additive discharging vessel, wherein said filter or filter element further comprises only one additive discharging vessel such that there are no longitudinally extending channels in said filter without longitudinally extending channels. Or coincident with the longitudinally extending portion of the filter element, the additive discharging container being a capsule and containing an additive in the form of a flavoring agent. A filter smoking article comprising a filter or filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 19 at one end joined to a wrapped tobacco rod. A method of manufacturing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element, comprising:
Providing an axially extending breathable core, forming a first wrapper around the core, and wrapping a second wrapper around the wrapped core, wherein the first wrapper comprises at least the first wrapper. 2 together with the wrapper form at least one channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter or filter element, the (or each) longitudinally extending channel having a longitudinally extending channel in the longitudinally extending portion of the filter or filter element. So that it extends shorter than the entire length of the filter or filter element, the filter or filter element is formed as a continuous rod of a plurality of filters or filter elements, and the continuous rod is cut to form an individual filter or filter element The step (or steps) is arranged such that the cut ends form an upstream end of the filter or filter element and a downstream end of the filter or filter element, and the additive discharging container (e.g., a capsule, e.g., Fragile capsules) are inserted into the filter or filter element by methods known in the art. A method of manufacturing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element, comprising:
A series of tobacco smoke filtering material is continuously advanced in the longitudinal direction, the advancing filtering material is collected in a rod shape, and the collected and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in a rod shape to provide a continuous rod;
An additive discharging container is inserted into the collected and advancing filtering material as the filtering material is molded and fixed in a rod shape;
A first inner wrapper and a second outer wrapper are applied around the collected and advancing filtering material as the collected and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in a rod shape;
The inner wrapper includes a profile portion spaced longitudinally between flat portions, and the profile portion of the first wrapper forms a longitudinally extending channel of the rod together with the second wrapper so that the continuous rod is longitudinally spaced apart. A method of making a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising a portion comprising a longitudinally extending channel separated by a portion not comprising an extending channel. A method of manufacturing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising:
A series of tobacco smoke filtering material is continuously advanced in the longitudinal direction, the advancing filtering material is collected in a rod shape, and the collected and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in a rod shape to provide a continuous rod;
An additive discharging container is inserted into the collected and advancing filtering material as the filtering material is molded and fixed in a rod shape;
A first inner wrapper and a second outer wrapper are applied around the collected and advancing filtering material as the collected and advancing filtering material is molded and fixed in a rod shape;
The inner wrapper includes a profile portion spaced longitudinally between flat portions, and the profile portion of the first wrapper forms a longitudinally extending channel of the rod together with the second wrapper so that the continuous rod is longitudinally spaced apart. A method of making a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising a portion comprising a longitudinally extending channel separated by a portion not comprising an extending channel. The method of claim 22 or 23,
The method of manufacturing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the additive release container is inserted within the collected and advancing filtering material in line with the flat portion of the first wrapper.

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