RU2462964C2 - Cigarette filter containing aromatic particles - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: filtering tip contains a filtering zone including a filtering material and aromatic vegetal particles improving smoke characteristics, dispersed inside the filtering material and chosen from among mint, peppermint, basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, hepatica and bergamot. The smoking product contains the filtering tip consisting of one filtering zone segment with ingrained aromatic vegetal particles improving smoke characteristics and one segment of common filtering material, the tip constantly connected to the tobacco core. According to the filtering tip production method, one performs uniform sprinkling of a corresponding quantity of aromatic vegetal particles improving smoke characteristics onto a strap moving edgewise on a mechanical support before the strap shaping in the filtering tip.

EFFECT: production of a filtering tip improving characteristics of tobacco smoke during smoking products usage.

35 cl

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a new smoke-improving filter mouthpiece; a smoking article containing such a smoke-improving filter mouthpiece; a method of manufacturing a smoke-enhancing filter mouthpiece and a smoking article with it.

State of the art

In US Pat. No. 3,771,534, entitled “Combination of Filter and Mouthpiece,” a filter plug is incorporated into the mouthpiece of a cigarette. Two cylinders are combined and one of their ends of the same diameter is attached to the smoked part of the cigarette, and the other to the short section of the cigarette, which is the end of the mouthpiece. The filter plug can be soaked with volatile oil such as menthol or peppermint to give the smoke a flavor, and the two cylinders act as air chambers to cool it. The purpose of this concept is essentially dual filters that provide protection against infection. However, the consumer is faced with poor smoke flavoring; cooling the smoke prevents the flavor from adhering. In addition, menthol and volatile oils have been shown to present an unpleasant aftertaste for some consumer groups.

In US Pat. No. 3,972,335, entitled "Filter for menthol cigarettes," a flavored cigarette filter made of granular activated carbon known for its effective ability to filter toxic smoke constituents in the gaseous phase is processed in such a way as to increase its shelf life and flavoring rate . Indeed, carbon is treated with sucrose or any material that can be absorbed and retained by activated carbon, and which acts as a pore modifying substance: its action is to block the most strongly retained areas of carbon so that the least retained areas remain accessible to absorb flavoring smoke substances such as menthol. Thus, the flavoring agent is retained on carbon for an expiration date, but is released when cigarette smoke passes through the filter. However, this type of cigarette filter has many disadvantages for the effective aromatization of smoke. The stage of blocking pores by means of a pore-modifying substance is very complicated, since the amounts of this substance, as well as the type of substance added to the carbon, must be accurately measured and selected so that only the most retaining pores become inaccessible. This situation often results in ineffective filtration of harmful smoke components and a very low supply of flavors, since the pore-modifying substance blocks most of the carbon-retaining sites.

In US Pat. No. 4,620,554, entitled "Cigarette Flavor Mitigation Agent", a cigarette flavorant is attached to the end of the cigarette and provides flavoring of the smoke as well as eliminating the taste of nicotine. Such a softener consists of a mixture of powder material. The purpose of this invention is to provide an improvement in the taste of nicotine and to reduce the irritation associated with it. However, the present invention is directed mainly to improving the taste of tobacco, as well as reducing and masking the unpleasant taste and aftertaste of cigarette smoke caused by nicotine and other components.

US 4,889,144, entitled "Tobacco Smoke Filter", is based on the concept of a flavored cigarette filter. The filter mouthpiece contains a space in its middle part filled with flavored hermetically sealed particles. These flavored, hermetically sealed particles are made from a natural polysaccharide, diluent, and one or more flavoring materials selected from a variety of powdery and oil-soluble flavors: the most popular of which are licorice, cloves, cinnamon and vanilla, lemon, and Japanese peppermint oil. Such an airtight shell protects the flavors from volatilization and spoilage. In order to isolate the flavor, the capsules must be torn apart by the smoker by applying a force to the outer surfaces of the filter, which is greater than the force usually applied when smoking, such as twisting or squeezing the filter. To increase the rate of destruction of the particles of flavoring, particles can be added that accelerate the destruction, which are particles such as crystalline sugars and table salt with a higher hardness than the hardness of the particles of flavoring. In conclusion, such a product allows a smoker to enjoy either a flavored cigarette or an original cigarette without destroying the flavor particles. The present invention can be considered a breakthrough in the industry for flavoring cigarettes: however, the main problem associated with the filter mouthpiece containing a cavity in the center filled with aromatic particles is that very often these particles tend to be compressed and the drag resistance increases. Thus, these cigarettes tend to make smoking difficult, and consumers are disappointed in such a product.

Application US 2005/0070409 A1, entitled "Method and device for incorporating elements into cigarette filters", relates to the concept of a new method for mechanically incorporating individual elements into cigarette filters. These resulting filter mouthpieces contain elements included in woven filters, such as capsules containing flavor.

There is a need for a cigarette made with a filter that provides a certain level of protection, adding to the smoke the natural taste of the desired flavor, improving its overall aroma and offering a better and more subtle aftertaste. However, the technologies presented by the prior art often produce excessively filtered smoke to such an extent that its taste changes, and often needs to be re-flavored as it passes through a second filter containing flavors. Such decisions are often complex, and many of them reduce the overall quality, taste, and aftertaste of smoke and cigarettes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Smoke-improving filtering mouthpieces are proposed that are created by various process methods and containing various smoke-enhancing plant aroma particles as a means of improving smoke of a smoking article. Smoke enhancing filter mouthpieces of the present invention include a filtration zone (portion) in which smoke enhancing aroma particles are located. These smoke enhancing plant aromatic particles can be interspersed or introduced into the cavity in the filter. The filtration zone may be made of a material selected from cellulose acetate fiber tow, cellulose acetate web and paper. Such filter media may be colored to match the color of smoke-improving plant aromatic particles. Smoke enhancing plant aromatic particles can be plant flavor particles cut to a size suitable for insertion or insertion into a cavity in a filtration zone selected from mint, vanilla, peppermint, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin , ginger, nutmeg, oregano (oregano), paprika, rosemary, saffron, sage, thyme, lavender, licorice, coffee, tea, eucalyptus, cloves, pear, liverwort, yellow turmeric, long turmeric, sandalwood, ki PS, rose, bergamot and orange tree flowers. Peppermint particles can be selected from the following peppermint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha Iongifolia, Mentha sugatelega varieta mentha pulegium varieta cv and Mentha suaveolens. The smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles may also be a combination of particles of natural aromatic plants mixed with menthol and / or essential oils and / or one or more of their constituents. Smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles are made by finely chopping parts of dry plants, such as leaves and / or stems, to a size of 10 to 80 mesh. The smoke-enhancing filter mouthpiece in one preferred embodiment is made by uniformly spraying an appropriate amount of smoke-enhancing vegetable aroma particles onto a tow extending to the side of the mechanical support. The tow used for the manufacture of the filter may be a laterally expanded tow, and the spray of smoke-improving plant aromatic particles is performed by passing the tow at a certain speed under the apparatus distributing these particles. The sprayed tow is then shaped into a beam in the form of a thin rod coated with overlapping paper, and cut into pre-sized rods to obtain smoke-improving filter nozzles. The resulting filter mouthpiece can be made either by using a single segment with smoke-improving plant aromatic particles embedded in the filter material, or a combination of segments of a conventional filter material permanently connected to segments of the filter material with smoke-enhancing characteristics. In a second preferred embodiment, the smoke-enhancing filter mouthpiece can also be made by filling a cavity between two segments of a conventional filter material with smoke-enhancing vegetable aromatic particles. Also, the filter mouthpiece may contain several segments, some of which may contain particles embedded in it, among them such as charcoal and rubber.

These mouthpieces are subsequently inserted into the smoking article: the filter is permanently attached to the tobacco rod, a cylindrical rod of smoking material, by wrapping two axially aligned end-to-end parts with adhesive material.

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

As used herein, the terms “smoking material rod” or “smoking material” are intended simply to mean a portion of the smoking article that is inside a substantially non-combustible wrapper and does not imply any association with the burning ability or other properties of the smoking material rod.

The term "carbon" as used herein can be used to refer to a material that is essentially pure carbon and any carbon precursors, such as a carbon-containing material. As used herein, the term “carbon-containing” includes a material that has undergone pyrolysis, which material preferably contains carbon, although some incomplete combustion products may still be present. For example, the carbonaceous material from which carbon is derived may be a finished pyrolyzed coconut fiber.

As used herein, the term “smoking material” means any material that can be used in a smoking article. It does not necessarily mean that the material itself necessarily supports combustion. Smoking material is usually made in the form of a sheet, and then cut. The smoking material may then be mixed with other materials to produce a smoking filler material.

The term “smoke improving” refers to the ability to provide improved smoke properties of a smoking article. Such properties are the result of the presence of special particles in the filter of the smokers product: depending on the type of particles, as the smoke passes through the filter, it can be aromatized, the finish can be improved, and / or a refreshing taste can be added.

The expression "smoke enhancing plant aromatic particles" refers to particles of a natural aromatic plant and to a combination of particles of a natural aromatic plant mixed with menthol and / or essential oils.

The term “flavoring” refers to the ability of smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles to aromatize smoke created by a smoking agent when it is inhaled through a filter into which they are interspersed and which releases, creates, neutralizes, masks or changes odors, for example, perfume or deodorant.

The term “smoking article” refers to a tobacco smoking device comprising a rod of smoking material, such as tobacco, enclosed in a surrounding material attached to the filter by a wrapping material. Such a smoking article, when it “burns”, creates smoke inhaled through the filter. Such smoking articles include cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos. Other smoking materials include reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, and alternative smoking articles in which the material is not smoked / burned as such.

The term "particles of a natural aromatic plant" refers to particles from parts of any plant having flavoring properties that can be used to flavor smoke of a smoking article. These parts of the aromatic plant contain, but are not limited to, flowers, beans, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The structure of the smoking article

The length of the rod of smoking material is preferably at least 60 mm, and the rod should preferably provide at least six puffs and more preferably at least seven puffs when smoking under standard machine smoking conditions. The rod preferably has a constant cross-sectional shape and dimensions along the entire length of the rod.

Filter

The smoking article preferably contains a filter element, which may be a conventional fibrous cellulose acetate, polypropylene or polyethylene material or folded paper material. A variety of filter elements may also be used. Filter elements with certain differential pressure characteristics, such as filters sold by Filtrona and known as filters with a specific pressure ratio, can also be used. Aromatic materials, as described above, can be arranged on top of or inside the material of the filter element, which are released or eluted from the filter element in the form of an aerosol generated by a heated or burned aerosol generating means.

Preferably, the filter element may further comprise dispersed material, such as granular carbon, which, respectively, can be activated carbon. Preferably, the activated carbon is activated coconut carbon. The filter containing the particulate material may be a double filter containing, for example, a section of a mouthpiece of cellulose acetate and a Dalmatian rod at the end of the tobacco filter. The paper section may also form part of a composite filter. Alternatively, the filter may be a filter made in accordance with the strength calculation of a filter known as an active insert filter (manufactured by Filtrona International), as described in UK Patent No. 2,249,936. In yet a further alternative embodiment, the filter element may be a filter with a cavity containing two end sections with a Central cavity containing granular material.

The filter element can alternatively be a filter with a selective reduction in the amount of permeable substances described in provisional applications US 60/309388 and 60/309435, filed August 1, 2001

The filter plug located at the end of the mouthpiece can be made of various materials, for example, cellulose acetate tow, cellulose, paper, cotton, polypropylene web, polypropylene tow, polyester web, polyester tow or a combination thereof.

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

An additional filter design that can be used in the present invention is described in PCT / GB02 / 005603. The design of the grooved filter described herein ensures that ventilating air enters the grooves that extend toward the end of the tobacco and then change direction towards the end of the mouthpiece. The result is a reduction in the CO / tar ratio. In combination with dispersed additives that selectively reduce the vapor phase, a significant reduction in the components of the vapor phase can be achieved.

More preferably, the first portion of the tobacco smoke filter contains adsorbent material. Preferably, the adsorbent material is a common adsorbent. The general adsorbent material is preferably selected from the group of materials with a relatively high surface area, such as activated charcoal, which is capable of adsorbing chemical compounds over a wide range without a high degree of specificity.

More preferably, the second portion of the filter of the present invention contains conventional smoke filtering material. Suitable conventional materials include cellulose acetate, paper, polypropylene and other materials that are well known to those skilled in the art and are capable of retaining at least a portion of the dispersed smoke phase.

Preferably, the first and second portions of the filter of the present invention were arranged with coaxial alignment.

Wrapper

The wrapper covering the smoking article may contain a combustion aid, such as, for example, sodium and / or potassium citrate. Other suitable flame retardants, such as sodium or potassium salts, such as, for example, acetate and tartrate; ammonium monophosphate and sodium phosphate disubstituted, known to specialists. Preferably, the combustion support additive is present in the range of 0.5-2.5% by weight of the wrapper. The wrapper may also have a paper weight in the range of 20-40 g / m ² .

Alternatively or additionally, the wrapper of the smoking article may be a paperless wrapper, such as the wrappers described in WO 96/07336 and WO 01/41590. Such wrappers help reduce sidestream smoke components, but also provide a smoking article that has combustion and ash formation characteristics similar to conventional products, i.e. these wrappers provide combustion and ash formation of a smoking article similar to conventional products.

The wrapper, respectively, may be a paper wrapper or a substantially non-combustible wrapper, such as described in WO 96/07336. The contents of this application, insofar as it relates to a substantially non-combustible wrapper, are incorporated herein by reference. This wrapper preferably contains at least 65% inorganic particulate filler material, such as the inorganic materials described above.

A typical pulp paper wrapper may have a permeability in the range of 2-300 Korest units (CU), and preferably less than 100 Korest units. Such a wrapper may also be a paper with a low total filler content, such as described in EP 0 404 580 and containing, for example, less than 14% magnesium oxide or hydroxide.

Smoking material

Preferably, the smoking material is tobacco material. Suitable tobacco material includes stems, leaves, or tobacco dust. Preferred tobacco material includes one or more of the following types: Virgin or fire-dried tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental-type tobacco, reconstituted tobacco. More preferably, the smoking material contains a mixture of tobacco material. Preferred smoking material contains 10-80% Virginia tobacco, 10-60% Burley tobacco, 0-20% Oriental type tobacco, 0-120% reconstituted tobacco, and 0-30% expanded tobacco.

The smoking material of smoking articles in accordance with the invention preferably comprises or consists of shredded tobacco, of which expanded tobacco may be part. The smoking material may comprise reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitute material.

The smokable filler material may also contain a combustion aid to improve the smoking properties of the filler material. Depending on the properties of the filler, the combustion support additive is either a combustion accelerator or a combustion inhibitor. Suitable additives for maintaining combustion can be selected from one or more metal salts of group I or II, such as acetates, citrates, and other combustion accelerators known to those skilled in the art. Suitable combustion retardants include, for example, magnesium hydroxide, ammonium monophosphate or magnesium chloride.

The smoking filler material may also contain an ash improver, which is preferably present in the filler in the range of 0-5%. Suitable ash improvers include one or more of mica, perlite, clays, such as vermiculite, kaolins, talc, saponites, bentonites, as well as ash improvers, such as sodium orthophosphate disubstituted, sodium carbonate or diammonium phosphate.

Inorganic Filler Material

Preferably, the inorganic filler material is one or more of perlite, alumina, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate (chalk), vermiculite, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, zinc oxide, calcium sulfate (gypsum), iron oxide, pumice, titanium dioxide, calcium aluminate or other insoluble aluminates or other inorganic filler materials. The density range of these materials, respectively, is from 0.1 to 5.7 g / cm ³ . Preferably, the inorganic filler material 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 . An inorganic filler with a density of less than 1 g / cm ^{3 is} preferred. An inorganic filler of lower density reduces the density of the product, thereby improving ash formation characteristics.

Organic Filler Material

The smoking filler material may also contain an organic filler. Preferably, the organic filler material is inert or relatively inert when it is single, i.e. it does not easily support combustion, but in a mixture it may become more combustible, i.e. will support combustion. Suitable organic fillers include insoluble alginates, such as calcium or magnesium alginate, calcium pectinate or alginic acid, as well as unmodified cellulose, such as, for example, treated or untreated wood pulp or alpha cellulose. Mixtures of inert organic fillers and inorganic fillers may also be used.

Aerosol Generating Agent

The aerosol generating source preferably comprises an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and / or other aerosol forming compounds disclosed in WO 96/07336. These include polyhydric alcohols, propylene glycol and triethylene glycol, esters such as triethyl citrate, triacetin or triethylene glycol diacetate or high boiling hydrocarbons. Other suitable aerosol forming agents are known to those skilled in the art.

Binders

Preferably, if the binder is a mixture of alginate and non-alginate binders, preferably the binder is at least 50% alginate, more preferably at least 60% alginate, and even more preferably at least 70% alginate. The amount of combined binder required can accordingly be reduced when a non-alginate binder is used. The amount of alginate in the combination of binders preferably increases as the amount of combined binder decreases. Suitable alginate binders include soluble alginates such as ammonium alginate, sodium alginate, calcium sodium alginate, ammonium calcium alginate, potassium alginate, magnesium alginate, triethanolamine alginate and propylene glycol alginate. Other organic binders, such as cellulosic binders, resins or gels, can also be used in combination with alginate binders. Suitable cellulosic binders include cellulose and cellulose derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose ethers. Suitable resins include gum arabic, ghatti gum, tragacanth gum, Sterculia plant resin, carob, acacia, guar, quince seed or xanthan gum. Suitable gels include agar, agarose, carrageenan, furoidan and furcellaran. Starches can also be used as organic binders. Other suitable resins can be selected from reference books such as Industrial Gums, E. Whistler (Academic Press).

Coloring matter

Coloring agents, such as food coloring, for example, or pigments, such as licorice, caramel or malt, or extracts thereof, can be used to darken the filler material. The presence of vermiculite or other inorganic material, such as iron oxide, can also impart a darker color to the filler material of the smoking article.

Suitable colorant materials include, for example, cocoa, licorice, caramel, chocolate or toffee. Finely ground, granulated or homogenized tobacco can also be used. Industry-approved food colors can also be used, such as E150a (caramel), E151 (diamond black BN), E153 (vegetable charcoal), or E155 (brown NT). Other sizing materials are also suitable. Alternatively, the presence of vermiculite or other inorganic filler materials may impart a darker color to the smoking material.

Preferably, the dye content is from 0-10% and can reach 5-7% by weight of the final smoking material. Preferably, the colorant is less than 7%, preferably less than 6%, and more preferably less than 5% of the final smoking material. More preferably, a dye content of less than 4%, less than 3%, and less than 2% is used. The content for cocoa may be in the range of 0-5%, and the content of licorice may be in the range of 0-4% by weight of the final smoking material. When the colorant is, for example, cocoa or licorice, the minimum amount to obtain the desired color of the sheet is about 3%, and for licorice it is about 2% by weight of the final smoking material. Similarly, the caramel content may be in the range of 0-5%, preferably less than about 2% by weight of the final smoking material, and more preferably about 1.5%. Other suitable colorants include molasses, malt extract, coffee extract, fragrant tea extracts, carob extract, prune or tobacco extract. Mixtures of dyes may also be used.

A series of tests carried out on a group of smokers, and an assessment of the smoking properties and overall acceptability of cigarettes made with such smoke-improving filters, showed favorable results compared to products already on the market. Compared to menthol cigarettes made with crystals of natural menthol or synthetic menthol, this invention offers a number of advantages. Indeed, the present invention provides smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles interspersed or introduced into a cavity, such as mint particles, in a filter (this is more clearly understood, possibly referring simply to particles in the filter, with another additional possibility that they can be interspersed in the filter material itself or can be provided in the filter cavity), providing a minty aroma and a refreshing taste and aftertaste of smoke as it passes through the filter, compared to excessively intense nym taste and cooling aftertaste with mentholated products.

The present invention provides a smoke enhancing filter mouthpiece for use in a smoking article by attaching to a tobacco rod. Such a smoke-enhancing filter mouthpiece contains smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles interspersed or introduced into a cavity in the filtration zone, the smoke-enhancing plant aroma particles are aromatic plant particles and / or a mixture of aromatic plant particles with menthol and / or essential oils and / or one or more of their components embedded in the filter.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dried particles to be interspersed in the filter zone of the smoke-enhancing filter are cut to a predetermined size and selected from any of the mint varieties. Famous peppermint varieties include Mentha Arventis, Mentha c. V., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c. V., Mentha piperita c. and Mentha suaveolens. The preferred mint variety used in the present invention is Mentha Arventis.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the type of material used for the filter zone of the smoke-enhancing filter is selected from any of the cellulose acetate tow, cellulose acetate web and paper. The preferred material used in the present invention is cellulose acetate. The filter media typically takes the form of a fiber tow, but may also be in other physical forms, such as a corrugated sheet, in the case of paper.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the type of smoking article that is attached to the smoke enhancing filter can be selected from cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos.

The present invention is further described with reference to various stages of manufacturing the final product, including a method of manufacturing smoke-improving plant aromatic particles, smoke-improving filter mouthpiece and smoking article containing said filter.

Smoke enhancing plant aromatic particles comprise aromatic plant particles or aromatic plant particles mixed with menthol and / or essential oils and / or one or more of their constituents. The main objective associated with the use of plant particles in smoke-improving filter mouthpieces instead of artificial purified substances is to provide consumers with natural flavoring agents, with or without menthol and / or essential oils and / or one or more of their constituents, and, therefore, Thus, products with a refreshing taste and improved finish. Plant particles contain all suitable parts of the selected plant, such as roots, leaves, flowers, stems or buds. They are collected, dried and mechanically cut to the desired size to intersperse in the filter rod. The preferred moisture percentage of the introduced particles is from 10 to 20%, since the normal moisture level of cigarettes is from 10 to 14%, obtained either with or without drying. In one preferred embodiment, natural mint particles are used to flavor the smoke. Various studies have been conducted comparing the use of natural mint particles in a filter of a smoking device to evaluate a smoking article with commercially available menthol cigarettes. Firstly, studies were carried out on loading, flavor retention and general taste for a long time for natural mint particles from the greenhouse and from the field introduced into the filter. These tests showed that natural mint particles present different flavoring properties than flavoring products already on the market. In addition, when testing smoke, it was found that the characteristic taste and aftertaste of natural mint, which are the results of a combination of many components, provide a refreshing taste and an improved aftertaste compared to the strong cooling effect of the currently available menthol product.

Flavoring particles can be incorporated into the filter mouthpiece by various methods: the particles can be contained within the cavity in the filter mouthpiece or applied to and / or into the filter material.

"Dalmatian filters" can be manufactured in accordance with known methods. For example, "Dalmatian filters" are composed of filter material in which smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles are sprayed before they are folded and wrapped in wrapping material. Various steps are required to create such a filter: firstly, the filter material is wound into a roll that is continuously pulled. The laterally expanded flat material is fed into the spraying section to improve the smoke characteristics of the particles using a mechanical support. A hopper is provided above the rotating spray roller, and in front of it is a guide apparatus. The smoke-enhancing vegetable aromatic particles fed into the hopper are uniformly applied to the filter material, which is continuously fed under a rotating spray roller. It should be noted one very important detail, which consists in the fact that the filter material, on which vegetable aromatic particles improve the characteristics of the smoke, is sprayed for aesthetic reasons.

After the atomization of the particles is completed, the filter material is fed to the second section, where the folding operation is performed. The folding section of the filter material is used to fold the filter material. The support plate protruding from the machine body extends horizontally through a gap corresponding to the thickness of the filter material above the other upper surface of the receiving plate protruding from the same machine body. A pair of curved rods that obliquely close to each other on the front side of the support gap are provided on a mounting rod protruding from the machine body. A curved portion of each rod is provided for pushing down both edge portions of the filter material. A pair of thin clamping bars are provided on both sides of the upper surface of the base plate for clamping, folding and joining in the center of the edge sections, pressed down and pressed inward by the curved sections of the curved rods. Thin clamping bars are arranged so that they intersect with each other, the distance between the clamping bars and the support plate increases towards the rear side, and opposite edge sections are pulled inward to each other by feeding material. At the same time, the edge portions overlap each other, forming an overlap portion that is supplied in this state. Accordingly, the opposing edge portions of the filter material overlap the smoke-improving plant aromatic particles that are supplied to the groove portion of the forming section. After introducing the filter material into the grooved section, it is collected in a thin rod-shaped bundle containing impregnated particles and subsequently covered with overlapping paper (tampon), porous or non-porous. The filter is then cut into rods of a predetermined length in the cutting section.

Filters can also be configured as a combination of segments of different filter materials, physical form and / or composition, in which smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles are present at various places along the length of the rod. This design can provide various advantages compared with the usual "Dalmatian filter" in terms of general appearance, inhalation resistance. These special filter rods are made of two types of segments, alternating in the rod and held together by overlapping paper. Indeed, a combination of two of the five segments of any filter material with interspersed flavor particles, or conventional filter material, is constantly connected to the rod and, depending on the total number of segments, is known as a “double Dalmatian filter”, “triple Dalmatian filter”, “quadruple Dalmatian filter "and the" five Dalmatian filter. " Filters can be symmetric when the segments are all the same size, or asymmetric when two or more segments have a different length.

The first type of segmented filter mouthpieces is a “double Dalmatian filter” containing a segment of smoke-improving plant aromatic particles embedded in the filter material, as well as a segment of conventional filter material. A filter segment adjacent to the tobacco rod is a segment containing plant aromatic particles interspersed with smoke improving properties to flavor the smoke inhaled through it, because the segment located at the end of the mouthpiece is made of conventional filter material made exactly like " "Dalmatian filter", but without a step involving spraying smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles. This design is interesting for two reasons. Firstly, the presence of a segment of conventional filter material at the end of the cigarette holder prevents the smoke enhancing vegetable aroma particles from falling out of the cigarette when handling the consumer.

The second configuration of segmented filtering mouthpieces consists of “triple Dalmatian filtering mouthpieces”. This type of filter, containing two or three different segments, one of the configuration options is as follows: both segments adjacent to the tobacco rod and to the end of the mouthpiece are made of ordinary filter material, while the segment located between them is made of filter material, in which plant-derived aromatic particles are incorporated to enhance smoke characteristics. Therefore, the smoke aromatizes as it passes through the filter, and the appearance of the product is the same as that of conventional cigarettes.

Another filter configuration is a “triple Dalmatian filter” in which the segment at the end of the mouthpiece is a conventional filter, mint particles are interspersed in the middle segment, and particles of charcoal and / or rubber are interspersed with the tobacco rod segment, among other things.

One kind of triple filter differs from the already described “triple Dalmatian filtering mouthpieces”. Indeed, a “filter with a cavity” is an alternative for smoke aromatization, since it is proposed as a filter mouthpiece containing 2 segments separated by a cavity containing aromatic particles improving smoke characteristics. Therefore, instead of two conventional segments separated by interspersed particles, the segments are separated by pure free smoke-improving plant aromatic particles introduced into the cavity in the filter. This design also attracts consumers, because the product has the appearance of a conventional cigarette and interesting aroma properties.

The “Fourth Dalmatian Filter” and the “Five Dalmatian Filter” are filter mouthpieces of the configuration type of one embodiment of the present invention, consisting of alternating four or five segments of conventional filter material and filter material interspersed with smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles. The various segments are arranged in the filter mouthpiece in such an order that the segment of the conventional filter material is at the end of the mouthpiece. The presence of many segments in the filter mouthpiece allows the consumer to present a variety of products. Indeed, different segments with interspersed smoke enhancing plant aromatic particles can be made using either a variety of or identical smoke enhancing plant aromatic particles and / or, among other things, charcoal and rubber. Therefore, the resulting product can produce smoke with a more concentrated aroma or smoke characterized by a mixture of aromas, thus providing better modulation of its taste and aftertaste.

As noted above, a variety of smoking articles can be attached to this type of filter, and the procedure is as follows. A smoking article is made by filling a cylindrical rod with an open end with a material of a smoking filler. Such material usually consists of a mixture of shredded tobacco, the composition of which can vary, the existing varieties are fire-dried tobacco, Burley, oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark, dark fire-dried and rustic, as well as rare and special tobaccos. The wrapping material surrounding the tobacco rod may be different in composition and properties. One end of the tobacco rod is the ignited end, while the other end is for attachment to the filter. The filter and the tobacco rod are made of the same diameter and axially aligned end-to-end until attached to one another by means of an adhesive material. Ventilation of the filter can be accomplished by perforated gluing or laser perforation along the line.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is understood that further modifications are possible, and it is intended that any changes, uses or adaptations of the present invention be encompassed in accordance with its basic principles and including those deviations from the present disclosure that fall within the scope of known or generally accepted practice in this field and which can be applied to the main features of the present invention disclosed above, and which correspond to the scope of adj aemoy claims.

Claims (35)

1. Improving the characteristics of the smoke filter mouthpiece containing
a filtration zone, including filter material, and smoke-enhancing vegetable aromatic particles dispersed inside the filter material and selected from peppermint, peppermint, basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, liverwort and bergamot. 2. The filter according to claim 1, in which the smoke-improving plant aromatic particles are a combination of particles of a natural aromatic plant mixed with menthol and / or essential oils. 3. The filter according to claim 1, in which the filtration zone is made of a material selected from a cellulose acetate tow, cellulose acetate web and paper. 4. The filter according to claim 3, in which the tourniquet is colored. 5. The filter according to claim 1, in which the particles of a natural aromatic plant are particles of a plant, cut to a size suitable for interspersing them in the specified filter zone. 6. The filter according to claim 5, in which the specified size, suitable for interspersing in the filtration zone, is from 10 to 80 mesh. 7. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the plant is a mint selected from the group consisting of: 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. 8. The filter according to claim 1, in which the particles of a natural aromatic plant are particles of flowers, beans, fruits, leaves, stems and roots of a plant, or a combination thereof. 9. The filter according to claim 1, in which the particles of mint are particles of leaves and stems. 10. The filter according to claim 1, in which the particles of a natural aromatic plant are dried. 11. A smoking article containing a smoke-improving filter mouthpiece, consisting of one segment of a filtration zone with disseminated smoke-improving vegetable aromatic particles according to claims 1-10 and permanently attached to the tobacco rod. 12. A smoking article containing a smoke-improving filter mouthpiece, consisting of one segment of a filtration zone interspersed with smoke-improving vegetable aromatic particles according to claims 1 to 10 and one segment of conventional filter material and permanently attached to the tobacco rod. 13. The smoking article of claim 12, wherein the segment of conventional filter media is located at the end of the mouthpiece. 14. A smoking article containing a smoke-improving filter mouthpiece, consisting of a combination of segments of a filtration zone with disseminated smoke-improving plant aromatic particles according to claims 1 to 10, alternating with segments of filter material with or without other particles interspersed, and permanently attached to tobacco rod. 15. The smoking article of claim 14, wherein said other particles are selected from particles of charcoal, rubber, and plants. 16. The smoking article of claim 14 or 15, wherein the combination of the smoke enhancing segments of the filter mouthpiece and the filter material segments consists of a combination of alternating three, four or five segments. 17. The smoking article of claim 15, wherein the segment located at the end of the mouthpiece is a segment of conventional filter material. 18. A smoking article containing a smoke-improving filter mouthpiece, consisting of one segment of a filtration zone, containing a cavity filled with smoke-improving vegetable aromatic particles according to claims 1-10, and permanently attached to a tobacco rod. 19. A method of manufacturing a smoke-enhancing filter mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding amount of smoke-improving plant flavor particles is uniformly sprayed onto the tow, moving laterally on the mechanical support, before forming the tow in the filter mouthpiece. 20. The method according to claim 19, in which the formation of the tow in the filter includes the steps of forming a sprayed tow in a thin beam in the form of a rod, cutting it into segments of a predetermined size, preparing the segments in the desired configuration before coating them with coated paper and cutting in the form filter rods of a predetermined size. 21. The method according to claim 20, in which the preparation of the segments in the desired configuration consists in preparing single segments of the filter material interspersed with smoke-improving plant aromatic particles or assembling combinations of segments of the filter material with interspersed smoke-improving plant aromatic particles and segments of the filter material interspersed other particles or without them. 22. The method according to item 21, in which segments of the filter material are used, consisting of a conventional filter tow made in the form of a beam in the form of a thin rod and cut into segments of a predetermined size. 23. The method according to item 21, in which the combination of segments of the filter material interspersed with smoke-improving plant aromatic particles and segments of the filter material is formed from a combination of alternating two, three, four or five segments. 24. The method according to item 22, in which there is placed on the end of the mouthpiece a segment, which for any connection of the segments is a segment of conventional filter material; and / or in which plant aromatic particles made by finely chopping leaves and / or roots to a size of from 10 to 80 mesh are used to improve smoke characteristics. 25. The method according to claim 20, in which said harness is performed in the form of extended in the direction of a flat tourniquet. 26. The method according to claim 20, in which the spray improving the characteristics of the smoke of vegetable aromatic particles is carried out by passing the web or tow at a predetermined speed under the apparatus for distributing these particles. 27. The method according to claim 20, in which a suitable amount of smoke-enhancing plant aromatic particles comprises loading from 20 to 150 mg per filter mouthpiece. 28. A method of manufacturing a smoke-enhancing filter mouthpiece in which a combination of two segments of a conventional filter material of a predetermined size is made up, separated by a cavity filled with a suitable amount of smoke-improving plant aromatic particles selected from mint, peppermint, basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, liverwort and bergamot, and carry out a constant connection of this design with overlapping paper. 29. The method according to p. 28, in which the segments of a conventional filter material consist of a conventional filter tow, which is shaped like a thin rod and which is cut into segments of a predetermined size. 30. The method according to p. 28, which use improving the characteristics of the smoke plant aromatic particles made by fine cutting leaves and / or roots to a size of from 10 to 80 mesh. 31. The method according to p, in which a suitable amount of smoke-improving plant aromatic particles is a charge of from 20 to 150 mg per filter mouthpiece. 32. A method of manufacturing a smoking article comprising a smoke-improving filter mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein:
combining smoke-enhancing filter mouthpiece with tobacco rod and
wrapping together both axially aligned parts joined end-to-end with wrapping material. 33. The method according to p, in which the tobacco rod is a cylindrical rod with the open end of the material of the smokable filler, enclosed in a wrapping material. 34. The method according to p, in which the wrapping material is overlapping paper. 35. The method according to p, in which the wrapping material is perforated or laser processed online.