RU2640712C2 - Smoking product - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: smoking product, which has essentially a cylindrical shape with the longitudinal axis of symmetry, contains the filter element, having at least one chamber for additives, the tobacco rod, the connection means between the specified filter element and the tobacco rod, and designed for attaching the filter element to the tobacco rod. It contains the channel, that provides access to the chamber, and the closing means by which the channel can be closed and which are implemented with the ability to move relative to the channel between the first position, in which the channel is closed, and the second position in which the channel is opened. The channel passes through the filter element in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of symmetry and has the inlet of preferably cylindrical shape, located on the lateral outer surface of the filter element and the outlet connecting to the chamber.

EFFECT: provision the user with ability to select any desired aromatic element and add it to the smoking product in the simple and reliable way.

20 cl, 10 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a smoking article, in particular to a cigarette, which is directly referred to.

BACKGROUND

Smoking articles of a known type typically comprise a filter through which a consumer inhales by mouth and which is connected to a tobacco rod containing, for example, tobacco.

Cigarettes are known which have one or more capsules containing an additive intended to be inhaled by smoking and inserted into a cavity formed in a filter, so that the contents of the capsule can be released when a cigarette is smoked.

One example of such a product is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0023896 relating to a cigarette, wherein the filter contains a capsule with an additive for inhalation by smoking.

The capsule is located inside the filter and is made with the possibility of breaking under the influence of the force that is applied by the consumer to the filter before smoking a cigarette, thereby ensuring that the contents of the capsule are inhaled while smoking.

Thus, the smoker can choose whether to smoke a cigarette without inhalation of additives without breaking the capsule, or inhale the contents of the capsule while smoking.

The prior art solutions, as just mentioned, have some disadvantages.

The capsules are inserted into the filters in the manufacture of cigarettes, which, therefore, can be smoked either without additives or only with the additive contained in the capsule.

In fact, the consumer must choose the type of supplement when buying cigarettes, without the possibility of replacement.

After purchasing a cigarette equipped with a capsule of the above type, the consumer can choose whether to smoke it with or without an additive, and if you need another additive, you need to buy a different type of cigarette.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this regard, the main technical objective of the present invention is the creation of a smoking article, in particular a cigarette, which is devoid of the above disadvantages.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a smoking product that better meets the requirements of the user, compared with known solutions.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a smoking article that allows several additives to be selected, even after purchasing a cigarette.

The specified technical problem and goals are achieved using a smoking product made in accordance with paragraph 1 of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading a non-limiting description with reference to preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a smoking article, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a smoking article made in accordance with the invention in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal section of a smoking article of FIG. 1, appropriately interrupted;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the smoking article of FIG. 1, in a second configuration;

FIG. 4 shows an element of the smoking article shown in the previous drawings in a schematic cross section;

FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal section through a second embodiment of a smoking article made in accordance with the invention, suitably interrupted;

FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal section through a third embodiment of a smoking article made in accordance with the invention, suitably interrupted;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking article of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a smoking article made in accordance with the invention in a first configuration;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the smoking article of FIG. 8, in a second configuration;

FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal section of the smoking article of FIG. 9, respectively interrupted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a smoking article made in accordance with the present invention.

A smoking article 1, for example a cigarette, the reference to which is given below without limiting the scope of the invention, has a substantially cylindrical shape and a longitudinal axis A of symmetry.

The product 1 contains a filter element 2 and a tobacco rod 3 connected to the filter element 2.

The filter element 2 has a first end 2a connected to one end of the tobacco rod 3, and an end 2b located on the side opposite the tobacco rod 3 and intended to be placed in the smoker's mouth.

The tobacco rod 3 is of a substantially known type and will not be described in detail. The product 1 contains connecting means for connecting the filter element 2 with the tobacco rod 3.

The connecting means comprise, for example, part 4, described in detail below. The part is preferably wrapped around the filter element 2 and the tobacco rod 3 to connect them.

The filter element 2 comprises an inner chamber 5 designed to accommodate the additive 6, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2.

The chamber 5 is preferably located along the axis of symmetry A of the smoking article 1.

Additive 6 is used to give a taste to what the consumer (smoker) inhales when smoking cigarette 1. The additive can be made, for example, in the form of a capsule, powder, granules, gel, liquid or a flavored tablet for a filter material, for example, material from which made filter insert 10.

Preferably, the additive 6 is of the type in which the release is due to the burning of the cigarette, or to the heat or smoke generated during such combustion.

The product 1 contains a channel 7, providing access to the camera 5.

In particular, channel 7 is used to introduce additive 6 into chamber 5. In practice, additive 6 is adapted to be introduced into chamber 5 through channel 7 leading to chamber 5.

Channel 7 passes through the filter element 2 in the direction D, transversely relative to the axis A of symmetry. Preferably, channel 7 is rectilinear.

The transverse arrangement of the channel 7 allows easy insertion of the additive 6 into the chamber 5. In particular, given that the channel 7 is transverse to the axis of symmetry A, the ventilation of the smoking article 1 can be maintained at the required level, while the filtering ability of the corresponding filter element 2 remains good. The transverse arrangement makes it possible to prevent the accidental loss of additive 6 from the chamber 5 after its introduction there.

In particular, the channel 7 has an inlet 7a located on the cylindrical lateral outer surface of the filter element 2, while the outlet communicates with the camera 5.

In particular, with reference to FIG. 2, 6 and 10, in the shown embodiments, the filter element 2 comprises a filter insert 8 with an internal cavity 9 that defines the chamber 5.

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

Preferably, the filter insert 8 is of the type known as “non-wrapped acetate” (HOA).

As you know, NOA filters contain a core of filter material, in particular cellulose acetate, enclosed in a “plasticized” cylindrical outer shell made by appropriate treatment of cellulose acetate.

The specified processing gives the NOA filters a rigid structure that preserves their shape.

Preferably, the NOA filters can be of any configuration and, therefore, the filter insert 8 contains a cavity 9 inside it.

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

As shown in particular in FIG. 2 and 4, cavity 9 limits both camera 5 and channel 7.

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

The hole 9a of the cavity 9 faces the cylindrical lateral outer surface of the filter element 2. In particular, the hole 9a faces the cylindrical lateral outer surface of the filter insert 8.

The cavity 9 in the form of a groove allows the additive 6 to be introduced directly through the hole 9a into the chamber 5, which is practically limited by the lower part of the cavity 9.

Thus, in order to form the chamber 5, only a small portion of the filter is removed. In particular, the deleted portion is located transverse to the axis of symmetry A, in order to avoid undesirable effects on the ventilation of the smoking article 1. Likewise, the transverse location of the chamber 5 prevents the additive 6 from accidentally falling out of the chamber 5 after being introduced therein.

Preferably, the filter element 2 comprises an additional filter insert 10. The filter insert 10 comprises a core 11 of filter material and a sheet of wrapping material (of a known type, not shown) wrapped around the core 11.

The filter inserts 8 and 10 are connected end-to-end using a tubular wrapper 12, preferably made of paper, glued to their outer surface. More specifically, the filter insert 8 is located between the additional filter insert 10 and the tobacco rod 3.

More specifically, between the filter insert 8 and the tobacco rod 3 is an intermediate separating element 8 '. The specified element preferably has a cylindrical shape in the form of a disk. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 2, 6 and 10, the separating element 8 'is an HOA “non-wrapped acetate” filter, but it can also be made of other materials from which conventional filters are made.

The separating element 8 'essentially provides for the possibility of connecting the filter insert 8 with the tobacco rod 3 and, at the same time, prevents the tobacco contained in the tobacco rod 3 from entering the chamber 5, or even blocks the chamber.

The channel 7 preferably has a circular cross-section with a diameter of 1 mm to 5 mm, in particular with reference to the embodiments shown in FIG. 5, 6 and 10.

In general, the minimum width of channel 7 is preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm.

Preferably, the diameter of the channel 7 is 3 mm, in order to ensure convenient administration of the additive 6.

In general, the minimum width of the channel 7 is preferably 3 mm.

According to the invention, the smoking article 1 comprises closing means by which the channel 7 can be closed.

The closing means is arranged to move relative to the channel 7 between the first position in which the channel is closed and the second position in which the channel 7 is open. In particular, in the first closed position, the channel 7 is closed and there is no access to the chamber 5 from the outside of the smoking article 1. Similarly, in the second open position, the chamber 5 is accessed through the channel 7, and the additive 6 can be introduced into it. Preferably, the channel 7 of the smoking article 1, accessible to the consumer, is initially closed.

Thus, to smoke a cigarette without additives, the consumer can simply light it without changing the location of the closure means.

In this case, the closing means is preferably in the closed position to ensure optimal ventilation during combustion.

Alternatively, if the consumer wishes to give the cigarette the desired taste or other distinctive properties, he / she can open the channel 7 by setting the closure means in the open second position. This makes it possible to introduce the additive 6 into the chamber 5 through the channel 7.

Thus, the consumer can choose the additive 6 for introduction into the smoking article 1 to obtain the desired taste.

In the illustrated embodiments, closing means are coupled to the filter element 2.

The closing means is movable relative to the filter element 2 and, therefore, relative to the channel 7.

With reference in particular to FIG. 2, 5 and 6, it can be seen that the closing means are connected to the filter element 2.

In particular, the closing means comprises a tubular element or sleeve 13 mounted around the filter element 2 with the possibility of rotation relative to it around the axis of symmetry A.

The sleeve 13 is rotatable relative to the channel 7 and has an opening 14 that is movable between a first position on the inlet 7a of the channel 7, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 and the second position spaced from the inlet 7a of the channel 7, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3.

The hole 14 is preferably made round, with a diameter of from 1 mm to 5 mm.

In particular, the minimum width of the opening 14 is preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm.

Preferably, the diameter of the hole 14 is 3 mm to allow easy administration of the additive.

In particular, the minimum width of the opening 14 is preferably 3 mm.

In particular, the second position adopted by the hole 14 is spaced apart by an angle from the inlet 7a by turning the sleeve 13 about the axis of symmetry A.

The first position of the opening 14 at the inlet 7a of the channel 7 corresponds to the open second position of the closing means.

Similarly, the second position of the hole 14, spaced from the channel 7, corresponds to the closed first position of the closing means.

The implementation of the hole 14 on the inlet 7a of the channel 7 provides the possibility of introducing additives 6 into the chamber 5, which is not accessible when the hole 14 is at some angle from the inlet 7a.

Closing the channel 7, in addition to maintaining an appropriate ventilation level of the smoking article 1, prevents the accidental loss of additive 6 from the chamber 5.

Preferably, to ensure proper ventilation, the sleeve 13 has a strip containing an opening 14, and its width is preferably greater than the width of the inlet 7a of the channel 7. This strip is made impermeable to air or less permeable to air than the rest of the sleeve 13.

As shown in particular in FIG. 2, 5 and 6, the sleeve 13 is connected, in particular glued with glue G, to the cylindrical outer surface of the filter element 2 at its end 2b.

More specifically, the sleeve 13 is connected to the aforementioned cylindrical wrapper 12, which connects the filter inserts 8 and 10 with each other.

The sleeve 13 is preferably a sheet of paper wrapped around the filter element 2. In particular, the sleeve 13 is preferably made in the form of a portion of the aforementioned connecting part 4.

As described above, the connecting part 4 is usually used to wrap the filter element 2, in order to connect it to the tobacco rod 3. In the shown embodiments, the connecting part 4 has a groove 15 on the outer periphery, which practically divides it into two parts.

The first part 16 of part 4 forms a sleeve 13, while the second part 17 forms a connection between the filter element 2 and the tobacco rod 3.

The second part 17 is thus connected, in particular glued to both the aforementioned cylindrical wrapper 12 and the tobacco rod 3. The second part 17 also contains a separating element 8 '.

To enable rotation of the sleeve 13, as described above, the closing means for closing the channel 7, contain a rotary connection 18, acting between the sleeve 13 and the channel 7.

In particular, the connection 18 acts between the sleeve 13 and the filter element 2, while the channel 7 passes through.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 2, 5, 6, the connection 18 is made in the filter element 2. In particular, the filter element 2 has a shape restricting the rotary connection 18.

As schematically shown in the enlarged image, the connection 18 is limited by a groove 19 on the filter element 2, preferably coaxial with the axis of symmetry A of the cigarette 1.

The groove 19 has the shape of a circular cylinder and near the axis of symmetry A limits the connection 18 in the form of a section of the core 11 of the filter material.

The groove 19 is located between the free end 2b of the filter element 2 and the groove 15 made in part 4.

Preferably, the groove 19 is located in the axial intermediate region of the filter insert 10.

The first part 16 of part 4, limiting the sleeve 13, covers a portion of the filter element 2 inserted, relative to the axis of symmetry A, between the free end 2b and the groove 15.

The first part 16 of part 4 is connected to the filter element 2 along a cylindrical surface 20, which is contained between the free end 2b and the groove 19 of the filter element 2. Preferably, this connection is carried out by gluing with glue G.

The second part 17 of part 4 is connected to the filter element 2 and to the tobacco rod 3 along the cylindrical surface 21, which is contained between the groove 15 and the first end part of the tobacco rod 3 itself, containing the separating element 8 '. Preferably, this connection is carried out by gluing with glue G.

The first part 16 of part 4, that is, the sleeve 13, can freely rotate on the filter element 2 between the groove 19 located on the filter element 2 itself and the groove 15 located on the part 4. This rotation moves the closing means between the closed first position and the open second position.

Preferably, the connection 18 is designed as a section of the filter element 2, limited by the filter insert 10 of the wrapped type.

In this case, the first part 16 of part 4 is glued to the tubular wrapper 12.

In the embodiment depicted, for example, in FIG. 5, the smoking article 1 comprises an annular element or ring 22, preferably made of paper material wrapped over part 4.

Ring 22 extends along the axis of symmetry A between the first part 16 and the second part 17 of part 4.

In particular, the ring 4 is located in the upper part of the groove 15 of part 4, thereby hiding it and giving the smoking article 1 a more aesthetic appearance.

In one embodiment, the ring 22 is connected, preferably glued, to the first part 16 of part 4, while in an alternative embodiment, it is connected, preferably glued, to the second part 17 of part 4.

To ensure the possibility of introducing additives 6, the ring 22 contains a hole 23 located on the hole 14 in the sleeve 13.

In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the channel 7 passes through the filter element 2, while its hole 7a is located on the outer surface of the filter element 2.

The closure means comprise an annular element or ring 24 adapted to move along the filter element 2 between a position in which the inlet 7a of the channel 7 is closed, as shown in FIG. 8, and the position in which it is open, as shown in FIG. 9 and 10. In particular, in the open position of the inlet 7a, the channel 7 is open, while in the chamber 5 there is access for introducing the additive 6.

The filter element 2 contains a filter insert 25 of the type "not wrapped acetate" HOA, in which the chamber 5 is made.

In the shown example, the filter element 2 comprises first and second filter inserts 26, 27 located at opposite ends of the insert 25.

The connecting part 4 has a sliding section 28, which limits the ring 24, made with the possibility of movement along the liner 25 to provide access to the camera 5.

The connecting part 4 contains two end sections 29, 30, which define the appropriate stops for the ring 24.

The channel 7 of the smoking article 1, in accordance with the invention, is preferably made by perforating at least the filter element 2.

A method of manufacturing a smoking article 1 having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis of symmetry A includes the step of perforating the filter element 2 to form a channel 7 in a direction D transverse to the longitudinal axis of symmetry A. This method is especially effective when the channel 7 is made in a wrapped type filter insert.

The step of perforating the filter element, preferably performed with a laser, also includes perforating part 4, if any, to form an opening 14.

Similarly, the punching step also includes punching the ring 22, if any.

Preferably, if the channel 7 also delimits the chamber 5, at the punching stage, it is possible to form holes on the outer surface of the smoking article 1, the channel 7 and the chamber 5.

In particular, in the embodiment shown, for example, in FIG. 5, channel 7 comprises a camera 5.

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

If the chamber 5 is preformed in the filter insert, especially in the case of a filter of the “non-wrapped acetate” type HOA, then at the punching stage, part 4 is perforated in the area that defines the sleeve 13.

Due to the fact that the chamber 5, the inlet channel 7, and the openings 14, 23 are relatively small, and in order to facilitate the introduction of the additive 6 into the chamber 5 for the consumer, it is also an object of this invention to provide a kit comprising at least one a smoking article 1, made as described above, preferably a group of smoking articles 1, enclosed in a pack, for example a pack of cigarettes, and at least one dispenser or applicator 100 shown in FIG. 2 by dashed lines, for introducing the additive 6 into the chamber 5. The dispenser or applicator 100 may contain the additive 6 with only one taste, or two or more additives 6 with different tastes.

The dispenser 100 includes a container 101 (partially shown) for the additive 6 and an outlet 102 configured to connect to the hole 14 and in communication with the tank 101.

In use, as described above, a consumer desiring to introduce the additive 6 into the chamber 5 opens the channel 7, for example, by turning the sleeve 13 or moving the ring 24 in the axial direction.

After opening the channel 7, the consumer can introduce the additive 6 into the chamber 5, using the dispenser 100, if necessary or more convenient.

Then the consumer can close the channel 7 and start smoking a smoking article 1.

Claims (24)

1. A smoking article (1) having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (A), comprising a filter element (2) having at least one chamber (5) for the additive (6), tobacco rod (3), connecting means (4, 17) acting between the specified filter element (2) and the tobacco rod (3) and designed to attach the filter element (2) to the tobacco rod (3), characterized in that it contains a channel (7) providing access to the chamber (5), and closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28), by which the channel (7) can be closed and which are made with the ability to move relative to the channel (7) between the first position in which the channel (7) is closed and the second position in which the channel (7) is open, while the channel (7) passes through the filter element (2) in the direction (D), transverse to the longitudinal axis of symmetry (A) and has an inlet (7a) located on the lateral outer surface of the filter element (2), and an outlet communicating with the camera (5). 2. A smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter element (2) contains a filter insert (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) with an internal cavity (9), wherein said chamber (5) is limited by an internal cavity ( 9). 3. A smoking article according to claim 2, characterized in that the internal cavity (9) contains the specified channel (7), and the cavity (9) has an opening (9a) corresponding to the inlet (7a) of the channel (7). 4. The smoking article according to claim 2, characterized in that the filter insert (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) is of the type known as “not wrapped acetate”. 5. A smoking article according to claim 2, characterized in that the filter insert (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) contains a core (11) of filter material and a sheet (12) of wrapping material wrapped around the core (11) of the filter material. 6. A smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that said channel (7) contains said chamber (5). 7. A smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are associated with the filter element (2). 8. A smoking article according to claim 7, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are connected to the filter element (2). 9. A smoking article according to claim 8, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) contain a rotary connection (18), while the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are movable relative to the channel (7) between the closed first position and the open second position by rotation using a rotary connection (18). 10. A smoking article according to claim 9, characterized in that the filter element (2) has such a shape that it limits the specified rotary connection (18). 11. A smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) contain a sleeve (13) located coaxially with the filter element (2) and made with the possibility of rotation relative to the channel ( 7), while the sleeve (13) has an opening (14) made with the possibility of moving between the first position on the inlet (7a) of the channel (7), in which the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are in the open second position, and the second position, which is separated by a distance from the inlet (7a) of the channel (7) and in which discontinuity means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are in the closed first position. 12. A smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter element (2) comprises a first filter insert (8) and a second filter insert (10), said chamber being made in a first filter insert (8), wherein the closing means ( 13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are connected to the second filter insert (10), and the connecting means (4, 17) act between the first filter insert (8) and the tobacco rod (3). 13. A smoking article according to claim 12, characterized in that the second filter insert (10) is made with such a shape that it limits the rotary connection (18), while closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) contain the indicated rotary connection (18) and are arranged to move relative to the channel (7) between the closed first position and the open second position by rotation using the connection (18). 14. A smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel (7) passes through the filter element (2), while the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) contain a ring (24) made with the ability to move along the filter element (2) between the closed position and the open position of the inlet (7a) of the channel (7). 15. A smoking article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it contains an additive (6) located inside the chamber (5). 16. A smoking article according to claim 15, in which the additive (6) is made in the form of a capsule, powder, grains, gel, liquid or a flavored tablet of filter material. 17. A method of manufacturing a smoking article having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (A) and made according to any one of paragraphs. 1-16, characterized in that it comprises the step of perforating at least the filter element (2) to form at least a channel (7) passing through the filter element (2) in the direction (D) of the transverse longitudinal axis (A ) symmetry. 18. The method according to p. 17, characterized in that it comprises the step of perforating the sleeve (13) and the filter element (2) to form an opening (14) in the sleeve and a channel (7) in the filter element. 19. A kit containing at least one smoking article (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-16, preferably a group of smoking articles (1) enclosed in a pack, and at least one applicator (100) for introducing the additive (6) into the chamber (5). 20. The kit according to claim 19, in which the applicator (100) contains an additive (6) with one taste or two or more additives (6) with different tastes.

Images