RU2797418C2 - Tobacco smoke filter - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco smoke.

SUBSTANCE: product includes a series of individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements connected end-to-end. Each filter or filter element comprises a self-supporting, substantially cylindrical core comprising fibres or filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material bonded at their contact points, a flavouring agent, and wrapping around a series of individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements.

EFFECT: provides satisfaction for hand-rolled cigarette smokers with a flavoured unwrapped acetate filter.

14 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to tobacco smoke filters or filter elements and methods for making the same.

Unwrapped acetate (NOA) filters are well known in the art. Typically, PLA filters include a self-supporting body of continuous crimped filaments of cellulose acetate bound at their points of contact. PLA filters differ from traditional cigarette filters in that the former do not require a separate ficell to wrap around the filter and retain a bundle of fibers of the desired size around the circumference.

NOA filters can be obtained by the method described in UK 1169932 (US 3455766). The elementary fibers of the cellulose acetate tow, on which the plasticizer is applied, are fed into the forming section, in which a strip is wrapped around the tow so that the longitudinal edges of the strip are connected and the tow is enclosed within the strip; the rope is thus formed into a longitudinally extending cylinder by means of a strip. The strip is then transferred to a heat treatment section in which a heating fluid (eg steam) is passed through the strip in contact with the tow to activate the plasticizer. Then, the strip and the tow contained therein are passed through a cooling section, in which, if necessary, cold air or other fluid is passed through the strip in contact with the tow to deactivate the plasticizer, and the tow is dried to remove condensed vapor, whereby the tow is given rigidity to obtain a continuous, self-supporting and solid, extending in the longitudinal direction of the rod. This method has a limitation in that it is not possible to add a flavorant to the filter during filter manufacturing because flavors are inherently volatile and will therefore be entrained and removed with the heating fluid during the manufacturing process. Thus, it is not possible to obtain flavored PHA filters on an industrial scale.

This disadvantage is not critical for traditional cigarettes, as it is possible to add flavoring to the final product (eg, by providing an additional flavored filter unit in the cigarette pack or tobacco). However, this is a limitation for cigarette smokers, as HOA filters are often used as filters for cigarettes (hand-rolled cigarettes).

HOA filters can be sold as "pop-a-tip" filters manufactured by Filtrona Filters. Pop-a-tip filters include a series of NOA filters (filter mouthpieces) wrapped in a transparent film, such as one made from DOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) or cellophane film. Cigarette smokers individually extrude (or "push") the HEA filters out of the clear wrapper to use the filter when rolling the cigarette. As stated above, flavored (HOA) Pop-a-tips have not been commercially available to date. Thus, in order to provide flavored cigarette filters, it was first necessary to include conventional wrap-around acetate filters (i.e., filters in which cellulose acetate is encased in ficellus) in Pop-a-tip products. Such wrapped acetate (OA) filters can be easily aromatized using methods well known in the art. However, the OA filter is much more difficult to "push" out of the transparent film. In addition, OA filters are less pleasant to the touch than HOA mouthpieces, which are especially important to cigarette smokers, who are more likely to buy loose mouthpieces than Pop-a-tips. Thus, there are currently no flavored filter rods that are acceptable to most cigarette smokers.

Therefore, there is a need for a flavored HOA filter to meet the requirements of cigarette smokers.

Traditionally, Pop-a-tips are made on a double-filter rod machine well known in the art. Such machines are typically used to combine two different types of base rods which are held in two different machine hoppers. However, to obtain a Pop-a-tip, two hoppers are filled with base rods of the same type and these base rods are cut (to provide the desired length of the mouthpiece), butted, wrapped with a transparent film and cut to obtain the desired final length of the Pop-a-tip. Pop-a-tips are usually supplied in rods approximately 17.5 mm in circumference and 84 mm long, each containing 6 mouthpieces 14 mm long. Prior to wrapping, the aligned mouthpieces are passed through a compression plate which is used to adjust the final size around the circumference of the finished product.

Applicants have surprisingly found that flavor can be added to the filters just prior to wrapping in a film (eg, transparent), thereby avoiding the problems associated with the evaporation of volatile flavors in the preparation of PLA filters. The flavorant may be introduced, for example, through a modified compression platen. An additional benefit is that the compression platen can be easily and quickly replaced with a traditional compression platen, enabling a quick transition from flavored menthol Pop-a-tip to standard Pop-a-tip specification. This modification of the method is not suitable for incorporating flavors into wrapped acetate fibers because the ficell acts as a barrier to the application of the flavor solution.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a flavored tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising a self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core containing (for example, formed from) fibers or filaments of a tobacco smoke filtering material that are bonded at their points of contact. wherein said method comprises the step of introducing a flavoring agent into a longitudinally moving stream of filters (e.g. separate, e.g. pre-fabricated) and/or filter elements (e.g. separate, e.g. pre-fabricated) and/or composite (e.g. dual) filter rods (for example, previously obtained).

Preferably, the method includes the additional step of providing a wrap on a continuously moving stream of filters and/or filter elements and/or composite filter rods to which a flavoring agent is applied (whereby a continuous wrapped rod is provided, including filters and/or filter elements and/or composite filter rods containing fragrance). Preferably the wrapper is a film, for example made from DOPP or cellophane. Preferably the wrapper is a transparent film, for example made from DOPP or cellophane.

Preferably, the method includes the additional step of cutting a continuous wrapped rod including filters and/or filter elements and/or composite filter rods (whereby a plurality of individual wrapped rods are provided, each of which includes one or more filters and/or filter elements and/or composite filter rods containing fragrance).

Here, the term "composite filter rod" means a rod (for example, including a self-supporting, longitudinally elongated cylindrical core containing (for example, formed from) filaments or fibers of a tobacco smoke filtering material connected at their points of contact) that can be cut obtaining a plurality (2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) of individual filters (or filter elements). The term "dual filter rod" means a rod (for example, including a self-supporting, longitudinally elongated cylindrical core, including (for example, formed from) filaments or fibers of tobacco smoke filtering material connected at their points of contact) that can be cut to obtain two separate filters (or filter elements).

Filters (e.g. separate, e.g. pre-finished) and/or filter elements (e.g. separate, e.g. pre-finished) and/or composite filter rods (e.g. pre-finished) are preferably positioned in the flow such that their longitudinal axes cylindrical cores are oriented along the longitudinal flow direction.

Filters (for example, separate, for example, pre-obtained), and/or filter elements (for example, separate, for example, pre-obtained), and/or composite filter rods (for example, pre-obtained) in a longitudinally moving flow can be located on distance from each other in the longitudinal direction (i.e. each filter/element/rod is located at a distance in the longitudinal direction from the next along the flow). Filters (e.g. separate, e.g. pre-finished) and/or filter elements (e.g. separate, e.g. pre-finished) and/or composite filter rods (e.g. pre-finished) in longitudinal flow may be butt-jointed with each other (i.e. without a gap in the longitudinal direction between the filters/elements/rods).

The longitudinally moving flow may include a series (groups) of filters (for example, separate, for example, pre-obtained) or filter elements (for example, individual, for example, pre-obtained) located between composite (for example, double) filter rods (for example, pre-obtained received), and filters/filter elements and filter rods in the longitudinal direction of the flow, butt connected to each other (ie without a gap in the longitudinal direction between the filters/elements/rods). The method may include the subsequent step of applying a wrapper to a continuously moving stream, thereby forming a continuous wrapped rod, including a series (groups) of butt-connected filters or filter elements containing a flavoring agent located at a distance from each other, located between (and butt-connected) composite (e.g. double) filter rods containing fragrance. Preferably, the method then includes the additional step of cutting the continuous wrapped rod in exact register to (each) composite (e.g., double) filter rod, such that the multiple (e.g., double) filter rods are cut into individual filters to provide a plurality of individual wrapped rods, each of which includes filters or filter elements containing fragrance.

In a preferred configuration, the longitudinal flow comprises a series (groups) of 2, 3, 4 or 5, preferably 4, filters located between double filter rods, the filters being located between double filter rods butted to each other. The method may then include the subsequent step of applying a wrapper to a continuously moving stream, whereby a continuous wrapped rod is formed, including longitudinally spaced series (groups) of butt-connected filters located between (and butt-connected) double filter rods (wherein the filters and the stems contain a flavoring agent). Preferably, the method then comprises cutting a continuous wrapped rod in exact register (at half the longitudinal distance) to (each) composite (e.g., double) filter rod, such that the composite (e.g., double) filter rods are cut into individual filters to provide a plurality of individual wrapped rods, each of which includes filters or filter elements containing flavoring agent.

The longitudinally moving flow may include a series (groups) of butt-connected filters or filter elements, where each series (group) of filters/filter elements is located at a distance in the longitudinal direction from the next one along the flow (for example, spaced blocks, including a plurality of, for example , 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 filters or filter elements butted together). In examples of the invention in which the flow includes longitudinally spaced series (groups) of butt-joined filters or filter elements (e.g., blocks or groups, each of which includes a plurality of, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 filters, or butt-joined filter elements), the method may include the subsequent step of wrapping a continuously moving stream of filters or filter elements, thereby forming a continuous wrapped rod, including longitudinally spaced series (groups) of butt-connected filters or filter elements containing flavoring substance (in this case, each series (group) of filters/filter elements is placed at a distance in the longitudinal direction from the next one). Preferably, the method then includes the additional step of cutting the continuous wrapped rod to accurately match the gaps between the series of butt-joined filters or filter elements. In yet another preferred example, the cutting step includes the step of swirling and/or at least partially sealing the cut ends of the filter wrap. The swirling and/or at least partially sealing advantageously reduces the loss of flavorant from the finished wrapped filters or filter elements.

The flavoring agent is preferably added in an amount of 0.1 to 8, for example 1.5 to 8 mg per finished filter or filter element. The flavoring agent may be any flavoring known in the manufacture of tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. For example, the flavor may be menthol, mint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and so on. The substance may contain nicotine or salt, or derivatives thereof. Preferably the flavoring agent is menthol. Menthol can be administered as a solution or as molten menthol. Preferably, menthol is added in an amount of 1.5 to 8 mg per finished filter or filter element. Flavorants other than menthol may preferably be added in an amount of 0.1 to 1.5 mg per finished filter or filter element.

Filters or filter elements may include a self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core containing (e.g., formed from) longitudinally extending substantially continuous filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate tow) that are bonded at their contact points. . In another example, filters or filter elements may include a self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core containing (e.g., formed from) randomly oriented (e.g., single or staple) fibers of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate) that are bonded at the locations their contact. Preferably, the continuous filaments of the tobacco smoke filtering material (or randomly oriented fibers of the tobacco smoke filtering material) are continuous filaments (or randomly oriented fibers) of cellulose acetate tow. Preferably, the tobacco smoke filter material (eg, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate fibers or filaments) is crimped. Preferably, the filaments (or fibers) are bonded at their points of contact with a binder, such as a plasticizer (eg, a plasticizer that is activated or cured to bind the filaments at their points of contact).

The self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core may, for example, be a cylindrical rod with a circular cross section. The self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core may have another shape, for example, the self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core may have an annular cross-section, so that the self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core is a longitudinally extending thin-walled pipe comprising ( for example, formed from) fibers or filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material bound at their points of contact.

The filters and/or filter elements and/or composite filter rods may further include one or more continuous components extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (eg, in the longitudinal direction) of the cylindrical core. One (or each) continuous component may be a thread, or a yarn, or a tape, or a continuous extruded element, for example, cotton thread, cellulose acetate yarn, or a continuous extruded element, for example, from cellulose acetate, as described in WO 2011/ 058319. Cigarette filters that include a filament or belt element, usually located longitudinally therein, are well known in the art. They are often referred to as "filament filters". Thread filters originally proposed in US 4281671, where cotton sewing thread was the preferred element. In US 4281671 it is also proposed to dye the thread, for example, in different colors, indicating different flavors. US 4,281,671 describes filament filters that require wrapping around a tobacco smoke filter material (and filament); it does not mention filters or filter elements that include filament but are self-supporting (i.e., solid, rigid, and self-supporting, without the need for additional wrapping).

One (or each) continuous component extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical core may be colored or tinted, for example, using appropriate dyes or pigments, preferably approved by regulatory authorities for use in food contact. One (or each) continuous component may be colored in a contrasting color with respect to the tobacco smoke filter material. In an example, one (or each) continuous component further comprises a colorant or pigment (eg, a colorant or pigment that is approved by regulatory authorities for use in food contact). The dye or pigment may preferably be any color that contrasts with the color (eg white) of the tobacco smoke filter material, eg green, blue, red, orange, etc. If there are two or more continuous components extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (eg, in the longitudinal direction) of the cylindrical core, the first continuous component may have the same color or a different color than the second continuous component. The use of a dyed component or components (eg, dyed cotton thread or threads) allows the finished filter, element or rod to be provided with a distinctive final appearance that is useful in anti-counterfeiting applications.

The continuous component may contain a smoke modifying additive such as a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be any known flavoring agent used in tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. For example, the flavoring agent may be menthol, mint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and so on. The substance may contain nicotine or salt, or derivatives thereof. Preferably the flavoring agent is menthol. The flavoring agent may be the same or different from the flavoring agent that is introduced into the longitudinally moving flow of the filters and/or filter elements and/or composite filter rods. The process for making a filamentous PLA filter, described below (with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5), involves placing plasticizer-coated cellulose tow filaments around a continuous element (filament), and then using a heating fluid (and possibly cooling) to activate the plasticizer, whereby the filter rod is hardened and hardened. As stated above, if a flavorant is present on the continuous element, its inherent volatility causes it to be carried away with the heating fluid during such a manufacturing process, resulting in most of the flavorant being removed with the fluid and dispersing the residue throughout the filter element. Thus, it is preferable to introduce most of the desired flavor into a continuously moving stream already formed from filters and/or filter elements and/or composite filter rods, instead of being applied to a continuous component (eg, thread) to be retained therein.

According to the present invention, in yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for producing flavored tobacco smoke filters or filter elements, including a feeder (feeder) in a longitudinally moving flow of filters, and / or filter elements, and / or composite filter rods, each of which includes a self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core containing fibers or filaments of a tobacco smoke filtering material bonded at their contact points, and a flavor insertion means (flavor dispenser) for introducing flavor into longitudinally moving filters and/or filter elements , and/or composite filter rods.

In accordance with the present invention, in yet another embodiment, a tobacco smoke filter or filter element is provided, including a self-supporting (extending in the longitudinal direction) cylindrical core containing (for example, formed from) fibers or filaments of a tobacco smoke filtering material bonded at their points of contact. , and flavoring agent. Preferably, the flavoring agent is located outside or inside the core. The filter or filter element may include a wrapper. Preferably the wrapper is a film, for example made from DOPP or cellophane. Preferably the wrapper is a transparent film, for example made from DOPP or cellophane.

The flavoring agent is preferably added in an amount of 0.1 to 8, for example 1.5 to 8 mg per finished filter or filter element. The flavoring agent may be any known flavoring agent used in tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. For example, the flavor may be menthol, mint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and so on. The substance may contain nicotine or salt, or derivatives thereof. Preferably the flavoring agent is menthol. Menthol can be administered as a solution or as molten menthol. Preferably, menthol is added in an amount of 1.5 to 8 mg per finished filter or filter element. Flavorants other than menthol may preferably be added in an amount of 0.1 to 1.5 mg per finished filter or filter element.

Filters or filter elements may include a self-supporting (longitudinally extending) cylindrical core comprising (e.g., formed from) longitudinally extending substantially continuous filaments of a tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate tow) that are bonded at their locations. contact. In another example, filters or filter elements may include a self-supporting (longitudinally extending) cylindrical core comprising (e.g., formed from) randomly oriented (e.g., single or staple) fibers of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate) that are bonded in their places of contact. Preferably, the continuous filaments of the tobacco smoke filtering material (or randomly oriented fibers of the tobacco smoke filtering material) are continuous filaments (or randomly oriented fibers) of cellulose acetate tow. Preferably, the tobacco smoke filter material (eg, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate fibers or filaments) is crimped. Preferably, the filaments (or fibers) are bonded at their points of contact with a binder, such as a plasticizer (eg, a plasticizer that is activated or cured to bind the filaments at their points of contact). The self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core can be, for example, a cylindrical rod with a circular cross section. The self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core may have another shape, for example, the self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core may have an annular cross-section, so that the self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core is a longitudinally extending thin-walled pipe comprising ( for example, formed from) fibers or filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material bound at their points of contact.

The filter or filter element may further include one or more continuous components extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (eg, in the longitudinal direction) of the cylindrical core. One (or each) continuous component may be a filament, or a yarn, or a tape, or a continuous extruded element, for example, cotton thread, cellulose acetate yarn, or a continuous extruded element, for example, cellulose acetate, such as described in WO 2011 /058319.

One (or each) continuous component extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical core may be colored or tinted, for example, using dyes or pigments, preferably approved by regulatory authorities for use in food contact. One (or each) continuous component may be colored in a contrasting color with respect to the color of the tobacco smoke filter material. In an example, one (or each) continuous component further comprises a colorant or pigment (eg, a colorant or pigment that is approved by regulatory authorities for use in food contact). The dye or pigment may preferably be dyed any color that contrasts with the color (eg white) of the tobacco smoke filter material, eg green, blue, red, orange, etc. If there are two or more continuous components extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (eg, in the longitudinal direction) of the cylindrical core, the first continuous component may have the same color or a different color than the second continuous component. The use of a dyed component or components (eg, dyed cotton thread or threads) allows the finished filter or filter element to be provided with a distinctive final appearance, which is useful for anti-counterfeiting purposes.

The continuous component may contain a smoke modifying additive such as a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be any known flavoring agent used in tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. For example, the flavor may be menthol, mint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and so on. The substance may contain nicotine or salt, or derivatives thereof. Preferably the flavoring agent is menthol. The flavoring agent may be the same or different from the flavoring agent that is present on the filters or filter elements.

In accordance with the present invention, in yet another embodiment, an article is provided that includes separate tobacco smoke filters or filter elements butt-joined, each filter or filter element including a self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core containing (for example, formed from) fibers or filaments of tobacco smoke filter material bonded at their contact points, a flavoring agent, and a wrap around individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. Preferably, the flavoring agent is located outside or inside the core of each filter/filter element. Preferably the wrapper is a film, for example made from DOPP or cellophane. Preferably the wrapper is a transparent film, for example made from DOPP or cellophane.

In yet another example, the wrapper extends longitudinally at each end beyond the individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements butted together and is sealed or partially sealed (eg, with a twist). The swirling and/or at least partially sealing advantageously reduces the loss of flavor from an article including wrapped filters or filter elements.

The flavoring agent is preferably added in amounts of 0.1 and 8, for example 1.5 to 8 mg per finished filter or filter element. The flavoring agent may be any known flavoring agent used in tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. For example, the flavoring agent may be menthol, mint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and so on. The substance may contain nicotine or salt, or derivatives thereof. Preferably the flavoring agent is menthol. Menthol can be administered as a solution or as molten menthol. Preferably, menthol is added in an amount of 1.5 to 8 mg per finished filter or filter element. Flavorants other than menthol may preferably be added in an amount of 0.1 to 1.5 mg per finished filter or filter element.

The product may include filters or filter elements, which may further include one or more continuous components extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (eg, in the longitudinal direction) of the cylindrical core. One (or each) continuous component may be a thread, or a yarn, or a tape, or a continuous extruded element, for example, cotton thread, cellulose acetate yarn, or a continuous extruded element, for example, from cellulose acetate, such as described in WO 2011 /058319.

One (or each) continuous component extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical core may be colored or tinted, for example, using dyes or pigments, preferably approved by regulatory authorities for use in food contact. One (or each) continuous component may be colored in a contrasting color with respect to the color of the tobacco smoke filter material. In an example, one (or each) continuous component further comprises a colorant or pigment (eg, a colorant or pigment that is approved by regulatory authorities for use in food contact). The dye or pigment may preferably be dyed any color that contrasts with the color (eg white) of the tobacco smoke filter material, eg green, blue, red, orange, etc. If there are two or more continuous components extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (eg, in the longitudinal direction) of the cylindrical core, the first continuous component may have the same color or a different color than the second continuous component. The use of a dyed component or components (eg, dyed cotton thread or threads) allows the finished product containing filters or filter elements to be provided with a distinctive final appearance, which is useful for anti-counterfeiting purposes.

The continuous component may contain a smoke modifying additive such as a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be any known flavoring agent used in tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. For example, the flavoring agent may be menthol, mint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and so on. The substance may contain nicotine or salt, or derivatives thereof. Preferably the flavoring agent is menthol. The flavoring agent may be the same or different from the flavoring agent that is present on the filters or filter elements.

It would be expected that menthol-scented pop-a-tip products would be more difficult to "pop" filters than equivalent non-menthol-scented filters, since the presence of small menthol crystals on the filter surface (after menthol injection) increases the forces friction inside the transparent wrapper. Surprisingly, it has been found that there is no discernible difference between the "pop-out ease" of the product of the invention and known "Pop-a-tip" products not flavored with menthol. In addition, it has been found that it is much easier to "pop" in the article of the invention than in the case of an equivalent menthol flavored OA filter; in this latter case, both the wrapper and the filter could be damaged and deformed when attempting to push it outwards, rendering the filter unusable. Surprisingly, it has been found that menthol can be injected into filters 14 mm long and 17.5 mm in circumference at up to 8 mg/filter without noticeable effect on ejection ease.

Filters or filter elements may include a self-supporting (longitudinally extending) cylindrical core containing (e.g., formed from) longitudinally extending substantially continuous filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate tow) that are bonded at their locations. contact. In another example, filters or filter elements may include a self-supporting (longitudinally extending) cylindrical core containing (e.g., formed from) randomly oriented (e.g., single or staple) fibers of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate) that are bonded in their places of contact. Preferably, the continuous filaments of the tobacco smoke filtering material (or randomly oriented fibers of the tobacco smoke filtering material) are continuous filaments (or randomly oriented fibers) of cellulose acetate tow. Preferably, the tobacco smoke filter material (eg, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate fibers or filaments) is crimped. Preferably, the filaments (or fibers) are bonded at their points of contact with a binder, such as a plasticizer (eg, a plasticizer that is activated or cured to bind the filaments at their points of contact). The self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core may, for example, be a cylindrical core with a circular cross section. The self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core may have another shape, for example, the self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core may have an annular cross-section, so that the self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core is a longitudinally extending thin-walled pipe comprising ( for example, formed from) fibers or filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material bound at their points of contact.

Here, the term "self-supporting" (i.e. "self-supporting cylindrical core", "self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core", etc.) means hard, rigid and self-supporting, not requiring additional wrapping (for example, ficells) for maintaining its shape (for example, not requiring a wrap to hold on the same axis passing continuously in the longitudinal direction of elementary fibers to control the radius or size around the circumference of the core).

A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to the invention (or in methods or articles according to the invention) may have a circumferential dimension of 14 to 28 mm, such as 16 to 26 mm, such as 16 to 19 mm (for example , 17.5 mm) or 24 to 25 mm. The tobacco smoke filter according to the invention may have a length of 10 to 40 mm, such as 11 to 25 mm, such as 12 to 16 mm, such as 14 mm. The tobacco smoke filter element of the invention may have a length of 5 to 30 mm, such as 6 to 20 mm, such as 8 to 15 mm, such as 10 to 12 mm.

Filters and filter elements according to the invention can be used in manufactured cigarettes (eg mass produced and packaged products). Tobacco smoke filters or filter elements according to the invention can also be used as (or as part of) a filter mouth used for a separately rolled cigarette (e.g., a hand-rolled cigarette) or Roll Your Own or Make-It-Yourself products. Your-Own ("do it yourself").

It will be understood that, in addition to being suitable for the manufacture of an article comprising a plurality of (individual) tobacco smoke filters butted on the same axis, in a wrapper (e.g., a "Pop-a-tip" article), they are also suitable for the manufacture of individual flavored filters (eg, flavored NOA filters) that can be loosely packaged in bags and packs, as is also known in the art.

The filter element according to the invention can also be used as the mouthpiece of a multi-section filter, for example, a double, triple, containing a greater number of filter sections. Such filters are well known in the art.

In accordance with the present invention, in yet another embodiment, a tobacco smoke filter or filter element is provided, including a self-supporting (extending in the longitudinal direction) cylindrical core, including (for example, formed from) fibers or filaments of a tobacco smoke filtering material bonded at their locations. contact; one or more continuous components extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (eg, in the longitudinal direction) of the cylindrical core, and a flavoring agent.

Preferably, the flavoring agent is located on or within the core. The flavoring agent may be located (at least partially located) on a continuous component (one or each). The flavoring agent is preferably added in an amount of 0.1 to 8, for example 1.5 to 8 mg per finished filter or filter element.

The flavoring agent may be any known flavoring agent used in tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. For example, the flavor may be menthol, mint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and so on. The substance may contain nicotine or salt, or derivatives thereof.

Preferably the flavoring agent is menthol. Menthol can be administered as a solution or as molten menthol. Preferably, menthol is added in an amount of 1.5 to 8 mg per finished filter or filter element. Flavorants other than menthol may preferably be added in an amount of 0.1 to 1.5 mg per finished filter or filter element.

One (or each) continuous component may be a filament or yarn or tape or a continuously extruded element such as cotton thread, cellulose acetate yarn or a continuously extruded element such as cellulose acetate such as described in WO 2011 /058319.

The filter or filter element may further include a wrapper.

One (or each) continuous component extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical core may be colored or tinted, for example, using dyes or pigments, preferably approved by regulatory authorities for use in food contact. One (or each) continuous component may be colored in a contrasting color with respect to the color of the tobacco smoke filter material. In an example, one (or each) continuous component further comprises a colorant or pigment (eg, a colorant or pigment that is approved by regulatory authorities for use in food contact). The dye or pigment may preferably be dyed any color that contrasts with the color (eg white) of the tobacco smoke filter material, eg green, blue, red, orange, etc. If there are two or more continuous components extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (eg, in the longitudinal direction) of the cylindrical core, the first continuous component may have the same color or a different color than the second continuous component. The use of a dyed component or components (eg, dyed cotton thread or threads) allows the finished filter or filter element to be provided with a distinctive final appearance, which is useful for anti-counterfeiting purposes.

Filters or filter elements may include a self-supporting (longitudinally extending) cylindrical core containing (e.g., formed from) longitudinally extending substantially continuous filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate tow) that are bonded at their locations. contact. In another example, filters or filter elements may include a self-supporting (longitudinally extending) cylindrical core containing (e.g., formed from) randomly oriented (e.g., single or staple) fibers of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate) that are bonded in their places of contact. Preferably, the continuous filaments of the tobacco smoke filtering material (or randomly oriented fibers of the tobacco smoke filtering material) are continuous filaments (or randomly oriented fibers) of cellulose acetate tow. Preferably, the tobacco smoke filter material (eg, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate fibers or filaments) is crimped. Preferably, the filaments (or fibers) are bonded at their points of contact with a binder, such as a plasticizer (eg, a plasticizer that is activated or cured to bind the filaments at their points of contact). The self-supporting, longitudinally extending cylindrical core may, for example, be a cylindrical core with a circular cross section. The tobacco smoke filter or filter element may have a circumferential dimension of 14 to 28 mm, such as 16 to 26 mm, such as 16 to 19 mm (eg 17.5 mm) or 24 to 25 mm. The tobacco smoke filter according to the invention may have a length of 10 to 40 mm, such as 11 to 25 mm, such as 12 to 16 mm, such as 14 mm. The tobacco smoke filter element of the invention may have a length of 5 to 30 mm, such as 6 to 20 mm, such as 8 to 15 mm, such as 10 to 12 mm.

As described above, "filament filters", ie. cigarette filters that include a filament or band element, usually located on the same axis in the longitudinal direction with the filter itself, are well known in the art. Thread filters originally proposed in US 4281671, where cotton sewing thread was the preferred element. However, US 4,281,671 describes filament filters that require a wrap around tobacco smoke filter material (and filament), this document does not mention filters or filter elements that include filament but are self-supporting (i.e., solid, rigid, and self-supporting, without requiring additional wrapping). This embodiment of the present invention provides self-supporting (and flavored) filament filters or filter elements that can be used in manufactured cigarettes (e.g., mass produced and packaged products) as well as separately rolled cigarettes (e.g., hand-rolled cigarette) or in Roll Your Own or Make-Your-Own products. The filter element in accordance with this embodiment of the invention can also be used as a link, for example, the mouthpiece link of a multi-section filter, for example, double, triple, containing more filter sections.

The process for forming a filamentous LHA filter, described below (with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5), involves placing plasticizer-coated cellulose tow filaments around a continuous element (filament), and then using a heating fluid (and possibly a cooling fluid) to activating the plasticizer, whereby the filter rod is stiffened and hardened. As stated above, if a flavorant is present on the continuous element, its inherent volatility causes it to be carried away with the heating fluid during such a manufacturing process, resulting in most of the flavorant being removed with the fluid and dispersing the residue throughout the filter element. Thus, it is preferable to introduce the majority of the desired flavor into a continuously moving stream already formed from filters and/or filter elements and/or composite filter rods, instead of being applied to a continuous component (e.g., thread) to be retained therein (as described below). with references to Fig. 3 and 5). However, the filters and filter elements of the invention, especially in this embodiment, can also be made by placing filaments of cellulose tow (on which a plasticizer is applied) around a continuous element containing a flavoring agent, and then using a heating fluid (and possibly cooling) to activate the plasticizer, whereby the filter rod is hardened and hardened. Obviously, in this method, it is not necessary to introduce the flavoring agent into the filter rod after stiffening and hardening, since the flavoring agent is distributed throughout the continuous element, and the remainder of it is distributed throughout the filter element. However, although simple, this process may not be preferred if a high flavor content is required, as the flavor is lost during the manufacturing process (due to its inherent volatility).

The invention includes any filter cigarettes made using the filter of the invention.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following examples and the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a filter rod product according to one embodiment of the invention; in FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a filter rod product according to another embodiment of the invention; in FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a method and apparatus in accordance with other embodiments of the invention, which can be used to obtain the product shown, for example, in FIG. 1 or 2; in FIG. 4 shows a filter rod product according to another embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevational view of an example of an apparatus used to produce the filter of FIG. 4.

On FIG. 1 shows a PHA-flavored Pop-a-tip product 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

The article 1 includes a series of six tobacco smoke filters 3, each having a circumference of approximately 17.5 mm and a length of 14 mm, butted together. Each filter 3 includes a self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core formed from longitudinally extending substantially continuous cellulose acetate crimped tow filaments that are bonded at their contact points (i.e., each filter 3 is an HOA filter), in which introduced menthol flavoring in the amount of 6 mg per filter (see method below). The article 1 also includes a wrap 5 containing a transparent film made of DOPP or cellophane that surrounds the filters 3 to form a wrapped cylinder of six filter elements.

In use, the smoker takes the article 1 and removes or ejects a separate filter 3 from the transparent wrapper, then uses the filter while rolling the cigarette. It would be expected that it would be more difficult to "push" the filters out of the menthol flavored "Pop-a-tip" products of the invention than in the case of equivalent, non-menthol flavored filters, since the presence of small menthol crystals on the surface of the filter (after menthol injection) increases the forces friction inside the transparent wrapper. Surprisingly, it has been found that there is no discernible difference between the "pop-out ease" of the product of the invention and known "Pop-a-tip" products not flavored with menthol.

On FIG. 2 shows a PHA flavored "Pop-a-tip" product 11 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The article 11 includes a series of six tobacco smoke filters 13, each having a circumference of approximately 17.5 mm and a length of 14 mm, butted together. Each filter 13 includes a self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core formed from longitudinally extending substantially continuous cellulose acetate crimped tow filaments that are bonded at their contact points (i.e., each filter 13 is a PLA filter), in which introduced menthol flavoring in the amount of 4 mg per filter (see method below). Article 13 also includes a wrapper 15 containing a transparent film made of DOPP or cellophane that surrounds the filters 13 to form a wrapped cylinder of six filter elements 13. As seen in FIG. 2, at each end 17a, 17b of the barrel, the wrapper extends longitudinally beyond the butt-joined individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements and is sealed (or partially sealed) by a twist. The swirl has the advantage of reducing loss of flavor from an article containing wrapped filters or filter elements prior to use. The method of using the product 11 is similar to the method of using the product 1; the user simply presses or pushes the individual filter 13 out of the transparent wrapper. It should be understood that the first filter being pushed out of the product can either be pushed through the rolled end (17a and 17b) of the product, or the rolled end may be torn or cut off before being pushed out.

It will be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the filters 3, 13 of the examples described above may alternatively be replaced by filters comprising a self-supporting (longitudinally extending) cylindrical core formed from randomly oriented, single or staple fibers of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., cellulose acetate tow) , which are connected at their points of contact, for example, as described in US 3552400. Flavoring agent can be entered in a similar way (see below).

On FIG. 3 shows a method and apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, which can be used to obtain the article according to FIG. 1.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the preformed filters 103 and the preformed double filter rods 103a flow longitudinally along arrow 104 into the headset block 106.

Each preformed filter 103 has a circumference of approximately 17.5 mm and a length of 14 mm. Each filter 103 includes a self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core formed from longitudinally continuous substantially continuous cellulose acetate crimped tow filaments that are bonded at the contact points. Each preformed double filter rod 103a has a circumference of approximately 17.5 mm and a length of 28 mm. Each rod 103a includes a self-supporting longitudinally extending cylindrical core formed from longitudinally continuous substantially continuous cellulose acetate crimped tow filaments that are bonded at their contact points. Filters 103 are HOA filters and can be produced, as well as double rods 103a, in a manner similar to that described in UK 1169932 (US 3455766), where cellulose acetate tow filaments coated with a plasticizer are loaded into a forming section , in which a strip is wrapped around the tow to ensure the connection of the longitudinal edges of the strip and the conclusion of the tow inside the strip; thus the rope is formed in the form of a longitudinally extending cylinder by means of a strip. The strip is then transferred to a heat treatment section in which a heating fluid (eg steam) is passed through the strip in contact with the tow to activate the plasticizer. Then, the strip and the tow contained therein are passed through a cooling section, in which, if necessary, cold air or other fluid is passed through the strip in contact with the tow to deactivate the plasticizer, and the tow is dried to remove condensed vapor, whereby the tow is given rigidity to obtain a continuous self-supporting and solid, extending in the longitudinal direction of the rod. The continuous, self-supporting and solid, longitudinally extending rod is cut into base filter rods for subsequent use, also using methods well known in the art.

As noted above, traditionally Pop-a-tips are made on a double-filter rod machine. These machines are well known in the art and are commonly used to combine two different types of base rods which are held in two different machine hoppers. To make a Pop-a-tip, two hoppers are filled with base rods of the same type, and these base rods are cut (to provide the desired mouthpiece length), butt-lined, wrapped in clear film, and cut to the desired final Pop-a-tip length. In the method of the present invention, two hoppers of a double filter rod machine (not shown) are also filled with base filter rods 103 made as above. One hopper is used to cut the base rods for individual filters 103 to the required length (14 mm) and the other hopper is used to cut the base rods for the double filter rods 103a to the required length (28 mm), and then the double rod making machine arranges and aligns on one axis butted filters 103 and double filter rods 103a such that each double filter rod 103a is separated from the next rod 103a by four separate filters 103 to allow the flow of preformed filters 103 and composite (double) filter rods 103a. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the filters 103 are axially aligned and butted (i.e., there is no gap between the individual filters 103 or the filters 103 and the filter rods 103a) before being moved longitudinally in the direction of arrow 104 into the headset block 106.

The headset block 106 includes a pressure plate 108 through which the axially butt-jointed filters 103 and double filter rods 103a are passed before being wrapped in the headset. As is known in the art, pressure plates are used to adjust the final size around the circumference of the finished rod, but the pressure plate 108 used in the invention includes a flavor inlet 110 and an outlet 112 (in other examples, the inlet may correspond to more than one outlet). channel). Flavorant in the form of a menthol solution is supplied under pressure through inlet port 110 and outlet port 112 of compression platen 108 to introduce menthol into axially butt-joined filters 103 and filter rods 103a as they advance longitudinally through platen 108 and block 106 headset.

The flavoring agent flow is controlled by methods known in the art such that the desired flavoring concentration is achieved (eg 6 mg menthol per filter 103, 12 mg per filter rod 103a). Surprisingly, it has been found that flavor can be added to the filters immediately prior to film wrapping (eg, transparent), thereby avoiding the problems associated with the removal of volatile flavors during filter manufacture.

The transparent cellophane wrap 105 is applied to a continuously moving stream of fragrance-infused filters or filter elements in the headset block 106 in a continuous manner, resulting in a continuous wrapped rod 111 comprising banks of four fragrance-containing filters 103 separated by double filter rods 103a containing fragrance. The continuous wrapped rod 111 is then cut in exact alignment to a position half the length of each double filter rod 103a (see arrow 22) by methods known in the art to obtain articles 101 each including a plurality of filters 103 in a common cellophane wrap. , as shown in FIG. 1.

Obviously, the product shown in Fig. 2 can be obtained by modifying the method shown in FIG. 3. The settings of the twin rod machine are adjusted to provide a longitudinally moving flow including series of butt-connected filters 103, where each series of filters is located longitudinally spaced from the other along the flow. The wrap is then applied to a continuously moving stream (after the introduction of menthol) to form a continuous wrapped rod comprising longitudinally spaced series of butt-joined flavor-containing filters. The continuous wrapped rod is then cut to accurately match the gaps between the series of butt-joined filters or filter elements, and the cut ends are twisted and/or otherwise at least partially sealed.

On FIG. 4 shows an HOA flavored Pop-a-tip product 301 with a flavored thread, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The article 301 includes a series of six tobacco smoke filters 303, each having a circumference of approximately 17.5 mm and a length of 14 mm, butted together. Each filter 303 includes a self-supporting, substantially cylindrical rod formed from longitudinally extending substantially continuous filaments of crimped tow of cellulose acetate that are bonded at their contact points, and a continuous component in the form of green cotton thread 307 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical rod. (i.e., each filter 303 is a PLA filter that includes a filament). Each filter 303 is charged with 6 mg of menthol flavor per filter in the manner described above with reference to FIGS. 3. The article 301 also includes a wrap 305 containing a transparent film made of DOPP or cellophane that surrounds the filters 303 to form a wrapped cylinder of six filter elements.

In use, the smoker takes the article 301 and squeezes or pushes a separate filter 303 out of the transparent wrapper; the filter is then used in the rolling of a self-rolling cigarette. As in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and 2, it has surprisingly been found that there is no noticeable difference between the "pop-out ease" of the product of the invention and known "Pop-a-tip" products not flavored with menthol. In addition, it should be appreciated that the green thread 307 visible at each end of the filter 303 provides a distinctive end appearance which may be useful, for example, as an indicator that the filter has been flavored and/or for anti-counterfeiting purposes.

On FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevational view of an apparatus for producing filters 301 according to the invention, in accordance with FIG. 4. The device is well known in the art. A strip of cellulose acetate tow 510 coated with a plasticizer (plasticizer not shown) is pulled along an upwardly convex curved beam 516 upstream of the ring or funnel 515. Beam 516 forms a tow 510 reaching funnel 515 in a downwardly concave arc, in which is placed the mandrel 548, the guide thread. The tow is passed through a funnel 151 that has a downwardly tapering inner wall, and is then collected and compressed into a rod shape as it enters and passes through the rod forming section 520. A continuous component in the form of cotton thread 522 (possibly dyed, for example, green) is drawn continuously from drum 524 (possibly, if flavoring is required, through a flavoring agent 526, for example, menthol). Thread 522, possibly flavored, is pulled from drum 524 and guided directly into contact with the tow by thread guide mandrel 548 into the area immediately after funnel or ring 515 and is moved with the tow into and through the stem forming section 520 whereby it is turned on into the bundle and it runs along the length of the resulting rod. When the device is started, the rope is threaded through the machine in the rod forming section 520, and the free end of the thread 522 is glued to the rope upstream of the funnel or ring 515; after starting the device, the moving tow continuously grips the yarn 522 and pulls it continuously from the drum 524 through the guide mandrel 548. The plasticizer-coated cellulose acetate tow, along with the captured yarn 522, is fed into the core forming section 520, where a strip is wrapped around the tow. ensuring the connection of the longitudinal edges of the strip and the conclusion of the bundle inside the strip; thus, the tow is formed with the strip as a longitudinally extending cylinder enclosing the filament 522. The strip is then transferred to a heat treatment section where a heating fluid (e.g., steam) is passed through the strip in contact with the tow to activate the plasticizer. Then, the strip and the tow inside it is moved through a cooling section where cold air or other fluid is passed through the strip in contact with the tow to deactivate the plasticizer, if necessary, and the tow is dried by removing condensed vapor, whereby the tow is stiffened to form a continuous self-supporting and solid, extending in the longitudinal direction of the rod 536. Continuously obtained rod 536 is passed through a cutting device 538, which divides the rod 536 into separate segments 540, each of which includes a continuous self-supporting, extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical core, including passing essentially continuously in the longitudinal direction elementary fibers of a tobacco smoke filtering material (cellulose acetate) that are bonded at their contact points surrounding a continuous component (filament) extending in the longitudinal direction of the core. Sections 540 may be a single filter or filter element, but more often may be multiple, double or more single filter rods (typically four or six times) for later use, as is well known. The above described device is well known and similar to the device described, for example, in US 4281671.

Obviously, the segments 540 can be used to obtain such an article, as shown in FIG. 1 using a modified method shown in FIG. 3. The two bins of the double filter rod making machine (not shown) are loaded with basic filter rods 303 made as described above. One hopper is used to cut the base rods for individual filters 303 to the required length (14 mm) and the other hopper is used to cut the base rods for the double filter rods 303a to the required length (28 mm) and then adjust the double rod making machine to accommodate and aligning the filters 303 and the double filter rods 303a end-to-end on the same axis so that each double filter rod 303a is separated from the next rod 303a by four separate filters, allowing the preformed filters 303 and the composite (double) filter rods 303a to flow. The filters 303 are axially aligned and butted (ie, no gap between the individual filters 303 and the filter rods 303a) before moving longitudinally into a headset unit, such as the headset unit shown in FIG. 3.

The headset block 106 includes a compression plate 108 through which the axially butt-jointed filters 303 and double filter rods 303a are passed before being wrapped in the headset. Flavorant in the form of a menthol solution is pressurized through the compression platen 108 (as in FIG. 3) to inject menthol into the axially butt-joined filters 303 and the dual filter rods 303a as they pass longitudinally through the platen and headset. . In the headset, a transparent cellophane wrapper is continuously applied to a moving stream of filters or filter elements into which a fragrance is introduced, whereby a wrapped rod is obtained, including groups of four filters 303 containing fragrance, separated by double filter rods 303a containing fragrance. The continuous wrapped rod is then cut while accurately registering to half the length of each double filter rod 303a by methods known in the art to produce articles 301 each including filters 303 in a common cellophane wrap, such as those shown in FIG. 4.

Obviously, filters and filter elements in accordance with some embodiments of the invention can be obtained by forming cellulose tow filaments (which are coated with a plasticizer) around a continuous element containing a flavoring agent, and then using a heating fluid (and possibly a cooling fluid) to activate the plasticizer, which gives the filter rod stiffness and hardness. In other words, filters and filter elements in accordance with some embodiments of the invention can be obtained using the apparatus shown in FIG. 5, in which the flavor is injected using only the flavor injection device 526, such as menthol. Obviously, this method of manufacture does not require the introduction of a flavoring agent into the filter rod after stiffening and hardening, since the flavoring agent is distributed over the continuous element and the remainder of the filter element. However, this method, while simple, may not be preferred when high concentrations of flavor are required because the flavor is lost during manufacture (due to its inherent volatility).

Claims (14)

1. A tobacco smoke filtering article comprising a series of individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements joined end-to-end, each filter or filter element comprising a self-supporting cylindrical core comprising fibers or filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material bonded at their contact points, and flavoring agent; and wrapping around a series of individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements. 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the wrapper extends longitudinally at each end beyond an end-to-end series of individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements and is sealed or partially sealed. 3. The product according to claim 1 or 2, in which the flavoring agent is introduced in an amount of from 0.1 to 8 mg per filter or filter element. 4. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein the filters or filter elements comprise a self-supporting cylindrical core containing longitudinally extending continuous filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material bonded at their contact points. 5. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein the filters or filter elements comprise a self-supporting cylindrical core containing randomly oriented fibers of tobacco smoke filtering material bonded at their contact points. 6. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, wherein the filters or filter elements further include one or more continuous components extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical core. 7. The article of claim. 6, wherein the continuous component is a thread or yarn or tape, or a continuous extruded element. 8. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 6 or 7, wherein the continuous component is cotton or cellulose acetate yarn. 9. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 6-8, wherein the continuous component further comprises a dye or pigment. 10. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 6-9, wherein the continuous component has a color contrasting with that of the tobacco smoke filter material. 11. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, in which the filters and/or filter elements further include two or more continuous components extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical core, where the first continuous component has a color different from that of the second continuous component. 12. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which the continuous component contains an additional flavoring agent. 13. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, wherein the tobacco smoke filter material is cellulose acetate tow. 14. The product according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13 in which the wrapper is transparent.

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