TWI615100B - Smoking article with dual function cap , use of a removable cap , a method of using a smoking article , and a method of facilitating disposal of a smoking article - Google Patents

Abstract

A smoking article (10, 100) is made of two components. These elements are: rods (20, 120) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate (55, 155); and removable caps (30, 130). The removable cap (30, 130) can be coupled to the rod (20, 120) in both configurations. In the first configuration, the removable cap (30, 130) is joined to the first end (21, 121) of the rod (20, 120), and a heat source (50, 150) at or near the second end of the rod (20, 120) heats the aerosol-forming base. (55, 155) to produce an inhalable aerosol. In the second configuration, the removable cap is attached to the second end (22, 122) of the rod (20, 120) and at least substantially covers the heat source (50, 150). The smoking article (10, 100) is placed in the second structure for disposal.

Description

Cigarettes with dual-function caps, use of removable caps, methods of using smoking articles, and methods of promoting the abandonment of smoking articles after use

This specification relates to a smoking article comprising a cap that acts as a mouthpiece during smoking of the smoking article and that can be transferred to the ignited end of the smoking article to shield and extinguish the igniting end for disposal.

Conventional smoking articles, such as conventionally lit cigarettes, burn or thermally decompose the smokable material, typically tobacco, to produce an inhalable aerosol. The temperature in the burning tobacco can be as high as about 900 °C. Once the cigarette has been exhausted, its burning end is usually extinguished by annihilating the burning tobacco.

Tobacco in which tobacco is heated rather than burned is also well known in the art. The subject of this heated smoking article is to reduce the harmful components of cigarettes that are caused by tobacco burning and thermal decomposition degradation, such as those found in conventional lit-end cigarettes. In such heated smoking articles, the aerosol is produced by heating a substrate that releases the volatile compound, such as an odor generating substrate or an aerosol forming substrate, such as a tobacco containing substrate. Conventional heated smoking articles include, for example, aerosols generated by the transfer of heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be located within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from a heat source, and The air that is sucked through the smoke is scattered. When the volatile compounds are cooled, they are condensed to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

A particularly heated smoking article is a distillation-based smoking article, as disclosed in WO-A-2009/022232, which discloses a distillation-based smoking article comprising a flammable heat source, an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the flammable heat source, and flammability. A thermally conductive element that is in contact with the abutting front portion of the heat source and with the rear portion and the aerosol-forming substrate.

During use of the heated smoking article, its heat source will reach a high temperature. For example, the heat source of the heated smoking article will reach an average temperature of about 500 ° C and in some cases the temperature of the heat source will be as high as about 800 ° C.

After use, conventionally lit cigarettes and heated smoking articles containing heat sources such as heat sinks, chemical heat sources, or flammable heat sources must be properly extinguished or shielded to provide adequate cooling to facilitate disposal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means suitable for easy disposal in a smoking article. Advantageously, the means are dual-functional and suitable for use as a mouthpiece in use and as a means of convenient disposal after use.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" or "smoke article" means an article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate that releases a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be an aerosol-generating article of smoke that is inhaled directly into the lungs of the user through the mouth of the user.

The smoking article can be a heated smoking article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that can be heated rather than combusted to release volatile compounds that form an aerosol. Gas formed by heating an aerosol to form a substrate The sol will contain a lesser amount of harmful components than those produced by the combustion or thermal decomposition of the aerosol-forming substrate. The smoking article can be a flammable smoking article that releases aerosols by direct combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate, such as in conventional cigarettes. The heated smoking article can comprise a flammable heat source for heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

The term "flammable heat source" means a flammable material physically separated from an aerosol-forming substrate of a heated smoking article. The flammable heat source may be a carbon-based material that can be burned, and the aerosol is heated to form a substrate upon combustion without burning the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate which releases a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. This volatile compound can be released by heating the aerosol to form a substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate can be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or carried onto a carrier or support. An aerosol-forming substrate conveniently facilitates the creation of an aerosol or a portion of the article of an aerosol.

An aerosol-forming substrate can include nicotine. An aerosol-forming substrate can comprise tobacco, such as a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco odor compound that is released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a homogenized tobacco material, such as cast leaf tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate can include at least one aerosol former, such as propylene glycol or glycerin. In flammable smoking articles, the aerosol-forming substrate can be conventional tobacco. A smoking article can be or can include a tobacco rod.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a smoke is provided The article comprises: a rod having a first end and a second end; and a removable cap. The cap is removably coupled to both the first end and the second end of the rod. In the first configuration of the smoking article, the removable cap is attached to the first end of the rod such that air can be drawn from the rod through the removable cap. In the second configuration of the smoking article, the removable cap is attached to the second end of the stem such that the second end is at least substantially covered by the removable cap. In the second configuration, the cap allows the smoking article to be discarded after use.

The term "removably linked" as used herein means that the removable cap is removably secured to the first end and the second end of the rod of the smoking article. Removable caps are mechanically locked (eg bolt fit, bayonet coupling, hook and press fit, etc.), or by non-mechanical locking means (eg non-permanent adhesive), or mechanically locked The means is removably coupled to one or both of the first end and the second end of the rod in combination with the non-mechanical locking means. Preferably, the removable cap can be removably coupled to one or both of the first end and the second end of the rod by an interference fit. For example, the removable cap can be removably coupled to one or both of the first end and the second end of the rod by an interference fit between the outer surface of the rod and the inner surface of the removable cap.

In the second construction of the smoking article, the removable cap is preferably at least substantially covering the second end of the rod to facilitate the abandonment of the smoking article.

The removable cap can include one or more materials that thermally shield the second end of the stem. Alternatively or in addition, the removable cap can include one or more materials that, on the other hand, limit energy transfer from a heat source located at or adjacent to the second end of the stem. Preferably, when attached to the second end of the rod, the removable cap reduces the tendency of the smoking article to ignite when discarded, thereby Convenient for the abandonment of smoking products after use. In some embodiments, when attached to the second end of the rod, the temperature of the second end of the cap reduction rod can be removed so that the smoking article can be comfortably touched and thus facilitates disposal of the smoking article after use.

In certain embodiments, the removable cap can include means for dissipating thermal energy from a heat source located at or adjacent to the second end of the stem. For example, the removable cap can include one or more thermally conductive materials for dissipating heat energy by thermal conduction.

In certain embodiments, the removable cap can include a means of thermally insulating the heat source at or adjacent the second end of the stem from the environment. For example, the removable cap can include one or more thermal insulation materials as a thermal barrier to prevent thermal energy from being transferred from a heat source located at or adjacent to the second end of the stem. Suitable thermal insulation materials have low thermal conductivity or substantially no thermal conductivity.

In some embodiments, the removable cap can include a combination of heat sinking means and thermal insulation means.

The first end of the rod can be referred to as the mouth end of the rod because it is the end of the rod closest to the mouth of the user when the smoking article is consumed. The second end of the rod is referred to as the distal end of the rod and is located at the opposite end of the mouth end of the rod.

In the first construction of the smoking article, it is advantageous to have a removable cap that can be used as a mouthpiece for smoking by attaching it to the mouth end of the rod. When the removable cap can be attached to the mouth end of the rod in the first configuration of the smoking article, the user does not need to find additional elements to connect the second end of the rod when the user discards the smoking article.

When the removable cap is used as the mouthpiece of the smoking article, the outer surface of the removable cap is preferably touched by one or more acceptable consumers. Made of materials that meet applicable regulatory requirements.

In a preferred embodiment, the smoking article comprises a flammable heat source at or adjacent to the second end of the rod. In such an embodiment of the second structure of the smoking article, the removable cap at least substantially covers the heat source and substantially reduces or eliminates the risk of any potential ignition caused by the heat source. Preferably, the removable cap seals and extinguishes the heat source, such as by eliminating or limiting the supply of oxygen to the heat source.

Preferably, in the second structure, the ignition tendency of the smoking article is sufficiently low that the smoking article can be discarded without risk of fire. In the second configuration, the removable cap can sufficiently lower the temperature of the second end of the rod so that the smoking article can be comfortably touched.

In embodiments where the smoking article is a heated smoking article and wherein the thermal system is produced by combustion of a solid heat source, the heat source may comprise any suitable combustible fuel, including but not limited to carbon and carbon based materials, which contain aluminum, magnesium, A combination of one or more carbides, one or more nitrides, and the like. The solid flammable heat source of the heated smoking article is well known in the art and is disclosed in, for example, US-A-5, 040, 552 and US-A-5,595,577. In general, conventional solid flammable heat sources for heated smoking articles are carbon based, and the like include carbon as the primary combustible material.

In an embodiment where the smoking article is a conventional lit cigarette, the heat source is a roll of tobacco.

When the heat source is burned or hot, the heat source can be removed by a removable cap to form a barrier to help prevent the heat source from igniting material adjacent to the heat source. Thus, the heat source can be shielded by the removable cap until it has been cooled to a sufficiently low temperature to substantially reduce or eliminate any potential risks associated with improper handling of the smoking article, such as the potential risk of igniting adjacent materials. To serve as a barrier, the removable cap can include one or more suitable barrier materials that act to isolate the heat source.

A suitable barrier material can be a substantially non-combustible material or a substantially flame retardant material. Preferably, the barrier material is thermally stable in the air at the highest temperature reached by the heat source of the smoking article. Suitable barrier materials include, for example, metallic materials or ceramic materials.

The smoking article may remain in a period of about 4 minutes to about 8 minutes before consuming its combustible material. When the heat source cools down or when the remaining combustible material is burned, it is necessary to avoid the formation of hot spots on the removable cap. In order to reduce or prevent the formation of hot spots on the cap, it is advantageous to diffuse any remaining thermal energy in the heat source to a wide area after the tobacco has been exhausted. Thus, in certain embodiments, the removable cap can include a thermally conductive material that effectively diffuses thermal energy from the heat source to a wide area. Suitable thermally conductive materials may comprise, for example, metal foil or graphite flakes, or other materials having high thermal conductivity.

The removable cap includes one or more thermal barrier materials that act to thermally isolate the heat source once the removable cap has been attached to the second end of the stem. A thermal barrier material can help prevent heat transfer from the heat source to the exterior surface of the smoking article and to the external environment. Thus, in certain embodiments, the removable cap can include, for example, a thermally insulating material to thermally isolate the heat source. Suitable thermal insulation materials may include, for example, cardboard, foam, polymeric or ceramic materials, or other materials having low thermal conductivity.

The removable cap can include one or more materials to effect a phase change when heated, such as when the removable cap is attached to the second end of the stem. The removable cap can include one or more materials that Above the heat source, the oxygen supply is eliminated or restricted to the heat source to melt and extinguish the heat source. The removable cap can include one or more materials to perform an endothermic reaction or phase change and consume thermal energy generated by the heat source. The removable cap can include one or more materials that decompose when in contact with a heat source and produce a decomposition product to extinguish the heat source. Examples of materials that can undergo phase change when adjacent to a heat source include, for example, certain polymers and paraffins.

The removable cap may include a group selected from the group consisting of a barrier material, a non-combustible material, a flame retardant material, a heat conductive material, a heat insulating material, a foaming material, a phase change material, a metal material, and a ceramic material. One or more materials. For example, the removable cap can comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: a non-combustible material, a flame retardant material, a thermally conductive material, a thermally insulating material.

In certain embodiments, the removable cap can comprise a combination of different materials. For example, the removable cap can include a flame retardant material, a thermally conductive material, a thermally insulating material, all disposed as separate layers of the removable cap.

A removable cap can be formed to receive a rod outer sheath. In some embodiments, the removable cap can include a tubular sheath sized to receive both the first end and the second end of the stem such that the removable cap can be coupled to the first end of the stem and Any one of the 2nd ends. For example, the smoking article can include a generally cylindrical rod and the removable cap can include a generally tubular sheath that is sized to receive either end of the rod. In other words, the outer sheath is sized to receive the first end of the rod and the second end of the rod. Preferably, the outer sheath forms a tight interference fit when coupled to the first end and the second end of the rod.

In certain embodiments, the outer sheath can be selected from the barrier material One or more materials in a group consisting of materials, non-combustible materials, flame retardant materials, heat conductive materials, thermal insulating materials, foaming materials, phase change materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials, or lining. For example, the tubular sheath can be formed from, or lined with, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum foil, graphite, phase change materials, and foams.

In certain preferred embodiments, the outer sheath can be lined with a layer of metal foil, such as aluminum foil. In certain embodiments, the outer sheath can be lined with a layer of polymer foam to act as a thermal barrier to heat from the heat source.

In some embodiments, the outer sheath can be lined with a layer of metal foil that can simultaneously act as a flame retardant material to isolate the heat source and act as a heat transfer material to dissipate heat to quickly dissipate heat from the heat source and prevent hot spots. form. The outer sheath can also be lined with a layer of thermal insulation such as cardboard or polymeric foam to act as a thermal barrier. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the layer of metal foil forms an inner layer in contact with the rod when the removable cap is attached to the rod. Thus, in the second structure of the smoking article, a layer of metal foil can be used to shield the insulating layer from contact with the heat source. In this manner, the combustible material in the thermal insulation layer can be sufficiently insulated from the heat source to act as a thermal barrier material for the removable cap.

In certain embodiments, the outer sheath can comprise a combination of different materials. For example, the outer sheath can include a flame retardant material, a thermally conductive material, a thermally insulating material, all of which are disposed as individual layers of the outer sheath.

In certain embodiments, the removable cap can include one or more thermochromic pigments or materials that change color in response to temperature. When processing In the case of smoking, there is an advantage to be careful when providing visual warning to the user. Again, the use of thermochromic pigments or materials provides a simple visual indication when the smoking product has reached a sufficiently low temperature to be discarded without excessive care.

In certain embodiments, a portion of the removable cap can be formed from one or more thermochromic materials, such as a thermochromic polymer. In certain embodiments, the removable cap can be enclosed in a wrapper comprising one or more thermochromic pigments.

In certain embodiments, a thermochromic pigment or material can be included in one of the removable caps when the removable cap is used as a mouthpiece to avoid or limit thermochromic pigments or materials and use. The lips of the person may come into contact. When a removable cap is used as the mouthpiece, if a thermochromic pigment or material can be included in one of the removable caps to enable the thermochromic pigment or material to contact the user's lips, Thermochromic pigments or materials are preferably available to the mouth.

Preferably, the capping action is applied to close the second end of the rod in the second structure of the smoking article. This can help eliminate or limit the supply of oxygen to the heat source. This can also assist in maintaining any soot or unpleasant odor at the 2nd end of the rod.

In certain embodiments, the rod includes a tobacco-containing material.

Preferably, the smoking article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. In a preferred embodiment, a flammable heat source is located at or near the second end of the stem and the stem includes an aerosol-forming substrate between its first end and the second end.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco odor compound that is released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may additionally comprise one or more aerosol formers. Suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to, glycerin and propylene glycol.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, chips, sleeves, containing: herb leaves, tobacco leaves, Cuts or slices of one or more of a piece of tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco, processed tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be in a loose form or can be placed in a suitable container or bowl. For example, the aerosol-forming material of the solid aerosol-forming substrate can be contained in paper or packaging and in the form of a plug. In the case where the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a plug, the integral plug containing any wrapper is considered to be an aerosol-forming substrate.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile odor compounds that are released upon heating of the substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also comprise a capsule which, for example, contains additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile odor compounds, and which will melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can be placed or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier can take the form of a powder, granule, pellet, chip, sleeve, cut strip or slice. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be deposited on the surface of the support, for example, in the form of a sheet, foam, gel or slurry, or can be deposited in a pattern to provide a non-uniform odor release during use.

The smoking article can include a transfer portion or transfer element. This element may take the form of a hollow tube that is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate within the rod.

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative position defined by the direction in which the reference air is drawn by the user through the smoking article. Thus, the first end or the mouth end is downstream of the second end or the distal end.

The elements forming the rod of the smoking article are preferably combined by a suitable packaging material such as cigarette paper. Cigarette paper can be any suitable material for the components of the smoking article in the form of a rod. When the smoking article is forced to combine and remain in place in the rod, the cigarette paper must clamp the components of the smoking article. Suitable materials are known in the art.

The smoking article is generally cylindrical in shape. The smoking article is roughly elongated. The smoking article can have a length and a circumference that is substantially perpendicular to the length.

The aerosol-forming substrate is substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate can be elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate can also have a length and a circumference that is substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate can be located in the smoking article such that the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially parallel to the direction of air flow in the smoking article.

The transfer portion or element can be generally elongated.

The smoking article can have any desired length. For example, when the rod and the removable cap are joined, the smoking article can be between a total length of between about 65 mm and about 100 mm.

The smoking article can have any desired outer diameter. For example, the smoking article can have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm.

The removable cap can include a filter. When the removable cap pack In the case of a filter, the filter is preferably mounted such that when the removable cap is attached to the first end of the rod in the first configuration, air can be drawn from the rod through the filter.

For example, the removable cap can include a filter plug having one or more segments. Preferably, the filter plug is a single-stage filter plug when the removable cap includes a filter plug. In certain embodiments, when the removable cap is attached to the first end of the stem in the first structure of the smoking article, the removable cap can include the filter plug at the downstream end of the removable cap.

The filter plug can include one or more segments, including cellulose acetate, paper or other suitable known filter, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the filter plug comprises a low filtration efficiency filter. When the removable cap is attached to the second end of the rod in the second configuration, any filter contained in the removable cap must not compromise the functionality of the removable cap.

The removable cap can be wrapped with a wrapper such as a cigarette paper having low gas permeability. Alternatively, or in addition, the removable cap can be wrapped by a tipping paper.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a removable cap for a smoking article is provided. The cap is removably attached to the first end and the second end of the stem, the stem comprising an aerosol-forming substrate for forming a smoking article. The cap is configured such that when attached to the first end of the rod, air is drawn from the rod through the cap, and when attached to the second end of the rod, the cap facilitates the abandonment of the smoking article after use.

The removable cap preferably reduces the likelihood of smoking of the article when attached to the second end of the rod.

When the cap is attached to the second end of the rod, the second end is at least Covered roughly with a removable cap.

The removable cap may include a group selected from the group consisting of a barrier material, a non-combustible material, a flame retardant material, a heat conductive material, a heat insulating material, a foaming material, a phase change material, a metal material, and a ceramic material. One or more materials. For example, the removable cap can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of non-combustible materials, flame retardant materials, thermally conductive materials, and thermally insulating materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the removable cap can include a tubular sheath. The tubular sheath is sized to receive both the first end and the second end of the rod such that the removable cap can be coupled to either of the first end and the second end of the rod.

The tubular sheath may be formed from, or lined with, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum foil, graphite, phase change materials, and foams.

The removable cap is preferably one of the components of the smoking article. The removable cap can form one of the components of any of the smoking articles described herein.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a use of the removable cap of the present invention, which is used as a mouthpiece when joined to a first end of a rod comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, and when used When connected to the second end of the rod, it acts as a means of promoting the abandonment of the rod.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a suction system or kit comprising a plurality of struts and one or more removable caps is provided. The rod can be attached to a removable cap to form a smoking article.

In a preferred embodiment, a flammable heat source is located at or near the second end of each of the rods, and each of the rods includes an aerosol formation The substrate is located between its first end and second end.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a smoking article, the smoking article comprising a removable cap having a first end and a second end and a first end coupled to the rod. The method includes the steps of: applying a heat source to the second end of the rod; drawing air from the rod through the removable cap; removing the removable cap from the first end of the rod; and attaching the removable cap to the rod The 2 end is such that the second end of the rod is at least substantially covered by the removable cap.

Preferably, the step of applying a heat source to the second end of the rod comprises: igniting a flammable heat source at or near the second end of the rod.

Preferably, the step of attaching the removable cap to the second end of the stem at least substantially covers the heat source and preferably extinguishes any ignited material at the second end of the stem.

This method can be used with any of the smoking articles or removable caps described herein.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of promoting the disposal of a smoking article comprising a rod comprising a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate after use. The method includes providing a removable cap that is removably coupled to the first end of the rod such that air can be drawn from the rod through the cap; and removably coupled to the second end of the rod such that The heat source is at least substantially covered by the removable cap.

This method can be used with any of the smoking articles or removable caps described herein.

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

10,100‧‧‧Smoking

30,130‧‧‧Removable cap

20,120‧‧‧ pole

21,121‧‧‧1st or mouth end

22, 122‧‧‧2nd or distal

40,160‧‧‧ cigarette paper

55,155‧‧‧Aerosol forming substrate

60‧‧‧Transfer components

31,131‧‧‧ filter

33‧‧‧ filter paper

32,132‧‧‧Tubical sheath

35‧‧‧Inside

36‧‧‧External management

38,138‧‧‧Removable cap

190‧‧‧ lining or charcoal lining

1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a first embodiment of a smoking article including a rod and a removable cap in the first structure; and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the smoking article of the first drawing, wherein the rod and The removable cap has been removed; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional overview of the smoking article of Figure 1 of the second structure; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional overview of the removable cap of the smoking article of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a second embodiment of a smoking article including a rod and a removable cap in the first structure; and Figure 6 is a cross section of the smoking article of the fifth drawing in the second structure; Overview.

The first, second, and third drawings show the smoking article 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The smoking article 10 includes two separable elements, a rod 20 and a removable cap 30. The rod 20 has a first end or a mouth end 21, and a second end or distal end 22.

The removable cap 30 can be joined to the stem 20 in the first configuration with the removable cap 30 attached to the mouth end 21 of the stem 20, as shown in FIG. The removable cap 30 can be joined to the stem 20 in the second configuration with the removable cap 30 attached to the distal end 22 of the stem 20, as shown in FIG.

The rod 20 includes three elements that are enclosed by the cigarette paper 40. The three elements are a flammable heat source 50, an aerosol-forming substrate 55, and a transfer member 60. These three elements are sequentially arranged and coaxially aligned and combined by cigarette paper 40 to form the rod 20.

When combined, the length of the rod 20 is between about 65 mm and about 90 mm and has an outer diameter of between about 7.2 mm and about 7.9 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 55 is located upstream of the transfer element 60. The aerosol-forming substrate 55 includes a bundle of tobacco wrapped in a filter paper (not shown) to form a tobacco plug. Tobacco includes additives containing glycerin as an aerosol forming additive.

The flammable heat source 50 is located upstream of and in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 55. In another embodiment (not shown), a thermally conductive element such as a metal foil may be mounted to surround a portion of the flammable heat source and a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate heat transfer from the flammable heat source to the aerosol A substrate is formed.

The transfer member 60 is a hollow tube formed of filter paper. The transfer element 60 contains the volatile compounds produced from the aerosol-forming substrate 55 and condenses the compounds to form an aerosol. The transfer element 60 also facilitates the transfer of the aerosol toward the mouth of the user and provides the rod 20 an appropriate length.

The removable cap 30 includes a filter 31 and a tubular sheath 32 surrounded by filter paper 33. The filter 31 is a nozzle filter made of cellulose acetate and has a length of between about 7 mm and about 10 mm. The removable cap 30 can be enclosed by a tipping paper (not shown).

The structure of the removable cap 30 is shown in more detail in FIG. The tubular sheath 32 comprises an inner tube 35 made of an aluminum foil having a thickness of about 20 microns. An outer tube 36 is mounted concentrically outside the inner tube 35 and formed of cardboard having a thickness of about 0.2 mm. The tubular sheath 32 abuts against one side of the filter 31 and the two elements are encased by the filter paper 33.

In the first configuration of the smoking article, the removable cap 30 is attached to the mouth end 21 of the rod 20, as shown in Fig. 1. In the first configuration, the mouth end 21 of the rod 20 is received within the tubular sheath 32 of the removable cap 30, To form a smoking article. The removable cap 30 and the stem 20 are retained in the first configuration by an interference fit between the outer surface of the stem 20 and the inner surface of the tubular sheath 32.

To consume the smoking article, the user ignites the flammable heat source 50 and then draws air through the smoking article 10 by suction at the mouth end 38 of the removable cap 30. The temperature in the heat source 50 rises and the heat energy passes through the aerosol-forming substrate 55 by processes such as conduction and convection. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate passes along the transfer member 60, passes through the filter 31 and is inhaled by the user.

The user repeatedly sucks and squirts the smoking article and consumes the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate 55.

When the smoking article has been exhausted, the removable cap 30 is detached from the stem 20 by sliding the stem 20 out of the tubular sheath 32, as shown in FIG.

The removable cap 30 is then attached to the distal end 22 of the stem 20 in the second configuration of the smoking article 10, as shown in FIG. In the second configuration, the distal end 22 of the stem 2 is received within the tubular sheath 32 of the removable cap 30 and the distal end 22 of the stem 2 is covered by the removable cap 30.

In the second configuration, the front portion of the combustible heat source 50 can contact the filter 31. Thermal energy radiated from the flammable heat source 50 and conducted is diffused over the tubular sheath 32 by the thermally conductive aluminum foil inner tube 35 of the tubular sheath 32. This prevents hot spots from forming on the removable cap 30.

In the second configuration, the thermally insulating outer tube 36 of the tubular sheath 32 of the removable cap 30 isolates the outer surface of the smoking article 10 from the heat of the combustible heat source 50. In the second configuration, the removable cap 30 promotes the abandonment of the smoking article 10. More preferably, the smoking article 10 in the second structure can be ignited without His material was abandoned under obvious risks.

A second embodiment of the smoking article according to the present invention is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The smoking article 100 of the second specific embodiment includes two members, a rod 120 and a removable cap 130.

The rod 120 includes an aerosol-forming substrate 155 that is wrapped in a cigarette paper 160 to form a rod 120. The aerosol-forming substrate 155 is tobacco, and the rod 120 is an effective conventional filterless cigarette. The rod 120 has a mouth end 121 that is closest to the mouth of the user when the smoking article is consumed, and a distal end 122 that is at the opposite end of the mouth end 121 of the rod 120. The removable cap 130 is the same as the removable cap (symbol 30) described in the first embodiment of the present invention in Figures 1 to 4. In the first configuration, the mouth end 121 of the rod 120 is received within the tubular sheath 32 of the removable cap 30 to form the smoking article 100.

To consume the smoking article 100, the user places the mouth end 138 of the removable cap 130 in the user's mouth. The distal end 122 of the rod 120 is then ignited and the user draws air through the smoking article. A portion of the tobacco 155 at the distal end 122 of the rod 120 is partially burned and becomes a heat source 150 for forming an inhalable aerosol from the tobacco 155.

The user consumes the smoking article 100 by smoking and smoking on the mouth end 138 of the removable cap 130. An inhalable aerosol is created within the rod 120 through the filter 131 of the removable cap 130 and inhaled by the user. Each continuous jet of smoke causes the burning liner or char lining 190 to move downstream to the new unburned tobacco 155. As a result, the rod 120 becomes shorter at each puff.

Once the smoking article 100 has been exhausted, the removable cap 130 is removed from the remainder of the rod 120. The removable cap 130 is then linked to The distal end 122 of the rod 120 in the second configuration of the smoking article 100, where the heat source 150 is covered, as shown in FIG.

As described above, in the second configuration, heat from the heat source 150 is diffused by the heat conducting layer of the tubular sheath 132. The heat conducting layer of the tubular sheath 132 serves to prevent the surface of the smoking article from becoming too hot. Moreover, the removable cap 130 can eliminate or limit the supply of oxygen to the heat source 150 and thus assist in quenching the heat source 150. In addition, the cap 130 can be removed as a container for any residual soot associated with the heat source 150 and mitigates the potential for soot to pose a potential fire risk. The removable cap 130 can also encase any unpleasant odor that can be emitted from the heat source 150 when the heat source 150 is extinguished.

The above examples are illustrative only and not limiting of the invention. Other embodiments consistent with the above-described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above-described embodiments.

10‧‧‧Smoking

20‧‧‧ pole

30‧‧‧Removable cap

31‧‧‧ Filter

32‧‧‧Tubular sheath

38‧‧‧Removable caps

40‧‧‧ cigarette paper

50‧‧‧Combustible heat source

55‧‧‧Aerosol forming substrate

60‧‧‧Transfer components

Claims (15)

A smoking article comprising: a rod having a first end and a second end; a flammable heat source located at or near the second end of the rod; a removable cap that is removably coupled And to the first end and the second end of the rod, wherein in the first aspect of the smoking article, the removable cap is coupled to the first end of the rod such that air can be drawn from the rod Suction through the removable cap; and in a second aspect of the article of smoking, the removable cap is coupled to the second end of the stem such that the second end is at least substantially covered by the removable cap In the second aspect, the removable cap facilitates the smoking article to be discarded after use; and wherein the removable cap includes a thermally insulating material for attaching the removable cap to the stem At the second end, the flammable heat source is thermally isolated. The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the removable cap comprises a tubular sheath sized to receive both the first end and the second end of the rod such that the removable cap is attached to Any one of the first end and the second end of the rod. A smoking article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rod comprises an aerosol-forming substrate between its first end and its second end. A smoking article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rod comprises a tobacco-containing material. Such as the smoking article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable cover The cap includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of non-combustible materials, flame retardant materials, and thermally conductive materials. The smoking article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular sheath is formed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum foil, graphite, phase change material, and foam, or It is lined. The smoking article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable cap comprises a filter mounted to be coupled to the first end of the rod in the first aspect when the removable cap is attached Air can be drawn from the rod through the filter. A removable cap for a smoking article, wherein the cap is removably attachable to a first end and a second end of the stem, the stem comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a second at or near the stem a flammable heat source at the end to form a smoking article, wherein the cap is configured such that when joined to the first end of the rod, air is drawn from the rod through the cap and when joined to the second end of the rod, The cap facilitates disposal of the smoking article after use, wherein the removable cap includes a thermally insulating material for thermally isolating the flammable heat source when the removable cap is attached to the second end of the stem. A removable cap according to clause 8 of the patent application, comprising a tubular sheath sized to receive both the first end and the second end of the rod such that the removable cap can be coupled to the Any one of the first end of the rod and the second end. A removable cap according to claim 8 or 9, comprising one or more materials selected from the group consisting of non-combustible materials, flame retardant materials, and thermally conductive materials. A removable cap according to claim 9 wherein the tubular sheath is formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum foil, graphite, phase change material, and foam, or Lined up. A removable cap, such as a thermochromic material or pigment, as claimed in claim 8 or 9. A use of a removable cap according to any one of claims 8 to 11 when the removable cap is joined to the first end of a rod comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a flammable heat source It acts as a mouthpiece, and when the removable cap is attached to the second end of the stem, it acts as a means of facilitating the abandonment of the rod after use of the rod by thermally isolating the flammable heat source. A method of using a smoking article, the smoking article comprising a rod having a first end and a second end and a removable cap coupled to the first end of the rod, the rod comprising a second end located at or near the rod a flammable heat source, and the removable cap comprises a thermally insulating material; the method comprising the steps of: applying a heat source to the second end of the rod; drawing air from the rod through the removable cap; from the rod The first end removes the removable cap; and joins the removable cap to the second end of the stem such that the second end of the stem is at least substantially covered by the removable cap and the flammable The heat source is thermally isolated by the thermally insulating material of the removable cap. A method of promoting the disposal of a smoking article after use, the smoking article comprising a rod comprising a flammable heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate, the method comprising: providing a removable cap having a thermally insulating material, the removable capping system Removably coupled to the first end of the rod such that air can be drawn from the rod through the rod; and removably coupled to the second end of the rod such that the flammable heat source is at least substantially The cap is removed and thermally isolated by the thermally insulating material of the removable cap.