US20230105451A1

US20230105451A1 - Paper Forming a Cavity Between a Tobacco Rod and a Filter Segment

Info

Publication number: US20230105451A1
Application number: US17/914,125
Authority: US
Inventors: Oleksandr Zhurba; Leonid Tskhay
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2020-03-30
Filing date: 2021-03-26
Publication date: 2023-04-06
Also published as: WO2021198104A1; CN115334912A; EP4125448A1; JP2023519411A; KR20220160617A

Abstract

The invention relates to a Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction with at least one tobacco segment, at least one cooling tube and a filter comprising an upstream hollow filter segment and a downstream filled filter segment. The filter segments are wrapped with at least one first combining wrapper. The cooling tube and the filter are surrounded by a second combining wrapper or tipping paper extending partially on the tobacco segment to attach the filter and cooling tube to the tobacco segment. The cooling tube is formed between the filter and the tobacco segment by the first combining wrapper, which surrounds the filter and forms a cavity between the tobacco segment and the filter to provide a cavity that extends a length beyond the upstream hollow filter segment. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing one or two heat-not-burn smoking constructions.

Description

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction as for example a cigarette with at least one tobacco segment, at least one cooling tube and a filter comprising at least an upstream hollow filter segment and a downstream filled filter segment adjacent to the hollow filter segment. The filter segments are wrapped with at least one first combining wrapper. The cooling tube and the filter are preferably surrounded by a second combining wrapper. The cooling tube is formed between the filter and the tobacco segment by the first combining wrapper, which surrounds the filter and forms a cavity between the tobacco segment and the filter. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing one or two heat-not-burn smoking constructions.
Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, are widespread consumer goods. Generally, cigarettes consist out of at least two parts, a filter part and tobacco part. The tobacco is often formed as a rod surrounded by paper material to keep the tobacco in shape. Typically, the tobacco rod and the filter are attached to one another and held together by a tipping paper.
Generally similar constructions can also be used for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). They come with the need and possibility for novel tobacco products, wherein the tobacco is heated but not burned. Those heat not burn constructions are used in a combination with electronic device providing a heater. The smoke, which will be generated by the heater in combination with the tobacco part of the construction is directed through a filter and to the mouth of a consumer.
However, as the hot smoke must be cooled down, there is a need for Heat-Not-Burn constructions to be more complex than conventional combustible cigarettes. Therefore many Heat-Not-Burn articles consist of special filter elements, tubular elements such as paper tubes, the tobacco part and a wrapper to combine these parts. Moreover, the tobacco needs to be especially prepared for use with an electronic heater.
The complexity of Heat-Not-Burn articles causes high production costs as the different parts have to be produced in different steps and combined in further steps. Additionally, due to the special and/or additional elements e.g. the tubular elements or special filters, the production costs of Heat-Not-Burn articles are much higher in relation to conventional combustible smoking articles.
It is therefore the objective of the invention to reduce production costs of Heat-Not-Burn articles by providing a Heat-Not-Burn article with a reduced complexity.
The afore mentioned problems/drawbacks are solved/eliminated by a Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction, wherein the smoking construction extends in a length direction and comprises a longitudinal axis, along which at least one tobacco segment comprising tobacco, at least one cooling tube and a filter comprising at least two adjacent filter segments. The filter segments are wrapped with at least one first combining wrapper. The cooling tube and the filter being surrounded by a second combining wrapper or tipping paper extending partially on the tobacco segment to attach the filter and cooling tube to the tobacco segment.
The filter segments are preferably an upstream hollow filter segment and a downstream filled filter segment adjacent the hollow filter segment.
The afore mentioned problems are also eliminated by a Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction, wherein the smoking construction extends in a length direction and comprising a longitudinal axis, along which at least one tobacco segment comprising tobacco, at least one cooling tube and a filter comprising at least a filter segment, preferably two adjacent filter segments. The filter segment or segments are wrapped with at least one first combining wrapper. The cooling tube and the filter being surrounded by a second combining wrapper or tipping paper extending partially on the tobacco segment to attach the filter and cooling tube to the tobacco segment.
The filter segments are preferably an upstream hollow filter segment and a downstream filled filter segment adjacent the hollow filter segment. When the filter is a single filter segment, the filter segment is preferably a filled filter segment.
Since the tobacco segment is attached to the wrapped filter by the second combining paper, the tobacco segment is not wrapped by the first combining wrapper. The first combining paper is preferably adjacent to the tobacco segment.
The cooling tube is formed between the filter and the tobacco segment by the first combining wrapper, which surrounds the filter and forms a cavity between the tobacco segment and the filter that extends along a certain length beyond the filter, in particular beyond the upstream hollow filter segment.
Preferably, the first combining wrapper and the filter and/or at least two filter segments form a recess dual filter comprising at least one recess at the filter and/or at least one of the filter segments. Ideally, the upstream hollow filter segment comprises a tubular part which forms an extension of the cooling tube. Such a construction with the cooling tube guarantees that the hot smoke cools down before it reaches a mouth of a consumer. Moreover, materials which are needed for the production of separate paper tubes can be saved so that the overall production costs are reduced.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and/or second combining wrapper comprises a paper, carton and/or cardboard material so that the tube is protected against mechanical stress. In a preferred embodiment, the paper, carton or cardboard material has a weight higher than 60 gsm, preferably higher than 75 gsm, preferably higher than 90 gsm and/or a weight lower than 200 gsm, preferably lower than 150 gsm, preferably lower than 125 gsm.
Preferably, the first combining wrapper is thicker and/or has a higher basis weight than the second combining wrapper. The second combining wrapper is also longer than the first combining wrapper.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and/or second combining wrapper is labelled and/or printed to provide important information e.g. to the use or the origin of the Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction.
It is further conceivable that the cooling tube comprises a paper material. Preferably, the tube comprises just one layer or a small number e.g. two, three or more layers of paper material. The paper material may comprise a paper or cardboard material to provide a higher stiffness and/or mechanical protection of the tube.
According to a preferred embodiment, the cooling tube extends along a longitudinal axis in a length larger than 15 mm, preferably larger than 20 mm, preferably larger than 25 mm, preferably larger than 32 mm and/or smaller than 45 mm, preferably smaller than 40 mm, preferably smaller than 37 mm. Ideally, the cooling tube extends along a length between 10 mm and 25 mm and especially a length larger than 20 mm. Preferably the cooling tube extends along a length larger than 10 mm. This way, a cooling distance through the cooling tube is sufficient to cool down the hot smoke.
In a preferred embodiment, a length of the cooling tube is shorter than a length of the first combining wrapper (or respectively the first paper wrapper). The length of the cooling tube may be equal to the distance between the filter and especially the upstream hollow filter segment and the tobacco segment. The cooling tube is then protected against mechanical stress by the material of the combining wrapper.
In a preferred embodiment, the cooling tube forms an empty cavity. In another embodiment, the cooling tube, preferably cavity, is filled with a filler material such as fibers or insert. The fibers may be made of natural material e.g. cellulose fibers, plant fibers or the like. It is also possible that the cavity is filled with a heat absorbing material. The cavity and/or a filled cavity beneficially cools down the hot stream to a level comfortable for a consumer. A filled cavity may also stabilize the cooling tube.
In a further preferred embodiment, a length of the cavity is larger than or equal to a length of the filter. Preferably, the length of the cavity is equal to the length of the cooling tube. Ideally, the filter extends along a length larger than 8 mm, preferably larger than 10 mm, preferably larger than 12 mm and/or smaller than 22 mm, preferably smaller than 20 mm, preferably smaller than 17 mm. Preferably, the upstream hollow filter segment and/or the downstream filled filter segment extends along a length larger than 3 mm, preferably larger than 5 mm, preferably larger than 7 mm and/or smaller than 12 mm, preferably smaller than 10 mm, preferably smaller than 8 mm.
Ideally, the upstream hollow filter segment and/or the downstream filled filter segment extends along a length of between 6 mm and 9 mm. A length of the cooling tube and the tubular part in combination is then of sufficient length to cool down the hot stream on its way through the Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction.
In another preferred embodiment, the length of the cooling tube is larger or equal to a length of the tobacco segment. Ideally, the length of the cooling tube is larger or equal to a length of the tobacco segment to provide enough space for the hot smoke within the cooling tube. Preferably, the tobacco segment extends along a length larger than 10 mm, preferably larger than 15 mm, preferably larger than 20 mm and/or smaller than 40 mm, preferably smaller than 30 mm, preferably smaller than 25 mm. In an example, the length of the filter is equal to the length of the cooling tube and equal to the length of the tobacco segment. For example, the same length for the three parts is about 20 mm.
In another embodiment, the length of the cavity and/or the cooling tube is larger than the length of one filter segment and/or the filter. A length of the cooling tube and the tubular part in combination is then of sufficient length to cool down the hot stream on its way through the Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction.
According to a preferred embodiment, a length of the second combining wrapper is larger than the length of the filter and the length of the cooling tube together. Ideally, the length of the second combining wrapper is equal to or smaller than a length of the tobacco segment, the length of the filter and the length of the cooling tube all together. The length of the second combining wrapper may be larger than a length of the first combining wrapper. Preferably, the length of the second combining wrapper is larger than 30 mm, preferably larger than 35 mm, preferably larger than 40 mm and/or smaller than 60 mm, preferably smaller than 55 mm, preferably smaller than 50 mm.
It is further conceivable that the length of the first combining wrapper is equal to a length of the filter and the length of the cooling tube and/or the cavity together. Preferably, the length of the first combining wrapper is larger than 25 mm, preferably larger than 30 mm, preferably larger than 35 mm and/or smaller than 50 mm, preferably smaller than 45 mm, preferably smaller than 40 mm. Such arrangement guarantees a sufficient stiffness of the first and second wrapper in combination that protects the Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction.
According to the invention, the second combining wrapper overlaps the first combining wrapper. In a preferred embodiment, the second combining wrapper overlaps the first combining wrapper along at least a part of the length of the first combining wrapper. Ideally, the second combining wrapper completely overlaps the first combining wrapper. Such arrangement guarantees a sufficient stiffness of the first and second wrapper in combination that protects the Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction.
In a preferred embodiment, at least one ventilation hole and preferably several ventilation holes are provided in the cooling tube. Ideally, the ventilation holes are arranged in line one behind the other and in particular this line is arranged circumferentially around the cooling tube. It may be possible that the cooling tube or rather the smoking construction comprises one or more e.g. two or three lines of ventilation holes, wherein the lines may be arranged next to each other. One or more lines of ventilation holes may be arranged lengthwise on the cooling tube or rather the smoking construction. Ideally, the ventilation holes break through the first and/or the second combining wrapper. Preferably, the ventilation holes form a fluid connection from an outside of the smoking construction to an inner compartment of the cooling tube. Ventilation holes provide an air or gas supply to support the cooling of the hot stream. In a preferred embodiment, the ventilation holes may be produced by lasering through the material of the first and second combining wrappers.
In a preferred embodiment, the filled filter segment comprises acetate or paper tow. The filled filter segment is generally a tow of fiber or filaments gathered and formed into a rod. Preferably, the hollow filter segment also comprises acetate. The acetate may comprise cellulose acetate and in particular cellulose acetate fibers. Ideally, the acetate of the hollow filter segment has a higher density than the acetate of the filled filter segment to ensure that the hot stream from the tobacco segment is mainly directed through the tubular part of the hollow filter segment to the filled filter segment. It may be possible that the acetate of the hollow filter segment has a lower or equal density than the acetate of the filled filter segment. The acetate and especially the cellulose acetate fibers of at least one of the filter segments provide a good filtration ability of the smoke. In a possible alternative the filter segments comprise paper tow.
In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco segment comprises reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco segment may also comprise strands of tobacco sheets, whole tobacco leafs and/or shredded tobacco. It is possible that the strands of tobacco sheets and/or the shredded tobacco particles are oriented or randomly oriented. Preferably, the strands of tobacco sheets, whole tobacco leafs and/or shredded tobacco are surrounded by a sheet comprising reconstituted tobacco. The sheet may be larger than a diameter of the tobacco segment. Ideally, the tobacco segment is completely made of reconstituted tobacco. The use of reconstituted tobacco provides a good adjustment of physical properties of the tobacco segment and reduces production costs.
In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco comprises strands of tobacco sheet and/or folded sheets comprising tobacco powder and/or preferably more than wt. 5% of aerosol generating agent. The tobacco preferably comprises more than wt. 5% glycerin, preferably more than wt. 8% of glycerin, preferably more than wt. 10% of glycerin. Such amounts of glycerin help to keep the tobacco moist and formable.
Suitable aerosol generating agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol.
In a preferred embodiment, the cooling tube comprises a tubular reinforcement material. Preferably the tubular reinforcement material comprises materials which are particularly stable against moisture, aerosol and/or vape. It is conceivable that the tubular reinforcement material comprises cardboard. In an example the tubular reinforcement material is preferably provided as a tubular part for being attached to the filter, preferably the hollow filter segment.
It is also conceivable to provide the tubular reinforcement material as additional wrapping. In this case, it is possible to wrap the reinforcement material to a tubular shape and attach this to the filter, preferably hollow filter segment, with a first combining wrapper.
The objective is also reached by a method for manufacturing a heat-not-burn smoking construction with the steps:

- Providing a tobacco segment and at least a filter formed of at least two filter segments,
- Wrapping the first filter with a first combining wrapper to obtain a first wrapped filter, wherein a cooling tube is formed as a cavity surrounded by the first combining wrapper, wherein a length of the tube is longer than a length of the first filter to create a cooling cavity at at least one side of the wrapped filter,
- Wrapping the first wrapped filter and at least a part of the tobacco segment with a second combining wrapper such that the cavity is situated between the filter and the tobacco segment.

In first step, the tobacco segment comprises at least a first filter, which is preferably formed of at least two filter segments and in particular two different filter segments, and especially at least one of an upstream hollow filter segment and a downstream filled filter segment. Ideally, the filled filter segment will be arranged adjacent to the hollow filter segment so that smoke can be directed through the hollow filter segment and subsequently through the filled filter segment.
A next step provides the wrapping of the upstream hollow filter segment and the downstream filled filter segment with a first combining wrapper to produce the first wrapped filter and the cooling tube. Ideally, the hollow filter segment will be positioned between the cooling tube and the filled filter segment. A length of the cooling tube is preferably longer than a length of the first filter to create a cooling cavity in the form of the cooling tube at at least one side of the wrapped filter. Preferably, the filter segments will be wrapped with the first wrapper and the cooling cavity, especially in the form of the cooling tube is formed by the first wrapper. Ideally, the cooling tube and the first wrapped filter will be surrounded by a second combining wrapper or tipping paper to provide a good protection against mechanical stress.
A next step provides the wrapping of the first (wrapped) filter and at least a part of the tobacco segment with the second combining wrapper such that the cavity and especially the cooling tube is situated between the filter and the tobacco segment and possibly more specifically, between the hollow filter segment and the tobacco segment. The tobacco segment may be wrapped completely with the second combining wrapper. The second combining wrapper provides a good attachment of the first wrapped filter with the cooling tube and the tobacco segment.
In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises an additional step of wrapping the first and a second filter with a first combining wrapper to obtain a double length wrapped filter. The double length tube is formed between the first and second filter. Moreover, the length of the double length tube is equal to or longer than a length of the first and second filter together to create a cooling cavity between the first and second filter. Producing a double length wrapped filter reduces the production steps and therefore also the production costs.
In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises an additional step of cutting the double length wrapped filter to create a first and a second wrapped filter comprising a first cooling tube and a second cooling tube. With a first and a second wrapped filter two smoking constructions can be produced.
In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises an additional step of wrapping a double length filled filter segment and two hollow filter segments with a double length first combining wrapper to obtain a double length wrapped filter. Ideally, the length of the double length first combining wrapper extends a length of the double length filled filter segment and of the two hollow filter segments together to obtain two cavities, which form cooling tubes, which in particular are formed by the double length first combining wrapper. At least one of the two hollow filter segments may be arranged at, and especially adjacent to an end of the double length filled filter segment. At least one of the two cooling tubes are arranged at, and especially adjacent to one of the hollow filter segments. At least one of the hollow filter segments may be positioned between a cooling tube and the double length first filter.
In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises an additional step of cutting the double length wrapped filter to create a first and a second wrapped filter. Preferably the double length wrapped filter is cut in the middle of the double length filled filter segment to create a first and a second wrapped filter. A length of the first wrapped filter may be equal to a length of the second wrapped filter. With a first and a second wrapped filter two smoking constructions can be produced.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and/or second combining wrapper are formed with properties as described above.
The objective is also reached by a method for manufacturing two heat-not-burn smoking constructions with the steps:

- Providing a tobacco segment and at least a first and a second wrapped filter according to the description above,
- Placing the tobacco segment between the first and second wrapped filter, wherein the cooling tube of each filter is positioned between the tobacco segment and a filter segment of each wrapped filter,
- Wrapping each of the first and second wrapped filter and at least two separate parts of the tobacco segment with two separate second combining wrappers or wrapping the tobacco segment and the first and second wrapped filter with one common combining wrapper to create a double length smoking construction, wherein the cavity of each wrapped filter are created between each filter and the tobacco segment,
- Cutting the double length smoking construction at a middle of the tobacco segment to create two smoking constructions.

The tobacco segment is preferably dimensioned for two heat-not-burn smoking constructions. The cutting of the double length smoking constructions is done in the middle of the tobacco segment.
Ideally, for wrapping the first and/or second wrapped filter the first combining wrapper as described above is used. The method of the production of two smoking constructions enables the production of two smoking constructions in one production line or rather one production process so that production costs will be reduced in comparison with a separate production of two individual smoking constructions.
Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the appended figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

The figures show:

FIG. 1 Schematic view of the smoking construction and its components;

FIG. 2 Chart of the method for manufacturing a heat-not-burn smoking construction;

FIG. 3 Cross-sectional view of the double length filter with a double length cooling tubes;

FIG. 4 Cross-sectional view of the double length filter with a double length filled filter segment;

FIG. 5 a Cross-sectional view of the double length smoking construction with a double length filled filter segment;

FIG. 5 b Cross-sectional view of the double length smoking construction with a double length tobacco segment.

In FIG. 1 a smoking construction 1 with a tobacco segment 10, a cooling tube 20, an upstream hollow filter segment 30, a downstream filled filter segment 40, a first combining wrapper 50 and a second combining wrapper 60 is shown. Along a longitudinal axis 3, the tobacco segment 10, the cooling tube 20, the hollow filter segment 30 and the filled filter segment are arranged. Ideally, these components are arranged adjacent to each other, especially in said sequence and in particular one behind the other.
Preferably, the first combining wrapper 50 is arranged such that it surrounds the hollow filter segment 30 and the filled filter segment 40 such that a wrapped filter is formed. The wrapped first combining wrapper 50 forms a cavity 20 a such that the cooling tube, is formed wherein the cooling tube is defined by the cavity 20 a and the surrounding first combining wrapper 50.
The hollow filter segment 30 comprises a tubular part 31, wherein the tubular part is ideally arranged such that it is arranged adjacent to cooling tube 20 and in particular such that the tubular part 31 defines an extension of the cooling tube 20.
The second combining wrapper 60 may be arranged such that it at least partially, preferably completely overlaps the first combining wrapper 50. Moreover, the second combining wrapper 60 is preferably arranged such that it surrounds the wrapped filter and at least a part of the tobacco segment 10, wherein the second combining wrapper 60 preferably attaches the tobacco segment 10 and the wrapped filter. The cooling tube 20 in the form of the cavity 20 a may be arranged between the tobacco segment 10 and the hollow filter segment 30 or the filled segment 40. The filled filter segment 40 is preferably arranged adjacent to the hollow filter segment 30 and in particular at a proximal end of the smoking construction 1, wherein the hollow filter segment 30 is ideally arranged between the cooling tube 20 and the filled filter segment 40.
All components and especially the tobacco segment 10, the cooling tube 20, the hollow filter segment 30 and the filled filter segment 40 are arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis 3. Ideally, the first combining wrapper 50 circumferentially encloses the cooling tube 20, the hollow filter segment 30 and the filled filter segment 40 to form the wrapped filter. The second combining wrapper 60 may circumferentially encloses the wrapped filter and at least a part of the tobacco segment 10.
The first 50 and/or second combining wrapper 60 comprises a paper, carton, cardboard material and/or aluminium foil, acetate cellulose film which preferably has a weight higher than 60 gsm, preferably higher than 75 gsm, preferably higher than 90 gsm and/or a weight preferably lower than 200 gsm, preferably lower than 150 gsm, preferably lower than 125 gsm.
The filled filter segment 30 and/or the hollow filter segment 40 may comprise acetate and preferably cellulose acetate fibers. Ideally, the acetate of the filled filter segment 40 has a lower density than the acetate of the hollow filter segment 30.
The cavity 20 a may be filled with a filler material such as fibers, which are preferably made of natural material e.g. cellulose fibers, plant fibers or the like. It may also be possible that the cavity 20 a is filled with a heat absorbing material.
The tobacco segment 10 may comprise reconstituted tobacco, preferably random oriented strands of tobacco sheets, whole tobacco leafs and/or shredded tobacco. Ideally, the tobacco segment comprises tobacco powder and/or at least one, preferably more sheets, which comprise reconstituted tobacco and/or more than wt. 5% of glycerin, preferably more than wt. 8% of glycerin, preferably more than wt. 10% of glycerin.
Preferably a length of the tobacco segment 100, of the cooling tube 70, in particular in the form of the cavity 20 a, of the hollow filter segment 91, of the filled filter segment 40, of the filter comprising one or both filter segments 90, of the wrapped filter 110 comprising the filter and the cooling tube 20, of the first combining wrapper 80, of the second combining wrapper 120 and of the smoking construction 130 extends in the length direction. The length of the filter 90 may define a combined length of the length of the hollow filter segment 91 and the length of the filled filter segment 40. Further, the length of the wrapped filter 110 and/or the length of the first combining wrapper 80 defines a combined length of the length of the hollow filter segment 91, the length of the filled filter segment 40 and the length of the cooling tube 70. The length of the cooling tube may be larger than the length of the cavity 20 a, which is positioned in the cooling tube.
The length of the tobacco segment 100 may be larger than, smaller than or equal to the length of the cooling tube 70. Ideally, the length of the tobacco segment 100 is equal to the length of the cooling tube 70. The length of the tobacco segment 100 may be larger, smaller or equal to the length of the filter 90. Preferably, the length of the tobacco segment 100 is smaller than the length of the filter 90. The length of the tobacco segment 100 may be larger, smaller or equal to the length of the hollow 91 or filled filter segment 92. Ideally, the length of the tobacco segment 100 is larger than the length of the hollow 91 or filled filter segment 92. The length of the tobacco segment 100 may be larger than, smaller than or equal to the length wrapped filter 110 and/or the first combining wrapper 80. Ideally, the length of the tobacco segment 100 is smaller than the length wrapped filter 110 and/or the first combining wrapper 80.
The length of the cooling tube 70 and/or the cavity 20 a may be larger than, smaller than or equal to the length of the filter 90. Ideally, the length of the cooling tube 70 and/or the cavity 20 a is larger than the length of the filter 90. The length of the cooling tube 70 and/or the cavity 20 a may be larger than, smaller than or equal to the length of the hollow 91 and/or filled filter segment 92. Ideally, the length of the cooling tube 70 and/or the cavity 20 a is smaller than the length of the hollow 91 and/or filled filter segment 92. The length of the cooling tube 70 and/or the cavity 20 a may also be smaller than the first 80 and/or the second combining wrapper 80 and especially smaller than the length of the second combining wrapper 120.
The length of the hollow filter segment 91 may be larger than, smaller than or equal to the length of the filled filter segment 92. Ideally, the length of the hollow filter segment 91 is smaller than the length of the filled filter segment 92. Further, the length of the smoking construction 130 may be larger than or equal to the length of the second combining wrapper 120, wherein the length of the first combining wrapper 80 may be smaller than or equal to the length of the second combining wrapper 120.
The length of the tobacco segment is preferably larger than 10 mm, preferably larger than 15 mm, preferably larger than 20 mm and/or smaller than 40 mm, preferably smaller than 30 mm, preferably smaller than 25 mm. The length of the cooling tube 70 may be larger than 15 mm, preferably larger than 25 mm, preferably larger than 32 mm and/or smaller than 45 mm, preferably smaller than 40 mm, preferably smaller than 37 mm. Ideally, the length of the cooling tube 70 is between 10 mm and 25 mm and especially larger than 20 mm, preferably larger than 10 mm. Ideally, the length of the filter 90 is larger than 8 mm, preferably larger than 10 mm, preferably larger than 12 mm and/or smaller than 22 mm, preferably smaller than 20 mm, preferably smaller than 17 mm.
Moreover, the length of the hollow filter segment 91 and/or the filled filter segment 92 is larger than 3 mm, preferably larger than 5 mm, preferably larger than 7 mm and/or smaller than 12 mm, preferably smaller than 10 mm, preferably smaller than 8 mm. Ideally, the length of the first combining wrapper 80 and/or of the wrapped filter 110 is larger than 25 mm, preferably larger than 30 mm, preferably larger than 35 mm and/or smaller than 50 mm, preferably smaller than 45 mm, preferably smaller than 40 mm. Preferably, the length of the second combining wrapper 120 and/or the of the smoking construction is larger than 30 mm, preferably larger than 35 mm, preferably larger than 40 mm and/or smaller than 60 mm, preferably smaller than 55 mm, preferably smaller than 50 mm. Ideally, the length of the smoking construction is larger than 35 mm, preferably larger than 45 mm, preferably larger than 50 mm and/or smaller than 70 mm, preferably smaller than 65 mm, preferably smaller than 60 mm.
The smoking construction preferably comprises ventilation holes 5, which are arranged at the cooling tube 70. Ideally, the ventilation holes 5 are arranged in line one behind the other and in particular this line is arranged circumferentially around the cooling tube 70. The line of ventilation holes 5 may also be arranged perpendicular to the length direction 2. The smoking construction may also comprise one or more e.g. two or three lines of ventilation holes 5, which may be arranged next to each other. Ideally, the ventilation holes 5 break through the first and/or the second combining wrapper in a radial direction and in particular in a direction perpendicular to the length direction 2.
FIG. 2 shows a chart illustrating the method 200 for manufacturing a heat-not-burn smoking construction 1. In a first step 201, at least one, preferably two tobacco segments 10 are provided, wherein the tobacco segments 10 may be formed as described above. In a further step 202, at least one first filter is formed, wherein the first filter ideally comprises at least two and preferably exactly two filter segments. Preferably, the first filter comprises the hollow filter segment 30 and the filled filter segment 40.
In a next step 203, the first filter is wrapped with a first combining wrapper to obtain a first wrapped filter, wherein the cooling tube may be formed as a cavity 20 a that is surrounded by the first combining wrapper 50. Ideally, the length of the cooling tube 70 is longer than the length of the first filter 90 to create the cavity 20 a at at least one side of the first wrapped filter. It is possible that the first combining wrapper 50, the cooling tube 20, the hollow filter segment 30 and/or the filled filter segment are arranged as described above and/or formed as described above. The first combining wrapper ideally has a specific weight of 60 gsm, preferably higher than 75 gsm, preferably higher than 90 gsm and/or a weight preferably lower than 200 gsm, preferably lower than 150 gsm, preferably lower than 125 gsm.
The step 203 may comprise an intermediate step 203 a of wrapping the first and a second filter with a double length cooling tube to obtain a double length wrapped filter. The double length tube may be positioned between the first and second filter, wherein ideally the double length cooling tube is positioned between two hollow filter segments 30. Further, the length of the double length tube is preferably longer than a length of the first and second filter together. An optional further intermediate 203 b step provides a cutting of the double length wrapped filter to create a first and a second wrapped filter. In this case, a second tobacco segment may be provided in a step 201 b.
In an alternative step 302 a double length filled filter segment and at least two hollow filter segments 30 are provided and in a further alternative step 303 wrapped together with a double length first combining wrapper to obtain the double length wrapped filter. Ideally, at least one of the hollow filter segments is arranged adjacent to an end of the double length filled filter segment, in particular such the double length filled filter segment is positioned between the hollow filter segments 30. A length of the double length first combining wrapper may be longer than a combined length of the double length filled filter segment and the two hollow filter segments, such that double length first combining wrapper extends beyond the hollow filter segments 30 to form two cavities. The cavities may be surrounded by the double length first combining wrapper and/or form the cooling tubes 20. At least one of the two cooling tubes are arranged at, and especially adjacent to one of the hollow filter segments 30. At least one of the hollow filter segments may be positioned between a cooling tube and the double length first filter.
In a further alternative step 303 b the double length wrapped filter is cut to create a first and a second wrapped filter. Preferably the double length wrapped filter is cut in the middle of the double length filled filter segment to create a first and a second wrapped filter.
In a further step 204 the first and/or a second wrapped filter will each be wrapped together with at least a part of a tobacco segment 10 with a second combining wrapper 60 such that the cavity 20 a or rather the cooling tube 20 is positioned between a filter and the tobacco segment. It is possible that the first combining wrapper 50, the cooling tube 20, the hollow filter segment 30 and/or the filled filter segment 40 are arranged as described above and/or formed as described above.
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the double length filter 4 with a double length cooling tube 20. The shown double length filter 4 construction comprises at least one double length cooling tube 20 or two cooling tubes 20 attached to each other, two hollow filter segments 30, and two filled filter segments 40. The double length filter 4 construction is preferably wrapped in at least one double length first combining wrapper 50. It is also conceivable to use two or more wrappings in the double length filter 4 constructions. Each of the hollow filter segments 30 preferably comprise tubular parts 31. The first filter 4 construction is connected at a middle M to the second filter 4 construction. It is conceivable that the shown double length filter 4 construction comprises a double length cooling tube 20 which is divisible at the middle M in two separate cooling tubes 20. The first separated cooling tube 20 is preferably a part of the double length cooling tube 20 and is connected to the first filter 4 construction. The second separated cooling tube 20 is preferably another part of the double length cooling tube 20 being connected to the second filter 4 construction. Preferably both parts of the double length cooling tube 20 are equal to each other. Preferably two separated filter 4 constructions equal to each other are divisible by cutting the double length filter 4 construction at the middle M, in particular at the middle M of the double length cooling tube 20.
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the double length filter 4 with a double length filled filter segment 40. This example of the double length filter 4 construction is substantially similar to the example shown in FIG. 3 . Preferably the shown double length filter 4 construction comprises at least the double length filled filter segment 40 or two filled filter segments 40 which are attached to each other, two hollow filter segments 30 comprising tubular parts 31 and two cooling tubes 20. The double length filter 4 construction further comprises at least a double length first combining wrapper 50. Similar to the double length filter 4 construction shown in FIG. 3 , the filter 4 construction could also comprise more than one wrapping, preferably two wrappings. It is particularly advantageous for stability of the whole double length filter 4 construction.
The double length filter 4 construction is preferably divisible by cutting at the middle M. Preferably the middle M of the double length filter 4 construction corresponds to the middle M of the double length filled filter segment 40. Also preferably the double length filled filter segment 40 is divisible in two parts. Preferably the first filled filter segment 40 being a part of the double length filled filter segment 40 is connected to the first hollow filter segment 40 and to the first cooling tube 20. Preferably the second filled filter segment 40 being a part of the double length filled filter segment 40 is connected to the second hollow filter segment 40 and to the second cooling tube 20. Preferably both parts of the double length filled filter segments 40 are equal to each other.
The shown double length filter 4 constructions in FIGS. 3 and 4 are preferably attachable to several kinds of smoking constructions 1, preferably to the heat-not-burn smoking constructions.
FIG. 5 a shows a cross-sectional view of the double length smoking construction 1 with a double length filled filter segment 40. Preferably the double length smoking construction 1 comprises at least two filters 4 and two tobacco segments 10. Each of two filters 4 preferably comprises at least a cooling tube 20, a hollow filter segment 30 and a filled filter segment 40. Preferably the hollow filter segments 30 comprise tubular parts 31. The whole double length smoking construction 1 is preferably wrapped at least in a double length first combining wrapper 50 and a double length second combining wrapper 60. As the tobacco segments have their own wrapper before their placement against the double length filter construction, the second combining wrapper 60 may extend partially on the tobacco segments 10 (without extending to the free end of the tobacco segments). It is also conceivable to provide more than two wrappers for this construction 1.
Preferably the double length filled filter segment 40 or the whole filter 4 corresponds to the example shown in FIG. 4 . The double length filled filter segment 40 is preferably divisible at the middle M of the double length smoking construction 1 or the middle M of the double length filled filter segment 40. In particular, the middle M of the double length smoking construction 1 corresponds to the middle M of the double length filled filter segment 40.
FIG. 5 b shows a cross-sectional view of the double length smoking construction 1 with a double length tobacco segment 10. Preferably the double length smoking construction 1 comprises at least two filters 4 and a double length tobacco segment 10. The filters 4 preferably comprise at least a cooling tube 20, a hollow filter segment 30 and a filled filter segment 40. Preferably the hollow filter segments 30 comprise tubular parts 31. The whole double length smoking construction 1 is preferably wrapped at least in two first combining wrapper 50 and a double length second combining wrapper 60. The double length tobacco segment 10 is preferably divisible at the middle M of the double length smoking construction 1 or the middle M of the double length tobacco segment 10. In particular, the middle M of the double length smoking construction 1 corresponds to the middle M of the double length tobacco segment 10. In an alternative, the second combining wrapper 60 can be formed of two separate second combining wrappers separately combining the filters 4 to the double length tobacco segment 10. In this case, the two second combining wrappers 60 do not overlap or extend to the middle M of the double length tobacco segment 10.
Preferably the double length tobacco segment 10 is divided by cutting in two parts. First part of the double length tobacco segment 10 is preferably attached to the first filter 4. Second part of the double length tobacco segment 10 is preferably attached to the second filter 4.
The applicant reserves his right to claim all features disclosed in the application document as being an essential feature of the invention, as long as they are new, individually or in combination, in view of the prior art. Furthermore, it is noted that in the figures features are described, which can be advantageous individually. Someone skilled in the art will directly recognize that a specific feature being disclosed in a figure can be advantageous also without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, someone skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can evolve from a combination of diverse features being disclosed in one or various figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1 Smoking construction
2 Length direction
3 Longitudinal axis
5 Ventilation holes
10 Tobacco segment
20 Cooling tube
20 a Cavity in the cooling tube
30 Hollow filter segment
31 Tubular part of the hollow filter segment
40 Filled filter segment
50 First combining wrapper
60 Second combining wrapper
70 Length of the cooling tube
80 Length of the first combining wrapper
90 Length of the filter
100 Length of the tobacco segment
110 Length of the wrapped filter
120 Length of the second combining wrapper
130 Length of the smoking construction
200 Method of producing the smoking construction
201 Providing the tobacco segment
201 b Providing a second tobacco segment
202 Providing a filter
203 Wrapping at least one filter and creating the cooling tube
203 a Creating a double length wrapped filter
203 b Cutting the double length filter
204 Wrapping a wrapped filter and the tobacco segment
302 Providing a double length filled filter segment
303 Wrapping the double length filled filter segment and two hollow filter segments
303 b Cutting a double length wrapped filter
M Middle of the double length filter/Middle of the double length smoking construction

Claims

1. A Heat-Not-Burn smoking construction, wherein the smoking construction extends in a length direction and comprises a longitudinal axis, along which at least one tobacco segment comprising tobacco is provided, at least one cooling tube, and a filter comprising at least an upstream hollow filter segment and a downstream filled filter segment adjacent to the upstream hollow filter segment, wherein the filter segments are wrapped with at least one first combining wrapper, wherein the cooling tube and the filter are surrounded by a second combining wrapper extending partially on the tobacco segment to attach the filter and the cooling tube to the tobacco segment,

wherein the cooling tube is formed between the filter and the tobacco segment by the first combining wrapper, which surrounds the filter and forms a cavity between the tobacco segment and the filter that extends along a certain length beyond the upstream hollow filter segment.

2. The smoking construction according to claim 1, wherein

the cooling tube comprises a paper material.

3. The smoking construction according to claims 1, wherein

the cooling tube extends along the longitudinal axis and has a length between about 15 mm and about 45 mm.

4. The smoking construction according to claim 1,

wherein

the first combining wrapper is thicker and/or has a higher basis weight than the second combining wrapper.

5. The smoking construction according to claims 1,

wherein the cooling tube forms an empty cavity.

6. The smoking construction according to claims 1,

wherein the length of the cooling tube is larger than or equal to a length of the filter.

7. The smoking construction according to claim 1,

wherein the length of the cooling tube is larger or equal to a length of the tobacco segment.

8. The smoking construction according to claim 1,

wherein ventilation holes are provided in the cooling tube.

9. The smoking construction according to claim 1,

wherein the filled filter segment comprises acetate or paper tow.

10. (canceled)

11. The smoking construction according to claim 1,

wherein the tobacco segment comprises reconstituted tobacco including strands of tobacco sheet and/or folded sheets comprising tobacco powder, and/or more than about wt. 5% of glycerin.

12. The smoking construction according to claims 1,

wherein the cooling tube comprises a tubular reinforcement material.

13. The smoking construction according to claim 2,

wherein the paper material has a weight higher than about 60 gsm.

14. The smoking construction according to claim 1,

wherein the cooling tube is filled with a filler material.

15. The smoking construction according to claim 1,

wherein the second combining wrapper overlaps the first combining wrapper along at least a part of the length of the first combining wrapper.

16. The smoking construction according to claim 8,

wherein the ventilation holes are formed by lasering through the first and second combining wrapper.

17. A method for manufacturing a heat-not-burn smoking construction comprising the steps of:

providing a tobacco segment and at least a first filter formed of at least two filter segments;

wrapping the first filter with at least one first combining wrapper to obtain a first wrapped filter wherein a cooling tube is formed as a cavity surrounded by the first combining wrapper, wherein a length of the cooling tube is longer than a length of the first filter creating thereby a cavity at at least one side of the wrapped filter; and

wrapping the first wrapped filter and at least a part of the tobacco segment with a second combining wrapper such that the cavity is situated between the filter and the tobacco segment.

18. The method according to claim 17,

further comprising an additional step of wrapping the first and a second filter with the first combining wrapper to obtain a double length wrapped filter, wherein a double length tube is formed between the first and second filter and wherein the length of the double length tube is equal to or longer than a length of the first and second filter together to create a cooling tube between the first and second filter.

19. The method according to claim 17,

further comprising an additional step of wrapping a double length filled filter segment and two hollow filter segments with a double length first combining wrapper to obtain a double length wrapped filter, wherein the double length first combining wrapper forms two cavities, which form cooling tubes, wherein at least one hollow filter segment is positioned between a cooling tube and the double length first filter.

20. The method according to claim 18,

further comprising an additional step of cutting the double length wrapped filter to create a first and a second wrapped filter comprising a first cooling tube and a second cooling tube.

21. A method for manufacturing two heat-not-burn smoking constructions comprising the steps of:

providing theft tobacco segment and the first and second wrapped filter according to claim 15;

placing the tobacco segment between the first and second wrapped filter such that the cooling tube of each wrapped filter is positioned between the tobacco segment and a filter segment of each wrapped filter;

wrapping each of the first and second wrapped filter and at least two parts of the tobacco segment with two separate second combining wrappers or wrapping the tobacco segment and the first and second wrapped filter with one common combining wrapper to create a double length smoking construction such that the cavity of each wrapped filter is created between each first and second filter and the tobacco segment; and

cutting the double length smoking construction at a middle of the tobacco segment to create two smoking constructions.