US20230248051A1

US20230248051A1 - Flavoring solution

Info

Publication number: US20230248051A1
Application number: US18/302,066
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert MALLERMAN
Original assignee: Advance Applicator Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Advance Applicator Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-19
Filing date: 2023-04-18
Publication date: 2023-08-10
Also published as: GB202016576D0; WO2022084664A1; GB2602245B; GB2602245A

Abstract

A flavoring solution for a smoking article comprising 25 to 55 wt % flavoring agent, 1 to 20 wt % cooling agent, 0.1 to 5 wt % sweetener, and a carrier solvent.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2021/052693, filed Oct. 19, 2021, which claims priority to GB 2016576.7, filed Oct. 19, 2020. These applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The invention disclosed herein relates to a flavoring solution for use in creating a flavored smoking article; a flavor applicator for use in applying a flavoring solution to a smoking article; a flavor applicator containing a flavoring solution for use in applying a flavoring solution to a smoking article and a method of administration thereof.
In particular, the disclosure is concerned with a flavoring solution and a means of applying the same.

BACKGROUND

Flavored smoking articles that provide a variety of different tastes and aromas are known in the art. Historically, tobacco products, such as tobacco cigarettes have been flavored to change the taste of the primary smoke inhaled by the smoker, which provides an enjoyable smoking experience. This flavoring also reduces the impact of secondary smoke on the smoker's surroundings by relatively lessening the smokes smell that may be unpleasant to non-smokers.
As the laws restricting tobacco-based smoking articles increase, there is an increase in consumption of alternative smoking articles, such as cannabis cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, tobacco-free cigarettes, and nicotine-free cigarettes. Users of such smoking articles have a desire to be able to flavor their smoking articles to enjoy the flavored smoking experience.
Previous methods for preparing a flavored smoking article include using flavored filter, tips and cards which smokers can use to prepare their own flavored smoking articles. When a smoking article with a flavored filter tip or a smoking article imparted with a flavor from a card is smoked, the smoke passes through the flavored tip or through the card infused smoking article and flavoring the smoke. However, in the case of such flavored filter tips or card, such a solution is only available to smokers who prepare their own smoking articles.
Alternative flavoring methods are highly desirable, therefore, there is a need for an improved solution to preparing a flavored smoking article.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention there is provided a flavoring solution for use in creating a flavored smoking article, a flavor applicator for use in applying a flavoring solution to a smoking article and a method of administration thereof.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

- a. 25 to 55 wt % flavoring agent;
- b. 1 to 20 wt % cooling agent;
- c. 0.1 to 5 wt % sweetener;
- d. a carrier solvent.

The flavoring solution of the present invention provides an improved smoking experience for the user wherein the user can apply the flavoring solution to a smoking article, such as a pre-rolled or pre-prepared smoking article, in an amount such that a desired flavor can be experienced by the smoker.
The flavoring agent may be selected from any flavoring agent suitable for use in a smoking article. Suitably, the flavoring agent may be any suitable material, or combination of materials, that is capable to create the desired aroma and taste when applied to a smoking article.
The flavoring agent may be a natural material, such as an extract, for example a plant extract, such as a plant extract derived from an herb. The flavoring agent may be a synthetic material which is chemically identical to a natural substance, for example, vanillin, which is a synthesised natural component of vanilla. The flavoring agent may be a synthetic material that is obtained by chemical synthesis or chemical modification of a natural substance which is not present in nature, for example, ethylvanillin, which is a synthetic vanilla flavor agent. The flavoring agent may be a mixture of a natural material and/or a synthetic material.
The flavoring agent may include or simulate the flavor of, for example, fruits (such as strawberry flavor, blueberry flavor, orange flavor, apple flavor, pear flavor, cherry flavor, banana flavor etc.). The flavoring agent may be a fruit aroma flavoring agent, typically a strawberry, blueberry, cherry and/or banana flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may include or simulate the flavor of herbs and spices (such as, for example, cinnamon, aniseed, cloves etc.). The flavoring agent may include or simulate the flavor of tea including black tea, green tea or fruit tea. The flavoring agent may include or simulate the flavor of mint (including spearmint, peppermint, for example).
The flavoring agent may include or simulate the flavor of, for example, herbs or spices. The flavoring agent may be a herbal oil extract. The flavoring agent may be a lavender flavor agent (such as lavender oil extract), a rose flavor agent (such as rose oil extract), and/or a rosemary flavor agent (such as rosemary oil extract).
The flavoring agent may include essential oils. Essential oils may include, but are not limited to, mandarin essential oil, orange essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, lemon essential oil, ylang ylang essential oil, neroli essential oil, bergamot essential oil, licorice essential oil, campanulaceae essential oil, luo han guo essential oil, wild chrysanthemum essential oil, dandelion essential oil, houttuynia essential oil, loquat essential oil, saffron essential oil, clove essential oil, ginseng essential oil and/or osmanthus essential oil.
The flavoring agent may include or simulate combinations of the aforesaid or other flavors. For example, the flavoring agent may include a mixture of a fruit flavor and a herb or spice flavor etc. The flavoring agent may include a mixture of essential oils that may improve the health of the smoker by boosting mood, reducing stress, increasing attentiveness and focus, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, reducing pain, reducing nausea, relieving headaches, and/or increasing energy. The flavoring solution may comprise an effective amount of essential oils to improve the health of the smoker by boosting mood, reducing stress, increasing attentiveness and focus, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, reducing pain, reducing nausea, relieving headaches, and/or increasing energy.
It is understood that flavoring agents that are suitable for use in smoking articles, are flavoring agents that are transferable into to the smoke of the smoking article from the flavoring solution of the present invention.
Typically, the flavoring agent may be 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol (menthol) or a derivative thereof. The flavoring agent may be selected from one or more of group consisting of (−)menthol, (+)-menthol, (+)-isomenthol, (+)-neomenthol, (+)-neoisomenthol, (−)-isomenthol, (−)-neomenthol, (−)-neoisomenthol. Typically, the flavoring agent may be (+)-menthol, or (−)menthol, or a racemic mixture of (+) and (−) menthol.
The flavoring agent may be a solid at room temperature. The flavoring agent may be an oil at room temperature. The flavoring agent may be fully dissolvable in the carrier solvent at room temperature such that the flavoring solutions described herein are solutions. The flavoring agent may be fully dissolvable in ethanol and/or propanol of the flavoring solution.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 25-55 wt % flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise at least 25 wt % of flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at least 30 wt %, such as at least 35 wt %, for example at least 40 wt %, at least 42 wt % or at least 45 wt %. Advantageously, a flavoring solution comprising between 25-55 wt % flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, provides sufficiently high flavoring to a smoking article, and it also stable such that the flavoring agent in the solution does not recrystallize from the solution, even at depressed temperatures, such as storage temperatures.
The flavoring solution may comprise at most 55 wt % of flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at most 52 wt %, such as at most 50 wt %, such as at most 48 wt %.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 25-55 wt % of flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 25-52 wt %, such as between 25-50 wt %, such as between 25-48 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 30-55 wt % of flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 30-52 wt %, such as between 30-50 wt %, such as between 30-48 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 35-55 wt % of flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 35-52 wt %, such as between 35-50 wt %, such as between 35-48 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 40-55 wt % of flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 40-52 wt %, such as between 40-50 wt %, such as between 40-48 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 45-55 wt % of flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 45-52 wt %, such as between 45-50 wt %, such as between 45-48 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 47-55 wt % of flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 47-52 wt %, such as between 47-50 wt %, such as between 47-48 wt %.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 47-48 wt % flavoring agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may contain about 47 wt % flavoring agent.
The flavoring solution as described herein comprises 1-20 wt % cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The cooling agent may be a cold thermosensory agonist, typically a thermoreceptor (TRPV) agonist, for example a TRPM8 or TRPA1 agonist.
The cooling agent advantageously provides a cooling effect to the smoke produced by a smoking article to which the flavoring solution has been applied. Further the cooling agent provides a fresh and clean cooling sensation to the user. The cooling agent may be a cold thermosensory agonist which interacts with the thermoreceptor (TRPV) of the smoker, such that the temperature of the smoke is sensed by the user as cooler, therefore, producing a smoke that is more comfortable to inhale and exhale.
The cooling agent may be selected from any cooling agent suitable for use in a smoking article. Suitably, the cooling agent may be any suitable material, or combination of materials, that is capable to create the desired cooling effect when applied to a smoking article.
The cooling agent may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3); N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5); (1R*,2S*)—N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-12); N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23) and N,2-diethyl-3-methyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-27), typically, N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3); N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5) and N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23), more typically, N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3). Advantageously, a flavoring solution comprising N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3) provides an immediate clean cooling impact at the roof and back of the mouth and back of the tongue to the user of a smoking article flavored with said flavoring solution, and therefore an improved mouthfeel.
The cooling agent may be crystalline and may be dissolved in the carrier solvent of the flavoring solution. The cooling agent may be a liquid and may be dispersible in the carrier solvent of the flavoring solution. The cooling agent may comprise a solvent such as glycerine.
Typically, the cooling agent is a solid, such as a crystalline solid.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 1-20 wt % cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise at least 1 wt % of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at least 2 wt % cooling agent or at least 3 wt % cooling agent or at least 4 wt % cooling agent.
The flavoring solution may comprise at most 15 wt % of cooling agent, such as at most 12 wt %, or at most 10 wt % based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise at most 8 wt % cooling agent, such as at most 6 wt % cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise about 5 wt % cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 1-15 wt %, such as 1-12 wt %, such as 1-10 wt %, such as 1-8 wt % or even 1-6 wt % of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise between 2-15 wt %, such as 2-12 wt %, such as 2-10 wt %, such as 2-8 wt % or even 2-6 wt % of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise between 3-15 wt %, such as 3-12 wt %, such as 3-10 wt %, such as 3-8 wt % or even 3-6 wt % of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise between 4-15 wt %, such as 4-12 wt %, such as 4-10 wt %, such as 4-8 wt % or even 4-6 wt % of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 4-6 wt % of cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution.
The flavoring solution as described herein comprises 0.1-5 wt % sweetener. The sweetener may be selected from any sweetener that is suitable for use in a smoking article. The sweetener may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of sucralose, ethyl maltol, erythritol, stevia, neotame or other aspartame analogues. Typically, the sweetener is sucralose. Advantageously, a flavoring solution comprising sucralose provides a sweet taste and surprisingly an improved mouthfeel to the user of a smoking article flavored with said flavoring solution.
Advantageously, sweetener may produce a sweeter flavor of the smoking article flavored with the flavoring solution. The sweetener may also mute or suppress harsh tones of the flavoring agent itself and/or the smoking article which therefore improves the flavor profile of the smoking article to the user.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 0.1-5 wt % sweetener based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise at least 0.1 wt % based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at least 0.15 wt %, such as at least 0.2 wt %.
The flavoring solution may comprise at most 5 wt % of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at most 2 wt %, such as at most 1 wt %, or at most 0.5 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise at most 0.4 wt % of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at most 0.3 wt %, or even at most 0.25 wt %.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 0.1-5 wt % of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 0.1-2 wt %, such as between 0.1-1 wt %, such as between 0.1-0.5 wt %, such as between 0.1-0.4 wt %, such as between 0.1-0.3 wt %, such as between 0.1-0.25 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 0.15-5 wt % of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 0.15-2 wt %, such as between 0.15-1 wt %, such as between 0.15-0.5 wt %, such as between 0.15-0.4 wt %, such as between 0.15-0.3 wt %, such as between 0.15-0.25 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 0.2-5 wt % of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 0.2-2 wt %, such as between 0.2-1 wt %, such as between 0.2-0.5 wt %, such as between 0.2-0.4 wt %, such as between 0.2-0.3 wt %, such as between 0.2-0.25 wt %.
The flavoring solution may comprise at between 0.2-0.25 wt % of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavoring solution.
Advantageously, the sweetener may leave a visible trace on the smoking article after the flavoring solution has been applied thereto and after the carrier solvent has evaporated. In this manner, a user may be given a visible indication that the flavoring solution has been applied to the smoking article.
The flavoring solution as described herein comprises a carrier solvent, which may be present in an amount of balance wt %, i.e., balance wt % carrier solvent.
It is understood that the term “balance wt % carrier solvent” means that the flavoring solutions described herein are balanced to 100 wt % with the carrier solvent. For example, a flavoring solution comprising 50 wt % flavoring agent, 10 wt % cooling agent and 5 wt % sweetener may be balanced to 100 wt % with 35 wt % carrier solvent.
The flavoring solutions described herein use comprising language and it is understood that the use of balance wt % carrier solvent does not result in consisting claim language. Accordingly, it is understood that the flavoring solutions described herein may comprise further components. These components are included when calculating the balance wt % carrier solvent for a flavoring solution. For example, a flavoring solution comprising 50 wt % flavoring agent, 10 wt % cooling agent and 5 wt % sweetener may also contain 5 wt % additives, in which case it would be balanced to 100 wt % with 30 wt % carrier solvent.
The carrier solvent be a solvent or combination of solvents that have a volatility greater than water. The carrier solvent may be selected from any solvent suitable for use in a smoking article. Suitably, the carrier solvent may be any solvent, or combination of solvents, that is capable of producing a flavoring solution that is volatile at room temperature when applied to a smoking article.
The term “volatility” refers to the material quality of the carrier solvent which describes how readily a substance vaporizes. Although there is no single defined numerical value of volatility, it is described herein using vapor pressure. A high vapor pressure indicates a high volatility. Vapor pressures at specific temperature are a well-known attribute for all solvents and are often provided on material datasheets with the solvent. However, if required, the vapor pressure of a carrier solvent may be determined according to ASTM E1194-17 (“Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure”).
The carrier solvent may have a vapor pressure greater than water. The carrier solvent may be selected from any solvent, or combination of solvents, that is capable of producing a flavoring solution and has a vapor pressure (at 20° C.) greater than water.
The carrier solvent may have a vapor pressure of at least 1.5 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 1.95 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 2.34 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 3 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 4 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 5 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 5.8 k kPa (at 20° C.)
Typically, the carrier solvent has a vapor pressure of about 5.95 kPa (at 20° C.).
The carrier solvent may comprise an alcohol, such as ethanol and/or propanol, typically ethanol. The carrier solvent may comprise ethanol and/or water, typically ethanol and water, more typically ethanol. The carrier solvent may comprise between 1 to 100 wt % ethanol of the total weight of the carrier solvent, typically between 50 to 100 wt % ethanol, more typically between 75 to 100 wt % ethanol, most typically between 90 to 100 wt % ethanol, especially between 93 to 97 wt % ethanol, such as about 95 wt % ethanol.
The carrier solvent may comprise between 0 to 99 wt % water of the total weight of the carrier solvent, typically between 0 to 50 wt % water, more typically between 0 to 10 wt % water, most typically between 0 to 5 wt % water, especially between 3 to 7 wt %, such as about 5 wt % water.
Typically, the carrier solvent may comprise about 95 wt % ethanol and 5 wt % water, more typically about 95.6 wt % ethanol and 4.4 wt % water. It is understood that “ethanol” produced by fractional distillation is an ethanol-water mixture containing 95.6 wt % ethanol.
The flavoring solution may comprise at least 5 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at least 10 wt %, such as at least 15 wt %, such as at least 20 wt %, such as at least 25 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, such as at least 35 wt %, such as at least 40 wt %, or even at least 45 wt %.
The flavoring solution may comprise at most 97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at most 95 wt %, such as at most 90 wt %, such as at most 80 wt %, such as at most 70 wt %, such as at most 60 wt %, such as at most 55 wt %, or even at most 50 wt %.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 5-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 5-95 wt %, such as between 5-90 wt %, such as between 5-80 wt %, such as between 5-70 wt %, such as between 5-60 wt %, such as between 5-55 wt %, or even between 5-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 10-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 10-95 wt %, such as between 10-90 wt %, such as between 10-80 wt %, such as between 10-70 wt %, such as between 10-60 wt %, such as between 10-55 wt %, or even between 10-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 15-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 15-95 wt %, such as between 15-90 wt %, such as between 15-80 wt %, such as between 15-70 wt %, such as between 15-60 wt %, such as between 15-55 wt %, or even between 15-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 20-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 20-95 wt %, such as between 20-90 wt %, such as between 20-80 wt %, such as between 20-70 wt %, such as between 20-60 wt %, such as between 20-55 wt %, or even between 20-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 25-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 25-95 wt %, such as between 25-90 wt %, such as between 25-80 wt %, such as between 25-70 wt %, such as between 25-60 wt %, such as between 25-55 wt %, or even between 25-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 30-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 30-95 wt %, such as between 30-90 wt %, such as between 30-80 wt %, such as between 30-70 wt %, such as between 30-60 wt %, such as between 30-55 wt %, or even between 30-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 35-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 35-95 wt %, such as between 35-90 wt %, such as between 35-80 wt %, such as between 35-70 wt %, such as between 35-60 wt %, such as between 35-55 wt %, or even between 35-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 40-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 40-95 wt %, such as between 40-90 wt %, such as between 40-80 wt %, such as between 40-70 wt %, such as between 40-60 wt %, such as between 40-55 wt %, or even between 40-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 45-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between 45-95 wt %, such as between 45-90 wt %, such as between 45-80 wt %, such as between 45-70 wt %, such as between 45-60 wt %, such as between 45-55 wt %, or even between 45-50 wt %.
The flavoring solution may comprise between 45-50 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution.
Advantageously, the carrier solvent produces a flavoring solution that does not introduce a large amount of water to the smoking article such that the burnability of the smoking article would be affected. The carrier solvent also does not introduce unwanted taste or aroma of the solvent to the smoking article. Advantageously, the flavoring solution as described herein can be applied to a smoking article and dries quickly without affecting the smoking articles performance, whilst retaining a pleasant flavor profile to the smoker. The flavoring solution as described herein can therefore be applied to a smoking article and smoked near immediately after.
Accordingly, the flavoring solutions of the present invention when applied to a smoking article, the carrier solvent quickly evaporates in less than 10 seconds, typically less than 5 seconds.
The flavoring solution as described herein may further comprise an additive, for example, a colorant. The additive may infuse a color to the flavoring solution such that it provides a visual feedback mechanism to the user so that they know how much flavoring solution has been applied to a smoking article.
The additive may be one or more any suitable alkaloids obtainable from a plant, such as cannabinoids. Typically, the additive may be one or more alkaloids obtainable from cannabis, such as cannabinoids.
The additive may be one or more cannabinoids. The cannabinoids may be obtainable from cannabis. The cannabinoids may be selected from, but not limited to, cannabicyclols, cannabichromenes, cannabitriols, cannabidiols, cannabigerols, cannabinols, cannabinodiols, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinols and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinols. The cannabinoids may be selected from, but not limited to, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabidivarin, tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabichromene, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabigerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid and cannabinol; typically, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD). The additive may be a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The additive may be a cannabis extract, for example a CBD extract oil and/or a THC extract oil. The additive may be a full spectrum cannabis extract, broad-spectrum cannabis extract, and/or cannabis isolate. The additive may be a full spectrum CBD extract, broad-spectrum CBD extract, and/or CBD isolate. It is understood to the skilled person that a ‘full-spectrum’ extract is a ‘whole plant’ extract that maintains the full profile of the cannabis plant; a ‘broad spectrum’ extract is an extract that is substantially free of THC (i.e. THC may be present in trace amounts, such as), and an ‘isolate’ is a pure form of plant extract which is substantially free of other plant components.
The flavoring solution may comprise tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in an amount such that, when a single dose of the flavoring solution is applied to a smoking article, the smoking article contains between 1 and 50 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), such as between 1 and 25 mg, such as between 1 and 10 mg, such as between 1 and 5 mg, such as between 2.5 and 50 mg, such as between 2.5 and 25 mg, such as between 2.5 and 10 mg, such as between 2.5 and 5 mg, such as between 5 and 50 mg, such as between 5 and 25 mg, such as between 5 and 10 mg.
The additive may be one or more terpenes, typically terpenes obtainable from cannabis. The terpenes may be selected from, but not limited to, myrcene, linalool, limonene, pinene (including α-pinene), trans-β-ocimene, terpinolene (including α-terpinolene), trans-caryophyllene, α-humulene and caryophyllene. The additive may be one or more terpenes suitable to provide a health benefit to the smoker of the flavored smoking article.
The additive may be one or more alkaloids obtainable from tobacco, such as nicotine or a nicotine analogue, typically nicotine.
The additive may be included in an effective amount to provide a therapeutic dose to the user and/or enhance the action of another component of the flavoring solution to the user upon consumption of a flavored smoking article.
In one example, the flavoring solution, when applied to a smoking article and the carrier solution is evaporated, the remaining flavoring agent and optionally, cooling agent and sweetener, may be visible on the smoking article without the need for a colorant. Advantageously, this would reduce the need for additional compounds in the flavoring solution that may be harmful to the smoker's health when smoked.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a flavor applicator for applying a flavoring solution to a smoking article, the flavor applicator comprising:

- a. reservoir suitable to contain the flavoring solution;
- b. an applicating member fluidly coupled to the reservoir;
  - wherein in use the applicating member contacts the smoking article such that the flavoring solution is applied to the smoking article from the reservoir thereby flavoring the smoking article;
  - wherein the reservoir comprises the flavoring solution described herein.

The flavor applicator as described herein advantageously provides the user a simple and quick method to apply the flavoring solution of the present invention to a smoking article. The smoker can therefore prepare and smoke a flavored smoking article in a short amount of time compared to the flavoring methods known in the art.
The flavor applicator comprises an applicating member, wherein the applicating member may be a porous applicating member, such as a porous foam, porous felt or non-porous applicating member, such as a non-porous roller ball structure.
A porous applicating member provides a uniform distribution of flavoring distribution throughout the applicating member. Advantageously, there is a high amount of control for the user when flavoring of a smoking article using a porous applicating member.
The applicating member may be contoured to maximize contact with the smoking article upon application of the flavoring solution. The applicating member may have a generally concave contacting surface, preferably such that the contacting surface of the applicating member is larger than the width applicating member. The inner radius of the concave applicating member should be at least as large as the radius of the smoking article to which the flavoring solution is being applied, for example, at least as large as the radius of a smoking article.
The flavor applicator may be in the form of any suitable applicator device, such as a pen, for example a roller ball pen, felt-tip pen (marker pen) or a brush pen. A pen allows the user to control the amount of flavoring solution applied to a smoking article and therefore enables the smoker to have complete control over the flavor of their smoking article.
The flavor applicator may be in the form of a smoking article receiving device, such that a smoking article can be passed through an aperture and the applicating member will contact the smoking article and the smoking article will be suitable flavored.
A flavor applicator can advantageously apply a specific amount of flavoring solution to each smoking article such that the flavor of each smoking article is consistent.
The reservoir of the flavor applicator may be pressurized. Advantageously, this results in an increased amount of flavoring solution released through the applicating member in use. Further, the flavoring solution can be released through the applicating member when the flavor applicator is in any orientation, such that the flavoring applicator can apply the flavoring solution in an any orientation, independent of gravity.
The flavor applicator may comprise an applicating member, wherein the applicating member is a nozzle. The applicating member may be a nozzle that controls the flow of the flavoring solution as it exits the flavor applicator such that the flavoring solution forms a fine spray of liquid or a mist. Suitably, the applicating member may be suitable atomise the flavoring solution.
The flavor applicator may be in the form of a hand pump spray or an aerosol.
Advantageously, when the flavor applicator is a nozzle, the flavoring solution can be easily applied across a surface, further the flavoring solution can be evenly applied across a surface. Therefore, the flavor applicator as described herein may apply a flavoring solution onto the surface of a smoking article. The flavor applicator as described herein may apply a flavoring solution onto the surface of a smoking paper for use in a smoking article and/or smokable material for use in a smoking article and provide an even application and therefore an even flavor of a flavoring smoking article derived from such items.
The flavor applicator may be utilized as a strip moisturizer. The flavoring solution may be added to a smoking article and/or smoking paper as a strip moisturizer. The flavoring solution may be applied as a glue-line, suitable for improving adherence between two portions of a smoking paper.
The flavor applicator may further comprise an attachment means configurable to be suitably attached to a smoking article container, such as to a cigarette carton. Advantageously, the flavor applicator may be attached to a smoking article container (packet) such that a premade smoking article can be easily and conveniently flavored. Further, the flavor applicator may be contained within a smoking article container (packet) such that together, with the smoking article container (packet), the smoker has a single container that contains a smoking article, flavor applicator and flavoring solution as defined herein.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of flavoring a smoking article, the method comprising applying a flavoring solution to at least a portion of a surface of the smoking article, typically, to a smokable portion of the surface of the smoking article, wherein the flavoring solution comprises:

- a. 25-55 wt % flavoring agent;
- b. 1-20 wt % cooling agent;
- c. 0.1-5 wt % sweetener;
- d. carrier solvent.

The flavoring solution is advantageously applied to at least a portion of the surface of a smoking article such that when the smokable portion of the smoking article is ignited, the heat produced enables the flavor from the flavoring solution to mix with the smoke of the smoking article. Therefore, the smoke produced by a smoking article flavored with the flavoring solution as described herein is also flavored in both taste and aroma.
The flavoring solution may be applied to an exterior surface of the smoking article. Advantageously, applying the flavoring solution to the exterior surface of the smoking article allows the smoker to flavor the smoking article immediately prior to smoking.
The flavoring solution may be applied to a surface of the smoking article using a flavor applicator as described herein.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a smoking article, that is at least partially coated with the flavoring solution as described herein.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

- a. 30 to 50 wt % flavoring agent;
- b. 3 to 10 wt % cooling agent;
- c. 0.15 to 2 wt % sweetener;
- d. carrier solvent.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

- a. 40 to 50 wt % menthol;
- b. 1 to 20 wt % cooling agent;
- c. 0.1 to 5 wt % sweetener;
- d. carrier solvent.

- a. 40 to 50 wt % flavoring agent;
- b. 4 to 6 wt % cooling agent;
- c. 0.1 to 5 wt % sweetener;
- d. carrier solvent.

- a. 25 to 55 wt % flavoring agent;
- b. 3 to 8 wt % thermosensory agonist;
- c. 0.15 to 0.5 wt % sucralose;
- d. carrier solvent.

- a. 40 to 50 wt % flavoring agent;
- b. 4 to 6 wt % cooling agent;
- c. 0.15 to 0.3 wt % sweetener;
- d. carrier solvent.

- a. 25 to 55 wt % menthol;
- b. 1 to 20 wt % WS-3;
- c. 0.1 to 5 wt % sucralose;
- d. carrier solvent comprising ethanol.

Suitably, all of the components of the invention claimed herein are different materials. For example, a flavoring solution as described herein may contain menthol as the flavoring agent or as the cooling agent, however, the flavoring solution cannot contain menthol as the flavoring agent and the cooling agent. In the case of a flavoring solution wherein the flavoring agent is menthol, the cooling agent is a compound other than menthol, for example, the cooling agent may be WS-3. Similarly, any compound that may be considered to be a flavoring agent, cooling agent, sweetener or carrier solvent may not be more than one of the components in a single flavoring solution.
As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expressly appear. The term “about” when used herein means +/−10% of the stated value. Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Singular encompasses plural and vice versa. For example, although reference is made herein to “a” flavoring agent, “an” additive, and the like, one or more of each of these and any other components can be used.
Where ranges are provided in relation to a genus, each range may also apply additionally and independently to any one or more of the listed species of that genus.
As used herein, the term “flavor” refers to a material that creates a desired taste in a product.
It is understood that the present invention relates to smoking articles. Smoking articles may include, but are not limited to, cigarettes such as cannabis cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, tobacco-free cigarettes, nicotine-free cigarettes and/or tobacco cigarettes. Additionally, the smoking articles may be in the form of cigars, cigarillos.
The flavoring solution may also be applied to a smoking article component, for example, smoking paper and/or smoking material, which are then formed into a flavored smoking article. Smoking papers may include, but are not limited to, herbal sheets, herbal wraps, rolling sheets, and/or natural leaves. Smoking material may include, but is not limited to, mullein, hops, cloves, mints, ginger root, lemon balm, skull cap, passionflower, lavender, raspberry leaf, chamomile, roses, horehound, catnip, mygwort, blackberry leaf and/or tobacco.
As used herein, the term “cannabis” refers to the genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. Cannabis may include, but is not limited to, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis and/or a cross combination of such cannabis (sub)species, typically Cannabis sativa. Cannabis may include Hemp, or industrial hemp, a botanical class of Cannabis sativa. It is understood that the term “cannabis” may include cross strains of cannabis, for example hybrid strains.
As used herein, the term “smoking papers” refers to any paper product that can be used to enclose a smoking material to form a smoking article.
As used herein, the term ‘smoking material’ refers to any combustible material that can smoked in a smoking article.
All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.
Fora better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the following examples and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross-section view of the flavor applicator shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavor applicator with a ball-point type applicating member.

FIG. 2B is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavor applicator which has an applicating member with a contoured tip.

FIG. 2C is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavor applicator which has an applicating member with a contoured tip.

FIG. 3A is a cross-section view of a flavor applicator according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a top-down view of the flavor applicator shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator according to the present invention attached to the outside of a smoking article container.

FIG. 4B is a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator according to the present invention attached to the inside of a smoking article container.

FIG. 5 is a simplified, side-on view of a smoking article to which the flavoring solution according to the present invention has been applied by a flavor applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows an example of a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator 100. The flavor applicator 100 is formed of an applicating member 102 and a reservoir 104 as seen in FIG. 1B. The reservoir 104 is suitable to contain the flavoring solution of the present invention. The applicating member 102 is fluidly coupled 106 to the reservoir 104 such that the applicating member 102 can apply the flavoring solution from the reservoir 104 to an item. In use, the applicating member 102 contacts a smoking article and the flavoring solution is applied to the smoking article from the reservoir 104 by the applicating member 102 via the fluid coupling 106. In the example of FIG. 1 , the fluid coupling 106 is the applicating member 102 being in direct contact with the reservoir 104 and therefore any flavoring solution stored within.
The flavor applicator 100 may be contained in a housing 108 that makes handling the flavor application 100 easier and provides the user with more control. The housing 108 covers the reservoir 104, with the applicating member 102 being exposed for use. It is understood that the housing may also include a cap (not shown) that can cover the applicating member 102 when the flavor applicator 100 is not in use.
The applicating member 102 may be a porous applicating member such as a porous foam or a porous felt.
The applicating member 102 may be a non-porous applicating member such as a non-porous roller ball structure. FIG. 2 shows an example of an expanded simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator 100. The applicating member 102 is a roller ball type applicating member. The roller ball type applicating member is formed of a ball portion 110 that is operable to freely rotate in the housing 108. In use, the flavoring solution is transferred via the ball portion 110 from the reservoir 104 to the smoking article as the ball portion 110 rotates.
The applicating member 102 may be contoured to maximize contact with the smoking article upon applicating of the flavoring solution. FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C show an example of an expanded simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator 100. The applicating member 102 in FIG. 2B is contoured to increased contact with the external surface of a cylindrical smoking article such that the contoured applicating member 112 has a concave shape with a quarter-circle cross-sectional area.
The applicating member 102 is also shown with a contoured applicating member 114 in FIG. 2C which is contoured to increase contact with the external surface of a cylindrical smoking article. The contoured applicating member 114 has a concave shape with a semi-circle cross-sectional area.
A flavor applicator 100 may be in the form of any suitable applicator device, such as a pen as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, the flavor applicator 100 may be a roller ball pen as shown in FIG. 2A, or a felt-tip pen (marker pen) or a brush pen as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C.
FIG. 3A shows a cross-section view of a flavor applicator 200. The flavor applicator 200 is formed of two applicating members 202 a and 202 b and reservoir 204. The reservoir 204 is positioned adjacent to the applicating members 202 a and 202 b. The applicating member 202 a is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 204 via the fluid coupling 206 a. The applicating member 202 b is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 204 via the fluid coupling 206 b. The applicating members 202 a and 202 b are positioned parallel with respect to each other which thereby define a cavity 210 between them. The cavity 210 is at least as large as a smoking article such that the cavity 210 is operable to receive a smoking article for flavoring. In use a smoking article enters the cavity 210 and applicating members 202 a and 202 b contact the opposing external surfaces of the smoking article such that flavoring solution contained within the reservoir 204 is transferred to the external surface of the smoking article to produce a flavored smoking article. The applicating members 202 a and 202 b may be orientated in any suitable position to successfully flavor a smoking article.
The cavity 210 is of a sufficient depth that a smoking article can enter the cavity 210 and the flavoring solution can be applied by applicating members 202 a and 202 b on its external surface. The reservoir 204 forms the end of the cavity.
The housing 208 contains the applicating members 202 a and 202 b, the reservoir 204 and the fluid couplings 206 a and 206 b. The housing 208 further defines the cavity 210.
The flavor applicator 200 may further comprise a lid (not shown) to prevent the loss of flavoring solution when the flavor applicator 200 is not in use.
The flavor applicator 200 may further comprise a controlling means (not shown) that controls the transfer of flavoring solution from the reservoir 204 to the applicating members 202 a and 202 b. The controlling means may be operable to open and close the fluid couplings 206 a and 206 b such that the flavoring solution in the reservoir is only transferred to the applicating members 202 a and 202 b when in use.
FIG. 3B shows a top-down view of the flavor applicator 200 shown in FIG. 3A. The cavity 210 defined by the applicating members 202 a and 202 b can be seen to have a circular cross section such that it can accept the smokable portion of a smoking article. The housing 208 can be seen to further define the cross-sectional shape of cavity 210. It is understood that the cavity 210 may be any shape that is operable to receive a smoking article, for example, the cavity may have a triangular or square shaped cross-section (not shown).
The flavor applicator may have a torus like geometry, for example a ring shape (not shown), wherein the applicating members are positioned about the aperture through which a smoking article can pass, and the reservoir is positioned such that it does not obstruct the movement of the smoking article through the aperture.
The flavor applicator may have one or more applicating members.
A flavor applicator as described herein may be operable to be attached to a smoking article packet for convenience. The flavor applicator may be arranged to fit on a smoking article packet and/or to fit inside a smoking article packet. FIG. 4A shows a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator 300 attached via attachment means 302 to the outside of a smoking article packet 304. FIG. 4B shows a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator 300 attached via attachment means 302 to the inside of a smoking article packet 304. The flavor applicator can be easily accessed to flavor a smoking article from the smoking article packet at the convenience of the smoker.
FIG. 5 shows a simplified, side-on view of a smoking article 400. The smoking article 400 is formed a filter 402 and a smokable portion 404. The smoking article 400 in FIG. 5 has a flavoring solution 406 as described herein applied to an external surface of the smoking article 400.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A flavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

a. 25-55 wt % flavoring agent;

b. 1-20 wt % cooling agent;

c. 0.1-5 wt % sweetener;

d. a carrier solvent.

2. The flavoring solution for a smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring solution comprises:

a. 35-52 wt % flavoring agent;

b. 2-15 wt % cooling agent;

c. 0.1-1 wt % sweetener; and

d. a carrier solvent.

3. The flavoring solution for a smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring solution comprises:

a. 45-50 wt % flavoring agent;

b. 3-10 wt % cooling agent;

c. 0.15-0.5 wt % sweetener; and

d. a carrier solvent.

4. The flavoring solution for a smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring solution comprises:

a. 47-48 wt % flavoring agent;

b. 4-6 wt % cooling agent;

c. 0.2-0.3 wt % sweetener; and

d. a carrier solvent.

5. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring agent is a natural material or a synthetic material, that is capable to create the desired aroma and taste when applied to a smoking article.

6. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring agent is menthol, or a derivative thereof.

7. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the cooling agent is a cold thermosensory agonist.

8. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the cooling again is a thermoreceptor (TRPV) agonist, typically a TRPM8 or TRPA1 agonist.

9. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the cooling agent is one or more of N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3); N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5); (1R*,2S*)—N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-12); N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23) and N,2-diethyl-3-methyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-27), typically, N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3); N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5) and N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23), more typically, or N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3).

10. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the sweetener is one or more of sucralose, ethyl maltol, erythritol, stevia, neotame, or other aspartame analogues, typically, the sweetener is sucralose.

11. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the carrier solvent has a vapor pressure greater than water.

12. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the carrier solvent has a vapor pressure of at least 1.5 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 1.95 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 2.34 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 3 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 4 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 5 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 5.8 k kPa (at 20° C.)

13. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the carrier solvent comprises an alcohol, typically ethanol or propanol, more typically, ethanol.

14. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the carrier solvent comprises about 95 wt % ethanol and 5 wt % water based on the total weight of the carrier solvent.

15. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the carrier solvent is present in an amount of between 40 to 60 wt %, such as 45 to 55 wt %.

16. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, further comprising an additive, for example, a colorant.

17. A method of flavoring a smoking article, the method comprising applying a flavoring solution to at least a portion of a surface of the smoking article, typically, to a smokable portion of the surface of the smoking article,

wherein the flavoring solution is according to claim 1.

18. The method of flavoring a smoking article according to claim 17, wherein the flavoring solution is applied to an exterior surface of the smoking article.

19. A smoking article that is at least partially coated with the flavoring solution according to claim 1.