WO2010108139A1

WO2010108139A1 - Tobacco smoke filter and method for making a tobacco smoke filter

Info

Publication number: WO2010108139A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/028045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark L. Raker
Original assignee: Filligent Limited
Priority date: 2009-03-20
Filing date: 2010-03-19
Publication date: 2010-09-23

Abstract

A tobacco smoke filter comprising tow and comprising cereal granules of food starch selected from the group consisting of bleached wheat flour, corn meal, corn starch, rice flour, soy flour and a combination of the preceding cereal granules. A tobacco smoke product comprising a tobacco smoke filter comprising cereal granules of food starch selected from the group consisting of bleached wheat flour, corn meal, corn starch, rice flour, soy flour and a combination of the preceding cereal granules.

Description

TOBACCO SMOKE FILTER AND METHOD FOR MAKING A TOBACCO SMOKE FILTER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present Application claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/162,177 filed March 20, 2009 and titled "Tobacco Smoke Filter and Method for Making a Tobacco Smoke Filter, " the contents of which are incorporated in this disclosure by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking products, such as, for example, cigarettes, often have a filter at the proximal end (toward the user's mouth) which is placed in the smoker's mouth during use. Conventional tobacco smoke filters do not contain tobacco but are commonly made of cellulose acetate tow ("tow") wrapped in plug wrap paper ("paper") ("tow wrapped in paper").

For the purposes of tobacco smoke filter production, the manufacturer specifies the tobacco smoke filters by both the dimensions of the filter cylinder (outer circumference and axial length) and the distal end to proximal end pressure drop ("pressure drop") of the tobacco smoke filters. Additionally, the total weight ("weight") measured in grams per rod of the tobacco smoke filters are also frequently specified because heavier tobacco smoke filters are firmer, providing a better feel in the smoker's hand, and having less of a tendency to collapse in the mouth during smoking ("hot collapse").

Conventional tobacco smoke filters made entirely of tow wrapped with paper and having the same outer circumference as the remainder of the tobacco smoke product are not dense enough to provide optimal firmness without increasing the amount of tow present to an extent that an unacceptable increase in the dimensions or increase in the pressure drop would occur. Therefore, activated carbon granules ("activated carbon granules") (such as obtained from Jacobi Carbons, Inc. , Philadelphia, POLYVINYL ALCOHOL US or from PICA USA Inc., Columbus, OH US) having a granule size of between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm (generally referred to as 30 X 70 mesh granule size) which have a higher density than tow, are frequently added to the tow in manufacturing the tobacco smoke filters (producing "tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules") to increase the weight and firmness of the conventional tobacco smoke filters without significantly increasing the dimensions or increasing the pressure drop. Disadvantageous^, however, activated carbon granules impart a discernible taste difference ("carbon taste") to the smoke that passes through tobacco smoke filters with activated carbon granules, and many smokers find the taste difference unpleasant. Therefore, there is a need for a tobacco smoke filter that is firmer and heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an outer circumference substantially the same as the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an axial length substantially the same as the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the pressure drop across the tobacco smoke filter is substantially the same as the pressure drop across a conventional tobacco smoke filter, and where the taste of smoke passing through the tobacco smoke filter lacks the unpleasant taste of smoke passing through a tobacco smoke filter comprising activated carbon granules. Further, there is a need for a method of making a tobacco smoke filter that is firmer and heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an outer circumference substantially the same as the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an axial length substantially the same as the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the pressure drop across the tobacco smoke filter is substantially the same as the pressure drop across a conventional tobacco smoke filter, and where the taste of smoke passing through the tobacco smoke filter lacks the unpleasant taste of smoke passing through a tobacco smoke filter comprising activated carbon granules. SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter comprising: a) a proximal end and a distal end, and an axial length between the proximal end and the distal end; and b) an outer paper wrapping surrounding a core, where the outer paper wrapping defines an outer circumference; where the core comprises tow and cereal granules; and where the tobacco smoke filter has a weight, firmness, outer circumference, and a pressure drop. In one embodiment, the weight of the tobacco smoke filter is between 30% and 120% heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In another embodiment, the weight of the tobacco smoke filter is between 50% and 100% heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In another embodiment, the weight of the tobacco smoke filter is between 75 % and 85 % heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper.

In one embodiment, the firmness of the tobacco smoke filter is between 30% and 120% firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In another embodiment, the firmness of the tobacco smoke filter is between 50% and 100% firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In another embodiment, the firmness of the tobacco smoke filter is between 75 % and 85 % firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In one embodiment, the outer circumference is within 7% of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In another embodiment, the outer circumference is within 5% of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In another embodiment, the outer circumference is within 3 % of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the outer circumference is between 22 and 27 mm. In another embodiment, the outer circumference is 24.5 mm.

In one embodiment, the axial length is within 7 % of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In another embodiment, the axial length is within 5% of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In another embodiment, the axial length is within 3% of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the axial length is between 26 and 34 mm. In another embodiment, the axial length is 30 mm.

In one embodiment, the pressure drop is within 12% of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In another embodiment, the pressure drop is within 10% of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In another embodiment, the pressure drop is within 5 % of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the pressure drop is between 250 mm water gauge and 360 mm water gauge. In another embodiment, the pressure drop is between 290 mm water gauge and 310 mm water gauge.

In one embodiment, the cereal granules are granules of food starch selected from the group consisting of bleached wheat flour, corn meal, corn starch, rice flour, soy flour and a combination of the preceding. In a preferred embodiment, the cereal granules comprise durum wheat. In one embodiment, the cereal granules comprise a cereal granule size of between 0.2 and 0.9 mm in the largest dimension. In another embodiment, the cereal granules comprise a cereal granule size of between 0.5 and 0.9 mm in the largest dimension. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter comprises a plurality of segments where one segment of the plurality of segments is a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter comprises a proximal segment and a distal segment, and one segment is a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter comprises a proximal segment and a distal segment and a middle segment between the proximal segment and the distal segment, where one segment is a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter comprises a proximal segment and a distal segment and a middle segment between the proximal segment and the distal segment, where the middle segment is a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention. In one embodiment, one segment comprises activated carbon granules. In one embodiment, there is provided a tobacco smoke product comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco smoke product is selected from the group consisting of a cigar, a cigarillo and a cigarette.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of making the tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention. The method comprises: a) preparing tow for incorporation into a tobacco smoke filter; b) providing the cereal granules; and c) adding the cereal granules to the tow.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a tobacco smoke product, the method comprising providing a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention, and incorporating the tobacco smoke filter into a body comprising tobacco to produce the tobacco smoke product. FIGURES

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where: Figure 1 is a lateral perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a lateral perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention, where the tobacco smoke filter paper is cutaway to show the granules other than activated carbon granules present in the tobacco smoke filter;

Figure 3 is a proximal end perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a distal end perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a lateral perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a two-segment tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention, where the tobacco smoke filter paper is cutaway to show the granules other than activated carbon granules present in the distal segment; and

Figure 6 is a lateral perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a three-segment tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention, where the tobacco smoke filter paper is cutaway to show the granules other than activated carbon granules present in the middle segment.

DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter that is firmer and heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an outer circumference substantially the same as the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an axial length substantially the same as the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the pressure drop across the tobacco smoke filter is substantially the same as the pressure drop across a conventional tobacco smoke filter, and where the taste of smoke passing through the tobacco smoke filter lacks the unpleasant taste of smoke passing through a tobacco smoke filter comprising activated carbon granules. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tobacco smoke product comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a tobacco smoke filter that is firmer and heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an outer circumference substantially the same as the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an axial length substantially the same as the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the pressure drop across the tobacco smoke filter is substantially the same as the pressure drop across a conventional tobacco smoke filter, and where the taste of smoke passing through the tobacco smoke filter lacks the unpleasant taste of smoke passing through a tobacco smoke filter comprising activated carbon granules. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a tobacco smoke product, where the method comprises providing a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention.

The tobacco smoke filters of the present invention can be made for approximately the same cost or less than tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules. Further, the tobacco smoke filters of the present invention can be produced using equipment currently used to produce tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules with little or no modifications to equipment.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising," "comprises" and "comprised"are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

As used in this disclosure, "pressure drop" is determined according to techniques well known to those with skill in the art, such as measuring the pressure required to draw air through a tobacco smoke filter rod having an axial length of 120 mm, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. Pressure drops for conventional tobacco smoke filter rods having an axial length of 120 mm are usually between 250 and 370 mm water gauge, but ranges of 200 mm water gauge to 650 mm water gauge are possible.

As used in this disclosure, "cereal" means grasses which are members of the monocot families Poaceae or Gramineae, such as, for example, corn (maize), rice, soy and wheat, which are cultivated for the edible components of their fruit seeds— the endocarp, germ and bran. "Cereal granules" means granules of a cereal.

As used in this disclosure, firmness of a tobacco smoke filter is measured according to a filter firmness gauge in an amount of mm depression, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. As used in this disclosure, "tobacco smoke filter" refers to a "tobacco smoke filter tip," as used by those with skill in the art, as compared to a "tobacco smoke filter rod. "

As used in this disclosure, references to a "conventional tobacco smoke filter" refer to a tobacco smoke filter made of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped in plug wrap paper without granules according to the present invention, or activated carbon granules. References to various characteristics of a "conventional tobacco smoke filter" are determined according to standard techniques well known to those with skill in the art as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, and include: a length of 30 mm, an outer circumference of 24.5 mm, a weight of 175 mg per 30 mm filter rod, and a pressure drop of 300 mm water gauge for a per 120 mm filter rod. According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter that is firmer and heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an outer circumference substantially the same as the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an axial length substantially the same as the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the pressure drop across the tobacco smoke filter is substantially the same as the pressure drop across a conventional tobacco smoke filter, and where the taste of smoke passing through the tobacco smoke filter lacks the unpleasant taste of smoke passing through a tobacco smoke filter comprising activated carbon granules. Referring now to Figure 1 , Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4, there are shown, respectively, a lateral perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention (Figure 1); a lateral perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention, where the tobacco smoke filter paper is cutaway to show the granules other than activated carbon granules present in the tobacco smoke filter (Figure 2); a proximal end perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention (Figure 3); and a distal end perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention (Figure 4). As can be seen, the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14, and further comprises an axial length (L) between the proximal end 12 and the distal end 14. The tobacco smoke filter further comprises an outer paper wrapping 16 surrounding a core 18, where the outer paper wrapping defines an outer circumference (C). The core 18 comprises tow 20 and granules 22 other than activated carbon granules such as for example cereal granules. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is between 30% and 120% heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In another embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is between 50% and 100% heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In another embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is between 75 % and 85 % firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper.

In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is between 30% and 120% firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In another embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is between 50% and 100% firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In another embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is between 75 % and 85 % heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises an outer circumference (C) and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises an outer circumference, and the outer circumference (C) of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 7% of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises an outer circumference (C) and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises an outer circumference, and the outer circumference (C) of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 5% of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises an outer circumference (C) and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises an outer circumference, and the outer circumference (C) of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 3 % of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. For example, the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter is usually between 24 mm and 25 mm, and the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises outer circumference (C) of between 22 and 27 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the outer circumference (C) of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is 24.5 mm.

In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises an axial length (L) and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises an axial length, and the axial length (L) of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 7% of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises an axial length (L) and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises an axial length, and the axial length (L) of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 5% of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises an axial length (L) and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises an axial length, and the axial length (L) of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 3% of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. For example, the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter is usually between 28 mm and 32 mm, and the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises an axial length (L) of between 26 and 34 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the axial length (L) of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is 30 mm. However, tobacco smoke filters can have an axial length of between 15 mm and 34 mm with corresponding axial lengths of the tobacco smoke filters according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises a pressure drop and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises a pressure drop, and the pressure drop of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 12% of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises a pressure drop and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises a pressure drop, and the pressure drop of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 10% of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises a pressure drop and a conventional tobacco smoke filter comprises a pressure drop, and the pressure drop of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is within 5% of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter. For example, the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter is usually between 280 mm water gauge and 320 mm water gauge, and in one embodiment the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises a pressure drop of between 250 mm water gauge and 360 mm water gauge. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure drop of the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention is between 290 mm water gauge and 310 mm water gauge.

In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention comprises tow wrapped in paper (like a conventional tobacco smoke filter), and further comprises granules 22 other than activated carbon granules ("other granules"). In a preferred embodiment, the other granules 22 are biocompatible, biodegradable and non- toxic to humans.

In one embodiment, the other granules 22 comprise one or more than one type of cereal granules 22. In a preferred embodiment, the cereal granules 22 are granules of food starch selected from the group consisting of bleached wheat flour, corn meal, corn starch, rice flour, soy flour and a combination of the preceding. However, granules of other starch based grains or flours can be used, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the cereal granules 22 comprise durum wheat (Triticum durum or Triticum turgidum durum), a commercially important tetraploid species of wheat that is widely cultivated. Durum wheat is high in protein and gluten content, and when used as the cereal granules 22 in the present invention, durum wheat advantageously has a density substantially the same as the density of activated carbon granules (0.46 gm/cc to 0.54 gm/cc (grams per cubic centimeter)) used in the production of tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules, such as for example a density within 15 % of the density of activated carbon granules. Suitable cereal granules can be obtained from U.S. Durum Products, Ltd., Lancaster, PA US among other places. According to the present invention, the cereal granules 22 comprises a cereal granule size, and activated carbon granules comprise an activated carbon granule size. In one embodiment, the cereal granule size is substantially the same as the activated carbon granule size, that is, between 0.2 and 0.9 mm in the largest dimension. In a preferred embodiment, the cereal granule size is between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm in the largest dimension. In another preferred embodiment, the cereal granule size is between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm in the largest dimension. Using cereal granules with a granule size of between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm in the largest dimension in the tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention allows the cereal granules 22 to be added to tow using the same equipment currently being used to add activated carbon granules to tow during the manufacturing process for tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules, thereby reducing the cost of using cereal granules instead of activated carbon granules compared to using other substances instead of activated carbon granules that require special equipment. Further, cereal granules 22 comprising a granule size of between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm in the largest dimension can be produced for about half the cost of activated carbon granules, thereby lowering the total cost of production of tobacco smoke filters 10 according to the present invention as compared with tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules only.

Advantageously, tobacco smoke filters 10 according to the present invention comprising durum wheat granules instead of activated carbon granules have similar characteristics as tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules with respect to weight, firmness, hot collapse and pressure drop, but tobacco smoke filters 10 according to the present invention comprising durum wheat granules instead of activated carbon granules do not impart a discernible taste difference to the smoke passing through the filter like tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules (that is, do not result in "carbon taste"). In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco smoke filters 10 comprising durum wheat granules 22 according to the present invention are within 20% of the weight, firmness, hot collapse and pressure drop as tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco smoke filters 10 comprising durum wheat granules 22 according to the present invention are within 10% of the weight, firmness, hot collapse and pressure drop as tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco smoke filters 10 comprising durum wheat granules 22 according to the present invention are within 5% of the weight, firmness, hot collapse and pressure drop as tobacco smoke filters comprising activated carbon granules.

Referring now to Figure 5 and Figure 6, there are shown, respectively, a lateral perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a two-segment tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention, where the tobacco smoke filter paper is cutaway to show the granules other than activated carbon granules present in the distal segment (Figure 5); and a lateral perspective view of a tobacco smoke product according to the present invention comprising a three-segment tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention, where the tobacco smoke filter paper is cutaway to show the granules other than activated carbon granules present in the middle segment (Figure 6). As can be seen, in one embodiment, the present invention is a multiple segment tobacco smoke filter 10 comprising a plurality of segments (30, 32...). In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the plurality of segments are two segments, a proximal segment 30 (toward the user's mouth) and a distal segment 32 (toward the body of the tobacco smoke product), where either the proximal segment 30 or the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow and one or more than one cereal granule 22 according to the present invention. In one embodiment, either the proximal segment 30 or the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 does not comprise cereal granules according to the present invention. In one embodiment, either the proximal segment 30 or the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow 20 and activated carbon granules 24. In a preferred embodiment, the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow 20 plus one or more than one cereal granule 22, as disclosed in this disclosure. In another preferred embodiment, the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow 20 plus one or more than one cereal granule 22, as disclosed in this disclosure, and the proximal segment 30 comprises tow and activated carbon granules 24.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the present invention is a multiple segment tobacco smoke filter 10 comprising a plurality of segments (30, 32, 34), where the plurality of segments are three segments, and the three segments comprise a proximal segment 30 (toward the user's mouth), a distal segment 32 (toward the body of the tobacco smoke product), and a middle segment 34 between the proximal segment 30 and the distal segment 32, where either the proximal segment 30 or the middle segment 34 or the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow and one or more than one cereal granule 22 according to the present invention or where two segments of the proximal segment 30 or the middle segment 34 or the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow and one or more than one cereal granule 22 according to the present invention, and where one segment or two segments of the proximal segment 30 or the middle segment 34 or the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 does not comprise one or more than one cereal granule 22 according to the present invention. In one embodiment, either the proximal segment 30 or the middle segment 34 or the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow and activated carbon granules 24. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal segment 30 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow plus one or more than one cereal granule 22, as disclosed in this disclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the middle segment 34 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow plus one or more than one cereal granule 22, as disclosed in this disclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the distal segment 32 of the tobacco smoke filter 10 comprises tow plus one or more than one cereal granule 22, as disclosed in this disclosure. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tobacco smoke product 50 comprising a tobacco smoke filter 10 according to the present invention and a body 52 comprising tobacco. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke product is selected from the group consisting of a cigar, a cigarillo and a cigarette.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a tobacco smoke filter that is firmer and heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an outer circumference substantially the same as the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the tobacco smoke filter has an axial length substantially the same as the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter consisting of tow wrapped with paper, where the pressure drop across the tobacco smoke filter is substantially the same as the pressure drop across a conventional tobacco smoke filter, and where the taste of smoke passing through the tobacco smoke filter lacks the unpleasant taste of smoke passing through a tobacco smoke filter comprising activated carbon granules. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco smoke filter made is a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention. The method comprises, first, preparing tow for incorporation into a tobacco smoke filter according to conventional techniques. Next, granules according to the present invention other than activated carbon granules are provided. Then, the granules according to the present invention other than activated carbon granules are added to the tow. In a preferred embodiment, the granules according to the present invention, other than activated carbon granules, are added to the tow using the same equipment and same methods used for adding activated carbon granules to the tow, such as, for example, utilizing an activated carbon granules dispenser running on a high speed cigarette rod filter making machine.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a tobacco smoke product. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a tobacco smoke filter according to the present invention and incorporating the tobacco smoke filter into a body comprising tobacco to produce the tobacco smoke product. In one embodiment, the tobacco smoke product produced is selected from the group consisting of a cigar, a cigarillo and a cigarette.

Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tobacco smoke filter comprising: a) a proximal end and a distal end, and an axial length between the proximal end and the distal end; and b) an outer paper wrapping surrounding a core, where the outer paper wrapping defines an outer circumference; where the core comprises tow and cereal granules; and where the tobacco smoke filter has a weight, firmness, outer circumference, and a pressure drop.

2. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the weight of the tobacco smoke filter is between 30% and 120% heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper.

3. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the weight of the tobacco smoke filter is between 50% and 100% heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper.

4. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the weight of the tobacco smoke filter is between 75 % and 85 % heavier than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper.

5. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the firmness of the tobacco smoke filter is between 30% and 120% firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper.

6. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the firmness of the tobacco smoke filter is between 50% and 100% firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper.

7. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the firmness of the tobacco smoke filter is between 75 % and 85 % firmer than a conventional tobacco smoke filter of equivalent dimensions consisting of tow wrapped with paper.

8. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the outer circumference is within 7% of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

9. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the outer circumference is within 5% of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

10. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the outer circumference is within 3% of the outer circumference of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

11. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1 , where the outer circumference is between 22 and 27 mm.

12. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the outer circumference is

24.5 mm.

13. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the axial length is within 7% of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

14. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the axial length is within 5% of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

15. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the axial length is within 3% of the axial length of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

16. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the axial length is between 26 and 34 mm.

17. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the axial length is 30 mm.

18. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the pressure drop is within 12% of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

19. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the pressure drop is within 10% of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

20. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the pressure drop is within

5% of the pressure drop of a conventional tobacco smoke filter.

21. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the pressure drop is between 250 mm water gauge and 360 mm water gauge.

22. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the pressure drop is between 290 mm water gauge and 310 mm water gauge.

23. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the cereal granules are granules of food starch selected from the group consisting of bleached wheat flour, corn meal, corn starch, rice flour, soy flour and a combination of the preceding.

24. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the cereal granules comprise durum wheat.

25. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the cereal granules comprise a cereal granule size of between 0.2 and 0.9 mm in the largest dimension.

26. The tobacco smoke filter according claim 1, where the cereal granules comprise a cereal granule size of between 0.5 and 0.9 mm in the largest dimension.

27. A tobacco smoke filter comprising a plurality of segments where one segment of the plurality of segments is a tobacco smoke filter according to claim 1.

28. The tobacco smoke filter of claim 27, where one segment comprises activated carbon granules.

29. A tobacco smoke filter comprising a proximal segment and a distal segment, and where one segment is a tobacco smoke filter according to claim 1.

30. The tobacco smoke filter of claim 29, where one segment comprises activated carbon granules.

31. A tobacco smoke filter comprising a proximal segment and a distal segment and a middle segment between the proximal segment and the distal segment, where one segment is a tobacco smoke filter according to claim 1.

32. The tobacco smoke filter of claim 31 , where one segment comprises activated carbon granules.

33. A tobacco smoke filter comprising a proximal segment and a distal segment and a middle segment between the proximal segment and the distal segment, where the middle segment is a tobacco smoke filter according to claim 1.

34. The tobacco smoke filter of claim 33, where one segment comprises activated carbon granules.

35. A tobacco smoke product comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to claim 1.

36. The tobacco smoke product of claim 35, where the tobacco smoke product is selected from the group consisting of a cigar, a cigarillo and a cigarette.

37. A method of making the tobacco smoke filter according to claim 1, the method comprising: a) preparing tow for incorporation into a tobacco smoke filter; b) providing the cereal granules; and c) adding the cereal granules to the tow.

38. A method of making a tobacco smoke product, the method comprising providing a tobacco smoke filter according to claim 1 , and incorporating the tobacco smoke filter into a body comprising tobacco to produce the tobacco smoke product.