WO2014155340A1

WO2014155340A1 - Smokers' article

Info

Publication number: WO2014155340A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/060228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo Li Vigni; Ivan Eusepi; Marco PESCI; Massimo Sartoni
Original assignee: G.D S.P.A.
Priority date: 2013-03-27
Filing date: 2014-03-27
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Also published as: JP2016514473A; JP6298148B2; ITBO20130129A1; KR20150133736A; CN105072933B; CN105072933A; DE112014001680T5; RU2015138538A; RU2640712C2; KR102230170B1

Abstract

A smokers' article (1) comprises a filtering element (2) comprising at least one chamber (5) for an additive (6), a cigarette stick (3), a patch (4, 17) connecting the filtering element (2) to the cigarette stick (3) to connect the filtering element (2) to the cigarette stick (3); the smokers' article (1) comprises a duct (7) giving access to the chamber (5) and a sleeve (13) for closing the duct (7) and movable relative to the duct (7) between a first position where the duct (7) is closed and a second position where the duct (7) is open.

Description

DESCRIPTION

SMOKERS' ARTICLE

Technical field

This invention relates to a smokers' article, in particular a cigarette, to which express reference is made.

Background art

Smokers' articles of known type generally comprise a filter from which the consumer inhales through the mouth and which is connected to a cigarette stick comprising tobacco, for example.

Cigarettes are known which comprise one or more capsules containing an additive to be inhaled and inserted in a cavity formed in the filter in such a way that the content of the capsule can be released when the cigarette is being smoked.

One example of such a product is described in document US201 1/0023896, relating to a cigarette whose filter houses a capsule containing an additive to be inhaled.

The capsule is positioned inside the filter and is adapted to break in response to pressure applied to the filter by the consumer before smoking the cigarette, thereby making the content of the capsule inhalable.

That way, the smoker can choose to smoke the cigarette without inhaling additives, by not breaking the capsule, or to also inhale the content of the capsule.

The prior art solutions like the one just mentioned have some disadvantages.

The capsules are inserted into the filters during the manufacture of the cigarettes, which can therefore be smoked either without additives or only with the additive contained in the capsule. In practice, the consumer must choose the type of additive at the time of purchasing the cigarettes, without the possibility of changing.

Once in possession of a cigarette provided with a capsule of the above mentioned type, the consumer can only choose whether to smoke it with or without the additive and if a different additive is desired, another type of cigarette must be purchased.

Disclosure of the invention

In this context, the main technical purpose of this invention is to propose a smokers' article, in particular a cigarette, which is free of the above mentioned disadvantages.

This invention has for an aim to propose a smokers' article which is more customizable than prior art solutions.

Another aim of the invention is to propose a smokers' article which allows selecting a plurality of additives, even after the cigarette has been purchased.

The technical purpose and aims specified are achieved by a smokers' article according to claim 1 .

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description below with reference to preferred but nonexclusive embodiments of a smokers' article, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a smokers' article according to the invention in a first configuration;

- Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross section of the smokers' article of Figure 1 , suitably interrupted;

- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the smokers' article of Figure 1 in a second configuration;

- Figure 4 illustrates a detail of the smokers' article of the preceding figures in a schematic transversal cross section;

- Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross section, suitably interrupted, of a second embodiment of a smokers' article according to the invention;

- Figure 6 is a schematic longitudinal cross section, suitably interrupted, of a third embodiment of a smokers' article according to the invention;

- Figure 7 is a transversal cross section of the smokers' article of Figure 6;

- Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a smokers' article according to the invention in a first configuration;

- Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the smokers' article of Figure 8 in a second configuration;

- Figure 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross section of the smokers' article of Figure 9, suitably interrupted.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a smokers' article according to this invention.

The article 1 , for example a cigarette, to which reference is hereinafter made without thereby limiting the scope of the invention, has a substantially cylindrical shape and a longitudinal axis of symmetry A.

The article 1 comprises a filtering element 2 and a cigarette stick 3 connected to the filtering element 2.

The filtering element 2 has a first end 2a which is joined to one end of the cigarette stick 3 and an end 2b on the side opposite the cigarette stick 3 and intended to be placed in a smoker's mouth.

The cigarette stick 3 is of substantially known type and will not be described in detail. The article 1 comprises connecting means for connecting the filtering element 2 to the cigarette stick 3.

The connecting means comprise, for example, a patch 4, described in detail below. The patch is preferably wrapped around the filtering element 2 and the cigarette stick 3 to connect the two together.

The filtering element 2 has an internal chamber 5 intended to receive an additive 6, as illustrated for example in Figure 2.

The chamber 5 is preferably located along the axis of symmetry A of the smokers' article 1 .

The additive 6 is used to flavour what is inhaled by the consumer (smoker) when smoking the cigarette 1 . It may, for example, be in the form of a capsule, a powder, grains, a gel, a liquid or a flavoured pellet of filter material, for example the material the filter plug 10 is made of.

Preferably, the additive 6 is of the type whose release is determined by the combustion of the cigarette or by the heat or smoke generated by such combustion.

The article 1 comprises a duct 7 giving access to the chamber 5.

More specifically, the duct 7 is used to insert the additive 6 into the chamber 5. In practice, the additive 6 is insertable into the chamber 5 through the duct 7 which leads into the chamber 5 itself.

The duct 7 runs through the filtering element 2 in a direction D transversal to the axis of symmetry A. Preferably, the duct 7 is rectilinear.

The transversal position of the duct 7 allows the additive 6 to be inserted easily into the chamber 5. More specifically, since the duct 7 is transversal to the axis of symmetry A, the ventilation of the smokers' article 1 can be maintained at the correct level and the filtering capacity of the respective filtering element 2 remains good. The transversal position also makes it possible to prevent the additive 6 from accidentally falling out of the chamber 5 after being inserted into it.

More specifically, the duct 7 has an inlet 7a on a cylindrical lateral outside surface of the filtering element 2, and an outlet in communication with the chamber 5.

With reference in particular to Figures 2, 6 and 10, in the embodiments illustrated, the filtering element 2 comprises a filter plug 8 having an internal cavity 9 in which the chamber 5 is defined.

The cavity 9 extends mainly longitudinally along the axis of symmetry A of the cigarette 1 .

Preferably, the filter plug 8 is of the type known as "non wrapped acetate" (NWA).

As is known, NWA filters comprise a core of filter material, in particular of cellulose acetate, enclosed in a "plasticized" cylindrical outer case made by suitably treating the cellulose acetate.

This treatment gives NWA filters a firm structure which keeps them in shape.

Advantageously, NWA filters can be made in any configuration and, therefore, the filter plug 8 has the cavity 9 formed inside it.

With reference in particular to Figure 4, in one embodiment, the cavity 9 is in the form of a groove, preferably with a U-shaped transversal cross section.

As illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 4, the cavity 9 defines both the chamber 5 and the duct 7.

In practice, the cavity 9 has an opening 9a which corresponds to the inlet 7a of the duct 7.

The opening 9a of the cavity 9 is directed towards the cylindrical lateral outer surface of the filtering element 2. More specifically, the opening 9a is directed towards the cylindrical lateral outer surface of the filter plug 8. The groove shape of the cavity 9 allows the additive 6 to be inserted into the chamber 5, which is, in practice, defined by the bottom of the cavity 9, directly through the opening 9a.

Thus, only a very small part of the filter is removed to form the chamber 5. More specifically, the part removed is transversal to the axis of symmetry A so as to avoid unwanted effects on the ventilation of the smokers' article 1 . Similarly, the transversal position of the chamber 5 makes it possible to prevent the additive 6 from accidentally falling out of the chamber 5 after being inserted into it.

Advantageously, the filtering element 2 comprises a further filter plug 10. The filter plug 10 comprises a core 1 1 of filter material and a sheet of wrapping material (of known type and not illustrated) wrapped around the core 1 1 .

The filter plugs 8 and 10 are coupled end to end and are connected by a tubular wrapper 12, preferably of paper, glued to their outside surface. More precisely, the filter plug 8 is interposed between the further filter plug 10 and the cigarette stick 3.

Still more specifically, between the filter plug 8 and the cigarette stick 3 there is an interposed dividing element 8'. This element is preferably cylindrical in shape, of the disc type. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2, 6 and 10, the dividing element 8' is also a filter of the "non wrapped acetate" (NWA) type but it might also be made of different materials such as those common filters are made of.

The function of the dividing element 8' is essentially that of allowing the filter plug 8 to be coupled to the cigarette stick 3 while at the same time preventing the tobacco in the cigarette stick 3 from finding its way into, or even obstructing, the chamber 5.

The duct 7 preferably has a circular cross section, with a diameter between 1 mm and 5 mm, in particular with reference to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 10.

More in general, the minimum width of the duct 7 is preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm.

A preferred value of the diameter of the duct 7 is 3 mm, to allow easy insertion of the additive 6. More in general, the minimum width of the duct 7 is preferably 3 mm.

According to the invention, the smokers' article 1 comprises closing means by which the duct 7 can be closed.

The closing means are movable relative to the duct 7 between a first position where the duct is closed and a second position where the duct 7 is open. More specifically, in the closed first position, the duct 7 is closed and the chamber 5 is not accessible from the outside of the smokers' article 1 . Similarly, in the open second position, the chamber 5 is accessible through the duct 7 and the additive 6 can be inserted therein. Advantageously, the duct 7 of the smokers' article 1 available to the consumer is initially closed.

To smoke the cigarette without additives, the consumer can thus simply light it without changing the configuration of the closing means.

In that case, the closing means are preferably kept in the closed position also to guarantee optimum ventilation during combustion.

Alternatively, if the consumer wishes to give the cigarette a desired flavour or other chosen properties, he/she can open the duct 7 by positioning the closing means in the open second position. This allows the additive 6 to be inserted into the chamber 5 through the duct 7.

That way, the consumer can choose an additive 6 to be inserted into the smokers' article 1 to obtain a desired flavour.

In the embodiments illustrated, the closing means are associated with the filtering element 2.

The closing means are movable relative to the filtering element 2 and, hence, relative to the duct 7.

With reference in particular to Figures 2, 5 and 6, it may be observed that the closing means are connected to the filtering element 2.

More specifically, the closing means comprise a tubular element or sleeve 13 fitted round the filtering element 2 and rotatable relative thereto about the axis of symmetry A. The sleeve 13 is rotatable relative to the duct 7 and has an opening 14 which is movable between a first position at the inlet 7a of the duct 7, illustrated for example in Figure 1 , and a second spaced position, that is to say, away from the inlet 7a of the duct 7, illustrated for example in Figure 3.

The opening 14 is preferably circular and between 1 mm and 5 mm in diameter.

More in general, the minimum width of the opening 14 is preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm.

A preferred value of the diameter of the opening 14 is 3 mm, to allow easy insertion of the additive 6.

More in general, the minimum width of the opening 14 is preferably 3 mm. More specifically, the second position adopted by the opening 14 is angularly spaced from the inlet 7a by rotation of the sleeve 13 about the axis of symmetry A.

The first position of the opening 14 at the inlet 7a of the duct 7 corresponds to the open second position of the closing means. Similarly, the second spaced position of the opening 14 away from the duct 7 corresponds to the closed first position of the closing means.

Positioning the opening 14 at the inlet 7a of the duct 7 allows the additive 6 to be inserted into the chamber 5, which is inaccessible when the opening 14 is angularly spaced from the inlet 7a.

Closing the duct 7, besides maintaining the correct degree of ventilation of the smokers' article 1 , prevents the additive 6 from accidentally escaping from the chamber 5.

Preferably, to guarantee correct ventilation, the sleeve 13 has a band comprising the opening 14 and whose width is preferably just greater than the width of the inlet 7a of the duct 7. This band is not permeable to air or is less permeable to air than the rest of the sleeve 13.

As illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 5 and 6, the sleeve 13 is connected, in particular glued by an adhesive G, to the cylindrical outer surface of the filtering element 2 at the end 2b thereof.

More precisely, the sleeve 13 is connected to the aforementioned tubular wrapper 12 which joins the filter plugs 8 and 10 to each other.

The sleeve 13 is preferably a sheet of paper wrapped around the filtering element 2. More specifically, the sleeve 13 is preferably made as a portion of the aforementioned connecting patch 4.

As described above, the connecting patch 4 is normally used to wrap the filtering element 2 in such a way as to connect it to the cigarette stick 3. In the embodiments illustrated, the connecting patch 4 has a slit 15 on its outer circumference which, in practice, divides it into two distinct portions. A first portion 16 of the patch 4 forms the sleeve 13 whilst a second portion 17 forms the connection between the filtering element 2 and the cigarette stick 3.

The second portion 17 is thus connected, in particular glued, both to the aforementioned tubular wrapper 12 and to the cigarette stick 3. The second portion 17 thus also includes the dividing element 8'.

In order to allow the sleeve 13 to rotate as described above, the closing means for closing the duct 7 comprise a rotary joint 18 acting between the sleeve 13 and the duct 7.

More specifically, the joint 18 acts between the sleeve 13 and the filtering element 2 the duct 7 runs through.

As illustrated for example in Figures 2, 5, 6, the joint 18 is made in the filtering element 2. More specifically, the filtering element 2 is shaped in such a way as to define the rotary joint 18.

As schematically illustrated in an enlarged view, the joint 18 is defined by means of a circular slit 19, preferably coaxial with the axis of symmetry A of the cigarette 1 , on the filtering element 2.

The slit 19 has the shape of a circular crown and, in the proximity of the axis of symmetry A, delimits the joint 18 as a portion of the core 1 1 of filter material.

The slit 19 is located between the free end 2b of the filtering element 2 and the slit 15 made on the patch 4.

Preferably, the slit 19 is located in an axially intermediate zone of the filter plug 10.

The first portion 16 of the patch 4, defining the sleeve 13, is fitted round a portion of the filtering element 2 included, relative to the axis of symmetry A, between the free end 2b and the slit 15.

The first portion 16 of the patch 4 is connected to the filtering element 2 along a cylindrical surface 20 which is included between the free end 2b and the slit 19 of the filtering element 2. Preferably, this connection is accomplished by gluing with adhesive G.

The second portion 17 of the patch 4 is connected to the filtering element 2 and to the cigarette stick 3 along a cylindrical surface 21 which is included between the slit 15 and a first end part of the cigarette stick 3 itself, comprising the dividing element 8'. Preferably, this connection is accomplished by gluing with adhesive G.

The first portion 16 of the patch 4, that is, the sleeve 13, is therefore free to rotate on the filtering element 2 between the slit 19 on the filtering element 2 itself and the slit 15 on the patch 4. This rotation allows the closing means to move between the closed first position and the open second position.

Preferably, the joint 18 is made as a portion of the filtering element 2 defined by the filter plug 10 of the wrapped type.

In that case, the first portion 16 of the patch 4 is glued to the tubular wrapper 12.

In an embodiment illustrated for example in Figure 5, the smokers' article 1 comprises an annular element or collar 22, preferably of paper material, wrapped over the patch 4.

The collar 22 extends along the axis of symmetry A between the first portion 16 and the second portion 17 of the patch 4.

More specifically, the collar 4 is placed on top of the slit 15 of the patch 4, thereby hiding it and making the smokers' article 1 aesthetically more pleasing.

In one embodiment, the collar 22 is connected, preferably glued, to the first portion 16 of the patch 4 whereas, in an alternative embodiment, it is connected, preferably glued, to the second portion 17 of the patch 4.

In order to allow insertion of the additive 6, the collar 22 has an opening 23 at the opening 14 in the sleeve 13.

In one embodiment, illustrated in Figure 10, the duct 7 runs through the filtering element 2 and its opening 7a gives onto the outside surface of the filtering element 2.

The closing means comprise an annular element or collar 24 movable along the filtering element 2 between a position where the inlet 7a of the duct 7 is closed, illustrated in Figure 8, and a position where it is open, illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. More specifically, in the open position of the inlet 7a, the duct 7 is open and the chamber 5 is accessible for insertion of the additive 6.

The filtering element 2 comprises a plug 25 of NWA filter in which the chamber 5 is formed.

In the example illustrated, the filtering element 2 comprises a first and a second filter plug 26, 27 at opposite ends of the plug 25.

The connecting patch 4 comprises a sliding portion 28 which defines the collar 24 movable on the plug 25 to give access to the chamber 5.

The connecting patch 4 comprises two end portions 29, 30 which define respective end stops for the collar 24.

The duct 7 of the smokers' article 1 according to the invention is made preferably by perforating at least the filtering element 2.

A process for making a smokers' article 1 having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis of symmetry A comprises a step of perforating the filtering element 2 to make the duct 7 along a direction D transversal to the longitudinal axis of symmetry A. This process is particularly effective when the duct 7 is made in a filter plug of the wrapped type.

The step of perforating the filtering element, preferably done by laser, also comprises perforating the patch 4 to make the opening 14, if present. Similarly, the perforating step comprises perforating also the collar 22, if present.

Preferably, in the case where the duct 7 also defines the chamber 5, the perforating step allows making the openings on the outside surface of the smokers' article 1 , the duct 7 and the chamber 5.

More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated for example in Figure 5, the duct 7 comprises the chamber 5.

The duct 7 extends from the outer lateral surface of the filtering element 2 preferably to the axis of symmetry A of the cigarette 1 .

If the chamber 5 is preformed in the filter plug, particularly in the case of a NWA filter, the perforating step perforates the patch 4 in the portion which defines the sleeve 13.

Owing to the relatively reduced dimensions of the chamber 5, of the access duct 7 and of the openings 14, 23 and to make it easier for the consumer to insert the additive 6 into the chamber 5, this invention also has for an object a kit comprising at least one smokers' article 1 as described in the foregoing, preferably a group of smokers' articles 1 enclosed in a packet, for example a packet of cigarettes, and at least one doser or applicator 100, drawn with dashed lines in Figure 2, for inserting the additive 6 into the chamber 5. The doser or applicator 100 may contain the additive 6 in one flavour only or two or more additives 6 in different flavours.

The doser 100 comprises a tank 101 (partly illustrated) for the additive 6 and an outlet nozzle 102 shaped to engage the opening 14 and in communication with the tank 101 .

In use, as described above, a consumer wanting to insert the additive 6 into the chamber 5 opens the duct 7, for example by rotating the sleeve 13 or axially moving the collar 24.

Once the duct 7 is open, the consumer can insert the additive 6 into the chamber 5, using the doser 100 if necessary or more convenient.

The consumer can then close the duct 7 and proceed to smoking the smokers' article 1 .

Claims

1 . A smokers' article (1 ) having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (A), comprising

a filtering element (2) comprising at least one chamber (5) for an additive

(6) ,

a cigarette stick (3),

connecting means (4, 17) operating between said filtering element (2) and said cigarette stick (3) for connecting said filtering element (2) to the cigarette stick (3),

said smokers' article being characterized in that it comprises a duct (7) giving access to the chamber (5), and

closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) by which the duct (7) can be closed and which are movable relative to the duct (7) between a first position where the duct (7) is closed and a second position where the duct (7) is open,

the smokers' article being characterized in that the duct (7) runs through the filtering element (2) in a direction (D) transversal to the longitudinal axis of symmetry (A).

2. Smokers' article according to claim 1 , characterized in that the duct

(7) has an inlet (7a) on a lateral outside surface, preferably cylindrical, of the filtering element (2), and an outlet in communication with the chamber (5).

3. Smokers' article according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filtering element (2) comprises a filter plug (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) having an internal cavity (9), the chamber (5) being defined in the internal cavity (9).

4. Smokers' article according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal cavity (9) comprises the duct (7), the cavity (9) having an opening (9a) corresponding to the inlet (7a) of the duct (7).

5. Smokers' article according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the filter plug (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) is of the type known as "Non Wrapped Acetate".

6. Smokers' article according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the filter plug (8, 10, 25, 26, 27) comprises a core (1 1 ) of filter material and a sheet (12) of wrapping material wrapped around the core (1 1 ) of filter material.

7. Smokers' article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the duct (7) comprises the chamber (5).

8. Smokers' article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are associated with the filtering element (2).

9. Smokers' article according to claim 8, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are connected to the filtering element (2).

10. Smokers' article according to claim 9, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) comprise a rotary joint (18), the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) being movable relative to the duct (7) between the closed first position and the open second position by the rotation obtainable by means of the rotary joint (18).

1 1 . Smokers' article according to claim 10, characterized in that the filtering element (2) is shaped in such a way as to define the rotary joint (18).

12. Smokers' article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) comprise a sleeve (13) coaxial with the filtering element (2) and rotatable relative to the duct (7), the sleeve (13) having an opening (14) which is movable between a first position at the inlet (7a) of the duct (7), where the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are in the open second position, and a second position spaced from the inlet (7a) of the duct (7), where the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) are in the closed first position.

13. Smokers' article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filtering element (2) comprises a first filter plug (8) and a second filter plug (10), the chamber being provided in the first filter plug (8), the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) being associated with the second filter plug (10) and the connecting means (4, 17) operating between the first filter plug (8) and the cigarette stick (3).

14. Smokers' article according to claim 13, characterized in that the second filter plug (10) is shaped to define a rotary joint (18), the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) comprising the rotary joint (18) and being movable relative to the duct (7) between the closed first position and the open second position by the rotation obtainable by means of the joint (18).

15. Smokers' article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the duct (7) runs through the filtering element (2), the closing means (13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28) comprising a collar (24) which is movable along the filtering element (2) between a closed position and an open position of the inlet (7a) of the duct (7).

16. Smokers' article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additive (6) inside the chamber (5).

17. Smokers' article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additive (6) is in the form of a capsule, a powder, grains, a gel, a liquid or a flavoured pellet of filter material.

18. A process for making a smokers' article having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, the process being characterized in that it comprises a step of perforating at least the filtering element (2) to define at least the duct (7) which runs through the filtering element (2) in a direction (D) transversal to the longitudinal axis of symmetry (A).

19. Process for making a smokers' article according to claim 18, the process being characterized in that it comprises a step of perforating the sleeve (13) and the filtering element (2) to define the opening (14) in the sleeve and to define the duct (7) in the filtering element.

20. A kit comprising at least one smokers' article (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, preferably a group of smokers' articles (1 ) enclosed in a packet and at least one applicator (100) for inserting the additive (6) in the chamber (5).

21 . Kit according to claim 20, wherein the applicator (100) contains the additive (6) in one flavour or two or more additives (6) in different flavours.