WO2016156209A1

WO2016156209A1 - Aerosol generating article having flavourant and removable tipping wrapper portion

Info

Publication number: WO2016156209A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/056568
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alen Kadiric
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2015-03-27
Filing date: 2016-03-24
Publication date: 2016-10-06

Abstract

An aerosol generating article (10) comprises an aerosol generating substrate (12), a mouthpiece (14) in axial alignment with the aerosol generating substrate (12), and a tipping wrapper (20) wrapped around the mouthpiece (14) and at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate (12).The mouthpiece (14) comprises a mouthpiece wrapper (30) circumscribing one or more mouthpiece segments (16). The tipping wrapper (20) comprises at least one weakening line (22) extending transversely around at least a portion of the tipping wrapper (20); an upstream wrapper portion (24) extending upstream from the at least one weakening line; and a removable tipping wrapper portion (26) extending downstream from the at least one weakening line (22). A portion of the mouthpiece wrapper (30) underlies the removable tipping wrapper portion (26). The aerosol generating article (10) further comprises at least one flavourant (28) between the removable tipping wrapper portion (26) and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING ARTICLE HAVING FLAVOURANT AND REMOVABLE TIPPING

WRAPPER PORTION

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article having a flavourant and a removable tipping wrapper portion. The present invention also relates to a method of forming such aerosol generating articles.

Filter cigarettes typically comprise a cylindrical rod of tobacco cut filler surrounded by a paper wrapper and a cylindrical filter axially aligned in an abutting end-to-end relationship with the wrapped tobacco rod. The cylindrical filter typically comprises a filtration material circumscribed by a paper plug wrap. Conventionally, the wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are joined by a band of tipping wrapper that normally circumscribes the entire length of the filter and an adjacent portion of the wrapped tobacco rod. A conventional filter cigarette is typically smoked by lighting the end of the cigarette opposite the mouthpiece so that the tobacco rod burns.

A number of aerosol generating articles in which tobacco is heated rather than combusted have also been proposed in the art. In heated aerosol generating articles, an aerosol is generated by heating a flavour generating substrate, such as tobacco. Known heated aerosol generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating articles in which an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separate aerosol forming material. During smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol forming substrate by heat transfer from the fuel element and entrained in air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer. Also known are aerosol generating articles in which a nicotine-containing aerosol is generated from a tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other nicotine source, without combustion, and in some cases without heating, for example through a chemical reaction.

Some aerosol generating articles comprise a flavourant that is delivered to the consumer during use of the aerosol generating article. For example, some filter cigarettes incorporate a flavourant into the filter material so that the mainstream smoke becomes flavoured with the flavourant when the consumer draws on the cigarette. However, such cigarettes do not provide the consumer with any control over when the flavourant is delivered.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article that provides a novel method of delivering a flavourant to a consumer. It would be particularly desirable for such an aerosol generating article to provide the consumer with control over when the flavourant is delivered.

According to the present invention there is provided an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate, a mouthpiece in axial alignment with the aerosol generating substrate, and a tipping wrapper wrapped around the mouthpiece and at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate. At least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate is circumscribed by an aerosol generating substrate wrapper. The mouthpiece comprises a mouthpiece wrapper circumscribing one or more mouthpiece segments. The tipping wrapper comprises at least one weakening line extending transversely around at least a portion of the tipping wrapper; an upstream tipping wrapper portion extending upstream from the at least one weakening line, wherein the upstream tipping wrapper portion is attached to a downstream portion of the aerosol generating substrate wrapper and an upstream portion of the mouthpiece; and a removable tipping wrapper portion extending downstream from the at least one weakening line, wherein a portion of the mouthpiece wrapper underlies the removable tipping wrapper portion. The aerosol generating article further comprises at least one flavourant between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating substrate" describes a substrate capable of releasing, upon heating (including combustion), volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol. The aerosol generated from aerosol generating substrates may be visible or invisible and may include vapours (for example, fine particles of substances, which are in a gaseous state, that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapours.

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative positions of elements, or portions of elements, of the aerosol generating article in relation to the direction in which a consumer draws on the aerosol generating article during use thereof. Aerosol generating articles as described herein comprise a downstream end (that is, the mouth end) and an opposed upstream end. In use, a consumer draws on the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end is downstream of the upstream end, which may also be described as the distal end. The mouthpiece is downstream of the aerosol generating substrate.

As used herein, the term "flavourant" describes a material that can be used to deliver at least one of a gustatory sensation and an olfactory sensation to a consumer.

A flavourant may comprise a material intended to deliver a gustatory sensation upon oral ingestion by the consumer. The gustatory sensation may comprise at least one of a taste sensation, a cooling or a warming sensation, a tingling sensation, a numbing sensation, effervescence, increased salivation, and combinations thereof.

Alternatively, a flavourant may comprise a material intended to deliver an olfactory sensation without oral ingestion by the consumer. Such flavourants may comprise at least one volatile compound that delivers an olfactory sensation at room temperature or upon heating. Alternatively, such a flavourant may deliver an olfactory sensation only upon combustion of the flavourant.

Additionally, or alternatively, the flavourant may comprise one or more compounds intended to function as a deodorising agent to mask or remove odours, for example odours generated during smoking of the aerosol generating article. By providing a flavourant between a removable tipping wrapper portion and an underlying portion of the mouthpiece wrapper, aerosol generating articles according to the present invention advantageously provide a consumer with control over when the flavourant is delivered. For example, the consumer can choose to remove the removable tipping wrapper portion before, during or after smoking or otherwise using the aerosol generating article. In particular, the consumer may choose to remove the removable tipping wrapper portion before smoking to provide a flavoured smoking experience, or the consumer may choose to remove the removable tipping wrapper portion after smoking to provide an unflavoured smoking experience and a post- smoking delivery of flavourant.

Alternatively, the consumer can choose to not remove the removable tipping wrapper portion at all to provide an entirely unflavoured experience.

By providing the flavourant between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying portion of the mouthpiece wrapper, aerosol generating articles according to the present invention can also advantageously minimise loss of the flavourant from the aerosol generating article during storage. This is particularly advantageous in those embodiments in which the flavourant comprises one or more volatile compounds.

The at least one flavourant is provided between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying portion of mouthpiece wrapper such that the flavourant is in contact with the surface of both the tipping wrapper and the mouthpiece wrapper. The at least one flavourant may be provided on a surface of the removable tipping wrapper portion facing the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion, on a surface of the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion, or both. In those embodiments in which the at least one flavourant is provided only on the removable tipping wrapper portion, the consumer can choose to deliver the at least one flavourant separately from the smoking experience. For example, the consumer can choose to lick an orally ingestible flavourant from the removable tipping wrapper portion after smoking or otherwise using the aerosol generating article.

The at least one flavourant may be deposited as a coating on the surface of the removable tipping wrapper portion facing the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion, on the surface of the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion, or both. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one flavourant may be impregnated into the surface of the removable tipping wrapper portion facing the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion, into the surface of the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion, or both.

In aerosol generating articles according to the invention, the mouthpiece comprises one or more mouthpiece segments circumscribed by a mouthpiece wrapper. A portion of the mouthpiece wrapper underlies the removable tipping wrapper portion and is exposed at the surface of the mouthpiece upon removal of the removable tipping wrapper portion by the consumer. The mouthpiece may comprise a single segment of filter material and the mouthpiece wrapper may be an individual plug wrap circumscribing the single segment of filter material. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may comprise a plurality of segments of filter material and the mouthpiece wrapper may be a combining plug wrap circumscribing the plurality of segments of filter material. In such embodiments, each of the segments of filter material may be wrapped in an individual plug wrap underlying the combining plug wrap.

The mouthpiece wrapper may be formed from a porous material, such as a porous paper. However, the mouthpiece wrapper is preferably formed from a non-porous material, such as a non-porous paper or a polymeric material, which may reduce or prevent migration of the flavourant into the one or more underlying mouthpiece segments. The non-porous material may comprise an inherently non-porous material, or the non-porous material may comprise a porous substrate onto which a non-porous coating is applied. Preferably, the mouthpiece wrapper has a porosity of less than about 20 Coresta Units, more preferably less than about 10 Coresta Units, and more preferably less than about 5 Coresta Units, measured in accordance with the Coresta Recommended Method No. 40. Most preferably, the mouthpiece wrapper has a porosity of about zero Coresta Units. Suitable materials for forming the mouthpiece wrapper include cellulosic polymeric materials, starch-based polymeric materials, polyvinyl alcohol, cellophane, polylactide, and combinations thereof.

A coating may be applied to an outer surface of the mouthpiece wrapper to provide a moisture barrier that may minimise the risk of a consumer's lips or mouth wetting the mouthpiece wrapper and may therefore reduce the risk of a consumer's lips or mouth sticking the mouthpiece wrapper after the removable tipping wrapper portion has been removed. For example, a suitable lip-release lacquer may be applied to an outer surface of the mouthpiece wrapper, as known to the skilled person. The coating may be in addition to, or as an alternative to, a non-porous coating applied to the mouthpiece wrapper to reduce or prevent the migration of the at least one flavourant into the one or more underlying mouthpiece segments, as described above. In those embodiments in which the mouthpiece wrapper comprises a non-porous coating and a lip-release coating, both coatings may comprise the same coating material. Alternatively, the non-porous coating and the lip release coating may comprise different coating materials.

The mouthpiece wrapper may have a basis weight of less than about 90 grams per square metre, preferably less than about 60 grams per square metre, more preferably less than about 40 grams per square metre. The mouthpiece wrapper preferably has a basis weight of more than about 20 grams per square metre.

In certain preferred embodiments, the mouthpiece wrapper comprises a plug wrap or combination of plug wraps having a basis weight of between about 50 grams per square metre and about 100 grams per square metre, more preferably between about 65 grams per square metre and about 85 grams per square metre and most preferably between about 60 grams per square metre and about 70 grams per square metre. By providing a plug wrap or combination of plug wraps having a basis weight within this range, a relatively stiff mouthpiece wrapper is obtained. This advantageously provides a filter that can retain a desirable level of hardness even when the removable tipping wrapper portion has been removed.

In certain embodiments, the plug wrap may extend downstream of the mouthpiece segments to define a mouth end recess. In such embodiments, the use of a plug wrap having a relatively high basis weight as defined above advantageously helps to retain the structure of the recess during smoking.

The tipping wrapper of aerosol generating articles of the present invention corresponds to the outer wrapper of the mouthpiece, which circumscribes the mouthpiece and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. As described above, the tipping wrapper includes an upstream tipping wrapper portion which attaches the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the upstream end of the mouthpiece and which is intended to stay in place on the aerosol generating article after the removal of the removable tipping wrapper portion. The tipping wrapperfurther includes a downstream, removable tipping wrapper portion. Initially, the upstream tipping wrapper portion and the removable tipping wrapper portion are connected along the at least one weakening line and the tipping wrapper can be torn by the consumer along the at least one weakening line in order to remove the removable tipping wrapper portion.

The tipping wrapper directly overlies the mouthpiece wrapper. Preferably, the tipping wrapper is a single layer tipping wrapper which extends once around the mouthpiece in a circumferential direction. The aerosol generating articles of the present invention can therefore be formed with a similar wrapper arrangement to that of a conventional filter cigarette. The aerosol generating articles can therefore advantageously be assembled in a convenient and cost effective way using existing high speed machinery and techniques.

In any of the embodiments described above, the at least one flavourant may be encapsulated. For example, the at least one flavourant may be contained within a plurality of microcapsules provided between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion. Encapsulating the at least one flavourant can reduce or prevent migration of the flavourant into one or more underlying mouthpiece segments and can reduce or prevent loss of the at least one flavourant from the aerosol generating article during storage. Additionally, or alternatively, in those embodiments in which the at least one flavourant is applied to only one of the mouthpiece wrapper and the tipping wrapper before the tipping wrapper is wrapped around the mouthpiece, encapsulating the at least one flavourant can reduce or prevent migration of the flavourant between the mouthpiece and the tipping wrapper.

In such embodiments, the at least one flavourant can be released by a mechanical action during or after removal of the removable tipping wrapper portion. For example, in those embodiments in which the at least one flavourant is intended to deliver an olfactory sensation without oral ingestion by the consumer, the at least one encapsulated flavourant can be applied to the surface of the tipping wrapper facing the mouthpiece and released only after the removable tipping wrapper portion has been removed. In such embodiments, migration of the at least one flavourant from the tipping wrapper to the underlying mouthpiece is reduced or eliminated by encapsulating the at least one flavourant.

Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one flavourant can be encapsulated in a water soluble encapsulating material so that the at least one flavourant can be released by contacting the encapsulated flavourant with water. Such embodiments may be particularly suited to flavourants which are intended for oral ingestion by the consumer before, during or after use of the aerosol generating article. For example, the at least one encapsulated flavourant may be applied to the removable tipping wrapper portion and intended to provide a breath freshening experience, wherein the consumer can lick or otherwise place their tongue in contact with the removable tipping wrapper portion after using the aerosol generating article.

In those embodiments in which the at least one flavourant is encapsulated, an adhesive may be provided between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion and the at least one encapsulated flavourant may be provided on or within the adhesive. In such embodiments, the mechanical action of removing the adhered removable tipping wrapper portion from the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion may release the encapsulated flavourant. Such embodiments may be suitable for delivering flavourants that are intended to deliver an olfactory sensation, for example. The adhesive is preferably a low-tack adhesive to facilitate removal of the removable tipping wrapper portion without damaging the removable tipping wrapper portion or the underling mouthpiece portion.

Alternatively, the aerosol generating article may be free from adhesive between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion. In such embodiments, an alternative mechanism may be required to release the at least one encapsulated flavourant. For example, after removing the removable tipping wrapper portion the consumer may use a rubbing or scratching motion on at least one of the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion to release the at least one encapsulated flavourant. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one flavourant may be encapsulated in a water soluble encapsulating material, as described above. Embodiments in which no adhesive is provided between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion may be particularly suitable for those embodiments in which the at least one flavourant is intended to deliver a gustatory sensation upon oral ingestion by the consumer.

In any of the embodiments described above in which the at least one flavourant is intended to deliver at least one of an aroma and a taste sensation upon oral ingestion, the at least one flavourant may be activated by contact with moisture, such as saliva or humidity on the consumer's lips or within the consumer's mouth. In any of the embodiments described above, the at least one flavourant may comprise at least one of menthol, eugenol, or a combination of menthol and eugenol. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one flavourant may comprise anethole, linalool, or a combination thereof.

Many naturally occurring flavourants can be obtained either by extraction from a natural source or by chemical synthesis if the structure of the compound is known. The flavourants can be extracted from a part of a plant or an animal by physical means, by enzymes, or by water or an organic solvent, and thus include any extractive, essence, hydrolysate, distillate, or absolute thereof. Plants that can be used to provide flavourants include, but are not limited to, those belonging to the families, Lamiaceae (for example, mints), Apiaceae (for example, anise, fennel), Lauraceae (for example, laurels, cinnamon, rosewood), Rutaceae (for example, citrus fruits), Myrtaceae (for example, anise myrtle), and Fabaceae (for example, liquorice). Non-limiting examples of sources of flavourants include mints such as peppermint and spearmint, coffee, tea, cinnamon, clove, ginger, cocoa, vanilla, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, agave, juniper, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chive, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme and caraway. The term "mints" is used to refer to plants of the genus Mentha. Suitable types of mint leaf may be taken from plant varieties including but not limited to Mentha piperita, Mentha arvensis, Mentha niliaca, Mentha citrata, Mentha spicata, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha pulegium, Mentha suaveolens, and Mentha suaveolens variegata.

As described above, the at least one flavourant may be intended to deliver a gustatory sensation in addition to, or as an alternative to, a taste sensation. Such additional or alternative sensations include a cooling or a warming sensation, a tingling sensation, a numbing sensation, effervescence, increased salivation, and combinations thereof. These sensory effects may be provided by one or more flavourants also intended to deliver a taste sensation, including the flavourants listed above. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one flavourant may comprise at least one material which provides one or more of these sensory effects without providing a taste sensation. For example, suitable compounds that produce a cooling effect and can be used as an active material include, but are not limited to, the family of carboxamide compounds, such as the Wilkinson-Sword (WS) compounds WS-3 (N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-lsopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), WS-5 [Ethyl 3-(p-menthane-3-carboxamido)acetate], WS-27 (N-Ethyl-2,2-diisopropylbutanamide), WS-14 [N-([ethoxycarbonyl]methyl)-p-menthane-3- carboxamide], and WS-1 16 (N-(1 ,1 -Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2-diethylbutanamide).

Flavourants that deliver a gustatory sensation without delivering an aroma sensation, such as cooling agents or heating agents (capsaicin, for example), are perceived by the consumer only through a physiological reaction with taste receptors on at least one of the lips and the tongue.

The at least one flavourant may additionally, or alternatively, comprise an aroma compound that delivers an olfactory sensation only upon combustion of the aroma compound. In those embodiments in which the at least one flavourant comprises at least on aroma compound, the aroma compound may comprise at least one natural resin. The at least one natural resin may comprise a natural resin that provides an aroma only when heated or combusted. The at least one natural resin may be obtained from at least one of Amber (Pinus succinifera), Benzoin (Styrax benzoides), Borneol Camphor (Dryobalanops aromatic), Burgundy Pitch (at least one of Pini burgundica, Picea Alba), Colophony Pine (Colophonium tot.), Copal Black and Copal Gold (Agathis dammara), Copal White (Bursera jorullense), Dammar (at least one of Shorea wiesneri, Shorea robusta), Dragon's Blood (Daemonorops draco), Elemi (at least one of Canarium commune, Canarium luzonicum), Frankincense (at least one of Boswellia sacra, Boswellia carterii, Boswellia frereana, Boswellia serrata, Boswellia papyrifera, and other species of the Boswellia genus), Galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Labdanum (Cistus villosus var. creticus), Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia), Musk seeds (Abelmoschus moschatus), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Sandarac (Tetraclinis articulate), and combinations thereof.

Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one aroma compound may comprise a glycoside of a di- or polysaccharide and an aroma component. The aroma component may comprise at least one of vanillin, ethyl vanillin, eugenol, menthol and maltol. Such glycosides are described in WO 2001/037684 A2.

In those embodiments in which the at least one flavourant comprises an aroma compound that delivers an olfactory sensation only upon combustion of the aroma compound, the at least one flavourant is preferably provided on the removable tipping wrapper portion so that the removable tipping wrapper portion comprising the at least one aroma compound can be combusted after it has been removed from the aerosol-generating article. The at least one aroma compound may be provided as a coating on the surface of the removable tipping wrapper portion, either directly or as an encapsulated aroma compound. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one aroma compound may be impregnated into a surface of the removable tipping wrapper portion.

In aerosol generating articles according to the invention, the removable tipping wrapper portion may extend between the at least one weakening line and a downstream edge of the tipping wrapper. In such embodiments, the removable tipping wrapper portion may extend downstream of a downstream end of the mouthpiece to define a recess at the mouth end of the aerosol generating article. This enables the downstream edge of the removable tipping wrapper portion to be grasped by the consumer so that the removable tipping wrapper portion can be readily pulled away from the mouthpiece in a downstream direction. Alternatively, the downstream edge of the removable tipping wrapper portion may coincide with the downstream end of the mouthpiece.

Alternatively, the at least one weakening line may comprise at least one upstream weakening line and at least one downstream weakening line each extending around at least a portion of the tipping wrapper and spaced apart in the downstream direction. In such embodiments, the upstream tipping wrapper portion extends upstream from the at least one upstream weakening line and the removable tipping wrapper portion extends between the at least one upstream weakening line and the at least one downstream weakening line. The tipping wrapper further comprises a downstream tipping wrapper portion extending downstream from the at least one downstream weakening line, wherein the downstream tipping wrapper portion is attached to a downstream portion of the mouthpiece. In such embodiments, the removable tipping wrapper portion comprises a removable strip of tipping wrapper.

In any of the embodiments described above, each weakening line may comprise a single continuous cut extending around a portion of the tipping wrapper. In such embodiments, the single cut preferably extends from an edge of the tipping wrapper at a tipping wrapper seam extending along the aerosol generating article. The single continuous cut preferably extends around at least about 50 percent of the circumference of the tipping wrapper, more preferably at least about 75 percent of the circumference of the tipping wrapper, most preferably at least about 85 percent of the circumference of the tipping wrapper. Preferably, the single continuous cut extends around less than about 95 percent of the circumference of the tipping wrapper.

Alternatively, each weakening line may comprise multiple cuts spaced apart in a circumferential direction to form a row of perforations extending around the tipping wrapper. In such embodiments, the row of perforations preferably extends around substantially the entire circumference of the tipping wrapper. To aid the consumer in tearing the tipping wrapper along the row of perforations, the weakening line may comprise an elongate cut extending between an edge of the tipping wrapper at a tipping wrapper seam and the first perforation in the row of perforations.

As described above, the at least one weakening line extends transversely around at least a portion of the tipping wrapper. In some embodiments, the tipping wrapper may further comprise a longitudinal line of weakening extending along the tipping wrapper between the at least one transverse weakening line and the mouth end of the aerosol generating article to facilitate removal of the removable tipping wrapper portion. Specifically, in such embodiments, the consumer may tear the tipping wrapper along the longitudinal line of weakening first, which can provide a free edge of the tipping wrapper that the consumer can more easily grasp to subsequently tear the tipping wrapper along the at least one transverse weakening line.

In any of the embodiments described above, the aerosol generating article may be free from adhesive between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion, to facilitate removal of the removable tipping wrapper portion. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article may comprise a low-tack adhesive between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion, for example in those embodiments in which the at least one flavourant is encapsulated, as described above. The tipping wrapper of aerosol generating articles according to the invention provides a longitudinal edge extending along the outer surface of the mouthpiece. In certain embodiments, the region of the tipping wrapper adjacent to the longitudinal edge may be free from adhesive so that the edge of the tipping wrapper is not affixed to the surface of the mouthpiece. This enables the free edge of the tipping wrapper to be grasped by the consumer, thereby facilitating removal of the removable tipping wrapper portion.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the longitudinal edge is shaped to provide a tear tab for facilitating removal of the removable tipping wrapper portion. For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the longitudinal edge comprises a tipping wrapper projection downstream of a first weakening line on the removable tipping wrapper portion and a first straight line portion extending upstream from the tipping wrapper projection. The tipping wrapper projection comprises a first curved transition portion connecting the first straight line portion of the longitudinal edge to the remainder of the tipping wrapper projection, wherein the first curved transition portion follows a convex curve.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article or mouthpiece. The "longitudinal edge" of the tipping wrapper refers to the free edge of the tipping wrapper that extends in a longitudinal direction between the ends of the mouthpiece, along the outer surface of the mouthpiece.

As used herein, the term "tipping wrapper projection" refers to the portion of the longitudinal edge which projects away from the first straight line portion in a circumferential direction to define a tear tab at the edge of the tipping wrapper. Typically, the tipping wrapper projection will project entirely beyond the first straight line portion, such that the tipping wrapper projection projects away from the tipping wrapper in a circumferential direction. However, in certain embodiments at least a portion of the tipping wrapper projection, for example in the region immediately adjacent the first straight line portion, may project inwardly towards the tipping wrapper in a circumferential direction.

As used herein, the term "first curved transition portion" refers to the portion of the tipping wrapper projection connecting the first straight line portion to the remainder of the tipping wrapper projection. The upstream end of the first curved transition portion corresponds to the point at which the longitudinal edge begins to curve away from the first straight line portion, as determined by the naked eye. The downstream end of the first curved transition portion corresponds to the point at which the curvature of the tipping wrapper projection changes direction from the convex curvature of the first curved transition portion, as determined by the naked eye. For example, where the tipping wrapper projection is a continuous curve, the downstream end of the first curved transition portion corresponds to the inflection point at which the curvature of the tipping wrapper projection changes from convex to concave. In other embodiments, the downstream end of the first curved transition portion may correspond to a corner where the convex curvature of the first curved transition portion changes to a linear portion.

The term "convex" is used herein to describe a portion of the tipping wrapper projection curve that has a curve with a gradient that increases as the curve moves away from the tipping wrapper in a circumferential direction. In the case of the first curved transition portion, the gradient therefore increases moving along the curve in the downstream direction. All tangents to the convex curve lie below the curve when the tipping wrapper is viewed in a flat state with the longitudinal edge incorporating the tipping wrapper projection along the top. A "convex" curve may also be described as "concave upward" or "convex downward".

The term "concave" is conversely used herein to describe a curve that has the opposite curvature to a "convex" curve and which therefore has a gradient that decreases with increasing circumferential distance from the tipping wrapper. For a concave curve, all tangents to the curve lie above the curve when the tipping wrapper is viewed in a flat state with the longitudinal edge incorporating the tipping wrapper projection along the top. A "concave" curve may also be described as "concave downward" or "convex upward".

In the tipping wrapper of the aerosol generating article of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first curved transition portion of the tipping wrapper projection "follows a convex curve". This is intended to cover embodiments in which the first curved transition portion is convexly curved as well as embodiments in which the first curved transition portion approximates a convex curve.

The "first straight line portion" of the longitudinal edge of the tipping wrapper extends in a straight line without curvature, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

The convex curvature of the first curved transition portion of the tipping wrapper projection, as described above, advantageously provides a gradual transition between the first straight line portion and the tipping wrapper projection and ensures that there are no sharp angles or corners in the region of the longitudinal edge where the tear tab meets the first straight line portion.

If a sharp angle or corner were to exist in this region of the longitudinal edge, a point of weakness may be created at the edge of the tipping wrapper, which could lead to undesired tearing of the tipping wrapper at this point. Conversely, in aerosol generating articles according to the present invention, the convex curvature of the first curved transition portion ensures that there should be no specific points of weakness introduced by the tipping wrapper projection, thereby minimising the risk of tearing of the tipping wrapper in the first curved transition portion. Instead, the curved shape advantageously enables the pulling force exerted by the consumer on the tear tab to be transferred more effectively to the first weakening line. The removable tipping wrapper portion can therefore be more easily removed in a single action by the consumer. The radius of curvature of the first curved transition portion will determine the gradient of the convex curve and therefore how gradually the longitudinal edge of the tipping wrapper curves between the first straight line portion and the top of the tipping wrapper projection, wherein the "top" refers to the point furthest from the first straight line portion in a circumferential direction. The greater the radius of curvature in the first curved transition portion, the more gradually the edge curves upwards away from the first straight line portion. Preferably, the radius of curvature is at least about 0.5 mm along the length of the first curved transition portion, more preferably at least about 1 mm, most preferably at least about 2 mm. A more gradual curvature, for example, with a radius of curvature of at least 0.5 mm further minimises the risk of the tipping wrapper tearing in the first curved transition portion.

As used herein, the "radius of curvature" refers to the radius of the circle that best fits the curve at any particular point along the first curved transition portion.

The radius of curvature may be substantially constant along the first curved transition portion, for example, where the first curved transition portion approximates an arc. Alternatively, the radius of curvature may vary along the first curved transition portion but preferably remains at or above 0.5 mm at all points along the length of the first curved transition portion.

The position of the tipping wrapper projection relative to the first weakening line may also be varied in order to minimise the risk of tearing of the tipping wrapper other than along the first weakening line. Preferably, the tipping wrapper projection is provided between about 0 mm and about 15 mm downstream of the first weakening line, more preferably between about 5 mm and about 10 mm. This corresponds to the distance between the first weakening line and the upstream end of the first curved transition portion (as defined above).

Preferably, the tipping wrapper projection extends between about 2.0 mm and about 5.0 mm beyond the first straight line portion, more preferably between about 2.5 mm and about 4.0 mm beyond the first straight line portion in the circumferential direction. This corresponds to the circumferential distance between the first straight line portion and the "top" of the tipping wrapper projection as defined above, which defines the height of the tear tab relative to the straight part of the longitudinal edge.

By providing the tear tab with a height of at least 2.0 mm, the tear tab is of a convenient size for the consumer to grasp. On the other hand, keeping the height of the tear tab less than or equal to 5.0 mm may be advantageous from a manufacturing point of view. Tear tabs having a greater height will typically protrude to a larger extent from the surface of the aerosol generating article and the tear tabs of adjacent aerosol generating articles may interfere with each other during processing of the assembled aerosol generating articles. This may in turn lead to obstruction of the flow of the aerosol generating articles through the high speed apparatus. Furthermore, it may become increasingly difficult to accurately cut tear tabs having a greater height into the tipping wrapper during manufacture, due to the challenges of running the cutting knife at the same speed as the drum carrying the tipping wrapper material.

Preferably, the tipping wrapper projection extends in the circumferential direction by a distance corresponding to between about 10 percent and about 20 percent of the outer circumference of the mouthpiece.

Preferably, the width of the tipping wrapper projection in the longitudinal direction is at least about 2.5 mm. Alternatively or in addition, the width of the tipping wrapper projection in the longitudinal direction is preferably less than 15 mm.

Preferably, the width of the tipping wrapper projection in the longitudinal direction corresponds to between about 10 percent and about 50 percent of the total width of the tipping wrapper in the longitudinal direction.

The "width" of the tipping wrapper projection corresponds to the maximum dimension of the tipping wrapper projection in the longitudinal direction. The width will be measured from the upstream end of the first curved transition portion, as defined above, to the downstream end of the tipping wrapper projection. The downstream end of the tipping wrapper projection may correspond to the downstream end of the removable tipping wrapper portion or may correspond to the point at which the tipping wrapper projection connects to a second straight line portion downstream of the tipping wrapper projection, as discussed below.

Preferably, the width of the first curved transition portion in the longitudinal direction corresponds to at least about 10 percent of the distance of the tipping wrapper projection from the first weakening line.

As discussed above, the first straight line portion of the longitudinal edge of the tipping wrapper extends upstream from the tipping wrapper projection. Typically, the first straight line portion of the longitudinal edge extends to the upstream end of the tipping wrapper. Preferably, the first weakening line is provided at a position along the first straight line portion such that at least a portion of the first straight line portion is provided downstream of the first weakening line. This downstream portion of the first weakening line therefore extends between the first weakening line and the tipping wrapper projection. In alternative embodiments, the first straight line portion may be provided entirely upstream of the first weakening line, such that the upstream end of the tipping wrapper projection substantially coincides with the position of the first weakening line. In such embodiments, the tear tab is provided immediately adjacent to the first weakening line.

The tipping wrapper projection may take a variety of suitable shapes downstream of the first curved transition portion. In certain preferred embodiments, the longitudinal edge of the tipping wrapper further comprises a second straight line portion extending downstream from the tipping wrapper projection to the downstream end of the removable tipping wrapper portion. The second straight line portion is typically at substantially the same circumferential position as the first straight line portion. In these embodiments, the tipping wrapper projection preferably further comprises a second curved transition portion connecting the second straight line portion of the longitudinal edge to the remainder of the tipping wrapper projection, wherein the second curved transition portion follows a convex curve.

The position of the upstream and downstream ends of the second curved transition portion can be determined in an analogous manner to the position of the downstream and upstream ends, respectively, of the first curved transition portion, as defined above.

Preferably, the tipping wrapper projection is substantially symmetric so that the first and second curved transition portions have substantially the same curvature and dimensions as each other.

The shape of the tipping wrapper projection between the first and second curved transition portions may vary. In some embodiments, the tipping wrapper projection may incorporate a linear portion between the first and second curved transition portions so that the top edge of the tear tab is substantially flat. In alternative embodiments, the tipping wrapper projection may incorporate a curved portion between the first and second curved transition portions, for example, to form an inverted U-shaped tear tab.

Preferably, the tipping wrapper projection is a substantially continuous, smooth curve. This means that the tipping wrapper projection is preferably substantially free from linear portions and angles or corners and provides a smooth, curved edge to the tear tab. For the purposes of the present invention, a "smooth" curve is one for which every point along the curve has a unique tangent line. Preferably, the tipping wrapper projection is a symmetric curve. Alternatively, the tipping wrapper projection may be an asymmetric curve.

In certain preferred embodiments, the tipping wrapper projection follows a concave curve between the first and second curved transition portions. At the downstream end of the first curved transition portion, corresponding to a first inflection point, the curvature of the tipping wrapper projection therefore changes from convex to concave such that the tipping wrapper projection begins to curve back around towards the tipping wrapper. At a second inflection point, the curvature of the tipping wrapper projection will change back to convex and this corresponds to the upstream end of the second curved transition portion.

Preferably, the tipping wrapper projection follows a bell-shaped curve, preferably a symmetric bell-shaped curve. For example, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the tipping wrapper projection follows a normal or Gaussian-like curve. In alternative embodiments, the tipping wrapper projection may follow an asymmetric bell-shaped curve.

In alternative embodiments, the tipping wrapper projection may not include a second curved transition portion. For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the tipping wrapper projection comprises a linear portion downstream of the first curved transition portion, wherein the linear portion extends to the downstream edge of the removable tipping wrapper portion. The linear portion may be connected to the first curved transition portion at a sharp corner or vertex, or more preferably at a rounded or bevelled corner. In such embodiments, the tear tab may be elongate in shape, extending in the longitudinal direction along the removable tipping wrapper portion.

Aerosol generating articles according to the present invention may be filter cigarettes or other smoking articles in which the aerosol generating substrate comprises a tobacco material that is combusted to form smoke. Therefore, in any of the embodiments described above, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a tobacco rod.

Alternatively, aerosol generating articles according to the present invention may be articles in which a tobacco material is heated to form an aerosol, rather than combusted. In one type of heated aerosol generating article, a tobacco material is heated by one or more electrical heating elements to produce an aerosol. In another type of heated aerosol generating article, an aerosol is produced by the transfer of heat from a combustible or chemical heat source to a physically separate tobacco material, which may be located within, around or downstream of the heat source. The present invention further encompasses aerosol generating articles in which a nicotine-containing aerosol is generated from a tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other nicotine source, without combustion, and in some cases without heating, for example through a chemical reaction.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows the aerosol generating article of Figure 1 with the removable tipping wrapper portion partially removed;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows the aerosol generating article of Figure 3 with the removable tipping wrapper portion partially removed;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the tipping wrapper projection of the tipping wrapper of the aerosol generating article of Figure 5.

Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating article 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 10 is a filter cigarette comprising an aerosol- generating substrate 12 in the form of a wrapped tobacco rod and a mouthpiece 14 comprising a single segment of filtration material 16 axially aligned with the tobacco rod. A downstream end of the tobacco rod abuts an upstream end of the mouthpiece 14 along the line 18 shown in Figure 1 . A tipping wrapper 20 comprising a row of perforations that form a weakening line 22 is wrapped around the mouthpiece 14 and a portion of the tobacco rod so that an upstream tipping wrapper portion 24 extends upstream from the weakening line 22, and a removable tipping wrapper portion 26 extends downstream from the weakening line 22. Only the upstream tipping wrapper portion 24 is glued to the underlying portions of the tobacco rod and the mouthpiece 14. The removable tipping wrapper portion 26 is not glued to the underlying mouthpiece 14 and is secured to the aerosol generating article 10 only along the weakening line 22 where it is secured to the upstream tipping wrapper portion 24.

Before, during or after smoking the aerosol generating article 10, the consumer can remove the removable tipping wrapper portion 26, if desired, to enable delivery of a flavourant 28 provided between the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 and the underlying portion of the mouthpiece 14. To remove the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 the consumer can grasp the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 at a seam in the tipping wrapper 20. The consumer can then peel the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 away from the mouthpiece 14 by breaking the row of perforations forming the weakening line 22.

Figure 2 shows the aerosol generating article 10 with the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 partially removed. The flavourant 28 is shown as being provided on a surface of the mouthpiece 14, but the flavourant 28 can additionally or alternatively be provided on the inner surface of the removable tipping wrapper portion 26.

To maintain the required stiffness of the mouthpiece 14 after the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 has been removed, the plug of filtration material 16 is wrapped in a mouthpiece wrapper 30 comprising a stiff plug wrap.

Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating article 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 40 is a filter cigarette of similar construction to the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and therefore like reference numerals are used to designate like parts.

The aerosol generating article 40 shown in Figure 3 differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 in the construction of the tipping wrapper 120. Specifically, the tipping wrapper 120 of the aerosol generating article 40 comprises an additional weakening line 42 comprising a row of perforations. Therefore, the first weakening line 22 forms an upstream weakening line and the additional weakening line 42 forms a downstream weakening line. Accordingly, the tipping wrapper 120 comprises the upstream tipping wrapper portion 24 extending upstream from the upstream weakening line 22, a removable tipping wrapper portion 126 extending between the upstream and downstream weakening lines 22, 42, and a downstream tipping wrapper portion 44 extending downstream from the downstream weakening line 42. The upstream and downstream tipping wrapper portions 24, 44 are glued to the underlying portions of the tobacco rod and the mouthpiece 14. The removable tipping wrapper portion 126 is not glued to the underlying mouthpiece 14 and is secured to the aerosol generating article 10 only along the weakening lines 22, 42 where it is secured to the upstream and downstream tipping wrapper portions 24, 44.

Figure 4 shows the aerosol generating article 40 with the removable tipping wrapper portion 126 partially removed. A flavourant 128 is shown as being provided on the inner surface of the removable tipping wrapper portion 126, but the flavourant 128 can additionally or alternatively be provided on the outer surface of the mouthpiece 14.

Figure 5 shows an aerosol generating article 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 210 is a filter cigarette of similar construction to the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and therefore like reference numerals are used to designate like parts. The aerosol generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 in that the tipping wrapper 220 comprises a tear tab 234.

The longitudinal edge 228 of the tipping wrapper 220 forms a seam extending in a longitudinal direction along the mouthpiece 14. The longitudinal edge 228 comprises a tipping wrapper projection 232 at a distance downstream of the first weakening line 22 and a first straight line portion 230 extending upstream from the tipping wrapper projection 232 to the upstream end of the tipping wrapper 220. The tipping wrapper projection 232 defines a curved tear tab 234. The longitudinal edge 228 further comprises a second straight line portion 236 extending downstream from the tipping wrapper projection 232 to the downstream end of the tipping wrapper 220. The first straight line portion 230 and the second straight line portion 236 are in line with each other, at the same position around the circumference of the mouthpiece 14.

As can be seen in the enlarged view of Figure 6, the tipping wrapper projection 232 is in the form of a symmetric bell-shaped curve. The curve is a smooth, continuous curve such that every point on the curve has a unique tangent line. The tipping wrapper projection 232 comprises a first curved transition portion 238 connecting the first straight line portion 230 of the longitudinal edge to the remainder of the tipping wrapper projection 232. The first curved transition portion 238 is convexly curved. As shown in Figure 6, the upstream end 240 of the first curved transition portion 238 is defined at the position where the longitudinal edge 228 begins to curve away from the first straight line portion 230. The downstream end 242 is defined as the point of inflection in the tipping wrapper projection 232 curve, where the curvature of the tipping wrapper projection 238 changes from convex to concave.

The tipping wrapper projection 232 further comprises a second curved transition portion 244 which connects the second straight line portion 236 to the remainder of the tipping wrapper projection 230. The second curved transition portion 244 has a corresponding shape to the first curved transition portion 238 due to the symmetric shape of the tipping wrapper projection 232. Before, during or after smoking the aerosol generating article 210, the consumer can remove the removable tipping wrapper portion 26, if desired, to expose the underlying portion of the mouthpiece 14. To remove the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 the consumer can grasp the tear tab 234 on the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 and can then peel the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 away from the mouthpiece 14 by breaking the row of perforations forming the weakening line 22. The curved shape of the first transition region 238 of the tipping wrapper projection 232 minimises the risk of potential points of weakness existing in the region of the longitudinal edge where the tipping wrapper projection 232 meets the first straight line portion 230. This enables the force applied by the consumer to be more effectively transmitted to the weakening line 22 such that the removable tipping wrapper portion 26 can be removed in a single piece, without tearing of the tipping wrapper away from the weakening line 22.

Claims

1 . An aerosol generating article comprising:

an aerosol generating substrate, at least a portion of which is circumscribed by an aerosol generating substrate wrapper;

a mouthpiece in axial alignment with the aerosol generating substrate, the mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece wrapper circumscribing one or more mouthpiece segments;

a tipping wrapper wrapped around the mouthpiece and at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate, the tipping wrapper comprising:

at least one weakening line extending transversely around at least a portion of the tipping wrapper;

an upstream tipping wrapper portion extending upstream from the at least one weakening line, wherein the upstream tipping wrapper portion is attached to a downstream portion of the aerosol generating substrate wrapper and an upstream portion of the mouthpiece; and

a removable tipping wrapper portion extending downstream from the at least one weakening line, wherein a portion of the mouthpiece wrapper underlies the removable tipping wrapper portion; and

at least one flavourant between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion.

2. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one flavourant is encapsulated and wherein the encapsulated flavourant is activated by contact with moisture from the consumer's lips or mouth during use.

3. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flavourant delivers at least one gustatory sensation upon oral ingestion by the consumer.

4. An aerosol generating article according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one flavourant is provided on the surface of the mouthpiece wrapper portion underlying the removable tipping wrapper portion.

5. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the removable tipping wrapper portion extends between the at least one weakening line and a downstream edge of the tipping wrapper.

6. An aerosol generating article according to claim 5, wherein the removable tipping wrapper portion extends downstream of a downstream end of the mouthpiece to define a recess at the mouth end of the aerosol generating article.

7. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one weakening line comprises at least one upstream weakening line and at least one downstream weakening line each extending around at least a portion of the tipping wrapper and spaced apart in the downstream direction, wherein the upstream tipping wrapper portion extends upstream from the at least one upstream weakening line, wherein the removable tipping wrapper portion extends between the at least one upstream weakening line and the at least one downstream weakening line, wherein the tipping wrapper further comprises a downstream tipping wrapper portion extending downstream from the at least one downstream weakening line, and wherein the downstream tipping wrapper portion is attached to a downstream portion of the mouthpiece.

8. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, further comprising a longitudinal line of weakening extending along the tipping wrapper between the at least one weakening line and a downstream edge of the tipping wrapper.

9. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein each weakening line comprises a row of perforations.

10. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating article is free from adhesive between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion.

1 1 . An aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim wherein the mouthpiece wrapper is formed from a non-porous material.

12. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece wrapper comprises one or more plug wraps circumscribing one or more segments of filter material.

13. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim wherein the tipping wrapper comprises a longitudinal edge extending along the outer surface of the mouthpiece, the longitudinal edge comprising a tipping wrapper projection downstream of the at least one weakening line on the removable tipping wrapper portion and a first straight line portion extending upstream from the tipping wrapper projection, wherein the tipping wrapper projection comprises a first curved transition portion connecting the first straight line portion of the longitudinal edge to the remainder of the tipping wrapper projection and wherein the first curved transition portion follows a convex curve.

14. An aerosol generating article according to claim 13 wherein the radius of curvature is at least 0.5 mm along the length of the first curved transition portion.