CA1212010A - Adjustable filter cigarette and a method of manufacture thereof - Google Patents
Adjustable filter cigarette and a method of manufacture thereofInfo
- Publication number
- CA1212010A CA1212010A CA000437737A CA437737A CA1212010A CA 1212010 A CA1212010 A CA 1212010A CA 000437737 A CA000437737 A CA 000437737A CA 437737 A CA437737 A CA 437737A CA 1212010 A CA1212010 A CA 1212010A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- end segment
- filter
- rod
- mouth
- segment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/04—Tobacco smoke filters characterised by their shape or structure
- A24D3/041—Tobacco smoke filters characterised by their shape or structure with adjustable means for modifying the degree of filtration of the filter
Landscapes
- Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT Fig. 2 A filter cigarette is provided which comprises a tobacco rod which includes a charge of tobacco 1 wrapped in cigarette paper 3, an integral, axially aligned cylindrical filter plug 4, and tipping paper 8.
In one embodiment, the filter plug is divided into first 6 and second 7 segments with the first segment being rotatable with respect to the second segment.
Rotation of the first segment with respect to the second segment, in one embodiment of the invention, serves to vary the air dilution value of the cigarette.
A cigarette having a variable resistance to draw is also provided, and a cigarette which maintains a constant resistance to draw value as the air dilution value is varied. In yet another embodiment, an encapsulated flavourant is provided which is released responsive to rotation of the first segment with respect to the second segment.
In another embodiment, the tipping paper is air transmissive, and the wrapping is substantially air impermeable and has a plurality of first longitudinally extending, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference of the first segment which are registrable with corresponding second, longtiduinally extending, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference of the second segment, such that as the first segment is rotated relative to the second segment, the degree of registry of the first and second depressions varies, thereby admitting varying amounts of air to the filter.
In one embodiment, the filter plug is divided into first 6 and second 7 segments with the first segment being rotatable with respect to the second segment.
Rotation of the first segment with respect to the second segment, in one embodiment of the invention, serves to vary the air dilution value of the cigarette.
A cigarette having a variable resistance to draw is also provided, and a cigarette which maintains a constant resistance to draw value as the air dilution value is varied. In yet another embodiment, an encapsulated flavourant is provided which is released responsive to rotation of the first segment with respect to the second segment.
In another embodiment, the tipping paper is air transmissive, and the wrapping is substantially air impermeable and has a plurality of first longitudinally extending, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference of the first segment which are registrable with corresponding second, longtiduinally extending, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference of the second segment, such that as the first segment is rotated relative to the second segment, the degree of registry of the first and second depressions varies, thereby admitting varying amounts of air to the filter.
Description
2~313;3 l~DJUSri'ABLr. FIL'rEl~ C'[C,~;r~:~r~TE
ED A Mri~`lIO~ OF ~lA~ F~crruR~ TI~E~EOF
_. .
The present invention relates to filter cigarettes which are adjustable by the smo1cer to vary one or more of the air dilu-tion value the resistance to draw value, and the flavour of the cigarette.
Various mechanisms have been disclosed in hereto-fore issued patents whic~1 provide for ad jus-tment of thy air dilution value of à filter ciyarette, but these mechanisins are not without certain disadvantages.
While rnany complicated mechanisms have been disclosedl the simpler mechanisms generally involved making one or more operiings in a substântially air impermeable filter plug wrap and the overlying, suhstantially air impermeable tipping paper. A s'eeve containing one or more corresponding openings is placed over the tipping paper and is t1-lerl either rotated or moved axially to select the deyree to which the two sets of openings are in registry. In another embodimen-t found in the art, the filter is not glued to the tipping paper and thus may be moved axially witl1in the cylinder formed by the tipping paper. Openings are made in the tipping paper which correspond to openings made in the filJer plug wrap. The air dilution value is adjusted by axially moving the filter pluy within the tipping paper to adjust the degree to which the two sets of openings are in registry.
Among the problems associated with such mechanisms are that the sleeve or the filter plug may be removed from the cigarette by the srnoker and not readily replaced. Also, registry between the two sets of openings may be inadver-tently destroyed by a slight axial movement of the sleeve OF pluy~ Accordingly, t1--e air dilution value selected by the smoker is not ensured of any degree of consistency. Yet another problem associated with a null1ber of these prior devices is -that they have not been readily adaptable to a high rate of produccion on c:igare-tte makirlg machinery of conventional d~signO
These prior adjus-table cigarettes also do not provide a means to main~ail~ the resistance -to draw value constant as the air dilution value changes, nor are such cigarettes ad jus-.able to vary -the re~istanc~
tc draw value wile maintaining a substan-tially constan-t air dilution value. Also, these prior adjustable cigarettes do not provide an encapsulated flavourant which is released in varying amounts during adjustment of the air dilution value, the resistance to draw value or both values.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filter cigarette, which can be readily manufactured on conventional cigarette making equipment, that is adjustable by the smoker to vary one or more of the air dilution value, the resistance to draw value, and the flavour of the cigarette.
According to the invention there is provided a filter cigarette comprising a tobacco rod, a substantially cylindrical filter plug, a substantially air impermeable plug wrapping circumscribing the filter plug, and tipping paper circumscribing and joining the jilter plug and a portion of the -cobacco rod, characterised in that the filter plug comprises a mouth-end segment connected at least axially to a rod-end segment for rotation about the axis of the cigarette.
In some preferred variable air dilution embodiments, at least one opening is made through the tipping paper, which is substantially air impermeable, and in the underlying portion of the filter plug wrap, such that, as the first segment of the filter is rotated about the axis of the central core, the opening in the tipping paper ancl the opening in the underlyincJ
portion of the filter plug are in varying degrees of registry to permit varying amounts of air to enter the filter and combine with smoke, thereby varying the air dilution value of the cigarette. The air dilution value is the ratio of the volume of air to the volume of smoke exiting the mouth end of the filter and is expressed as a percentage.
The present invention also includes within its scope a filter cigarette without the variable dilution feature but which has a variable resistance to draw provided by assembling the filter and im~er;neable tipping paper as described above but without the openings therethrough and providing a plurality o-E
longitudinally extending c'nannels in the first segment and a plurality of longitudinaLly extending channels in the second segment o the filter which are in varying degrees of registry as the first segment is rotated about the axis of the core, thereby providing pa-ths of less resistance for the flow of the smoke through the filter, thus varying the resistance to draw value of the cigarette.
Also included within the scope of the present invention is a filter cigarette having the previously described variable dilution feature as well as the sets of channels of the variable resistance to draw embodiment. As the first segment is rotated about the central core to increase the air dilution value the resistance to draw decreases. The channels of this embodiment are configured such that, as the air dilution value is decreasea by rotation of the first segment, toe channels are subject to increasing deregistry which increases the resistance to draw. The net effect of the increased air dilution and deregistry of the channels is -to rnain-tain a constant resistance to draw.
Yet another embodiment included within the scope o the present inverltion i5 a filter cigarette with or without the variable dilution fea~-ure and Witll or without -the va'riable OJ. cons-tant- resis-tance to raw feature itch is prov:ided with an encapsula-ted flavourant which i5 released in varyil1g amounts responsive to rotation of the first segmen-t abou', the longi.tudinal axis of the core.
In other preferred embodiments, the wrapping has a plurality o-f first longitudinallv extel1ding, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference of the first segment which are registrable with corresponding second longltudinally extending, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference of the second segment, such that as the first segment is rotated relativ2 to the second segment, the degree of registry of the first and second depressions varies, thereby admitting varying amounts of air to the interior of the first segment. The air enters through the air transmissive tipping paper and travels along the depressions into the exposed portions of the abutting ends of the first and second segments. The air transmissive p.operty of the tipping paper may be provided either by employing air pf.rmeable tipping paper or by providing plurality of openings in air impermeable tipping paper which overlie and communicate with the depressions in the first segment or the second segment or both segments.
The cigarettes of the present invention may be manufactured employing conventional equipment witn only minor modifications and a method of manufacturing is provided characterised in that it comprises cutting a tobacco rod and a wrapped filter plug to a desired length, bri.nging the tobacco rod and the wrapped filter plug into axial alignment, overwrapping the tobacco rod and t.he wrapped filter plug witll tipping paper, forming a circumferential. cut in the.wrapped filter plug and v the tippillg paper, the circumEerential cut extendirg partially throuyh tlLe wl^apped filter plug so as to leave a central bore aLong the longitudinal axis of ale wrapped filter plug, thereby permi-tting rotational movemerlt of tie segments of the filter plug clefined by the circurnferential Cllt The invention wil] be further described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which.
Fig. l is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the filter plug and tobacco rod of the filter cigarette of the present invention taken from the mouth end;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of one embodiment of -the filter cigarette of the present invention aeon from the mouth end and showing the tobacco rod, filter, and tipping paper as well as the openings provided throuyh the tipping paper and plug wrap to provide for variable dilution;
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section taken on the lien A-A of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention td~en from the mouth end;
jig. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled embodiment of E'ig. 4;
Fig 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third variable esistance to draw embodiment of toe cigarette of the present invention' Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention which provides a variable amoun-t of ~avourant, Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment cf the invention in which the segments of the filter plug are joined by a plastic extrusion;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of a sixth 1~2~1 0 preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled embodiment of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of Fig. lO;
Fig. 12 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken frcm the mouth end, of a seventh preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled embodiment of Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken rom the mouth end, of an eighth preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled embodiment of Fig. 15;
Fig 17 is a c.oss-sectional view taken along the 2S line D-D of Fig.16;
Fig. 18 is a perspect:ive view of a wrapped filter plug of the present invention showing the circular cutting disc forming the circumferentially extending cut in the filter plug;
3G Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line E - E of Fig. 18 showing the depth of the cut of the circular blade into the filter ylug and the resultant axial core;
Fig. 20 is a longitudinal section taken on the line F - F of Fig. l;
Fig. 21 is a view in perspective of a laser ~2~
system for use in making -the openings in the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap of the variable dilution Eilter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 22 is a partial elevational view of a mechanical appara-tus for use in making openings in the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap of the variable dilution cigare-tte of the preser.t invention;
Fig. ~3 is a partial elevational view of the cutting mechanism of the apparatus of Fig. 22; and Fig. 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 22.
A preferred embodiment of the variable dilution cigarette of the present invention is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 and comprises a tobacco rod l, which is a subs-tantially cylindrical charge of tobacco 2 wrapped in cigarette paper 3. The tobacco rod is joined in abutting end-to-end rela-tion to a wrapped filter plug 4 which has a circumferentially extending cut 5 intermediate the mouth end and the tobacco rod end defining a central axial core 16, as shown in Figs. 3, 7 and Al, and which divides the filter plug in-to a first mouth-end segment 6 and a second rod-end segment 7~
The filter plug and a portion of the mouth end of ~5 the tobacco rod are circumscribed by non-porous tipping paper 8. The tipping paper has a circumferentialy extending row of closely spaced perforations 9 which overlie the second segment 7 of the filter plug adjacent the mouth end of the tobacco rod l. This row of perforations divides the tipping paper into a first mouth-end band lO and a second rod-end band ll.
The inner surface of band lO is attached adjacent the mouth end to the first segment 6 of the filter plug, preferably by means of an adhesive band 13. The inner sur-face of band ll joins the second segment 7 of the filter plug to the mouth end of the tobacco rod l, 20~0 preferah]y by means of a bclnd of adhesive 12 extendinyr in wiclth, between the row of perfora-tions 9 and -the rod end o band 11. it least one operling is made through the tipping paper and the underlying plug wrap at a position on bancl 10 intermediate the row of perforations 9 and the cut 5.
Since the openings, 14 and 15 respec-tlvelsT, are formed simultaneously, they are initially in regist.ry and variable di]u~ion is ac.'nieved by rotat.ing band 10 and breaking the row of perforatioils 9, thereby allowing band 10 and Jche segment 6 to rotate in unison about the cen-tral core 16. This core may t.ypically have a diameter within the range of from about 12.7~ to . about 38.1% of the diameter of the filter plugl a vallle of about 25.4% being preferable. This range will permit segment 6 to be rotated ;60 without breaking the core 16. Rota.tion of the band 10 rota-tes opening 14 re].a-tive to opening 15 thus varying the degree of registry, thereby vary.ing the air dilution value of the cigarette.
Both the tipping paper 8 and the wrapping of the filter plug 4 are substantially air impermeable wrappings which restrict any radii air flow through the filter paper and underlying hug wrap to the area of registry between openinys 14 and 15. The filter paper may be any commercially available, substantially air impermeable, paper and the filtel- plug may be any conventional, substantial.ly cylindrical filter such as a cellulose acetate filt:er or the liXe. the filter material can be of uniform density or it can contain a substantially cylindrical axial core of relat:ively high density filter material circumscribed by filter material of relatively lower density. When it is 35 - desired to use the non-uniform density fil-ter plug, the higher density filter material preEerably forms the pres~iously described axial core 16. Any conventional, ''' ''"`;
~12~
g substan-tially air impermeable plug wrap may be employed O
Means for permit-ting the smoker to select the specific air dilution ratio may be provided through indicia (not shown) printed on opposite sides of the row of perforations 9, and which are made readily visible and are designed to show the degree of registry of the openings.
A second preferred embodiment shown in Fits. 4 and 5 comprises a tobacco rod 1 containing a charge of tobacco 2 wrapped in cigarette paper 3 and joined to filter plug 4 in abutting, end-to-end relation. the filer plug has a circumferentially extending cut 5 intermediate the mouth end and the tobacco rod end which divides the filter plug into a first mouth-end segment 6 and a second rod-end segment 7. The filter plug is joined to the tobacco rod by tipping paper 17, preferably by a band of adhesive 18 on the inner surface of the tipping paper which overlaps the abutting ends of the filter and the tobacco rod. The tipping paper extends from a position on the tobacco rod adjacent the filter to a point intermediate the cut 5 and the mouth end of the segment 6. An opening 14 is made through the tipping paper at a yosition between the cut 5 and the mouth end of the tipping paper.
corresponding opening 15 is made in the plug wrap at a position underlying opening 14. Openings 14 and 15 are preferably made simultaneously and thus are initiallY in registry.
The circumferentially extending cut 5 defines a cen.ral, axiall.y extending core 16 having a preerred diameter as no-ted in connection with t'ne first preferred embodiment. In practice, t'nat portion of filter plug segment 6 which is not wrapped by tipping paper 17 is grasped by the smoker and rotated about the central core 16, thus rotating openings 15 relative to opellings 14, thereby vary.ing the degree of reyistry of tl-le two sets of openirlgs and, accordingly, the air dilu-tlon value of the clgarette.
In a thir(l ernbod:iment of ill present invention shown in Fig. 6, t.he ol>eninys l and 15 of the first and second eml~odimen-t may be omitted or retained and a plurality of axicl:lly e~-tending passages 19 made in the first and second seyments 6 ana 7 of the f:ilter plug.
These passages in the first and second segmen-ts 6 and 7 are made such that, as the first segment 6 of the filter plug is rota-ted about the axis of the central core 16, the passages in the first and second segments are in varying degrees of registry thus varying the resistance to draw of the cigaret-~e. Variable resistance Jo draw may be selected in conjunction with variable dilution such that the resistance to draw is cons-tant as the dilution is varied or may be selected in the absence of variable dilution to provide a variable resistance to draw.
In a fourth preferred embodiment shown in Fiy. 7, a flavour encapsulation means is inserted within the filtex. This means may comprise an axially extending cellophane tube 20 containing individual cells 21 of flavourant which are ruptured in response to rotation of the first segment of thy filter plug about the central. core 16. As can be seen from Fig. 6, increased rotation of the first segment of the filter plug serves to increase the -twist experienced by the cellophane tube, thereby rupturing an increasing number oE flavourant cells. l'he smoker can thus vary the intensity of flavour released by the flavour capsule by rotating the filter plus a desired amount. The flavour system of this embodiment may be used in conjunction - wit.h any of the embodiments.
Fig. 8 shows an alternative arranyement for maintaining a rotational connection between the first segmen-t 6 and the second segment 7 of the filter plug I. In this arrangement, plastic extrusion 22, formed as part of the filter plug, lies along the axis of the first and second segments. The cut 5 extends down to this extrusion. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the plastic extrusion shown in Fig. 8 can be used with any of the first, second and third embodiments.
Three further embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 17 in which live parts are given like reference numbers throughout.
Common to these three embodiments are the hollowing elements: A tobacco rod lOO, comprising a substantially cylindrical charge of tobacco lOl enclosed in cigarette paper 102, is axially aligned in abutting end-to-end relation with a filter plug 103, which comprises a first segment 104 and a second segment 105. rrhe first and second segments are axially aligned and abut each other at the line of abutment 106. the second segment abuts the tobacco rod lO0 at the line of abutment lO7 and is joined there-to. Means are provided joining the first segment to the second segment for rotation of the first segment about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette The first and second segments are wrapped in a substantially air impermeable plug wrap 108 which has a plurality of first depressions lO9 which are substantially air impermeable and spaced about toe circumference of the first segment. these depressions extend from a position intermediate the mouth end of the irst segment and the line of abutment 106, to the line 106 A corresponding set of depressions llO, which are regis-trable with the first depressionsl extend rom the line 106 -to a position intermediate line 106 and line 107. when the depressions lO9 and llO are in registry, ~21;~
the filter Dow is not exposed and air does not flow -through the tippiny paper, along the depressions ancl into the fil.tel^ tow. The filter plug 103 alld the tobacco rod 100 are ci.rcumscribed by a layer of t:ipping paper 111 whic]l extends rom a posi-tion on the firs-t segmen-t to a posi.tion on the tobacco rod adjacen-t line 107.
The tipping paper 111 is air transmissive, and, as shown in the flgures. cornp-ises an air impermeable papcr which is rendered air transmissive by means of rows of perforations 112, which communicate with the second set of depressions 110. J.n an alternative embodiment, the tipping paper 111 may be air permeable and the perforations 112 omitted These perforations, when presenc, may overlie the secvnd segment, or the first segment, or both segments. The perforations may be formed hy conventional means known to those skilled in the art, such as elect.rostati.c discharge, mechanical perforation, or laser perforation. The depressions may be formed by pa.ssing the filter rod between rollers having ridges which malce the depressions in the plug wrap.
Means join the first and second segments such that the first segment is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. Thls mean in one preferred embodiment shown in the figures, is an extruded plastic rod 113. This embodiment ma be formed by extruding a plastic rod, enveloping it in the filter tow and overwrapping with plug wrap. The filter is then sli-t circumferentially down to the extruded rod, whereby the first segment is rendered rotatable rela-tive to the second segment. Alternatively, a conventional cellulose aceta-te filter may be cut circumferentially so as to leave a central core about which the first segment may be rotated, or a filter may be prepared having an axial core of a denser filter tow surrounded ~Z~2~
by a toss dense filter tow and then circumEel-entially slit dowr. Jo -the clenser corer ther-~by renderillg the first seg~nent rotatclble relative to the second segment.
In one prefer]^ed emboc1il-nent: shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the tippincJ paper 111 extends frorn the mout'n end of the first segn,en-~ 104 to a position on the [obacco rod adjacen-t -the line of abutment 107. The tipping paper 111 has a circumferentially eY~tending row oE closely spaced perforatiQns formillg a break-a~ay line 113 which overlies the second segmen-~ in-termedia-te -the depressions 110 and the line of abutment 107. This line 113 divides the tipping paper inlo a mou-~ end sleeve and a rod-end sleeve. The rod-end sleeve at-taches the second segment to the tobacco rod, preferably by means of an overlapping band of adhesive material 114 as shown in Figs. 9 to 11. The mouth-end sleeve is attached to the Eirst segment 104, preferably by a band of adhesive 115 intermecliate the mouth end and the depressions 109, as shown in Figs. 9 to 11.
This embodiment may be fabricated using existing cigarette making equipment known to -those skilled in the art with only minor modifications. The row of perforations 113 is preferably made employing laser perforation system to provide closely spacecl and small diameter perforations such that the line 113 retains only sufficient strength to remain intact during application of the tippinq paper to -the plug wrap and tobacco rod. Preferably the laser system is employed to make about 39 perforations per cm (about 100 perforations per inch).
In practice, the mouth end of the cigarette and the tobacco column are grasped and rotated one relative to the other to break tlle row of perforations 113 and - rotate the first segment, thereby varying the degree of registry of the c~epressions 109 and 110 and varying the amoun-t of air flowing through the openings 112 into the depressions and -then into the ter matelial where the air mixes with the smote, thereby diluting the smoke and changing the air dilu-tion v~llue of the cigarette.
In anotl~er preferred embo~liment sihowrl in jigs. 12 to 14, the tip}?ing paper 1l1 extends as in the first embodinien-t jut bands ll5 and 117 are interposed between the -tipping paper ]11 and the plug wrap 10~. The first band 116 extends froln -tne mou-t'n end of the filter plug 103 to a position in-termed.a-te -the mouth end and the depressions 109, This band 116 is at-tac'ned to the underlying plug wrap, prefer2bly by an adhesive material 118~ A second band extends from a position intermediate the depressions 110 and the line o-, abutment 107 to a position on -the tobacco rod 100 which corresponds to the position of the rod end of tlle tipping paper 111.
This band 117 joins the second segmerl-t 105 to the tobacco rod 100, preferably by means of an adhesive Material 119. The tipping paper is attached only to the first band 116, preferably by means of an adhesive material 120. Thus, the entire tipping paper rotates with the first segment 104, about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. Air dilution oCcur-s as described for the embodiment of Figs. 9 to 11.
In another preferred embodiment, as shown in Figs.
15 to 17, the tipping paper 111 extends from a position intermediate the mouth end of the first segment 104 and the depressions 109 to a position on tobacco rod 100 adjacent -the line of abutmen-t 107. The tipping paper joins the second segment 105 to the -tobacco rod lOQ, preferably by means of an overlapping band of adhesive 121. Thus, the tipping paper is attached only to the tobacco column 100 and the second scgment 105. The - first segment 104 pro-trudes Erom the mouth end of the tipping paper 111 and may be grasped by the s!noker and rotated within the tipping paper 111 -to vary the degree :~2~2~
of regi.stry of the depre.ssions l09 and 110. fir dilu-cion occurs as described :Eor the embodimnt of Figs. 9 to 11 The ciyarettes of tie present illvention may be rcadily producect on conventional cigare-tte making and tippi.ng apparatus wi-th a minimurn of modification.
Forrning and cutting the cigaret.te rod and the filter plug to ~enyth are done conventionally. Also, bringing the filter plug into axial aligrlment W:i th the cigare~cte rod and the overwrapping witn .ippiny paper are accomplished in -the same manner as in the manufacture of conventional ci.~aretttes.
Furtherrnore, additional simplicity in manufacturing is made possible in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 8 by simu].taneously forming the openings in the tipping paper and the unclerlying plug wrap. This is accomplished, in one manner, simply by slitting or perforating the tipping aper and underlying plug wrap on each c;.garette as it passes through the conventional cigarette making machinery at or near a rolling shoe station.
As shown in Figs. 18 and 19 T the c~rcumferentially extending cut 5 in the filter plug 4 may be made using a circular knife 22 which ;s set to penetrate a speci.fied distance into the filter plug, perpendicular to the longi.tudinal axis of the filter plug.
Typically, the circular kn.ife and the filter plug are both rotated as sho~.Tn in Fig 19, resulting in a circumferentially ex-tending cut wlaich leaves a central
ED A Mri~`lIO~ OF ~lA~ F~crruR~ TI~E~EOF
_. .
The present invention relates to filter cigarettes which are adjustable by the smo1cer to vary one or more of the air dilu-tion value the resistance to draw value, and the flavour of the cigarette.
Various mechanisms have been disclosed in hereto-fore issued patents whic~1 provide for ad jus-tment of thy air dilution value of à filter ciyarette, but these mechanisins are not without certain disadvantages.
While rnany complicated mechanisms have been disclosedl the simpler mechanisms generally involved making one or more operiings in a substântially air impermeable filter plug wrap and the overlying, suhstantially air impermeable tipping paper. A s'eeve containing one or more corresponding openings is placed over the tipping paper and is t1-lerl either rotated or moved axially to select the deyree to which the two sets of openings are in registry. In another embodimen-t found in the art, the filter is not glued to the tipping paper and thus may be moved axially witl1in the cylinder formed by the tipping paper. Openings are made in the tipping paper which correspond to openings made in the filJer plug wrap. The air dilution value is adjusted by axially moving the filter pluy within the tipping paper to adjust the degree to which the two sets of openings are in registry.
Among the problems associated with such mechanisms are that the sleeve or the filter plug may be removed from the cigarette by the srnoker and not readily replaced. Also, registry between the two sets of openings may be inadver-tently destroyed by a slight axial movement of the sleeve OF pluy~ Accordingly, t1--e air dilution value selected by the smoker is not ensured of any degree of consistency. Yet another problem associated with a null1ber of these prior devices is -that they have not been readily adaptable to a high rate of produccion on c:igare-tte makirlg machinery of conventional d~signO
These prior adjus-table cigarettes also do not provide a means to main~ail~ the resistance -to draw value constant as the air dilution value changes, nor are such cigarettes ad jus-.able to vary -the re~istanc~
tc draw value wile maintaining a substan-tially constan-t air dilution value. Also, these prior adjustable cigarettes do not provide an encapsulated flavourant which is released in varying amounts during adjustment of the air dilution value, the resistance to draw value or both values.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filter cigarette, which can be readily manufactured on conventional cigarette making equipment, that is adjustable by the smoker to vary one or more of the air dilution value, the resistance to draw value, and the flavour of the cigarette.
According to the invention there is provided a filter cigarette comprising a tobacco rod, a substantially cylindrical filter plug, a substantially air impermeable plug wrapping circumscribing the filter plug, and tipping paper circumscribing and joining the jilter plug and a portion of the -cobacco rod, characterised in that the filter plug comprises a mouth-end segment connected at least axially to a rod-end segment for rotation about the axis of the cigarette.
In some preferred variable air dilution embodiments, at least one opening is made through the tipping paper, which is substantially air impermeable, and in the underlying portion of the filter plug wrap, such that, as the first segment of the filter is rotated about the axis of the central core, the opening in the tipping paper ancl the opening in the underlyincJ
portion of the filter plug are in varying degrees of registry to permit varying amounts of air to enter the filter and combine with smoke, thereby varying the air dilution value of the cigarette. The air dilution value is the ratio of the volume of air to the volume of smoke exiting the mouth end of the filter and is expressed as a percentage.
The present invention also includes within its scope a filter cigarette without the variable dilution feature but which has a variable resistance to draw provided by assembling the filter and im~er;neable tipping paper as described above but without the openings therethrough and providing a plurality o-E
longitudinally extending c'nannels in the first segment and a plurality of longitudinaLly extending channels in the second segment o the filter which are in varying degrees of registry as the first segment is rotated about the axis of the core, thereby providing pa-ths of less resistance for the flow of the smoke through the filter, thus varying the resistance to draw value of the cigarette.
Also included within the scope of the present invention is a filter cigarette having the previously described variable dilution feature as well as the sets of channels of the variable resistance to draw embodiment. As the first segment is rotated about the central core to increase the air dilution value the resistance to draw decreases. The channels of this embodiment are configured such that, as the air dilution value is decreasea by rotation of the first segment, toe channels are subject to increasing deregistry which increases the resistance to draw. The net effect of the increased air dilution and deregistry of the channels is -to rnain-tain a constant resistance to draw.
Yet another embodiment included within the scope o the present inverltion i5 a filter cigarette with or without the variable dilution fea~-ure and Witll or without -the va'riable OJ. cons-tant- resis-tance to raw feature itch is prov:ided with an encapsula-ted flavourant which i5 released in varyil1g amounts responsive to rotation of the first segmen-t abou', the longi.tudinal axis of the core.
In other preferred embodiments, the wrapping has a plurality o-f first longitudinallv extel1ding, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference of the first segment which are registrable with corresponding second longltudinally extending, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference of the second segment, such that as the first segment is rotated relativ2 to the second segment, the degree of registry of the first and second depressions varies, thereby admitting varying amounts of air to the interior of the first segment. The air enters through the air transmissive tipping paper and travels along the depressions into the exposed portions of the abutting ends of the first and second segments. The air transmissive p.operty of the tipping paper may be provided either by employing air pf.rmeable tipping paper or by providing plurality of openings in air impermeable tipping paper which overlie and communicate with the depressions in the first segment or the second segment or both segments.
The cigarettes of the present invention may be manufactured employing conventional equipment witn only minor modifications and a method of manufacturing is provided characterised in that it comprises cutting a tobacco rod and a wrapped filter plug to a desired length, bri.nging the tobacco rod and the wrapped filter plug into axial alignment, overwrapping the tobacco rod and t.he wrapped filter plug witll tipping paper, forming a circumferential. cut in the.wrapped filter plug and v the tippillg paper, the circumEerential cut extendirg partially throuyh tlLe wl^apped filter plug so as to leave a central bore aLong the longitudinal axis of ale wrapped filter plug, thereby permi-tting rotational movemerlt of tie segments of the filter plug clefined by the circurnferential Cllt The invention wil] be further described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which.
Fig. l is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the filter plug and tobacco rod of the filter cigarette of the present invention taken from the mouth end;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of one embodiment of -the filter cigarette of the present invention aeon from the mouth end and showing the tobacco rod, filter, and tipping paper as well as the openings provided throuyh the tipping paper and plug wrap to provide for variable dilution;
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section taken on the lien A-A of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention td~en from the mouth end;
jig. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled embodiment of E'ig. 4;
Fig 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third variable esistance to draw embodiment of toe cigarette of the present invention' Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention which provides a variable amoun-t of ~avourant, Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment cf the invention in which the segments of the filter plug are joined by a plastic extrusion;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of a sixth 1~2~1 0 preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled embodiment of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of Fig. lO;
Fig. 12 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken frcm the mouth end, of a seventh preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled embodiment of Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken rom the mouth end, of an eighth preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled embodiment of Fig. 15;
Fig 17 is a c.oss-sectional view taken along the 2S line D-D of Fig.16;
Fig. 18 is a perspect:ive view of a wrapped filter plug of the present invention showing the circular cutting disc forming the circumferentially extending cut in the filter plug;
3G Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line E - E of Fig. 18 showing the depth of the cut of the circular blade into the filter ylug and the resultant axial core;
Fig. 20 is a longitudinal section taken on the line F - F of Fig. l;
Fig. 21 is a view in perspective of a laser ~2~
system for use in making -the openings in the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap of the variable dilution Eilter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 22 is a partial elevational view of a mechanical appara-tus for use in making openings in the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap of the variable dilution cigare-tte of the preser.t invention;
Fig. ~3 is a partial elevational view of the cutting mechanism of the apparatus of Fig. 22; and Fig. 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 22.
A preferred embodiment of the variable dilution cigarette of the present invention is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 and comprises a tobacco rod l, which is a subs-tantially cylindrical charge of tobacco 2 wrapped in cigarette paper 3. The tobacco rod is joined in abutting end-to-end rela-tion to a wrapped filter plug 4 which has a circumferentially extending cut 5 intermediate the mouth end and the tobacco rod end defining a central axial core 16, as shown in Figs. 3, 7 and Al, and which divides the filter plug in-to a first mouth-end segment 6 and a second rod-end segment 7~
The filter plug and a portion of the mouth end of ~5 the tobacco rod are circumscribed by non-porous tipping paper 8. The tipping paper has a circumferentialy extending row of closely spaced perforations 9 which overlie the second segment 7 of the filter plug adjacent the mouth end of the tobacco rod l. This row of perforations divides the tipping paper into a first mouth-end band lO and a second rod-end band ll.
The inner surface of band lO is attached adjacent the mouth end to the first segment 6 of the filter plug, preferably by means of an adhesive band 13. The inner sur-face of band ll joins the second segment 7 of the filter plug to the mouth end of the tobacco rod l, 20~0 preferah]y by means of a bclnd of adhesive 12 extendinyr in wiclth, between the row of perfora-tions 9 and -the rod end o band 11. it least one operling is made through the tipping paper and the underlying plug wrap at a position on bancl 10 intermediate the row of perforations 9 and the cut 5.
Since the openings, 14 and 15 respec-tlvelsT, are formed simultaneously, they are initially in regist.ry and variable di]u~ion is ac.'nieved by rotat.ing band 10 and breaking the row of perforatioils 9, thereby allowing band 10 and Jche segment 6 to rotate in unison about the cen-tral core 16. This core may t.ypically have a diameter within the range of from about 12.7~ to . about 38.1% of the diameter of the filter plugl a vallle of about 25.4% being preferable. This range will permit segment 6 to be rotated ;60 without breaking the core 16. Rota.tion of the band 10 rota-tes opening 14 re].a-tive to opening 15 thus varying the degree of registry, thereby vary.ing the air dilution value of the cigarette.
Both the tipping paper 8 and the wrapping of the filter plug 4 are substantially air impermeable wrappings which restrict any radii air flow through the filter paper and underlying hug wrap to the area of registry between openinys 14 and 15. The filter paper may be any commercially available, substantially air impermeable, paper and the filtel- plug may be any conventional, substantial.ly cylindrical filter such as a cellulose acetate filt:er or the liXe. the filter material can be of uniform density or it can contain a substantially cylindrical axial core of relat:ively high density filter material circumscribed by filter material of relatively lower density. When it is 35 - desired to use the non-uniform density fil-ter plug, the higher density filter material preEerably forms the pres~iously described axial core 16. Any conventional, ''' ''"`;
~12~
g substan-tially air impermeable plug wrap may be employed O
Means for permit-ting the smoker to select the specific air dilution ratio may be provided through indicia (not shown) printed on opposite sides of the row of perforations 9, and which are made readily visible and are designed to show the degree of registry of the openings.
A second preferred embodiment shown in Fits. 4 and 5 comprises a tobacco rod 1 containing a charge of tobacco 2 wrapped in cigarette paper 3 and joined to filter plug 4 in abutting, end-to-end relation. the filer plug has a circumferentially extending cut 5 intermediate the mouth end and the tobacco rod end which divides the filter plug into a first mouth-end segment 6 and a second rod-end segment 7. The filter plug is joined to the tobacco rod by tipping paper 17, preferably by a band of adhesive 18 on the inner surface of the tipping paper which overlaps the abutting ends of the filter and the tobacco rod. The tipping paper extends from a position on the tobacco rod adjacent the filter to a point intermediate the cut 5 and the mouth end of the segment 6. An opening 14 is made through the tipping paper at a yosition between the cut 5 and the mouth end of the tipping paper.
corresponding opening 15 is made in the plug wrap at a position underlying opening 14. Openings 14 and 15 are preferably made simultaneously and thus are initiallY in registry.
The circumferentially extending cut 5 defines a cen.ral, axiall.y extending core 16 having a preerred diameter as no-ted in connection with t'ne first preferred embodiment. In practice, t'nat portion of filter plug segment 6 which is not wrapped by tipping paper 17 is grasped by the smoker and rotated about the central core 16, thus rotating openings 15 relative to opellings 14, thereby vary.ing the degree of reyistry of tl-le two sets of openirlgs and, accordingly, the air dilu-tlon value of the clgarette.
In a thir(l ernbod:iment of ill present invention shown in Fig. 6, t.he ol>eninys l and 15 of the first and second eml~odimen-t may be omitted or retained and a plurality of axicl:lly e~-tending passages 19 made in the first and second seyments 6 ana 7 of the f:ilter plug.
These passages in the first and second segmen-ts 6 and 7 are made such that, as the first segment 6 of the filter plug is rota-ted about the axis of the central core 16, the passages in the first and second segments are in varying degrees of registry thus varying the resistance to draw of the cigaret-~e. Variable resistance Jo draw may be selected in conjunction with variable dilution such that the resistance to draw is cons-tant as the dilution is varied or may be selected in the absence of variable dilution to provide a variable resistance to draw.
In a fourth preferred embodiment shown in Fiy. 7, a flavour encapsulation means is inserted within the filtex. This means may comprise an axially extending cellophane tube 20 containing individual cells 21 of flavourant which are ruptured in response to rotation of the first segment of thy filter plug about the central. core 16. As can be seen from Fig. 6, increased rotation of the first segment of the filter plug serves to increase the -twist experienced by the cellophane tube, thereby rupturing an increasing number oE flavourant cells. l'he smoker can thus vary the intensity of flavour released by the flavour capsule by rotating the filter plus a desired amount. The flavour system of this embodiment may be used in conjunction - wit.h any of the embodiments.
Fig. 8 shows an alternative arranyement for maintaining a rotational connection between the first segmen-t 6 and the second segment 7 of the filter plug I. In this arrangement, plastic extrusion 22, formed as part of the filter plug, lies along the axis of the first and second segments. The cut 5 extends down to this extrusion. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the plastic extrusion shown in Fig. 8 can be used with any of the first, second and third embodiments.
Three further embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 17 in which live parts are given like reference numbers throughout.
Common to these three embodiments are the hollowing elements: A tobacco rod lOO, comprising a substantially cylindrical charge of tobacco lOl enclosed in cigarette paper 102, is axially aligned in abutting end-to-end relation with a filter plug 103, which comprises a first segment 104 and a second segment 105. rrhe first and second segments are axially aligned and abut each other at the line of abutment 106. the second segment abuts the tobacco rod lO0 at the line of abutment lO7 and is joined there-to. Means are provided joining the first segment to the second segment for rotation of the first segment about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette The first and second segments are wrapped in a substantially air impermeable plug wrap 108 which has a plurality of first depressions lO9 which are substantially air impermeable and spaced about toe circumference of the first segment. these depressions extend from a position intermediate the mouth end of the irst segment and the line of abutment 106, to the line 106 A corresponding set of depressions llO, which are regis-trable with the first depressionsl extend rom the line 106 -to a position intermediate line 106 and line 107. when the depressions lO9 and llO are in registry, ~21;~
the filter Dow is not exposed and air does not flow -through the tippiny paper, along the depressions ancl into the fil.tel^ tow. The filter plug 103 alld the tobacco rod 100 are ci.rcumscribed by a layer of t:ipping paper 111 whic]l extends rom a posi-tion on the firs-t segmen-t to a posi.tion on the tobacco rod adjacen-t line 107.
The tipping paper 111 is air transmissive, and, as shown in the flgures. cornp-ises an air impermeable papcr which is rendered air transmissive by means of rows of perforations 112, which communicate with the second set of depressions 110. J.n an alternative embodiment, the tipping paper 111 may be air permeable and the perforations 112 omitted These perforations, when presenc, may overlie the secvnd segment, or the first segment, or both segments. The perforations may be formed hy conventional means known to those skilled in the art, such as elect.rostati.c discharge, mechanical perforation, or laser perforation. The depressions may be formed by pa.ssing the filter rod between rollers having ridges which malce the depressions in the plug wrap.
Means join the first and second segments such that the first segment is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. Thls mean in one preferred embodiment shown in the figures, is an extruded plastic rod 113. This embodiment ma be formed by extruding a plastic rod, enveloping it in the filter tow and overwrapping with plug wrap. The filter is then sli-t circumferentially down to the extruded rod, whereby the first segment is rendered rotatable rela-tive to the second segment. Alternatively, a conventional cellulose aceta-te filter may be cut circumferentially so as to leave a central core about which the first segment may be rotated, or a filter may be prepared having an axial core of a denser filter tow surrounded ~Z~2~
by a toss dense filter tow and then circumEel-entially slit dowr. Jo -the clenser corer ther-~by renderillg the first seg~nent rotatclble relative to the second segment.
In one prefer]^ed emboc1il-nent: shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the tippincJ paper 111 extends frorn the mout'n end of the first segn,en-~ 104 to a position on the [obacco rod adjacen-t -the line of abutment 107. The tipping paper 111 has a circumferentially eY~tending row oE closely spaced perforatiQns formillg a break-a~ay line 113 which overlies the second segmen-~ in-termedia-te -the depressions 110 and the line of abutment 107. This line 113 divides the tipping paper inlo a mou-~ end sleeve and a rod-end sleeve. The rod-end sleeve at-taches the second segment to the tobacco rod, preferably by means of an overlapping band of adhesive material 114 as shown in Figs. 9 to 11. The mouth-end sleeve is attached to the Eirst segment 104, preferably by a band of adhesive 115 intermecliate the mouth end and the depressions 109, as shown in Figs. 9 to 11.
This embodiment may be fabricated using existing cigarette making equipment known to -those skilled in the art with only minor modifications. The row of perforations 113 is preferably made employing laser perforation system to provide closely spacecl and small diameter perforations such that the line 113 retains only sufficient strength to remain intact during application of the tippinq paper to -the plug wrap and tobacco rod. Preferably the laser system is employed to make about 39 perforations per cm (about 100 perforations per inch).
In practice, the mouth end of the cigarette and the tobacco column are grasped and rotated one relative to the other to break tlle row of perforations 113 and - rotate the first segment, thereby varying the degree of registry of the c~epressions 109 and 110 and varying the amoun-t of air flowing through the openings 112 into the depressions and -then into the ter matelial where the air mixes with the smote, thereby diluting the smoke and changing the air dilu-tion v~llue of the cigarette.
In anotl~er preferred embo~liment sihowrl in jigs. 12 to 14, the tip}?ing paper 1l1 extends as in the first embodinien-t jut bands ll5 and 117 are interposed between the -tipping paper ]11 and the plug wrap 10~. The first band 116 extends froln -tne mou-t'n end of the filter plug 103 to a position in-termed.a-te -the mouth end and the depressions 109, This band 116 is at-tac'ned to the underlying plug wrap, prefer2bly by an adhesive material 118~ A second band extends from a position intermediate the depressions 110 and the line o-, abutment 107 to a position on -the tobacco rod 100 which corresponds to the position of the rod end of tlle tipping paper 111.
This band 117 joins the second segmerl-t 105 to the tobacco rod 100, preferably by means of an adhesive Material 119. The tipping paper is attached only to the first band 116, preferably by means of an adhesive material 120. Thus, the entire tipping paper rotates with the first segment 104, about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. Air dilution oCcur-s as described for the embodiment of Figs. 9 to 11.
In another preferred embodiment, as shown in Figs.
15 to 17, the tipping paper 111 extends from a position intermediate the mouth end of the first segment 104 and the depressions 109 to a position on tobacco rod 100 adjacent -the line of abutmen-t 107. The tipping paper joins the second segment 105 to the -tobacco rod lOQ, preferably by means of an overlapping band of adhesive 121. Thus, the tipping paper is attached only to the tobacco column 100 and the second scgment 105. The - first segment 104 pro-trudes Erom the mouth end of the tipping paper 111 and may be grasped by the s!noker and rotated within the tipping paper 111 -to vary the degree :~2~2~
of regi.stry of the depre.ssions l09 and 110. fir dilu-cion occurs as described :Eor the embodimnt of Figs. 9 to 11 The ciyarettes of tie present illvention may be rcadily producect on conventional cigare-tte making and tippi.ng apparatus wi-th a minimurn of modification.
Forrning and cutting the cigaret.te rod and the filter plug to ~enyth are done conventionally. Also, bringing the filter plug into axial aligrlment W:i th the cigare~cte rod and the overwrapping witn .ippiny paper are accomplished in -the same manner as in the manufacture of conventional ci.~aretttes.
Furtherrnore, additional simplicity in manufacturing is made possible in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 8 by simu].taneously forming the openings in the tipping paper and the unclerlying plug wrap. This is accomplished, in one manner, simply by slitting or perforating the tipping aper and underlying plug wrap on each c;.garette as it passes through the conventional cigarette making machinery at or near a rolling shoe station.
As shown in Figs. 18 and 19 T the c~rcumferentially extending cut 5 in the filter plug 4 may be made using a circular knife 22 which ;s set to penetrate a speci.fied distance into the filter plug, perpendicular to the longi.tudinal axis of the filter plug.
Typically, the circular kn.ife and the filter plug are both rotated as sho~.Tn in Fig 19, resulting in a circumferentially ex-tending cut wlaich leaves a central
3~ core 16 along the longitudinal axis of the filter plug.
The row of perforations 9 in the tippi.ns paper in the irst embodiment may be made by any conventional means such as laser perforat:ion, electr.ostatic peroration, or mechanical perforati.on using points or knives. In practice, the tipping paper is fed through a perforation zvne wl~ere it is exposed -to a laser light beam. The power setting and focus;.ng o. the laser and the raze of feed of the tipping paper are selected so as to all bu'c part he paper along -.he "break a~Jay"
line 9 shown in Fig. 2. The at-tachment w~ic-ll remains is selected to reta.in on]y enougl-l streng-th to hold the first and seconcl bands of the -tipping paper toyeher durilig asselnbly. Preferably, a laser ~ys-tem is employed to make about 39 perforat;ons per cm (about 100 perforations per inch) in the paper.
The tippiny paper may be applied -.o the filter plug and tobacco rod employing conventional ciyare-t-te makiny equipment and then the openings 14 and 15 are made thr-ugh -the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap - employing either a laser system as shown in Fig. 21 or a mechanical system as shown in Fiys. 22, 23 and 24.
Preferably, a shown in Fig. 21, a laser perforatlon system is employed which uses a laser 23 to generate a laser beam 25 that is reflected by mirror 26 and collected by lens 27 which focuses the beam. The laser beam 25 is focused to traverse the rotating cigarette and is set to remain Oll for a time period sufficient to make an opening, preferably a slit oE a desired length, through the tipping paper and the underlying plug wrap. Slits one millime-ter wide are ~5 preferred. If it is desired Jo establish a line oE
perforations ins-tead of 5i i.t5, the laser beam may be pulsed.
The openings through the -zipping payer and the underlying plug wrap may also be made by mechanical means as shown in Figs. 22, 23 and 24. As shown in Fig 22, cigarettes 28 are passed between rotatiny drums 32 and 33. Drum 32 feeds -the cigarettes beneath a fixed plate 31 into contact Witll a circular knife 29 rota-ting about shaft 30 and having a V-shaped edge 34 as shown in Fig. 23. In an alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 2~, the cigare-ttes 28 are fed between a ~3LZ~l~
rotatLncJ drum 35 ancl a :Elxed plate 36 past serni-circul~r knife blades 37 which are Eixed to lie p1ate 36.
It wi11 be unclers-l-ood -tlla-t the particular el~bodim~ents described above are only illustrative oE
the principles of the present :in~en-tion, and that various modifications can be made by those skill.ed in the ar-t.
... ..
The row of perforations 9 in the tippi.ns paper in the irst embodiment may be made by any conventional means such as laser perforat:ion, electr.ostatic peroration, or mechanical perforati.on using points or knives. In practice, the tipping paper is fed through a perforation zvne wl~ere it is exposed -to a laser light beam. The power setting and focus;.ng o. the laser and the raze of feed of the tipping paper are selected so as to all bu'c part he paper along -.he "break a~Jay"
line 9 shown in Fig. 2. The at-tachment w~ic-ll remains is selected to reta.in on]y enougl-l streng-th to hold the first and seconcl bands of the -tipping paper toyeher durilig asselnbly. Preferably, a laser ~ys-tem is employed to make about 39 perforat;ons per cm (about 100 perforations per inch) in the paper.
The tippiny paper may be applied -.o the filter plug and tobacco rod employing conventional ciyare-t-te makiny equipment and then the openings 14 and 15 are made thr-ugh -the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap - employing either a laser system as shown in Fig. 21 or a mechanical system as shown in Fiys. 22, 23 and 24.
Preferably, a shown in Fig. 21, a laser perforatlon system is employed which uses a laser 23 to generate a laser beam 25 that is reflected by mirror 26 and collected by lens 27 which focuses the beam. The laser beam 25 is focused to traverse the rotating cigarette and is set to remain Oll for a time period sufficient to make an opening, preferably a slit oE a desired length, through the tipping paper and the underlying plug wrap. Slits one millime-ter wide are ~5 preferred. If it is desired Jo establish a line oE
perforations ins-tead of 5i i.t5, the laser beam may be pulsed.
The openings through the -zipping payer and the underlying plug wrap may also be made by mechanical means as shown in Figs. 22, 23 and 24. As shown in Fig 22, cigarettes 28 are passed between rotatiny drums 32 and 33. Drum 32 feeds -the cigarettes beneath a fixed plate 31 into contact Witll a circular knife 29 rota-ting about shaft 30 and having a V-shaped edge 34 as shown in Fig. 23. In an alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 2~, the cigare-ttes 28 are fed between a ~3LZ~l~
rotatLncJ drum 35 ancl a :Elxed plate 36 past serni-circul~r knife blades 37 which are Eixed to lie p1ate 36.
It wi11 be unclers-l-ood -tlla-t the particular el~bodim~ents described above are only illustrative oE
the principles of the present :in~en-tion, and that various modifications can be made by those skill.ed in the ar-t.
... ..
Claims (17)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A filter cigarette comprising a tobacco rod, a substantially cylindrical filter plug, a substantially air impermeable plug wrapping circumscribing the filter plug, and tipping paper circumscribing and joining the filter plug and a portion of the tobacco rod, characterised in that the filter plug comprises a mouth-end segment connected at least axially to a rod-end segment for rotation about the axis of the cigarette.
2. A filter cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the mouth-end segment and said rod-end segment are defined by a circumferential cut in said filter plug.
3. A filter cigarette according to claim 2 wherein the cut extends partially through the filter plug and defines a central axis core connecting the mouth-end segment to the rod-end segment.
4. A filter cigarette according to claim 2 including an axial plastic extrusion connecting the segments, the cut extending to the extrusion.
5. A filter cigarette according to claim 2 wherein the filter plug comprises an inner substantially cylindrical core of filter material and an outer substantially cylindrical layer of filter material circumscribing the inner filter material, wherein the density of the inner filter material is greater than the density of the outer filter material, and wherein the cut extends to the inner filter material.
6. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 in which the mouth end is provided with means operable by rotation of the mouth-end segment of the filter relative to the rod-end segment of the filter to alter at least one smoking characteristic of the cigarette.
7. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means for varying the air dilution value of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment.
8. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means for varying the air dilution value of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment wherein the tipping paper is substantially air impermeable and comprises, in sequence, first, second and third bands, the first band fixedly connecting the tobacco rod to the rod-end segment, the second band containing a first opening, and the third band attaching the second band to the mouth-end segment and wherein the plug wrap overlying the rod-end segment contains a second opening underlying the first opening so that rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment varies the registry between the first and second openings.
9. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means for varying the air dilution value of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment wherein the tipping paper is substantially air impermeable and comprises, in sequence, first and second bands, the first band fixedly connecting the tobacco rod to the rod-end segment and the second band containing a first opening and further wherein the plug wrap overlying the mouth-end segment contains a second opening underlying the first opening so that rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment varies the registry between the first and second openings.
10. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means for varying the resistance to draw of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment.
11. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means for varying the air dilution value of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment and a means for varying the resistance to draw of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment.
12. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means for varying the resistance to draw of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment, wherein the means for varying the resistance to draw comprises a first longitudinal bore extending through the mouth-end segment and a second longitudinal bore extending through the rod-end segment, whereby rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment varies the registry between the first and second bores.
13. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means for varying the air dilution value of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment and a means for varying the resistance to draw of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment, wherein the means for varying the resistance to draw comprises a first longitudinal bore extending through the mouth-end segment and a second longitudinal bore extending through the rod-end segment, whereby rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment varies the registry between the first and second bores.
14. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means for varying the resistance to draw of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment wherein the means for varying the resistance to draw is adapted to maintain the resistance to draw value of said cigarette constant as the air dilution value is varied.
15. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a means -for varying the air dilution value of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment wherein the tipping paper is substantially air impermeable and comprises, in sequence, first, second and third bands, the first band fixedly connecting the tobacco rod to the rod-end segment, the second band containing a first opening, and the third band attaching the second band to the mouth-end segment and wherein the plug wrap overlying the rod-end segment contains a second opening underlying the first opening so that rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment varies the registry between the first and second openings, in which the second band is perforatedly connected to the first band.
16. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising an encapsulated flavourant disposed within the filter plug and adapted to release varying amounts of flavourant by rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment.
17. A method of manufacturing the filter cigarette of any one of claims 2 to 4 characterized in that it comprises cutting a tobacco rod and a wrapped filter plug to a desired length, bringing the tobacco rod and the wrapped filter plug into axial alignment, overwrapping the tobacco rod and the wrapped filter plug with tipping paper, forming a circumferential cut in the wrapped filter plug and the tipping paper, the circumferential cut extending partially through the wrapped filter plug so as to form a mouth-end segment connected to a rod-end segment through a central core along the longitudinal axis of the wrapped filter plug, thereby permitting rotational movement of the segments of the filter plug defined by the circumferential cut.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000490192A CA1212294A (en) | 1982-11-05 | 1985-09-06 | Adjustable filter cigarette and a method of manufacture thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US429,392 | 1982-09-30 | ||
| US06/429,392 US4532943A (en) | 1982-09-30 | 1982-09-30 | Adjustable filter cigarette |
| US439,588 | 1982-11-05 | ||
| US06/439,588 US4527573A (en) | 1982-11-05 | 1982-11-05 | Filter cigarette |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000490192A Division CA1212294A (en) | 1982-11-05 | 1985-09-06 | Adjustable filter cigarette and a method of manufacture thereof |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1212010A true CA1212010A (en) | 1986-09-30 |
Family
ID=27028162
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000437737A Expired CA1212010A (en) | 1982-09-30 | 1983-09-28 | Adjustable filter cigarette and a method of manufacture thereof |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0105683B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS59501813A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE24659T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU559010B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8307543A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1212010A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE3368860D1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1984001273A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (28)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1984000478A1 (en) * | 1982-07-23 | 1984-02-16 | Philip Morris Inc | Cigarettes and methods of manufacture |
| US4648413A (en) * | 1984-03-07 | 1987-03-10 | Saintsing Barry L | Adjustable-delivery cigarette |
| EP0167863B1 (en) * | 1984-06-20 | 1988-01-07 | H.F. & Ph.F. Reemtsma GmbH & Co | Cigarette filter with variable ventilation |
| US4601298A (en) * | 1985-01-14 | 1986-07-22 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Filter cigarette |
| US4817638A (en) * | 1985-08-01 | 1989-04-04 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Apparatus for adjusting a cigarette having variable smoking characteristics |
| US4646763A (en) * | 1985-11-19 | 1987-03-03 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Adjustable filter cigarette |
| GB8620109D0 (en) * | 1986-08-19 | 1986-10-01 | Tabac Fab Reunies Sa | Filter |
| US6345625B1 (en) | 1997-12-06 | 2002-02-12 | Kar Eng Chew | Filter for secondary smoke and smoking articles incorporating the same |
| SE532831C2 (en) * | 2007-06-11 | 2010-04-20 | Envac Ab | A vacuum-driven waste collection system and a method for emptying a central waste storage tank |
| GB0821803D0 (en) * | 2008-12-01 | 2009-01-07 | British American Tobacco Co | Smoking article filter |
| JP2011072296A (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2011-04-14 | British American Tobacco Japan Kk | Filter containing additive |
| JP2013055887A (en) * | 2010-01-12 | 2013-03-28 | Japan Tobacco Inc | Cigarette filter, filter cigarette using the same, and manufacturing method of continuous cigarette filters |
| JP2011205914A (en) * | 2010-03-29 | 2011-10-20 | British American Tobacco (Investments) Ltd | Smoking article |
| JP2011205915A (en) * | 2010-03-29 | 2011-10-20 | British American Tobacco (Investments) Ltd | Smoking article |
| GB201104232D0 (en) | 2011-03-14 | 2011-04-27 | British American Tobacco Co | Smoking article and method of manufacturing a smoking article |
| GB2490732A (en) | 2011-05-13 | 2012-11-14 | British American Tobacco Co | Filter for a smoking article |
| GB201116629D0 (en) * | 2011-09-27 | 2011-11-09 | British American Tobacco Co | Smoking articles and methods of manufacturing smoking articles |
| GB201217682D0 (en) | 2012-10-03 | 2012-11-14 | British American Tobacco Co | A smoking article and a method of manfacturing a smoking article |
| ITBO20120584A1 (en) * | 2012-10-26 | 2014-04-27 | Gd Spa | MACHINE FOR REALIZING CIGARETTES WITH ADJUSTABLE VENTILATION. |
| ITBO20120585A1 (en) * | 2012-10-26 | 2014-04-27 | Gd Spa | MACHINE FOR REALIZING CIGARETTES WITH ADJUSTABLE VENTILATION. |
| GB201223183D0 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2013-02-06 | British American Tobacco Co | A smoking article |
| US10182594B2 (en) | 2013-12-31 | 2019-01-22 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | Smoking article with dual additive delivery system |
| GB201411619D0 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2014-08-13 | British American Tobacco Co | Flow control device |
| WO2016175097A1 (en) * | 2015-04-30 | 2016-11-03 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Smoking article |
| CN106235405B (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2023-06-09 | 云南中烟工业有限责任公司 | Cigarette filter tip with adjustable suction resistance distribution |
| CN113367380B (en) * | 2021-06-09 | 2024-05-31 | 牡丹江卷烟材料厂有限责任公司 | Composite filter tip with adjustable suction resistance |
| CN115039912B (en) * | 2022-06-27 | 2024-04-09 | 武汉轻工大学 | Shutter type tobacco filter tip |
| CN115530414B (en) * | 2022-10-12 | 2024-02-06 | 湖北中烟工业有限责任公司 | Cigarette for heating cigarettes and cigarette punching method for heating cigarettes |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1009535A (en) * | 1963-10-15 | 1965-11-10 | British American Tobacco Co | Improvements in tobacco-smoke filters |
| GB1058343A (en) * | 1964-04-20 | 1967-02-08 | Philip Morris Inc | Filter unit for smoking articles |
| US3359988A (en) * | 1965-04-21 | 1967-12-26 | Osborne M Thomson | Filter cigarette |
| US3428049A (en) * | 1965-12-21 | 1969-02-18 | American Tobacco Co | Tobacco smoke filter element |
| GB1236208A (en) * | 1967-09-15 | 1971-06-23 | Molins Machine Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to mouthpieces for cigarettes |
| US3608561A (en) * | 1970-01-15 | 1971-09-28 | H 2 0 Filter Corp The | Extender means for attachment of an auxiliary cigarette filter |
| US3596665A (en) * | 1970-03-04 | 1971-08-03 | Knud Lindgard | Tobacco smoke filter |
| CA913486A (en) * | 1970-05-25 | 1972-10-31 | Plourde Jacques | Selective air dosing means for cigarettes |
| US3789855A (en) * | 1971-06-22 | 1974-02-05 | Liggett & Myers Inc | High flavor impact, low smoke yield cigarette mouthpiece |
| FR2273443A5 (en) * | 1973-08-31 | 1975-12-26 | Fahir Abdellah | Variable rate tobacco smoke filter - has core with adjustable section smoke passages |
| CH608177A5 (en) * | 1977-02-21 | 1978-12-29 | Neukomm Serge | |
| DE3122193C2 (en) * | 1981-06-04 | 1983-04-14 | Julius Glatz Gmbh, 6731 Neidenfels | Mouthpiece for filter cigarettes |
-
1983
- 1983-09-19 JP JP83503306A patent/JPS59501813A/en active Pending
- 1983-09-19 BR BR8307543A patent/BR8307543A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1983-09-19 WO PCT/US1983/001448 patent/WO1984001273A1/en unknown
- 1983-09-23 AT AT83305690T patent/ATE24659T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1983-09-23 EP EP83305690A patent/EP0105683B1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-09-23 DE DE8383305690T patent/DE3368860D1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-09-23 DE DE198383305690T patent/DE105683T1/en active Pending
- 1983-09-28 CA CA000437737A patent/CA1212010A/en not_active Expired
- 1983-09-28 AU AU19658/83A patent/AU559010B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS59501813A (en) | 1984-11-01 |
| BR8307543A (en) | 1984-08-21 |
| AU559010B2 (en) | 1987-02-19 |
| WO1984001273A1 (en) | 1984-04-12 |
| EP0105683B1 (en) | 1987-01-07 |
| DE3368860D1 (en) | 1987-02-12 |
| ATE24659T1 (en) | 1987-01-15 |
| DE105683T1 (en) | 1984-10-25 |
| EP0105683A1 (en) | 1984-04-18 |
| AU1965883A (en) | 1984-04-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |