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
• • 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
  • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
  • A24D1/04—Cigars; Cigarettes with mouthpieces or filter-tips
  • A24D1/042—Cigars; Cigarettes with mouthpieces or filter-tips with mouthpieces
• • 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
  • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
  • A24D1/02—Cigars; Cigarettes with special covers
• • 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
  • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
  • A24D1/04—Cigars; Cigarettes with mouthpieces or filter-tips
  • A24D1/045—Cigars; Cigarettes with mouthpieces or filter-tips with smoke filter means
• • 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
• • 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
  • A24D3/043—Tobacco smoke filters characterised by their shape or structure with ventilation means, e.g. air dilution
• • 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
  • A24D3/17—Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a filter, a smoking article and methods of manufacture.
• the smoking article can be adjusted by a consumer to permit different levels of intensity while smoking. These different levels of intensity are associated with different TNCO levels of the smoking article, where TNCO levels correspond to levels of total aerosol residue (tar), nicotine, and carbon monoxide (CO).
• WO201 1/121328A2 describes a smoking article having a filter with a variable flow system to adjust gaseous flow into or through the smoking article. Multiple possibilities of generating such a variable flow system are discussed, such as providing a valve with a deformable bore to allow gaseous flow or a removable section covering one or more ventilation areas.
• most examples refer to a smoking article having relatively moveable parts that provide ventilation adjustment dependent on the level of occlusion of ventilation holes on those moveable parts.
• These examples generally, require engaging surfaces to limit such relative movement, and an indexing mechanism that provides the consumer with an indication of the intensity of the mainstream smoke.
• indication of the intensity of the mainstream smoke is not apparent to the consumer that fails to understand whether the adjustment is increasing or decreasing the level of intensity. This can lead to an erroneous adjustment and, thus, to an unpleasant experience.
• WO2012/ 120001 describes a smoking article having two or more filter segments that abut one another at an interface.
• the filter segments are circumscribed by a substantially air impermeable plug wrap.
• a filter wrapper circumscribes a portion of the filter and an adjacent portion of a tobacco rod to connect the filter and the tobacco rod together.
• the filter wrapper includes circumferential perforations at a position corresponding to an interface between filter segments. The interface is covered by the plug wrap which is non-porous and does not include any perforations.
• a user can choose to increase the taste intensity of mainstream smoke by breaking off one or more of the filter segments from the mouth end of the filter at the location of the perforations in the filter wrapper.
• the filter wrapper in WO2012/120001 would need to be perforated before being positioned on the smoking article. This would require a separate manufacturing step of referencing the filter wrapper for its positioning at the interface between filter segments, which is considered undesirable and inefficient. In such case, manufacturing tolerances are critical to avoid an unattractive appearance of the torn filter wrapper caused by a noticeable rim of plug wrap extending beyond the filter wrapper at the interface of one of the detached filter segments. This is especially noticeable when the filter wrapper and the impermeable plug wrap differ in colour. Secondly, it is noted that the air impermeable plug wrap is specifically designed not to include any perforations.
• a smoking article comprising: a smokeable rod comprising smokeable material, such as cut filler tobacco, circumscribed by an outer wrapper, the smokeable rod having a filter end, and a smoke end; a filter rod having a smoke end, a mouth end, a plurality of filter segments in axial alignment and circumscribed by a filter wrapper, where adjacent filter segments abut at corresponding filter interfaces, and the smoke end of the filter rod abuts the filter end of the smokeable rod, a tipping wrapper surrounding the filter rod and at least the filter end of the smokeable rod to attach the filter and smokeable rods, and where the filter and tipping wrappers comprise a plurality of perforations circumferentially arranged around the filter rod, the perforations positioned substantially at the position of a filter interface such that the filter rod is divided into a first set of filter segments, including the smoke end, and a second set of filter segments, including the mouth end, the perforations being configured to:
• the second set of filter segments can be detached from the smoking article.
• This provides a simple mechanism for the user to increase the smoke deliveries from the smoking article, according to user preferences.
• perforations are provided in both the filter and tipping wrappers, which can facilitate a clean tear.
• the user may be presented by a new filter at the mouth end with minimal flaws that may be associated with tearing.
• the perforations in the filter and tipping wrappers also advantageously reduce smoke deliveries from a mainstream smoke to control TNCO levels by admitting air into the mainstream smoke.
• the rupture line is configured to break or rupture under a shear force of at least 9N, such as of at least 12N.
• This minimum rupturing force is advantageous as it provides the consumer a sensory feedback to confirm that the filter sets have been properly detached and not torn apart.
• the rupture line is configured to break or rupture under a shear force of no more than 20N, such as of no more than 15N. It has been found that this maximum rupturing force allows a consumer to detach the filter segments with ease.
• the rupture force is preferably adjusted by selecting the number of perforations per cm of the rupture line. Filter and tipping wrapper thickness may be selected for a fine adjustment of the rupture force, if needed.
• the number of perforations per cm of the rupture line is no more than 20, for example, no more than 18, such as no more than 16. It has been found that higher number of perforations provide uneven distributions of the perforations that result in an unattractive appearance once the first and second sets of filters have been detached. Additionally, such high number of perforations may result in a fragile attachment between the filter segments, increasing the risk that a consumer will unintentionally detach them when handling the smoking article, for example when pulling it out from the packaging or when introducing it into the mouth.
• the number of perforations per cm of the rupture line is at least 12, for example, at least 14.
• the number of perforations per cm of the rupture line is at least 12, for example, at least 14.
• the filter and tipping wrappers further comprise a ventilation region so as to reduce smoke deliveries from the mainstream smoke.
• the ventilations region admits air into the mainstream smoke and, thus, reduces the TNCO levels in the smoke deliveries.
• the smoke deliveries are diluted both by the perforations in the tipping and filter wrappers and by the ventilation region.
• the ventilation region may be provided downstream of the perforations.
• the ventilation region may be located between the perforations and the mouth end of the filter rod.
• the ventilation region may be provided upstream of the perforations. This results in the smoke deliveries being diluted only by the ventilation region after detachment.
• two ventilation regions are provided; one region located upstream of the perforations, the second region located downstream of the perforations.
• the smoke deliveries are diluted by air admission into the mainstream smoke through the perforations and both ventilation regions. After detachment, the smoke deliveries are only diluted by the ventilation region located upstream of the perforations.
• the ventilation region comprises ventilation holes in at least one the filter and tipping wrappers.
• the ventilation holes may be preferably circumferentially arranged, but may also be scattered or arranged in an array.
• at least one filter segment comprises a particulate material.
• the particulate material may include a sorbent, such as carbon, or flavouring, such as plant leaf.
• the particulate material may be provided in the second set of filter segments.
• the effect of the particulate material may be reduced (or substantially eliminated), following detachment of the second set of filter segments.
• the particulate material may be provided in the first set of filter segments. In this way, the effect of the particulate material may be enhanced, following detachment.
• At least one filter segment may comprise a frangible capsule, which encapsulates, for example, a flavourant, or a liquid.
• the capsule contents are released after the consumer breaks the frangible capsule by, for example, exerting a required force, such as a compression force, on it.
• At least one filter segment may comprise a cavity or a recess.
• a cavity or a recess is provided in only one of the first and second sets of filter segments.
• the cavity or recess may be provided in the first set of filter segments so that the smoking article can be converted from a solid filter end to a center-hole filter end following detachment.
• the tipping wrapper may comprise a window such that at least a portion of the filter rod is viewable through the window.
• the window may allow a user to observe adjacent filter segments abutting at a filter interfaces. This may help to teach the user that the filter rod can be separated by detaching the perforated wrappers along the rupture line. This may provide a simple mechanism for helping a user to understand the method of use of the smoking article.
• the filter wrapper may be transparent at least in a region of the window such that at least a portion of a filter segment is viewable through the window. This may be achieved by providing a transparent or translucent window in the filter wrapper.
• the window may be provided also upstream or downstream of the perforations such that at least a portion of a filter segment not comprised in the filter interface is viewable through the window.
• the tipping wrapper may comprise one or more flavourant compositions.
• the flavourant compositions may provide a cooling effect and/or a taste perception.
• Example of coolant compositions suitable for use with this invention are described in EP0847268, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• the one or more flavourant compositions may be applied to the entire tipping wrapper or to one or more regions of it.
• the tipping wrapper section downstream of the perforation line comprises a flavourant composition, while the tipping wrapper section upstream of the perforation line does not comprise a flavourant composition.
• the effect of the flavourant composition may be substantially eliminated following detachment of the second set of filter segments.
• the tipping wrapper section upstream of the perforation line comprises a flavourant composition
• the tipping wrapper section downstream of the perforation line does not comprise a flavourant composition.
• the effect of the flavourant composition may be present only following detachment of the second set of filter segments.
• the tipping wrapper section downstream of the perforation line comprises a first flavourant composition and the tipping wrapper section upstream of the perforation line comprises a second flavourant composition, different from the first flavourant composition.
• the plurality of perforations in the filter wrapper are formed simultaneously with the plurality of perforations in the tipping wrapper after both wrappers have been wrapped about the filter rod.
• respective perforations in the filter and tipping wrappers are preferably aligned.
• the aligned perforations may be formed together in a simple manner with a laser.
• other forms of forming simultaneously the perforations are also envisaged, such as, but not limited to, punching.
• the plurality of perforations in the tipping and filter wrappers may be also formed independently from each other.
• the tipping and filter wrappers comprise reference or register marks that assist positioning one wrapper relative to the other during the manufacturing process of the smoking article such that the perforations are in register in the finalised smoking article.
• the filter and tipping wrapper perforations may not be aligned, as at least one of the wrappers may be air permeable and allow air admission through it.
• the filter wrapper may be air permeable and the tipping wrapper may be air impermeable. If the perforations in both wrappers are not in register, air traversing the perforations in the tipping wrapper will traverse the air permeable filter wrapper and be admitted into the mainstream smoke.
• a ventilation region may be provided by forming ventilation holes only in the tipping wrapper or by forming ventilation holes in both the tipping and filter wrappers.
• the filter wrapper may be air impermeable, whilst the tipping wrapper is air permeable.
• a ventilation region may be provided by forming ventilation holes only in the filter wrapper or by forming ventilation holes in both the tipping and filter wrappers.
• the smokeable rod is a tobacco rod.
• the smokeable material comprises tobacco.
• the smokeable material may be cut filler tobacco. Cut filler tobacco may be blended with other well-known tobacco materials, such as reconstituted tobacco, or expanded tobacco.
• the filter may be produced separately from the smoking article as an intermediate product.
• a tipping wrapper can be provided circumferentially around the filter wrapper.
• the filter wrapper is provided directly adjacent the filter segments or in contact with the filter segments.
• a method of assembling a smoking article comprising the steps of: providing a smokeable rod comprising smokeable material, such as cut filler tobacco, circumscribed by an outer wrapper, the smokeable rod having a filter end, and a smoke end; providing a filter rod, having a smoke end, a mouth end and a plurality of filter segments in axial alignment with a filter wrapper, where adjacent filter segments abut at corresponding filter interfaces, and the smoke end of the filter rod abuts the filter end of the smokeable rod; surrounding the filter rod and at least the filter end of the smokeable rod with a tipping wrapper thereby to attach the filter and smokeable rods; and providing a plurality of perforations in the filter and tipping wrappers, circumferentially around the filter rod, and positioning the perforations substantially at the position of a filter interface such that the filter rod is divided into a first set of filter segments, including the smoke end, and a second set of filter segments, including the mouth end, thereby
• predefined level to a second predefined level by detaching the first set of filter segments from the second set of filter segments.
• the method may involve providing ventilation holes in the filter and tipping wrappers so as to reduce smoke deliveries from the mainstream smoke.
• the ventilation holes may be provided in a region located upstream or downstream the perforations.
• the method may involve providing two regions of ventilation holes in the filter and tipping wrappers. Preferably, one region is provided upstream of the perforations and another region is provided downstream of the perforations.
• the plurality of perforations in the filter and tipping wrappers are substantially aligned and are provided by a laser.
• Laser perforation can allow the perforations to be formed in the filter and tipping wrappers simultaneously, during the manufacturing process.
• Laser perforation also provides a neat finish after breaking the filter rod, especially where one wrapper is formed from a fibrous material (such as paper). The penetration of the laser into the filter rod may be controlled in order to adjust ventilation in the smoking article.
• Apparatus features may be provided as method features and vice-versa.
• Figure 1 is a side view of a smoking article in an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 2 is another side view of the smoking article shown in Figure 1 with the filter and tipping papers in an unwrapped configuration
• Figure 3 is another side view of the smoking article shown in Figure 1 with a segment of the filter partially detached
• Figure 4 is a side view of the filter of the smoking article shown in Figure 1 ;
• Figure 5 is side view of another filter for use in a smoking article in an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 6 is side view of another filter for use in a smoking article in an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 7 is side view of another filter for use in a smoking article in an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 8 is side view of yet another filter for use in a smoking article in an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 9 is a side view of a smoking article during manufacture, in an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 10 is a detail view of a test apparatus for measuring a rupture shear force according to the present invention.
• Figures 1 1 A to 11 D show pictures of test cigarettes after detachment.
• FIGS 1 and 2 are side views of a smoking article 2 having a smoke end 10 and a mouth end 1 1 .
• the smoking article 2 comprises a tobacco rod 4 comprising cut filler tobacco circumscribed by an outer wrapper 6.
• the smokeable rod 4 comprises a filter end 8 and at the smoke end 10 the smokeable material is exposed to air.
• the smoking article also comprises a filter 12 including first and second filter segments 14, 16 in axial alignment.
• the first and second filter segments 14, 16 are arranged to abut one another at an interface.
• the filter segments 14, 16 may be in contact, or else a small gap may be provided between them.
• One end of the first filter segment 14 abuts the filter end 8 of the smokeable rod 4.
• a filter wrapper 18 is provided around the filter 12, including the first and second segments 14, 16.
• the filter wrapper 18 may be formed of a fibrous air permeable paper or an air
• a tipping wrapper 20 is provided around the filter wrapper 18.
• the tipping wrapper 20 surrounds the first and second filter segments 14, 16 and also surrounds the filter end 8 of the smokeable rod 4 in order to attach the filter 12 and smokeable rod 4 together.
• Perforations 22 are provided in the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20 circumferentially around the filter 12.
• the perforations 22 are positioned substantially at the position of the interface between the first and second filter segments 14, 16.
• the perforations 22 comprise holes in both the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20.
• the perforations 22 are formed by a laser during manufacture of the smoking article 2 so that holes in the filter wrapper 18 are substantially aligned with holes in the tipping wrapper 20.
• a plurality of ventilation holes 24 are also provided in the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20 circumferentially around the filter 12.
• the ventilation holes 24 do not align with an interface between the first and second filter segments 14, 16.
• the ventilation holes 24 are provided at a position along the length of the first filter segment 14, upstream of the perforations from the perspective of the smoke delivery.
• the ventilation holes 24 are also created by a laser during manufacture such that respective holes in the filter wrapper 18 and tipping wrapper 20 are substantially aligned.
• the perforations 22 provide a rupture line in the filter 12.
• a user can break the filter 12 along the rupture line defined by the perforations 22 in order to detach the second filter segment 16. In this way, smoke deliveries can be increased from a first predefined level to a second predefined level.
• the perforations 22 and the ventilation holes 24 can provide respective airflows into the smoking article 2 in order to reduce smoke deliveries from a mainstream smoke flowing from the smoke end 10 to the mouth end 1 1 through the smokeable rod 4 and filter 12.
• the ventilation holes 24 continue to provide ventilation to the mainstream smoke even after detachment of the second filter segment 16.
• ventilation is provided both by the ventilation holes 24 and the perforations 22. This can allow adjustment of TNCO levels, including carbon monoxide, following detachment of the second filter segment 16.
• the ventilation holes 24 are only provided in the tipping wrapper 20 and the filter wrapper 18 is air permeable.
• air traversing the ventilation holes 24 in the tipping wrapper 20 will traverse the air permeable filter wrapper 18 and be admitted into the mainstream smoke.
• the ventilation holes 24 in the tipping wrapper 20 are formed before the tipping wrapper 20 is applied to connect the smokeable rod 4 to the filter 12 instead of created by a laser during manufacture of the smoking article 2.
• This embodiment has been found to be advantageous, especially when the perforations 22 are formed by a laser, as this reduces the need for additional equipment for forming the ventilation holes 24, such as additional laser beam splitters.
• a window 23 is provided in the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20 at a position corresponding to an interface between the first and second filter segments 14, 16.
• the window can permit a user to see the discrete filter segments abutting one another in a position corresponding to the perforations 22 in the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20.
• the window 23 may help to educate a user regarding the intended function of the smoking article 2, and may assist in understanding that the second filter segment 16 is detachable.
• the window 23 is present in the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20. It may be formed by an absence of wrapping material, or it may be formed by transparent wrapping materials. The transparent wrapping materials may be transparent in their entirety or may be transparent only in a region.
• FIG 3 is a side view of the smoking article shown in Figures 1 and 2, showing partial detachment of the second filter segment 16.
• the user can grip the second filter segment 16 and can detach it by tearing the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20 along the line of perforations 22. Following detachment the smoking article 2 can be smoked to provide a stronger flavour, and higher TNCO levels. It has been found that the perforations 22 in the filter and tipping wrappers 18, 20 facilitate a clean tear and the presentation of a new mouth end that has substantially the same appearance as the original mouth end.
• FIG 4 is a side view of the filter 12.
• a dual cellulose acetate filter 12 including first and second segments 14, 16 has a length of 27mm.
• the first filter segment 14 has a length of 15mm.
• the second filter segment 16 has a length of 12mm.
• the perforations 22 in the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20 are provided by a laser at a position that aligns with the filter interface, 12mm from the mouth end 1 1.
• the ventilation holes 24 in the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20 are also provided by a laser 19mm from the mouth end 1 1.
• Two versions of a cigarette have been analysed in a test to measure TNCO levels before and after detachment of the second filter segment 16.
• Both versions of the cigarette had a total length of 84mm, comprising a tobacco rod 4 with a length of 57mm and a filter rod 12 with a length of 27mm, as described above with reference to Figure 4.
• the filter and tipping wrappers 18, 20 of the respective test cigarettes included thirty-three perforations 22 at the interface between the first and second filter segments 14, 16 (positioned 12mm from the mouth end 1 1 of the filter rod 12).
• the filter and tipping wrappers 18, 20 of the respective test cigarettes included twelve ventilation holes 24 (positioned upstream of the perforations 22 at a distance of 23mm from the mouth end 1 1 of the filter rod 12).
• the perforations 22 and ventilation holes 24 in both versions of the cigarette were formed with a laser.
• the only difference between the two test cigarettes was in the depth of laser penetration into the first filter segment 14 in the formation of the ventilation holes 24 to alter the level of ventilation provided by the ventilation holes.
• Test cigarette A had a higher level of laser penetration in the first filter segment 14 than test cigarette B, thus, cigarette A had a higher level of ventilation than test cigarette B.
• TNCO levels as well as number of puffs per cigarette, were measured for cigarettes A and B under ISO 3308 conditions before and after detachment of the respective second filter segments 16.
• Cigarette A The pressure drop of the filter segments is of 580mmH 2 0.
• Cigarette B The pressure drop of the filter segments is of 360mmH?0.
• FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a filter 1 12.
• a first set of filter segments 1 14 and a second filter segment 1 16 are provided on either side of a rupture line that is associated with the perforations 22.
• the first set of filter segments 1 14 comprises a centre-hole filter segment 1 18 toward the mouth end and a solid end-face cellulose acetate filter 120 toward the smoke end.
• the second filter segment 1 16 is also a cellulose acetate segment with a solid end-face.
• the second filter segment 1 16 can be detached, along the rupture line, in order to convert a solid end-face smoking article into a centre-hole smoking article.
• FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a filter 212.
• a first filter segment 214 and a second set of filter segments 216 are provided on either side of a rupture line that is associated with the perforations 22.
• the first filter segment 214 is a cellulose acetate segment with a solid end-face.
• the second set of filter segments 216 comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment with a solid end-face 218 toward the mouth end of the smoking article and a capsule 220 that provides flavour to the mainstream smoke.
• the capsule 220 can provide a flavour such as menthol or could provide water release.
• the capsule 220 may be frangible and the flavouring may be released by rupturing the capsule 220 prior to use.
• the second set of filter segments 216, including the capsule 220 may be detached along the rupture line in order to reduce the effect of the capsule and increase tobacco taste.
• Figure 7 is a side view of another embodiment of a filter 312.
• a first set of filter segments 314 and a second filter segment 316 are provided on either side of a rupture line that is associated with the perforations 22.
• the first set of filter segments 314 comprises a hollow segment 318 towards the mouth end and a charcoal filter 320 towards the smoke end.
• the second filter segment 316 is a solid end-face cellulose acetate filter. The second filter segment 316 may be detached along the rupture line to convert a solid end-face smoking article into a recess filter smoking article.
• Figure 8 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a filter 412.
• a first set of filter segments 414 and a second filter segment 416 are provided on either side of a rupture line that is associated with the perforations 22.
• the first set of filter segments 414 comprises three filter segments 418, 420, 422 in axial alignment with one another.
• the second filter segment 416 may be detached in order to increase TNCO levels and to increase tobacco taste.
• the smoking articles 2 described above are manufactured in a generally conventional smoking article manufacturing machine, with specific modifications in accordance with the present invention.
• a number of conveyor drums are provided to transport smokeable rods 4 and filters 12 between production stages, and to provide an outer wrapper 6, filter wrapper 18 and tipping wrapper 20 in the relevant positions.
• Figure 9 is a side view of a smoking article during the manufacturing process.
• the filter wrapper 18 and tipping wrapper 20 are initially provided around the filter 12 without any perforations or ventilations holes in place.
• the perforations 22 and ventilation holes 24 are provided by respective lasers 30, 32 after the filter wrapper 18 and tipping wrapper 20 have been provided on the smoking article 2.
• the smoking article 2 is rotated by a roller (not shown) and light is directed by the lasers 30, 32 onto the filter 12 to create a line of perforations 22 and a line of ventilation holes 24 that extend around the full circumference of the filter 12.
• the process of manufacture means that individual perforations (and ventilation holes) in the filter wrapper 18 and the tipping wrapper 20 are substantially aligned.
• a single laser may create both the perforations 22 and the ventilation holes 24 through a suitable arrangement of mirrors and beam splitters.
• the laser 32 creates the ventilation holes 24 as through-holes in the filter and tipping wrappers 18, 20.
• the laser light also extends somewhat into the first filter segment 14, which lies beneath the filter and tipping wrappers 18, 20, to form wells or pits thereat.
• the penetration of the laser 32 into the first filter segment 14 can be controlled to adjust the level of ventilation. A higher penetration of the laser 32 into the first filter segment 14 during manufacture results in a higher ventilation through the ventilation holes 24.
• the laser 30 does not extend into the first or second filter segments 14, 16 because it is positioned at an interface between them.
• the filter and tipping wrappers 18, 20 of the respective test cigarettes included a plurality of perforations 22 at the interface between the first and second filter segments 14, 16 positioned 12mm from the mouth end 1 1 of the filter rod 12. These perforations 22 were formed with a laser. The only difference between the four test cigarettes was in the number of perforations 22 at the interface between the first and second filter segments 14, 16.
• Test cigarette C had thirty perforations 22 (13 perforations per cm)
• test cigarette D had thirty-three perforations 22 (14 perforations per cm)
• test cigarette E had thirty-six perforations 22 (16 perforations per cm)
• test cigarette F had thirty-eight perforations 22 (17 perforations per cm).
• the rupture force was measured using creep meter apparatus Rheoner II, RE2-33005B, commercially available from Yamaden Co., Ltd.
• the creep meter apparatus used for the test has a holder 501 for holding smoking articles and a load cell 502 with a cylindrical rigid rod 503 that ends in a tapered head 504, as shown in Figure 10.
• the holder 501 is movable towards the load cell 502, while the load cell 502 is fixed.
• a smoking article is inserted into the holder 501 until only the second set of filter segments 16 protrudes from the holder 501.
• the distance between the rigid rod 503 and the holder 501 is set at 4.5mm to simulate the way in which a consumer would hold the smoking article to detach the first and second sets of filter segments 14, 16.
• the holder 501 is displaced towards the load cell at a predefined test speed so that the filter rod 12 of the smoking article contacts the head 504 of the rigid rod 503. Both the displacement of the holder 501 and the shear force exerted on the filter rod 12 are measured during the test.
• the test ends after the holder 501 has advanced a predetermined distance from the position in which the filter rod 12 comes into contact with the head 504 of the rigid rod 503, which is longer than the diameter of the test smoking article. This is to ensure that the second set of filter segments 16 is completely detached. It is recommended to set the predetermined distance to be at least 10% longer than the diameter of the test smoking article.
• the maximum shear force measured during the test is registered and the test is repeated for another nineteen samples.
• the rupture shear force of a test smoking article is the mean value of the maximum shear force measured for twenty samples of the smoking article.
• the shear force required to detach the first and second set of filter segments 14, 16 of test cigarettes C, D, E and F was measured following the above-mentioned procedure.
• the cigarette holder advancement speed was set to 10mm/s and the test was set to stop once the cigarette holder 501 had advanced 10mm from the contact position.
• the table below shows the rupture shear forces of the different test cigarettes.
• the aspect of the rupture line of four versions of a cigarette have also been analysed after manual detachment of the first and second sets of filter segments 14, 16. All versions had a total length of 84mm, comprising a tobacco rod 4 with a length of 57mm and a filter rod 12 with a length of 27mm, and a cigarette circumference of 24.5mm.
• the filter wrapper 18 used for all test cigarettes had a basis weight of 21.5g/m 2 and a thickness of 70 ⁇ , while the tipping wrapper 20 used for all test cigarettes had a basis weight of 31g/m 2 and a thickness of 36 ⁇ .
• the filter and tipping wrappers 18, 20 of the respective test cigarettes included a plurality of perforations 22 at the interface between the first and second filter segments 14, 16 positioned 12mm from the mouth end 1 1 of the filter rod 12. These perforations 22 were formed with a laser. The only difference between the four test cigarettes was in the number of perforations 22 at the interface between the first and second filter segments 14, 16.
• test cigarette shown in Figure 1 1 A has twenty perforations 22. It can be appreciated that the cut is unclean and fibres are clearly visible.
• test cigarette shown in Figure 1 1 B has twenty-eight perforations 22. It can be appreciated that the cut is cleaner than the previous one, but some fibres are still visible.
• test cigarette shown in Figure 1 1 C has thirty-three perforations 22. It can be appreciated that the cut is clean and almost no fibres are visible. This corresponds to test cigarette D.
• test cigarette shown in Figure 1 1 D has forty perforations 22. It can be appreciated that the cut is not as clean as the previous one. The cause is the uneven distribution of perforations 22 along the rupture line due to the high density of perforations 22.

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• Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)

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• 2017
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