Patent Application
20230389599
The present invention relates to a breakable capsule comprising tobacco product for use in a filter section of a smoking article. The invention relates also to a method for manufacturing the mentioned smoking article comprising the breakable capsule.
Breakable flavor capsules in RMC filters are known in the tobacco industry. These often contain flavor compounds like menthol, fruit flavors or other synthetic flavors. When crushed the capsule provides an extra taste sensation to the user.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,895B2 discloses a cigarette comprising a filter and a breakable capsule. The capsule comprises an anhydrous liquid or gel with a flavoring agent. Furthermore, US20140332014A1 discloses a filter unit for a smoking article comprising a capsule comprising the smoke modifying substances.
Although the ability for the user to influence the flavor of the smoking article during the smoking is seen positive, some users criticize the offered flavors. The user often prefers a particularly strong tobacco taste. Additionally, the regulation for such capsules restrict the use of flavors more and more.
It would be desirable to provide a smoking article for enabling the user to incorporate a desired additional tobacco flavor to the aerosol during the smoking. It would be particularly desirable if such a smoking article could be adapted to enable the user to select from a variety of different tobacco flavors and flavor intensities. Preferably, such a smoking article could be manufactured with common handling machines.
It is therefore the objective of the invention to provide a smoking article comprising a capsule full of tobacco taste and a method for manufacturing the mentioned smoking article.
The afore mentioned problems are solved by a smoking article comprising a filter section comprising a filter material and at least one capsule comprising a shell. The capsule comprises a liquid contained by the shell in the capsule. The capsule further comprises at least one carrier fluid and/or at least one flavored fluid arranged inside the shell, wherein the shell of the capsule is crushable. The smoking article is characterized in that the filter section comprises a tobacco product, wherein the tobacco product comprises tobacco particles with an average size of 30 μm or less, wherein the tobacco product is arranged inside the filter material, in a plug wrap, in at least one wrapping and/or inside the capsule.
Tobacco particles having such a small average particle size are providing a high surface area, which could be contacted by the passing aerosol. This allows transfer of the molecules from the particles into the aerosol stream. The particle size of ≤30 μm has been found to allow transfer of a plurality of flavoring molecules, which contribute to a full tobacco flavor. The particle size allows migration of bigger and smaller molecules from an internal volume of the particles to their surface from which these molecules could pass over to the aerosol stream.
In the context of the present invention also the term “tobacco product” refers to a flavoring substance comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size (sD50 laser diffraction) ≤30 μm.
Also nicotine could pass over from the tobacco particles to the aerosol in a similar way. Since nicotine has a flavor and is usually a constituent of tobacco, the term “flavoring molecules” also includes nicotine.
This characteristic of the particles could also be explained by quick heating of the small particles after being contacted by the hot aerosol stream, due to which the migration of the flavoring molecules within the tobacco particles starts. Furthermore, the flavoring molecules could reach the particle surface from which they could pass over to the aerosol stream quickly, independently from its position within the particle.
Preferably the average size of the tobacco particles (sD50 laser diffraction) is ≥1 μm, preferably ≥2.5 μm, more preferably ≥5 μm, most preferably ≥8 μm. It has been found, that grinding of the tobacco particles to a smaller particle size could affect the flavor. It is believed that some of the flavoring molecules of the leaf tobacco decompose due to the high shear energy. Furthermore, some flavoring molecules could exit very small tobacco particles during the grinding process or during a later handling process. This would result in a depletion of these flavoring molecules in the tobacco particles and a flavor composition different with respect to the full tobacco flavor. It is conceivable that different types of tobacco particles supply different types of the tobacco product.
Preferably, the filter material comprised in the filter section comprises a carrier material, such as cellulose acetate fiber, paper or activated charcoal. It is conceivable that the tobacco product is applied on the filter material. In this case, the carrier material is preferably soaked or sprayed with the tobacco product during the manufacturing process of the filter material. Preferably, the plug wrap comprised in the filter section additionally or alternatively comprises tobacco product. Also preferably, the plug wrap is soaked with the tobacco product. It is also conceivable that inner and/or outer surface of the plug wrap is sprayed with the tobacco product. Additionally or alternatively, the tobacco product is applied on at least one wrapping. It is conceivable that the wrapping is soaked or sprayed with tobacco product, similar to the plug wrap. Preferably, the capsule comprises the tobacco product alternatively or additionally to the filter material, plug wrap or at least one wrapping.
Due to the different application options, a variety of flavoring effects could be caused. Thus, the tobacco product can cause a slight change in taste of the smoking article, preferably applying the tobacco product on the filter material, plug wrap, wrapping or inside or outside of the capsule. It is also possible to cause a strong change in taste of the smoking article, preferably applying the tobacco product on the filter material, plug wrap, wrapping and inside and outside of the capsule.
According to another embodiment, the smoking article is characterized in that the filter section comprises a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises at least in part the tobacco product.
Preferably the filter section comprises at least one cavity for insertion of at least one capsule. The cavity is preferably formed during the manufacturing process of the filter section. Preferably, the cavity extends in a circumferential and a longitudinal direction of the smoking article forming thereby a cylinder. It is possible that the cavity is surrounded with the filter material at least in part. It is conceivable that the cavity comprises an inner surface, which is sprayed with the tobacco product. As a result, the aerosol accumulates in the cavity and cools, while it is enriched simultaneously with tobacco product. This results in a particularly mild flavor, which appears less scratchy by cooling down.
According to another embodiment, the smoking article is characterized in that the tobacco product is activatable with the liquid.
To avoid decomposing of flavoring molecules during the grinding process, it has been found advantageous, to reduce the viscosity of the grinding composition. This could be achieved by adding a solvent to this composition. Such a solvent (or “carrier fluid”) is preferably selected from a group comprising water, monovalent alcohols, polyvalent alcohols, sugar alcohols, sugars and polyvalent alcohol esters. By using such a carrier fluid, the average particle size of the tobacco can be adjusted to the desired value, without significant changes of the flavor.
Beside the tobacco particles with an average particle size of 30 micrometer or less, the tobacco product preferably comprises a liquid medium like alcohol or water, in which the tobacco particles are dispersed.
In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco particles are dispersed in a liquid medium and/or carrier fluid having a temperature of ≤30° C., preferably ≤20° C., more preferably ≤15° C., most preferably ≤10° C., to prevent decomposition and/or dissipation of the tobacco flavoring. Preferably the liquid medium and/or carrier fluid of the dispersion has a temperature of ≥−20° C., preferably ≥−10° C., more preferably ≥−5° C., most preferably ≥0° C., to facilitate its handling. It has been shown that a cold dispersion having temperatures in the abovementioned range also prevents nicotine decomposition.
Preferably, the liquid comprised in the capsule dissolves or dilutes the tobacco product comprised in the filter material, the plug wrap, the wrapping and/or the cavity, if the capsule is crushed. Preferably, the capsule comprises a neutral liquid and/or carrier liquid, which is dispersed throughout the filter material after crushing. As a result, while smoking, the aerosol preferably interacts with the tobacco product and transports the released tobacco flavor from the tobacco particles. The additional tobacco flavoring improves the taste of the smoking article noticeable for the user. It is possible that if the cavity and/or the filter material is enriched with tobacco product, the tobacco taste of the smoking article is strengthen by crushing the capsule. The liquid contained in it reacts with the tobacco product by providing the flavorings to the aerosol.
According to another embodiment, the smoking article is characterized in that the cavity comprises at least one capsule. The capsule in the cavity offers additional surfaces where the tobacco product can be applied. Preferably, the cavity and the outer surface of the capsule are sprayed with tobacco product. It is also possible that these are different tobacco products, so that the cavity comprises a first tobacco product and the outer surface of the capsule comprises a second tobacco product. It is possible that the cavity comprises two capsules. The additional capsule in the cavity enlarges the flavoring effect. It is possible to crush only one of the capsules during the smoking, wherein the other capsule remains uncrushed. The uncrushed capsule is preferably wetted with the liquid contained in the destroyed capsule. Preferably, the wetted capsule releases the tobacco flavor to the aerosol during the smoking session. It is also conceivable to crush both capsules, individually or together, during or before the smoking.
According to another embodiment, the smoking article is characterized in that the plug wrap comprises the tobacco product. Preferably, the plug wrap is coated with tobacco product during its manufacturing process. Preferably, the plug wrap comprising the tobacco product is processed with conventional manufacturing machines for plug wraps. It is possible that the plug wrap is printed with an ink comprising tobacco product. The tobacco product on the plug wrap is preferably degraded by aerosol generated by the smoking session, thereby releasing the tobacco flavor. It is conceivable that at least one part of the tobacco flavoring will stay on the plug wrap and another part of the tobacco flavoring will migrate to the filter material. The applying the tobacco product to the plug wrap is particularly beneficial because the tobacco product is not heated directly and flavors the smoke gently.
According to another embodiment, the smoking article is characterized in that the smoking article with in the filter section inserted capsule is smokable without crushing the capsule. Preferably, an outer surface of the capsule is coated with tobacco product and/or another flavoring products. Such another flavoring could be another tobacco product or a conventional flavor, for example menthol, vanilla or other synthetic flavor. During the smoking experience the aerosol moves along the smoking article from the distal end of the consumable material rod to the mouth end of the filter section, wherein the tobacco product comprised on the outer surface of the capsule contained in the filter section enriches this with additional tobacco aroma. The user receives thereby preferably a first taste profile. In case of desired additional flavor, the user could crush the capsule and receive a second taste profile. The second taste profile comprises preferably the additional tobacco taste and the desired flavor.
It is possible that the capsule comprises a second tobacco product in the liquid. In this case the first tobacco product mixes up with the second tobacco product after crushing and results a new, preferably a third taste, profile. It is advantageous for the user to receive at least two taste profiles with only one smoking article. In case of more than one inserted capsule in the filter section, the number of possible taste profiles, which can be chosen by the user during only one smoking session, is larger.
The objective is also reached by a filter section comprising a filter material and capsule, which comprises a shell and a liquid contained by the shell in the capsule, wherein the liquid comprises at least one carrier fluid and/or at least one flavored fluid, wherein the shell of the capsule is crushable. The filter section further comprises a tobacco product, wherein the tobacco product comprises tobacco particles with an average size of 30 μm or less, wherein the tobacco product is arranged inside the filter material, in a plug wrap, in at least one wrapping and/or inside the capsule.
The flavored fluid comprises preferably flavoring essences such as menthol, fruit flavors or other synthetic or plant flavorings. It is possible that, the flavored fluid comprised in the capsule comprises tobacco product. New flavorings could be created by mixing the convention flavorings with different tobacco products.
In an advantageous embodiment, the filter section comprising tobacco product can be used on the different smoking articles. The prefabricated filter sections could easily be attached to the different smoking articles and thus develop different flavors with the different types of tobacco used in the smoking articles. The filter section comprising tobacco product is particularly versatile.
According to another embodiment, the filter section is characterized in that the capsule comprises the tobacco product, which is dispersed inside of the capsule in the liquid and/or arranged on the outside surface of the shell. The coated outside surface of the shell is preferably sprayed with tobacco product. It is possible that, the outside surface of the shell is decorated with an ink comprising tobacco product, if the capsule is available separately. Alternatively or additionally, the capsule preferably comprises the carrier fluid comprising the tobacco product and/or at least one flavored fluid comprising the same tobacco product.
According to another embodiment, the filter section is characterized in that the shell of the capsule comprises hydrocolloid, preferably gellan gum, agar, carrageenans, pectins, arabic gum, ghatti gum, pullualan gum, mannan gum and/or modified starch, more preferred a mixture of the hydrocolloids and gelatin.
According to another embodiment, the filter section is characterized in that the capsule releases the liquid in a predefined direction. It is conceivable that the capsule comprised in the filter section extends along the longitudinal direction and along the filter section. Preferably the capsule is shaped as a hollow cylinder, wherein the shell surrounds the liquid. Preferably, the capsule further comprises a predefined crush region. If the consumer breaks the capsule, a crushing force acts at least in part perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the smoking article. This results releasing of the liquid along the longitudinal direction at least in part out of the capsule. The capsule with predefined direction has the advantage that it could moisten specific areas of the filter section without spreading the contents of the capsule over a wide area. In this case the specific areas of the filter section comprise preferably the tobacco product.
According to another embodiment, the filter section is characterized in that viscosity of the liquid in the capsule is in range of 0.3 mPas to 3 mPas, preferably 3 Pas to 10 mPas, more preferred 10 mPa*s to 100 mPas. The viscosity of the tobacco product is preferably between 1 and 10 mPas, also preferred 8 and 35 mPas, wherein the viscosity is measured with falling-rod viscometer at 25° C.
The objective is also reached by a method for manufacturing a smoking article comprising a filter section, which comprises at least one filter material and at least one capsule, wherein the capsule comprises a shell and a liquid contained by the shell in the capsule comprising at least one carrier fluid and/or at least one flavored fluid, wherein the shell of the capsule is crushable, comprising steps of:
Preferably, the filter section is a filter rod with a cylinder shape having a mouth and a distal ends. The tobacco product is preferably arranged during or after the standard manufacturing process of the filter section. Applying of the tobacco product preferably occurs by printing, spraying and/or soaking. It is conceivable that the consumable material rod comprises several tobacco types, reconstituted tobacco sheets or other smokable materials. The consumable material rod preferably extends from the mouth to the distal end in the longitudinal direction, wherein the mouth end of the consumable material rod is connected with the distal end of the filter section. By positioning the tobacco product in the filter section, production flexibility is maintained. It is possible that the manufacturing process of the smoking article is carried out at different processing locations, wherein the filter sections are added afterwards as a last manufacturing step with the desired flavor.
According to another embodiment, the method for manufacturing a smoking article is characterized in that the capsule is arrangeable in the filter material of the filter section. Arranging of the capsule preferably occurs during the standard manufacturing process of the filter section. It is possible that the filter material comprised in the filter section is pre-formed in such a way, that a cavity for receiving the capsule in the filter material is formed. The preforming could include a pressing process and/or bonding process of the filter material for better stabilization of the cavity inside the filter section.
According to another embodiment, the method for manufacturing a smoking article is characterized by arranging the capsule between two filter materials, whereby creating the cavity.
Preferably, the filter section comprises three parts along the longitudinal direction, wherein a first part comprises the filter material, a second part comprises a cavity and a third part comprises filter material. It is conceivable that at least one part of the filter section comprises a capsule.
Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the appended figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.
The figures show:
A filter section 3 of a smoking article 2 shown in
The smoking article 2 comprises a consumable material rod 8 as a smokable part 13. The smokable part 13 of the smoking article 2 preferably extends along the longitudinal direction l and the circumferential direction c having a cylindrical shape with a distal 19b and a mouth 18b end. Preferably, the consumable material rod 8 comprises at least one type of tobacco. Also preferably, the distal end 19a of the filter section 3 is connected to the mouth end 18b of the smokable part 13, wherein a wrapping 12 covers the filter section 3 and at least a part of the smokable part 13.
Preferably, the capsule 1 has a predefined releasing direction 1. In this case, after crushing the shell 10, the capsule 1 releases the liquid 11 comprised inside the shell 10. Preferably, the releasing direction r is parallel to a flow path 9, which is created from the distal end 19b of the consumable material rod 8 to the mouth end 18a of the filter section 3.
It is conceivable that the plug wrap 6 and the capsule 1 comprise different types of the tobacco product 4. It is conceivable that the plug wrap 6 is soaked with a sorbent and/or carrier liquid (not shown) comprising tobacco product 4. The applied tobacco product 4 is then particularly evenly distributed in the plug wrap 6. it is possible that the plug wrap 6 comprises a first type of the tobacco product 4 and the capsule comprises a second and/or a third tobacco product 4 (not shown). Preferably, the first tobacco product 4 delivers a first tobacco taste profile, the second tobacco product 4 delivers a second tobacco taste profile and the third tobacco product 4 delivers a third tobacco taste profile. The used tobacco products 4 differ to each other by comprising different tobacco particles, which are comprised in different tobacco plants. Preferably, the user can choose out of at least three tobacco taste profiles and/or change the tobacco taste profile during the smoking session.
Preferably, the capsule 1 depictured in the
It is possible that the inner surface of the cavity 7 is coated with the tobacco product 4 alternatively or additionally to in the capsule comprised tobacco product 4 (not shown). Preferably, the cavity 7 is sprayed with the tobacco product 4. The spraying of the cavity 7 could happen during or after forming the cavity 7 in the filter material 5. After spraying the formed cavity 7, a plug wrap 6 and at least one wrapping 12 cover the filter material 5 holding thereby the ready filter section 3 in form. It is conceivable that after forming the cavity 7, at least one capsule 1 is inserted in this.
It is also conceivable to crush the first capsule 1, wherein the comprised liquid 11 releases in the predefined releasing direction r, preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction l. When dispensing the liquid 11, the second capsule 1 is preferably wetted with the liquid 11. In a preferred embodiment, the second capsule 1 comprises the tobacco product 4 on the outer surface of its shell 10. This allows the applied tobacco product 4 to react preferentially with the applied liquid 11 from the first capsule 1 and enrich the aerosol with a tobacco flavor during smoking. The wetted second capsule 1 preferably gives a stronger tobacco flavor to the aerosol as not wetted second capsule 1. It is conceivable that the second capsule 1 comprises the tobacco product 4. In this case the user can crush the first and the second capsules 1 to achieve a particularly strong tobacco taste.
The arranging 100 of the tobacco product 4 in the filter section 3 can be carried out in basically three different possibilities. The chosen possibility depends on the desired arrangement of the tobacco product 4 in the filter section 3. In a first possibility, the tobacco product 4 is arranged in the filter section 3 by coating the filter section 3 with the tobacco product 4. Preferably, this possibility is combined with an embodiment of the smoking article 2, in which the tobacco product 4 is arranged in the filter material 5 of the filter section 3.
In alternative or in addition to arranging the tobacco product 4 in the filter section 3, the tobacco product 4 can be arranged in the filter section 3 by spraying and/or soaking the tobacco product 4 onto the filter material 5 before forming the filter rod.
In alternative or in addition to the previously described possibility to arrange 100, the tobacco product 4 in the filter section 3, it is also possible to arrange 105 at least one capsule 1 comprising the tobacco product 4 in the filter material 5 before the filter section 3 is formed. Before arranging the capsules 1 or also one capsule 1, in the filter material 5, the tobacco product 4 is arranged in the capsule 1 by spraying the capsule 1 with the tobacco product 4 and/or by arranging the tobacco product 4 inside the shell 10 of the capsule 1.
In an alternative or in additional to the previous described methods to arrange 100 the tobacco product 4 in the filter section 3, it is conceivable to arrange 105 the capsule 1 between two filter material 5 portions creating thereby a cavity 7. It is possible to arrange 100 the tobacco product in the cavity 7 by spraying.
All of the described methods to arrange 100 the tobacco product 4 in the filter section 3 may be carried out separately or in combination.
After arranging 100 the tobacco product 11 in the filter segment 9, the individual parts of the filter segment 9, i.e. the hollow cylinder part 12, the filter rod part 15, preferably comprising a first and second cylindrically shaped section 15a, 15b, and preferably a charcoal filter 19, are arranged 108 in the order described in the previous embodiments along the longitudinal axis L. Afterwards the filter parts are preferably wrapped 109 in a plug wrap 20. At this point, the filter segment 9 is arranged 110 together with the other segments 3 sequentially along the longitudinal axis L to be subsequently wrapped 120 by the wrapper 4.
The applicant reserves his right to claim all features disclosed in the application document as being an essential feature of the invention, as long as they are new, individually or in combination, in view of the prior art. Furthermore, it is noted that in the figures features are described, which can be advantageous individually. Someone skilled in the art will directly recognize that a specific feature being disclosed in a figure can be advantageous also without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, someone skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can evolve from a combination of diverse features being disclosed in one or various figures.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20206609.8 | Nov 2020 | EP | regional |
The present application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2021/080760, filed Nov. 5, 2021, published in English, which claims priority to European Application No. 20206609.8 filed Nov. 10, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/080760 | 11/5/2021 | WO |
