Patent Application
20240407429
Not Applicable.
The present invention pertains to the realm of smoking articles, more specifically to an innovative cigarette paper cone design. This design incorporates a uniquely encased flavor bead mechanism, designed to augment the overall smoking experience by seamlessly introducing enhanced flavors. Additionally, the invention addresses issues of airflow and structural integrity commonly faced in traditional smoking articles with flavor-enhancing components.
Smoking articles, particularly cigarettes, have a long history of evolving design, structure, and user experience. Over the years, innovations in the smoking industry have aimed to improve not only the tactile sensation of smoking but also the flavor, aroma, and overall enjoyment derived from the act.
Flavor-infused Cigarette Papers: Historically, one of the primary methods of enhancing the flavor of cigarettes was through the direct infusion of flavoring agents. This method involved embedding the cigarette paper, or sometimes the tobacco itself, with certain flavoring compounds. These compounds could be natural extracts or synthetically produced agents, aimed at introducing flavors such as menthol, vanilla, cherry, among others. The drawback of this method is the lack of user control over the flavor's intensity and release timing. Once the cigarette is lit, the flavoring agents start burning and releasing their aromas, leaving the user with no choice but to experience the full intensity from start to finish.
Capsule Cigarettes: Recognizing the limitations of the direct infusion method, the industry progressed to the development of flavor capsules. These capsules, often integrated into the cigarette filter, contain a liquid flavoring agent. The unique aspect of this design is the ability of the smoker to decide when to release the flavor. By applying pressure and crushing the capsule, the liquid is released, permeating the filter and modifying the cigarette's flavor profile. However, this design comes with its own set of challenges. The crushing action can inadvertently change the structural integrity of the filter, impacting airflow. Moreover, there's a risk of deforming the filter in such a way that it can obstruct the passage of smoke, leading to an inconsistent smoking experience.
Gelatin Flavor Beads: Another advancement in the quest for enhanced flavor experience was the introduction of flavor beads made from gelatin. These beads, unlike the liquid capsules, contain a semi-solid or gel-like flavoring agent. Often incorporated directly into the cigarette filter, these beads release their flavor when subjected to pressure. The advantage of gelatin beads over liquid capsules is the minimized risk of liquid spillage and a potentially more uniform flavor release. However, gelatin, being an animal derivative, poses ethical concerns for vegetarians and vegans. Moreover, these beads, when crushed, could still pose challenges regarding airflow and structural maintenance of the filter.
The aforementioned methods of the art have certainly contributed to diversifying and enhancing the smoker's experience, they have also illuminated persistent challenges. Issues such as control over flavor release, maintaining optimal airflow, and ensuring the structural integrity of the smoking article remain.
Previous patents in the realm of smoking accessories, such as US20210360963A1, US20230130063A1, US20230270158A1, US20230248055A1, US20230270155A1, U.S. Ser. No. 11/700,879B2, and U.S. Ser. No. 11/744,281B2, have introduced various methods and designs for incorporating flavor-enhancing elements into smoking devices.
The innovation described in the current application, titled “Improved Airflow and Structural Integrity of Flavor-Infused Cigarette Paper Cone with Encased Flavor Bead,” introduces distinct features that set it apart from the patents listed. A comparison with each is provided below:
US20210360963A1: While this patent might introduce a method for flavor infusion in smoking articles, it lacks specificity in optimizing airflow around the flavor element. The present invention, however, specifically addresses this by ensuring the encased flavor bead does not impede airflow, thus providing a consistent smoking experience.
US20230130063A1: This patent does not emphasize structural reinforcement after flavor activation. In contrast, the current application details a robust design for the cigarette paper cone that maintains its integrity even after the flavor bead is crushed, ensuring the smoker's experience is not diminished over time.
US20230270158A1: The design in this patent may incorporate flavoring elements but does not detail a mechanism for protecting these elements from environmental exposure. The current application offers an innovative encasement for the flavor bead, contributing to longevity and enhanced taste.
US20230248055A1: Here, the focus may be on the type of materials used for flavor infusion without consideration for their impact on the smoking article's burn rate or overall experience. The present invention selects materials that not only preserve flavor but also complement the burn characteristics of the cigarette paper cone.
US20230270155A1: The prior art may describe a smoking accessory but does not address usability post-flavor activation. The current application enhances the user experience by allowing for easy activation of the flavor bead without altering the smoking process or the accessory's form factor.
U.S. Ser. No. 11/700,879B2: This patent details a smoking accessory with a filter composed of rolled cordia leaf and a flavor capsule. However, it does not address the potential for compromised structural integrity after the capsule is crushed. The present invention ensures that the encased flavor bead reinforces the cigarette paper cone's structure, maintaining its shape and functionality.
U.S. Ser. No. 11/744,281B2: Similar to U.S. Ser. No. 11/700,879B2, this patent describes a conical smoking article with a filter containing a flavor capsule. While it introduces a recess for the capsule, it does not provide a solution for consistent airflow and stability once the flavoring agent is released. The current application's design maintains airflow and structural integrity throughout use.
In summary, the current application's “Improved Airflow and Structural Integrity of Flavor-infused Cigarette Paper Cone with Encased Flavor Bead” stands apart from the patents listed by specifically addressing the airflow and structural challenges that arise when incorporating flavor elements into smoking articles. It achieves this through innovative design elements that ensure a harmonious balance between flavor enhancement and the traditional smoking experience
The prior art has laid the groundwork by introducing various mechanisms and methods for flavor enhancement. However, there remains a clear avenue for further innovations that address the combined challenges of flavor control, structural integrity, and optimal airflow, leading to the inception of the current invention. This detailed examination of the related art provides a backdrop against which the novelty and advancements of the current invention can be more clearly appreciated and understood.
The proposed invention, titled “Improved Airflow and Structural Integrity of Flavor-Infused Cigarette Paper Cone with Encased Flavor Bead,” ushers in a novel approach to enhancing the smoking experience by combining enhanced flavor delivery with the advantage of optimal airflow and heightened structural integrity. This comprehensive summary elucidates the facets of the invention and its distinctiveness from prior methods.
Design and Conceptual Overview: The heart of the invention lies in a meticulously designed cigarette paper cone that incorporates a uniquely encased flavor bead. The blend of design ingenuity and the use of specialized materials ensures that the smoker enjoys a flavor-enhanced experience without compromising the fundamental aspects of smoking, such as airflow and the tactile feel of the cigarette.
Encased Flavor Bead: The flavor bead, pivotal to the invention, is not a mere addition but an integral component. Unlike traditional direct flavor-infusions or unguarded beads, this bead is securely encased, ensuring it remains protected and intact until the point of intentional activation by the smoker. The bead's content can be derived from various sources such as gelatin, agar, or carrageenan. Notably, options like agar introduce the advantage of being vegetarian-friendly, catering to a broader audience and offering potentially unique flavor release profiles.
The Protective Casing: Beyond merely housing the flavor bead, the casing is a work of structural innovation. Crafted to protect the bead from potential damages during handling, storage, and transportation, it ensures the flavor remains unspoiled until desired. Furthermore, the casing has been designed to champion airflow. When the bead is intentionally crushed by the smoker, the casing creates an open hole, thereby increasing airflow through the cigarette. This design counters one of the longstanding issues found in prior methods where crushed capsules could obstruct airflow.
Structural Integrity: A cornerstone of this invention is the emphasis on preserving the structural integrity of the cigarette even post the flavor release. The casing, while pliable enough to allow for bead crushing, is resilient. After the bead is crushed and the flavor released, the casing's design ensures it reverts to its original circular shape. This is a departure from conventional designs where crushed capsules might deform, leading to inconsistent airflow and a potentially diminished smoking experience.
User Control & Experience: Empowering the smoker with control is a key aspect of this invention. With the encased bead, smokers can choose when to release the flavor, tailoring their experience to their preference. This controlled release, combined with the maintained structural integrity and optimized airflow, ensures a consistent and enhanced smoking experience from start to finish.
Applications & Variations: While the primary application of this invention is for cigarettes, its adaptability implies potential use in other smoking articles or even in non-smoking flavored products where controlled flavor release is desirable. Moreover, the invention can accommodate multiple beads, varying casing materials, and an array of flavors, making it versatile and customizable.
In summary, this invention stands as a pioneering step forward in the realm of smoking articles. By seamlessly integrating enhanced flavor delivery with improved airflow and structural robustness, it addresses long-standing challenges and sets a new benchmark for smoking experience enhancements.
To further clarify the distinct features of the “Improved Airflow and Structural Integrity of Flavor-Infused Cigarette Paper Cone with Encased Flavor Bead” invention, a series of illustrative drawings are presented. While the descriptions aim to provide an exhaustive understanding of the drawings, they are merely representative and should be interpreted in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention.
Also hints at non-smoking applications where controlled flavor release is desirable. In summary, these drawings serve to graphically elucidate the various facets of the invention, providing visual insight into its structural nuances, flavor options, and the advantages it holds over traditional designs. Readers are advised to refer to these figures while navigating through the detailed description for a more comprehensive understanding.
The following section describes the drawings in detail, referencing the specific numbers associated with each component and feature. The reference numbers are integral to understanding the layout and design of the invention and should be consulted in conjunction with the drawings.
In sum, these descriptions, paired with the specific reference numbers, provide an exhaustive understanding of each component and its relation to the overall invention. For an in-depth comprehension of the invention's functionality, these numbers should be referred to while studying the detailed description.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
The present invention concerns a novel design for a cone filter tip containing encapsulated flavor beads, thereby enhancing the user experience by introducing desired flavors to the inhaled smoke. The following descriptions, referring specifically to the provided figures, elucidate the structural design and innovative features of the invention.
In
In
This figure exhibits the tip in its rolled form, emphasizing the position of the bead. Key areas like 100, 120, 125, 140, and 150 are marked consistently with previous figures.
This figure introduces the second design. While 300 indicates the primary form of this new design, components 310 to 380 are analogous to 110 to 180 in the first design but modified to fit the second design's specifications.
This figure illustrates the fourth design, 500, which can accommodate multiple folded beads, as depicted by multiple instances of 210. 527 highlights the specially designed cutouts to fit these beads.
In the final figure, 600 represents the fully rolled straight tube paper equipped with an encapsulated flavor bead. Components 620, 625, and 627 bear resemblance to their previous iterations, with 210 designating the flavor bead.
In conclusion, this detailed description provides comprehensive insights into the inventive cone filter tip with encapsulated flavor beads. Through various designs and configurations, the invention aims to enhance the user experience by offering a customizable flavor addition to their smoking experience.
The present application claims the priority of the U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/472,372.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63472372 | Jun 2023 | US |
