Patent Application
20080029111
In order to assist the understanding of embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the appended drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. The drawings are exemplary only, and should not be construed as limiting the invention. For the various figures, in order to clearly shown the configurations of the various wrapping materials, the thicknesses of those wrapping materials of the various filtered cigarettes are exaggerated. Most preferably, the wrapping materials are tightly wrapped around the filtered cigarettes to provide a tight or snug fit, to provide a cigarette having acceptable physical integrity, and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing. The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although preferred embodiments of the invention include two layers of tipping material, the invention also encompasses embodiments wherein three or more layers of tipping material are applied to the cigarette.
Referring to
The cigarette 174 normally includes a filter element 200 or other suitable mouthpiece positioned adjacent one end of the tobacco rod 186 such that the filter element and tobacco rod are axially aligned in an end-to-end relationship, preferably abutting one another. Filter element 200 has a generally cylindrical shape, and the diameter thereof is essentially equal to the diameter of the tobacco rod. The ends of the filter element are open to permit the passage of air and smoke therethrough. The filter element 200 includes filter material 205 (e.g., plasticized cellulose acetate tow) that is overwrapped along the longitudinally extending surface thereof with circumscribing plug wrap material 206. The filter element 200 can comprise two or more filter segments (not shown), and/or flavor additives incorporated therein.
The filter element 200 is attached to the tobacco rod 186 by a first tipping material 208 which circumscribes both the entire length of the filter element and an adjacent region of the tobacco rod. The inner surface of the first tipping material 208 is fixedly secured to the outer surface of the plug wrap 206 and the outer surface of the wrapping material 190 of the tobacco rod, using a suitable adhesive (e.g., a water-based adhesive of the type traditionally employed by cigarette manufacturers for application of tipping paper during filtered cigarette manufacture). That is, the first tipping material extends around the longitudinally extending periphery of substantially the entire length of the plug wrap, and a portion of the longitudinally extending periphery of the wrapping material of the tobacco rod in a region of the tobacco rod immediately adjacent to the filter element. Optionally, a ventilated or air-diluted smoking article is provided with an air dilution means, such as a plurality or series of perforations 210, each of which extend through the tipping material 208 and plug wrap 206. Most preferably, adhesive is applied to a longitudinally extending seam line or lap zone (not shown) of the first tipping material, such as is conventionally employed during cigarette manufacture.
The cigarette 174 also possesses a second tipping material 250. The second tipping material 250 provides an outer layer that overlies and circumscribes the first tipping material 208. All or selected portions of the inner surface of the second tipping material 250 can be fixedly secured to the outer surface of the inner or first tipping material 208. As such, in preferred embodiments, the second tipping material 250 also overlies the entire length of the filter element and the adjacent region of the tobacco rod. For the embodiment shown in
Adhesive can be applied in to each of the tipping materials using techniques generally similar to those employed conventionally for tipping material application during cigarette manufacture. In such a manner, the two layers of tipping material can be applied and secured using conventional adhesives and application techniques, and the cigarette so provided is used with both layers of tipping material attached thereto. However, adhesive can be applied to a longitudinally extending seam line or lap zone (not shown) of the second tipping material 250. In such a manner, the second tipping material 250 is adapted and applied to the cigarette such that the second tipping material is purposefully removable from that cigarette. Thus, the resulting filtered cigarette of acceptable quality can be employed by leaving the second tipping material 250 intact; while alternatively, the second tipping material can be removed from the cigarette, with the first tipping material 208 acting to provide for the resulting altered filtered cigarette that also is of acceptable quality.
In one embodiment, the outer or second tipping material 250, which is not treated so as to provide for air dilution to the cigarette, or which is treated in such a manner such that the cigarette does not experience a high degree or level of air dilution, can be removed from the cigarette. As such, the underlying or first tipping material 208, which can be treated so as to provide for a relatively high level of dilution to the cigarette, can be exposed by removal of the overlying second tipping to allow for a higher level of air dilution. As such, the cigarette can be smoked with the second tipping material 250 intact, in order to provide for flavorful mainstream smoke; or that second tipping material can be removed, in order to provide air diluted mainstream smoke that is less flavorful in character.
A representative manner or method for providing such a cigarette involves suitable modification of the equipment and methodologies employed by cigarette manufacturers to provide so-called “banded” cigarettes for consumer research purposes. That is, rather than applying a circumscribing band (e.g., a band of about 1 cm width) around the cigarette in the general region where the tobacco rod and filter element abut one another, a the second tipping material is applied as a circumscribing band over the entire length of the filter element and a portion of the length of the tobacco rod in a region of the tobacco rod adjacent to the filter element. As such, there are provided filtered cigarettes possessing two layers of tipping material that are positioned, applied and aligned in a predetermined, desired fashion, meaning the position and alignment of each layer of tipping material is predetermined by the manufacturer. Such equipment is particularly suitable for applying two appropriately aligned layers tipping material to a cigarette, neither of which layer of tipping material is designed for the purpose of removal from the cigarette (e.g., because adhesive can be applied over substantially the whole inner surface of the outer tipping material). As such, the double-tipped cigarette of the invention can exhibit improved physical integrity. Alternatively, such equipment can be suitable for applying two appropriately aligned layers of tipping material to a cigarette, the outer layer of which is designed for the purpose of removal from the cigarette (e.g., by using a release coating type of adhesive that can be applied over substantially the whole inner surface of the outer tipping material, or over the outer surface of the inner tipping material).
Referring to
Preparation of a double tipped “two-up” cigarette in the foregoing fashion is particularly suitable for applying two appropriately aligned layers of tipping material to a cigarette, neither of which layer of tipping material is designed for the purpose of being, or intended to be, removed from the cigarette (e.g., because adhesive can be applied over substantially the whole inner surface of the outer tipping material). Alternatively, such a methodology can be suitable for applying two appropriately aligned layers tipping material to a cigarette, the outer layer of which is designed for the purpose of being, or is intended to be, removed from the cigarette (e.g., by using a release coating type of adhesive that can be applied over substantially the whole inner surface of the outer tipping material, or the outer surface of the inner tipping material). If desired, the outer tipping material can be applied so as to possess adhesive on only selected regions thereof, such as can be carried out using so-called “skip gap” types of tipping adhesive application techniques. As such, adhesive can be registered at the desired location on each outer tipping patch, and as such, sufficient adhesive can be applied so as to provide for a longitudinally extending strip to tack to the underlying region of the cigarette (e.g., to the first layer of tipping material) as well as a longitudinally extending strip to tack onto itself (e.g., to allow the folded over outer layer of tipping material to form a type of seam). Optionally, when “skip gap” types of adhesive application are employed, adhesive application can be absent at either or both ends of the adhesive strip on the region of the tipping patch that provides the outer seam of the outer tipping material; and as such, either or both longitudinal end of the outer tipping material can be provided with a type of tab that can be used to grasp the outer tipping material for the purpose of tearing that tipping material away from the remainder of the cigarette. Such tabs typically have widths that are at least comparable to that of the seam line, and lengths of about 2 mm to about 5 mm.
Preparation of a double tipped “two-up” cigarette also can be carried out using a single “patch” of tipping material. In such a manner, a tipping “patch” having an extended length (e.g., at least sufficient in length to allow for that “patch” to be wrapped twice around the relevant region of the “two-up” cigarette) can be employed. For example, the “patch” of tipping material can be wrapped around the “two-up” cigarette to form an inner tipping portion or layer that extends around that “two-up” cigarette, and the “two-up” cigarette can be turned a second time in order that it can be wrapped with the remaining length of the “patch” and hence provide an outer tipping portion or layer. In one embodiment, adhesive can be applied to the entire inner surface of the elongated “patch.” In another embodiment, adhesive can be applied to the entire inner surface of the “patch” that forms the inner tipping layer, and “skip gap” techniques can be employed such that only a strip of adhesive (e.g., so as to provide a seam) is applied to the portion of that “patch” that forms the outer tipping layer.
Alternative representative manners or methods for providing certain preferred types of cigarettes also are described with reference to
Cigarette rods typically are manufactured using a cigarette making machine, such as a conventional automated cigarette rod making machine. Exemplary cigarette rod making machines are of the type commercially available from Molins PLC or Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG. For example, cigarette rod making machines of the type known as MkX (commercially available from Molins PLC) or PROTOS (commercially available from Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG) can be employed. A description of a PROTOS cigarette making machine is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,190 to Brand, at col. 5, line 48 through col. 8, line 3, which is incorporated herein by reference. Types of equipment suitable for the manufacture of cigarettes also are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,203 to La Hue; U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,100 to Holznagel; U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,416 to Gentry; U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,169 to Holmes et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,906 to Myracle, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,870 to Blau et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,449 to Kitao et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,917 to Kitao et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0145866 to Hartman; 2004/0129281 to Hancock et al.; 2005/0039764 to Barnes et al.; and 2005/0076929 to Fitzgerald et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The components and operation of conventional automated cigarette making machines will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of cigarette making machinery design and operation. For example, descriptions of the components and operation of several types of chimneys, tobacco filler supply equipment, suction conveyor systems and garniture systems are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,288,147 to Molins et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,176 to Heitmann et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,713 to Frank; U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,816 to Rudszinat; U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,754 to Heitmann et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,506 to Pinck et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,665 to Heitmann; U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,823 to Keritsis et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,751 to Fagg et al.; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0136419 to Muller; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The automated cigarette making machines of the type set forth herein provide a formed continuous cigarette rod or smokable rod that can be subdivided into formed smokable rods of desired lengths.
Various types of cigarette components, including tobacco types, tobacco blends, top dressing and casing materials, blend packing densities and types of paper wrapping materials for tobacco rods, can be employed. See, for example, the various representative types of cigarette components, as well as the various cigarette designs, formats, configurations and characteristics, that are set forth in Johnson, Development of Cigarette Components to Meet Industry Needs, 52nd T.S.R.C. (September 1998); U.S. Patent No. 5,101,839 to Jakob et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,944 to Arzonico et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,930 to Gentry and U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,530 to Kraker; U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005/0016556 to Ashcraft et al. and 2005/0066986 to Nestor et al.; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/375,700, filed Mar. 14, 2006, to Thomas et al. and Ser. No. 11/408,625, filed Apr. 21, 2006, to Oglesby; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Most preferably, the entire smokable rod is composed of smokable material (e.g., tobacco cut filler) and a layer of circumscribing outer wrapping material.
Components for filter elements for filtered cigarettes typically are provided from filter rods that are produced using traditional types of rod-forming units, such as those available as KDF-2 and KDF-3E from Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG. Typically, filter material, such as filter tow, is provided using a tow processing unit. An exemplary tow processing unit has been commercially available as E-60 supplied by Arjay Equipment Corp., Winston-Salem, N.C. Other exemplary tow processing units have been commercially available as AF-2, AF-3, and AF-4 from Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG. In addition, representative manners and methods for operating a filter material supply units and filter-making units are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,671 to Byrne; U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,905 to Green, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,664 to Siems et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,285 to Rivers; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,074,170 to Lanier, Jr. et al. Other types of technologies for supplying filter materials to a filter rod-forming unit are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,809 to Pryor et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,814 to Raker; which are incorporated herein by reference.
The filter material can vary, and can be any material of the type that can be employed for providing a tobacco smoke filter for cigarettes. Preferably a traditional cigarette filter material is used, such as cellulose acetate tow, gathered cellulose acetate web, polypropylene tow, gathered cellulose acetate web, gathered paper, strands of reconstituted tobacco, or the like. Especially preferred is filamentary tow such as cellulose acetate, polyolefins such as polypropylene, or the like. One filter material that can provide a suitable filter rod is cellulose acetate tow having 3 denier per filament and 40,000 total denier. As another example, cellulose acetate tow having 3 denier per filament and 35,000 total denier can provide a suitable filter rod. As another example, cellulose acetate tow having 8 denier per filament and 40,000 total denier can provide a suitable filter rod. For further examples, see the types of filter materials set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,424,172 to Neurath; U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,745 to Cohen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,602 to Hill et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,277 to Takegawa et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,419 to Arzonico et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Normally a plasticizer such as triacetin is applied to the filamentary tow in traditional amounts using known techniques. Other suitable materials or additives used in connection with the construction of the filter element will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of cigarette filter design and manufacture. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,285 to Rivers.
The plug wrap can vary. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,719 to Martin. Typically, the plug wrap is a porous or non-porous paper material. Suitable plug wrap materials are commercially available. Exemplary plug wrap papers ranging in porosity from about 1,100 CORESTA units to about 26,000 CORESTA units are available from Schweitzer-Maudit International as Porowrap 17-M1, 33-M1, 45-M1, 70-M9, 95-M9, 150-M4, 150-M9, 240M9S, 260-M4 and 260-M4T; and from Miquel-y-Costas as 22HP90 and 22HP150. Non-porous plug wrap materials typically exhibit porosities of less than about 40 CORESTA units, and often less than about 20 CORESTA units. Exemplary non-porous plug wrap papers are available from Olsany Facility (OP Paprina) of the Czech Republic as PW646; Wattenspapier of Austria as FY/33060; Miquel-y-Costas of Spain as 646; and Schweitzer-Mauduit International as MR650 and 180. Plug wrap paper can be coated, particularly on the surface that faces the filter material, with a layer of a film-forming material. Such a coating can be provided using a suitable polymeric film-forming agent (e.g., ethylcellulose, ethylcellulose mixed with calcium carbonate, nitrocellulose, nitrocellulose mixed with calcium carbonate, or a so-called lip release coating composition of the type commonly employed for cigarette manufacture). Alternatively, a plastic film (e.g., a polypropylene film) can be used as a plug wrap material. For example, non-porous polypropylene materials that are available as ZNA-20 and ZNA-25 from Treofan Germany GmbH & Co. KG can be employed as plug wrap materials.
Cigarette filter rods can be used to provide multi-segment filter rods. Such multi-segment filter rods then can be employed for the production of filtered cigarettes possessing multi-segment filter elements. An example of a two-segment filter element is a filter element possessing a first cylindrical segment incorporating activated charcoal particles dispersed within cellulose acetate tow (e.g., a “dalmation” type of filter segment) at one end, and a second cylindrical segment that is produced from a filter rod produced essentially of flavored, plasticized cellulose acetate tow filter material at the other end. The production of multi-segment filter rods can be carried out using the types of rod-forming units that traditionally have been employed to provide multi-segment cigarette filter components. Multi-segment cigarette filter rods can be manufactured using a cigarette filter rod making device available under the brand name Mulfi from Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG of Hamburg, Germany. Representative types of filter designs and components, including representative types of segmented cigarette filters, are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,990 to Lawrence et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,829 to Thesing et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,814 to Raker; U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,320 to Jones et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,838 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,419 to Arzonico et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,023 to Blakley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,909 to Gentry et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,250 to Banerjee et al; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/0166563 to Jupe et al., 2004/0261807 to Dube et al. and 2005/0066981 to Crooks et al.; PCT Publication No. WO 03/009711 to Kim; PCT Publication No. WO 03/047836 to Xue et al.; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/226,932, filed Sep. 14, 2005, to Coleman III, et al.; which are incorporated herein by reference.
The length of the filter element of each cigarette can vary. Typically, the overall length of a filter element is about 20 mm to about 40 mm, and often about 25 mm to about 35 mm. For a typical dual-segment filter element, the downstream or mouth end filter segment often has a length of about 10 mm to about 20 mm; and the upstream or tobacco rod end filter segment often has a length of about 10 mm to about 20 mm.
Filter elements, or filter segment components of combination filters, typically are provided from filter rods that are manufactured using traditional types of cigarette filter rod making techniques. For example, so-called “six-up” filter rods, “four-up” filter rods and “two-up” filter rods that are of the general format and configuration conventionally used for the manufacture of filtered cigarettes can be handled using conventional-type or suitably modified cigarette rod handling devices, such as tipping devices available as Lab MAX, MAX, MAX S or MAX 80 from Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG. See, for example, the types of devices set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,600 to Erdmann et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,670 to Heitmann et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,187 to Reuland et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,301 to Greene, Jr. et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,115 to Vos et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0103355 to Holmes, 2005/1094014 to Read, Jr., and 2006/0169295 to Draghetti, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The operation of those types of devices will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of automated cigarette manufacture. Manners and methods for applying adhesives to tipping materials during automated cigarette manufacture will be apparent to those skilled in the art of cigarette design and manufacture. For example, a filtered cigarette can be tipped with a first layer of tipping material in an essentially traditional manner using a Lab MAX tipping device that is available from Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG, and that tipped cigarette can be collected and tipped again using that device (e.g., using the device in an essentially traditional manner, or in a suitably modified manner to provide a desired pattern of adhesive application) in order to provide a filtered cigarette possessing two layers of tipping material.
The first layer of tipping material most preferably extends over the entire length of the filter element, and about 2 mm to about 6 mm, often about 3 mm to about 5 mm, and frequently about 4 mm over the length of the adjacent region of the tobacco rod. The second layer of tipping material most preferably extends over the entire length of the filter element, and about 2 mm to about 6 mm, often about 3 mm to about 5 mm, and frequently about 4 mm over the length of the adjacent region of the tobacco rod.
The tipping material that is used for any of the tipping material layers can vary. In certain preferred embodiments, the material used to construct both tipping material layers has the characteristics and qualities commonly associated with cigarette tipping materials known in the art. As such, both layers can be constructed of the types of material conventionally used as tipping material in the manufacture of cigarettes. Typical tipping materials are papers exhibiting relatively high opacities. Representative tipping materials have TAPPI opacities of greater than about 81 percent, often in the range of about 84 percent to about 90 percent, and sometimes greater than about 90 percent. Typical tipping materials are printed with inks, typically nitrocellulose based, which can provide for a wide variety of appearances and “lip release” properties. Representative tipping papers materials have basis weights ranging from about 25 m/m2 to about 60 g/m2, often about 30 g/m2 to about 40 g/m2. Representative tipping papers are available as Tervakoski Reference Nos. 3121, 3124, TK 652, TK674, TK675, A360 and A362; and Schweitzer-Mauduit International Reference Nos. GSR270 and GSR265M2. See also, for example, the types of tipping materials, the methods for combining cigarette components using tipping materials, and techniques for wrapping various portions of cigarettes using tipping materials, that are set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/377,630, filed Mar. 16, 2006, to Crooks et al.
Adhesives used to secure tipping materials to each other or to other filtered cigarette components can vary. Typical exemplary adhesive formulations that are used for application of tipping material to other cigarette components in commercial filtered cigarette manufacturing operations are water-based emulsions incorporating mixtures of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers and polyvinylacetate. Representative adhesives that are useful for applying tipping materials to cigarette components are available as Reference Nos. 32-2049 and 32-2124 from National Starch & Adhesives Corp. See also, for example, Skeist, Handbook of Adhesives, 2nd Edition (1977); Schneberger, Adhesive in Manufacturing (1983); Gutcho, Adhesives Technology Developments Since 1979 (1983); Landrock, Adhesives Technology Handbook (1985); and Flick, Handbook of Adhesives Raw Materials, 2nd Edition (1989).
Pressure-sensitive adhesives can be used to provide for adhesion of the outer tipping material to the remaining components of the cigarette (e.g., particularly for manufacture, handling, packaging, shipping, storage and initial use of the cigarette), as well as for providing the ability to readily release (e.g., particularly so that the outer tipping can be readily removed from the cigarette when desired). That is, suitable preferred pressure-sensitive adhesives provide a satisfactory but temporary bond between the outer tipping material and the remaining components of the cigarette, and that adhesive is such that the outer tipping material or a portion thereof can be peeled away, and hence removed from the cigarette, most preferably without leaving to any significant or readily noticeable degree, any adhesive residue on the underlying cigarette components. In addition, suitable preferred pressure-sensitive adhesives, though providing sufficient adhesion so that a double tipped cigarette can be used as desired without adhesive failure (i.e., so as to avoid undesirable premature release of portions of the outer tipping from the cigarette), is most preferably such that purposeful removal of the outer tipping material does not cause any significant or noticeable structural failure to the underlying cigarette components. That is, most preferably, after purposeful removal of the outer tipping material, the resulting cigarette does not possess any significant visual or structural damage resulting from the presence and removal of that outer tipping material. If desired, the outer surface of the underlying first tipping material optionally can be coated with a lacquer, or other suitable coating material, in order to provide a propensity for substantially all the pressure-sensitive adhesive to be removed along with the outer tipping material. Representative pressure-sensitive adhesives are commercially available from a wide variety of sources, such as 3M, Rohm & Haas Company, and Ashland Specialty Chemical Company. See, also, for example, Satas, Handbook of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Technology (1982), and Satas, Advances in Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology 2 (1995).
Cigarettes can be air diluted. Tipping materials can be pre-perforated, or air diluted on-line using laser perforation techniques. For cigarettes that are air diluted or ventilated, the amount or degree of air dilution or ventilation can vary. Frequently, the amount of air dilution for an air diluted cigarette is greater than about 10 percent, generally is greater than about 20 percent, often is greater than about 30 percent, and sometimes is greater than about 40 percent. Typically, the upper level for air dilution for an air diluted cigarette is less than about 80 percent, and often is less than about 70 percent. As used herein, the term “air dilution” is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the volume of air drawn through the air dilution means to the total volume and air and smoke drawn through the cigarette and exiting the extreme mouth end portion of the cigarette. For certain preferred air diluted cigarettes, the cigarettes are air diluted in such a manner that the cigarette exhibits substantially identical levels of air dilution when the second layer is present on the cigarette and when the second layer is removed from the cigarette (e.g., by laser perforating relevant regions of a “two-up” cigarette after that cigarette has the second layer of tipping material applied thereto).
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In one embodiment, the outer mouth end piece or segment 550 of second tipping material 250 is secured to the corresponding underlying region of the first tipping material 208. Preferably, the upstream segment is formed into the general shape of a ring or tube (e.g., by applying sufficient adhesive to the seam line thereof, but not sufficient adhesive to cause prevention of longitudinal movement of that ring or tube). As such, when the region possessing perforations 545 is broken, the upstream segment 555 of second tipping material can be movable along the tobacco rod 186. As such, the upstream segment 555 can act as a cuff, ring, slidable band, or the like. Such a slidable band can be used to provide flavor to a desired region of the tobacco rod (e.g., the inner face of the band can possess a film incorporating a plurality of microcapsules comprising micro-encapsulated flavoring agent, or a flavoring agent that is otherwise entrapped by a film-like or encapsulating agent, and friction resulting from movement of the band along the smokable rod can result in the release of contained flavoring agent and the application of that flavoring agent to the wrapping material of the tobacco rod), act as a movable non-combustible band to extinguish the cigarette during use (e.g., a band composed of a highly non-air permeable material, heat sinking material, or a material treated so as to be essentially non-combustible that can be positioned over a desired region of the tobacco rod), or act as a visual check to view progress of smoking (e.g., the band can be positioned over a desired location of the tobacco rod prior to commencement of the smoking experience), or can serve any other suitable purpose. Thus, the movable or slidable portion of the outer tipping material can be moved or slid by the smoker before, during, or after smoking of the cigarette as desired. In some embodiments, the movable portion of the outer tipping material can be adapted to improve the sensory characteristics of the cigarette butt following smoking by providing, for example, a pleasing scent or otherwise masking any odor associated with the cigarette butt. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer tipping material includes micro-encapsulated flavoring agents that can be selectively ruptured by the user after smoking to improve odor associated with the cigarette butt. In another exemplary embodiment, the movable portion can be used to snuff out or extinguish the cigarette by moving all or a portion of the outer tipping material over the lit end of the cigarette, optionally with additional pressure applied by the user to the outer surface of the movable portion of the tipping material once it is positioned over the burning portion of the tobacco rod.
In one embodiment, the outer upstream piece or segment 555 of second tipping material 250 is secured to the corresponding underlying region of the first tipping material 208. Preferably, the downstream segment is formed into the general shape of a ring or tube (e.g., by applying sufficient adhesive to the seam line thereof, but not sufficient adhesive to cause prevention of longitudinal movement of that ring or tube). As such, when the region possessing perforations 545 is broken, the mouth end segment 550 of second tipping material can be movable along the filter element. As such, the mouth end segment 550 can act as a type of extension to lengthen the mouth end region of the cigarette. For example, that segment can slide out the filter end of the cigarette and as such fashion a type of cigarette holder to lengthen the rod.
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For various embodiments of the present invention, depending upon the selection of the tipping materials, the first (i.e., inner) tipping material and the second (i.e., outer) tipping material can be different from one another (e.g., in terms of visual appearance, composition, physical properties or characteristics such as basis weight, sizing level, inherent porosity, opacity, sensory characteristics, and/or general dimensions). Alternatively, those inner and outer tipping materials can be substantially identical to one another.
In one embodiment, the first tipping material can be one color or of one type of appearance (e.g., white in appearance), and the second tipping material, which preferably can be removable from the cigarette, can be another color or of another type of appearance (e.g., printed so as to have a brown cork-type of appearance or printed with other indicia). Other cosmetic differences can be provided by using one type of tipping material that is smooth, high opacity, shiny, or of high luster in appearance, and one type of tipping material that is rough, low opacity, dull or satiny in appearance. Other visual effects can be provided by using different graphics on each of the two tipping materials. Thus, there is provided a manner or method by which the smoker can, by removing the second tipping material from the cigarette during use, select the desired general appearance or of a cigarette.
In one embodiment, the first tipping material can be selected so as to possess one type of tactile character, and the second tipping material, which preferably can be removable from the cigarette, can possess a difference type of tactile character. For example, the inner tipping material can possess an outer surface that can be characterized as wavy, rough, variegated, possessing folds or creases, having an accordion-type or bellows-type configuration, or the like; while the outer tipping material can possess an outer surface that can be characterized as smooth, slick, or the like. In that regard, suitable coating agents (e.g., a lacquer) that provide a slick, smooth feel to the outer surface of the outer tipping material can be employed. Alternatively, the inner tipping material can be highly perforated (e.g., from the bottom face outwards), embossed, subjected to fillagraining processing, printed with coatings (e.g., ink formulations or starch-based materials that provide raised or textured surface properties), or treated with particulate material within an adhesive film). For example, sugar crystals, salt crystals, rupturable flavor-containing microcapsules, cellulosic fibers, particles of calcium carbonate, or the like, can be secured to the outer surface of the inner tipping material using an over-layer or patterned over-layer of a suitable adhesive.
Tipping materials that each can provide a mouth end region that can exhibit a different feeling when placed in the lips of the smoker also can be accomplished through the use of two types of laminated tipping materials. For example, the inner face of the outer tipping material can be coated with a suitable release coating; and the outer face of the inner tipping material can treated so as to have regions that provide for desired adhesion to the release coating as well as regions that provide the desired surface texture. Thus, there is provided a manner or method by which the smoker can, by removing the second tipping material from the cigarette during use, select the tactile sensation provided by the outer mouth end region of that cigarette.
In one embodiment, the first tipping material can be selected so as to possess certain other physical properties, and the second tipping, which preferably can be removable form the cigarette, can possess different physical properties. For example, the tipping materials can differ is terms of basis weight, thickness, tensile strength, wet strength, moisture porosity, air permeability, flexibility, general or overall hardness, general or overall softness, or the like.
In one embodiment, the first tipping material can be selected so as to possess the ability to secure the filter element to the tobacco rod. Such can be provided by selection of a material having desired surface properties, ability to seal, ability to accept adhesive, and the like. The second tipping material can be selected so as to provide desirable visual, tactile and sensory properties. As such, cigarettes of both highly desirable sensory quality and good physical integrity can be provided.
In one embodiment, the first tipping material can be selected so as to exhibit one type of aroma or flavor sensation, and the second tipping material, which can be removable from the cigarette, can be selected so as to exhibit another type of aroma or flavor sensation. In one aspect, the amount of aromatic or flavoring agent carried by one of the tipping materials can differ from that amount carried by the other. Thus, for example, an outer tipping material carrying a relatively low level of aromatic or flavoring agent can provide one type of sensation; while an inner tipping material carrying a relatively high level of aromatic or flavoring agent can, when the outer tipping material is removed from the cigarette, provide impact in terms of the delivery of that aromatic or flavoring agent to the lips and mouth of the smoker. In certain embodiments, the outer tipping material can be adapted to prevent flavorants incorporated in between the tipping materials or within the inner tipping material from escaping prior to use of the cigarette, or can be adapted to mask the flavorant prior to cigarette use. At the time of use, the smoker can remove the outer wrapping material to expose the flavorant.
Exemplary manners and methods for providing encapsulated materials, such as microencapsulated flavoring agents, are set forth in Gutcho, Microcapsules and Microencapsulation Techniques (1976) and Gutcho, Microcapsules and Other Capsules Advances Since 1975 (1979). Exemplary types of microcapsules can have diameters of less than 100 microns, an often can have outer shells that are gelatin based, cyclodextrin based, or the like. Microcapsules have been commercially available, and exemplary types of microcapsule technologies are of that type set forth in Kondo, Microcapsule Processing and Technology (1979); Iwamoto et al., AAPS Pharm. Sci. Tech. 2002 3(3): article 25; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,550,598 to McGlumphy and U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,455 to Takada et al.
In one embodiment, releasable flavoring or aromatic agents, such as are provided by encapsulated flavor materials, can be incorporated into either or both of the first and second tipping materials. For example, microcapsules can be positioned in the region between the layers of tipping materials; and such flavors can be released by application of pressure or peeling of the outer tipping material from the inner tipping material.
Exemplary flavoring agents suitable for use in the invention may be natural or synthetic, and the character of these flavors can be described, without limitation, as fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionary, floral, fruity or spice. Specific types of flavors include, but are not limited to, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, lavender, cardamon, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, and strawberry. See also, Leffingwill et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (1972). Flavorings also can include components that are considered moistening, cooling or smoothening agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavors may be provided neat (i.e., alone) or in a composite (e.g., spearmint and menthol, or orange and cinnamon). Composite flavors may be combined in a single capsule as a mixture, or as components of multiple capsules.
In one embodiment, the tipping materials can include printed indicia for marketing or other purposes. For example, markings or indicia on either or both of the tipping materials can aid in identification of properly manufactured cigarettes so as to assist in identifying or recognizing counterfeit cigarettes. As another example, markings on the inner or outer face of a removable outer tipping material can be used to identify product, act as a coupon or ticket, act a game piece, or the like.
In one embodiment, the tipping materials can be used to enhance the degradability of spent cigarette portions, such as cigarette butts. For example, outer tipping materials, which might be desirable for providing certain sensory characteristics, can be removed after the cigarette is smoked. That portion of the outer tipping material removed from the cigarette butt can be disposed of separately from the remainder of the cigarette butt. As such, absence of that tipping material within the cigarette butt can provide for enhanced degradability of the remaining butt components.
In certain embodiments, the outer tipping material can be constructed of a paper having characteristics and qualities, such as combustibility, commonly associated with cigarette paper used as smokable rod wrapping material 190. In such embodiments, the outer tipping material is designed to be removed from the inner tipping material though use of, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive or skip gap adhesive application between the inner and outer tipping material that provides sufficient adhesive strength to maintain the outer tipping material in place prior to use by the smoker, but which can be removed from the inner tipping material when desired. As such, the outer tipping material can be removed to expose the inner tipping material prior to smoking. Alternatively, the user may, in certain embodiments, slide the outer tipping material down to the smokable rod portion of the cigarette such that a portion of the smokable rod has a double layer of wrapping material. The presence of the double wrapping on a portion of the smokable rod can reduce visible sidestream smoke or alter the sensory characteristics (e.g., the flavor or aroma characteristics of the smoke) or chemistry of the smoke generated by the cigarette. For example, the outer tipping material may include any of the flavoring or aroma agents discussed herein, including, for example, the flavor and aroma precursors discussed in U.S. Patent No. 4,941,486 to Dube et al., which is incorporated by reference herein. In this manner, the smoker can selectively alter the sensory characteristics of the smoke as desired or simply remove the outer tipping material.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description; and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the present invention can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
