SMOKING ARTICLE WITH A NOZZLE END AND A DISTAL END

专利摘要:
smoking article with an airflow directing element comprising an aerosol modifying agent. a smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60) with a nozzle end and a distal end, the smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60) comprising: a carbonaceous combustible heat source (4); an aerosol forming substrate (6); at least one air inlet (32) downstream of the aerosol forming substrate (6); an air flow path extending between the at least one air inlet (32) and the nozzle end of the smoking article (2, 40, 50 and 60); and an air flow directing element (8) downstream of the aerosol forming substrate (6). the air flow directing element (8) defines a first portion of the air flow path extending from at least one air inlet (32) to the aerosol forming substrate (6) and a second portion of the path of air flow extending downstream of the first portion towards the mouth end of the smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60). the air flow directing element (8) comprises an aerosol modifying agent.
公开号:BR112015020047B1
申请号:R112015020047-8
申请日:2014-03-14
公开日:2021-06-15
发明作者:Daniele Sanna；Alberto BONICI；Anca Gabriela Haiduc
申请人:Philip Morris Products S.A.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking article comprising a carbonaceous combustible heat source and an aerosol forming substrate.
[0002] Several smoking articles in which the tobacco is heated instead of being burnt have already been proposed in the scope of the technique. One of the goals of such "heated" smoking articles is to reduce the known harmful components of smoke, of the type produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco, in conventional cigarettes. In a known type of heated smoking article, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a combustible heat source to an aerosol-forming substrate located within the boundaries of, around or downstream of the combustible heat source. During smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the combustible heat source and entrained in the aspirated air through the smoking article. As released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Typically, air is drawn into one of these known smoking articles through one or more air flow channels provided by the combustible heat source and heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol forming substrate occurs by forced convection and conduction.
[0003] For example, WO-A2-2009/022232 discloses a smoking article comprising a combustible heat source, an aerosol forming substrate downstream of the combustible heat source, and a heat conducting element around, and in direct contact with, a rear portion of the combustible heat source and an adjacent front portion of the aerosol forming substrate. To provide a controlled amount of forced convective heating of the aerosol forming substrate, at least one longitudinal air flow channel is provided through the combustible heat source.
[0004] In known smoking articles in which the heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol forming substrate occurs primarily by forced convection, the convective heat transfer and therefore the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate can vary considerably, depending on the blowing behavior of the user. As a result, the composition and therefore the sensory properties of the main aerosol inhaled by the user can be disadvantageously highly sensitive to the user's puff regime.
[0005] In known heated smoking articles where air drawn through the smoking article comes into direct contact with a combustible heat source of the heated smoking article, user puffs result in activation of combustion of the combustible heat source. Intense blowing regimes can therefore lead to convective heat transfers high enough to cause spikes in the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate, disadvantageously leading to pyrolysis and even potential localized combustion of the aerosol forming substrate. As used herein, the term "peak" is used to describe a brief increase in the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate.
[0006] The levels of undesirable pyrolytic products or combustion derivatives in the main aerosols generated by such known smoking articles can also vary significantly and disadvantageously, depending on the blow regime adopted by the user.
[0007] There is still a need for a heated smoking article comprising a heat source and an aerosol forming substrate downstream of the heat source in which peaks in the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate are avoided under intense blowing regimes. There remains, in particular, a need for a smoking article comprising a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the heat source in which substantially no combustion or pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate takes place under intense blow regimes.
[0008] It is known to provide conventional cigarettes, and other smoking articles in which tobacco undergoes combustion, with filters comprising flavorings and other aerosol modifying agents. However, nozzles for heated smoking articles are typically smaller than filters for conventional cigarettes and other smoking articles in which tobacco is combusted. Furthermore, since it is heated rather than combusted, the amount of tobacco or other aerosol forming substrates in heated smoking articles is typically less than the amount of tobacco in conventional cigarettes and other smoking articles in which the tobacco combusts. As a result, the maximum possible loading of aerosol modifying agent in the mouthpiece and aerosol-forming substrate of a smoking article may be less than the maximum possible loading of an aerosol modifying agent in the filter and tobacco of a conventional cigarette.
[0009] It would be desirable to provide a heated smoking article in which the strength and consistency of the aerosol modifying agent delivered to the user is improved.
[00010] According to the invention, there is provided a smoking article with a mouth end and a distal end, the smoking article comprising: a carbonaceous heat source; an aerosol forming substrate; at least one air inlet downstream of the aerosol forming substrate; an airflow path extending between at least one air inlet and the mouth end of the smoking article; and an air flow directing element downstream of the aerosol forming substrate. The airflow directing element defines a first part extending longitudinally upstream from at least one air inlet towards the aerosol forming substrate and a second part of the airflow path extending extends longitudinally downstream from the first part towards the mouth end of the smoking article. The air flow directing element comprises an aerosol modifying agent.
[00011] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing, upon heating, volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Aerosols generated from the aerosol forming substrates of smoking articles according to the invention may be visible or invisible and may include vapors (for example fine particles of substances which are in a gaseous state and which are normally liquid or solid at room temperature) , as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapors.
[00012] As used herein, the term "airflow pathway" is used to describe a route along which air can be drawn through the smoking article upon inhalation by a user.
[00013] As used in this document, the terms "upstream", "downstream", "proximal", "distal", "frontier" and "rear", are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the smoking article in relation to the direction in which the user aspirates the smoking article during use.
[00014] The smoking article comprises a mouth end through which, in use, an aerosol comes out of a smoking article and is delivered to the user. The mouth end may also be called the proximal end. In use, a user aspirates the smoking article at the proximal or mouth end in order to inhale an aerosol generated by a smoking article. The smoking article comprises a distal end as opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the smoking article may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the smoking article may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or component parts, of the smoking article may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal or downstream mouth ends and the distal or upstream end of the smoking article.
[00015] During use, the user aspirates through the proximal, downstream or mouth end of the smoking article. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The heat source is located at or near the distal end of the smoking article. The aerosol forming substrate is preferably located downstream of the heat source.
[00016] As used herein, the term "aerosol modifying agent" is used to describe any agent that, when in use, modifies one or more attributes or properties of an aerosol generated by the aerosol forming substrate of the smoking article .
[00017] When in use, air is drawn into the first portion of the air flow path through at least one air inlet. The air passes through the first part of the air flow path towards the aerosol forming substrate, going downstream towards the mouth end of the smoking article through the second part of the air flow path. The aerosol modifying agent is entrained in the aspirated air as it passes along one or both of the first and second portions of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element.
[00018] During blowing by a user, fresh air is drawn through at least one air inlet downstream of the aerosol forming substrate and through the first portion of the air flow path towards the aerosol forming substrate reduces advantageously the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate of smoking articles according to the invention. This substantially prevents or inhibits spikes in substrate temperature from aerosol formation during blowing by a user.
[00019] As used in this document, the term "fresh air" is used to describe ambient air that is not significantly heated by the heat source while the user is bringing it.
[00020] By preventing or inhibiting spikes in the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate, the inclusion of the airflow directing element that defines a first part of the airflow path that extends from at least one inlet towards the aerosol forming substrate and a second part of the air flow path extending downstream from the aerosol forming substrate towards the mouth end of the smoking article, advantageously helps to prevent or reduce combustion or pyrolysis of the forming substrate aerosol of the smoking articles according to the invention under intense blowing regimes. Furthermore, the inclusion of such an airflow path advantageously helps to minimize or reduce the impact of a user's blow regime on the main aerosol composition of smoking articles in accordance with the invention.
[00021] As stated above, the aerosol modifying agent can be any agent that, in use, is entrained in air drawn through the smoking article for inhalation by a user as it passes along one or both of the first parts. and second of the airflow life defined by the airflow directing element and this modifies one or more attributes or properties of an aerosol generated by the aerosol forming substrate of the smoking article.
[00022] Suitable aerosol modifying agents include, but are not limited to: flavorings, and chemoaesthetic agents.
[00023] As used herein, the term "flavoring" is used to describe any agent which, when in use, imparts flavor and/or aroma to an aerosol generated by the aerosol forming substrate of the smoking article.
[00024] As used herein, the term "chemoesthetic agent" is used to describe any agent that, when in use, is perceived in a user's oral or olfactory cavities by means other than, or in addition to, perception through of taste receptor or olfactory receptor cells. Perception of chemoesthetic agents is typically through a "trigeminal reaction," or through the trigeminal nerve, the glossopharyngeal nerve, the vagus nerve, or some combination of these. Typically, chemoaesthetic agents are perceived as warm, spicy, refreshing, or soothing sensations.
[00025] The airflow directing element may comprise an aerosol modifying agent that is both a flavoring agent and a chemoaesthetic agent. For example, the aerosol targeting element can comprise menthol or another flavoring that provides a refreshing chemoaesthetic effect.
[00026] The aerosol directing element may comprise a combination of two or more different aerosol modifying agents.
[00027] Preferably, the airflow directing element comprises a flavoring. The airflow directing element may comprise any flavoring capable of releasing flavor and/or aroma into the air by drawing along the first and/or second portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element.
[00028] The aerosol directing element may comprise any suitable amount of aerosol modifying agent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aerosol directing element comprises about 1.5 mg of more than one flavoring.
[00029] The air flow directing element may comprise two or more flavorings of the same or different types. For example, the airflow directing element may comprise one or more natural flavors or one or more synthetic flavors or a combination of one or more natural flavors and one or more synthetic flavors.
[00030] Suitable natural flavorings are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to: essential oils (eg cinnamon essential oil, clove essential oil or eugenol, eucalyptus essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, mint, peppermint essential oil and Wintergreen essential oil); oleoresins (for example, ginger oleoresin and clove oleoresin); absolutes (eg cocoa absolute); fruit concentrates; botanical and fruit extracts (eg blueberry extract, cherry extract, coffee extract, cranberry extract, geranium extract, green tea extract, orange extract, lemon extract, tobacco extract and vanilla extract); and combinations of these.
[00031] Suitable synthetic flavors are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to: synthetic menthol, synthetic vanillin and combinations thereof.
[00032] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the aerosol directing element comprises menthol. As used herein, the term "menthol" denotes the compound 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol in any of its isomeric forms.
[00033] The airflow directing element may comprise a solid aerosol modifying agent or a liquid aerosol modifying agent. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the aerosol flow directing element comprises solid menthol and/or liquid menthol.
[00034] The aerosol directing element may comprise a plurality of solid particles of an aerosol modifying agent. As used herein, the term "particles" is used to describe solid particulate or granular materials of any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, powders, crystals, granules, needles, flakes, pellets and beads. For example, the aerosol directing element can comprise a plurality of solid menthol particles. As used herein, the term "solid menthol particles" is used to describe any solid particulate or granular material that comprises at least about 80% by weight of menthol.
[00035] Alternatively, or in addition to, the aerosol directing element comprises a plurality of capsules comprising a solid outer shell and an inner core comprising a liquid aerosol modifying agent. For example, the aerosol directing element can comprise a plurality of capsules comprising a solid outer shell and an inner core comprising liquid menthol.
[00036] The aerosol modifying agent can be a volatile liquid. As used herein, the term "volatile" is used to describe a liquid having a vapor pressure of at least about 20 Pa. Unless otherwise indicated, all vapor pressures referred to herein are vapor pressures at 25°C. , measured in accordance with ASTM E1194 - 07.
[00037] The aerosol modifying agent may comprise an aqueous solution of one or more compounds. Alternatively, the aerosol modifying agent can comprise a non-aqueous solution of one or more compounds.
[00038] The aerosol modifying agent may include a mixture of two or more different volatile liquid compounds.
[00039] Alternatively, the aerosol modifying agent may comprise one or more non-volatile compounds and one or more volatile compounds. For example, the aerosol modifying agent can comprise a solution of one or more nonvolatile compounds in a volatile solvent or mixture of one or more liquid nonvolatile compounds and one or more liquid volatile compounds.
[00040] The aerosol modifying agent can be located in the first portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent may be located in the second portion of an airflow path.
[00041] Where the aerosol modifying agent is located along the first portion of the air flow path, the aerosol modifying agent is entrained in air drawn through the smoking article for inhalation by a user before the air aspirated pass through the aerosol forming substrate of the smoking article.
[00042] Where the aerosol modifying agent is located along the second part of the air flow path, the aerosol modifying agent is entrained in the air drawn through the smoking article by inhalation by a user, then the extracted air passes through the aerosol forming substrate of the smoking article.
[00043] The aerosol modifying agent can be located along substantially the entire length of the first portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element. Alternatively, the aerosol modifying agent may be located along only a portion of the length of the first portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element.
[00044] The aerosol modifying agent can be located along substantially the entire length of the second portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element. Alternatively, the aerosol modifying agent may be located along only a portion of the length of the second portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element.
[00045] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the dimension, in a longitudinal sense, of the smoking article between the distal or upstream end and the proximal or downstream end.
[00046] The airflow directing element may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent located in a first part of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the airflow directing element may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent located in the second portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element.
[00047] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the substrate by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the substrate with the aerosol modifying agent.
[00048] The substrate can be a porous sorption element. The aerosol modifying agent can be adsorbed onto the surface of the porous sorption element, or absorbed onto the porous sorption element, or either adsorbed or absorbed onto the porous sorption element.
[00049] Suitable porous materials are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate fiber, cotton, open cell ceramic and polymeric foams, paper, tobacco material, porous ceramic elements, plastic elements porous, porous carbon elements, porous metallic elements and combinations thereof.
[00050] The substrate can be a laminar substrate or a non-laminar substrate.
[00051] The substrate can be a fibrous or non-fibrous substrate. For example, the substrate can be a fibrous cotton substrate or a fibrous paper substrate.
[00052] In certain embodiments, the substrate is a non-laminar substrate. In certain preferred embodiments, the substrate is a non-laminar fibrous substrate. In certain preferred embodiments, the non-laminar fibrous substrate is a yarn. As used herein, the term "wire" is used to describe any elongated non-laminar substrate. For example, the non-laminar substrate can be a yarn formed from one or more twisted cotton fibers or one or more twisted laminar paper strips.
[00053] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the non-laminar fibrous substrate is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.
[00054] Preferably, the first portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element extends from at least one air inlet to at least one location close to the aerosol forming substrate. More preferably, the first portion of the air flow path extends from at least one air inlet to the aerosol forming substrate.
[00055] The second portion of the airflow path extends upstream from the aerosol forming substrate, towards the mouth end of the smoking article.
[00056] In certain embodiments, the second portion of the airflow path may extend downstream from within the aerosol forming substrate towards the mouth end of the smoking article.
[00057] In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element extends from at least one air inlet to the aerosol forming substrate and the second portion of the path of an air flow defined by the air flow directing element extends downstream from the aerosol forming substrate towards the mouth end of the smoking article.
[00058] In another preferred embodiment, the first portion of the flow path defined by the air flow directing element extends upstream from at least one air inlet to the aerosol forming substrate and the second part of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element extends downstream from the interior of the aerosol forming substrate towards the mouth end of the smoking article.
[00059] When in use, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from the heat source to the aerosol forming substrate of smoking articles according to the invention. By adjusting the position of the upstream end of the second portion of the airflow path defined by the airflow directing element relative to the aerosol forming substrate, it is possible to control the location at which the aerosol leaves the aerosol forming substrate. aerosol. This advantageously allows smoking articles according to the invention to be produced with desired aerosol delivery.
[00060] In preferred embodiments, air drawn into the first portion of the air flow path through at least one air inlet passes through the first part of the air flow path to the aerosol forming substrate, through the aerosol forming substrate and follows downstream towards the mouth end of the smoking article through the second part of the air flow path.
[00061] In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the airflow path and the second portion of the airflow path are concentric. However, it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the first part of the airflow path and the second part of the airflow path may be non-concentric. For example, the first part of the airflow path and the second part of the airflow path can be parallel and not concentric.
[00062] Where the first portion of the airflow path and the second portion of the airflow path are concentric, preferably the first portion of the airflow path surrounds the second portion of the airflow path. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the second portion of the airflow path may surround the first portion of the airflow path.
[00063] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first part of the air flow path and the second portion of the air flow path are concentric, the second part of the air flow path is disposed substantially centrally within the smoking article and the first part of the air flow path surrounds the second part of the air flow path. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in embodiments where the aerosol forming substrate is downstream of the heat source and, as described in more detail below, the smoking article according to the invention further comprises a thermal conduction element around the and in direct contact with a rear portion of the heat source and an adjacent front portion of the aerosol forming substrate.
[00064] The first part of the airflow path and the second part of the airflow path may have substantially constant cross sections. For example, where the first part of the airflow path and the second part of the airflow path are concentric, the first part of the airflow path and/or the second part of the airflow path may have section substantially constant circular cross section and the other to the first part of the air flow path and the second part of the air flow path may have substantially constant annular cross section.
[00065] Alternatively, the first part of the airflow path and/or the second part of the airflow path may have non-constant cross section. For example, the first part of the airflow path can be tapered so that the cross-section of the first part of the airflow path increases or decreases as the first part of the airflow path extends towards the substrate. of aerosol formation. Alternatively or in addition to this, the second portion of the airflow path may be tapered so that the cross section of the second portion of the airflow path increases or decreases as the second portion of the airflow path extends. if downstream towards the mouth end of the smoking article.
[00066] In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the first part of the air flow path increases as the first part of the air flow path extends towards the aerosol forming substrate and the cross cross section of the second portion of the airflow path increases as the second portion of the airflow path extends downstream towards the mouth end of the smoking article.
[00067] Preferably, smoking articles according to the invention comprise an outer casing that circumscribes the aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol directing element and any other components of the smoking article downstream of the aerosol directing element. In embodiments where the aerosol forming substrate is downstream of the heat source, the outer shell preferably circumscribes at least a rear portion of the heat source. Preferably, the outer shell is substantially impermeable to air. Smoking articles in accordance with the invention may comprise outer casings formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Materials are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cigarette paper and tip paper. The outer wrapper must tightly pack the heat source, aerosol forming substrate, and aerosol directing element of the smoking article when the smoking article is assembled.
[00068] At least one air inlet downstream of the aerosol forming substrate for aspiration of air in the first part of the air flow path is provided in the outer casing and any other material circumscribing components or component parts of smoking articles according to with the invention through which air can be sucked into the first part of the air flow path. As used herein, the term "air inlet" is used to describe one or more holes, slots, slits or other openings in the outer casing and any other materials circumscribing components or portions of components of smoking articles in accordance with the invention downstream of the aerosol forming substrate through which air can be drawn into the first part of the air flow path.
[00069] The quantity, shape, size and location of the air inlets can be adjusted accordingly so that a good smoking performance can be achieved.
[00070] At least one air inlet is provided between a downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate and a downstream end of the airflow directing element.
[00071] In certain embodiments, the smoking article may comprise a plurality of rows of air inlets, each row comprising a plurality of air inlets. In such embodiments, the rows preferably circumscribe the airflow directing element and are spaced longitudinally from one another along the length of the airflow directing element. The rows of air inlets may be longitudinally spaced apart from each other by between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm along the length of the air flow directing element. Preferably, the rows of air inlets are longitudinally spaced from one another by about 1.0 mm along the length of the air flow directing element.
[00072] The airflow directing element can be contiguous to the aerosol forming substrate. Alternatively, the airflow directing element may extend into the aerosol forming substrate. For example, in certain embodiments the airflow directing element may extend a distance of up to 0.5L into the aerosol forming substrate, where L is the length of the aerosol forming substrate.
[00073] The airflow directing element may have a length of between about 7 mm and about 50 mm, for example a length of between about 10 mm and about 45 mm or between about 15 mm and about 30 mm. The airflow directing element may have other lengths, depending on the desired overall length of the smoking article, and the presence and length of other components within the limits of the smoking article.
[00074] In certain embodiments, at least one air inlet is located between about 2 mm and about 5 mm from the upstream end of the air flow directing element, and the length of the flow directing element of air is between about 20 mm and about 50 mm. In certain preferred embodiments, at least one air inlet is about 5 mm from the upstream end of the air flow directing element, and the length of the air flow directing element is between about 26 mm and about 28 mm.
[00075] Surprisingly, it has been found that positioning at least one air inlet too close to the upstream end of the air flow directing element can be disadvantageous. At least one air inlet assists in depressurizing the build-up of volatile compounds released from the aerosol forming substrate as a result of heat transfer from the heat source. Positioning at least one air inlet too close to the upstream end of the air flow directing element may allow side aerosol to escape through at least one air inlet, which may be undesirable. For this reason, in certain embodiments it may be undesirable to position at least one air inlet less than 2 mm from the downstream end of the air flow directing element.
[00076] The air flow directing element may comprise a hollow body substantially impermeable to air and with an open end. In such embodiments, the exterior of the open-ended, substantially air-impermeable hollow body defines one between the first portion of the air flow path and the second portion of the air flow path and the interior of the substantially air-impermeable hollow body. and with open end defines the other to the first portion of the air flow path and the second portion of the air flow path.
[00077] The substantially air-impermeable hollow body may be made from one or more suitable air-impermeable materials that are substantially thermally stable at the temperature of the aerosol generated by transferring heat from the heat source to the aerosol forming substrate. Suitable materials are known within the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, cardboard, plastic, ceramic and combinations thereof.
[00078] Preferably, the exterior of the hollow body substantially impermeable with open end defines the first part of the air flow path, and the interior of the hollow body substantially impermeable with open end defines the second part of the path of air flow.
[00079] The substantially air-tight, open-ended hollow body may comprise an aerosol modifying agent. For example, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the exterior/and or interior of the open-ended, substantially air-impermeable hollow body.
[00080] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to one or more materials from which the open-ended substantially air-impermeable hollow body is formed prior to forming the substantially air-impermeable, open-ended hollow body. Alternatively, or in addition to, the aerosol modifying agent may be applied to the substantially air-impermeable, open-ended hollow body during formation of the substantially air-impermeable, open-ended hollow body. Alternatively or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the substantially air-impermeable, open-ended hollow body after formation of the substantially air-impermeable, open-ended hollow body.
[00081] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the substantially air-impermeable and open-ended hollow body by, for example, coating, painting or spraying the exterior and/or interior of the substantially air-impermeable hollow body and with open end with the aerosol modifying agent.
[00082] As an alternative, or in addition thereto, the air flow directing element may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent located in the substantially air-impermeable hollow body with an open end.
[00083] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the substrate by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the substrate with the aerosol modifying agent.
[00084] The substrate can be porous sorption element. Suitable porous materials are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate fiber, cotton, open cell ceramic and polymeric foams, paper, tobacco material, porous ceramic elements, porous plastic elements, elements porous carbon, porous metallic elements and combinations thereof.
[00085] The substrate can be a laminar substrate or a non-laminar substrate.
[00086] The substrate can be a fibrous or non-fibrous substrate. For example, the substrate can be a fibrous cotton substrate or a fibrous paper substrate.
[00087] Preferably, the substrate is a non-laminar substrate.
[00088] In certain preferred embodiments, the substrate is a non-laminar fibrous substrate. In certain preferred embodiments, the non-laminar fibrous substrate is a yarn.
[00089] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the non-laminar fibrous substrate is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.
[00090] The cross-section of the substantially airtight hollow body can be of any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, circular, oval, square, triangular and rectangular.
[00091] In a preferred embodiment, the hollow body substantially impermeable to air and with an open end is a cylinder, preferably a straight circular cylinder.
[00092] In another preferred embodiment, the hollow body substantially impermeable to air and with an open end is a truncated cone, preferably a straight circular truncated cone.
[00093] The open ended substantially airtight hollow body may have a length of between about 7 mm and about 50 mm, for example a length of between about 10mm and about 45 mm or between about 15 mm and about 30 mm. The substantially air-tight, open-ended hollow body may have other lengths, depending on the desired overall length of the smoking article, and the presence and length of other components within the limits of the smoking article.
[00094] Where the substantially airtight, open-ended hollow body is a cylinder, the cylinder may have a diameter of between about 2 mm and about 5 mm, for example a diameter between about 2.5 mm and about 4.5 mm. The cylinder may have other diameters depending on the desired overall diameter of the smoking article.
[00095] Where the substantially airtight open ended hollow body is a truncated cone, the upstream end of the truncated cone may have a diameter of between about 2 mm and about 5 mm, for example a diameter of between about 2.5 mm and about 4.5 mm. The upstream end of the truncated cone may have other diameters depending on the desired overall diameter of the smoking article.
[00096] Where the substantially airtight open-ended hollow body is a truncated cone, the downstream end of the truncated cone may have a diameter between about 5 mm and about 9 mm, for example, of between about 7 mm and about 8 mm. The downstream end of the truncated cone may have other diameters depending on the desired overall diameter of the smoking article. Preferably, the downstream end of the truncated cone is substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate.
[00097] The hollow body substantially impermeable to air and with an open end may adjoin the aerosol forming substrate. Alternatively, the substantially airtight, open-ended hollow body may extend into the aerosol forming substrate. For example, in certain embodiments, the open-ended, substantially airtight hollow body may extend a distance of up to 0.5 L into the aerosol forming substrate, where L is the length of the aerosol forming substrate. aerosol.
[00098] The upstream end of the substantially airtight hollow body has reduced diameter compared to the aerosol forming substrate.
[00099] In certain embodiments, the downstream end of the substantially airtight hollow body has reduced diameter compared to the aerosol forming substrate.
[000100] In certain embodiments, the downstream end of the substantially airtight, open-ended hollow body has substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate.
[000101] In certain embodiments where the downstream end of the substantially airtight hollow body has reduced diameter compared to the aerosol forming substrate, the open end substantially airtight hollow body may be circumscribed by a substantially impermeable seal air. In such embodiments, the substantially airtight seal is located downstream of at least one air inlet. The substantially air-impermeable seal may have substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate. For example, in some embodiments, the downstream end of the open-ended, substantially airtight hollow body may be circumscribed by a substantially impermeable plug or washer having substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate.
[000102] The substantially air-impermeable seal may be formed from one or more suitable impermeable materials that are substantially thermally stable at the temperature of the aerosol generated by transferring heat from the heat source to the aerosol forming substrate. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, paperboard, plastic, wax, silicone, ceramic and combinations thereof.
[000103] At least a portion of the length of the substantially air-impermeable and open-ended hollow body may be circumscribed by an air-permeable diffuser. The air permeable diffuser may have substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate. The air permeable diffuser can be formed from one or more suitable air permeable materials which are substantially thermally stable at the temperature of the aerosol generated by the transfer of heat from the heat source to the aerosol forming substrate. Suitable air permeable materials are known within the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, porous materials such as, for example, cellulose acetate fiber, cotton, open cell ceramic and polymeric foams, paper, tobacco material, elements porous ceramics, porous plastic elements, porous carbon elements, porous metal elements and combinations thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the air-permeable diffuser comprises a substantially homogeneous, air-permeable porous material.
[000104] The air permeable diffuser may comprise the aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the air permeable diffuser by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the air permeable diffuser with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000105] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to one or more suitable air permeable materials from which the air permeable diffuser is formed, prior to formation of the air permeable diffuser. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the air permeable diffuser during formation of the air permeable diffuser. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the air permeable diffuser after formation of the air permeable diffuser.
[000106] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the air flow directing element may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent located in the air permeable diffuser.
[000107] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the substrate by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the substrate with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000108] The substrate can be a porous sorption element. Suitable porous materials are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate fiber, cotton, open cell ceramic and polymeric foams, paper, tobacco material, porous ceramic elements, porous plastic elements, elements porous carbon, porous metallic elements and combinations thereof.
[000109] The substrate can be a laminar substrate or a non-laminar substrate.
[000110] The substrate can be a fibrous or non-fibrous substrate. For example, the substrate can be a fibrous cotton substrate or a fibrous paper substrate.
[000111] Preferably, the substrate is a non-laminar substrate.
[000112] In certain embodiments, the hollow substantially air-impermeable and open-ended body may be circumscribed by a permeable air diffuser and a substantially air-impermeable seal. In such embodiments, the substantially airtight seal is located downstream of the air permeable diffuser and at least one air inlet. The substantially air-impermeable seal may have substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate. For example, in some embodiments, an upstream end of the substantially airtight hollow body can be circumscribed by an air permeable diffuser and a downstream end of the substantially airtight hollow body may be circumscribed by a substantially impermeable plug or washer with substantially identical diameter to that of the aerosol forming substrate.
[000113] In other embodiments, the substantially airtight, open-ended hollow body may be circumscribed by a permeable air diffuser comprising a low drag-resistance portion extending from a point close to at least one air inlet to the upstream end of the air permeable diffuser and a high drag resistance portion extending from a location near at least one air inlet to a downstream end of the air permeable diffuser.
[000114] In some embodiments, the drag portion of the high drag portion of the air permeable diffuser is greater than the drag resistance of the low drag portion of the air permeable diffuser. In other words, the drag resistance between the at least one air inlet and the downstream end of the air permeable segment is greater than the drag resistance between the upstream end of the air permeable segment and the at least one Entrance. The first portion of the airflow path is defined by the low drag-resistance portion of the air-permeable diffuser.
[000115] The difference between the drag resistance of the high drag-resistance portion and the low drag-resistance portion of the air permeable diffuser is such that, when in use, at least a portion of the air drawn through at least one Air inlet flows along the first portion of the airflow path, through the low drag portion of the air permeable segment, towards the aerosol forming substrate. The difference between the drag resistance of the high drag portion and the low drag portion of the air permeable diffuser is preferably such that, when in use, most of the air drawn through at least one inlet of air flows along the first portion of the airflow life, through the low drag portion of the air permeable segment, towards the aerosol forming substrate.
[000116] The drag strength ratio between the high drag portion to the low drag strength portion is greater than 1:1 and less than or equal to about 50:1. Preferably, the drag resistance ratio is between about 2:1 and about 50:1, more preferably between about 4:1 and about 50:1, more preferably between about 8:1 and about 12 :1. A ratio of about 10:1 has been found to be particularly advantageous.
[000117] The high drag strength portion and the low drag strength portion of the air permeable diffuser each have finite drag resistance. That is, the high drag-resistance portion and the low drag-resistance portion of the air-permeable diffuser are not blocked, plug-sealed, or sealed to prevent air from passing through the air-permeable diffuser. Fabrication of the air permeable diffuser without any of these locks, plugs or seals can advantageously reduce fabrication complexity.
[000118] The drag resistance of the high drag portion and the low drag portion of the air permeable diffuser can be measured according to ISO 6565:2011 and is typically reported in units of mm H2O. The drag resistance of the air permeable diffuser can be measured by drawing through one end of the air flow directing element while the second portion of the air flow path is sealed so that air flows only through the permeable diffuser to the air from the air flow directing element.
[000119] In certain preferred embodiments, the drag resistance of the air permeable diffuser is homogeneous along its length. In such embodiments, the drag resistance of the high drag portion and the low drag portion of the air permeable diffuser are proportional to their respective lengths. In such embodiments, at least one air inlet is located towards the upstream end of the air flow directing element. In this way, the drag resistance of the low drag portion of the air-permeable diffuser upstream of at least one air inlet will be lower than the drag resistance of the high drag-resistance portion of the downstream air-permeable diffuser of at least one air inlet.
[000120] In other embodiments, the drag resistance of the air permeable diffuser is not homogeneous along its length. In such embodiments, the drag resistance of the low drag resistance portion of the air-permeable diffuser can be measured by transversely cutting the air flow directing element at a location corresponding to at least one air inlet closest to the upstream end of the air-permeable diffuser to separate the low drag portion of the air-permeable diffuser from the rest of the air-permeable diffuser, and drawing on one end of the cut low drag-resistance portion at the same time as the second portion of the air flow path is sealed so that air flows only through the low drag portion of the air permeable diffuser. Likewise, the drag resistance of the high drag resistance portion can be measured by transversely cutting the air flow directing element at a location corresponding to at least one air inlet closest to the downstream end of the diffuser air-permeable to separate the high drag-resistance portion of the air-permeable diffuser from the rest of the air-permeable diffuser, and vacuuming at one end of the cut high drag-resistance portion while sealing the second portion of the air flow path such that air flows only through the high drag-resistance portion of the air-permeable diffuser.
[000121] In embodiments where the smoking article comprises a plurality of rows of air inlets longitudinally spaced from one another, the low drag portion of the air permeable diffuser extends from the nearest row of air inlets from the upstream end of the air permeable diffuser to the upstream end of the air permeable segment, and the high drag resistance portion of the air permeable diffuser extends from the row of air inlets closest to the downstream end of the diffuser permeable to air to the downstream end of the air permeable diffuser. Thus, in such embodiments, the portion of the air-permeable segment between the rows of air inlets is not incorporated as the drag resistance of either the high drag-resistance portion or the high drag-resistance portion of the diffuser permeable to the air. air.
[000122] In certain preferred embodiments, the air permeable diffuser comprises cellulose acetate fiber uniformly distributed substantially uniformly and the drag resistance of the air permeable diffuser is homogeneous along its length.
[000123] In alternative embodiments, the air permeable diffuser comprises cellulose acetate fiber non-uniformly distributed and the drag resistance of the air permeable diffuser is not homogeneous along its length. In such embodiments, the density of the non-uniformly distributed cellulose acetate fiber is used to control the difference in drag between the high drag portion and the low drag portion of the air permeable diffuser.
[000124] In additional embodiments, the air permeable diffuser comprises crimped paper, having a first region extending from at least one air inlet towards the upstream end of the air permeable diffuser, corresponding to at least a part of the portion of low drag resistance of the air permeable diffuser, and a second region extending from at least one air inlet towards the downstream end of the air permeable diffuser, corresponding to at least a part of the high drag resistance portion of the air permeable diffuser.
[000125] Preferably, the first region of the crimped paper extends from at least one air inlet to the upstream end of the air permeable diffuser and the second region of the crimped paper extends from at least one inlet of air to the downstream end of the air permeable segment. In such embodiments, the first region of the crimped paper has less drag resistance than the second region of the crimped paper.
[000126] The crimped paper may have a third region, extending from the second region to the downstream end of the air permeable segment. In such embodiments, the drag strengths of the second and third regions of the crimped paper, when combined, is greater than the drag strength of the first region of the crimped paper. In certain embodiments, the third region of the crimped paper has substantially the same drag resistance as the first region of the crimped paper.
[000127] Preferably, the puff strength of the first portion of the crimped paper is between about 6 mm H2O and about 10 mm H2O per mm of length, and the puff resistance of the second portion and, when present, the third portion of the crimped paper is between about 10 mm H2O to about 18 mm H2O per mm length. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drag resistance of the air-permeable diffuser portion upstream of at least one air inlet is about 10 mm H2O and the drag resistance of the air-permeable diffuser portion downstream of at least one Air inlet is about 20mm H2O.
[000128] The high drag resistance of the air permeable diffuser may have a reduced air flow cross section, compared to the low drag resistance portion of the air permeable diffuser. As used herein, the term "airflow cross-section" refers to the cross-sectional portion of the air-permeable segment through which air can flow.
[000129] Reducing the cross section of at least a part of the high drag portion of the air permeable diffuser may be one way, or an additional way, to increase the drag resistance of the high drag portion of the permeable diffuser to the air relative to the low drag-resistance portion of the air-permeable diffuser. In such embodiments, the air-permeable diffuser may comprise an air-impermeable material to reduce the air flow cross section of at least part of the high drag-resistance portion of the air-permeable diffuser. Suitable air impermeable materials include, but are not limited to hot glue, silicone and impermeable plastics. For example, a layer of hot melt glue can be applied to a region within the boundaries of the high drag portion of the air permeable diffuser to narrow the air flow cross section of the high drag portion of the diffuser permeable to air.
[000130] In a preferred embodiment, the air flow directing element comprises a hollow tube substantially impermeable to air with an open end of reduced diameter compared to the aerosol forming substrate and a substantially impermeable annular seal with substantially the same outer diameter of the aerosol forming substrate, which circumscribes the hollow tube downstream of at least one air inlet.
[000131] In this embodiment, the radially limited volume externally of the hollow tube and an outer casing of the smoking article defines the first portion of the air flow path that extends from at least one air inlet toward the forming substrate of aerosol, and the volume limited radially by the interior of the hollow tube defines the second portion of the air flow path that extends downstream of the mouth end of the smoking article.
[000132] The air flow directing element further comprises an inner casing, which circumscribes the hollow tube and the annular seal substantially impermeable to air.
[000133] In this mode, the radially limited volume externally of the hollow tube and the inner casing of the air flow directing element defines the first portion of the air flow path extending from at least one air inlet at towards the aerosol-forming substrate, and the volume through the interior of the hollow tube defines the second portion of the air flow path which extends downstream of the mouth end of the smoking article.
[000134] The open upstream end of the hollow tube may be contiguous with a downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate. Alternatively, the open upstream end of the hollow tube may be inserted or otherwise extend into the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.
[000135] The air flow directing element may further comprise an air-permeable annular diffuser with substantially the same external diameter as the aerosol forming substrate, circumscribing at least a portion of the length of the hollow tube upstream of the annular seal substantially impermeable to air. For example, the hollow tube may be at least partially embedded in a cellulose acetate fiber plug.
[000136] Where the air flow directing element comprises an inner casing, the inner casing may circumscribe the hollow tube, the substantially air-impermeable annular seal and the air-permeable annular diffuser.
[000137] In use, when the user draws on the mouth end of the smoking article, fresh air is drawn into the smoking article through at least one air inlet downstream of the aerosol forming substrate. The aspirated air passes to the aerosol forming substrate along the first portion of the air flow path between the exterior of the hollow tube and the outer casing of the smoking article or inner casing of the air flow directing element. The aspirated air passes through the aerosol forming substrate and then travels downstream along the second portion of the air flow path through the interior of the hollow tube towards the mouth end of the smoking article for inhalation by the user. The airflow directing element comprises an aerosol modifying agent, which is entrained with the aspirated air as it passes along one or both of the first and second portions of the airflow path.
[000138] Where the air flow directing element comprises an air-permeable annular diffuser, the aspirated air passes through the air-permeable annular diffuser as it passes along the first airflow path portion towards the substrate of aerosol formation.
[000139] In another preferred embodiment, the air flow directing element comprises a hollow tube substantially impermeable to air with open end with reduced diameter compared to the aerosol forming substrate and an annular air permeable diffuser with substantially the same diameter outside of the aerosol forming substrate, which circumscribes the upstream hollow tube. For example, the hollow tube may be embedded in a cellulose acetate fiber plug. The annular air-permeable diffuser comprises a low drag-resistance portion extending from a location near the at least one air inlet to an upstream end of the air-permeable diffuser and a high drag-resistance portion extending from a location near at least one air inlet to a downstream end of the air permeable diffuser.
[000140] In this embodiment, the volume radially limited by the outside of the hollow tube and an outer casing of the smoking article defines the first portion of the air flow path that extends from at least one air inlet towards the forming substrate of aerosol, and the volume limited radially by the interior of the hollow tube defines the second portion of the air flow path that extends downstream of the mouth end of the smoking article.
[000141] The air flow directing element additionally comprises an inner casing, which circumscribes the hollow tube and the air-permeable annular diffuser.
[000142] In this embodiment, the radially limited volume by the outside of the hollow tube and the inner casing of the air flow directing element defines the first portion of the air flow path that extends from at least one air inlet at towards the aerosol-forming substrate, and the volume through the interior of the hollow tube defines the second portion of the air flow path which extends downstream of the mouth end of the smoking article.
[000143] The open upstream end of the hollow tube may be contiguous with a downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate. Alternatively, the open upstream end of the hollow tube may be inserted or otherwise extend into the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.
[000144] In use, when the user draws on the mouth end of the smoking article, fresh air is drawn into the smoking article through at least one air inlet downstream of the aerosol forming substrate. The aspirated air passes to the aerosol forming substrate through the low drag-resistance portion of the air-permeable annular diffuser along the first portion of the air flow path between the exterior of the hollow tube and the outer casing of the smoking article or inner casing of the airflow steering element. The aspirated air passes through the aerosol forming substrate and then travels downstream along the second portion of the air flow path through the interior of the hollow tube towards the mouth end of the smoking article for inhalation by the user. The airflow directing element comprises an aerosol modifying agent, which is entrained with the aspirated air as it passes along one or both of the first and second portions of the airflow path.
[000145] In another preferred embodiment, the air flow directing element comprises a hollow truncated cone substantially impermeable to air with an open end of reduced diameter compared to the aerosol forming substrate and a downstream end of substantially identical diameter to the substrate of aerosol formation.
[000146] In this embodiment, the volume radially limited by the exterior of the truncated hollow cone and an outer casing of the smoking article defines the first portion of the air flow path that extends from at least one air inlet toward the substrate. aerosol formation, and the volume limited radially by the interior of the hollow truncated cone defines the second portion of the air flow path which extends downstream of the mouth end of the smoking article.
[000147] The open upstream end of the hollow truncated cone may be contiguous with a downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate. Alternatively, the open upstream end of the hollow truncated cone may be inserted or otherwise extend into the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.
[000148] The airflow directing element may further comprise an annular air permeable diffuser with substantially the same external diameter as the aerosol forming substrate, circumscribing at least a portion of the length of the hollow truncated cone. For example, the hollow truncated cone can be at least partially embedded in a cellulose acetate fiber plug.
[000149] In use, when the user draws on the mouth end of the smoking article, fresh air is drawn into the smoking article through at least one air inlet downstream of the aerosol forming substrate. The aspirated air passes to the aerosol forming substrate along the first portion of the air flow path between the outer casing of the smoking article and the exterior of the hollow truncated cone of the air flow directing member. The aspirated air passes through the aerosol forming substrate and then proceeds downstream along the second portion of the air flow path through the interior of the hollow truncated cone towards the mouth end of the smoking article for per-part inhalation. of user. The airflow directing element comprises an aerosol modifying agent, which is entrained with the aspirated air as it passes along one or both of the first and second portions of the airflow path.
[000150] Where the air flow directing element comprises an air-permeable annular diffuser, the aspirated air passes through the air-permeable annular diffuser as it passes along the first airflow path portion towards the substrate of aerosol formation.
[000151] In embodiments of the invention wherein the air flow directing element comprises an inner shell, the inner shell may comprise the aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the inner shell by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the inner shell with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000152] Aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the inner shell prior to formation of the airflow directing element. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the inner shell during formation of the airflow directing element. Alternatively to, or in addition to, the aerosol modifying agent may be applied to the inner shell after formation of the air flow directing element.
[000153] Smoking articles according to the invention may comprise at least one additional air inlet.
[000154] For example, in embodiments where the aerosol forming substrate is located downstream of the heat source, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise at least one additional air inlet between a downstream end of the heat source. heat and an upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate. In such embodiments, when a user draws into the mouth end of the smoking article, fresh air is also drawn into the smoking article through at least one additional air inlet between the downstream end of the heat source and the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate. Air drawn in through at least one additional air inlet passes downstream through the aerosol forming substrate and proceeds downstream towards the mouth end of the smoking article through the second portion of the air flow path.
[000155] Alternatively, or in addition to this, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise at least one additional air inlet around the periphery of the aerosol forming substrate. In such embodiments, when a user draws into the mouth end of the smoking article, fresh air is also drawn into the aerosol forming substrate through at least one additional air inlet around the periphery of the aerosol forming substrate. Air drawn in through at least one additional air inlet passes downstream through the aerosol forming substrate and proceeds downstream towards the mouth end of the smoking article through the second portion of the air flow path.
[000156] The heat source is a carbonaceous combustible heat source. As used herein, the term "carbonaceous" is used to describe a combustible heat source that comprises carbon.
[000157] Preferably, carbonaceous combustible heat sources for use in smoking articles according to the invention have a carbon content of at least about 35 percent, more preferably at least about 40 percent, more preferably at least about 40 percent. at about 45 percent less can dry weight of the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000158] In some embodiments, the heat source is a carbon-based combustible heat source. As used herein, the term "carbon-based heat source" is used to describe a heat source composed primarily of carbon.
[000159] Carbon-based combustible heat sources for use in smoking articles, according to the invention, may have a carbon content of at least about 50 percent, more preferably at least about 60 percent, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80 percent by dry weight of the carbon based fuel heat source.
[000160] Smoking articles according to the invention may comprise carbonaceous combustible heat sources formed from one or more suitable carbon-containing materials.
[000161] If desired, one or more binders can be combined with the one or more carbon-containing materials. Preferably, the one or more binders are organic binders. Known suitable organic binders include, but are not limited to, gums (eg guar gum), modified celluloses and cellulose derivatives (eg methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose), wheat flour, starches, sugars, vegetable oils and combinations thereof.
[000162] In a preferred embodiment, the carbonaceous fuel heat source is formed from a mixture of carbon powder, modified cellulose, wheat flour and sugar.
[000163] Instead of or in addition to one or more binders, carbonaceous fuel heat sources for use in smoking articles according to the invention may comprise one or more additives in order to improve the properties of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. Suitable additives include, but are not limited to, additives to promote consolidation of the carbonaceous fuel heat source (e.g., sintering aids), additives to promote ignition of the carbonaceous fuel heat source (e.g., oxidizers such as perchlorates, chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, zirconium and combinations thereof), additives to promote combustion of the carbonaceous fuel heat source (eg, potassium and potassium salts such as potassium citrate) and additives to promote the decomposition of one or more gases produced by combustion of the carbonaceous combustible heat source (eg catalysts such as CuO, Fe2O3 and Al2O3).
[000164] In a preferred embodiment, the carbonaceous fuel heat source is a cylindrical carbonaceous fuel heat source comprising carbon and at least one ignition aid, the cylindrical carbonaceous fuel heat source having a front end face (i.e., face upstream end) and an opposite rear face (i.e., downstream end face), in which at least part of the cylindrical carbonaceous fuel heat source between the front face and the rear face is packaged in a combustion resistant enclosure and wherein , upon ignition of the front face of the cylindrical carbonaceous fuel heat source, the rear face of the cylindrical carbonaceous fuel heat source increases in temperature at a first temperature and where, during subsequent combustion of the cylindrical carbonaceous fuel heat source, the face The rear of the cylindrical carbonaceous fuel heat source maintains a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Preferably, the at least one ignition aid is present in an amount of at least about 20 percent by dry weight of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. Preferably, the combustion resistant casing is heat conductive and/or substantially impermeable to oxygen.
[000165] As used herein, the term "ignition aid" is used to denote a material that releases oxygen and/or energy during ignition of the heat source, carbonaceous fuel where the rate of release of energy and/or oxygen by the material is not limited by the diffusion of ambient oxygen. In other words, the rate of release of oxygen and/or energy by the material during ignition of the carbonaceous combustible heat source is largely independent of the rate at which ambient oxygen can reach the material. As used herein, the term "ignition aid" is also used to denote an elemental metal that releases energy during ignition of the carbonaceous combustible heat source, in which case the ignition temperature of the elemental metal is less than about 500 °C, and the heat of combustion of the elemental metal is at least about 5 kJ/g.
[000166] As used herein, the term "ignition aid" does not include alkali metal salts of carboxylic acids (such as alkali metal citrate, alkali metal acetate and alkali metal succinate), alkali metal halide (such as such as alkali metal chloride), alkali metal carbonate or alkali metal phosphate salts, which are believed to modify the combustion of carbon. Even when present in a large amount relative to the total weight of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, such metal-burning alkali metals do not release enough energy during ignition of a carbonaceous fuel heat source to produce an acceptable aerosol during the first few puffs.
[000167] Examples of suitable oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to: nitrates such as potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, strontium nitrate, sodium nitrate, barium nitrate, lithium nitrate, aluminum nitrate and iron nitrate; nitrites; other organic and inorganic nitro compounds; chlorates such as, for example, sodium chlorate and potassium chlorate; perchlorates such as, for example, sodium perchlorate; chlorides; bromates, such as, for example, sodium bromate and potassium bromate; perbromates; bromides; borates, such as, for example, sodium borate and potassium borate; ferrates, such as, for example, barium ferrate; ferrite; manganates, such as, for example, potassium manganate; permanganates, such as, for example, potassium permanganate; organic peroxides such as, for example, benzoyl peroxide and acetone peroxide; inorganic peroxides, such as, for example, hydrogen peroxide, strontium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, zinc peroxide and lithium peroxide; superoxides, such as, for example, potassium superoxide and sodium superoxide; iodates; periodates; iodides; sulfates; sulfites; other sulfoxides; phosphates; phosphinates; phosphites; and phosphanates.
[000168] While advantageously improving the ignition and combustion properties of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, the inclusion of ignition and combustion additives can give rise to undesirable combustion and decomposition products during use of the smoking article. For example, the decomposition of nitrates included in the carbonaceous combustible heat source to aid in igniting it can result in the formation of nitrogen oxides. In addition, the inclusion of oxidizing agents such as nitrates or other additives to aid ignition can result in the generation of hot gases and high temperatures in the carbonaceous fuel heat source during ignition of the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000169] In smoking articles according to the invention the heat source is preferably isolated from all air flow paths along which air can be drawn through the smoking article for inhalation by a user so that, during use, the air drawn through the smoking article does not come into direct contact with the heat source.
[000170] As used herein, the term "isolated heat source" is used to describe a heat source that is not in direct contact with the air drawn through the smoking article along the airflow path.
[000171] As used in this document, the term "direct contact" is used to describe the contact between the air drawn through the smoking article along the airflow path and a surface of the heat source.
[000172] Isolation of the carbonaceous combustible heat source from the air drawn through the smoking article substantially prevents or inhibits, advantageously, combustion and decomposition products and other materials formed during ignition and combustion of the carbonaceous combustible heat source of articles smokers according to the invention enter the air drawn through the smoking articles.
[000173] Isolation of the carbonaceous combustible heat source from the air drawn through the smoking article also advantageously prevents or substantially inhibits the activation of combustion of the carbonaceous combustible heat source of the smoking articles according to the invention while a user drags . This substantially prevents or inhibits spikes in substrate temperature from aerosol formation during blowing by a user.
[000174] By preventing or inhibiting the combustion activation of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, and therefore preventing or inhibiting excessive temperature increases in the aerosol forming substrate, combustion or pyrolysis of the aerosol forming substrate of smoking articles according to the invention under intense blowing regimes. Furthermore, the impact of a user's puff regimen on the main aerosol composition of smoking articles according to the invention can advantageously be minimized or reduced.
[000175] Isolating the heat source from the air drawn through the smoking article isolates the heat source from the aerosol forming substrate. Isolating the heat source from the aerosol forming substrate can advantageously prevent or substantially inhibit the migration of components from the aerosol forming substrate from smoking articles according to the invention to the heat source during storage of the smoking articles.
[000176] Alternatively, or in addition thereto, isolation of the heat source from the air drawn through the smoking article may advantageously substantially prevent or inhibit the migration of aerosol forming substrate components from smoking articles according to the invention of the heat source during the use of smoking articles.
[000177] As described below, isolation of the heat source from the air drawn through the smoking article and the aerosol forming substrate is particularly advantageous where the aerosol forming substrate comprises at least one aerosol former.
[000178] In embodiments where the aerosol forming substrate is downstream of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, in order to isolate the carbonaceous fuel heat source from the air drawn through the smoking article, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise a non-combustible and substantially airtight barrier between a downstream end of the carbonaceous combustible heat source and an upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.
[000179] As used herein, the term "non-combustible" is used to describe a barrier that is substantially non-combustible at temperatures reached by the carbonaceous combustible heat source during combustion or ignition thereof.
[000180] The barrier may be adjacent to the downstream end of the carbonaceous fuel heat source and/or to the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.
[000181] The barrier may be adhered to, or otherwise affixed to, the downstream end of the carbonaceous fuel heat source and/or the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.
[000182] In some embodiments, the barrier comprises a barrier coating provided on an outer face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. In such embodiments, preferably the first barrier comprises a barrier coating provided on at least substantially the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. More preferably, the barrier comprises a barrier coating provided over the entire rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000183] As used in this document, the term "coating" is used to describe a layer of material that covers and makes itself adherent to the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000184] The barrier can advantageously limit the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate is exposed during ignition or combustion of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, and thus helps to prevent or reduce thermal degradation or combustion of the aerosol forming substrate during use of the smoking article. This is particularly advantageous where the carbonaceous fuel heat source comprises one or more additives to assist in igniting the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000185] Depending on the characteristics and performance desired for the smoking article, the barrier may have a low thermal conductivity or a high thermal conductivity. In certain embodiments, the barrier can be formed from a material that has a thermal conductivity by mass of between about 0.1 Watts per meter Kelvin (mWZ(mK)) and about 200 Watts per meter Kelvin (mWZ(mK) ), at 23°C and a relative humidity of 50%, as measured using the Modified Transient Flat Source (MTPS) method.
[000186] The thickness of the barrier can be adjusted accordingly to achieve good smoking performance. In certain embodiments, the barrier can be between about 10 microns and about 500 microns thick.
[000187] The barrier can be formed from one or more materials that are substantially thermally stable and non-combustible at temperatures reached by the carbonaceous combustible heat source during ignition and combustion. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, clays (such as, for example, bentonite and kaolinite), glasses, minerals, ceramic materials, metals, resins and combinations thereof.
[000188] Preferred materials from which the barrier can be formed include clays and glasses. The most preferred materials from which the barrier can be formed include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, alloys, alumina (Al2O3), resins and mineral glues.
[000189] In one embodiment, the barrier comprises a clay coating comprising a 50Z50 mixture of bentonite and kaolinite provided on the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. In one or more preferred embodiments, the barrier comprises an aluminum coating provided on a rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. In another preferred embodiment, the barrier comprises a glass coating, more preferably a sintered glass coating, provided on the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000190] Preferably, the barrier has a thickness of at least about 10 microns. Due to the slight permeability of clays to air, in embodiments where the barrier comprises a clay coating provided on the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source the clay coating is more preferably at least about 50 microns thick, and more preferably from about 50 microns to about 350 microns. In embodiments where the barrier is formed from one or more air-impermeable materials, such as aluminum, the barrier may be thinner and will generally preferably have a thickness of less than about 100 microns and more, and more preferably of about 20 microns. In embodiments where the barrier comprises a coating of glass provided on the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, the coating of glass is preferably less than about 200 microns thick. Barrier thickness can be measured using a microscope, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or any other suitable measurement methods known in the art.
[000191] Where the barrier comprises a barrier coating provided on a rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, the barrier coating may be applied so as to cover and adhere to the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source by any known methods within the scope of the technique, including, but not limited to, spray coating, vapor deposition, immersion, metal transfer (eg brushing or gluing), electrostatic deposition, or any combination thereof.
[000192] For example, the barrier coating can be made by preforming a barrier in the approximate size and shape of the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, and applying it to the rear face of the fuel heat source to cover and adhere at least substantially the entire rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. Alternatively, the first barrier coating may be cut or otherwise tampered with after its application to the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. In a preferred embodiment, aluminum foil is applied to the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source by gluing or pressing it to the fuel heat source, and it is cut or otherwise tampered with so that the aluminum foil covers and adheres to the fur. less substantially the entire rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, rather than the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source in its entirety.
[000193] In another preferred embodiment, the barrier coating is formed by applying a solution or suspension of one or more suitable coating materials to the external face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. For example, the barrier coating can be applied to the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source by immersing the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source in a solution or suspension of one or more suitable coating materials or by brushing. or spray coating a solution or suspension or electrostatically depositing a powder or powder mixture of one or more suitable coating materials on the external face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source. Where a barrier coating is applied to the rear face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source by electrostatically depositing a powder or powder mixture of one or more suitable coating materials on the rear face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source, the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel source. Carbonaceous fuel heat is preferably pretreated with water glass prior to electrostatic deposition. Preferably, the barrier coating is applied by spray coating.
[000194] The barrier coating can be formed by a single application of a solution or suspension of one or more suitable coating materials to the rear face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source. Alternatively, the barrier coating can be formed by multiple applications of a solution or suspension of one or more suitable coating materials to the rear face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source. For example, the barrier coating can be formed by one, two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight successive applications of a solution or suspension of one or more suitable coating materials to the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source .
[000195] Preferably, the barrier coating is formed by between one and ten applications of a solution or suspension of one or more suitable coating materials to the rear face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source.
[000196] After applying the solution or suspension of one or more coating materials to the rear face thereof, the carbonaceous combustible heat source can be dried to form the barrier coating.
[000197] Where the barrier coating is formed through multiple applications of a solution or suspension of one or more suitable coating materials to the rear face of the same, the carbonaceous fuel heat source may need to be dried between successive applications of the solution or suspension .
[000198] Alternatively to, or in addition to drying, after applying a solution or suspension of one or more coating materials to the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source, the coating material in the carbonaceous fuel heat source may be sintered so as to form the barrier coating. Sintering the barrier coating is particularly preferred where the barrier coating is a glass or ceramic coating. Preferably, the barrier coating is sintered at a temperature between about 500°C and about 900°C, and more preferably at about 700°C.
[000199] As described below, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise blind or non-blind heat sources.
[000200] As used herein, the term "blind" is used to describe a heat source of a smoking article according to the invention in which air drawn through the smoking article for inhalation by the user does not pass through the airflow channels along the heat source.
[000201] As used herein, the term "unblinded" is used to describe a heat source of a smoking article according to the invention, wherein air drawn through the smoking article for inhalation by the user passes through one or more airflow channels along the heat source.
[000202] As used herein, the term "airflow channel" is used to describe a channel that extends along the length of a heat source through which air can be drawn downstream for inhalation by the user .
[000203] In some embodiments, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise heat sources that do not comprise any air flow channels. Heat sources of smoking articles in accordance with such modalities will hereinafter be referred to in this document as blind heat sources.
[000204] In the smoking articles according to the invention, which contain blind heat sources, the heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol forming substrate occurs mainly by conduction, and heating of the aerosol forming substrate by forced convection is minimized or reduced. This advantageously helps to minimize or reduce the impact of the user's blow regime on the main aerosol composition of smoking articles according to the invention which contain blind heat sources.
[000205] It should be noted that smoking articles according to the invention may comprise blind heat sources that contain one or more closed or blocked passages through which air cannot be drawn in for inhalation by the user. For example, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise blunt carbonaceous combustible heat sources that contain one or more closed passages extending from an upstream end face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source, only by a portion along the length. of the length of the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000206] In such embodiments, the inclusion of one or more blocked air passages increases the surface area of the carbonaceous fuel heat source that is exposed to oxygen from the air and may advantageously facilitate ignition and continued combustion of the carbon source. carbonaceous fuel heat.
[000207] In some embodiments, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise heat sources that comprise one or more air flow channels. Heat sources of smoking articles in accordance with such modalities will hereinafter be referred to in this document as non-blind heat sources.
[000208] In the smoking articles according to the invention, which contain non-blind heat sources, the heating of the aerosol forming substrate takes place by conduction and by forced convection. During use, when the user puffs on a smoking article according to the invention, which contains an unblinded heat source, air is drawn towards the downstream part through one or more flow channels. air over the heat source. The aspirated air passes through the aerosol forming substrate and then towards the downstream portion towards the mouth end of the smoking article.
[000209] Smoking articles according to the invention may contain non-blind heat sources comprising one or more air flow channels delimited along the heat source.
[000210] As used in this document, the term "delimited" is used to describe the airflow channels that are surrounded by the heat source along its length.
[000211] For example, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise carbonaceous combustible heat sources comprising one or more delimited air flow channels extending through the interior of the carbonaceous combustible heat source along its entire length from the carbonaceous combustible heat source.
[000212] As an alternative or in addition to this, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise non-blind heat sources comprising one or more non-delimited air flow channels along the carbonaceous combustible heat source.
[000213] For example, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise non-blind carbonaceous combustible heat sources comprising one or more non-delimited air flow channels extending along the exterior of the carbonaceous combustible heat source along of at least a portion downstream of the length of the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000214] In some embodiments, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise non-blind heat sources comprising one, two or three air flow channels. In certain preferred embodiments, smoking articles in accordance with the invention comprise unblinded carbonaceous fuel heat sources that comprise only an air flow channel extending through the interior of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. In certain particularly preferred embodiments, smoking articles in accordance with the invention comprise unblinded carbonaceous fuel heat sources comprising a single substantially central or axial air flow channel extending through the interior of the carbonaceous fuel heat source. In such embodiments, the diameter of the single airflow channel is preferably between about 1.5mm and about 3mm.
[000215] Where smoking articles according to the invention comprise a barrier comprising a barrier coating provided on a rear face of an unblinded carbonaceous combustible heat source comprising one or more air flow channels along the heat source carbonaceous fuel, the barrier coating must allow air to be drawn downstream through this one or more airflow channels.
[000216] When the smoking articles according to the invention comprise non-blinding carbonaceous combustible heat sources, the smoking articles may further comprise a substantially airtight non-combustible barrier between the carbonaceous combustible heat source and the one or more flow channels of air, to isolate the unblinded carbonaceous combustible heat source from the air drawn through the smoking article.
[000217] In some embodiments, the barrier may be adhered or otherwise affixed to the carbonaceous combustible heat source.
[000218] Preferably, the barrier contains a barrier coating provided on an interior surface of one or more airflow channels. More preferably, the barrier contains a barrier coating provided on at least substantially the entire interior surface of one or more airflow channels. Most preferably, the barrier contains a barrier coating provided over the entire interior surface of one or more airflow channels.
[000219] Alternatively, barrier coating can be provided by inserting a liner within one or more airflow channels. For example, where smoking articles in accordance with the invention contain non-blind carbonaceous combustible heat sources including one or more air flow channels extending through the interior of the carbonaceous combustible heat source, a hollow substantially impermeable tube Non-combustible air can be inserted into each or more of the airflow channels.
[000220] The barrier can advantageously and substantially prevent or inhibit combustion and decomposition products formed during ignition and combustion of the carbonaceous fuel heat source of smoking articles according to the invention from entering the downstream aspirated air along a or more airflow channels.
[000221] The barrier can also advantageously and substantially prevent or inhibit the activation of combustion of the carbonaceous combustible heat source of smoking articles according to the invention during inhaling by the user.
[000222] Depending on the characteristics and performance desired for the smoking article, the barrier may have a low thermal conductivity or a high thermal conductivity. Preferably, the barrier has a low thermal conductivity.
[000223] The thickness of the barrier can be adjusted accordingly to achieve good smoking performance. In certain embodiments, the barrier can be between about 30 microns and about 200 microns thick. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier is between about 30 microns and about 100 microns thick.
[000224] The barrier can be made from one or more suitable materials that are substantially thermally stable and non-combustible at temperatures reached by the carbonaceous combustible heat source during ignition and combustion. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, for example: clays; metal oxides such as iron oxide, alumina, titania, silica, silica-alumina, zirconia and wax; zeolites; zirconium phosphate; and other ceramic materials or combinations thereof.
[000225] Preferred materials from which the barrier can be formed include clays, glasses, aluminum, iron oxide and combinations thereof. If desired, catalytic ingredients, such as ingredients that promote the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, can be incorporated into the barrier. Suitable catalytic ingredients include, but are not limited to, for example, platinum, palladium, transition metals and their oxides.
[000226] When smoking articles according to the invention include a barrier between a downstream end of the carbonaceous fuel heat source and an upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate and a barrier between the carbonaceous fuel heat source and a or plus airflow channels along the carbonaceous combustible heat source, the two barriers can be formed from the same material(s) or with different material(s).
[000227] Where the barrier between the carbonaceous fuel heat source and the one or more air flow channels comprises a barrier coating provided on an inner surface of the one or more air flow channels, the barrier coating may be applied to the inner surface of the air flow channels of the one or more air flow channels by any suitable method, such as, for example, the methods described in US-A-5,040,551. For example, the inner surface of the one or more airflow channels can be sprayed, moistened or painted with a solution or suspension of the barrier coating. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier coating is applied to the inner surface of the air flow channels of the one or more air flow channels by the process described in WO-A2-2009/074870 while the combustible heat source is extruded.
[000228] Carbonaceous combustible heat sources for use in smoking articles according to the invention are preferably formed by mixing one or more carbon-containing materials with one or more binders and other additives, where included, and pre - forming the mixture into a desired shape. The mixture of one or more materials containing carbon, one or more binders, and other additional additives can be preformed into a desired shape using any known ceramic forming method, such as, for example, slip, extrusion, molding. injection and mold compression. In certain preferred embodiments, the blend is preformed into a desired shape by means of extrusion.
[000229] Preferably, the mixture of one or more materials containing carbon, one or more binders and other additives is preformed in an elongated cylinder. However, it should be noted that the mixture of the one or more carbon-containing materials, or more binders and other additives can be preformed into other desired shapes.
[000230] After formation, particularly after extrusion, the elongated cylinder or any other desired shape is preferably dried to reduce its moisture content and then pyrolyzed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature sufficient to carbonize the one or more binders, where present, and substantially eliminate any volatile compounds in the elongated cylinder or other shape. The elongated cylinder, or other desired shape, is preferably pyrolyzed in an atmosphere of nitrogen at a temperature of between about 700°C and about 900°C.
[000231] In one embodiment, at least one metal nitrate salt is incorporated into the carbonaceous fuel heat source by including at least one metal nitrate precursor in the mixture of the one or more carbon-containing materials, one or more binders and other additives. The at least one metal nitrate precursor is then converted in-situ to the at least one metal nitrate salt by treating the preformed pyrolyzed barrel (or any other form) with an aqueous solution of nitric acid. In one embodiment, the carbonaceous combustible heat source comprises at least one metal nitrate salt having a thermal decomposition temperature of less than about 600°C, more preferably less than about 400°C. Preferably, the at least one metal nitrate salt has a decomposition temperature between about 150°C and about 600°C, more preferably between about 200°C and about 400°C.
[000232] In use, exposure of the carbonaceous combustible heat source to a conventional lighter flame or any other means of ignition must cause the at least one metal nitrate salt to decompose and release oxygen and energy. Such decomposition causes an initial increase in the temperature of the carbonaceous fuel heat source and also aids in igniting the carbonaceous fuel heat source. After decomposition of the at least one metal nitrate salt, the carbonaceous fuel heat source preferably continues combustion at a lower temperature.
[000233] The inclusion of at least one metal nitrate salt advantageously results in ignition of the carbonaceous fuel heat source being initiated internally, and not just at a point on the surface thereof. Preferably, the at least one metal nitrate salt is present in the carbonaceous fuel heat source in an amount of between about 20 percent dry weight and about 50 percent dry weight of the carbonaceous fuel heat source.
[000234] In another embodiment, the carbonaceous fuel heat source comprises at least one peroxide or superoxide that actively evolves oxygen at a temperature of less than about 600°C, more preferably at a temperature of less than about 400°C.
[000235] Preferably, the at least one peroxide or superoxide actively evolves oxygen at a temperature of between about 150°C and about 600°C, more preferably at a temperature of between about 200°C and about 400°C , more preferably at a temperature of about 350°C.
[000236] In use, exposure of the carbonaceous combustible heat source to a yellow flame of a conventional lighter or any other means of ignition must cause the at least one peroxide or superoxide to decompose and release oxygen. This causes an initial rise in the temperature of the carbonaceous fuel heat source and also aids in igniting the carbonaceous fuel heat source. After the decomposition of the at least one peroxide or superoxide, the carbonaceous fuel heat source preferably continues its combustion at a lower temperature.
[000237] The inclusion of at least one peroxide or superoxide advantageously results in the ignition of the carbonaceous fuel heat source being initiated internally, and not just at a point on the surface thereof.
[000238] The carbonaceous fuel heat source preferably has porosity of between about 20 percent and about 80 percent, more preferably between about 20 percent and 60 percent. Where the combustible heat source comprises at least one metal nitrate salt, this advantageously allows oxygen to diffuse into the mass of the carbonaceous combustible heat source at a rate sufficient to maintain combustion while the at least one metal nitrate salt it decomposes and combustion proceeds. Even more preferably, the carbonaceous fuel heat source has a porosity of between about 50 percent and about 70 percent, more preferably between about 50 percent and about 60 percent, as measured by, for example, mercury porosimetry or helium pycnometry. The required porosity can be easily achieved during the production of the carbonaceous fuel heat source using conventional technology and methods.
[000239] Advantageously, carbonaceous combustible heat sources for use in smoking articles according to the invention have bulk density of between about 0.6 g/cm3 and about 1 g/cm3.
[000240] Preferably, the carbonaceous fuel heat source has a mass between about 300 mg and about 500 mg, more preferably between about 400 mg and about 450 mg.
[000241] Preferably, the carbonaceous combustible heat sources have a length of between about 7 mm and about 17 mm, more preferably between about 7 mm and about 15 mm, more preferably between about 7 mm and about 13 mm.
[000242] Preferably, the carbonaceous heat sources have a diameter between about 5 mm and about 9 mm, more preferably between about 7 mm and about 8 mm.
[000243] Preferably, the heat source is of substantially uniform diameter. However, the heat source may alternatively be tapered so that the diameter of the rear portion of the heat source is greater than the diameter of the border portion thereof. Particularly preferred are substantially cylindrical heat sources. The heat source may, for example, be a tapered cylinder or cylinder of substantially circular cross section or a tapered cylinder or cylinder of substantially elliptical cross section.
[000244] Preferably, the smoking articles according to the invention comprise an aerosol forming substrate comprising at least one aerosol former. The at least one aerosol former can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, when in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the smoking article. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, for example, polyhydric alcohols, esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers for use in the smoking articles in accordance with the invention are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and, most preferably, glycerin.
[000245] In such embodiments, isolation of the heat source from the aerosol forming substrate advantageously prevents or inhibits the migration of the at least one aerosol former from the aerosol forming substrate to the heat source during storage of the smoking articles. In such embodiments, isolation of the heat source from air drawn through the smoking article may also advantageously prevent or substantially inhibit migration of the at least one aerosol former from the aerosol forming substrate to the heat source during use. of the smoking article. Decomposition of the at least one aerosol former during use of the smoking article is, therefore, advantageously substantially avoided or reduced.
[000246] In embodiments where the aerosol forming substrate is located downstream of the heat source, the heat source and the aerosol forming substrate of smoking articles according to the invention may be substantially contiguous to each other. Alternatively, the heat source and the aerosol forming substrate of smoking articles according to the invention may be spaced from one another longitudinally.
[000247] In embodiments where the aerosol forming substrate is located downstream of the heat source, smoking articles according to the invention preferably further comprise a heat conducting element around and in direct contact with a rear portion of the source of heat and an adjacent boundary portion of the aerosol forming substrate. Preferably, the heat conducting element is combustion resistant and oxygen restricted.
[000248] The heat conducting element is found around and in direct contact with the peripheries of both the rear portion of the carbonaceous fuel heat source and the boundary portion of the aerosol generating substrate. The heat-conducting element provides a thermal link between these two components of smoking articles according to the invention.
[000249] Suitable heat conducting elements for use in smoking articles in accordance with the invention, include, but are not limited to: foil wrappers such as, for example, aluminum foil wrappers, steel wrappers, foil wrappers iron and copper foil casings; and metal alloy sheet casings.
[000250] In such embodiments, the rear portion of the carbonaceous fuel heat source surrounded by the heat conducting element is between about 2 mm and about 8 mm in length, more preferably between about 3 mm and about 5 mm of lenght.
[000251] Preferably, the border portion of the carbonaceous combustible heat source not enveloped by the heat conducting element is between about 4 mm and about 15 mm in length, more preferably between about 4 mm and about 8 mm in length.
Preferably, the aerosol forming substrate has a length between about 5 mm and about 20 mm, more preferably between about 8 mm and about 12 mm.
[000253] In certain preferred embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate extends at least about 3 mm beyond the heat-conducting element, downstream.
[000254] Preferably, the boundary portion of the aerosol forming substrate surrounded by the heat conducting element is between about 2 mm and about 10 mm in length, more preferably between about 3 mm and about 8 mm, most preferably still between about 4 mm and about 6 mm in length. Preferably, the rear portion of the aerosol forming substrate not surrounded by the heat conducting element is between about 3 mm and about 10 mm in length. In other words, the aerosol forming substrate preferably extends between about 3mm and about 10mm beyond the heat conducting element, downstream. More preferably, the aerosol forming substrate extends at least about 4 mm beyond the downstream heat-conducting element.
[000255] In other preferred embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate may extend less than 3 mm beyond the downstream heat-conducting element.
[000256] In yet further embodiments, the entire length of the aerosol forming substrate may be enveloped by a heat conducting element.
[000257] Preferably, smoking articles according to the invention comprise aerosol forming substrates comprising at least one aerosol former and a material capable of emitting volatile compounds in reaction to heating. Preferably, the material capable of emitting volatile compounds in reaction to heating is a load of herbal material, more preferably a load of homogenized herbal material. For example, the aerosol forming substrate can comprise one or more plant-derived materials, including, but not limited to: tobacco; tea, for example green tea; mint; blond; eucalyptus; basil; saves; verbena; and tarragon. Herbal material may contain additives, including but not limited to humectants, flavors, binders and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the herbal material is essentially tobacco material, more preferably homogenized tobacco material.
[000258] The aerosol forming substrate may comprise an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol targeting element and the aerosol forming substrate may comprise the same aerosol modifying agent or different aerosol modifying agents. Preferably, the aerosol directing element and the aerosol forming substrate comprise the same aerosol modifying agent. This advantageously increases the level of delivery of the aerosol modifying agent to a user. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol directing element and the aerosol forming substrate comprise menthol.
[000259] An aerosol modifying agent can be applied to one or more materials from which the aerosol forming substrate is formed prior to the formation of the aerosol forming substrate. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the aerosol forming substrate during formation of the aerosol forming substrate. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the aerosol-forming substrate after formation of the aerosol-forming substrate.
[000260] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the aerosol forming substrate by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the aerosol forming substrate with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000261] Alternatively or in addition thereto, the aerosol forming substrate may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent.
[000262] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the substrate by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the substrate with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000263] The substrate can be a porous sorption element. Suitable porous materials are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate fiber, cotton, open cell ceramic and polymeric foams, paper, porous ceramic elements, porous plastic elements, carbon porous elements, porous metal elements and combinations thereof.
[000264] The substrate can be a laminar substrate or a non-laminar substrate.
[000265] The substrate can be a fibrous or non-fibrous substrate. For example, the substrate can be a fibrous cotton substrate or a fibrous paper substrate.
[000266] Preferably, the substrate is a non-laminar substrate.
[000267] In certain preferred embodiments, the substrate is a non-laminar fibrous substrate. In certain preferred embodiments, the non-laminar fibrous substrate is a yarn.
[000268] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the non-laminar fibrous substrate is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.
[000269] Preferably, the smoking articles according to the invention additionally comprise an expansion chamber downstream of the air flow directing element. The inclusion of an expansion chamber advantageously allows for further cooling of the aerosol generated by the transfer of heat from the carbonaceous fuel heat source to the aerosol forming substrate. The expansion chamber also advantageously allows the overall length of the smoking articles according to the invention to be adjusted to a desired value, for example to a length similar to that of conventional cigarettes, by means of the appropriate choice of the length of the expansion chamber. Preferably, the expansion chamber is an elongated hollow tube.
[000270] The expansion chamber may comprise an aerosol modifying agent. For example, where the expansion chamber is an elongated hollow tube, an aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the interior of the expansion chamber. The aerosol directing element and the expansion chamber may comprise the same aerosol modifying agent or different aerosol modifying agents. Preferably, the aerosol directing element and the expansion chamber comprise the same aerosol modifying agent. This advantageously increases the level of delivery of the aerosol modifying agent to a user. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol directing element and the expansion chamber comprise menthol.
[000271] An aerosol modifying agent can be applied to one or more materials from which the expansion chamber was formed prior to formation of the expansion chamber. Alternatively, or in addition to this, an aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the expansion chamber during formation of the expansion chamber. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the expansion chamber after formation of the expansion chamber.
[000272] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the expansion chamber by, for example, coating, painting or spraying the interior of the expansion chamber with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000273] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the expansion chamber may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent.
[000274] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the substrate by means of, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the substrate with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000275] The substrate can be a porous sorption element. Suitable porous materials are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate fiber, cotton, open cell ceramic and polymeric foams, paper, tobacco material, porous ceramic elements, porous plastic elements, elements porous carbon, porous metallic elements and combinations thereof.
[000276] The substrate can be a laminar substrate or a non-laminar substrate.
[000277] The substrate can be a fibrous or non-fibrous substrate. For example, the substrate can be a fibrous cotton substrate or a fibrous paper substrate.
[000278] Preferably, the substrate is a non-laminar substrate.
[000279] The substrate may be a non-laminar fibrous substrate. The non-laminar fibrous substrate may be a strand.
[000280] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the non-laminar fibrous substrate is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.
[000281] Preferably, the smoking articles according to the invention further comprise an aerosol cooling element downstream of the air flow directing element and, where present, downstream of the expansion chamber.
[000282] As used in this document, the term "aerosol cooling element" is used to describe an element with large surface area and low drag resistance. When in use, an aerosol formed from volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate passes over and is cooled by the aerosol cooling element before being inhaled by the user. Chambers and cavities within the confines of an aerosol generating article are also not considered to be aerosol refrigeration elements. The aerosol cooling element may alternatively be called a "heat exchanger".
[000283] The aerosol cooling element can have a surface area of between about 300 m2 per mm long and about 1000 m2 per mm long. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element has a total surface area of about 500 mm2 per mm in length.
[000284] The aerosol cooling element preferably has low drag resistance. That is, the aerosol cooling element preferably offers low resistance to the passage of air through the smoking article. Preferably, the aerosol cooling element does not substantially affect the drag resistance of the smoking article.
[000285] Preferably, the aerosol cooling element has a porosity of between about 50% and 90% longitudinally. The longitudinal porosity of the aerosol coolant element is defined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the material forming the aerosol coolant element to the inner cross-sectional area of the smoking article at the position of the aerosol coolant element.
[000286] The aerosol cooling element may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. The plurality of longitudinally extending channels can be defined by a board material that has been crimped and/or pleated and/or grouped and/or folded to form the channels. The plurality of longitudinally extending channels can be defined by a single individual plate that has been crimped and/or pleated and/or grouped and/or folded to form multiple channels. Alternatively, the plurality of longitudinally extending channels can be defined by multiple plates that have already been crimped and/or pleated and/or grouped and/or folded to form multiple channels.
[000287] Preferably, the air flow through the aerosol cooling element does not deviate to a substantial degree between adjacent channels. In other words, it is preferred that the air flow through the aerosol coolant element is longitudinally along a longitudinal channel, without significant radial deviation. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element is formed from a material of low porosity, or substantially no porosity, other than the longitudinally extending channels. For example, the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a plate material with low porosity or substantially no porosity that has been crimped and/or crimped and/or grouped and/or folded to form the channels.
[000288] In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may comprise a grouped plate of material selected from a group consisting of sheet metal, polymeric material and substantially non-porous paper or paperboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may comprise a grouped plate of material selected from a group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA ), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.
[000289] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element comprises a grouped plate of biodegradable material. For example, a grouped board of non-porous paper or a grouped board of biodegradable polymeric material, such as, for example, a polylactic acid or a type of Mater-Bi® (a commercially available family of copolyester-based starches).
[000290] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element comprises a grouped plate of polylactic acid.
[000291] The aerosol cooling element can be formed from a grouped plate of material with specific surface area between about 10 mm2 per mg and about 100 mm2 per mg weight. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a grouped plate of material having a specific surface area of about 35 mm2 per mg.
[000292] When an aerosol containing a certain proportion of water vapor is drawn through the aerosol cooling element, some of the water vapor may condense on a surface of the aerosol cooling element. In such cases, it is preferable that the condensed water remains in the form of droplets on the surface of the aerosol cooling element rather than being absorbed by the aerosol cooling element. Therefore, it is preferred that the aerosol cooling element is formed from material that is substantially non-porous or substantially non-absorbent with respect to water.
[000293] The aerosol coolant element acts to cool the temperature of an aerosol stream drawn through the aerosol coolant element by means of a heat transfer. Aerosol components will interact with the aerosol coolant element and will lose thermal energy.
[000294] The aerosol cooling element can act to cool the temperature of an aerosol stream drawn through the aerosol cooling element by means of undergoing a phase transformation that consumes thermal energy from the aerosol stream. For example, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material that undergoes an endothermic phase transformation, such as, for example, melting or transitioning to glass.
[000295] The aerosol cooling element can act to reduce the temperature of an aerosol stream drawn through the aerosol cooling element causing condensation of components such as water vapor from the aerosol stream. Due to condensation, the aerosol flow may be drier after passing through the aerosol cooling element. In some embodiments, the water vapor content of an aerosol stream drawn through the aerosol coolant element can be reduced by between about 20% and about 90%. The user may perceive the temperature of a drier aerosol to be lower than the temperature of a wetter aerosol at the same temperature.
[000296] In some embodiments, the temperature of an aerosol stream can be reduced by more than 10 degrees Celsius as it is drawn through the aerosol coolant element. In some embodiments, the temperature of an aerosol stream can be reduced by more than 15 degrees Celsius or more than 20 degrees Celsius as it is drawn through the aerosol coolant element.
[000297] In some embodiments, the aerosol coolant element removes a proportion of the water vapor content of an aerosol drawn through the aerosol coolant element. In some embodiments, a proportion of other volatile substances can be removed from the aerosol stream as the aerosol is drawn through the aerosol coolant element. For example, in certain embodiments a proportion of phenolic compounds may be removed from the aerosol stream as the aerosol is drawn through the aerosol coolant element.
[000298] Phenolic compounds can be removed by interacting with the material that forms the aerosol coolant element. For example, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material that adsorbs phenolic compounds (eg phenols and cresols).
[000299] Phenolic compounds can be removed through interaction with condensed water droplets on the surface of the aerosol cooling element.
[000300] As noted above, the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a plate of suitable material that has been crimped and/or pleated and/or grouped and/or folded to define a plurality of extending channels longitudinally. A cross-sectional profile of such an aerosol coolant element may expose the channels as being randomly oriented. The aerosol coolant element can be formed by other means. For example, the aerosol coolant element can be formed from a bundle of longitudinally extending tubes. The aerosol coolant element can be formed by extrusion, molding, laminating, injecting or grinding a suitable material.
[000301] The aerosol cooling element may comprise an inner casing which contains or locates the longitudinally extending channels. For example, a pleated, grouped or folded plate material may be packaged in casing material, e.g., a plug casing, to form the aerosol coolant element. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element comprises a sheet of crimped material that is grouped in a cylindrical shape and bounded by an inner shell, for example, an inner shell of filter paper.
[000302] The aerosol cooling element may have a diameter between about 5 mm and about 9 mm, more preferably between about 7 mm and about 8 mm.
[000303] The aerosol cooling element can have a length of between about 5 mm and about 25 mm.
[000304] The aerosol forming element may comprise an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol directing element and the aerosol cooling element can comprise the same aerosol modifying agent or different aerosol modifying agents. Preferably, the aerosol directing element and the aerosol cooling element comprise the same aerosol modifying agent. This advantageously increases the level of delivery of the aerosol modifying agent to a user. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol directing element and the aerosol cooling element comprise menthol.
[000305] An aerosol modifying agent can be applied to one or more materials from which the aerosol cooling element is formed prior to formation of the aerosol forming element. Alternatively, or in addition to this, an aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the aerosol coolant element during formation of the aerosol coolant element. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the aerosol coolant element after formation of the aerosol coolant element.
[000306] In embodiments where the aerosol cooling element is formed from a grouped plate of material, the grouped plate of material may comprise an aerosol modifying agent.
[000307] Alternatively, or in addition to this, in embodiments where the aerosol cooling element comprises an inner shell, the inner shell may comprise an aerosol modifying agent.
[000308] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol cooling element may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent located in a channel extending longitudinally of the aerosol cooling element.
[000309] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the sheet of pooled material and/or the casing and/or the substrate by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the sheet of pooled material and/or the envelope and/or the substrate with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000310] The substrate can be a porous sorption element. Suitable porous materials are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate fiber, cotton, open cell ceramic and polymeric foams, paper, tobacco material, porous ceramic elements, porous plastic elements, elements porous carbon, porous metallic elements and combinations thereof.
[000311] The substrate can be a laminar substrate or a non-laminar substrate.
[000312] The substrate can be a fibrous or non-fibrous substrate. For example, the substrate can be a fibrous cotton substrate or a fibrous paper substrate.
[000313] Preferably, the substrate is a non-laminar substrate.
[000314] In certain preferred embodiments, the substrate is a non-laminar fibrous substrate. In certain preferred embodiments, the non-laminar fibrous substrate is a yarn.
[000315] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the non-laminar fibrous substrate is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.
[000316] Preferably, the smoking articles according to the invention further comprise a mouthpiece downstream of the air flow directing element and, where present, downstream of the expansion chamber and the aerosol cooling element. Preferably, the nozzle is of low filtration efficiency, more preferably of very low filtration efficiency. The nozzle can be a single segment or a single component nozzle. Alternatively, the nozzle can be a multi-threaded or multi-component nozzle.
[000317] The nozzle may comprise, for example, a filter made from cellulose acetate, paper or other suitable known filtration materials.
[000318] The mouthpiece may comprise an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol directing element and the mouthpiece may comprise the same aerosol modifying agent or different aerosol modifying agents. Preferably, the aerosol directing member and the mouthpiece comprise the same aerosol modifying agent. This advantageously increases the level of delivery of the aerosol modifying agent to a user. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol directing element and the mouthpiece comprise menthol.
[000319] An aerosol modifying agent can be applied to one or more materials from which the nozzle is formed prior to formation of the nozzle. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the nozzle during formation of the aerosol coolant element. Alternatively, or in addition to this, an aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the nozzle after formation of the nozzle.
[000320] In certain embodiments, the nozzle may comprise a plug of porous filtration material, for example, cellulose acetate fiber or paper, circumscribed by an inner casing, for example, filter plug casing. In such embodiments, either the plug of porous filtration material or the inner shell, or both, may comprise an aerosol modifying agent.
[000321] The mouthpiece may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent. In embodiments where the nozzle comprises a plug of porous filtration material circumscribed by an inner shell, the nozzle may comprise a substrate comprising an aerosol modifying agent located in the plug of porous filtration material.
[000322] The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the substrate by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the substrate with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000323] The substrate can be a porous sorption element. Suitable porous materials are well known in the scope of the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate fiber, cotton, open cell ceramic and polymeric foams, paper, tobacco material, porous ceramic elements, porous plastic elements, elements porous carbon, porous metallic elements and combinations thereof.
[000324] The substrate can be a laminar substrate or a non-laminar substrate.
[000325] The substrate can be a fibrous or non-fibrous substrate. For example, the substrate can be a fibrous cotton substrate or a fibrous paper substrate.
[000326] Preferably, the substrate is a non-laminar substrate.
[000327] In certain preferred embodiments, the substrate is a non-laminar fibrous substrate. In certain preferred embodiments, the non-laminar fibrous substrate is a yarn.
[000328] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the non-laminar fibrous substrate is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.
[000329] Smoking articles according to the invention may be packaged in containers comprising an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol directing element and the container may comprise the same aerosol modifying agent or different aerosol modifying agents. Preferably, the aerosol directing member and the container comprise the same aerosol modifying agent. This advantageously increases the level of delivery of the aerosol modifying agent to a user. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol directing member and the container comprise menthol.
[000330] For example, a bundle of smoking articles according to the invention may be housed in a hinge-lid or "slide and shell" type container comprising an aerosol modifying agent. The bundle of smoking articles may be packaged by an inner liner comprising the aerosol modifying agent. The inner liner can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including, but not limited to, aluminum foil or foil. The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the inner liner by, for example, coating, dipping, injecting, painting or spraying the inner liner with the aerosol modifying agent.
[000331] Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be applicable to other aspects of the invention.
[000332] The invention will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings in which:
[000333] Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a smoking article according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[000334] Figure 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a smoking article according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[000335] Figure 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a smoking article according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[000336] Figure 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a smoking article according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
[000337] Figure 5 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a smoking article according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
[000338] Figure 6 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a smoking article according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; and
[000339] Figure 7 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a smoking article according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.
[000340] The smoking article 2, according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, comprises a blind carbonaceous combustible heat source 4, an aerosol forming substrate 6, an air flow directing element 8, a expansion chamber 10 and a nozzle 12 in contiguous coaxial alignment. Carbonaceous combustible heat source 4, aerosol forming substrate 6, air flow directing element 8, elongated expansion chamber 10, and nozzle 12 are enclosed in an outer wrapper 14 of low permeability cigarette paper. on the air.
[000341] The aerosol forming substrate 6 is located immediately downstream of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 and comprises a cylindrical plug 16 of tobacco material comprising glycerin as an aerosol former and circumscribed by the filter plug housing 18 .
[000342] A non-combustible, substantially airtight barrier is provided between the downstream end of the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4 and the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate 6. As depicted in Figure 1, the non-combustible barrier and substantially impermeable to air consists of a non-combustible and substantially impermeable barrier coating 20, which is provided over the entire rear face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4.
[000343] A heat conducting element 22 consisting of a tubular layer of aluminum foil surrounds and is in direct contact with a rear portion 4b of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 and a contiguous border portion 6a of the aerosol forming substrate 6. As shown in Figure 1, a rear portion of the aerosol forming substrate 6 is not surrounded by the heat conducting element 22.
[000344] The air flow directing element 8 is located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 6 and comprises a hollow tube substantially impermeable to air and with an open end 24 made of, for example, paperboard, which is of reduced diameter as compared to the aerosol forming substrate 6. The upstream end of the hollow open-ended tube 24 is contiguous with the aerosol forming substrate 6. The upstream end of the hollow open-ended tube 24 is surrounded by a seal substantially air-impermeable annular 26 of substantially identical diameter as the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The remainder of the open-ended hollow tube 24 is circumscribed by an air-permeable annular diffuser 28 made of, for example, cellulose acetate fiber, which has substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate 6.
[000345] The open-ended hollow tube 24, the substantially air-impermeable annular seal 26 and the air-permeable annular diffuser 28 may be separate components that are adhered or otherwise connected to form the flow directing element of air 8 before assembling the smoking article 2. Alternatively, the hollow open-ended tube 24 and the substantially airtight annular seal 26 may be parts of a single component which is adhered or otherwise connected to an annular permeable diffuser to the separate air 28 so as to form the air flow directing element 8 before assembling the smoking article. In still further embodiments, the open-ended hollow tube 24, the substantially air-impermeable annular seal 26 and the air-permeable annular diffuser 28 may be parts of a single individual. For example, the open-ended hollow tube 24, substantially air-impermeable annular seal 26 and air-permeable annular diffuser 28 may be parts of a single hollow tube of air-permeable material having applied to its inner surface and rear face a substantially coating. waterproof.
[000346] The air flow directing element 8 comprises an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the annular air permeable diffuser 28. Alternatively or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the interior of the hollow open-ended tube 24.
[000347] As shown in Figure 1, the open-ended hollow tube 24 and the air-permeable annular diffuser 28 are circumscribed by an air-permeable inner casing 30.
[000348] As also shown in Figure 1, a circumferential arrangement of air inlets 32 is provided in the outer shell 14 which circumscribes the inner shell 30.
[000349] The expansion chamber 10 is located downstream of the air flow directing element 8 and comprises a hollow tube with an open end 34 made of, for example, cardboard, which has substantially the same diameter as the substrate. aerosol formation 6.
[000350] The nozzle 12 of the smoking article 2 is located downstream of the expansion chamber 10 and comprises a cylindrical plug 36 of cellulose acetate fiber of low filtration efficiency circumscribed by the filter plug housing 38. The nozzle 12 can be circumscribed by tip paper (not shown).
[000351] As described below, an air flow path extends between the air inlets 32 and the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The outer-delimited volume of the open-ended hollow tube 24 of the air flow directing element 8 and the inner shell 30 forms a first portion of the air flow path extending from the air inlets 32 to the forming substrate. of aerosol 6. The volume delimited by the interior of the hollow cone with open end 24 of the air flow directing element 8 forms a second portion of the air flow path which extends downstream towards the nozzle 12 of the smoking article 2, between the aerosol forming substrate 6 and the expansion chamber 10.
[000352] During use, when the user brings in the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention, the fresh (represented by dotted arrows in Figure 1) is sucked into the smoking article 2 through the air inlets 32 and the inner shell 30. The aspirated air passes to the aerosol forming substrate 6 along the first portion of the air flow path between the outside of the hollow tube with open end 24 of the air flow directing member 8 and the inner shell 30 and through the annular air permeable diffuser 28.
[000353] The boundary portion 6a of the aerosol forming substrate 6 is heated by conduction through the contiguous rear portion 4b of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 and the heat conducting element 22. Heating the aerosol forming substrate 6 releases compounds volatiles, semi-volatiles, and glycerin from the tobacco material plug 16, which forms an aerosol that is drawn into the drawn air as it flows through the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The drawn air and drawn aerosol (represented by the dashed and dotted arrows in Figure 1) pass downstream along the second portion of the air flow path, through the interior of the hollow cone with open end 24 of the air flow directing element 8, to the expansion chamber 10, where they cool and condense. The cooled aerosol then passes downstream through the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention into the user's mouth.
[000354] As the sucked air passes between the outside of the hollow tube with open end 24 of the air flow directing element 8 and the inner shell 30 and through the annular air permeable diffuser 28 and downstream through the inside of the hollow tube with the open end 24 of the directing element 8, the aerosol modifying agent in the air flow directing element 8 is likewise drawn into the aspirated air and mixes with the volatile and semi-volatile compounds and glycerin released by the aerosol-forming substrate 6. To increase the level of aerosol modifying agent in the aerosol delivered to the user, the aerosol forming substrate 6 and/or the expansion chamber 10 and the nozzle 12 of the smoking article 2 may also comprise the aerosol modifying agent.
[000355] The non-combustible and substantially air-impermeable barrier coating 20 provided on the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 isolates the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 from the air flow path through the smoking article 2 such that, when in use, the air drawn through the smoking article 2 along the first portion and the second portion of the air flow path does not come into direct contact with the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4.
[000356] The smoking article 40 according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 is of similar construction to the smoking article according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1; the same reference numerals are used in Figure 2 for part of a smoking article 40 according to the second embodiment of the invention corresponding to parts of the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 and described above.
[000357] As shown in Figure 2, the smoking article 40 according to the second embodiment of the invention differs from the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 in that the hollow tube with open end is substantially impermeable to the air 24 of the air flow directing element 8 is not circumscribed by the annular air-permeable diffuser 28. The smoking article 40 according to the second embodiment of the invention differs equally from the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 as the upstream end of the open-ended hollow tube 24 extends into the aerosol forming substrate 6.
[000358] The air flow directing element 8 of the smoking article 40 according to the second embodiment of the invention comprises an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the exterior of the hollow open-ended tube 24. Alternatively or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the interior of the hollow open-ended tube 24.
[000359] During use, when the user brings in the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 40 according to the second embodiment of the invention, the fresh (represented by dotted arrows in Figure 2) is sucked into the smoking article 40 through the air inlets 32. The aspirated air passes to the aerosol forming substrate 6 along the first portion of the air flow path between the exterior of the hollow open-ended cone 24, the air flow directing member 8 and the outer shell 30.
[000360] The boundary portion 6a of the aerosol forming substrate 6 of the smoking article 40 according to the second embodiment of the invention is heated by conduction through the adjoining rear portion 4b of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 and the heat conducting element 22 Heating the aerosol forming substrate 6 releases volatile, semi-volatile compounds and glycerin from the tobacco material plug 16, which forms an aerosol that is drawn into the aspirated air as it flows through the aerosol forming substrate 6. The air aspirated and drawn aerosol (represented by the dashed and dotted arrows in Figure 2) pass downstream along the second portion of the air flow path, through the interior of the hollow cone with open end 24 of the air flow directing element 8 , to expansion chamber 10, where they cool and condense. The cooled aerosol then passes downstream through the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 40 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention into the user's mouth.
[000361] As the aspirated air passes between the outside of the hollow tube with open end 24 of the air flow directing element 8 and the inner casing 30 and downstream through the interior of the hollow tube with open end 24 of the air flow directing element air flow 8, the aerosol modifying agent in the air flow directing element 8 is also drawn into the aspirated air and mixes with the volatile and semi-volatile compounds and glycerin released by the aerosol forming substrate 6. To increase the level of the aerosol modifying agent in the aerosol dispensed to the user, the aerosol forming substrate 6 and/or the expansion chamber 10 and the nozzle 12 of the smoking article 40 may also comprise the aerosol modifying agent.
[000362] The non-combustible and substantially air-impermeable barrier coating 20 provided on the rear face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4 isolates the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4 from the air flow path through the smoking article 40 such that, when in use, the air drawn through the smoking article 40 along the first portion and the second portion of the air flow path does not come into direct contact with the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4.
[000363] The smoking article 50 according to the third embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 is also of similar construction to the smoking article according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1; the same reference numerals are used in Figure 3 for part of a smoking article 50 according to the third embodiment of the invention corresponding to portions of the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 and described above.
[000364] As shown in Figure 3, the construction of the airflow directing element 8 of the smoking article 50 according to the third embodiment of the invention differs from the construction of the airflow directing element 8 of the smoking article according to the first embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 1. In the third embodiment of the invention, the air flow directing element 8 is located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 6 and comprises a substantially air-tight, truncated hollow cone with open end 52 made of, for example, paperboard. The downstream end of the hollow open ended truncated cone 52 has substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate 6 and the upstream end of the hollow open ended truncated cone 52 is reduced in diameter compared to the aerosol forming substrate 6.
[000365] The upstream end of the hollow cone 52 is contiguous to the aerosol forming substrate 6 and is circumscribed by an air permeable cylindrical plug 54 of substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate 6. The air permeable cylindrical plug 58 can be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to porous materials such as, for example, cellulose acetate fiber of very low filtration efficiency.
[000366] The upstream end of the open-ended truncated hollow cone 52 abuts the aerosol forming substrate 6 and is circumscribed by an annular air-permeable diffuser 54 made of, for example, cellulose acetate fiber, of substantially diameter identical to that of the aerosol forming substrate 6 and is circumscribed by the filter plug housing 56.
[000367] As shown in Figure 3, the portion of the hollow truncated cone with open end 52 that is not circumscribed by the annular air permeable diffuser 54 is circumscribed by an inner casing 58 of low air permeability made of, for example, paperboard.
[000368] The air flow directing element 8 of the smoking article 50 according to the third embodiment of the invention comprises an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the annular air permeable diffuser 54 and/or to the exterior of the hollow truncated cone with open end 52 which is not circumscribed by the annular air permeable diffuser 54. Alternatively or in addition to this, the agent of aerosol modification can be applied to the interior of the hollow truncated cone with open end 52.
[000369] As also shown in Figure 3, a circumferential arrangement of air inlets 32 is provided in the outer shell 14, and the inner shell 58 circumscribing the hollow truncated cone with open end 52 downstream of the annular air permeable diffuser 54.
[000370] An air flow path extends between the air inlets 32 and the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 50 according to the third embodiment of the invention. The volume delimited by the exterior of the hollow truncated cone with open end 52, the air flow directing member 8 and the outer shell 56 form a first portion of the air flow path extending longitudinally from the air inlets 32 to the aerosol forming substrate 6. The volume delimited by the interior of the hollow cone 52 of the air flow directing element 8 forms a second portion of the air flow path extending downstream towards the nozzle 12 of the smoking article 50 , between the aerosol forming substrate 6 and the expansion chamber 10.
[000371] During use, when the user draws through the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 50 according to the third embodiment of the invention, fresh air (represented by dotted arrows in Figure 3) is sucked into the smoking article 50 through the inlets of air 32. The aspirated air passes to the aerosol forming substrate 6 along the first portion of the air flow path between the outside of the open-ended truncated hollow cone 52 of the air flow directing element 8 and the inner shell 56 and through the annular air permeable diffuser 54.
[000372] The boundary portion 6a of the aerosol forming substrate 6 of the smoking article 50 according to the third embodiment of the invention is heated by conduction through the adjoining rear portion 4b of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 and the heat conducting element 22 Heating the aerosol forming substrate 6 releases volatile, semi-volatile compounds and glycerin from the plug 16 of the homogenized tobacco material, which forms an aerosol which is drawn into the aspirated air flowing through the aerosol forming substrate 6. The air puffed and puffed aerosol (indicated by the dashed and dotted arrows in Figure 3) pass downstream along the second portion of the air flow path through the interior of the hollow truncated cone with open end 52 of the air flow directing element 8 to expansion chamber 10, where they cool and condense. The cooled aerosol then passes downstream through the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 50 in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention into the user's mouth.
[000373] As the sucked air passes between the outside of the hollow cone of truncated open end 52 of the air flow directing element 8 and the inner casing 56 and downstream through the annular air permeable diffuser 54 and downstream through the interior of the hollow truncated cone with open end 52 of the air flow directing element 8, the aerosol modifying agent in the air flow directing element 8 is likewise drawn into the drawn in air and mixes with the volatile and semi-volatile compounds and the glycerin released by the aerosol-forming substrate 6. To increase the level of the aerosol modifying agent in the aerosol delivered to the user, the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and/or the nozzle 12 of the smoking article 50 may also comprise the modifying agent aerosol spray.
[000374] The non-combustible and substantially airtight barrier coating 20 provided on the rear face of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 isolates the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 from the air flow path through the smoking article 50 such that, when in use, the air drawn through the smoking article 50 along the first portion and the second portion of the air flow path does not come into direct contact with the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4.
[000375] As shown in Figure 4, the smoking article 60 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention differs from the smoking article 50 according to the third embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 in that the upstream end of the hollow cone is truncated The substantially air impermeable 52 of the air flow directing member 8 extends into the aerosol forming substrate 6 and is not circumscribed by an annular air permeable diffuser 54. The smoking article 60 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the The invention differs even more from the smoking article 50 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 in that the air-impermeable substantially truncated hollow cone 52 is not circumscribed by an inner shell 58.
[000376] The air flow directing element 8 of the smoking article 60 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention comprises an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the exterior of the hollow open ended truncated cone 52. Alternatively or in addition to this, the aerosol modifying agent can be applied to the interior of the hollow truncated open ended cone 52.
[000377] During use, when the user draws through the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 60 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention, fresh air (represented by dotted arrows in Figure 4) is sucked into the smoking article 60 through the inlets of air 32. The aspirated air passes to the aerosol forming substrate 6 along the first portion of the air flow path between the outside of the open-ended truncated hollow cone 52 of the air flow directing element 8 and the housing exterior 14.
[000378] The boundary portion 6a of the aerosol forming substrate 6 of the smoking article 60 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention is heated by conduction through the adjoining rear portion 4b of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 and the heat conducting element 22 Heating the aerosol forming substrate 6 releases volatile, semi-volatile compounds and glycerin from the tobacco material plug 16, which forms an aerosol that is drawn into the aspirated air as it flows through the aerosol forming substrate 6. The air aspirated and drawn aerosol (represented by dashed and dotted arrows in Figure 4) passes downstream along the second portion of the air flow path through the interior of the hollow truncated cone with open end 52 of the air flow directing element 8 to the expansion chamber 10, where they cool and condense. The cooled aerosol then passes downstream through the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 60 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention into the user's mouth.
[000379] As the aspirated air passes between the exterior of the hollow tube with open end 52 of the air flow directing element 8 and the outer casing 14 and downstream through the interior of the hollow truncated cone with open end 52 of the directing element of the air flow 8, the aerosol modifying agent in the air flow directing element 8 is likewise drawn into the aspirated air and mixes with the volatile and semi-volatile compounds and glycerin released by the aerosol-forming substrate 6. To increase the aerosol modifying agent level in the aerosol dispensed to the user, the aerosol forming substrate 6 and/or the expansion chamber 10 and/or the nozzle 12 of the smoking article 60 may also comprise the aerosol modifying agent.
[000380] The substantially airtight, non-combustible barrier coating 20 provided on the rear face of the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4 isolates the heat source 4 from the airflow path such that, during use, the air drawn through the smoking article 60 along the first portion and the second portion of the air flow path does not come into direct contact with the carbonaceous combustible heat source 4.
[000381] The smoking article 70 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5 is also of similar construction to the smoking article according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1; the same reference numerals are used in Figure 5 for portions of a smoking article 70 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention corresponding to portions of the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 and described above.
[000382] As shown in Figure 5, the smoking article 70 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention differs from the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 in that the aerosol cooling element 72 is provided between expansion chamber 10 and nozzle 12.
[000383] The aerosol cooling element 72 comprises a grouped and crimped plate of biodegradable material 74 made of, for example, polylactic acid (PLA) circumscribed by the filter housing plug 76. As shown in Figure 5, the crimped sheet and The unitized biodegradable material 74 defines a plurality of channels extending along the length of the aerosol cooling element 72, extending longitudinally. The aerosol cooling element further comprises an elongated non-laminar fibrous substrate 78. As shown in Figure 5, the non-laminar fibrous substrate 78 is centrally located in a channel extending longitudinally of the aerosol cooling element 72 with the longitudinal axis of the substrate Non-laminar fibrous substrate 78 disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of smoking article 70. The elongated non-laminar fibrous substrate 78 comprises the same aerosol modifying agent as the air flow directing element 8.
[000384] During use, when the consumer brings into the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 70, according to the fifth embodiment of the invention, the cold air (represented by the dotted arrows in Figure 5) is sucked into the smoking article 70 through the air inlets 32 and inner housing 30. The aspirated air passes to the aerosol forming substrate 6 along the first portion of the air flow path between the outside of the hollow tube with open end 24 of the air flow directing member. air 8 and the inner shell 30 and through the annular air permeable diffuser 28.
[000385] The boundary portion 6a of the aerosol forming substrate 6 is heated by conduction through the contiguous rear portion 4b of the carbonaceous fuel heat source 4 and the heat conducting element 22. Heating the aerosol forming substrate 6 releases compounds volatiles, semi-volatiles, and glycerin from the tobacco material plug 16, which forms an aerosol that is drawn into the drawn air as it flows through the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The drawn air and drawn aerosol (represented by the dashed and dotted arrows in Figure 5) pass downstream along the second portion of the air flow path, through the interior of the hollow cone with open end 24 of the air flow directing element 8, to the expansion chamber 10, where they cool and condense. The cooled aerosol then passes downstream through the aerosol cooling element 72 and the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 2, in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the invention, into the user's mouth. As the aerosol passes through the plurality of longitudinally extending channels of the aerosol cooling element 72, the temperature of the aerosol is further reduced due to thermal energy transfer to the crimped and joined sheet of biodegradable material 74 of the aerosol cooling element 72 .
[000386] As the sucked air passes between the outside of the hollow tube with open end 24 of the air flow directing element 8 and the inner shell 30 and through the annular air permeable diffuser 28 and downstream through the inside of the hollow tube with the open end 24 of the directing element 8, the aerosol modifying agent in the air flow directing element 8 is likewise drawn into the aspirated air and mixes with the volatile and semi-volatile compounds and glycerin released by the aerosol-forming substrate 6. As the aerosol passes downstream through the aerosol coolant element 72, the aerosol modifying agent loaded on the elongated non-fibrous substrate 76, the aerosol coolant element 72 is also entrained in the entrained air, thereby increasing the level of modifier of aerosol in the aerosol dispensed to the user.
[000387] To further increase the level of the aerosol modifying agent in the aerosol delivered to the user, one or more of the aerosol forming substrate 6, the expansion chamber 10 and the nozzle 12 of the smoking article 2 may also comprise the agent of aerosol modification.
[000388] It should be appreciated that smoking articles according to additional embodiments of the invention (not shown) of similar construction to smoking articles according to the second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, respectively, can also be produced in which an aerosol cooling element 72 is provided between the expansion chamber 10 and the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article.
[000389] It should also be appreciated that smoking articles according to additional embodiments of the invention (not shown) of similar construction to smoking articles according to the first, second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4, respectively, can also be produced in which the expansion chamber 10 is omitted and an aerosol refrigeration element 72 is provided between the aerosol directing element 8 and the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article.
[000390] The smoking article 80 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6 is also of similar construction to the smoking article according to the fifth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5; the same reference numerals are used in Figure 6 for portions of a smoking article 80 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention corresponding to the portions of the smoking article 70 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5 and described above.
[000391] As shown in Figure 6, the construction of the airflow directing element 8 of the smoking article 80 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention differs from the construction of the airflow directing element 8 of the smoking article according to the fifth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5. In the sixth embodiment of the invention, the air flow directing member 8 does not comprise a substantially annular air-tight seal 26 of substantially the same diameter as the aerosol forming substrate 6 which surrounds the downstream end of the open-ended hollow tube 24.
[000392] As also shown in Figure 6, in the smoking article 80 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention, the circumferential arrangement of the air inlets 32 provided in the outer shell 14 circumscribe the inner shell 30 of the annular permeable air diffuser 28, located near the upstream end of the annular air permeable diffuser 28. In the embodiment exemplified in Figure 6, the air inlets 32 are located about 3 mm from the upstream end of the air permeable diffuser 28, and the full length of the diffuser air permeable 28 is about 28 mm. As a result, the drag-resistance ratio of a first portion of the air-permeable diffuser 28 between the air inlets 32 and the downstream end of the air-permeable diffuser and the drag-resistance of the second portion of the diffuser The air permeable diffuser 28 between the air inlets 32 and the upstream end of the air permeable diffuser is about 10:1.
[000393] During use, when the consumer brings into the mouthpiece 12 of the smoking article 80 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention, cold air (indicated by the dotted arrows in Figure 6) is sucked into the smoking article 80 through the inlets of air 32 and inner housing 30. Due to the low drag resistance of the second portion of the air permeable diffuser 28, the sucked air passes through the aerosol forming substrate 6 along the first portion of the air flow path between the the outside of the open-ended hollow tube 24 of the air flow directing member 8 and the inner housing 30 and through the second portion of the air permeable diffuser 28.
[000394] It should be appreciated that smoking articles in accordance with additional embodiments of the invention (not shown) having similar construction as smoking articles in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 may be similarly produced in that the waterproof sealant the substantially annular air 26 of the air flow directing element is omitted.
[000395] A smoking article according to a seventh embodiment of the invention has similar construction to the smoking article according to the sixth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6. The construction of the air flow directing element 8 of the smoking article according to the seventh embodiment of the invention differs from the construction of the air flow directing element 8 of the smoking article according to the sixth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 7, in the seventh embodiment of the invention, the air permeable diffuser The annular ring 28 of the air flow directing element 8 comprises a first portion 28a, a second portion 28b, upstream of the first portion 28a, and a third portion 28c, downstream of the first portion 28a. The drag resistance of the second portion 28b of the air-permeable diffuser 28 is substantially equal to the drag-resistance of the third portion 28c of the air-permeable diffuser 28. The drag-resistance of the first portion 28a of the air-permeable diffuser air 28 is greater than the drag resistance of the second portion 28b and the drag resistance of the third portion 28c of the air permeable diffuser 28.
[000396] In the smoking article, according to the seventh embodiment of the invention, the circumferential arrangement of the air inlets 32 provided in the outer casing 14 circumscribe the inner casing 30 of the annular air permeable diffuser 28, located near the interface between the first portion 28a of the air permeable diffuser 28 and the second portion 28b of the air permeable diffuser 28. The ratio of the combined drag resistances of the first portion 28a and third portion 28c of the air permeable diffuser 28 and the drag resistance of the second portion 28b of the air permeable diffuser is about 10:1.
[000397] The smoking articles according to the first, second and third embodiments of the invention shown in figures 1, 2 and 3 are assembled with the dimensions shown in Table 1. Examples
[000398] The smoking articles according to the fifth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5 are assembled with the dimensions and properties shown in Table 2, in which: (a) the aerosol forming substrate 6, the flow directing element of air 8, the aerosol coolant element 72 and the nozzle 12 comprise menthol; and (b) the air flow directing element 8, the aerosol refrigeration element 72 and the nozzle 12 comprise menthol.
[000399] For comparison, smoking articles which are not according to the invention of identical construction are prepared wherein: (c) the aerosol forming substrate 6, the aerosol cooling element 72 and the nozzle 12 comprise menthol.
[000400] In (a) and (b), menthol is applied to the annular air permeable diffuser 28 of the air flow directing element 8.
[000401] In (a) and (c) menthol is sprayed onto the tobacco material used to form the cylindrical plug 16 of the tobacco material of the aerosol forming substrate 6.
[000402] In (a), (b) and (c), menthol is also applied to the elongated non-laminar fibrous substrate 78 located centrally in the aerosol coolant element 72 and injected into the cellulose acetate fiber used to form the plug cylindrical 36 of the cellulose acetate fiber of the nozzle 12.
[000403] The smoking articles are packaged in a container with an inner liner of metallic paper comprising menthol and are left to equilibrate for: (i) 3 weeks; and (ii) 4 weeks. Menthol is sprayed onto the foil inner liner before wrapping the smoking articles in the inner liner. After equilibration, the carbonaceous combustible heat sources 4 are ignited using a lighter (15 seconds lighter preheat, 6 seconds heat and 10 seconds wait before first puff). The smoking articles are smoked under a Health Canada smoking regime (15 puffs) and the menthol delivered by the aerosol is measured by gas chromatography (GC) using a flame ionization detector (FID). The results are shown in Table 3.




Table 3
[000404] The embodiments and examples described above illustrate, but do not limit, the invention. It should be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention may be embodied and it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are not to be a limiting factor.

权利要求:
Claims (15)
[0001]
1. Smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) having a nozzle end and a distal end, the smoking article comprising: a cylindrical carbonaceous combustible heat source (4) having a front face and a rear face opposite; an aerosol forming substrate (6); at least one air inlet (32) located between the aerosol forming substrate and the nozzle end of the smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80); an air flow path extending between the at least one air inlet and the nozzle end of the smoking article; characterized in that the smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) comprises an air flow directing element (8) located between the aerosol forming substrate and the nozzle end of the smoking article ( 2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), wherein the air flow directing element located between the aerosol forming substrate and the nozzle end of the smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) defines a first portion of the air flow path extending from the at least one air inlet to the aerosol forming substrate and the air flow directing element located between the aerosol forming substrate and the nozzle end of the smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) defines a second portion of the air flow path extending from the aerosol forming substrate towards the nozzle end of the smoking article, and wherein the air flow directing element is composed of a steel modifying agent. erosion.
[0002]
2. Smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that the air flow directing element comprises a flavoring.
[0003]
3. Smoking article according to claim 2, characterized in that the air flow directing element comprises menthol.
[0004]
4. A smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the aerosol modifying agent is located along the first portion of the airflow path.
[0005]
5. A smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the aerosol modifying agent is located along the second portion of the airflow path.
[0006]
6. A smoking article (40, 60) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second portion of the air flow path extends from within the aerosol forming substrate towards the end of the nozzle of the smoking article.
[0007]
7. Smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first portion of the air flow path and the second portion of the air flow path air flow are concentric.
[0008]
8. Smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first portion of the air flow path surrounds the second portion of the air flow path. air flow.
[0009]
9. Smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the air flow directing element comprises a hollow body substantially impermeable to air (24, 52), with open end.
[0010]
10. Smoking article (2, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), according to claim 9, characterized in that the second portion of the air flow path is defined by the volume interconnected by the interior of the hollow body substantially Air-tight, with open end.
[0011]
11. Smoking article (2, 50, 70, 80) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the air flow directing element additionally comprises an air permeable diffuser (28, 54) circumscribing the minus a substantially airtight, open-ended, hollow body portion.
[0012]
12. Smoking article according to claim 11, characterized in that the air permeable diffuser comprises the aerosol modifying agent.
[0013]
13. A smoking article according to claim 12, characterized in that the air permeable diffuser (28) comprises a low drag-resistance portion (28b) that extends from the proximity of the at least one air inlet to a distal end of the air-permeable diffuser and a high drag-resistance portion (28a, 28c) extending from the proximity of the at least one air inlet to a proximal end of the air-permeable diffuser, wherein the first portion of the airflow path is defined by the low drag-resistance portion of the air permeable diffuser.
[0014]
14. Smoking article (2, 40, 70, 80), according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the hollow body (24) is a straight circular cylinder.
[0015]
15. Smoking article (50, 60) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the hollow body (52) is a straight circular truncated cone.

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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TW201442651A|2014-11-16|

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KR20150132111A|2015-11-25|

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JP2019076106A|2019-05-23|

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WO2014140273A3|2014-10-30|

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CN111772249A|2020-10-16|

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EP2967137A2|2016-01-20|

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RU2672657C2|2018-11-16|

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WO2014140273A2|2014-09-18|

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JP6707679B2|2020-06-10|

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US20150313281A1|2015-11-05|

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US9894930B2|2018-02-20|

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BR112015020047A2|2017-07-18|

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CN105072937A|2015-11-18|

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EP2967137B1|2021-03-03|

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KR102290021B1|2021-08-18|

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JP2016509852A|2016-04-04|

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JP6469024B2|2019-02-13|

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RU2015138105A|2017-04-19|

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RU2015138105A3|2018-03-07|

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AR095307A1|2015-10-07|

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法律状态:
2018-11-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-12-17| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-02-09| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-04-06| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-06-15| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 14/03/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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EP13159642.1|2013-03-15|

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EP13159642|2013-03-15|

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PCT/EP2014/055098|WO2014140273A2|2013-03-15|2014-03-14|Smoking article with an airflow directing element comprising an aerosol-modifying agent|

---