Smoking article

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smoking article comprising a tobacco rod, a filter comprising at least one plug of filtration material wrapped with one or more filter wrappers, and a tipping material attaching the tobacco rod and the filter, wherein the tipping material has a basis weight of at least 50 grams per square metre, and a thickness of between about 40 and about 55 microns.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a smoking article comprising a filter.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Smoking articles such as cigarettes usually comprise a rod of tobacco or other aerosol forming material wrapped in a combustible wrapper, usually cigarette paper, and a filter aligned in end-to-end relationship with said tobacco rod. The filter may include at least one plug of cellulose acetate tow attached to the tobacco rod or other aerosol forming material by tipping paper which overlies the filter and an adjacent end of the tobacco rod against which the filter is placed in abutment. Perforations may further be provided in the filter through the tipping paper to allow ventilation of the smoke drawn by consumers through the filter upon smoking.[0003]Consumers nowadays expect from any consumer goods products of the best possible quality for the best consumer experience possible and they pay more and more attention to perceived quality in the presentati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]The further advantage of using such tipping material is that it is easy to process during manufacturing of the smoking articles, thereby not increasing the machine costs, and further compatible with online laser perforation of the filter without substantially increasing laser power as opposed to filters using thick filter wrappers are of 50 grams per square metre and higher because said tipping material is the first to be perforated at the outside of the filter of the smoking article.

[0020]Such range of thickness for the tipping material is preferred to ensure easy machinability of the smoking article's filter. Additionally, this thickness range contributes to provide a proper roundness of the filter in the finished smoking article.

Problems solved by technology

Indeed, in high concentration triacetin tends to degrade into acetic acid, which consumer can feel and smell in the smoking articles.

However, such filter configuration with thick, heavy basis weight filter wrappers has several drawbacks, in particular in terms of manufacturing and costs.

Further adjustments on the filter maker during brand changes are required, or even specific machine parts have to be changed, reducing the productivity and increasing the production cost.

Use of thicker filter wrappers also requires more frequent cleaning of the filter makers due to dust generation during processing which further impacts negatively the manufacturing efficiency and costs.

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