Paper chamber filter

Abstract

This invention relates to a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material; and a wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core, wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable; and wherein the longitudinally extending core comprises two longitudinally spaced plugs formed of paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material, and the wrapper engaged around the plugs defines a cavity between the plugs formed of paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material; and / or, at least one end of the wrapper extends beyond the end of the engaged longitudinally extending core to define a cavity or recess at an end of the filter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco smoke filter or filter element for a smoking article such as a cigarette. BACKGROUND

[0002] Tobacco smoke filters can be manufactured from a variety of different materials. Currently, 98% of commercial cigarette filters contain an amount of cellulose acetate (source: Euromonitor International). However, cellulose acetate is not rapidly biodegradable, and thus, cigarette filters (and cigarette butts) containing cellulose acetate can persist in the environment for many years. Therefore and in view of the new EU regulation coming into force in 2021 (aiming to reduce the use of single-use plastics such as cellulose acetate filters), there is an increasing interest in tobacco smoke filters that do not contain single-use plastics and that are rapidly biodegradable.

[0003] A replacement filter material for cellulose acetate is paper. Tobacco smoke filters containing paper as a filter material are well known in the art. Paper filters have many advantages over cellulose acetate in terms of enhanced biodegradability and higher filtration efficiency at a given pressure drop. However, paper filters also have many disadvantages compared to cellulose acetate, for example, paper filters can have a detrimental impact on the taste of a cigarette, have reduced filter hardness, and have an unattractive pre- and post-smoking appearance (due to staining). Furthermore, paper filters typically have a reduced retention of toxic phenolic compounds and a higher retention of tar and nicotine compared to filters made from cellulose acetate. Therefore, the experience of smoking using conventional paper filters cannot be compared to the experience of smoking a conventional cellulose acetate filter cigarette.

[0004] A tobacco smoke filter having the advantages of a paper filter (biodegradability etc.) without the detrimental "paper taste" impact and with a phenolic retention similar to that of a cellulose acetate filter is described in WO2010 / 136751. However, attempts to match the filtration efficiency (in particular the retention of tar and nicotine) of a paper filter to that of a cellulose acetate filter by reducing the pressure drop have resulted in processing difficulties due to the impact on filter firmness. Therefore, the higher tar and nicotine retention of a paper filter compared to a cellulose acetate filter remains a disadvantage; hindering the widespread commercial use of paper filters.

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a tobacco smoke filter for a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette) that has the advantages of a paper filter (biodegradability, etc.) and has a firmness and tar and nicotine retention rate at least comparable to that of a cellulose acetate filter, thereby providing a smoking experience that is comparable to that of a conventional cellulose acetate filter cigarette. SUMMARY

[0006] According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core comprising (e.g., wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material; and a wrapper (e.g., a further wrapper) engaged around the longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core, wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable, and wherein;

[0007] (a) the longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core comprises two longitudinally spaced apart plugs formed of (e.g., wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material, and the wrapper (e.g., a further wrapper) engaged around the plugs formed of (e.g., wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material defines a cavity between the plugs formed of (e.g., wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material; and / or,

[0008] (b) at least one end of the wrapper (e.g., a further wrapper) extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending core (e.g., cylindrical core) around which the at least one end of the wrapper (e.g., a further wrapper) is engaged to define a (e.g., tubular) cavity or recess at an end of the filter.

[0009] According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core comprising two longitudinally spaced apart plugs formed of (e.g., wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material; and a wrapper (e.g., a further wrapper) engaged around the plugs formed of (e.g., wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material such that the wrapper (e.g., a further wrapper) defines a cavity between the plugs formed of (e.g., wrapped) paper filter material or other cellulose acetate-free filter material, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable.

[0010] According to the present application, in one aspect, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core comprising two plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material longitudinally spaced from one another; and a further wrap engaging around the plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material such that the further wrap defines a cavity between the wrapped plugs of paper filter material or other cellulose acetate free filter material, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable.

[0011] According to the present application, in one aspect, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core comprising (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material; and a wrap (e.g. a further wrap) engaging around the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core, wherein at least one end of the wrap (e.g. further wrap) extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core it engages around to define a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at an end of the filter, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable.

[0012] According to the present application, in one aspect, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core comprising (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material; and a wrap (e.g. a further wrap) engaging around the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core, wherein at least one end of the wrap (e.g. further wrap) extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core it engages around to define a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at an end of the filter, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable.

[0013] According to the present invention, in one aspect, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core comprising two longitudinally spaced apart plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material; and a wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) engaged around the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core, wherein the wrapper (e.g. the further wrapper) defines a cavity between the plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material and at least one end of the wrapper (e.g. the further wrapper) extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core around which it is engaged to define a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at an end of the filter, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable.

[0014] According to the present invention, in one aspect, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core comprising two longitudinally spaced apart plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material; and a further wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core, wherein the further wrapper defines a cavity between the plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material and at least one end of the further wrapper extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core around which it is engaged to define a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at an end of the filter, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable.

[0015] In this document, the phrase "wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material" refers to a separate plug of paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material around which a wrapper is engaged. The wrapper can be paper, for example a plug wrap. The wrapper can be a non-porous plug wrap. The paper can have a basis weight of from about 27 g / m 2 to 80 g / m 2 . Preferably, the wrapper can be a non-porous plug wrap having a basis weight of from about 27 g / m 2 to 80 g / m 2 . Preferably, the ends of the wrapper are substantially flush with the ends of the plugs of paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material.

[0016] In the present context, the phrase "capable of rapid biodegradation" means a filter or filter element that is capable of rapidly breaking down and completely biodegrading when immersed in water. Preferably, the filter or filter element has a level of biodegradability as measured according to the OECD 301 B 'Ready Biodegradability' method (modified Sturm test) known in the art as'ready biodegradability'.

[0017] Applicants have surprisingly found that a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material together with void space in the form of a cavity and / or recess can provide the same (or at least similar) filtration efficiency and / or tar and nicotine cut-off (at a given pressure drop) as a conventional cellulose acetate filter having the same dimensions (e.g. the same length and diameter / perimeter) and with the added advantage of being capable of rapid biodegradation. Applicants have also found that the inclusion of a cavity and / or recess within the filter does not compromise the solidity of the paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material section of the filter and can help to reduce the undesirable "paper taste" associated with paper tobacco smoke filters (due to the reduced amount of paper present in the filter). This provides a smoking experience that is comparable to that of a conventional cellulose acetate filter cigarette.

[0018] In examples of the present application, one end of the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) can extend beyond the end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core it surrounds to define a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at one end of the filter; i.e. the radially inner surface of the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) defines a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at one end of the filter and the other end of the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) is flush or substantially flush with the other end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core. It will be appreciated that the (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess can be at the mouth or cheek end of the filter or can face or engage (connect) with either smoking article (e.g. cigarette, e.g. tobacco heating product) in use. A (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at the mouth or cheek end also provides a very distinctive end appearance which is more difficult to replicate.

[0019] In another example of the application, the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) can extend beyond the end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core about which it is engaged at both ends to define a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at each end of the filter; i.e. the radially inner surface of the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) defines a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at the end of the filter which, in use, faces and engages (connects) with the smoking article (e.g. a cigarette, e.g. a tobacco heating product) and a second cavity at the other (mouth or cheek) end.

[0020] The wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) can extend beyond the end or each end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core about which it is engaged by a length of 3mm to 14mm, for example a length of 5mm to 12mm. Preferably, the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) extends beyond the end or each end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core by a length of 4mm to 12mm, for example a length of 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm or 12mm. Thus, the (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess section of the tobacco smoke filter or filter element (i.e. the length by which the end or each end of the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) or wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) extends beyond the end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core about which it is engaged to define a (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess at the end of the filter) can have a length of 3mm to 14mm, for example a length of 5mm to 12mm, for example a length of 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm or 12mm. The (e.g. tubular) cavity or recess is effectively similar to a tube (e.g. a paper tube) at one or both ends of the centrally located longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core.

[0021] In another example of the application, a wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) can be engaged around two longitudinally spaced apart plugs formed of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material located within a longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core to define a cavity between the plugs formed of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material. Preferably, the cavity between the two plugs formed of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material has a length of 3.5mm to 32mm, for example 3.5mm to 25mm, for example 4mm to 22mm, for example 5mm to 21mm, for example 7mm to 14mm. The location of the cavity within the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core can vary, for example the cavity can be located approximately centrally within the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core or proximate to one end of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core. The cavity between the plugs formed of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material is not visible at the mouth or cheek end, thus in this example the tobacco smoke filter end appearance can resemble that of a conventional paper filter, thereby providing the smoker with a familiar visual experience.

[0022] The length of the tobacco smoke filter or filter element can be 10mm to 45mm, for example 11mm to 35mm, for example 12mm to 30mm, for example 15mm to 30mm, for example 20mm to 30mm. Preferably, the length of the tobacco smoke filter is 20mm to 30mm. The circumference of the tobacco smoke filter or filter element can be 14mm to 28mm, for example 16mm to 25mm, for example 24mm to 25mm. Preferably, the circumference of the tobacco smoke filter is 16mm to 25mm. The length of the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core can be 7mm to 30mm, for example 10mm to 30mm, for example 14mm to 27mm, for example 17mm to 25mm. The tobacco smoke filter or filter element can be used in smoking articles (e.g. cigarettes, for example tobacco heating products) of various different circumferences (e.g. microslim, for example super slim, for example slim, for example standard, for example king size).

[0023] The wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) can be paper, for example plug wrap paper, for example hard plug wrap paper. The wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) can be apertured or non-apertured. The wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) can be an air permeable plug wrap (e.g. pre-perforated plug wrap and / or laser perforated plug wrap). The wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) can have a basis weight of from about 27g / m2to about 120g / m2, for example 27g / m2to 100g / m2, for example 27g / m2to 80g / m2, for example 27g / m2to 60g / m2, for example 27g / m2to 40g / m2, for example 27g / m2to 30g / m2, for example 30g / m2to 120g / m2, for example 30g / m2to 100g / m2, for example 30g / m2to 80g / m2, for example 30g / m2to 60g / m2, for example 30g / m2to 40g / m2, for example 40g / m2to 120g / m2, for example 40g / m2to 100g / m2, for example 40g / m2to 80g / m2, for example 40g / m2to 60g / m2, for example 60g / m2to 120g / m2, for example 60g / m2to 100g / m2, for example 60g / m2to 80g / m2, for example 80g / m2to 120g / m2, for example 80g / m2to 100g / m2, for example 100g / m2to 120g / m2. 2 2 ​of about 78 g / m2to about 120 g / m2, for example a basis weight of about 100 g / m2, for example for use with filters of standard circumference (for example, a circumference of 24 mm to 25 mm). The wrapper (for example, the further wrapper) can be a plug wrap having a lower basis weight, for example of about 27 g / m2to about 50 g / m2, for example for use with narrower smoking articles, for example a circumference of less than 23 mm (for example, a circumference down to about 16 mm to 17 mm). The wrapper (for example, the further wrapper) can be a rigid (for example, cylindrical) paper tube. It will be appreciated that filter configurations using paper having the above defined basis weights for the wrapper (for example, the further wrapper) or rigid (for example, cylindrical) paper tube are sufficiently rigid to provide additional structural support for the cavity and / or recess and that the filter configurations will enable the final roll to be manufactured and used without crushing the exposed paper at the end of the filter at the cavity and / or (for example, tubular) cavity and / or recess. 2 2 2 2 2

[0024] The tobacco smoke filter or filter element can further comprise an outer wrapper, for example tipping paper, for example rigid tipping paper. The outer wrapper can "double wrap" the longitudinally extending (for example, cylindrical) core or a portion of the longitudinally extending (for example, cylindrical) core (for example at an end of the longitudinally extending (for example, cylindrical) core, for example at the "tip" of the filter or filter element, for example the end of the filter or filter element which in use can face or engage (join) with any smoking article (for example, a cigarette, for example a tobacco heating product)) together with the wrapper (for example, the further wrapper).

[0025] The outer wrapper can extend beyond the longitudinally extending (for example, cylindrical) core at one end or at both ends. Where the outer wrapper extends beyond the longitudinally extending (for example, cylindrical) core at one end, the other end of the outer wrapper can be substantially flush with the end of the longitudinally extending (for example, cylindrical) core. In examples where the tobacco smoke filter or filter element is for use in a smoking article (for example, a cigarette, for example a tobacco heating product), the outer wrapper can be used to join the filter to a wrapped tobacco rod by ring tipping (i.e. the outer wrapper (for example, tipping paper) is joined around only the adjacent end of the wrapped filter and the tobacco rod in a manner which leaves a substantial portion of the filter wrapper exposed). Alternatively, the filter can be joined to the tobacco rod by a full tipping wrapper (i.e. the outer wrapper (for example, tipping paper) is joined around the entire wrapped filter length and the adjacent end of the tobacco rod).​​​​​

[0026] The outer wrapper, e.g. tipping paper, e.g. hard tipping paper (e.g. on its radially outer surface) can be printed or coated with a pattern, e.g. printed or coated with a cork effect on its outer surface. The pattern can resemble a filter of a machine-made cigarette. The outer wrapper, e.g. on its outer surface, can be hydrophobic, e.g. have a hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic outer wrapper should prevent (or reduce the incidence of) a smoker's lips sticking to the filter (tip).

[0027] The wrapper (e.g. further wrapper) can be secured around the plug or plugs formed of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material with adhesive. The adhesive can be applied in a line along a longitudinal edge (e.g. lap line) of the wrapper (e.g. further wrapper). The wrapper (e.g. further wrapper) can then be engaged (e.g. wrapped) around the plug or plugs formed of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material and the opposite longitudinal edge (e.g. edge not applied with adhesive) of the wrapper (e.g. further wrapper) can be located on the edge of the wrapper (e.g. further wrapper) with a line of adhesive to overlap sufficiently with the line of adhesive to bind the longitudinal edges of the wrapper (e.g. further wrapper) together around the plug or plugs formed of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material. The plug or plugs formed of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material can be secured to the wrapper (e.g. further wrapper) by use of an anchor line or circular spray along the length of the wrapper (e.g. further wrapper) between the longitudinal edge (e.g. lap line) and the latitudinal edge (e.g. outer edge).

[0028] The paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material is preferably a biodegradable material. The paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material is preferably capable of rapid biodegradation. The paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material can be composed of any paper (in any form of paper) conventionally used for filters or filter elements. The paper may, for example, be various grades of filter paper, apertured paper, creped paper, air-laid paper, or machine glazed paper, among others. The fibers of the paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material can be natural fibers (e.g., flax, sisal, jute, abaca, cotton, coir, bamboo, starch (e.g., starch from corn), or tobacco) or any web. The paper can be woven or nonwoven, or can be in the form of a coherent web or a longitudinally-creped and / or fibrillated web, for example, laterally gathered into the form of a plug and held in the form of a plug. The paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material can be in the form of a coherent web comprising a first paper or cellulose acetate-free filter material and a second paper or cellulose acetate-free filter material. The paper or cellulose acetate-free filter material may, for example, be in the form of a mixture of different paper materials or cellulose acetate-free filter materials. The paper filter material can have the same or similar structure as those sold under the trademark or Pleatpack® (of Essentra Plc). In the case of two or more plugs formed from paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material (e.g., wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material), the filter material of each plug can be composed of different filter materials (e.g., a first plug can include a first paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material, while a second plug can include a different second paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material).

[0029] As noted above, the plug or plugs formed from paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material can be wrapped in paper (e.g., wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material). The wrapping can be paper, for example, a plug wrap. The plug wrap can be nonporous. The plug wrap can have a basis weight of from about 27 g / m 2 to 80 g / m 2 . Preferably, the wrapping can be a nonporous plug wrap having a basis weight of from about 27 g / m 2 to 80 g / m 2 . Preferably, the ends of the wrapping are approximately flush with the ends of the plug formed from paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material.

[0030] A tobacco smoke filter or filter element can comprise one or more further plugs of filter material. Preferably, the filter material is paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material (in any form) as described above. The paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material of each further plug can consist of the same or different filter material to the paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material of the other plugs of paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material. The further plugs of filter material can also be wrapped in paper as described above.

[0031] In another example of the application, there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core comprising two or more (e.g. three) plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material longitudinally spaced from one another; and a wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper) joined around the plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material such that the wrapper (e.g. further wrapper) defines a cavity between each of the plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable. In this example, it will be understood that the longitudinally extending (e.g. cylindrical) core comprises two cavities between each of the three plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material. It will be understood that one or more or all of the cavities can contain a capsule or more capsules (e.g. frangible capsules), which can contain an additive (e.g. a flavourant).

[0032] A tobacco smoke filter or filter element can comprise a capsule or more capsules (e.g. frangible capsules) as known in the art. In examples of the application comprising a cavity or cavities between plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material, the capsule or more capsules (e.g. frangible capsules) can be contained within the cavity or cavities. It will be understood that the cavity can contain a plurality of capsules, and where there is more than one cavity, each individual cavity can contain a capsule or more capsules. The capsule or more capsules can also be embedded in the paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter material. The capsule or more capsules (e.g. frangible capsules) can be substantially cylindrical and have a maximum diameter of 2mm to 5mm, for example 2.5mm to 4mm, for example 2.5mm to 3.9mm, for example 3.0mm to 3.8mm, for example 3.2mm to 3.7mm, for example 3.35mm or 3.5mm.

[0033] The tobacco smoke filter or filter element can include a smoke modifying agent which can modify or enhance the smoking experience. The smoke modifying agent can impart an additional taste or aroma to the smoke passing through the filter or can suppress a particular flavour or aroma. The smoke modifying agent can be a liquid additive such as a flavour enhancing additive. The flavour enhancing additive can be any flavour enhancing additive known in the art, for example an additive which reduces the "paper taste" (e.g. menthol, menthol and / or a mixture of different flavour enhancing additives).

[0034] The flavour enhancing additive can be located on or in the tobacco smoke filter or filter element (e.g. on or impregnated into the paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material and / or wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper), and / or in the second or further filter material if present, and / or in the capsule or capsules (e.g. breakable capsules) if present). If more than one flavour enhancing additive is present, these additives can be present in the same location (e.g. both / all in the paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material or on the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper)), or in different locations (e.g. one flavour enhancing additive in the paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material, and / or one flavour enhancing additive on the wrapper (e.g. a further wrapper), and / or one flavour enhancing additive in the second or further filter material if present, and so on, and / or one flavour enhancing additive in the capsule or capsules (e.g. breakable capsules) if present). If more than one flavour enhancing additive is present in liquid form, these additives can be mixed together and then applied to the filter as a mixture in any or all of the locations mentioned above. The inclusion of a flavour enhancing additive or flavour enhancing additives can overcome the perception of "paper taste" and provide a cigarette having similar sensory characteristics to those obtained from a cellulose acetate filtered cigarette.

[0035] The tobacco smoke filter or filter element can also include an additional additive that selectively reduces one or more phenolic compounds of the volatile and / or semi-volatile phase of cigarette smoke (e.g., polyethylene glycol such as PEG 200, PEG 300, and PEG 400, and methoxy-polyethylene glycol such as mPEG 350). In this context, the term "additional additive that selectively reduces one or more phenolic compounds of the volatile and / or semi-volatile phase of cigarette smoke" refers to an additive that reduces the amount of one or more phenolic compounds (e.g., reduces one or more of phenol, cresol, catechol, or resorcinol) in cigarette smoke by a greater degree proportionally than most compounds in the smoke (e.g., tar). The tobacco smoke filter or filter element can include more than one additional additive that selectively reduces one or more phenolic compounds of the volatile and / or semi-volatile phase of cigarette smoke.

[0036] The additional additive that selectively reduces one or more phenolic compounds can be located on or in the tobacco smoke filter or filter element (e.g., on or impregnated in the paper or other cellulose acetate-free filtration material and / or wrapper (e.g., another wrapper), and / or in the second or another filtration material, if present). If more than one additional additive is present, the additives can be present in the same location (e.g., both / all in the paper or other cellulose acetate-free filtration material or on the wrapper (e.g., another wrapper)) or in different locations (e.g., one flavor-enhancing additive in the paper or other cellulose acetate-free filtration material, and / or one flavor-enhancing additive on the wrapper (e.g., another wrapper), and / or one flavor-enhancing additive in the second or another filtration material, if present, etc.). If more than one additional additive is present in liquid form, the additives can be mixed together and then applied to the filter as a mixture in any or all of the locations mentioned above. Inclusion of an additional additive or additives can provide a cigarette filter with a phenolic compound trapping rate that is comparable to that of a conventional cellulose acetate filtered cigarette.

[0037] The present invention includes a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product) that includes a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to the present invention. The tobacco smoke filter or filter element of the present invention is suitable for use with a variety of tobacco blends. In a smoking article according to the present invention, the tobacco smoke filter of the present invention (or a filter that includes the filter element of the present invention) is incorporated into a wrapped tobacco rod with one end of the filter proximate to the tobacco. Preferably, the tobacco smoke filter of the present invention (or a filter that includes the filter element of the present invention) is incorporated into a wrapped tobacco rod at an end where the wrapping (e.g., another wrapping) is substantially flush with the end of the longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core. The filter can be incorporated into the wrapped tobacco rod with a ring joint (i.e., the outer wrapping (e.g., tipping paper) is joined so as to expose a substantial portion of the filter wrapping outwardly around only the adjacent ends of the wrapped filter and tobacco rod). The filter can be incorporated into the wrapped tobacco rod with a full joint wrapping (i.e., the outer wrapping (e.g., tipping paper) is joined around the entire wrapped filter length and the adjacent end of the tobacco rod).

[0038] Any cigarette that includes a filter according to the present invention can be non-ventilated, or can be ventilated by methods known in the art, e.g., by using a perforated wrapping (e.g., another wrapping) (e.g., a pre-perforated or laser-perforated air permeable plug wrap) and laser perforation of the outer wrapping (e.g., tipping outer wrapping) to allow air to enter to dilute the concentration of smoke. The final filter cigarette can have any circumference range (e.g., 14 mm to 28 mm in circumference) conventionally used for smoking products.

[0039] The present invention includes a multi-part rod that includes a plurality (e.g., 2, 4, 6, etc.) of tobacco smoke filters or filter rods integrally joined end-to-end. The tobacco smoke filters or filter elements can also be incorporated into a multi-segment filter as individual segments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] The present invention will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic view of a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic view of a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 1 An unproportioned cross-sectional view when cut along the longitudinal axis of the filter;

[0043] Figure 3Shows a schematic view of a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A non - to - scale cross - sectional view when cut along the longitudinal axis of the filter. Detailed description

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Shows a tobacco smoke filter or filter element 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tobacco smoke filter 100 includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical core 106 having a length of 27 mm and a circumference of 24 mm. The cylindrical core 106 includes two plugs 101 and 102 each having a length of 9 mm, longitudinally spaced from each other, and formed of paper filter material (300 36 g / m 2 SWM Corporation). Wrapped around each of the plugs 101 and 102 are wrappers 103 and 104 formed of sheets of non - porous plug - type wrappings having a weight of 27 g / m 2 . Another wrapper 105 formed of a rigid plug - type wrapper having a weight of 78 g / m 2 is wrapped around the plugs 101 and 102 to define a cavity 107 having a length of 9 mm located between the plugs 101 and 102. The two ends of the other wrapper 105 are flush with the ends of the plugs 101 and 102. The other wrapper 105 has overlapping longitudinal edges having: an adhesive applied to the longitudinal edges, which provides a lapped and adhered seam (not shown) for holding the other wrapper 105 around the plugs 101 and 102; and another adhesive located in an anchoring line (not shown) in register with the plugs 101 and 102 to hold each plug in place.

[0046] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shows a tobacco smoke filter or filter element having a length of 25 mm and a circumference of 24.5 mm according to another embodiment of the present invention. The tobacco smoke filter 200 includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical core 201 having a length of 18 mm. The cylindrical core 201 includes a plug 202 formed of 2 paper filter material (300 mm Figure 3 not shown in and wrapped in a non - porous plug - type wrapper 203 having a weight of 27 g / m FM26 g / m 2 SWM Corporation). Wrapped around the longitudinally extending cylindrical core 201 is a wrapper formed of a rigid plug - type wrapper having a weight of 78 g / m 2Another wrapper 205 extends 7 mm beyond one end of the longitudinally extending tubular core 201 it surrounds and engages with, to define a tubular recess 204 with a length of 7 mm at said one end. The other end of the another wrapper 205 is flush with the end of the plug 202.

[0047] It will be understood that the tobacco smoke filters 100 and 200 can be manufactured by methods known in the art and can be prepared as multi-part rods: the multi-part rods include a plurality (e.g., 2, 4, 6, etc.) of tobacco smoke filters or filter rods integrally joined end-to-end. The tobacco smoke filters 100 and 200 can be joined to the wrapped tobacco rod at either end by methods known in the art to form a cigarette.

[0048] Examples

[0049] The tobacco smoke filters A, B, and C of the present invention are made by methods known in the art.

[0050] The tobacco smoke filter A includes a longitudinally extending tubular core with a length of 25 mm and a circumference of 24.5 mm. The tubular core includes two plugs each with a length of 8 mm, longitudinally spaced from each other, made of paper filter material (280 mm 36 g / m 2 SWM Corporation). A wrapper made of a non-porous plugging wrapper with a weight of 27 g / m is joined around each plug made of 2 paper filter material. Another wrapper made of a rigid plugging wrapper with a weight of 78 g / m is joined around the plug made of 2 paper filter material, such that the another wrapper defines a cavity with a length of 9 mm between the plugs wrapped by paper filter material. The another wrapper made of a rigid plugging wrapper contains an impregnated flavor modifier (as described in WO 2010 / 136751) to remove the harmful "paper smell".

[0051] The tobacco smoke filter B includes a longitudinally extending tubular core with a length of 25 mm and a circumference of 24.5 mm. The tubular core includes the following two plugs longitudinally spaced from each other: a plug with a length of 8 mm made of paper filter material (300 mm FM26 g / m 2 SWM Corporation) and a plug with a length of 8 mm made of paper filter material (280 mm 36 g / m 2 SWM Corporation). Around the plug made of A plug formed of a paper filter material and joined with a plug formed of a paper filter material is joined with a package weighing 27 g / m formed of a non-porous plugging wrapper. Around the 2 plug formed of the wrapped paper filter material and the plug formed of the wrapped 2 paper filter material is joined with another package weighing 78 g / m formed of a rigid plugging wrapper, such that the other package defines a cavity 9 mm in length located between the plug formed of the wrapped paper filter material and the

[0052] A tobacco smoke filter C includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical core 25 mm in length and 24.5 mm in circumference, the cylindrical core including a plug 18 mm in length formed of a 2 paper filter material (300 mm FM26 g / m SWM Corporation) and wrapped in a non-porous plugging wrapper weighing 27 g / m. Another package weighing 78 g / m formed of a rigid plugging wrapper is joined around the longitudinally extending cylindrical core and extends beyond one end of the longitudinally extending cylindrical core to define a tubular recess 7 mm in length located at that end of the filter. The other end of the other package weighing 78 g / m formed of a rigid plugging wrapper is flush with the other end of the longitudinally extending cylindrical core. 2 SWM Company) formed plug. Another package weighing 78 g / m formed of a rigid plugging wrapper 2 is joined around the longitudinally extending cylindrical core and extends beyond one end of the longitudinally extending cylindrical core to define a tubular recess 7 mm in length located at that end of the filter. The other end of the other package weighing 78 g / m formed of a rigid plugging wrapper is flush with the other end of the longitudinally extending cylindrical core. 2 The other end of the other package weighing 78 g / m formed of a rigid plugging wrapper is flush with the other end of the longitudinally extending cylindrical core.

[0053] The filtration efficiency (at a pressure drop of 100 mmWG) and firmness (of the paper or other filter material segments不含醋酸纤维素 without cellulose acetate) of tobacco smoke filters A, B and C are estimated and compared with the filtration efficiency and firmness of a tobacco smoke filter D, which is a conventional 27 mm monoacetate cellulose tobacco smoke filter wrapped in a non-porous plugging wrapper weighing 27 g / m 2 and having a length of 25 mm and a circumference of 24.5 mm. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0054] To measure the filtration efficiency and firmness of tobacco smoke filter D, the filter is joined to a wrapped tobacco rod by methods known in the art to form a cigarette. The average firmness and tar retention rate are measured by methods known in the art (for filtration efficiency, ISO 3308:2012 specifies the conventional analytical cigarette - smoking machine - definitions and standard conditions).

[0055] Tar Retention %* Firmness %** Filter A 62.0 90 Filter B 56.0 90 Filter C 59.5 90 Filter D 59.0 89

[0056] Table 1

[0057] *Estimation for filters A, B, and C

[0058] **Estimation for filters A, B, and C**

[0059] The applicant unexpectedly discovered that tobacco smoke filters or filter elements comprising paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter materials, together with cavity and / or recessed spaces, can provide the same (or at least similar) robustness, filtration efficiency, and / or tar and nicotine rejection rates (at a given pressure drop) as conventional cellulose acetate filters of the same dimensions (e.g., the same length and diameter / circumference) and have the advantage of rapid biodegradability. In particular, compared to conventional cellulose acetate filters, using… Paper filter materials can even reduce the retention rate of tar and nicotine.

[0060] Furthermore, the cavity and / or recessed spaces in the paper filter, along with the use of flavor modifiers impregnated within the paper filter, can achieve tar and nicotine retention rates comparable to conventional cellulose acetate filters and can improve the "paper taste" associated with typical paper filters. Therefore, the applicant has discovered that including cavities and / or recesses within a filter comprising paper or other cellulose acetate-free filter materials provides a smoking experience equivalent to that of conventional cellulose acetate-filtered cigarettes.

Claims

1. A filter or filter element for tobacco smoke, the filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material; and a wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core, wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable and has a level of biodegradability measured according to the OECD 301 B 'Ready Biodegradability' method, which is a modified Sturm test, wherein: (a) the longitudinally extending core comprises two plugs of paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material longitudinally spaced from one another and the wrapper engaged around the plugs of paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material with adhesive defines a cavity between the plugs of paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material; and / or (b) at least one end of the wrapper extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending core it is engaged around to define a cavity or recess at an end of the filter.

2. A filter or filter element for tobacco smoke, the filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising two plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material longitudinally spaced from one another; and a further wrapper engaged around the plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material with adhesive such that the further wrapper defines a cavity between the plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable and has a level of'ready biodegradability' measured according to the OECD 301 B 'Ready Biodegradability' method, which is a modified Sturm test.

3. A filter or filter element for tobacco smoke, the filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material; and a further wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core with adhesive, wherein at least one end of the further wrapper extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending core it is engaged around to define a cavity or recess at an end of the filter, and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable and has a level of'ready biodegradability' measured according to the OECD 301 B 'Ready Biodegradability' method, which is a modified Sturm test.

4. A filter or filter element for tobacco smoke, the filter or filter element comprising: A longitudinally extending core and a further wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core; wherein the longitudinally extending core comprises two plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material longitudinally spaced from one another and the further wrapper engaged around the plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material is defined with adhesive and defines a cavity between the plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material and at least one end of the further wrapper extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending core it is engaged around to define a cavity or recess at an end of the filter and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable and has a level of biodegradability measured according to the OECD 301 B 'Ready Biodegradability' method which is the modified Sturm test. A longitudinally extending core and a further wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core; wherein the longitudinally extending core comprises two plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material longitudinally spaced from one another and the further wrapper engaged around the plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material is defined with adhesive and defines a cavity between the plugs of wrapped paper or other cellulose acetate free filter material and at least one end of the further wrapper extends beyond an end of the longitudinally extending core it is engaged around to define a cavity or recess at an end of the filter and wherein the filter or filter element is rapidly biodegradable and has a level of biodegradability measured according to the OECD 301 B 'Ready Biodegradability' method which is the modified Sturm test.

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