Tobacco article with thermochromic or ph-sensitive substance

Abstract

The invention relates to a tobacco product with a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating consumable (1) comprising at least a filter rod (3), an aerosol-generating substrate and a mouthpiece wrapping material (5) which surrounds at least a partial region of the filter rod (3) and has an upper surface which forms at least part of the surface of the aerosol-generating consumable (1), the aerosol-generating consumable (1) has at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance in the region of the mouthpiece wrapping material (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a layered structure of an aerosol-generating consumer article, such as a tobacco product, a filter cigarette or a heat-not-burn article, having a thermochromic color or a pH-sensitive color.

[0002] A thermochromic color is a color that reacts by changing color (a change in brightness, color saturation and / or hue) when the temperature changes or when a temperature threshold is exceeded.

[0003] A pH sensitive color is a color that, when in contact with a liquid, reacts to the pH of the liquid and changes or sets color (changes in brightness, color saturation, and / or hue) based on the pH. The change in appearance can occur at any possible pH value, or when the pH falls below or exceeds a pH threshold.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol-generating consumable which undergoes a targeted change in its appearance when it is used, in particular when it is touched or heated.

[0005] Aerosol-generating consumables are proposed to solve this task.

[0006] In one embodiment, an aerosol-generating consumable is proposed, which includes at least a filter rod, an aerosol-generating substrate, and a mouthpiece wrapping material surrounding at least a partial area of ​​the filter rod, the mouthpiece wrapping material having an upper surface that forms at least a portion of the surface of the aerosol-generating consumable, and the aerosol-generating consumable has at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance in the area of ​​the mouthpiece wrapping material.

[0007] In the sense of this document, an aerosol-generating consumable with a thermochromic color is an article that produces or changes at least one externally visible or perceptible characteristic when the thermochromic color is heated. The heating may be caused by contact with the user's skin, or by heating the aerosol-generating consumable during use. The use may occur by burning a conventional filter cigarette or other smoking product. The use may occur by heating in a heat-not-burn device.

[0008] For the purposes of this document, aerosol-generating consumables with pH-sensitive colors are articles that develop or change an externally visible or perceptible characteristic when the pH-sensitive color comes into contact with a liquid or human skin, wherein the change in characteristic depends on the pH value of the liquid or skin. In particular, the use here is distinguished from colors that change their appearance (regardless of pH value) when they come into contact with a liquid or skin.

[0009] pH sensitive substances are known from the prior art. An example of a pH sensitive substance is tetrabromotetrachlorofluorescein. Those skilled in the art can select a suitable pH sensitive substance or a mixture of pH sensitive substances according to the desired color and the desired pH threshold or transition range.

[0010] Thermochromic substances, in particular in the form of thermochromic pigments and thermochromic printing inks, are known from the prior art. A person skilled in the art is able to select a suitable thermochromic substance or mixture thereof depending on the desired color and the desired temperature threshold or transition range.

[0011] In one embodiment, it is proposed to transfer such thermochromic or pH-sensitive colors, which are considered safe for their use in the food industry, to this different technical field. In one embodiment, it is proposed to integrate thermochromic or pH-sensitive colors into the layered structure of the aerosol-generating consumable in such a way that they are protected from direct contact and other external influences.

[0012] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating consumable is provided with features that are not visible before use and that become visible only by the action of heat or by contact with a liquid or the skin. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating consumable is provided with features that change its appearance under the action of heat or by contact with a liquid or the skin. In one embodiment, it is proposed to apply thermochromic or pH-sensitive inks that are colorless or whose color corresponds to the substrate on which they are applied.

[0013] In one embodiment, a thermochromic ink is applied that undergoes a permanent color change when heated above a temperature threshold.

[0014] In one embodiment, a pH sensitive ink is applied that undergoes a permanent color change when in contact with a liquid or skin, wherein at least one characteristic, particularly brightness, color saturation, and / or chroma, is dependent on the pH of the liquid or skin. In another embodiment, a pH sensitive color is applied that reacts in appearance with a second contact with a liquid or a change in pH in the liquid or skin, whereby the appearance further changes.

[0015] In one embodiment, a thermochromic color is applied that undergoes a continuous change in appearance within a temperature range, such that the degree of change depends on the temperature level. The temperature range preferably includes room temperature and human body temperature. The temperature range may include, for example, a range from 0°C to 40°C, or be limited to this temperature range or a narrower sub-range. The thermochromic color may be selected so that no further change occurs at temperatures below or above the temperature range.

[0016] In one embodiment, a pH sensitive color is applied that undergoes a continuous change in appearance within a pH range, such that the degree of change depends on the level of the pH value. The pH range preferably includes the possible pH range of human skin. The pH range can include, for example, a range from pH 4.5 to pH 7.5, or be limited to this pH range or a narrower subrange. The pH sensitive color can be selected in such a way that there is no further change at pH values ​​below or above the pH range.

[0017] In another embodiment, thermochromic coatings are applied that undergo a color change only when heated above a temperature threshold, and then return to their original state when the thermochromic coatings cool below that or another temperature threshold.

[0018] The temperature threshold may be a point in the range of 20°C to 150°C. Thermochromic colors may also have more than two states, such that there are at least two temperature thresholds that, when exceeded or below, result in a change in appearance. For each threshold, the change in appearance may be permanent or reversible.

[0019] In one embodiment, there are several different thermochromic colors in the layered structure, and the several different thermochromic colors have different temperature thresholds from each other.

[0020] In one embodiment, there are several different pH-sensitive colors in the layered structure, which react differently to pH values, in particular pH-sensitive colors whose properties differ from each other when they come into contact with liquid or skin, in particular in terms of color tone. In one embodiment variant, there are at least two areas with different pH-sensitive colors on the exterior of the aerosol-generating consumable, which do not differ from each other in the initial state and react differently from each other when they come into contact with liquid or skin.

[0021] In one embodiment variant, at least one thermochromic color and one pH-sensitive color are present. In one embodiment, there is a color that is both thermochromic and pH-sensitive.

[0022] Thermochromic colors and pH-sensitive colors can be superimposed on the same area of ​​the consumables that generate aerosols. Thermochromic colors and pH-sensitive colors can exist on different non-overlapping areas of the consumables that generate aerosols. Thermochromic colors and pH-sensitive colors can exist on a common plane of the consumables that generate aerosols. Thermochromic colors and pH-sensitive colors can exist at different levels of the consumables that generate aerosols.

[0023] The combination of a thermochromic color and a pH-sensitive color has the advantage that the appearance of the aerosol-generating consumable can change depending on the temperature and pH parameters, making the effect achieved more difficult to predict and imitate, resulting in additional anti-counterfeiting security. For example, a feature can be present in such a way that it is only visible within a specific temperature range and within a specific pH range.

[0024] The thermochromic color or pH-sensitive color may be in the form of, for example, a symbol, logo, line or mark.

[0025] Preferably, the appearance changes from invisible to visible when a temperature threshold is exceeded or when contact with a liquid or skin occurs.

[0026] In another embodiment, the appearance changes from a chromatically different first color to a second color when a temperature threshold is exceeded or when contact with a liquid or skin occurs.

[0027] Black and white are also considered as the colors of this article.

[0028] The temperature threshold is preferably selected so that printing with thermochromic ink is not visible or has a first appearance under normal ambient conditions and becomes visible or has a second appearance only when the aerosol generating consumable is heated during use. The heating may be accomplished by smoking a conventional cigarette, or by heating the aerosol generating consumable in a heat not burn device.

[0029] The pH sensitive color is preferably selected so that the print having the pH sensitive color is not visible or has a first appearance under normal ambient conditions and becomes visible or has a second appearance through contact with the user's skin, particularly the lips or fingers, during use of the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0030] In one embodiment, a thermochromic or pH-sensitive color or a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is used, which is applied on, in or under the imitation cork (yellow base paper or print) as the yellow imitation cork of the mouthpiece of a filter cigarette. The thermochromic or pH-sensitive color or the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance can be yellow, brown, black or red in particular, and can be used as a component of the color of the imitation cork print mixed with several pigments. In one embodiment, the area of ​​the imitation cork print with thermochromic or pH-sensitive ink or thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is no different from other areas of the imitation cork print that do not include any pH-sensitive ink or pH-sensitive substance.

[0031] In one variant, a lacquer containing thermochromic or pH sensitive pigments is applied as the outermost or last layer to the finished filter cigarette or finished mouthpiece wrapper, which has the advantage that no further layers are applied over the print which might affect the print or wash it off.

[0032] Preferably, the mixture of pigment and lacquer which is colourless at room temperature is applied as the outermost or last layer to the finished aerosol generating consumable or finished mouthpiece wrapping material, which has the advantage that no further layers are applied over the thermochromic or pH sensitive print which could affect the print or wash off the print. The pigment is a thermochromic and / or pH sensitive pigment. The mixture may comprise several different pigments selected from thermochromic pigments, pH sensitive pigments and other pigments, e.g. colour pigments or effect pigments which are not thermochromic or pH sensitive.

[0033] Non-food-safe thermochromic or pH-sensitive inks may be used if they are integrated into the layered structure of the aerosol-generating consumable in such a way that they reliably prevent the user from coming into contact with these substances.

[0034] Compared to the prior art, the following facts are advantageous: the use or consumption of the tobacco product in question is safe and the appearance of the present aerosol-generating consumable before heating and / or use can appear unchanged compared to conventional aerosol-generating consumables.

[0035] Use according to the invention includes applying a thermochromic or pH-sensitive colour to enable the appearance to change during consumption, or to increase the anti-counterfeiting security, recognisability or information content of the tobacco product.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is dissolved in a suitable solvent and then mixed with or dispersed in a lacquer and then applied or printed onto the aerosol-generating consumable or onto one of its layers. The solvent and lacquer are preferably colorless and preferably transparent. The lacquer can also be colored with non-thermochromic or non-pH-sensitive pigments or printing inks. For example, a coating provided with a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is applied or printed using a gravure printing method or another known printing method. The lacquer is preferably a nitrocellulose lacquer, which has been tried and tested in the use of cigarette holder wrapping materials.

[0037] In one embodiment, it is provided that the material, in particular paper, to which a pH-sensitive substance is applied is pretreated in order to adjust the pH value of the material. This is because the pH value of the material, in particular paper, can also trigger a color change of a pH-sensitive ink or a pH-sensitive varnish. In one embodiment, before applying the pH-sensitive ink or the pH-sensitive varnish, the material, in particular paper, is provided with an acidic or alkaline precoat. The precoat produces a pH value that is lower or higher than the pH threshold of the pH-sensitive substance, and only exceeds or falls below the threshold after contact with the skin or a liquid. Acids are suitable as acidic precoats, in particular food-compatible acids, such as citric acid or fruit acids. For example, calcium carbonate is suitable as an alkaline substance. In another variant, during the production of the material, in particular when producing base paper, it may have been noted that the pH value of calcium carbonate is lower or higher than the pH threshold of the pH-sensitive substance, for example by including calcium carbonate as a filler or base paper that does not include calcium carbonate.

[0038] In yet another embodiment variant, there is a separation layer between the material and the pH sensitive substance, which prevents the pH sensitive substance from being affected by substances from the material. The separation layer can be in the form of a film or a paint layer. The separation layer can be acidic, alkaline or neutral. In other embodiment variants, the printing ink or paint containing the pH sensitive substance can contain an acidic substance or an alkaline substance.

[0039] In other embodiments, a layer comprising a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance, in particular a film doped with a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance, is disposed on or in an aerosol-generating consumable. The thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is preferably enclosed or incorporated in the polymer structure of the plastic film.

[0040] In other embodiments, a three-dimensional object containing a thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is placed within an aerosol generating consumable.

[0041] In one embodiment, the thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is present below the top surface of the mouthpiece wrapper, wherein the mouthpiece wrapper has an opening in at least one area of ​​the thermochromic or pH sensitive substance, or is designed as a translucent or transparent film, so that the at least one area is visible from the outside of the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0042] In one embodiment, the entire mouthpiece wrap material or the middle section of the mouthpiece wrap material is translucent or transparent, and the aerosol generating consumable has at least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance underneath the mouthpiece wrap material or the middle section thereof.

[0043] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece wrap material has at least one opening or perforation and the aerosol-generating consumable has at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance beneath the at least one opening or perforation.

[0044] In one embodiment, at least one opening or perforation is closed by a translucent or transparent material.

[0045] In one embodiment, a transparent or translucent intermediate layer is arranged between the at least one opening or perforation of the mouthend wrap material and the at least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance.

[0046] In one embodiment, the filter rod comprises a three-dimensional thermochromic or pH sensitive object having at least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance, and the filter rod and the optional filter rod wrapping material are transparent or translucent at least in the area of ​​the three-dimensional thermochromic or pH sensitive object.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is contained in an applied, in particular printed, thermochromic or pH-sensitive print.

[0048] In one embodiment, at least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is encapsulated in or printed on a translucent or transparent film material, the transparent film being or being a part of a mouthpiece wrapping material.

[0049] In one embodiment, at least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is encapsulated or embossed in the material of a translucent or transparent film beneath the top surface of the mouthpiece wrap material.

[0050] In one embodiment, the filter plug or plug wrap material has an additional thermochromic or pH sensitive print on its upper surface.

[0051] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece wrap material has a thermochromic or pH sensitive print on its lower surface which faces the interior of the aerosol generating consumable.

[0052] In one embodiment, the mouthend wrap material has at least one opening or perforation wherein the thermochromic or pH sensitive print is present on the exposed surface of the next layer below.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece wrap material has a simulated cork appearance, and the thermochromic or pH sensitive material present in the area of ​​the simulated cork appearance is present in the color of the simulated cork appearance before heating or use and is optically different from the simulated cork appearance after heating or use.

[0054] In one embodiment, at least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is present as a character, a character code, a graphic code or a QR code or as a part of a character, a character code, a graphic code or a QR code.

[0055] In one embodiment, the thermochromic or pH sensitive material is not visible prior to heating or use, and becomes visible only when a temperature threshold is exceeded or a pH threshold is exceeded or dropped below.

[0056] In one embodiment, the thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is a pH sensitive substance.

[0057] In one embodiment, the thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is a thermochromic substance.

[0058] In one embodiment, the thermochromic or pH sensitive material comprises a pH sensitive material and a thermochromic material.

[0059] In one embodiment, an area of ​​an aerosol-generating consumable provided with a thermochromic material (i.e., a surface of the aerosol-generating consumable on or below which the thermochromic material exists) is indistinguishable to the human eye from an area of ​​the surface of the aerosol-generating consumable surrounding or adjacent to that area and on which no thermochromic material exists when the temperature is below a threshold.

[0060] An exemplary embodiment of an aerosol-generating consumable according to the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0061] Figure 1 : shows a first embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention, the aerosol generating consumable having a full-surface thermochromic or pH-sensitive print.

[0062] Figure 2 : A second embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention is shown, the aerosol generating consumable having a zoned thermochromic or pH sensitive print.

[0063] Figure 3: shows a third embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention having a patterned thermochromic or pH sensitive print on the rear side of a translucent mouthpiece wrap material.

[0064] Figure 4 : shows a fourth embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention having a thermochromic or pH sensitive print on a transparent layer beneath the mouthpiece wrap.

[0065] Figure 5 : shows a fifth embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention, the aerosol generating consumable having a thermochromic or pH sensitive print on a transparent section of the mouthpiece wrap material.

[0066] Figure 6 : shows a sixth embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention having a thermochromic or pH sensitive print on a perforated mouthpiece wrapper.

[0067] Figure 7 : shows a seventh embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention, the aerosol generating consumable having a thermochromic or pH sensitive print under the perforated mouthpiece wrap material.

[0068] Figure 8 : shows an eighth embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention, the aerosol generating consumable having a QR code printed with thermochromic or pH sensitive print.

[0069] Fig. 9 : shows a ninth embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention, wherein the aerosol generating consumable has a thermochromic or pH sensitive object in the filter stick.

[0070] Fig.10 : shows a tenth embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention, wherein the aerosol generating consumable has a thermochromic or pH sensitive object in the filter stick.

[0071] Fig.11 : shows an eleventh embodiment of an aerosol generating consumable according to the present invention, the aerosol generating consumable having a thermochromic or pH sensitive print at the opening of the mouthpiece wrapper.

[0072] The figures are not drawn to scale, in particular the layer thicknesses in the cross-sectional images illustrating the layered structures. In particular, the layer thickness of the thermochromic print or pH-sensitive print 2 is shown disproportionately thick in order to make it recognizable. Since printing is usually available with layer thicknesses in the μm range, this would not be visible in a true-to-scale layered structure.

[0073] Figure 1-Figure 7 Each comprises a perspective view of a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating consumable according to the invention during or after heating in the case of thermochromic printing, a reduced perspective view of the mouthpiece of the consumable according to the invention without heating, and a cross-sectional view of the layered structure. In the case of pH-sensitive printing, the change is caused by the pH value of the liquid in contact with the print and / or the skin of the user, wherein the reduced perspective view shows the mouthpiece of the consumable according to the invention before contact with the liquid or skin, and the larger view shows the consumable after contact with the liquid or skin.

[0074] For applications where the change in appearance is caused by contact with the skin, the pH sensitive print needs to be on the outside of the aerosol generating consumable, or sufficient contact is possible through the outermost layer of the aerosol generating consumable, for example through holes allowing contact with the next layer, or by the outer layer being permeable to substances present on the skin.

[0075] Figure 8 A perspective view of a mouthpiece comprising a consumable according to the invention during or after being heated or in contact with a liquid or skin, and a perspective view of a mouthpiece of a smoking article according to the invention without heating or contact with a liquid or skin.

[0076] Figure 9-11 Each comprises a perspective view of a mouthpiece of a smoking article according to the invention while or after being heated or in contact with a liquid or skin, and a cross-sectional view of the layered structure.

[0077] Figure 1-Figure 8 An embodiment of an aerosol-generating consumable 1 having a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is shown in FIG. As is known from the prior art, the aerosol-generating consumable 1 preferably has at least one filter rod 3, a filter rod wrapping material 4 surrounding the filter rod 3, a mouthpiece wrapping material 5 surrounding the filter rod wrapping material 4, and a tobacco rod wrapping material 6 surrounding a tobacco rod. Wrapping materials are also commonly referred to as paper, such as filter wrapping paper (or filter paper) and mouthpiece wrapping paper (or tipping paper), even if these are not always in the form of paper, but can also be in the form of foil, such as plastic foil or cellulose foil. The tobacco rod can generally be referred to as a substrate for generating an aerosol, and does not necessarily have to contain tobacco or tobacco material.

[0078] Figure 1 Shown is a first embodiment according to the present invention, wherein the cigarette holder wrapping material 5 is a paper or cellulose film or tear strip (tear strip) with full-surface thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2, wherein the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is present on the outside of the consumables 1 that produces aerosol, and therefore can be touched by people's lips and / or fingers. The tear strip should be understood to be the peelable area of ​​the cigarette holder wrapping material 5 of a single layer, or the peelable layer of the cigarette holder wrapping material 5 of a multilayer, or the cigarette holder wrapping material 5 that can be completely peeled off. Different from the known packaging materials in the form of additional wrapping or end caps, when smoking, the tear strip can also be retained on the consumables 1 that produces aerosol, so that the user can decide whether to remove the tear strip as needed. In this first embodiment, what is applied is a material that is not dangerous when contacted and / or absorbed via saliva, for example, a color that is suitable for direct contact with food, or a combination of such colors. Alternatively, the mouthpiece wrap material 5 may be in the form of a translucent or transparent material, such as a film, provided with a thermochromic or pH sensitive substance, or the mouthpiece wrap material 5 may have a tear strip in the form of a film provided with a thermochromic or pH sensitive substance.

[0079] Figure 2 A second embodiment according to the invention is shown, in which the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is confined to one or more local areas of the mouthpiece wrapper 5, which are located in the front area of ​​the mouthpiece wrapper 5 so that it is not contacted by the lips of a person when the aerosol-generating consumable 1 is properly used. The thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 can be applied in particular in the form of one or more bands extending on the circumference of the aerosol-generating consumable 1, or as a pattern comprising discrete, connected or separated printed sub-areas. When used with a heat-not-burn device, this embodiment makes more sense for the thermochromic print 2 than for the pH-sensitive print 2, unless the pH-sensitive print 2 comes into contact with a liquid when the aerosol-generating consumable 1 is used, for example, because vapor from the substrate that generates the aerosol reaches the pH-sensitive print 2. In other uses, the thermochromic and / or pH-sensitive print 2 can be confined to the area touched by the finger during use.

[0080] Figure 3A third embodiment according to the invention is shown, in which a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is applied to the lower side, i.e., the side of the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 facing the filter rod wrapping material 4, wherein the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 is at least translucent or transparent, so that the print is visible or perceptible from the outside at least during or after heating or use. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 is preferably in the form of a transparent film made of plastic or particularly preferably made of cellulose hydrate. The thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 may be present on the entire surface on the lower side of the mouthpiece wrapping material 5, or may be applied to at least a local area, for example in the form of one or more bands extending on the circumference of the consumable 1 generating an aerosol, or in a pattern consisting of dispersed, continuous or separated printed sub-areas. Less preferably, the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 may also be applied to the outside of the filter rod wrapping material 4. Instead of the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2, a thermochromic or pH-sensitive intermediate layer may be used in the form of a film containing a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance. An advantage of this embodiment is that the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print or the thermochromic or pH-sensitive film can be present under the translucent or transparent mouthpiece wrapping material 5 and thus protected from contact with the outside of the fingers or lips. The liquid necessary to change the appearance of the pH-sensitive print or foil can originate from the inside of the aerosol-generating consumable 1, in particular from the aerosol-generating substrate or at least one liquid-filled capsule. The liquid necessary to change the appearance of the pH-sensitive print or foil can come from the outside of the aerosol-generating consumable 1, in particular from the skin or lips of the user, whereby the outer layer of the aerosol-generating consumable can be penetrated by the liquid.

[0081] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment according to the invention is shown, in which the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 has at least one opening 8, which is preferably produced by laser cutting (laser die cutting) and exposes the bottom layer of the layered structure. Below the opening 8 is an intermediate layer 7 of a translucent material, which may cover only the opening 8, or cover an annular area of ​​the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 surrounding the opening 8, or cover the entire area of ​​the mouthpiece wrapping material 5. In an embodiment, a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 4 is applied to the lower side of the intermediate layer 7, whereby this can be limited to a local area of ​​the surface of the opening 8. The intermediate layer 7 is preferably a transparent film made of plastic or, in particular, made of cellulose hydrate. The intermediate layer 7 can also be made of an opaque material, in particular such as paper, wherein the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is preferably applied to the upper side of the intermediate layer 7, whereby the print 2 can be limited to a local area of ​​the surface of the opening 8.

[0082] Figure 5A fifth embodiment according to the invention is shown, in which the mouthpiece wrap material 5 has several segments, wherein there is at least one translucent middle segment 9, which can preferably consist of a transparent film made of plastic or in particular of cellulose hydrate. The remainder of the mouthpiece wrap material 5 can be paper. The middle segment 9 is preferably present as an annular segment, i.e. the middle segment 9 extends over the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating consumable 1. The middle segment 9 has a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 on its underside or upper side and / or consists of a thermochromic or pH-sensitive foil.

[0083] Figure 6 A sixth embodiment according to the invention is shown, wherein the mouthpiece wrap material 5 of the sixth embodiment further has perforations 10. Small perforations 10 passing through the mouthpiece wrap material 5 are known in the art and are used to improve air permeability and are present as a band of one or more small holes extending around the periphery of the aerosol-generating consumable 1. According to the invention, perforations 10 that are larger than usual are provided so that these perforations are clearly visible to the naked eye. The perforations 10 have a size of at least 0.3 mm in diameter. When heated or used, the appearance of the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is thereby changed and the perforations 10 become clearly visible. Figure 6 Also shown is an ablation 18 produced according to the invention, in which at least material of the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is removed from the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 over the entire area by laser, wherein, in an embodiment, the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 can also be at least partially removed. Laser ablation can produce a light-dark design that only becomes visible when heated or used. Conversely, it is also possible to provide a mouthpiece wrapping material 5 with a thermochromic or pH-sensitive surface, or to provide a view of the thermochromic or pH-sensitive surface with an opaque print through transparency, and to provide an opaque print with an ablation 18, which again makes the view on the thermochromic or pH-sensitive surface clear.

[0084] Figure 7A seventh embodiment according to the invention is shown, in which the mouthpiece wrap 5 has a perforation 10, and a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 or a thermochromic or pH-sensitive layer (e.g. as a thermochromic or pH-sensitive film) is present in the layered structure of the aerosol-generating consumable 1 below the mouthpiece wrap 5. In the case of a thermochromic substance and heating the thermochromic material above a threshold value, the appearance of the small opening of the perforation 10 changes. If the perforation 10 is so small that the perforation 10 is not or barely perceptible to the naked eye, the perforation 10 can be made clearly visible by darkening the thermochromic color when exposed to heat. In the case of a pH-sensitive substance, the appearance of the small opening of the perforation 10 changes when liquid passes through the small opening of the perforation 10 from the outside, or when liquid reaches the pH-sensitive substance from the inside. If the perforation 10 is so small that the perforation is not or barely perceptible to the naked eye, the perforation 10 can be made clearly visible by darkening the perforation 10 during use.

[0085] Figure 8 An eighth embodiment according to the invention is shown, in which a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is applied as a character or QR code 11 or as part of a character or QR code 11. If the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 forms the character or QR code 11 itself, this may not be visible to the viewer at the beginning and only becomes visible after heating or during use. The thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 can also be used to change the QR code 11 when heated or used, because the QR code contains pixels of a conventional color that cannot be changed and pixels of the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2. Preferably, additional information can be added to the visible QR code 11 by the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2, for example by overprinting the visible QR code 11 with the thermochromic or pH-sensitive QR code 11, each QR code containing different information. In this embodiment, a finely ground pigment is preferably used, in particular a pigment having a particle size of less than 3 μm, because the pigment has a small particle size and therefore a good printing resolution can be obtained. This allows the high edge sharpness required to read the QR code to be achieved.

[0086] Fig. 9A ninth embodiment according to the present invention is shown, in which a three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 is arranged in a filter rod 3 of a consumable product 1 that generates an aerosol, preferably in the form of a thermochromic or pH-sensitive sphere. The three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 can be composed entirely of thermochromic or pH-sensitive materials, or the surface of the three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 can be sprayed or soaked with a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance. The three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 can be composed of an envelope and a filling medium, wherein the envelope or the filling medium contains a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance. The filling medium can also contain other substances, such as liquid spices or flavoring substances, which are released when the envelope is broken. According to the prior art, such capsules with flavoring substances in filter rods are known, so according to the present invention, such capsules can be provided with thermochromic or pH-sensitive substances, or the liquid of such capsules can be used to change the appearance of pH-sensitive substances. However, the three-dimensional thermochromic object pH-sensitive object 12 is preferably non-crushable, i.e., not a spice capsule, but exists as a dimensionally stable element, which is used as a design or safety feature.

[0087] Fig. 9 The layered structure of shows a transparent or at least translucent filter rod segment 13, which contains a thermochromic or pH sensitive object 12. The filter rod wrapping material 4 has a transparent or at least translucent middle section 9, which allows the interior of the filter rod to be perceived from the outside. The mouthpiece wrapping material 5 also has a transparent or at least translucent middle section 9, which allows the interior of the filter rod to be perceived from the outside.

[0088] Fig.10 A tenth embodiment according to the invention is shown, in which a three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 is also arranged in the filter rod 3 of the aerosol-generating consumable 1. The layered structure of the aerosol-generating consumable comprises: a transparent or at least translucent filter rod segment 13, which contains the thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12; a filter rod wrapping material 4, which itself is transparent or at least translucent; and a mouthpiece wrapping material 5, which has an opening 8, so that the thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 is preferably only visible from the outside after heating or use.

[0089] Fig.11 An eleventh embodiment according to the invention is shown, wherein the mouthpiece wrap 5 has an opening 8, and a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 or a thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 is attached to the filter plug wrap 4, or the filter plug wrap 4 itself contains a thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance. The thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 may be printed as a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional object (e.g. a sphere), so that it only looks like the object is present in the aerosol-generating consumable 1.

[0090] The technical features described in embodiments 1 to 11 according to the present invention can be combined differently within the scope of professional operation, for example, the consumable 1 for generating aerosol according to the present invention can have both at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 and at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2. In addition, the layered structure can have at least one or more intermediate layers 8, and the individual wrapping materials and intermediate layers of the layered structure can each have an opening 10 and / or an intermediate section 9. At least one covering material, intermediate layer 8 and / or intermediate section 9 can have a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 on one side or both sides. According to another embodiment of the present invention, two dense layers can be provided, i.e., layers made of materials that thermochromic substances cannot penetrate, such as a cigarette holder wrapping material 5 and an intermediate layer 8, each made of a plastic film or cellophane, and a thermochromic print 2 or a thermochromic film is arranged between the two dense layers. The layered structure prevents the thermochromic substance from being transported or moved outward in the direction of the inside of the cigarette and in the direction of the surface of the cigarette. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a diffusion-open or permeable layer, i.e. a layer made of a material that can be permeated by liquid, such as a porous mouthpiece wrapping material 5 or a porous intermediate layer 8, wherein the pH-sensitive print 2 is present on a side away from the side of the diffusion-open or permeable layer, from which the liquid reaches the diffusion-open or permeable layer. The side depends on whether the liquid comes from the outside of the aerosol-generating consumable 1 (e.g. from the lips) or from the inside of the aerosol-generating consumable 1. The pH-sensitive print 2 can be present between two diffusion-open or permeable layers, or between a diffusion-open or permeable layer and a diffusion-tight or liquid-tight layer.

[0091] The thermochromic or pH-sensitive substances or thermochromic or pH-sensitive prints mentioned herein can be used on mouthpiece wrapping materials (mouthpiece wrapping paper, tipping paper), on tear strips, cigarette paper, filter wrapping materials (plugwrap / plug wrapping paper), or in or on filter materials.

[0092] Printed thermochromic or pH-sensitive substances can exist as security features or design elements, whereby every design element made of thermochromic or pH-sensitive substances should be considered a technical security feature, since it is more difficult to identify and imitate than conventional printings. Security features can also be used in competitions by printing numbers, symbols or codes on cigarettes or their packaging materials, which can become visible by heating or use, and the consumer can check whether he has won a prize. QR codes can also be used in this way, since the consumer can be redirected to a specific homepage after reading the code.

[0093] The present invention also relates to the following aspects:

[0094] 1. An aerosol-generating consumable 1, comprising at least a filter rod 3, an aerosol-generating substrate and a mouthpiece wrapping material 5, wherein the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 surrounds at least a portion of the filter rod 3 and has an upper surface, wherein the upper surface forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating consumable 1, and is characterized in that the aerosol-generating consumable 1 comprises at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance in the region of the mouthpiece wrapping material 5.

[0095] 2. The aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to aspect 1 is characterized in that the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance exists below the upper surface of the mouthpiece wrapping material 5, the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 includes at least one opening 8, or the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 is designed to be a translucent or transparent film in at least one area of ​​the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance, so that at least one area is visible from the outside of the aerosol-generating consumable 1.

[0096] 3. The aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to aspect 1 or 2 is characterized in that the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 or the middle section 9 of the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 is translucent or transparent, and the aerosol-generating consumable 1 includes at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance located below the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 or the middle section 9 thereof.

[0097] 4. An aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 has at least one opening 8 or perforation 10, and the aerosol-generating consumable 1 includes at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance located below the at least one opening 8 or perforation 10.

[0098] 5. The aerosol-generating consumable product 1 according to aspect 4, characterized in that the at least one opening 8 or perforation 10 is closed by a translucent or transparent material.

[0099] 6. An aerosol-generating consumable product 1 according to aspect 4, characterized in that a transparent or translucent intermediate layer 7 is arranged between the at least one opening 8 or perforation 10 and the at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance.

[0100] 7. An aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 6, characterized in that the filter rod 3 contains a three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12 having at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance, wherein the filter rod 3 and the optional filter rod wrapping material 4 are transparent or translucent at least in the area of ​​the three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object 12.

[0101] 8. An aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is contained in a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2, and the thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 is applied to a part or layer of the aerosol-generating consumable 1, in particular printed on a part or layer of the aerosol-generating consumable 1.

[0102] 9. An aerosol-generating consumable product 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is enclosed in a translucent or transparent film material, and the translucent or transparent film is the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 or a part thereof.

[0103] 10. An aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is enclosed in a translucent or transparent film material, and the translucent or transparent film is located below the top surface of the mouthpiece wrapping material 5.

[0104] 11. Aerosol-generating consumable product 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 10, characterized in that the filter plug or the filter plug wrap material has an additional thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 on its outer surface.

[0105] 12. An aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 11, characterized in that the mouthpiece wrap material 5 has a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print 2 on its lower surface facing the interior of the aerosol-generating consumable 1.

[0106] 13. An aerosol generating consumable product 1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, characterized in that the mouthpiece wrap material 5 has at least one opening 8 or perforation 10, and the thermochromic or pH sensitive print 2 is located on the lower exposed surface of the next layer below.

[0107] 14. An aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 13, characterized in that the mouthpiece wrapping material 5 has a simulated cork appearance, and the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance present in the area of ​​the simulated cork appearance is colored similarly to the simulated cork appearance before heating or use, and is optically different from the simulated cork appearance after heating or use.

[0108] 15. An aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance exists in the form of a character, a character code, a graphic code or a QR code, or exists in the form of a part of a character, a part of a character code, a part of a graphic code or a part of a QR code.

[0109] 16. An aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 15, characterized in that the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is not visible before heating or use, and only becomes visible when a temperature threshold is exceeded or fallen below, or a pH threshold is exceeded or fallen below.

[0110] 17. An aerosol-generating consumable product 1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, characterized in that the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is a pH-sensitive substance or at least contains a pH-sensitive substance.

[0111] 18. An aerosol generating consumable product 1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 17, characterized in that the thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is a thermochromic substance or at least comprises a thermochromic substance.

[0112] 19. The aerosol-generating consumable 1 according to aspect 18 is characterized in that, as long as the temperature is below a temperature threshold, the human eye cannot distinguish between the area of ​​the aerosol-generating consumable 1 provided with the thermochromic substance, that is, the surface of the aerosol-generating consumable 1 on or below which the thermochromic substance exists, and the surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating consumable 1 surrounding or adjacent to the area and on which the thermochromic substance does not exist.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating consumable (1), comprising at least a filter rod (3), an aerosol-generating substrate and a mouthpiece wrapping material (5), wherein the mouthpiece wrapping material (5) surrounds at least a portion of the filter rod (3) and has an upper surface, wherein the upper surface forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating consumable (1), characterized in that: The aerosol-generating consumable product (1) comprises at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance in the region of the mouthpiece wrapping material (5).

2. The aerosol-generating consumable (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is present below the upper surface of the mouthpiece wrapping material (5), and the mouthpiece wrapping material (5) includes at least one opening (8), or the mouthpiece wrapping material (5) is designed as a translucent or transparent film in at least one area of ​​the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance, so that at least one area is visible from the outside of the aerosol-generating consumable (1).

3. The aerosol-generating consumable (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The mouthpiece wrapping material (5) or the middle section (9) of the mouthpiece wrapping material (5) is translucent or transparent, and the aerosol-generating consumable (1) comprises at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance located below the mouthpiece wrapping material (5) or the middle section (9) thereof.

4. Aerosol-generating consumable (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The mouthpiece wrap material (5) has at least one opening (8) or perforation (10), and the aerosol-generating consumable (1) comprises at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance located below the at least one opening (8) or perforation (10).

5. The aerosol-generating consumable (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one opening (8) or perforation (10) is closed by a translucent or transparent material.

6. The aerosol generating consumable (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that A transparent or translucent intermediate layer (7) is arranged between the at least one opening (8) or perforation (10) and the at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance.

7. Aerosol-generating consumable (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The filter rod (3) comprises a three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object (12) having at least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance, wherein the filter rod (3) and the optional filter rod wrapping material (4) are transparent or translucent at least in the area of ​​the three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-sensitive object (12).

8. Aerosol-generating consumable product (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that At least one thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is contained in a thermochromic or pH-sensitive print (2), which is applied to a part or layer of the aerosol-generating consumable (1), in particular printed on a part or layer of the aerosol-generating consumable (1).

9. Aerosol-generating consumable (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that At least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is enclosed in a translucent or transparent film material, and the translucent or transparent film is the mouthpiece wrapping material (5) or a part thereof.

10. An aerosol generating consumable (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that At least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance is enclosed in a translucent or transparent film material, and the translucent or transparent film is located below the top surface of the mouthpiece wrapping material (5).

11. Aerosol-generating consumable product (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The filter rod or filter rod wrap material has an additional thermochromic or pH-sensitive print (2) on its outer surface.

12. Aerosol-generating consumable product (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The mouthpiece wrap material (5) has a thermochromic or pH sensitive print (2) on its lower surface facing the interior of the aerosol generating consumable (1).

13. An aerosol generating consumable (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that The mouthpiece wrap material (5) has at least one opening (8) or perforation (10) and a thermochromic or pH sensitive print (2) is located on the lower exposed surface of the next layer below.

14. Aerosol-generating consumable (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The mouthpiece wrapping material (5) has a simulated cork appearance, and the thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance present in the area of ​​the simulated cork appearance is colored similarly to the simulated cork appearance before heating or use, and is optically different from the simulated cork appearance after heating or use.

15. An aerosol generating consumable (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that The at least one thermochromic or pH sensitive substance exists in the form of a character, a character code, a graphic code or a QR code, or exists in the form of a part of a character, a part of a character code, a part of a graphic code or a part of a QR code.

16. Aerosol-generating consumable product (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The thermochromic or pH sensitive material is not visible prior to heating or use and only becomes visible when a temperature threshold is exceeded or dropped below or a pH threshold is exceeded or dropped below.

17. An aerosol generating consumable (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that The thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is a pH-sensitive substance or at least contains a pH-sensitive substance.

18. An aerosol generating consumable (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that The thermochromic or pH-sensitive substance is a thermochromic substance or at least contains a thermochromic substance.

19. The aerosol generating consumable (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that As long as the temperature is below the temperature threshold, the human eye cannot distinguish between the area of ​​the aerosol-generating consumable (1) provided with the thermochromic substance, i.e., the surface of the aerosol-generating consumable (1) on or below which the thermochromic substance exists, and the surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating consumable (1) surrounding or adjacent to the area and on which the thermochromic substance does not exist.

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