Cooling element

Abstract

The utility model provides a cooling element (106) which comprises a longitudinally-extending core part (110), the longitudinally-extending core part comprises a plurality of longitudinally-extending holes (112), and each hole has the diameter larger than or equal to 0.8 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model provides a cooling element for use with a smoking article such as a tobacco heating product or a heat-not-burn product. Background Art

[0002] Tobacco heating products or heat-not-burn (HNB) products are well known. The concept of tobacco heating products is to heat tobacco to a specific temperature (such as 350°C) without burning it. This provides a vapor containing nicotine, but it is believed that heating without burning avoids the production of combustion products that are harmful to consumers.

[0003] Tobacco heating products (HNB products) can include modified tobacco plugs and other mouthpiece elements, which are wrapped in paper filter plug wrap to provide a cigarette-like appearance. In one such product, a reconstituted tobacco plug, a wrapped hollow acetate tube, a wrapped PLA [poly (lactic acid)] plug, and a conventionally wrapped acetate segment are wrapped in white paper. The product can then be inserted into a heating element that heats the tobacco, so the product can then be "smoked" by the consumer. The function of the "filter" in these products is very different from that of a cigarette filter; the main function is to provide the appearance and feel of a cigarette and can also cool the smoke to a temperature acceptable to the consumer. In the above-mentioned products, the PLA segment performs an important cooling function and therefore it can be considered a cooling element.

[0004] PLA segments have disadvantages in usability, manufacturing capabilities, filtration performance (particularly with respect to phenols), feel, robustness, biodegradability, and appearance. Previous cooling elements may also have disadvantages in their ability to cool smoke to acceptable or predictable levels. Therefore, there is a need for such cooling elements that can provide acceptable cooling of vapors in HNB products without the disadvantages seen when using PLA as a cooling element. It is also desirable to provide a cooling element with a consistent and / or predictable cooling effect to provide the desired temperature reduction. Utility Model Content

[0005] According to the utility model, in a first aspect, a cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for tobacco heating products and / or HNB products) is provided, which cooling element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core, which longitudinally extends the core and comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter ≥0.8 mm (i.e., a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm).

[0006] Applicants have found that a cooling element comprising a plurality of holes, together with other components of the HNB mouthpiece (e.g. other discrete sections), can provide an appropriate level of vapor cooling. Applicants have found that by varying the size, shape and arrangement of the holes, the holes can better control the airflow in the HNB product and thus can adjust the cooling effect to provide the desired temperature reduction.

[0007] Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 0.8mm to 2.5mm. Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 1.5mm to 2.5mm. Applicants have found that holes with these diameters can provide the best cooling characteristics. It will be understood that the cooling element may include a plurality of holes with different diameters. The cooling element may include 2 to 12 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 2 to 6 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 4 to 6 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 3, 4 or 5 holes. Applicants have found that a cooling element including 3, 4 or 5 holes can provide the best steam cooling.

[0008] It will be understood that the term "hole" as used herein refers to a tunnel or closed passageway extending longitudinally through the core and enclosed by the core (although it may be open at one or both ends of the core). The cross-section of each hole may be of any shape (i.e. the hole need not be circular in shape).

[0009] For circular holes, the term "diameter" has its usual meaning. It will be understood that for non-circular holes, the term "diameter 5" refers to the length of a line passing through the centre of the hole from one side of the hole to the other side at the widest point of the hole. Preferably, the hole (or each hole) has a uniform axial cross-section.

[0010] According to the utility model, in one aspect, a cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product) is provided, the cooling element comprising a longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core, the longitudinally extending core comprising three longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥0.8 mm (i.e., a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm). Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm. Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0011] According to the utility model, in one aspect, a cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product) is provided, the cooling element comprising a longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core, the longitudinally extending core comprising 4 longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥0.8 mm (i.e., a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm). Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm. Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0012] According to the utility model, in one aspect, a cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product) is provided, the cooling element comprising a longitudinally extending (e.g., cylindrical) core, the longitudinally extending core comprising 5 longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥0.8 mm (i.e., a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm). Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm. Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0013] The cooling element may be made of natural or synthetic fiber tow, for example cotton or plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or cellulose acetate tow. The filter material may be a thermoplastic or other spinnable polymer, for example polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polylactic acid.

[0014] Preferably, the cooling element is made of cellulose acetate. Preferably, the cooling element is thermoformed from cellulose acetate. Cellulose acetate may also include a plasticizer (e.g., triacetate, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other plasticizers, or a mixture of plasticizers). This material thermoformed from cellulose acetate and plasticizer may be referred to as a tobacco filter material. The plasticizer (e.g., triacetate), if present, may be applied to the cellulose acetate material in an amount of 15% to 21.5%, preferably 15% to 19%, of the total weight of the cellulose acetate material. Applicants have found that the cellulose acetate cooling element, together with other components of the mouthpiece (e.g., other discrete sections), can provide appropriate cooling while providing consumers with a satisfactory look and feel (e.g., including mouthfeel). This is particularly surprising given the conventional wisdom that cellulose acetate sections cannot achieve effective cooling. Applicants have discovered that by using conventional tobacco filter materials such as cellulose acetate thermoformed materials to produce the cooling elements of the present invention, the cooling elements of the present invention can provide improved organoleptic properties (such as taste and feel) and reduced manufacturing costs compared to conventional cooling elements.

[0015] Preferably, the cooling element has a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, such as 10 mm to 30 mm, such as 8 mm to 24 mm, such as 15 mm to 20 mm, such as 18 mm.

[0016] Preferably, the circumference of the cooling element is 12mm to 30mm, for example 15mm to 28mm, more preferably 17mm to 25mm, for example 18mm to 25mm, for example 20mm to 24mm, for example 22mm to 24mm, for example 23mm, for example 22mm.

[0017] Preferably, the longitudinally extending core, such as a longitudinally extending core made of cellulose acetate material, has a uniform axial cross-section.

[0018] Preferably, each hole has a substantially circular cross section. Alternatively, the cross section of each hole may have a different shape [circular, semicircular (D-shaped), square, triangular, hollow star, trilobal, pentagonal or gear-shaped cross section, or a cross section in the shape of a logo or other pattern]. The cooling element according to the present invention may include a plurality of holes with cross sections of different shapes, for example, the cooling element includes holes with circular cross sections and holes with square cross sections. This may be used, for example, Figure 3 It can be seen in.

[0019] Preferably, the cooling element has a substantially circular cross section, which means that the cooling element is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, the cooling element of the present invention can be in any shape. For example, the cooling element can have an elliptical cross section or a square cross section or a rectangular cross section.

[0020] Preferably each aperture extends longitudinally through the entire length of the core.

[0021] The cooling element may further comprise an outer wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core. The outer wrapper may be paper (e.g. filter plug wrap), preferably paper with a basis weight of 20 to 160 gsm (e.g. filter plug wrap), for example paper with a basis weight of 24 to 150 gsm (e.g. filter plug wrap), for example paper with a basis weight of 70 to 150 gsm (e.g. filter plug wrap), for example paper with a basis weight of 70 to 140 gsm (e.g. filter plug wrap).

[0022] According to the utility model, a method for making a cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product) is provided, the method comprising passing (e.g., pulling) a material (e.g., cellulose acetate) to which a plasticizer has been applied through a forming device (e.g., a fixed mold), and simultaneously heat treating the material, thereby forming a longitudinally extending core comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥0.8 mm (i.e., a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm). Preferably, the forming device comprises at least one protruding inner rod (mandrel), the at least one protruding inner rod comprising a plurality of pins, each pin having a cross-sectional profile identical to the cross-sectional profile of the longitudinally extending hole.

[0023] A cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product) can be made by pulling a continuous strand of cellulose acetate, to which a plasticizer (e.g., triacetate) has been optionally applied, through a fixed die having an outer diameter approximately equal to the desired outer diameter of the cooling element to be produced. The plasticizer (e.g., triacetate) can be applied to the cellulose acetate material in an amount of 15% to 21.5%, preferably 15% to 19%, of the total weight of the cellulose acetate material. The fixed die includes a plurality of protruding inner rods (e.g., a mandrel) extending through the fixed die. The mandrel size (e.g., diameter) can be 0.8 mm to 4.2 mm. The mandrel will have a circular cross-section including a plurality of pins having a diameter of 0.8 mm to 4.2 mm (depending on the size (e.g., diameter) of the desired hole). When the cellulose acetate is pulled through the die, the cellulose acetate passes around the mandrel (and therefore around the pins) so that a cooling element having a plurality of holes is formed upon leaving the die, the plurality of holes having a cross-sectional profile equal to the number and size of the pins used in the mandrel. Heated steam (i.e. superheated steam, as is known in the art) may be applied to the cellulose acetate while the cellulose acetate is in the mould. The heated steam may be applied via a conduit in the mould. The heated steam solidifies the plasticiser applied to the cellulose acetate, thereby allowing the cooling element to retain the shape of the mould after leaving the mould. Preferably, the method comprises a step in which the cellulose acetate is exposed to cooling air after forming the longitudinally extending core, wherein the longitudinally extending core comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥ 0.8 mm (i.e. a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm). Preferably, the cooling air is at a temperature of 20°C to 26°C, more effectively the cooling air is at a temperature of 22°C to 25°C, for example 22°C to 24.5°C. Preferably, the method comprises a step of extending the residence time in the cooling air (e.g. providing four or more air boxes through which the cooling element passes). The residence time in the cooling air may be from 0.12 seconds to 0.14 seconds, for example 0.13 seconds.

[0024] According to the utility model, a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product is provided, wherein the cooling element comprises a longitudinally extending core portion, wherein the longitudinally extending core portion comprises 2 to 12 longitudinally extending holes.

[0025] According to the utility model, a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product is provided, the cooling element comprising a longitudinally extending core, the longitudinally extending core comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥0.8 mm.

[0026] According to the utility model, a smoking article (e.g., a tobacco heating product, an HNB product) is provided, which includes a cooling element described herein and claimed below. It will be understood that the smoking article (e.g., a tobacco heating product, an HNB product) may include one or more discrete other sections. The discrete other sections may be (e.g., cylindrical) plugs made of tobacco smoke filtering material. Preferably, the discrete other sections are made of cellulose acetate tow.

[0027] It will be appreciated that the cooling element can be used for any multi-section filter or consumable. The filter structure can be two, three, four or more discrete sections. The filter can be attached to a tobacco rod, which can be made of any form of tobacco (including reconstituted tobacco). The filter can include other sections, including sac, carbon, CPS, tube, acetic acid, paper, menthol, etc.

[0028] According to the utility model, a tobacco heating product and / or HNB product comprising a cooling element is provided, wherein the cooling element comprises a longitudinally extending core, the longitudinally extending core comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥0.8 mm.

[0029] According to the utility model, a tobacco heating product and / or HNB product comprising a cooling element is provided. The cooling element comprises a longitudinally extending core portion, and the longitudinally extending core portion comprises 2 to 12 longitudinally extending holes.

[0030] Preferably, the tobacco heating product and / or HNB product according to the utility model further comprises one or more discrete other sections. The discrete other sections may be (e.g. cylindrical) plugs made of tobacco smoke filtering material. Preferably, the discrete other sections are made of cellulose acetate tow.

[0031] Applicants have found that a cooling element comprising a plurality of holes, together with other components of the HNB mouthpiece (e.g. other discrete sections), can provide an appropriate level of cooling for the vapor in the tobacco heating product and / or HNB product. Applicants have found that by varying the size, shape and arrangement of the holes, they can better control the airflow in the tobacco heating product and / or HNB product and thus can adjust the cooling effect to provide the desired temperature reduction.

[0032] Preferably, each hole of the cooling element has a diameter of 0.8mm to 2.5mm. Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 1.5mm to 2.5mm. The applicant has found that holes with these diameters can provide optimal cooling characteristics. It will be understood that the cooling element may include a plurality of holes with different diameters. The cooling element may include 2 to 12 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 2 to 6 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 4 to 6 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 3, 4 or 5 holes. The applicant has found that a cooling element including 3, 4 or 5 holes can provide optimal cooling for the steam in tobacco heating products and / or HNB products.

[0033] Preferably, the cooling element is made of cellulose acetate. Preferably, the cooling element is thermoformed from cellulose acetate. Cellulose acetate may also include a plasticizer (e.g., triacetate, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other plasticizers, or a mixture of plasticizers). This material thermoformed from cellulose acetate and plasticizer may be referred to as a tobacco filter material. Plasticizer (e.g., triacetate), if present, may be applied to the cellulose acetate material in an amount of 15% to 21.5%, preferably 15% to 19%, of the total weight of the cellulose acetate material. Applicants have found that the cellulose acetate cooling element, together with other components of the mouthpiece, can provide appropriate cooling for the steam in tobacco heating products and / or HNB products while providing a satisfactory appearance and feel (e.g., mouthfeel) to consumers. This is particularly surprising given the conventional wisdom that cellulose acetate segments cannot achieve effective cooling.

[0034] Preferably, the cooling element has a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, such as 10 mm to 30 mm, such as 8 mm to 24 mm, such as 15 mm to 20 mm, such as 18 mm.

[0035] Preferably, the circumference of the cooling element is 12mm to 30mm, for example 15mm to 28mm, more preferably 17mm to 25mm, for example 18mm to 25mm, for example 20mm to 24mm, for example 22mm to 24mm, for example 23mm, for example 22mm.

[0036] The cross section of each hole of the cooling element can be of any shape. Preferably, each hole has a substantially circular cross section. Alternatively, the cross section of each hole can have a different shape [circular, semicircular (D-shaped), square, triangular, hollow star, trilobal, pentagonal or gear-shaped cross section, or a cross section in the shape of a logo or other pattern]. The cooling element according to the present invention may include a plurality of holes with cross sections of different shapes, for example, the cooling element includes holes with a circular cross section and holes with a square cross section. This can be used, for example Figure 3 It can be seen in.

[0037] Preferably, the cooling element has a substantially circular cross section, which means that the cooling element is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, the cooling element of the present invention can be in any shape. For example, the cooling element can have an elliptical cross section or a square cross section or a rectangular cross section.

[0038] Preferably, each aperture of the cooling element extends longitudinally through the entire length of the core.

[0039] According to the present invention, in another aspect, a cooling element is provided for use in a tobacco heating product and / or HNB product, wherein the cooling element comprises a longitudinally extending core, the longitudinally extending core comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥0.8 mm.

[0040] According to the present invention, in another aspect, a use of a cooling element in a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product is provided, wherein the cooling element comprises a longitudinally extending core, wherein the longitudinally extending core comprises 2 to 12 longitudinally extending holes.

[0041] Preferably, the tobacco heating product and / or HNB product according to the utility model further comprises one or more discrete other sections. The discrete other sections may be (e.g. cylindrical) plugs made of tobacco smoke filtering material. Preferably, the discrete other sections are made of cellulose acetate tow.

[0042] Applicants have found that a cooling element comprising a plurality of holes, together with other components of the HNB mouthpiece (e.g. other discrete sections), can provide an appropriate level of cooling for the vapor in the tobacco heating product and / or HNB product. Applicants have found that by varying the size, shape and arrangement of the holes, they can better control the airflow in the tobacco heating product and / or HNB product and thus can adjust the cooling effect to provide the desired temperature reduction.

[0043] Preferably, each hole of the cooling element has a diameter of 0.8mm to 2.5mm. Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 1.5mm to 2.5mm. The applicant has found that holes with these diameters can provide optimal cooling characteristics. It will be understood that the cooling element may include a plurality of holes with different diameters. The cooling element may include 2 to 12 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 2 to 6 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 3, 4 or 5 holes. Preferably, the cooling element includes 4 to 6 holes. The applicant has found that a cooling element including 3, 4 or 5 holes can provide optimal cooling for the steam in tobacco heating products and / or HNB products.

[0044] Preferably, the cooling element is made of cellulose acetate. Preferably, the cooling element is thermoformed from cellulose acetate. Cellulose acetate may also include a plasticizer (e.g., triacetate, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other plasticizers, or a mixture of plasticizers). This material thermoformed from cellulose acetate and plasticizer may be referred to as a tobacco filter material. Plasticizer (e.g., triacetate), if present, may be applied to the cellulose acetate material in an amount of 15% to 21.5%, preferably 15% to 19%, of the total weight of the cellulose acetate material. Applicants have found that the cellulose acetate cooling element, together with other components of the mouthpiece, can provide appropriate cooling for the steam in tobacco heating products and / or HNB products while providing a satisfactory appearance and feel (e.g., mouthfeel) to consumers. This is particularly surprising given the conventional wisdom that cellulose acetate segments cannot achieve effective cooling.

[0045] Preferably, the cooling element has a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, such as 10 mm to 30 mm, such as 8 mm to 24 mm, such as 15 mm to 20 mm, such as 18 mm.

[0046] Preferably, the circumference of the cooling element is 12mm to 30mm, for example 15mm to 28mm, more preferably 17mm to 25mm, for example 18mm to 25mm, for example 20mm to 24mm, for example 22mm to 24mm, for example 23mm, for example 22mm.

[0047] The cross section of each hole of the cooling element can be of any shape. Preferably, each hole has a substantially circular cross section. Alternatively, the cross section of each hole can have a different shape [circular, semicircular (D-shaped), square, triangular, hollow star, trilobal, pentagonal or gear-shaped cross section, or a cross section in the shape of a logo or other pattern]. The cooling element according to the present invention may include a plurality of holes with cross sections of different shapes, for example, the cooling element includes holes with a circular cross section and holes with a square cross section. This can be used, for example Figure 3 It can be seen in.

[0048] Preferably, the cooling element has a substantially circular cross section, which means that the cooling element is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, the cooling element of the present invention can be in any shape. For example, the cooling element can have an elliptical cross section or a square cross section or a rectangular cross section.

[0049] Preferably, each aperture of the cooling element extends longitudinally through the entire length of the core.

[0050] According to the present invention, in another aspect, a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or a HNB product is provided, the cooling element comprising a longitudinally extending core, the longitudinally extending core comprising three longitudinally extending holes.

[0051] According to the present invention, in another aspect, a tobacco heating product and / or HNB product is provided, the tobacco heating product and / or HNB product comprising a longitudinally extending core, the longitudinally extending core comprising 3 to 5 longitudinally extending holes.

[0052] Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 0.8mm to 2.5mm. Preferably, each hole has a diameter of 1.5mm to 2.5mm. The applicant has found that holes with these diameters can provide the best cooling characteristics. It will be understood that the cooling element may include multiple holes with different diameters.

[0053] Preferably, the cooling element is made of cellulose acetate. Preferably, the cooling element is thermoformed from cellulose acetate. Cellulose acetate may also include a plasticizer (e.g., triacetate, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other plasticizers, or a mixture of plasticizers). This material thermoformed from cellulose acetate and plasticizer may be referred to as a tobacco filter material. Plasticizer (e.g., triacetate), if present, may be applied to the cellulose acetate material in an amount of 15% to 21.5%, preferably 15% to 19%, of the total weight of the cellulose acetate material. Applicants have found that the cellulose acetate cooling element, together with other components of the mouthpiece, can provide appropriate cooling for the steam in tobacco heating products and / or HNB products while providing a satisfactory appearance and feel (e.g., mouthfeel) to consumers. This is particularly surprising given the conventional wisdom that cellulose acetate segments cannot achieve effective cooling.

[0054] Preferably, the cooling element has a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, such as 10 mm to 30 mm, such as 8 mm to 24 mm, such as 15 mm to 20 mm, such as 18 mm.

[0055] Preferably, the circumference of the cooling element is 12mm to 30mm, for example 15mm to 28mm, more preferably 17mm to 25mm, for example 18mm to 25mm, for example 20mm to 24mm, for example 22mm to 24mm, for example 23mm, for example 22mm.

[0056] The cross section of each hole of the cooling element can be of any shape. Preferably, each hole has a substantially circular cross section. Alternatively, the cross section of each hole can have a different shape [circular, semicircular (D-shaped), square, triangular, hollow star, trilobal, pentagonal or gear-shaped cross section, or a cross section in the shape of a logo or other pattern]. The cooling element according to the present invention may include a plurality of holes with cross sections of different shapes, for example, the cooling element includes holes with a circular cross section and holes with a square cross section. This can be used, for example Figure 3 It can be seen in.

[0057] Preferably, the cooling element has a substantially circular cross section, which means that the cooling element is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, the cooling element of the present invention can be in any shape. For example, the cooling element can have an elliptical cross section or a square cross section or a rectangular cross section.

[0058] Preferably, each aperture of the cooling element extends longitudinally through the full length of the core.

[0059] The cooling element may further comprise an outer wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core. The outer wrapper may be paper (e.g. filter plug wrap), preferably paper (e.g. filter plug wrap) with a basis weight of 20 gsm to 160 gsm, such as paper (e.g. filter plug wrap) with a basis weight of 24 gsm to 150 gsm, such as paper (e.g. filter plug wrap) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 150 gsm, such as paper (e.g. filter plug wrap) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 140 gsm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an HNB product according to the utility model is shown, and the HNB product includes a cooling element according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0062] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cooling element of the present invention shown in ;

[0063] Figure 3 The cross-sectional profiles of a plurality of cooling elements according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the holes have various shapes;

[0064] Figure 4 is a graphical representation of how the temperature at the mouth end of the HNB product changes as puffs proceed when the HNB product includes cooling element A compared to when the HNB product includes cooling element B;

[0065] Figure 5 is a graphical representation of how the temperature at the mouth end of the HNB product changes as puffs proceed when the HNB product includes cooling element A compared to when the HNB product includes cooling element C;

[0066] Figure 6 is a graphical representation of how the temperature at the mouth end of the HNB product changes as puffs proceed when the HNB product includes cooling element A compared to when the HNB product includes cooling element D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a cylindrical HNB product 100 is illustrated. The HNB product 100 includes four sections: a reconstituted tobacco cylindrical plug 102, a cellulose acetate tow cylindrical plug 104, a cylindrical cooling element 106 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a mouthpiece section 108 in the form of a cellulose acetate tow cylindrical plug. The reconstituted tobacco plug 102 is 8 mm long and has a circumference of 22 mm, and forms one end of the HNB product 100. This end is the end inserted into the HNB device. Such reconstituted tobacco plugs are well known in the art. This plug is heated by a heating device (HNB device) during use to produce steam as is well known in the art. The reconstituted tobacco plug 102 is abutted at one end to a cellulose acetate tow cylindrical plug 104, which is 18 mm long and also has a circumference of 22 mm. The end of the cellulose acetate tow plug 104 opposite to the reconstituted tobacco plug 102 is abutted to a cylindrical cooling element 106 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 2 A cooling element 106 is shown which comprises a longitudinally extending core 110 of thermoformed cellulose acetate material having a length of 18 mm and a circumference of 22 mm. The longitudinally extending core 110 comprises three longitudinally extending holes 112, all of which have a circular cross-section. Each longitudinally extending hole 112 has a diameter of approximately 2 mm. The longitudinally extending holes 112 extend through the entire length of the longitudinally extending core 110 from the end abutting the plunger 104 to the end abutting the mouthpiece section 108. From Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the longitudinally extending holes 112 are arranged in a generally triangular arrangement in the longitudinally extending core 110. The cooling element 106 has a uniform axial cross-section. The manufacture of the cooling element 106 is discussed below.

[0069] The mouthpiece section 108 has a length of 7mm and a circumference of 22mm and comprises a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. The section 108 abuts to the end of the cooling element 106 opposite the cylindrical plug 104 of cellulose acetate tow, so that the cooling element 106 is positioned between the mouthpiece section 108 and the plug 104.

[0070] The reconstituted tobacco cylindrical plug 102, the cellulose acetate tow cylindrical plug 104, the cylindrical cooling element 106 and the mouthpiece section 108 in the form of a cellulose acetate tow cylindrical plug are further wrapped with a plug wrap (not shown) having conventional plug-forming paper (known in the art). This provides an appearance similar to that of a conventional cigarette.

[0071] During use, the reconstituted tobacco cylindrical plug 102 of the HNB product 100 is inserted into the HNB device. The HNB device heats the reconstituted tobacco in the conventional manner of HNB devices. This produces hot steam, which is first drawn into the smoker's mouth through the cellulose acetate tow cylindrical plug 104, then through the cooling element 106, and finally through the mouthpiece section 108. It is believed that the hot steam is drawn through the three holes in the cooling element 106 to cool the steam to a temperature acceptable to the user. The applicant has found that the use of three holes arranged in a triangle provides a particularly effective level of cooling. In addition, this cooling effect does not usually come from cellulose acetate materials.

[0072] Thermoformed cellulose acetate cooling elements 106 are produced by a method according to the present invention. A continuous bundle of cellulose acetate tow containing a triacetate plasticizer (the percentage of plasticizer to the total weight of the fiber tow and the triacetate plasticizer is about 18%) is pulled through a fixed die. While being pulled through the fixed die, the cellulose acetate material is heat treated to form a longitudinally extending core made of cellulose acetate material. The fixed die includes an inner rod (mandrel) extending through the fixed die. The mandrel includes three pins having a circular cross-section and a diameter of 2 mm. As the cellulose acetate material is pulled through the die, the cellulose acetate material passes around the pins of the mandrel so that upon leaving the die, the following cooling element 106 is formed: the cooling element has three holes 112 with a diameter of 2 mm extending longitudinally through the core 110 made of thermoformed cellulose acetate material. While the cellulose acetate is in the die, superheated steam is applied to the cellulose acetate via a conduit in the die. The heated steam solidifies the triacetate plasticizer, allowing the cooling element 106 to retain its shape after leaving the mold. The cellulose acetate cooling element 106 is exposed to cooling air at a temperature of 22°C to 25°C for a longer period of time (13 seconds) after it is formed.

[0073] It will be appreciated that by adjusting the shape and size of the pin the shape and size of the hole can be adjusted. Figure 3 Examples of possible shapes of holes that can be produced by this manufacturing method are illustrated.

[0074] experiment

[0075] The cooling element A of the present invention is made according to the method of the present invention. The cooling element A comprises a longitudinally extending core made of thermoformed cellulose acetate material, having a length of 18 mm and a circumference of 22 mm. The longitudinally extending core comprises four longitudinally extending holes, all of which have a circular cross section. Each longitudinally extending hole has a diameter between 1.5 mm and 1.6 mm. The longitudinally extending holes extend through the entire length of the longitudinally extending core.

[0076] Cooling element A was tested against three conventional tubular cooling elements (B, C and D) made of different materials and containing a single hole. The cooling element was tested in three different conventional HNB products (e.g., heating rods), each of which included one of the conventional cooling elements B, C or D. Cooling element B was a paper tube, cooling element C was an acetate tube and cooling element D was a hollow PLA rope.

[0077] Each HNB product is inserted into a heating device. The mouth end of the HNB product is inserted into a smoking machine configured to smoke the HNB product. An infrared (IR) camera is used to analyze the temperature at the mouth end of the HNB product while the HNB product is being smoked. The smoking machine is configured to smoke an HNB product every 30 seconds, with each puff being 2 seconds long. The temperature at the mouth end of the HNB product is measured for each puff. The experiment was conducted at standard room temperature and humidity. The experiment was repeated for each HNB product. Conventional cooling elements (B, C, and D) were then removed from the HNB products and replaced with cooling element A according to the present invention. The experiment was repeated for each of the three HNB products (now containing cooling element A).

[0078] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The temperature at the mouth end of each puff of HNB products containing cooling element A is compared with that of HNB products containing cooling elements B, C and D. The figures show that the cooling element A of the present invention can provide a cooling effect comparable to or better than that of conventional cooling elements and at the same time provide multiple additional benefits, such as lower manufacturing costs, better sensory properties such as taste and feel, etc. In particular, Figure 6 The graph shows that at each puff, the mouth end temperature of the HNB product with cooling element A is significantly lower than the mouth end temperature with PLA cooling element D. This shows that the thermoformed cellulose acetate cooling element of the present invention can provide improved cooling compared to conventional PLA elements and does not have many of the disadvantages of PLA elements.

Claims

1. A cooling element for use with a tobacco heating product and / or a heat-not-burn product, characterized in that: The cooling element comprises a longitudinally extending core comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending holes, wherein each hole has a diameter of ≥ 0.8 mm, and wherein the cooling element comprises tobacco filter material.

2. The cooling element according to claim 1, characterized in that Each hole has a diameter of 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm.

3. The cooling element according to claim 1, characterized in that Each hole has a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

4. The cooling element according to claim 1, characterized in that Includes 2 to 12 holes.

5. The cooling element according to claim 1, characterized in that Includes 2 to 6 holes.

6. The cooling element according to claim 1, characterized in that Each hole extends the entire length of the core.

7. The cooling element according to claim 1, characterized in that The cooling element has a length of 5 mm to 50 mm.

8. The cooling element according to claim 7, characterized in that The cooling element has a length of 10 mm to 30 mm.

9. The cooling element according to claim 7, characterized in that The cooling element has a length of 8 mm to 24 mm.

10. The cooling element according to claim 7, characterized in that The cooling element has a length of 15 mm to 20 mm.

11. The cooling element according to claim 7, characterized in that The cooling element has a length of 18 mm.

12. The cooling element according to claim 1, characterized in that The circumference of the cooling element is 12 mm to 30 mm.

13. The cooling element according to claim 12, wherein The circumference of the cooling element is 15 mm to 28 mm.

14. The cooling element according to claim 12, wherein The circumference of the cooling element is 17 mm to 25 mm.

15. The cooling element according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that Each hole has a generally circular cross-section.

16. The cooling element according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that Each hole has one of the following cross-sections: a generally circular cross-section, a semicircular cross-section, a square cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a hollow star cross-section, a trilobal cross-section, a pentagonal cross-section, a gear-shaped cross-section, or a cross-section in the shape of a logo pattern.

17. A tobacco heating product, characterized in that: Comprising a cooling element according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the tobacco heating product further comprises one or more discrete further sections.

18. A heat-not-burn product, characterized in that: Comprising a cooling element according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the heat not burn product further comprises one or more discrete further sections.

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