Layered structure containing heat-changeable or pH-reactive substances

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating consumer article (1), the aerosol-generating consumer article (1) comprising at least one filter (3), an aerosol-generating substance, and a mouthpiece covering material (5) surrounding at least one partial portion of the filter (3), wherein the mouthpiece covering material has an upper surface that forms at least a portion of the surface of the aerosol-generating consumer article (1), and the aerosol-generating consumer article (1) has at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance within the area of ​​the mouthpiece covering material (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a layered structure of an aerosol-generating consumer article comprising a thermochromic or pH-responsive colorant, such as a tobacco article, a filtered cigarette or a non-combustion heated article. Background Art

[0002] A thermochromic colorant is a colorant that responds to a temperature change or to exceeding a certain temperature threshold, accompanied by a color change (change in luminance, chroma, and / or hue).

[0003] A pH-responsive colorant is a colorant that responds to the pH value of a liquid upon contact with the liquid, through a color change or adjustment (change in luminance, chroma, and / or hue) depending on the pH value. A change in appearance can occur at any possible pH value, or when a certain pH threshold is not reached or is exceeded.

[0004] CN209346082U relates to a filter provided with a transparent coating material. The filter has a cavity filled with granular material. The particles are coated with a color-changing substance that changes color in response to changes in temperature or pH value. Accordingly, the use of the color-changing substance is limited to the particles inside the filter. The color-changing substance is affected by the heated gas passing through the filter during use.

[0005] EP3818877A1 relates to a coating material for a non-combustion heated article coated with a thermochromic material (for use in a non-combustion heating device). The color change occurs when the article is inserted and heated by the device.

[0006] CN210684333U relates to a coating material comprising a printing layer and a hot stamping film. The hot stamping film contains a thermochromic material. When a cigarette is lit and heated, the appearance of the hot stamping film changes, forming a visual addition / finish to the print.

[0007] DE202008015292U1 states that a transparent coating material is equipped with a thermochromic colorant, allowing for the creation of a print on the inside that becomes visible when the temperature rises due to smoking.

[0008] EP3772250B1 relates to a coating material for non-combustible heating articles coated with a thermochromic material (for use in non-combustible heating devices). The color change occurs when the article is inserted and heated by the device.

[0009] CN209489501U relates to a coating material for non-combustible heating articles coated with a thermochromic material (for use in non-combustible heating devices). The color change occurs when the article is inserted and heated by the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] CN209346082U [Patent Document 2] EP3818877A1 [Patent Document 3] CN210684333U [Patent Document 4] DE202008015292U1 [Patent Document 5] EP3772250B1 [Patent Document 6] CN209489501U [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The fundamental problem of this invention is to provide an aerosol-generating consumer article that undergoes a specific change in appearance during use, particularly upon contact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To accomplish this task, the aerosol-generating consumer article described in claim 1 is proposed.

[0013] One embodiment proposes an aerosol-generating consumer article comprising at least one filter, an aerosol-generating substance, and a mouthpiece covering material surrounding at least a partial portion of the filter, wherein the mouthpiece covering material has an upper surface forming at least a portion of the surface of the aerosol-generating consumer article, and the aerosol-generating consumer article has at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance within the area of ​​the mouthpiece covering material.

[0014] An aerosol-generating consumer article having a thermochromic colorant within the scope of this specification is an article that, when the thermochromic colorant is heated, forms or alters at least one feature, the at least one feature being visible or detectable from the outside. Heating can be caused through contact with the user's skin or through heating of the aerosol-generating consumer article in use. Use can be in the form of combustion of conventional filter cigarettes or other smoking articles. Use can also be in the form of heating a non-combustion heating device.

[0015] Aerosol-generating consumer article having a pH-reactive colorant within the scope of this specification is an article in which the pH-reactive colorant forms or alters a feature when it comes into contact with a liquid or human skin, the feature being visible or detectable from the outside, and there is a relationship between the change in the feature and the pH value of the liquid or skin. This pH-reactive colorant works in particular to distinguish itself from colorants that change their appearance upon contact with a liquid or skin regardless of the pH value.

[0016] pH-reactive substances are well known from the latest technological advancements. An example of a pH-reactive substance is tetrabromotetrachlorofluorescein. Experts can select appropriate pH-reactive substances or combinations thereof depending on the desired colorant and the desired pH threshold or transition range.

[0017] Thermochromic substances, particularly in the form of thermochromic pigments, and thermochromic printing colorants are known from the latest state of the art. A person skilled in the art can select appropriate thermochromic substances or combinations thereof depending on the desired colorant and the desired temperature threshold or transition range.

[0018] One embodiment proposes transferring such thermochromic or pH-responsive colorants, which are approved for safe use in the food sector, to this different technical field, and / or incorporating the thermochromic or pH-responsive colorants into the layer structure of an aerosol-generating consumer article such that they are protected against direct contact and other external influences.

[0019] Another embodiment proposes providing an aerosol-generating consumer article having features that are not visible before use and only become visible upon exposure to heat or contact with liquid or skin, or providing features that change appearance upon exposure to heat or contact with liquid or skin. A further embodiment proposes applying a thermochromic or pH-responsive colorant, wherein this thermochromic or pH-responsive colorant may be colorless or may correspond to the background to which the colorant is applied.

[0020] In one embodiment, a thermochromic colorant is applied which undergoes a permanent color change when heated above a temperature threshold.

[0021] In one embodiment, a pH-responsive colorant is applied which undergoes a permanent color change upon contact with liquid or skin, wherein at least one property of the color change, in particular lightness, chroma, and / or hue, depends on the pH value of the liquid or skin. In another embodiment, a pH-responsive colorant is applied whose appearance responds to a second contact with liquid, or responds to a change in the pH of liquid or skin with a further change in appearance.

[0022] In one embodiment, a thermochromic color material that undergoes continuous appearance change within a certain temperature range is applied, such that the degree of change depends on the temperature level. The temperature range preferably includes room temperature and human body temperature. For example, the temperature range may include the range from 0°C to 40°C, or may be limited to this temperature range or a narrower sub-range. The thermochromic color material can be selected such that no further change occurs at temperatures below or above this temperature range.

[0023] In one embodiment, a pH-responsive color material that undergoes continuous appearance change within a certain pH range is applied, such that the degree of change depends on the pH level. The pH range preferably includes the possible pH range of human skin. For example, the pH range may include the range from pH 4.5 to pH 7.5, or may be limited to this pH range or a narrower sub-range. The pH-responsive color material can be selected such that no further change occurs at pH values below or above this pH range.

[0024] In another embodiment, a thermochromic color material is applied that undergoes a permanent color change only when heated above a certain temperature threshold, and then returns to its original state when cooled below this temperature threshold or a further temperature threshold.

[0025] The temperature threshold can be at a point within the range from 20°C to 150°C. The thermochromic color material may also have three or more states, such that there are at least two temperature thresholds that cause an appearance change when the temperature exceeds or does not reach the thresholds. The appearance change may always be permanent or reversible once the threshold is exceeded.

[0026] In one embodiment, several different thermochromic color materials having different temperature thresholds relative to each other are present in a layered structure.

[0027] In one embodiment, several different pH-reactive colorants having different reactions to a given pH value, particularly pH-reactive colorants that have different properties, especially hues, when in contact with a liquid or skin, are present within a layered structure. In one embodiment, the outside of an aerosol-generating consumer article has at least two regions having various pH-reactive colorants that are not different from each other initially but react differently to each other when in contact with a liquid.

[0028] In one embodiment, there is at least one thermochromic colorant and one pH-reactive colorant. In another embodiment, the colorant is not only thermochromic but also pH-reactive.

[0029] Thermochromic colorants and pH-reactive colorants may be located vertically within the same area of ​​an aerosol-generating consumer article. Thermochromic colorants and pH-reactive colorants may be located in different, non-overlapping areas of an aerosol-generating consumer article. Thermochromic colorants and pH-reactive colorants may be located in a common plane or layer of an aerosol-generating consumer article. Thermochromic colorants and pH-reactive colorants may be located in different planes or layers of an aerosol-generating consumer article.

[0030] The combination of thermochromic and pH-reactive colorants is advantageous because the appearance of aerosol-generating consumer articles can change according to temperature and pH parameters, achieving an effect that is more difficult to predict and imitate, thereby further enhancing protection against counterfeiting. For example, features may exist that are only visible within a specific temperature range and a specific pH range.

[0031] For example, thermochromic or pH-reactive colorants may take the form of symbols, logos, lines, or marks.

[0032] Preferably, the appearance changes from invisible to visible when a certain temperature threshold is exceeded or when it comes into contact with a liquid or skin.

[0033] In another embodiment, the appearance changes from a first color with a different hue to a second color when a certain temperature threshold is exceeded or when it comes into contact with a liquid or skin.

[0034] Black and white are also colors that are considered in this context.

[0035] The temperature threshold is preferably selected such that the print having a thermochromic colorant is not visible or has a first appearance under normal environmental conditions, and only becomes visible or has a second appearance when the aerosol-generating consumer article is heated during use. Heating can be achieved by conventional cigarette smoking or by heating the aerosol-generating consumer article in a non-combustion heating device.

[0036] The pH-reactive colorant is preferably selected such that, under normal environmental conditions, the print having the pH-reactive colorant is invisible or has a first appearance, and becomes visible or has a second appearance when the aerosol-generating consumer article is used through contact with the user's skin, particularly lips or fingers.

[0037] In one variant, a thermochromic or pH-reactive colorant or substance is used and applied to, within, or beneath, the yellow imitation cork (yellow base paper or printing) of the mouthpiece of a filter cigarette. The thermochromic or pH-reactive colorant or substance can be yellow, brown, black, or red, and can be part of a colorant made from a mixture of pigments for imitation cork printing. In one embodiment, the area of ​​imitation cork printing having a thermochromic or pH-reactive paint or substance is no different from other areas of imitation cork printing without a pH-reactive colorant or substance.

[0038] In one variant, the paint containing a thermochromic or pH-reactive pigment is applied as the outermost or final layer to the finished filter cigarette or finished mouthpiece covering material, which has the advantage of not having any further layers applied on top of the print that could affect or wash away the print.

[0039] Preferably, a mixture of pigments and coatings that is colorless at room temperature is applied as the outermost or final layer to the finished aerosol-generating consumer article or finished mouthpiece coating material, having the advantage that no further layers that could affect or wash away the print are applied over the thermochromic or pH-reactive print. The pigment is a thermochromic and / or pH-reactive pigment. The mixture may contain several different pigments selected from thermochromic pigments, pH-reactive pigments, and other pigments such as color pigments or effect pigments that are neither thermochromic nor pH-reactive.

[0040] Heat-changeable or pH-reactive printing, which is not safe for food use, may be used if they are incorporated into the layered structure of aerosol-generating consumer articles so as to be reliably protected from contact with substances.

[0041] The advantages over the latest technological advancements are that the tobacco article is safe to use or consume in all cases, and that the appearance of the aerosol-generating consumer article appears unchanged compared to conventional aerosol-generating consumer articles before heating and / or use.

[0042] Examples of applications of the present invention include applications of thermochromic or pH-reactive colorants that enable changes in appearance during consumption, or applications of thermochromic or pH-reactive colorants that enhance resistance to imitation, distinguishability, or informational content for tobacco articles.

[0043] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is dissolved in a suitable solvent, then mixed with or dispersed in a paint, and then applied to an aerosol-generating consumer article or one of its layers. The solvent and paint are preferably colorless and preferably transparent. The paint coating may also be colored with a non-thermochromic or non-pH-reactive pigment or printing colorant. The paint coating containing the thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is applied or printed, for example, using gravure printing or another known printing method. The paint is preferably a nitrocellulose paint that has been tested for use in mouthpiece covering materials.

[0044] In one embodiment, a material to which a pH-reactive substance is applied, particularly paper, is pre-treated to adjust the pH value of the material. This is because the pH value of the material, particularly paper, may induce a color change in pH-reactive printing or pH-reactive paint. In one embodiment, the material, particularly paper, is provided with a pre-coating, which is either acidic or basic before the application of pH-reactive printing or pH-reactive paint. The pre-coating results in a pH value below or above the pH threshold of the pH-reactive substance, which is only exceeded or not reached after contact with skin or liquid. Suitable acidic pre-coatings include acids, particularly food-grade acids such as citric acid or fruit acids. For example, calcium carbonate is a suitable alkaline substance. In another variant, care can be taken during the manufacture of the material, particularly during the manufacture of the base paper, to ensure that the pH value of the material is below or above the pH threshold of the pH-reactive substance, for example, by ensuring that the base paper contains calcium carbonate as a filler, or by ensuring that the base paper does not contain calcium carbonate.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, a separation layer is provided between the material and the pH-reactive substance to prevent substances from the material from affecting the pH-reactive substance. The separation layer may be in the form of a film or a coating layer. The separation layer may be acidic, basic, or neutral. In yet another embodiment, the printing colorant or coating containing the pH-reactive substance may contain acidic or basic substances.

[0046] In further embodiments, a layer having a thermochromic or pH-reactive substance, particularly a film to which a thermochromic or pH-reactive substance has been added, is provided on or within an aerosol-generating consumer article. Preferably, the thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is included in or incorporated into the polymer structure of the plastic film.

[0047] In a further embodiment, a three-dimensional object having a thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is placed inside an aerosol-generating consumer article.

[0048] In one embodiment, the thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is located beneath the upper surface of the mouthpiece covering material, and the mouthpiece covering material is designed as a translucent or transparent film having an opening within at least one area of ​​the thermochromic or pH-reactive substance, or at least one area being visible from the outside of the aerosol-generating consumer article.

[0049] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece covering material or the intermediate portion of the mouthpiece covering material is translucent or transparent, and the aerosol-generating consumer article has at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance beneath the mouthpiece covering material or the intermediate portion thereof.

[0050] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece covering material has at least one opening or hole, and the aerosol-generating consumer article has at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance beneath the at least one opening or hole. In one embodiment, the at least one opening or hole is closed by a translucent or transparent material.

[0051] In one embodiment, a transparent or translucent intermediate layer is placed between at least one opening or pore in the mouthpiece covering material and at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance.

[0052] In one embodiment, the filter contains a further three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object comprising at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance, and the filter and any filter covering material are designed to be transparent or translucent in at least the region of the further three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is contained within a coated, particularly printed, thermochromic or pH-reactive print.

[0054] In one embodiment, at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is contained within or printed on a translucent or transparent film material, the transparent film being or part thereof a mouthpiece covering material.

[0055] In one embodiment, at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is contained within or printed on a translucent or transparent film material, the transparent film being located beneath the upper surface of the mouthpiece covering material.

[0056] In one embodiment, the filter or filter covering material has further heat-changeable or pH-reactive printing on its upper surface.

[0057] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece covering material has a thermochromic or pH-reactive print on its underside facing inward to the aerosol-generating consumer article.

[0058] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece covering material has at least one opening or hole, and the heat-changeable or pH-reactive printing is on the exposed surface of the following layer.

[0059] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece covering material has an imitation cork-like appearance, and the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance within the area of ​​the imitation cork-like appearance has the same hue as the imitation cork-like appearance before heating or use, and is visually different from the imitation cork-like appearance after heating or use.

[0060] In one embodiment, at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is present as a character, character code, graphic code, or QR code (registered trademark), or as part of a character, character code, graphic code, or QR code (registered trademark).

[0061] In one embodiment, the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance is invisible before heating or use, and only becomes visible when the temperature threshold is exceeded, or when the pH threshold is exceeded or not exceeded.

[0062] In one embodiment, the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance is a pH-reactive substance.

[0063] In one embodiment, the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance is a heat-changeable substance.

[0064] In one embodiment, the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance comprises a pH-reactive substance and a heat-changeable substance.

[0065] In one embodiment, the area of ​​an aerosol-generating consumer article coated with a thermally reactive substance, i.e., the surface of the aerosol-generating consumer article where the thermally reactive substance is present above or below a temperature threshold, is indistinguishable to the human eye from the surrounding or adjacent surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating consumer article where the thermally reactive substance is absent.

[0066] Hereinafter, illustrative embodiments of the aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0067] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention, which has a heat-changeable or pH-reactive print across its entire surface. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a second embodiment of an aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention, which has a heat-changeable or pH-reactive print within a specific area. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of a third embodiment of the aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention, which has a heat-changeable or pH-reactive print as a pattern on the back surface of a translucent mouthpiece covering material. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of a fourth embodiment of the aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention, which has a heat-changeable or pH-reactive print on a transparent layer beneath the mouthpiece covering material. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of a fifth embodiment of the aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention, which has a heat-changeable or pH-reactive print on a transparent section of the mouthpiece covering material. [Figure 6]This is a diagram of a sixth embodiment of the aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention, which has a thermochromic or pH-reactive print on a mouthpiece covering material having holes. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of a seventh embodiment of the aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention, which has a thermochromic or pH-reactive print beneath a perforated mouthpiece covering material. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of the eighth embodiment of an aerosol-generating consumer article, on which a QR code (registered trademark) is printed as a heat-changeable or pH-reactive print. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of the ninth embodiment of an aerosol-generating consumer article having a thermochromic or pH-reactive object within the filter. [Figure 10] This is a diagram of a tenth embodiment of an aerosol-generating consumer article having a thermochromic or pH-reactive object within the filter. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of the 11th embodiment of the aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention, which has a heat-changeable or pH-reactive print on the opening of the mouthpiece covering material. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] The thickness of the layers in the diagrams, particularly in the cross-sectional diagrams showing the layer structure, is not at a consistent scale. In particular, the layer thickness of the heat-sensitive or pH-reactive print 2 is shown with uneven thickness to make it distinguishable. Since the thickness of the print layers is usually in the μm range, it is not visible at the scale of the layer structure diagram.

[0069] Figures 1 to 7 include perspective views of the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating consumer article according to the present invention during or after heating in the case of thermochromic printing, a reduced perspective view of the mouthpiece of the consumer article according to the present invention without heating, and a cross-sectional view of the layered structure, respectively. In the case of pH-reactive printing, the change is caused by the pH value of the liquid and / or the user's skin that comes into contact with the printing, and the reduced perspective view of the mouthpiece of the consumer article according to the present invention should be understood as before contact with the liquid or skin, and the larger figure as after contact with the liquid.

[0070] In applications where the appearance is determined by skin contact, the pH-reactive printing must be on the outside of the aerosol-generating consumer article, or sufficient contact is possible through the outermost layer of the aerosol-generating consumer article, for example, through openings that allow contact with the lower layer, or because the outer layer is permeable to substances present on the skin.

[0071] Figure 8 includes perspective views of the mouthpiece of a consumer article according to the present invention during or after heating, or during or after contact with liquid or skin, and perspective views of the mouthpiece of a smoking article according to the present invention without heating or contact with liquid or skin.

[0072] Figures 9 to 11 include perspective views of the mouthpiece of the smoking article according to the present invention during or after heating, or during or after contact with liquid or skin, and cross-sectional views of the layered structure, respectively.

[0073] Figures 1 to 8 illustrate embodiments of an aerosol-generating consumer article 1 with thermochromic or pH-reactive printing 2 according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating consumer article 1 preferably comprises, as is known from recent technological advances, at least one filter 3, a filter covering material 4 surrounding the filter, a mouthpiece covering material 5 surrounding the filter covering material 4, and a tobacco element covering material 6 surrounding the tobacco element. The covering materials are often referred to as paper, e.g., filter cover paper (or filter paper) and mouthpiece cover paper (or tip paper), but these covering materials are not always designed to be made of paper and can also be in the form of film, e.g., plastic or cellulose film. The tobacco element can generally be described as an aerosol-generating substance and does not necessarily have to contain tobacco or tobacco material.

[0074] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in which the mouthpiece covering material 5 is in the form of paper or cellulose film or a torn strip having a heat-color-changing or pH-reactive print 2 over its entire surface, the heat-color-changing or pH-reactive print 2 being on the outside of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1 and therefore being touchable by a person's lips and / or fingers. The torn strip should be understood as a region of the single-layer mouthpiece covering material 5, or a layer of a peelable multi-layer mouthpiece covering material 5, or a completely peelable mouthpiece cover material 5. In contrast to known packaging materials in the form of a further outer shell or end cap, the torn strip may remain on the aerosol-generating consumer article 1 during smoking, allowing the user to choose whether or not to remove the torn strip. In this first embodiment, substances that are not significant when ingested via contact and / or saliva are applied, such as colorants or combinations thereof that are suitable for direct food contact. Alternatively, the mouthpiece covering material 5 may be a translucent material such as a film coated with a heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance, or a transparent material, and may have a cut-out strip which is a film coated with a heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance.

[0075] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the thermochromic or pH-reactive printing 2 is limited to one or more partial sections of the mouthpiece covering material 5 located in the front region of the mouthpiece covering material 5, so that one or more partial sections do not come into contact with a person's lips during the intended use of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1. The thermochromic or pH-reactive printing 2 can be applied, in particular, in the form of one or more strips extending around the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1, or as a pattern consisting of dispersed, continuous, or individual printed partial sections. When used in non-combustion heating devices, this embodiment having thermochromic printing 2 is more useful than pH-reactive printing 2 if the pH-reactive printing 2 does not come into contact with the liquid when the aerosol-generating consumer article 1 is used, for example, by the aerosol-generating substance reaching the pH-reactive printing 2 as vapor. In other uses, the thermochromic and / or pH-reactive printing 2 may be limited to areas that are touched by fingers during use.

[0076] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 is applied to the underside, i.e., the side of the mouthpiece covering material 5 facing the filter covering material 4, and the mouthpiece covering material 5 is semi-transparent or transparent enough that the print is visible or detectable from at least the outside, at least during or after heating or use. In this variant, the mouthpiece covering material 5 is preferably a transparent film made of plastic, or more preferably hydrated cellulose. The thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 can cover the entire underside of the mouthpiece covering material 5, or at least a portion thereof, for example, in the form of one or more strips extending around the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1, or as a pattern consisting of dispersed, continuous, or individual printed partial sections. Less preferably, the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 may also be applied to the outside of the filter covering material 4. Instead of the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2, a thermochromic or pH-reactive intermediate layer in the form of a film comprising a thermochromic or pH-reactive substance may be used. An advantage of this embodiment is that the thermochromic or pH-reactive print or film can be located beneath the translucent or transparent mouthpiece covering material 5, and is therefore protected from external contact by fingers or lips. The liquid required for the change in appearance of the pH-reactive print or film may originate from the inside of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1, in particular from an aerosol-generating substance or at least one liquid-filled capsule. The liquid required for the change in appearance of the pH-reactive print or film may originate from the outside of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1, in particular from the user's skin or lips, and the outer layer of the aerosol-generating consumer article is permeable to this liquid.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the mouthpiece covering material 5 has at least one opening 8, which is preferably produced by laser cutting (laser die cutting) to expose the layer beneath the layered structure. A translucent intermediate layer 7 is attached below the opening 8, and the translucent intermediate layer 7 can cover only the opening 8, or an annular region of the mouthpiece covering material 5 surrounding the opening 8, or the entire surface of the mouthpiece covering material 5. In one variant, a thermochromic or pH-reactive print 4 is attached below the intermediate layer 7, and the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 4 may be limited to a partial portion of the surface of the opening 8. The intermediate layer 7 is preferably a transparent film made of plastic, or in particular hydrated cellulose. The intermediate layer 7 may also be made of an impermeable material such as paper, and the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 is preferably applied above the intermediate layer 7, and this thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 may be limited to a partial portion of the surface of the opening 8.

[0078] Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mouthpiece covering material 5 has several sections containing at least one translucent intermediate section 9, the at least one translucent intermediate section 9 may preferably be made of a transparent plastic film, or in particular hydrated cellulose. The remaining sections of the mouthpiece covering material 5 may be made of paper. The intermediate section 9 is preferably a ring-shaped section, i.e., the intermediate section 9 extends over the entire outer periphery of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1. The intermediate section 9 has a thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 on its underside or upper side, and / or is made of a thermochromic or pH-reactive film.

[0079] Figure 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which the mouthpiece covering material 5 of the first embodiment also has holes 10. Small holes 10 extending through the mouthpiece covering paper 4 are known by recent technological advancements and work to improve breathability, existing as one or more band-shaped holes extending around the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1. According to the present invention, holes 10 are provided that are larger than normal holes so that the holes are easily visible to the naked eye. The holes 10 have a diameter of at least 0.3 mm. When heated or used, and the appearance of the associated thermochromic or pH-reactive colorant changes, the holes 10 become clearly visible. Figure 6 also shows an ablation area 18, which, according to the present invention, is generated by the use of a laser to remove at least the material of the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 from the entire surface of the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2, and at least partially removes the mouthpiece covering material 5 as well. Laser ablation areas can be used to generate light-dark designs that are only visible when heated or used. Conversely, it is also possible to provide a mouthpiece covering material 5 that, along with opaque printing, has a thermochromic or pH-reactive region, or whose transparency allows the thermochromic or pH-reactive region to be seen, and to provide printing that, along with a removable region 18, also allows the thermochromic or pH-reactive region to be seen.

[0080] Figure 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which the mouthpiece covering material 5 has holes 10, and a thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 or a thermochromic or pH-reactive layer (for example, as a thermochromic or pH-reactive film) is applied beneath the mouthpiece covering material 5 in the layer structure of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1. In the case of a thermochromic material, when the thermochromic material is heated above a threshold, the appearance of the small openings of the holes 10 changes. If the holes of the holes 10 are too small to be seen with the naked eye, they become clearly visible by turning black when exposed to heat. In the case of a pH-reactive material, the appearance of the small openings of the holes 10 changes when liquid passes through the holes 10 from the outside or reaches the pH-reactive material from the inside. If the holes of the holes 10 are too small to be seen with the naked eye, they become clearly visible by turning black during use.

[0081] Figure 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention, in which the thermochromic or pH-reactive printing 2 is applied to a symbol or QR code (registered trademark) 11 or as part of a symbol or QR code (registered trademark) 11. When the thermochromic or pH-reactive printing 2 forms the symbol or QR code (registered trademark) 11 itself, it may not be visible to the observer initially, but only becomes visible after heating or during use. The thermochromic or pH-reactive printing 2 can also be used to change the QR code (registered trademark) 11 when heated or used by constituting a QR code (registered trademark) from pixels of a conventional colorant that does not change and pixels of the thermochromic or pH-reactive printing 2. Additional information can preferably be added to the visible QR code (registered trademark) 11 by the thermochromic or pH-reactive printing 2, for example, by overlaying thermochromic or pH-reactive QR codes (registered trademark) 11, each containing different information, onto the visible QR code (registered trademark) 11. In this embodiment, finely ground pigments having a particle size of less than 3 μm are particularly preferred, because the small particle size of these pigments allows for good print resolution. This makes it possible to achieve the high-resolution edges necessary for reading QR codes (registered trademark).

[0082] Figure 9 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention, in which the three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12 is provided within the filter 3 of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1, preferably in the form of a thermochromic or pH-reactive sphere. The three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12 may be composed entirely of a thermochromic or pH-reactive material, or a thermochromic or pH-reactive substance may be sprayed or impregnated onto its surface. The three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12 may consist of an outer shell and a filling medium, either of which contains the thermochromic or pH-reactive substance. The filling medium may contain other substances that are released when the outer shell ruptures, such as a liquid fragrance or aromatic substance. According to the latest technological advances, such capsules having a fragrance substance within a filter are known, and the capsule may contain the thermochromic or pH-reactive substance according to the present invention, or the liquid in the capsule may be used to alter the appearance of the pH-reactive substance. However, the three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12 is preferably not crushable. In other words, it is not a fragrance capsule, but rather a dimensionally stable element that acts as a safety feature.

[0083] The layered structure in Figure 9 shows a transparent or at least translucent filter section 13 containing a heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance 12. The filter covering material 4 has a transparent or at least translucent intermediate section 9 that allows the inside of the filter to be seen from the outside. The mouthpiece covering material 4 also has a transparent or at least translucent intermediate section 9 that allows the inside of the filter to be seen from the outside.

[0084] Figure 10 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention, in which a three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12 is also provided within the filter 3 of the aerosol-generating consumer article 1. The layer structure of the aerosol-generating consumer article comprises a transparent or at least translucent filter section 13 containing the thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12, a filter covering material 4 which is itself transparent or at least translucent, and a mouthpiece covering material 5, the mouthpiece covering material 5 preferably having an opening 8 such that the thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12 is visible from the outside only after heating or use.

[0085] Figure 11 shows an eleventh embodiment according to the present invention, wherein the mouthpiece covering material 4 has an opening 8, and the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 or thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12 is attached to the filter covering material 4, or the filter covering material 4 itself contains a thermochromic or pH-reactive substance. Since the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 can be printed as a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional object, such as a sphere, the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 appears as if the object were present inside the aerosol-generating consumer article 1.

[0086] The technical features shown in the first to eleventh embodiments of the present invention can be combined in various ways within the scope of the customs of those skilled in the art. For example, an aerosol-generating consumer article 1 according to the present invention may have at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive object 12 and at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2. Furthermore, the layer structure may comprise at least one or more intermediate layers 8, and each individual coating material and intermediate layer of the layer structure may comprise an opening 10 and / or intermediate section 9. At least one coating material, one intermediate layer 8, and / or one intermediate section 9 may have the thermochromic or pH-reactive print 2 on one or both sides. Another variation of the design according to the present invention may provide two dense layers, i.e., layers of material through which thermochromic substances cannot pass, for example, a mouthpiece coating material 5 and an intermediate layer 8, each made from a plastic film or cellophane, and the thermochromic print 2 or thermochromic film is placed between the two dense layers. This layered structure prevents the thermochromic material from being transported or moved toward the inside of the cigarette and toward the outside of the cigarette surface. Another variation of the design of the present invention may include a diffusible or permeable layer, i.e., a layer of material that can pass liquid, such as a porous mouthpiece coating material 5 or a porous intermediate layer 8, and the pH-reactive printing 2 is on the side of the diffusible or permeable layer that is deflected from the liquid. This side depends on whether the liquid is coming from the outside, for example from the lips, or from the inside. The pH-reactive printing 2 may be between two diffusible or permeable layers, or between a diffusible or permeable layer and an impusible or liquid-impermeable layer.

[0087] The thermochromic or pH-reactive substances or prints described herein may be used on or within the mouthpiece covering material (tip paper, mouthpiece coating paper), on the trimming strip, on the cigarette paper, on the filter covering material (plug wrap / filter cover paper), or on or within the filter material.

[0088] Printing of thermochromic or pH-reactive materials can be either a safety feature or a design element, and each design element made from a thermochromic or pH-reactive material should be considered a technical safety feature because it is more difficult to detect and imitate than conventional printing. Safety features can also be used for lotteries by printing numbers, symbols, or codes on cigarettes or their packaging materials, and these safety features can be seen by heating or use, allowing consumers to check if they have won. Thus, QR codes (registered trademarks) can also be used by directing consumers to a dedicated website after they scan the code.

Claims

1. Aerosol-generating consumer article (1), wherein the aerosol-generating consumer article (1) comprises at least one filter (3), an aerosol-generating substance, and a mouthpiece covering material (5) surrounding at least one partial portion of the filter (3), wherein the mouthpiece covering material has an upper surface that forms at least a portion of the surface of the aerosol-generating consumer article (1), The mouthpiece covering material (5), or the further covering material between the filter material and the mouthpiece covering material, comprises at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance. The aforementioned thermochromic substance, when the mouthpiece covering material is heated by contact with the user's skin, forms or alters any externally visible or detectable features, or Aerosol-generating consumer article (1) characterized in that the pH-reactive substance comes into contact with a liquid or human skin and forms or alters a feature that is visible or detectable from the outside, and there is a relationship between the change in the feature and the pH value of the liquid or skin.

2. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance is located below the upper surface of the mouthpiece covering material (5), and the mouthpiece covering material (5) has an opening (8) within at least one region of the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance, or is designed as a translucent or transparent film such that at least one region is visible from the outside of the aerosol-generating consumer article (1).

3. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mouthpiece covering material (5) or the intermediate section (9) of the mouthpiece covering material (5) is translucent or transparent, and the aerosol-generating consumer article (1) has at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance below the mouthpiece covering material (5) or the intermediate section (9) of the mouthpiece covering material (5).

4. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mouthpiece covering material (5) has at least one opening (8) or hole (10), and the aerosol-generating consumer article (1) has at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance below at least one of the openings (8) or holes (10).

5. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the openings (8) or holes (10) is closed by the translucent or transparent material.

6. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the transparent or translucent intermediate layer (7) is disposed between at least one of the openings (8) or holes (10) and at least one of the thermochromic or pH-reactive substances.

7. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the filter (3) contains a further three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object (12) comprising at least one thermochromic or pH-reactive substance, and the filter (3) and any filter covering material (4) are designed to be transparent or translucent in at least the region of the three-dimensional thermochromic or pH-reactive object (12).

8. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the thermochromic or pH-reactive substances is contained within a coated, particularly printed, thermochromic or pH-reactive print (2).

9. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the thermochromic or pH-reactive substances is contained within the material of a translucent or transparent film, and the transparent film is the mouthpiece covering material (5) or a part of the mouthpiece covering material (5).

10. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the thermochromic or pH-reactive substances is contained within the material of a translucent or transparent film, the transparent film being below the upper surface of the mouthpiece covering material (5).

11. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the filter or the filter coating material has further heat-changeable or pH-reactive printing (2) on the upper surface of the filter or the filter coating material.

12. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mouthpiece covering material (5) has the heat-changeable or pH-reactive printing (2) on the lower surface of the filter or the filter covering material, and the lower surface faces the inside of the aerosol-generating consumer article (1).

13. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mouthpiece covering material (5) has at least one opening (8) or hole (10), and the heat-changeable or pH-reactive printing (2) is on the exposed surface of the following layer.

14. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mouthpiece covering material (5) has an imitation cork-like appearance, and the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance within the area of ​​the imitation cork-like appearance has the same hue as the imitation cork-like appearance before heating or use, and is visually different from the imitation cork-like appearance after heating or use.

15. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substances is a character, character code, graphic code, or QR code (registered trademark), or a part of the character, character code, graphic code, or QR code (registered trademark).

16. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance is not visible before heating or use, and only becomes visible when the temperature threshold is exceeded or the pH threshold is exceeded or fallen below.

17. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the heat-changeable or pH-reactive substance is a pH-reactive substance, or comprises at least a pH-reactive substance.

18. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the aforementioned thermochromic or pH-reactive substance is a thermochromic substance, or comprises at least a thermochromic substance.

19. The aerosol-generating consumer article (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the region of the aerosol-generating consumer article (1) coated with a heat-reactive substance, that is, the surface of the aerosol-generating consumer article (1) where the heat-reactive substance is above or below a temperature threshold, is indistinguishable to the human eye from the surrounding or adjacent surface region of the aerosol-generating consumer article (1) where the heat-reactive substance is absent.

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