Smoking product

Abstract

To provide a cooling element for use with a smoking article such as a tobacco heated product or heat-not-burn product.SOLUTION: A cooling element 4 for a tobacco heated product and / or HNB product 1 comprises a longitudinally extending core of thermoformed cellulose acetate material. The longitudinally extending core of the cellulose acetate material has a profiled outer surface including a plurality of longitudinally extending, e.g., C- or U-shaped, grooves or channels 9 having depth of 0.5 to 2.6 mm, which extend over the full length of the outer surface of the core.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention provides smoking articles such as tobacco heating products and non-combustion heating products. to

Background Art

[0002] Tobacco heating products or non-combustion heating (HNB) products are well known. The idea of a tobacco heating product is that tobacco is heated to a specific temperature (such as 350°C) without combustion. This delivers nicotine-containing vapor, and heating without combustion is thought to avoid generating combustion products harmful to consumers.

[0003] A tobacco heating product (HNB product) can include an improved tobacco plug wrapped in a paper plug wrapper and other mouthpiece elements to give the appearance of a tobacco cigarette. In one such product, a reconstituted tobacco plug, a packaging hollow acetate tube, a PLA [poly(lactic acid)] packaging plug, and conventional packaging acetate segments are wrapped in white paper. The product can then be inserted into a heating element that heats the tobacco, and the product can then be "smoked" by a consumer. The function of the "filter" in these products is very different from that of a cigarette filter, and the main functions are to provide the appearance and feel of a cigarette and to cool the smoke to a temperature acceptable to the consumer. In the above product, it is the PLA section that performs the important cooling function.

[0004] The PLA segment has drawbacks in terms of availability, manufacturability, filterability (especially with respect to phenol), feel, hardness, biodegradability, and appearance.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] ​According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or an HNB product) comprising a core extending in the longitudinal direction of a cellulose acetate material (e.g., a thermoformed cellulose acetate material), wherein the core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material has a profile outer surface including a plurality of (e.g., longitudinally extending) (e.g., C-shaped or U-shaped) grooves or channels with a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the core (outer surface).

[0006] The cooling element can further include an outer wrapper fitted around the longitudinally extending core, which, together with the profile outer surface of the core, defines a plurality of coated (e.g., longitudinally extending) grooves or channels with a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the core (outer surface). The outer wrapper can be paper (e.g., plug wrapping), preferably paper (e.g., plug wrapping) with a basis weight of 40 to 160 gsm, e.g., paper (e.g., plug wrapping) with a basis weight of 70 to 150 gsm, e.g., paper (e.g., plug wrapping) with a basis weight of 70 to 140 gsm.

[0007] The longitudinally extending core can be a tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material. The tubular core has an inner surface defining a hole (or aperture) extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the tubular core, and a profile outer surface including a plurality of (e.g., longitudinally extending) (e.g., C-shaped or U-shaped) grooves or channels with a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the tubular core (outer surface).

[0008] According to the present invention, in one aspect, there is provided a cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or an HNB product) comprising a tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of a cellulose acetate material (e.g., a heat-formed cellulose acetate material), wherein the tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material has an inner surface defining a hole (or aperture) extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the tubular core, and a profiled outer surface including a plurality of (e.g., longitudinally extending) (e.g., U-shaped) grooves or channels having a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the outer surface of the tubular core.

[0009] The cooling element can further include an outer wrapper fitted around the longitudinally extending tubular core, which, together with the profiled outer surface of the core, defines a plurality of coated (e.g., longitudinally extending) grooves or channels having a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the outer surface of the tubular core. The outer wrapper can be made of paper (e.g., plug wrapping), preferably paper (e.g., plug wrapping) having a basis weight of 40 to 160 gsm, e.g., paper (e.g., plug wrapping) having a basis weight of 70 to 150 gsm, e.g., paper (e.g., plug wrapping) having a basis weight of 70 to 140 gsm.

[0010] The present applicants have found that a cellulose acetate cooling element can provide appropriate cooling while providing a satisfactory appearance and feel to consumers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cooling element of the present invention has a tobacco smoke filtering effect of 0 or substantially 0. In another embodiment, the cooling element of the present invention can have a tobacco smoke filtering effect.

[0012] Preferably, the outer surface of the profile defines 3 to 10 channels, for example 3 to 7 channels, for example 4 to 6 channels, for example 5 channels (for example, extending in the major axis direction) with a depth of 0.5 mm to 2.6 mm. The channels are preferably grooves or channels extending in the major axis direction that extend along the entire length of the (for example, tubular) core (outer surface). However, they may be helical, but still extend along the entire length of the (for example, tubular) core. The depth (for example, maximum depth) of each channel is 0.5 to 2.5 mm, for example 0.8 to 2.2 mm, for example 1.30 to 2.1 mm, preferably 1.35 to 2 mm, for example 1.4 to 1.9 mm. The width (for example, maximum width) of each channel is 1.0 to 3.0 mm, for example 1.30 to 2.1 mm, preferably 1.35 to 2 mm, for example 1.4 to 1.9 mm.

[0013] Preferably, the length of the cooling element is 5 to 35 mm, for example 10 to 25 mm, for example 15 to 20 mm, for example 18 mm.

[0014] Preferably, the outer circumference of the cooling element is 12 to 30 mm, for example 15 to 28 mm, more preferably 17 to 25 mm, for example 18 to 25 mm, for example 20 to 24 mm, for example 22 to 24 mm, for example 23.2 mm. The term "outer circumference" when used in relation to a cooling element with grooves / channels refers to a circular imaginary line passing around the outer (circular) portion of the cooling element while ignoring the channels.

[0015] Preferably, the core extending in the major axis direction of the cellulose acetate material has a uniform axial cross-section.

[0016] Preferably, the tubular core (when the core is tubular) extending in the major axis direction of the cellulose acetate material has a uniform axial cross-section. The holes are preferably circular, but can have different shapes [circular, semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, hollow star-shaped, three-leaf-shaped, pentagonal or gear-shaped cross-sections, or cross-sections in the shape of a logo or other pattern].

[0017] The cooling element can include more than one hole.

[0018] The cooling element can be thermoformed from cellulose acetate by methods well known in the art. The cellulose acetate can further contain a plasticizer (such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other plasticizers, or a mixture of plasticizers).

[0019] The Applicants have surprisingly found that the cooling element according to this aspect of the invention can effectively cool the vapor together with other parts of the mouthpiece. This is particularly surprising considering the prior knowledge that cellulose acetate segments cannot perform this function.

[0020] According to the present invention, there is provided a smoking article (such as a tobacco heating product, an HNB product) comprising the cooling element described herein and claimed below.

[0021] It should be understood that the cooling element can be used in any multi-segment filter or consumable. The filter configuration can be 2, 3, 4 or more segments. The filter can be attached to a tobacco rod that can be made from tobacco in any form (including reconstructed). The filter can include other segments including capsules, carbon, CPS, tubes, acetate, paper, menthol, etc.

[0022] According to the present invention, in a further aspect, there is provided a smoking article (e.g., a tobacco heating product, an HNB product) comprising a hollow tubular element (e.g., formed from a cellulose acetate material) having a hole of diameter A, and a cooling element adjacent thereto and comprising a core extending in the longitudinal direction of the (e.g., thermoformed) cellulose acetate material, wherein the core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material has a profiled outer surface including a plurality of (e.g., longitudinally extending) (e.g., C-shaped or U-shaped) grooves or channels having a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the outer surface of the core, and the diameter A is large enough such that a part of the hole of the tubular element coincides with at least a part of each of the grooves (channels).

[0023] The smoking article can further include an outer wrapper fitted around the hollow tubular element having the hole of diameter A and the cooling element. This, together with the profiled outer surface of the core of the cooling element, defines a plurality of coated (e.g., longitudinally extending) grooves or channels having a depth of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the outer surface of the tubular core of the cooling element. The outer wrapper can be made of paper (e.g., plug wrapping), preferably paper (e.g., plug wrapping) having a basis weight of 40 to 160 gsm, for example, paper (e.g., plug wrapping) having a basis weight of 70 to 150 gsm, for example, paper (e.g., plug wrapping) having a basis weight of 70 to 140 gsm.

[0024] According to the present invention, in a further aspect, there is provided a hollow tubular element (formed, for example, from a cellulose acetate material), having a hole of diameter A, and a cooling element adjacent thereto, comprising a tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material (formed, for example, by thermoforming), wherein the tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material has an inner surface defining a hole extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the tubular core, and a profiled outer surface including a plurality of (for example, longitudinally extending) (for example, C-shaped or U-shaped) grooves or channels having a depth (for example, maximum depth) of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the outer surface of the tubular core (of the tubular core). A smoking article (for example, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product) is provided in which a part of the hole of the hollow tubular element coincides with a part of the hole (for example, a part thereof) of the cooling element, and a part of the hole of the tubular element coincides with at least a part of each groove (channel), and the diameter A is sufficiently large.

[0025] The smoking article may further include an outer wrapper fitted around the hollow tubular element having a hole of diameter A and the cooling element. This, together with the profiled outer surface of the core of the cooling element, defines a plurality of coated (for example, longitudinally extending) grooves or channels having a depth of 0.5 to 2.6 mm extending over the entire length of the outer surface of the tubular core (of the tubular core) of the cooling element. The outer wrapper can be paper (for example, plug wrapping paper), preferably paper (for example, plug wrapping paper) having a basis weight of 40 to 160 gsm, for example, paper (for example, plug wrapping paper) having a basis weight of 70 to 150 gsm, for example, paper (for example, plug wrapping paper) having a basis weight of 70 to 140 gsm.

[0026] Preferably, the profiled outer surface of the cooling element defines 3 to 10, for example 3 to 7, for example 4 to 6, for example 5 (for example, longitudinally extending) channels having a depth (for example, maximum depth) of 0.5 mm to 2.6 mm. The channels are preferably (for example, tubular) grooves or channels extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the outer surface of the core. However, they may be helical, but still extend over the entire length of the outer surface of the (for example, tubular) core.

[0027] The depth (e.g., maximum depth) of each channel is 0.5 - 2.5 mm, such as 0.8 - 2.2 mm, such as 1.30 - 2.1 mm, preferably 1.35 - 2 mm, such as 1.4 - 1.9 mm. The width (e.g., maximum width) of each channel is 1.0 - 3.0 mm, such as 1.30 - 2.1 mm, preferably 1.35 - 2 mm, such as 1.4 - 1.9 mm.

[0028] Preferably, the length of the cooling element is 5 - 35 mm, such as 10 - 25 mm, such as 15 - 20 mm, such as 18 mm.

[0029] Preferably, the outer circumference of the cooling element is 12 - 30 mm, such as 15 - 28 mm, more preferably 17 - 25 mm, such as 18 - 25 mm, such as 20 - 24 mm, such as 22 - 24 mm, such as 23.2 mm. The term "outer circumference" when used in relation to a cooling element with grooves / channels refers to an imaginary circular line passing around the outer (circular) part of the cooling element while ignoring the channels.

[0030] Preferably, the hole (if present) of the cooling element has a diameter of 1 - 5 mm, such as 1 - 4 mm, such as 2 - 4 mm.

[0031] The outer circumference of the hollow tubular element is 12 - 30 mm, such as 15 - 28 mm, such as 18 - 25 mm, preferably 20 - 24 mm, more preferably 22 - 24 mm, such as 23.2 mm. Preferably, the outer circumference of the hollow tubular element is the same as that of the cooling element.

[0032] The hollow tubular element can have a wall thickness of 0.3 mm - 5.5 mm, such as 0.4 - 5.5 mm, such as 0.5 - 2.5 mm, preferably 1 - 2 mm. The hollow tubular element can have a wall thickness of 0.4 - 1.0 mm. The hollow tubular element can have a wall thickness of 1.0 - 5.5 mm.

[0033] Preferably, the hollow tubular element has a hole with a diameter A of 3 to 10 mm, for example 4 to 6 mm, for example 5 mm.

[0034] Preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element is 5 to 25 mm, for example 5 to 20 mm, for example 6 to 10 mm, for example 7 mm.

[0035] The present applicants have surprisingly found that the cooling element according to this aspect of the present invention can effectively cool the vapor together with other components of the mouthpiece. This is particularly surprising in view of the conventional knowledge that the cellulose acetate segment cannot perform this function. It is believed that the interaction between the hollow acetate tube and the cooling element provides various paths for the vapor to flow through the cellulose acetate cooling element that provide sufficient cooling.

[0036] According to the present invention, in a further aspect, there is provided a cooling element (for example, a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or an HNB product) comprising a tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of a (for example, thermoformed) cellulose acetate material, wherein the tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material has an inner surface defining a hole (or aperture) extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the tubular core, and a profile outer surface including a plurality of (for example, longitudinally extending) (for example, C-shaped or U-shaped) grooves or channels extending over the entire length of the outer surface of the tubular core. Preferably, the groove or channel has a depth (for example, maximum depth) of 1.30 to 2.6 mm.

[0037] According to the present invention, in a further aspect, there is provided a cooling element (e.g., a cooling element for a tobacco heating product and / or an HNB product) comprising a core extending in the longitudinal direction of a cellulose acetate material (e.g., a heat-formed cellulose acetate material), wherein the core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material has a profile outer surface including a plurality of (e.g., longitudinally extending) (e.g., C-shaped or U-shaped) grooves or channels extending over the entire length of the core (outer surface). Preferably, the grooves or channels have a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 1.30 to 2.6 mm.

[0038] According to the present invention, in a further aspect, there is provided the use of a cooling element comprising a tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of a cellulose acetate material (e.g., a heat-formed cellulose acetate material) in a tobacco heating product and / or an HNB product, wherein the tubular core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material has an inner surface defining a hole (or aperture) extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the tubular core and a profile outer surface including a plurality of (e.g., longitudinally extending) (e.g., U-shaped) grooves or channels extending over the entire length of the tubular core (outer surface). Preferably, the grooves or channels have a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 1.30 to 2.6 mm.

[0039] According to the present invention, in a further aspect, there is provided the use of a cooling element comprising a core extending in the longitudinal direction of a cellulose acetate material (e.g., a heat-formed cellulose acetate material) in a tobacco heating product and / or an HNB product, wherein the core extending in the longitudinal direction of the cellulose acetate material has a profile outer surface including a plurality of (e.g., longitudinally extending) (e.g., C-shaped or U-shaped) grooves or channels extending over the entire length of the core (outer surface). Preferably, the grooves or channels have a depth (e.g., maximum depth) of 1.30 to 2.6 mm.

[0040] The present invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the attached FIG. 1 showing a longitudinal cross-section (not to a fixed scale) of a tobacco heating product according to the present invention provided with a cooling element according to the present invention, FIG. 2 showing an axial cross-section (not to a fixed scale) of the cooling element of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 (along line X-X of FIG. 1), FIG. 3 showing an axial cross-section (not to a fixed scale) of a different cooling element of the present invention that can also be used in the tobacco heating product according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 (along line X-X of FIG. 1), and FIG. 4 comparing the pressure drop (mmWG) of the cooling elements (B, C, D, E) of the present invention with that of a conventional PLA cooling element (A).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section along the center line of a columnar HNB product 1. The columnar HNB product 1 includes four segments, namely, a columnar plug 2 of reconstituted tobacco, a columnar hollow acetate tube 3, a cooling element 4, and a columnar plug 5 of cellulose acetate tow.

[0043] The plug 2 of the reconstructed tobacco 2 has a length of 12 mm and an outer circumference of 23.2 mm, and forms one end of the HNB product 1. Such plugs are well known in the art. As is well known in the art, this plug is heated by a heating device during use. One end of the plug 2 of the reconstructed tobacco material abuts against a 7 mm long cylindrical hollow acetate tube 3 with an outer circumference of 23.2 mm and a wall thickness of 1.3 mm. The tube 3 has a cylindrical hole 3a. The end of the cylindrical hollow acetate tube 3 opposite to the plug 2 abuts against the cooling element 4. The hollow acetate tube and its manufacture are well known in the art of tobacco smoke filters (see, for example, GB970817, for example, the embodiment of FIG. 7 and the related discussion).

[0044] The cooling element 4 comprises a tubular core extending in the longitudinal axis direction of a heat-formed cellulose acetate material having a length of 18 mm. The tubular core extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the cellulose acetate material is heat-formed together with an inner surface defining a hole (or aperture) 8 with a diameter of 2 mm extending in the longitudinal axis direction over the entire length of the tubular core and a profile outer surface including five channels or grooves 9 extending in the longitudinal axis direction having a generally shallow U-shaped cross-section with a maximum depth of 1.80 mm and a width of 1.5 mm extending over the entire length of the tubular core. The five channels 9 are arranged equidistantly around the profile outer surface (as can be seen from FIG. 2). The tubular core extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the cellulose acetate material has a uniform axial cross-section as shown in FIG. 2. It should be understood that the cross-section of the cooling element 4 is considered to be generally annular having five shallow U-shaped grooves or channels 9 arranged equidistantly around its periphery. The term "outer periphery" when used in relation to a grooved / channeled cooling element refers to a circular imaginary line passing around the outer (circular) portion of the cooling element but ignoring the channels. Thus, the outer periphery of the element is approximately 23.2 mm so as to substantially coincide with the outer surface of the hollow acetate tube 3 with which it abuts (having a similar outer periphery). The cooling element 4 is heat-formed by a steam bonding process as is well known in the art. The cellulose acetate tow is processed and then fed to a steam die having an inlet section and tapering down to the size and shape of the required cross-section (e.g., the cross-section shown in FIG. 2). As the tow passes through the die, it is formed and partially cured to form the required shape. There may be more than one steam die and several drying sections following which hot air is blown through the rod to remove excess steam / moisture. The rod is then fed onto a rig where it is drawn and cut to the desired length.

[0045] The cylindrical plug 5 has a length of 8 mm and an outer periphery of 23.2 mm and comprises a rod of cellulose acetate tow with a plug wrapper disposed around it. Such "wrapped acetate" plugs are well known in the art of cigarette smoke filters. The plug 5 abuts against the end of the cooling element 4 opposite the hollow acetate tube 3 such that the cooling element 4 is between the plug 5 and the hollow acetate tube 3.

[0046] The cylindrical plug 2 of the reconstructed tobacco, the cylindrical hollow acetate tube 3, the cooling element 4, and the cylindrical plug 5 of the cellulose acetate tow are further packaged in a plug wrapping (not shown) of a conventional plug wrapper that surrounds the plug 2, the tube 3, the element 4, and the plug 5 to give an appearance similar to a cigarette (well known in the art).

[0047] The diameter of the hole 3a (which may also be referred to as dimension "A" herein) is large enough such that a part of the hole 3a of the tubular element 3 coincides with a part of the hole 8 (e.g., a part thereof) of the cooling element and a part of the hole of the tubular element coincides with at least a part (i.e., the lowermost end) of each groove (channel) 9. Thus, it should be understood that the groove or channel 9 outside the cooling element 4 partially overlaps with the wider hole 3a of the hollow acetate tube 3, similar to the central hole 8. In use, the hot vapor from the plug of tobacco (heated in a conventional manner) is drawn through the hole 3a of the hollow acetate tube 3 into the hole 8 and the channel 9 of the cooling element 4 and then into the final acetate plug 5 and through it into the smoker's mouth. This drawing of the hot vapor through both the hole 8 and the channel 9 of the cooling element 4 is thought to provide sufficient cooling, an effect not expected from the cellulose acetate material.

[0048] It should be understood that the hollow acetate tube, the wrapping acetate segment, and the cooling element can be manufactured by methods well known in the art.

[0049] Figure 3 shows an axial cross-section (not to scale) of a different cooling element 40' (along line X-X of Figure 1) that can also be used in the tobacco heating product according to the invention shown in Figure 1. It should be understood that the heating element 40' can be used in place of the element 4 in the tobacco heating product according to the invention shown in Figure 1.

[0050] The cooling element 40' comprises a core extending in the longitudinal axis direction of a heat-formed cellulose acetate material with a length of 18 mm. The core extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the cellulose acetate material is heat-formed together with a profile outer surface including five longitudinally extending channels or grooves 90' with a generally shallow U-shaped cross-section having a maximum depth of 1.80 mm and a width of 1.5 mm extending over the entire length of the core. The five channels 90' are equidistantly arranged around the profile outer surface (as can be seen from Figure 3). The core extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the cellulose acetate material has a uniform axial cross-section as shown in Figure 3. It should be understood that the cross-section of the cooling element 40' is considered to be approximately circular with five shallow U-shaped grooves or channels 90' equidistantly arranged around it. The term "outer periphery" when used in relation to a grooved / channeled cooling element refers to a circular imaginary line passing around the outer (circular) portion of the cooling element but ignoring the channels. Thus, the outer periphery of the element 40' is approximately 23.2 mm such that when the cooling element 40' is used in place of the cooling element 4 in Figure 1, it substantially coincides with the outer surface of the hollow acetal tube 3 shown in Figure 1 having a similar outer periphery with which it abuts. The cooling element 40' is heat-formed by a steam bonding process as is well known in the art. The cellulose acetate tow is processed and then fed into a steam die having an inlet section and being sized and shaped down to the required cross-section (e.g., the cross-section shown in Figure 3). As the tow passes through the die, it is formed and partially cured to form the required shape. There may be more than one steam die and several drying sections following to blow hot air through the rod to remove excess steam / moisture. The rod is then fed onto a fixture where it is pulled out and cut to the desired length.

[0051] When the cooling element of FIG. 3 is used in the product according to claim 1, it should be understood that the diameter of the hole 3a (which can be referred to as dimension "A" in this specification) is large enough so that a part of the hole of the tubular element coincides with at least a part (i.e., the lowermost end) of each groove (channel) 90'. Therefore, it should be understood that the groove or channel 90' outside the cooling element 40' partially overlaps with the hole 3a of the hollow acetate tube 3. During use, the hot vapor from the plug of tobacco (heated in the conventional way) is sucked through the hole 3a of the hollow acetate tube 3 into the channel 90' of the cooling element 40', then into the final acetate plug 5, and through it into the smoker's mouth. The cooling element 40' provides sufficient cooling, which is an effect not expected from the cellulose acetate material.

[0052] Experiment The cooling elements (B, C, D, E) of the present invention were fabricated. The cooling elements B and C have a cross-section similar to the cross-section shown in FIG. 3 and have no central hole or aperture. Thus, the cooling elements B and C have a substantially circular cross-section with an outer perimeter of 22.30 mm and five channels with a depth of 1.2 mm. The cooling elements D and E are as shown in FIG. 2, including a central hole. The cooling elements D and E also have a substantially circular cross-section with an outer perimeter of 22.30 mm and five channels with a depth of 1.2 mm, but include a central hole with a diameter of 1.2 mm. The cooling elements B, C, D, and E were tested against a conventional PLA cooling element (A) in an HNB product.

[0053] Five HNB products shown in FIG. 1 were assembled for testing. Each included one of the cooling elements of the present invention B, C, D, E or comparative example A (a known PLA product). The cooling elements A, C, and E were used together with a hollow acetate tube (element 3 in FIG. 1) with an outer perimeter of 22.30 mm and a wall thickness of 1.3 mm. The cooling elements B and D were used together with a "thin wall tube (TWT)" hollow acetate tube (element 3 in FIG. 1) with an outer perimeter of 22.30 mm and a wall thickness of 0.8 mm.

[0054] Figure 4 compares the pressure drop (mmWG) associated with the cooling elements (B, C, D, E) of the present invention and a conventional PLA cooling element (A). This shows that the profiles are similar, indicating that the cooling elements of the present invention are excellent heat sinks in THP products and are suitable as an alternative to PLA. The cooling elements of the present invention can thus provide a biodegradable alternative to known PLA cooling elements. It can be seen that B and C (without a central hole) are closer in performance to PLA and function better than D and E in this test.

Claims

1. A smoking article comprising a hollow tubular element having a hole of diameter A and an adjacent cooling element comprising a longitudinally extending tubular core of cellulose acetate material, the longitudinally extending tubular core having an inner surface defining a hole extending longitudinally along the entire length of the tubular core and a profiled outer surface including a plurality of grooves or channels of widths 1.0 to 3.0 mm extending the entire length of the tubular core, wherein diameter A is sufficiently large such that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with a portion of the hole in the cooling element and such that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with at least a portion of the grooves or channels.

2. A smoking article comprising a hollow tubular element having a hole of diameter A and an adjacent cooling element having a longitudinally extending tubular core of cellulose acetate material, the longitudinally extending tubular core having an inner surface defining a hole extending longitudinally along the entire length of the tubular core and a profiled outer surface including a plurality of spiral grooves or channels extending the entire length of the tubular core, wherein diameter A is sufficiently large such that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with a portion of the hole in the cooling element and such that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with at least a portion of the grooves or channels.

3. A smoking article comprising a hollow tubular element having a hole of diameter A and an adjacent cooling element having a longitudinally extending core of cellulose acetate material, wherein the longitudinally extending core of cellulose acetate material has a profiled outer surface including a plurality of grooves or channels having widths of 1.0 to 3.0 mm extending the entire length of the core, and wherein diameter A is sufficiently large such that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with at least a portion of the grooves or channels.

4. A smoking article comprising a hollow tubular element having a hole of diameter A and an adjacent cooling element having a longitudinally extending core of cellulose acetate material, wherein the longitudinally extending core of cellulose acetate material has a profiled outer surface including a plurality of helical grooves or channels extending the entire length of the core, and wherein diameter A is sufficiently large such that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with at least a portion of the grooves or channels.

5. A smoking article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein diameter A is sufficiently large so that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with a portion of the hole in the cooling element, and so that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with at least a portion of each groove or channel.

6. A smoking article as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein diameter A is sufficiently large so that a portion of the hole in the hollow tubular element coincides with at least a portion of each groove or channel.

7. A smoking article described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hole in the hollow tubular element has a diameter of 3.0 to 10.0 mm.

8. A smoking article described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed from cellulose acetate.

9. A smoking article described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hollow tubular element has a wall thickness of 0.3 mm to 5.5 mm.

10. A smoking article described in any one of claims 1 to 4 which is a tobacco heating product or an HNB product.

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