Zero tobacco filter

Abstract

A filter for use in a smoking article or HTP, the filter comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising: a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a fourth segment; and a filter wrapper engaged at least partially around the longitudinally extending core wherein the first segment is located at a first end of the longitudinally extending core and comprises a first filtering material; the fourth segment is located at a second end of the longitudinally extending core, opposite the first end, wherein the fourth segment comprises a substrate, the substrate comprising a salt-nicotine solution disposed thereon; the second and third segments being disposed between the first and fourth segments; and the second segment and third segment each being one of: a paper tube; an acetate tube; a cooling segment; a PLA segment; and a thin-walled acetate tube.

Description

ZERO TOBACCO FILTERFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention provides filters or mouthpieces for use in smoking articles such as cigarettes; a heat-not-burn (HNB) product; and heated tobacco product (HTP).BACKGROUND

[0002] Consumers who wish to avoid tobacco but who are accustomed to tobacco smoking articles as a source of nicotine are often averse to using smoking articles or other means, such as nicotine patches, that do not contain tobacco and / or provide a smoking sensation whilst delivering nicotine.

[0003] There are many reasons for this but research has identified some key factors as: change in flavour of aerosol; absence of smoking sensation; change in smoke opacity; and change in smoking article appearance.

[0004] The inventors have identified a need for a non-tobacco product which can provide a source of nicotine to a consumer whilst satisfying their affinity to traditional tobacco-based cigarettes.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a filter for use in a smoking article or HTP, the filter comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising: a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a fourth segment; and a filter wrapper engaged at least partially around the longitudinally extending core, wherein the first segment is located at a first end of the longitudinally extending core and comprises a first filtering material; the fourth segment is located at a second end of the longitudinally extending core, opposite the first end, wherein the fourth segment comprises a substrate, the substrate comprising a salt-nicotine solution disposed thereon; the second and third segments being disposed between the first and fourth segments; and the second and third segments each being one of: a paper tube; a cooling segment; a PLA segment; and a thin walled acetate tube.

[0006] When heated, a salt-nicotine solution can provide a consumer with a similar aerosol sensation to a traditional combustible cigarette or tobacco product. This may aid consumers with an affinity for such an aerosol sensation to move away from traditional tobacco products.

[0007] The second segment may comprise a second filtering material. The second segment may be abutted at a first end of the second segment to the first segment. The third segment may comprise a third filtering material. The third segment may further comprise a borethrough the third filtering material. The third segment may be abutted at a first end of the third segment to a second end of the second segment. The fourth segment may be abutted at a first end of the fourth segment to a second end of the third segment.

[0008] The applicants have found that a bore through the third filtering material may channel the aerosol and provide improved aerosol cooling and thus a more desirable aerosol temperature to the consumer.

[0009] The first segment may have a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 5.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.2mmWg / mm to 4.5mmWg / mm, for example from 1.0mmWg / mm to 2.5mmWg / mm, for example 1.5mmWg / mm).

[0010] The applicants have found that this range of pressure drop across the first segment may provide improved cooling and a more desirable smoking sensation to the consumer.

[0011] The first segment may have a length from 5mm to 14mm (for example from 7mm to 12mm, for example 10mm).

[0012] The second segment may have a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 1.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.01 mmWg / mm to 0.5mmWg / mm, for example from 0.03mmWg / mm to 0.1 mmWg / mm, for example 0.05mmWg / mm).

[0013] The applicants have found that this range of pressure drop across the first segment may provide improved cooling and a more desirable smoking sensation to the consumer.

[0014] The third segment may have a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 1.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.01 mmWg / mm to 0.5mmWg / mm, for example 0.02 mmWg / mm).

[0015] The applicants have found that this range of pressure drop across the first segment may provide improved cooling and a more desirable smoking sensation to the consumer.

[0016] The first filtering material may be provided by a plug wrap paper having a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 18 g / m2to 80g / m2, for example from 20 g / m2to 40 g / m2, for example 26 g / m2).

[0017] The applicants have found that a plug wrap paper of this grammage range may provide a more round and robust filter and may further provide improved anti-counterfeiting measurements.

[0018] The second segment may be formed from a paper and / or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper).

[0019] The applicants have found that gathering material laterally increases the surface area of material that the aerosol comes into contact with and thus may provide improved cooling of the aerosol. Further, ambient air can be entrained into the segment to assist in further cooling of the aerosol.

[0020] The third segment may be formed from a paper and / or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper).

[0021] The applicants have found that gathering material laterally increases the surface area of material that the aerosol comes into contact with and thus may provide improved cooling of the aerosol.

[0022] The second segment may be formed from a paper which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place by a wrapper. The third segment may be formed from a paper which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place by a wrapper and may comprise a bore through the third segment. The second segment may be abutted to the third segment such that at least a portion of the bore of the third segment is in register with the second segment.

[0023] The applicants have surprisingly found that the interaction from at least a portion of the bore being in register with the second segment can provide an improved cooling and mixing of the aerosol and more desirable pressure drop across the two segments. Further, the bore of the second segment can aid in channelling the aerosol to the third segment.

[0024] The second filtering material may have a width from 40 mm to 100 mm (for example from 50mm to 80mm, for example from 55mm to 70mm, for example 60mm) and a thickness from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm (for example from 0.06mm to 0.18mm, for example from 0.08mm to 0.12mm, for example 0.10mm).

[0025] The second filtering material may have a basis weight from 45 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 60 g / m2to 80, for example 78g / m2).

[0026] The applicants have found that a filtering material having a basis weight within this range may provide improved aerosol characteristics and may provide a more robust segment.

[0027] The second segment may have a length from 5 mm to 35 mm (for example from 6mm to 30mm, for example from 8mm to 20mm, for example 10mm).

[0028] The applicants have found that a segment having a length within this range may provide a desired pressure drop across the length of the segment.

[0029] The second segment may be held in place by a wrapper of plug wrap paper having a width from 18 mm to 28 mm (for example from 19mm to 25mm, for example from 20mm to 24mm, for example 22.5mm) and a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 60 g / m2to 80, for example 78g / m2).

[0030] The third filtering material may have a width from 40 mm to 100 mm (for example from 45mm to 80mm, for example from 50mm to 70mm, for example 60mm) and a thickness from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm (for example from 0.06mm to 0.18mm, for example from 0.08mm to 0.12mm, for example 0.10mm).

[0031] The third filtering material may have a basis weight from 45 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100, for example from 60 g / m2to 90 g / m2, for example 78g / m2).

[0032] The applicants have found that a filtering material having a basis weight within this range may provide improved aerosol characteristics and may provide a more robust segment.

[0033] The third segment may have a length from 5 mm to 35 mm (for example from 10mm to 30mm, for example from 15mm to 25mm, for example 21mm).

[0034] The applicants have found that a segment having a length within this range may provide a desired pressure drop across the length of the segment.

[0035] The third segment may be held in place by a wrapper of plug wrap paper having a width from 18 mm to 28 mm (for example from 19mm to 27mm, for example from 20mm to 25mm, for example 22.5mm) and a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100, for example from 60 g / m2to 90 g / m2, for example 78g / m2).

[0036] The substrate may have a grammage from 15 g / m2 to 250 g / m2 (for example from 20 g / m2to 200 g / m2, for example from 30 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example 45 g / m2).

[0037] The inventors have found that a substrate having a grammage within this range provides good loading of the salt-nicotine solution and thus can provide a consistent flavour to the consumer throughout use.

[0038] The substrate may have a width from 60 mm to 250 mm (for example from 70mm to 200mm, for example from 80mm to 160mm, for example 130mm).

[0039] The pressure drop across the fourth segment may be from 0.5 mmWg / mm to 5.5 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.8mmWg / mm to 4.0mmWg / mm, for example from 1.2mmWg / mm to 3.0mmWg / mm, for example 2.4mmWg / mm).

[0040] The applicants have found that a pressure drop across the segment that is within this range may provide a more desirable smoking sensation to the consumer.

[0041] The fourth segment may further comprise an aluminium wrapper engaged around the substrate.

[0042] The applicants have found that providing an aluminium wrapper engaged around the substrate may prevent undesirable leaking of the salt-nicotine solution disposed on the substrate. Further, the aluminium wrapper may provide improved heating of the substrate.

[0043] The fourth segment may further comprise one or more wrappers of plug wrap, the or each wrapper having a grammage from 20 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 30 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 40 g / m2to 80 g / m2, for example 50 g / m2).

[0044] The fourth segment may have a length from 10mm to 50mm (for example from 20mm to 40mm, for example 25mm to 35mm, for example 34mm).

[0045] The filter according to the first aspect of the present invention may have a total length from 25mm to 134mm (for example from 43mm to 112mm, for example from 55mm to 92mm, for example 75mm).

[0046] The amount of salt-nicotine solution disposed on the substrate may be from 40mg to 150mg (for example from 50mg to 120mg, for example from 60mg to 80mg, for example 70mg).

[0047] The applicants have found that an amount of salt-nicotine solution within this range may provide desired flavour and / or nicotine delivery to the consumer.

[0048] The salt-nicotine solution may comprise at least one of an additive; nicotine; organic acid; and solvent.

[0049] The inventors have found that a salt-nicotine solution comprising one or more of these components provides appropriate flavour delivery to the consumer.

[0050] The additive may be at least one of: a flavourant; sweetener; pH modifier; preservative. The flavourant may be one of: cinnamon; vanilla; clove; and blueberry.

[0051] After extensive experimentation, the inventors have surprisingly found that the combination of an additive, such as a flavourant, with the other components of the salt- nicotine solution may provide a flavour of aerosol to a consumer akin to that of the aerosol produced by a traditional combustible cigarette. This may aid consumers with an affinity for such a flavour sensation to move away from traditional tobacco products.

[0052] The salt-nicotine solution may have a pH from 3.5 to 7.0.

[0053] The inventors have found that the salt-nicotine solution having a pH within this range provides a smooth smoking sensation to the user during use.

[0054] The salt-nicotine solution may comprise nicotine. The salt-nicotine solution may further comprise one or more weak organic acids.

[0055] The inventors have surprisingly found that use of weak organic acids allow for the salt-nicotine solution to have a pH from 3.5 to 7.0 whilst maintaining a desired loading of nicotine within the solution. That is to say that the amount of nicotine within the salt-nicotine solution is not over-diluted within the solution.

[0056] The one or more weak organic acids may be one or more of: benzoic acid; and levulinic acid.

[0057] The salt-nicotine solution may comprise a ratio of benzoic acid and levulinic acid.

[0058] The ratio of benzoic acid to levulinic acid may be from 10:1 to 1:10, for example from 5:1 to 1:5.

[0059] The inventors have surprisingly found that a combination of benzoic acid and levulinic acid within the salt-nicotine solution provides desired nicotine loading within the solution whilst also providing a desired smoking sensation to the user. Without being boundby theory, benzoic acid is more alkali than levulinic acid and so use of more benzoic acid allows for a given salt-nicotine solution between pH 3.5 and 7.0 to have a higher loading of nicotine when using more benzoic acid than levulinic acid. This is because less benzoic acid is needed to achieve the desired pH and so the nicotine within the salt-nicotine solution is less diluted. The levulinic acid being less alkali than the benzoic acid can provide the user with a more desirable smoking sensation in use. The levulinic acid can also increase the binding of nicotine to neurons that would otherwise be unresponsive to nicotine which can provide a more desired smoking experience to the user.

[0060] According to the present invention, in a second aspect, there is provided a filter for use in a smoking article or HTP, the filter comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising: a first segment, a second segment, a third segment; and a filter wrapper engaged at least partially around the longitudinally extending core, wherein the first segment is located at a first end of the longitudinally extending core and comprises a first filtering material; the third segment is located at a second end of the longitudinally extending core, opposite the first end; the second segment is disposed between the first and third segments; the second segment being one of: a paper tube; an acetate tube; a cooling segment; a PLA segment; and a thin-walled acetate tube.

[0061] The applicants have found that this filter provides a smoking performance and taste sensation akin to that of a tobacco containing product when used with additive and / or flavourant, such as cinnamon, vanilla, clove, and blueberry, containing substrates according to other aspects of the invention.

[0062] The second segment may comprise a second filtering material. The second segment may be abutted at a first end of the second segment to the first segment. The third segment may comprise a third filtering material. The third segment may further comprise a bore through the third filtering material. The third segment may be abutted at a first end of the third segment to a second end of the second segment.

[0063] The applicants have found that a bore through the third filtering material may provide improved aerosol cooling and thus a more desirable aerosol temperature to the consumer.

[0064] The first segment may have a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 5.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.2mmWg / mm to 4.5mmWg / mm, for example from 1.0mmWg / mm to 2.5mmWg / mm, for example 1.5mmWg / mm).

[0065] The applicants have found that this range of pressure drop across the first segment may provide improved cooling and a more desirable smoking sensation to the consumer.

[0066] The first segment may have a length from 5mm to 14mm (for example from 7mm to 12mm, for example 10mm).

[0067] The second segment may have a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 1.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.01 mmWg / mm to 0.5mmWg / mm, for example from 0.03mmWg / mm to 0.1 mmWg / mm, for example 0.05mmWg / mm).

[0068] The applicants have found that this range of pressure drop across the first segment may provide improved cooling and a more desirable smoking sensation to the consumer.

[0069] The third segment may have a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 1.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.01 mmWg / mm to 0.5mmWg / mm, for example 0.02 mmWg / mm).

[0070] The applicants have found that this range of pressure drop across the first segment may provide improved cooling and a more desirable smoking sensation to the consumer.

[0071] The first filtering material may be provided by plug wrap paper having a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 18 g / m2to 80g / m2, for example from 20 g / m2to 40 g / m2, for example 26 g / m2).

[0072] The applicants have found that a plug wrap paper of this grammage range may provide a more round and robust filter and may further provide improved anti-counterfeiting measurements.

[0073] The second segment may be formed from a paper and / or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper).The applicants have found that gathering material laterally increases the surface area of material that the aerosol comes into contact with and thus may provide improved cooling of the aerosol. Further, ambient air can be entrained into the segment to assist in further cooling of the aerosol.

[0074] The third segment may be formed from a paper and / or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper).

[0075] The applicants have found that gathering material laterally increases the surface area of material that the aerosol comes into contact with and thus may provide improved cooling of the aerosol.

[0076] The second segment may be formed from a paper that is gathered laterally and held in place by a wrapper. The third segment may be formed from a paper which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place by a wrapper and comprises a bore through the third segment. The second segment may be abutted to the third segment such that at least a portion of the bore of the third segment is in register with the second segment.

[0077] The applicants have surprisingly found that the interaction from at least a portion of the bore being in register with the second segment can provide an improved cooling and mixing of the aerosol and more desirable pressure drop across the two segments. Further, the bore of the second segment can aid in channelling the aerosol to the third segment.

[0078] The second filtering material may have a width from 40 mm to 100 mm (for example from 50mm to 80mm, for example from 55mm to 70mm, for example 60mm) and a thickness from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm (for example from 0.06mm to 0.18mm, for example from 0.08mm to 0.12mm, for example 0.10mm).

[0079] The second filtering material may have a basis weight from 45 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 60 g / m2to 80, for example 78g / m2).

[0080] The applicants have found that a filtering material having a basis weight within this range may provide improved aerosol characteristics and may provide a more robust segment.

[0081] The second segment may have a length from 5 mm to 35 mm (for example from 6mm to 30mm, for example from 8mm to 20mm, for example 10mm).

[0082] The applicants have found that a segment having a length within this range may provide a desired pressure drop across the length of the segment.

[0083] The second segment may be held in place by a wrapper of plug wrap paper having a width from 18 mm to 28 mm (for example from 19mm to 25mm, for example from 20mm to 24mm, for example 22.5mm) and a grammage from 15 g / m2 to 140 g / m2 (for example from 50 g / m2 to 100 g / m2 , for example from 60 g / m2 to 80, for example 78g / m2).

[0084] The third filtering material may have a width from 40 mm to 100 mm (for example from 45mm to 80mm, for example from 50mm to 70mm, for example 60mm) and a thickness from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm (for example from 0.06mm to 0.18mm, for example from 0.08mm to 0.12mm, for example 0.10mm).

[0085] The third filtering material may have a basis weight from 45 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100, for example from 60 g / m2to 90 g / m2, for example 78g / m2).

[0086] The applicants have found that a filtering material having a basis weight within this range may provide improved aerosol characteristics and may provide a more robust segment.

[0087] The third segment may have a length from 5 mm to 35 mm (for example from 10mm to 30mm, for example from 15mm to 25mm, for example 21mm).

[0088] The applicants have found that a segment having a length within this range may provide a desired pressure drop across the length of the segment.

[0089] The third segment may be held in place by a wrapper of plug wrap paper having a width from 18 mm to 28 mm (for example from 19mm to 27mm, for example from 20mm to 25mm, for example 22.5mm) and a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100, for example from 60 g / m2to 90 g / m2, for example 78g / m2).

[0090] The filter according to the second aspect of the present invention may have a total length from 15mm to 84mm (for example from 23mm to 72mm, for example from 30mm to 57mm, for example 41mm).

[0091] According to the present invention, in a third aspect, there is provided a filter segment for use in a smoking article or HTP, the segment comprising: a substrate, the substrate comprising a salt-nicotine solution disposed thereon.

[0092] When heated, a salt-nicotine solution can provide a consumer with a similar aerosol sensation to a traditional combustible cigarette or tobacco product. This may aid consumers with an affinity for such an aerosol sensation to move away from traditional tobacco products.

[0093] The substrate may have a grammage from 15 g / m2 to 250 g / m2 (for example from 20 g / m2to 200 g / m2, for example from 30 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example 45 g / m2).

[0094] The inventors have found that a substrate having a grammage within this range provides good loading of the salt-nicotine solution and thus can provide a consistent flavour to the consumer throughout use.

[0095] The substrate may have a width from 60 mm to 250 mm (for example from 70mm to 200mm, for example from 80mm to 160mm, for example 130mm).

[0096] The pressure drop across the segment may be from 0.5 mmWg / mm to 5.5 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.8mmWg / mm to 4.0mmWg / mm, for example from 1.2mmWg / mm to 3.0mmWg / mm, for example 2.4mmWg / mm).

[0097] The applicants have found that a pressure drop across the segment that is within this range may provide a more desirable smoking sensation to the consumer.

[0098] The fourth segment may have a length from 10mm to 50mm (for example from 20mm to 40mm, for example 25mm to 35mm, for example 34mm).

[0099] The segment may further comprise an aluminium wrapper engaged around the substrate.

[0100] The applicants have found that the application of an aluminium wrapper engaged around the substrate may prevent undesirable leaking of salt-nicotine solution disposed on the substrate. Further, the aluminium wrapper may provide improved heating of the substrate.

[0101] The segment may further comprise one or more wrappers of plug wrap, the or each wrapper having a grammage from 20 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 30 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 40 g / m2to 80 g / m2, for example 50 g / m2).

[0102] The amount of salt nicotine solution disposed on the substrate may be from 40mg to 150mg (for example from 50mg to 120mg, for example from 60mg to 80mg, for example 70mg).

[0103] The applicants have found that an amount of salt-nicotine solution within this range may provide desired flavour and / or nicotine delivery to the consumer.

[0104] The salt-nicotine solution may comprise at least one of an additive; nicotine; organic acid; and solvent.

[0105] The inventors have found that a salt-nicotine solution comprising one or more of these components provides appropriate flavour delivery to the consumer.

[0106] The additive may be at least one of: a flavourant; sweetener; pH modifier; preservative. The flavourant may be one of: cinnamon; vanilla; clove; and blueberry flavourant.

[0107] The salt-nicotine solution may have a pH from 3.5 to 7.0.

[0108] The inventors have found that the salt-nicotine solution having a pH within this range provides a smooth smoking sensation to the user during use.

[0109] The salt-nicotine solution may comprise nicotine. The salt-nicotine solution may further comprise one or more weak organic acids.

[0110] The inventors have surprisingly found that use of weak organic acids allow for the salt-nicotine solution to have a pH from 3.5 to 7.0 whilst maintaining a desired loading of nicotine within the solution. That is to say that the amount of nicotine within the salt-nicotine solution is not over-diluted within the solution.

[0111] The one or more weak organic acids may be one or more of: benzoic acid; and levulinic acid.

[0112] The salt-nicotine solution may comprise a ratio of benzoic acid and levulinic acid.

[0113] The ratio of benzoic acid to levulinic acid may be from 10:1 to 1:10, for example from 5:1 to 1 :5.

[0114] The inventors have surprisingly found that a combination of benzoic acid and levulinic acid within the salt-nicotine solution provides desired nicotine loading within the solution whilst also providing a desired smoking sensation to the user. Without being bound by theory, benzoic acid is more alkali than levulinic acid and so use of more benzoic acid allows for a given salt-nicotine solution between pH 3.5 and 7.0 to have a higher loading of nicotine when using more benzoic acid than levulinic acid. This is because less benzoic acid is needed to achieve the desired pH and so the nicotine within the salt-nicotine solution is less diluted. The levulinic acid being less alkali than the benzoic acid can provide the user with a more desirable smoking sensation in use. The levulinic acid can also increase the binding of nicotine to neurons that would otherwise be unresponsive to nicotine which can provide a more desired smoking experience to the user.

[0115] After extensive experimentation, the inventors have surprisingly found that the combination of an additive, such as a flavourant, with the other components of the salt-nicotine solution may provide a flavour of aerosol to a consumer akin to that of the aerosol produced by a traditional combustible cigarette. This may aid consumers with an affinity for such a flavour sensation to move away from traditional tobacco products.

[0116] According to the present invention, in a fourth aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating article comprising a filter according to any aspect or aspects of the present invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0118] Figure 1 shows a filter according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0119] Figure 2 shows a filter according to a further aspect of the present invention; and

[0120] Figure 3 shows a filter segment according to a further aspect of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 1 shows a filter 100 for use in a smoking article or heated tobacco product (HTP). The filter 100 comprises a longitudinally extending core 102. The longitudinally extending core 102 comprises a first segment 104, a second segment 106, a third segment 108, and a fourth segment 110. The longitudinally extending core 102 further comprises a filter wrapper 112 engaged at least partially around the longitudinally extending core 102. It will be appreciated that Figure 1 shows the components partially unwrapped to aid understanding. In the filter 100 as used each of first segment 104, second segment 106, third segment 108 and fourth segment 110 will have their respective first segment wrapper 104, second segment wrapper 124, third segment wrapper 128 and fourth segment wrapper 132 engaged completely therearound, and the filter wrapper 112 will be engaged around the wrapped first, second, third and fourth segments.

[0122] The first segment 104 is located at a first end 114 of the longitudinally extending core 102. The fourth segment is located at a second end 116, opposite the first end, of the longitudinally extending core 102. The second 106 and third 108 segments are disposed between the first 104 and fourth 110 segments.

[0123] The first segment 104 comprises a first filtering material 118 and in this particular embodiment the first filtering material is a plug wrap paper having a pressure drop of 1.5mmWg / mm across the segment and a grammage of 26 g / m2. The first segment 104 further comprises a first segment wrapper 120. In this particular embodiment, the first segment wrapper 120 is plug wrap paper having a grammage of 50 g / m2. In this particular embodiment, the first segment 104 has a length of 10mm.

[0124] In this particular embodiment the second segment 106 is a cooling segment comprising a second filtering material 122. In this particular embodiment the second filtering material 122 is a paper filtering material of basis weight of 78g / m2gathered laterally into rod form and having a pressure drop across the segment of 0.05mmWg / mm. The second filtering material 122 is held in place by a second segment wrapper 124. The second segment wrapper 124 is provided by plug wrap paper having a grammage of 78g / m2. In this particular embodiment, the second segment 106 has a length of 10mm.

[0125] In this particular embodiment, the third segment 108 is a paper tube comprising a third filtering material 126. The third filtering material 126 is a paper filtering material of basis weight of 78g / m2gathered laterally into rod form having a pressure drop across the segment of 0.02mmWg / mm. The third filtering material 126 is held in place by a third segment wrapper 128. The third segment wrapper 128 is provided by a plug wrap paper having a grammage of 78g / m2. In this particular embodiment, the third segment has a length of 21 mm.

[0126] In this particular embodiment, the fourth segment 110 is a cellulose substrate 130 having a pressure drop across the segment of 2.4mmWg / mm and a grammage of 45 g / m2. Disposed on the cellulose substrate 130 is a salt-nicotine solution of pH 3.5 to 7.0, comprising an additive. The additive may be one of: a flavourant; sweetener; pH modifier; preservative. A flavourant may be a flavourant such as: cinnamon; vanilla; clove; blueberry flavourant. In this specific embodiment the additive is a vanilla flavourant. Engaged around the cellulose substrate 130 is a fourth segment wrapper 132. The fourth segment wrapper 132 is an aluminium wrapper which can prevent leakage of the salt-nicotine solution from the cellulose substrate 130. In this particular embodiment, the amount of salt-nicotine solution disposed on the cellulose substrate 130 is 70mg. The fourth segment 110 has a length of 34mm.

[0127] In this particular embodiment the second segment 106 is abutted at a first end to a second end of the first segment 104. The third segment 108 is abutted at a first end to a second end of the second segment 106 and abutted at a second end to a first end of thefourth segment 110, such that the second segment 106 and third segment 108 are disposed between the first segment 104 and the fourth segment 110.

[0128] Figure 2 shows a filter 200 for use in a smoking article or heated tobacco product (HTP). The filter 200 comprises a longitudinally extending core 202. The longitudinally extending core 202 comprises a first segment 204, a second segment 206, and a third segment 208. The longitudinally extending core 202 further comprises a filter wrapper 210 engaged at least partially around the longitudinally extending core 202. It will be appreciated that Figure 2 shows the components partially unwrapped to aid understanding. In the filter 200 as used each of first segment 204, second segment 206 and third segment 208 will have their respective first segment wrapper 218, second segment wrapper 222 and third segment wrapper 226 engaged completely therearound, and the filter wrapper 210 will be engaged around the wrapped first, second, third segments.

[0129] The first segment 204 is located at a first end 212 of the longitudinally extending core 202. The third segment 208 is located at a second end 214, opposite the first end 212, of the longitudinally extending core 102. The second segment 206 is disposed between the first 204 and third 208 segments.

[0130] The first segment 204 comprises a first filtering material 216 and in this particular embodiment the first filtering material is a plug wrap paper having a pressure drop of 1.5mmWg / mm across the segment and a grammage of 26 g / m2. The first segment 204 further comprises a first segment wrapper 218. In this particular embodiment, the first segment wrapper 218 plug wrap paper having a grammage of 50 g / m2. In this particular embodiment, the first segment 204 has a length of 10mm.

[0131] In this particular embodiment the second segment 206 is a cooling segment comprising a second filtering material 220. In this particular embodiment the second filtering material 220 is a paper filtering material of basis weight of 78g / m2gathered laterally into rod form and having a pressure drop of 0.05mmWg / mm across the segment. The second filtering material 220 is held in place by a second segment wrapper 222. The second segment wrapper 222 is provided by plug wrap paper having a grammage of 78g / m2. In this particular embodiment, the second segment 106 has a length of 10mm.

[0132] In this particular embodiment, the third segment 208 is a paper tube comprising a third filtering material 224. The third filtering material 224 is a paper filtering material of basisweight of 78g / m2gathered laterally into rod form having a pressure drop across the segment of 0.02mmWg / mm. The third filtering material 224 is held in place by a third segment wrapper 226. The third segment wrapper 226 is provided by a plug wrap paper having a grammage of 78g / m2. In this particular embodiment, the third segment has a length of 21 mm.

[0133] In this particular embodiment the second segment 206 is abutted at a first end to a second end of the first segment 204 and at a second end to a first end of the third segment 208, such that the second segment 206 is disposed between the first segment 104 and the third segment 110.

[0134] Figure 3 shows a filter 300 for use in a smoking article or heated tobacco product (HTP). The filter 300 comprises a cellulose substrate 302 having a pressure drop of 2.4mmWg / mm across its length and a grammage of 45 g / m2. Disposed on the cellulose substrate 302 is a salt-nicotine solution of 3.5 to 7.0, comprising an additive. The additive may be one of: a flavourant; sweetener; pH modifier; preservative. A flavourant may be a flavourant such as: cinnamon; vanilla, clove; blueberry. In this specific embodiment the additive is a vanilla flavourant. Engaged around the cellulose substrate 302 is a wrapper 304. The wrapper 304 is an aluminium wrapper which can prevent leakage of the salt-nicotine solution from the cellulose substrate 302. In this particular embodiment, the amount of salt- nicotine solution disposed on the cellulose substrate 302 is 70mg.

[0135] In this particular embodiment, the filter 300 further comprises a filter wrapper 306 engaged at least partially around the filter 300. The filter wrapper 306 is provided by a plug wrap paper having a grammage of 50 g / m2. In this particular embodiment, the filter 300 has a length of 34mm. It will be appreciated that Figure 3 shows the components partially unwrapped to aid understanding. In the filter 300 as used the aluminium wrapper 304 will be engaged completely around cellulose substrate 302 and held in place with a lapped and stuck seam. The filter wrapper 306 will be engaged around the aluminium wrapper 304 and cellulose substrate 302 and held in place with a lapped and stuck seam.

[0136] It will be appreciated that the components of the filters of Figures 1 , 2 and 3 are readily manufactured on production line by methods well known in the art of making filters for smoking articles. Further, it will be appreciated that combination of components to make the final filters is also readily achievable on conventional production lines by methods well known in the art of making filters for smoking articles. It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above (e.g. Figs 1 and 3) may be used with a salt-nicotine solution has a pH from3.5 to 7.0, wherein the salt-nicotine solution comprises nicotine and optionally one or more weak organic acids, for example nicotine and benzoic acid and / or levulinic acid.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A filter for use in a smoking article or HTP, the filter comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising: a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a fourth segment; and a filter wrapper engaged at least partially around the longitudinally extending core wherein the first segment is located at a first end of the longitudinally extending core and comprises a first filtering material; the fourth segment is located at a second end of the longitudinally extending core, opposite the first end, wherein the fourth segment comprises a substrate, the substrate comprising a salt-nicotine solution disposed thereon; the second and third segments being disposed between the first and fourth segments; and the second segment and third segment each being one of: a paper tube; an acetate tube; a cooling segment; a PLA segment; and a thin-walled acetate tube.

2. A filter according to claim 1 , wherein: the second segment comprises a second filtering material, the second segment being abutted at a first end of the second segment to the first segment; the third segment comprises a third filtering material, the third segment further comprising a bore through the third filtering material, the third segment being abutted at a first end of the third segment to a second end of the second segment; and the fourth segment being abutted at a first end of the fourth segment to a second end of the third segment.

3. A filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first segment has a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 5.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.2mmWg / mm to 4.5mmWg / mm, for example from 1.0mmWg / mm to 2.5mmWg / mm, for example 1.5mmWg / mm).

4. A filter according to claim 1 ,2, or 3, wherein the second segment has a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 1.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.01 mmWg / mm to 0.5mmWg / mm, for example from 0.03mmWg / mm to 0.1 mmWg / mm, for example 0.05mmWg / mm).

5. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the third segment has a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 1 .0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.01mmWg / mm to 0.5mmWg / mm, for example 0.02mmWg / mm).

6. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the first filtering material is provided by plug wrap paper having a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 18 g / m2to 80g / m2, for example from 20 g / m2to 40 g / m2, for example 26 g / m2).

7. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the second segment is formed from a paper and / or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper).

8. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the third segment is formed from a paper and / or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper).

9. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the second segment is formed from a paper which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place by a wrapper, wherein the third segment is formed from a paper which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place by a wrapper and comprises a bore through the third segment, and wherein the second segment is abutted to the third segment such that at least a portion of the bore of the third segment is in register with the second segment.

10. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the second filtering material has a width from 40 mm to 100 mm (for example from 50mm to 80mm, for example from 55mm to 70mm, for example 60mm) and a thickness from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm (for example from 0.06mm to 0.18mm, for example from 0.08mm to 0.12mm, for example 0.10mm).

11. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the second filtering material has a basis weight from 45 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 60 g / m2to 80, for example 78g / m2).

12. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the second segment has a length from 5 mm to 35 mm (for example from 6mm to 30mm, for example from 8mm to 20mm, for example 10mm).

13. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the second segment is held in place by a wrapper of plug wrap paper having a width from 18 mm to 28 mm (for example from 19mm to 25mm, for example from 20mm to 24mm, for example 22.5mm) and a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 60 g / m2to 80, for example 78g / m2).

14. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the third filtering material has a width from 40 mm to 100 mm (for example from 45mm to 80mm, for example from 50mm to 70mm, for example 60mm) and a thickness from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm (for example from 0.06mm to 0.18mm, for example from 0.08mm to 0.12mm, for example 0.10mm).

15. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the third filtering material has a basis weight from 45 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100, for example from 60 g / m2to 90 g / m2, for example 78g / m2).

16. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the third segment has a length from 5 mm to 35 mm (for example from 10mm to 30mm, for example from 15mm to 25mm, for example 21 mm).

17. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the third segment is held in place by a wrapper of plug wrap paper having a width from 18 mm to 28 mm (for example from 19mm to 27mm, for example from 20mm to 25mm, for example 22.5mm) and a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100, for example from 60 g / m2to 90 g / m2, for example 78g / m2).

18. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the substrate has a grammage from 15 g / m2 to 250 g / m2 (for example from 20 g / m2to 200 g / m2, for example from 30 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example 45 g / m2).

19. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the substrate has a width from 60 mm to 250 mm (for example from 70mm to 200mm, for example from 80mm to 160mm, for example 130mm).

20. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the pressure drop across the fourth segment is from 0.5 mmWg / mm to 5.5 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.8mmWg / mm to 4.0mmWg / mm, for example from 1.2mmWg / mm to 3.0mmWg / mm, for example 2.4mmWg / mm).

21. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the fourth segment further comprises an aluminium wrapper engaged around the substrate.

22. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the fourth segment further comprises one or more wrappers of plug wrap, the or each wrapper having a grammage from 20 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 30 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 40 g / m2to 80 g / m2, for example 50 g / m2).

23. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the fourth segment has a length from 10mm to 50mm (for example from 20mm to 40mm, for example 25mm to 35mm, for example 34mm).

24. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the amount of salt nicotine solution disposed on the substrate is from 40mg to 150mg (for example from 50mg to 120mg, for example from 60mg to 80mg, for example 70mg).

25. A filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the salt-nicotine solution comprises at least one of an additive; nicotine; organic acid; and solvent.

26. A filter according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the additive is at least one of: a flavourant; sweetener; pH modifier; preservative.

27. A filter according to claim 26, wherein the additive is a flavourant.

28. A filter according to claim 27, wherein the flavourant is one of: cinnamon; vanilla; clove; and blueberry flavourant.

29. A filter for use in a smoking article or HTP, the filter comprising: a longitudinally extending core comprising: a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment; and a filter wrapper engaged at least partially around the longitudinally extending core, wherein the first segment is located at a first end of the longitudinally extending core and comprises a first filtering material; the third segment is located at a second end of the longitudinally extending core, opposite the first end; the second segment being disposed between the first and third segments; the second segment and third segment each being one of: a paper tube; an acetate tube; a cooling segment; a PLA segment; and a thin-walled acetate tube.

30. A filter according to claim 29, wherein: the second segment comprises a second filtering material, the second segment being abutted at a first end of the second segment to the first segment; and the third segment comprises a third filtering material, the third segment further comprising a bore through the third filtering material, the third segment being abutted at a first end of the third segment to a second end of the second segment.

31. A filter according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the first segment has a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 5.0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.2mmWg / mm to 4.5mmWg / mm, for example from 1.0mmWg / mm to 2.5mmWg / mm, for example 1.5mmWg / mm).

32. A filter according to claim 29, 30, or 31 , wherein the second segment has a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 1 .0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.01 mmWg / mm to 0.5mmWg / mm, for example from 0.03mmWg / mm to 0.1 mmWg / mm, for example 0.05mmWg / mm).

33. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 32, wherein the third segment has a pressure drop value from 0 mmWg / mm to 1 .0 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.01 mmWg / mm to 0.5mmWg / mm, for example 0.02mmWg / mm).

34. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 33, wherein the first filtering material is provided by plug wrap paper having a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 18 g / m2to 80g / m2, for example from 20 g / m2to 40 g / m2, for example 26 g / m2).

35. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 34, wherein the second segment is formed from a paper and / or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper).

36. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 35, wherein the third segment is formed from a paper and / or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper).

37. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 36, wherein the second segment is formed from a paper which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place by a wrapper, wherein the third segment is formed from a paper which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place by a wrapper and comprises a bore through the third segment, and wherein the second segment is abutted to the third segment such that at least a portion of the bore of the third segment is in register with the second segment.

38. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 37, wherein the second filtering material has a width from 40 mm to 100 mm (for example from 50mm to 80mm, for example from 55mm to 70mm, for example 60mm) and a thickness from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm (for example from 0.06mm to 0.18mm, for example from 0.08mm to 0.12mm, for example 0.10mm).

39. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 38, wherein the second filtering material has a basis weight from 45 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 60 g / m2to 80, for example 78g / m2).

40. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 39, wherein the second segment has a length from 5 mm to 35 mm (for example from 6mm to 30mm, for example from 8mm to 20mm, for example 10mm).

41. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 40, wherein the second segment is held in place by a wrapper of plug wrap paper having a width from 18 mm to 28 mm (for example from 19mm to 25mm, for example from 20mm to 24mm, for example 22.5mm) and a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 60 g / m2to 80, for example 78g / m2).

42. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 41 , wherein the third filtering material has a width from 40 mm to 100 mm (for example from 45mm to 80mm, for example from 50mm to 70mm, for example 60mm) and a thickness from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm (for example from 0.06mm to 0.18mm, for example from 0.08mm to 0.12mm, for example 0.10mm).

43. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 42, wherein the third filtering material has a basis weight from 45 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100, for example from 60 g / m2to 90 g / m2, for example 78g / m2).

44. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 43, wherein the third segment has a length from 5 mm to 35 mm (for example from 10mm to 30mm, for example from 15mm to 25mm, for example 21mm).

45. A filter according to any of claims 29 to 44, wherein the third segment is held in place by a wrapper of plug wrap paper having a width from 18 mm to 28 mm (for example from 19mm to 27mm, for example from 20mm to 25mm, for example 22.5mm) and a grammage from 15 g / m2to 140 g / m2(for example from 50 g / m2to 100, for example from 60 g / m2to 90 g / m2, for example 78g / m2).

46. A filter segment for use in a smoking article or HTP, the segment comprising: a substrate, the substrate comprising a salt-nicotine solution disposed thereon.

47. A filter segment according to claim 46, wherein the substrate has a grammage from 15 g / m2 to 250 g / m2 (for example from 20 g / m2to 200 g / m2, for example from 30 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example 45 g / m2).

48. A filter segment according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the substrate has a width from 60 mm to 250 mm (for example from 70mm to 200mm, for example from 80mm to 160mm, for example 130mm).

49. A filter segment according to claim 46, 47, or 48, wherein the pressure drop across the segment is from 0.5 mmWg / mm to 5.5 mmWg / mm (for example from 0.8mmWg / mm to 4.0mmWg / mm, for example from 1.2mmWg / mm to 3.0mmWg / mm, for example 2.4mmWg / mm).

50. A filter segment according to any of claims 46 to 49, wherein the segment further comprises an aluminium wrapper engaged around the substrate.

51. A filter segment according to any of claims 46 to 50, wherein the segment further comprises one or more wrappers of plug wrap, the or each wrapper having a grammage from 20 g / m2to 120 g / m2(for example from 30 g / m2to 100 g / m2, for example from 40 g / m2to 80 g / m2, for example 50 g / m2).

52. A filter segment according to any of claims 46 to 51 , wherein the amount of salt nicotine solution disposed on the substrate is from 40mg to 150mg (for example from 50mg to 120mg, for example from 60mg to 80mg, for example 70mg).

53. A filter segment according to any of claims 46 to 52, wherein the salt-nicotine solution comprises at least one of an additive; nicotine; organic acid; and solvent.

54. A filter according to claim 51 or 52, wherein the additive is at least one of: a flavourant; sweetener; pH modifier; preservative.

55. A filter according to claim 54, wherein the additive is a flavourant.

56. A filter according to claim 55, wherein the flavourant is one of: cinnamon; vanilla; clove; blueberry flavourant.

57. An aerosol generating article comprising a filter according to any of claims 1 to 28.

8. A filter according to any of claims 1 to 28 or a filter segment according to any of claims46 to 56, wherein the salt-nicotine solution has a pH from 3.5 to 7.0, wherein the salt- nicotine solution comprises nicotine and optionally one or more weak organic acids.

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