Smoking article

ES 2 385 678 T3

DESCRIPTION

Smoking articles.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tobacco products, such as smoking articles (eg cigarettes).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Popular smoking articles, such as cigarettes, have an essentially cylindrical rod-shaped structure and include a load, roll, or column of smoking material, such as shredded tobacco (for example, in the shape of cut filler), surrounded by a paper wrapper, thereby forming a so-called "smokable bar", "tobacco bar" or "cigarette bar". Typically, a cigarette has a cylindrical loading member aligned in end-to-end relationship with the tobacco rod. Preferably, a filter element comprises plasticized cellulose acetate tow, circumscribed or surrounded by a paper material known as "plug wrap". Certain filter elements can incorporate polyhydric alcohols. See, for example, UK Patent Specification 755,475. Certain cigarettes incorporate a filter element that has multiple segments, and one of which segments may comprise activated charcoal particles. See, for example, US Patent Nos. 5,360,023 to Blakley et al. and 6,537,186 to Veluz. Preferably, the filter element can be attached to one end of the tobacco rod using a surrounding wrapping material known as "tip forming paper." It is also desirable to pierce the nozzle-forming material and plug wrap in order to provide dilution of the smoke from the drawn main stream with ambient air. Descriptions of cigarettes and the various components thereof are set forth in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999). A cigarette is used by a smoker by lighting one end of the cigarette and burning the tobacco rod. The smoker then receives mainstream smoke into his mouth by drawing on the opposite end (eg, the end of the filter) of the cigarette.

Various methods have been proposed over the years to alter the composition of mainstream tobacco smoke. In Bereman PCT Application Publication No. WO 02/37990, it has been suggested that metallic particles and / or carbonaceous particles may be incorporated into the smokable material of a cigarette in an attempt to reduce the amount of certain compounds in the cigarette. smoke produced by that cigarette. In US Patent Application Pub. No. 2005/0066986, by Nestor et al., It has been suggested that tobacco filler in combination with an aerosol-forming material, such as glycerin, may be incorporated into a tobacco rod. US Patent No. 6,874,508, to Shafer et al., Proposes a cigarette having a tobacco rod wrapped with paper, provided with a tip part that is treated with an additive, such as potassium bicarbonate, sodium chloride or potassium phosphate.

Various tobacco substitute materials have been proposed, and substantial listings of various types of these materials can be found in US Patent Nos. 4,079,742 to Rainer et al. and 4,771,795 to White et al. Certain cigarette-type products may use non-tobacco materials (for example, dried plant leaves, such as lettuce leaves) as casings that are burned to produce smoke that resembles tobacco smoke, they have been marketed under trademarks "Cubebs", "Triumph", "Jazz" and "Bravo". See, for example, the types of materials described in US Patent No. 4,700,727 to Torigian. In addition, tobacco substitute materials under the trade names "Cytrel" and "NSM" were introduced to Europe during the 1970s. Representative types of synthetic materials proposed as tobacco substitutes, smokable materials incorporating tobacco and other components, and cigarettes incorporating these materials, are described in British Patent No. 1,431,045; and US Patent Nos. 3,738,374 to Bennett; 3,844,294 to Webster; 3,878,850, Gibson et al .; 3,931,824, Miano et al .; 3,943,941 to Boyd et al .; 4,044,777, Boyd et al .; 4,233,993, Miano et al .; 4,286,604, Ehretsmann et al .; 4,326,544 to Hardick et al .; 4,920,990 to Lawerence et al .; 5,046,514 to Bolt; 5,074,321 to Gentry et al .; 5,092,353 to Montoya et al .; 5,778,899, to Saito et al .; 6,397,852 to McAdam; and 6,408,856 to MacAdam. In addition, various types of highly treated smokable materials incorporating tobacco and other ingredients are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 4,823,817 to Luke; 4,874,000 to Tamol et al .; 4,977,908 to Luke; 5,072,744 to Luke et al .; 5,829,453, White et al. and 6,182,670 to White et al.

Certain types of coaxial or concentric type smoking articles have been proposed. Cigarette-type smoking articles have been proposed that have tobacco smokable materials included surrounding longitudinally extending cores of other materials. UK Patent Application 2,070,409 proposes a smoking article having a rod of smoking material provided with at least one filament extending at least most of the length of the rod. US Patent No. 3,614,956 to Thornton proposes a smoking article having an annular outer portion made of tobacco smoking material and a central cylindrical core of absorbent material. US Patent No. 4,219,031, to Rainer et al., Proposes a smoking article having a central core of charred fibers surrounded by tobacco. US Patent No. 6,823,873, to Nichols et al., Proposes a cigarette that includes an igniter element surrounded by tobacco, which is in turn surrounded by a composite outer shell. One type of cigarette-type smoking article has included a rod of smokable tobacco material surrounded by a longitudinally extending ring of some other material. For example, US Patent No. 5,105,838, White et al., Propose a rod of smokable material, normally surrounded by a layer of wrapping material, which

ES 2 385 678 T3 is itself surrounded by an insulating material (for example, filaments or glass fibers). Snaidr et al., PCT Application Pub. No. WO 98/16125, proposes a smoking device constructed from a very thin cigarette designed to fit into a ceramic tubular cartridge.

Numerous references have proposed various smoking articles of a type that generate flavored vapor, visible aerosol, or a mixture of flavored vapor and visible aerosol. Some of these proposed types of smoking articles include longitudinally extending tubular sections or air passages. See, for example, the types of smoking articles described in US Patent Nos. 3,258,015 to Ellis et al .; 3,356,094 to Ellis et al .; 3,516,417 to Moses; 3,347,855 to Lanzellotti et al; 4,340,072, Bolt et al .; 4,391,285, Burnett et al .; 4,917,121 to Riehl et al .; 4,924,886 to Litzinger; and 5,060,676 to Hearn et al. Many of these types of smoking articles have utilized a source of combustible substance that is burned to provide an aerosol and / or to heat an aerosol-forming material. See, for example, the basic technique cited in US Patent Nos. 4,714,082 to Banerjee et al. And 4,771,795 to White et al. See also, for example, the types of smoking articles described in US Pat. Nos. 4,756,318, Clearman et al .; 4,714,082 to Banerjee et al .; 4,771,795 to White et al .; 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh et al .; 4,917,128, Clearman et al .; 4,961,438 to Korte; 4,966,171 to Serrano et al .; 4,969,476, Bale et al .; 4,991,606, de Serrano et al .; 5,020,548 to Farrier et al .; 5,033,483, Clearman et al .; 5,040,551 to Schlatter et al .; 5,050,621 to Creighton et al .; 5,065,776 to Lawson; 5,076,296 to Nystroin et al .; 5,076,297 to Farrier et al .; 5,099,861 to Clearman et al .; 5,105,836 to Drewett et al; 5,105,837 to Barnees et al .; 5,115,820 to Hauser et al .; 5,148,821 to Best et al .; 5,159,940, Hayward et al .; 5,178,167 to Riggs et al .; 5,183,062, Clearman et al .; 5,211,684 to Shannon et al .; 5,240,014 to Deevi et al .; 5,240,016 to Nichols et al .; 5,345,955, Clearman et al .; 5,551,451 to Riggs et al .; 5,595,577, to Bensalem et al .; 5,819,751, to Barnes et al .; 6,089,857, to Matsuura et al .; 6,095,152 to Beven et al .; 6,578,584 to Beven; and 6,730,832, of Domínguez.

US Patent 5,819,751 discloses a segmented cigarette assembly and various embodiments thereof. An embodiment is described which has a heat generating segment at the lighting end of the cigarette, which is adjacent to an aerosol generating segment, which is adjacent to a tobacco segment, which is adjacent to a filter segment at the end of the mouth. The four segments are enveloped by a single piece of a first wrapping material, and an outer wrapping material over-wraps the first wrapping material and the aerosol generating segment, the tobacco segment, and the filter segment. This four segment cigarette is made by assembling a combined filter of two and tobacco segments, and putting at each end a combination of heat generation segment and aerosol generation segment, then wrapping the aerosol generation segment to the segments of tobacco and filter and subdividing it into two cigarette bars.

In addition, certain types of cigarettes using carbonaceous fuel elements have been marketed under the brand names "Premier" and "Eclipsé" from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. See, for example, the types of cigarettes described in Chemical and Bilogical Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. Monograph (1988) and Inhalation Toxicology, 12: 5, p. 1-58 (2000). More recently, it has been suggested that the carbonaceous fuel elements of those types of cigarettes may incorporate ultrafine particles of metals and metal oxides. See, for example, US Patent Application Pub. No. 2005/0274390, by Banerjee et al.

Still other types of smoking articles, such as those types of smoking articles that generate flavored vapors by subjecting tobacco or treated tobaccos to heat produced from chemical or electrical heat sources, are described in US Patent Nos. 4,848,374, to Chard e al .; 4,947,874 to Brooks et al .; 5,146,934, Deevi et al; 5,224,498 to Deevi; 5,285,798 to Banerjee et al .; 5,357,984 to Farrier et al .; 5,593,792 to Farrier et al .; 5,369,723 to Counts; 5,865,185 to Collins e al .; 5,878,752, Adams et al .; 5,880,439 to Deevi et al .; 5,915,387, to Baggett et al .; 5,934,289, to Watkins et al .; and 6,164,287 to White; and US Patent Publication No. 2005/0016549, by Banerjee et al. One type of smoking article that has used electrical energy to produce heat has been marketed by Philip Morris Inc. under the trademark "Accord."

Smoking articles employing tobacco substitute materials and smoking articles employing heat sources other than cut tobacco casing to produce flavored tobacco vapors or visible tobacco flavored aerosols have not met with widespread commercial success. However, it would be highly desirable to provide aesthetically pleasing smoking articles that demonstrate the ability to provide a smoker with many of the benefits and advantages of smoking conventional cigarettes, without supplying considerable amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to smoking articles and, in particular, to rod-shaped smoking articles, such as cigarettes. A smoking article comprises a lighting end (ie, an upstream end) and a muzzle end (ie, a downstream end). The smoking article further comprises an aerosol generation system that includes (i) a heat generation segment, and (ii) an aerosol generation region or segment located downstream of the heat generation segment. More preferably, the heat generation segment has a short heat source that includes a carbonaceous fuel element. The region

Aerosol generation ES 2 385 678 T3 incorporates an aerosol-forming material (eg, glycerin and flavorings). A piece or segment of the mouth end may be located at the mouth end of the smoking article, allowing the smoking article to be positioned in the smoker's mouth, and to be inhaled by the smoker. Preferably, the mouth end piece is in the form of a filter element. In accordance with the invention, at least one tobacco-containing segment is located between the mouth end piece and the aerosol generation region. In one embodiment, the smoking article has an envelope (e.g., a single outer envelope of paper) that extends over the longitudinal surface of the mouthpiece, the aerosol generation region, at least a portion of the length of the heat generation segment and any segment located between the filter and aerosol generation segments. In another embodiment, the smoking article has an envelope (e.g., a single outer envelope of paper) that extends over the longitudinal surface of the aerosol generation region, at least a portion of the length of the segment. heat source, and at least a part of any segment located downstream of the aerosol generation region, thereby forming a cigarette stick; and the cigarette rod is connected or attached to a filter element using a type of material and nozzle-forming arrangement.

Optionally, but not in accordance with the invention, upstream of the heat generating segment (for example, at the lighting end end of the smoking article), it may be located in a longitudinally extending segment, comprising a smokable material that It is meant to be lit and smoked. The aerosol that is generated by the combustion of the smokable material is drawn into the smoker's mouth through the mouth end of that smoking article. An aerosol generating system is located between that ignition end segment and the muzzle end piece. The heat generation segment of the aerosol generation system is located downstream of, and adjacent to, the ignition end segment. The firing end segment is in heat exchange relationship with the heat generating segment such that during use of the smoking article, combustion of the smokable material within the firing end segment or smokable segment can ignite the smoke. fuel element of the heat generation segment. An aerosol generation region or segment is located downstream of, and in heat exchange relationship with, the heat generation segment. If desired, at least one segment of a material, such as cut tobacco filler, bundled tobacco paper, or other type of flavor source material, can be positioned between the mouthpiece and the aerosol generation region. . In one embodiment, the smoking article has an overwrap (eg, a single outer envelope of paper) that is applied over the longitudinally extending surface of the mouthpiece, the aerosol generation region, the heat source segment, any segment located between the filter and aerosol generation segments, and at least a portion of the length of the ignition end segment. In another embodiment, the smoking article has an overwrap (e.g., a single outer envelope of paper) that is applied over the longitudinally extending surface of the aerosol generation region, the heat source segment. , at least a portion of the length of the ignition end segment, and at least a portion of any segment located downstream of the aerosol generation region, thereby forming a cigarette rod; and the cigarette rod is connected or attached to a filter element using a type of material and nozzle-forming arrangement.

A preferred cigarette of the present invention has a cigarette rod portion which, except for a short region at the lighting end thereof, possesses a single layer of outermost wrapping material. As such, a cigarette is provided having an aesthetically pleasing cigarette rod portion. That is, for a preferred cigarette, except for a short region at its lighting end, the cigarette has what appears to be a single outer layer of cigarette rod wrapping material.

The present invention also relates to ways and methods for manufacturing, or otherwise producing or assembling, articles of the type set forth in accordance with the present invention. As such, ways and methods are provided for producing aesthetically pleasing smoking articles.

Other features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the more detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 to 13 provide longitudinal sectional views of representative smoking articles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figures 1 to 13, aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated which relate to various smoking articles, the arrangement of various components thereof, and the manner in which these smoking articles incorporate wrapper components. Analogous components have been given the same numerical designations throughout the figures. For the various figures, the thicknesses of the various wrapping materials and wrappings of the various smoking articles and components of smoking articles are exaggerated. More preferably, the wrapping materials and wrapping components are tightly applied around the smoking articles and smoking article components to provide an intimate fit and provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

ES 2 385 678 T3

Referring to FIG. 1, a representative smoking article 10 in the form of a cigarette is shown. The smoking article 10 has a rod-like shape and includes a lighting end 14 and a mouth end 18.

At the firing end 14 is a generally cylindrical firing end segment 22 incorporating a smokable material 26. A representative smokable material 26 may be a material obtained from plants (eg, filler-shaped tobacco material or cut casing), wrapped or disposed within, and surrounded by, a paper wrapping material 30. As such, the longitudinally extending outer surface of that smokable cylindrical ignition end segment 22 is provided by the wrapping material 30. Preferably, both ends of the segment 22 are open to expose the smokable material 26. The smokable segment 22 of the The firing end may be configured such that the smokable material 26 and the wrapping material 30 each extend along the entire length thereof.

Located downstream of the smokable segment 22 from the ignition end is a longitudinally extending, generally cylindrical, heat generating segment 35. The heat generation segment 35 incorporates a heat source 40 surrounded by insulation 42, which is coaxially surrounded by wrapping material 45.

The heat generating source 40 typically has a fuel material element that is generally cylindrical in shape and incorporates a combustible carbonaceous material. Carbonaceous materials generally have carbon content. Preferred carbonaceous materials are predominantly composed of carbon, typically have a carbon content greater than about 60 percent, generally greater than 70 percent, often greater than 80 percent, and often greater than 90 percent. on a dry weight basis. Fuel elements may incorporate components other than carbonaceous combustible materials (for example, tobacco components, such as powdered tobacco or tobacco extracts; flavoring agents; salts, such as sodium chloride; potassium chloride and sodium carbonate; fibers heat stable graphite materials, iron oxide powder, glass filaments, calcium carbonate powder, alumina granules, ammonia sources, such as ammonia salts; and / or binding agents, such as guar gum, ammonium alginate, and sodium alginate). A representative fuel element has a length of about 12mm and a total outside diameter of about 4.2mm. A representative fuel element can be extruded or compounded using a powdered or ground carbonaceous material, and has a density that is greater than about 0.5 g / cm.³, often greater than about 0.7 g / cm³, and often greater than about 1 g / cm³, on a dry weight basis. See, for example, the types of fuel element components, formulations, and designs set forth in US Patent No. 5,551,451 to Riggs et al.

A representative layer of insulation 42 may comprise glass filaments or fibers. Insulation 42 can act as a jacket to help keep heat source 40 firmly in position within smoking article 10. The insulation 42 may be provided with a multilayer component that includes an inner layer or mat 47 of nonwoven glass filaments, an interlayer of reconstituted tobacco paper 48, and an outer layer of nonwoven glass filaments 49. Preferably, both ends of the heat generating segment 35 are open to expose the heat source 40 and insulation 42 to adjacent segments. The heat source 40 and the insulation 42 around it may be configured so that the length of both materials is of joint extension (i.e., the ends of the insulating jacket 42 are flush with the respective ends of the heat source 40, and particularly at the downstream end of the heat generation segment). Optionally, although not necessarily preferable, the insulator 42 may extend slightly beyond (eg, from about 0.5mm to about 2mm beyond) either or both ends of the heat source 40. In addition, the smoke produced when the smokable segment 22 of the ignition end is burned during use of the smoking article 10 it can pass rapidly through the heat generating segment 35 during aspiration by the smoker onto the mouth end 18.

Heat generating segment 35 is positioned adjacent the downstream end of the smokable segment 22 of the firing end such that those segments are axially aligned in end-to-end relationship, preferably abutting each other. This close proximity of the heat generating segment 35 and the smokable segment 22 of the firing end provides an appropriate heat exchange relationship (e.g., such that the action of burning the smokable material within the smokable segment 22 of the firing end ignition acts to turn on the heat source of the heat generation segment 35). The outer cross-sectional shapes and dimensions of the smokable and heat generating segments 22, 35, when viewed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, may be essentially identical to each other (for example, they both appear to have a similar shape). cylindrical, both having essentially identical diameters).

The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the heat generating segment 35, prior to combustion, can vary. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​heat source 40 constitutes about 10 percent to 35 percent, often about 15 percent to about 25 percent, of the total cross-sectional area of ​​that segment 35. ; although the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer or surrounding region (comprising insulation 42 and corresponding outer wrapping materials) constitutes about 65 percent to 90 percent, often

ES 2 385 678 T3 approximately 75 percent to 85 percent, of the total cross-sectional area of ​​that segment 35. For example, for a cylindrical cigarette having a circumference of about 24 mm to about 26 mm, a source of Representative heat 40 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape with an outer diameter of about 2.5mm to use 5mm, often from about 3mm to about 4.5mm.

Located downstream of the heat generation segment 35 is a cylindrical aerosol generation segment 51, extending longitudinally. The aerosol generating segment 51 incorporates a substrate material 55 which, in turn, acts as a carrier for an aerosol forming agent or material (not shown). For example, aerosol generation segment 51 may have reconstituted tobacco material incorporating treatment aids, flavoring agents, and glycerin.

A representative wrapping material 58 for substrate material 55 may have heat conducting properties, and may be in the form of a metal tube or metal foil (eg, aluminum), or a laminated material having a surface exterior composed of paper and an interior surface composed of metallic foil. For example, the metal foil can conduct heat from the heat generation segment 35 to the aerosol generation segment 51, in order to provide volatilization of the aerosol-forming components contained therein.

Substrate material 55 may be provided by a blend of full-flavored and aromatic tobaccos in cut filler form. These tobaccos can, in turn, be treated with aerosol forming material and / or at least one flavoring agent. The substrate material can be provided by a treated tobacco (eg, a reconstituted tobacco manufactured using kinds of cast sheet or papermaking processes) in cut casing form. That tobacco can, in turn, be treated with, or made to incorporate, aerosol-forming material and / or at least one flavoring agent. The inner metal surface of the aerosol generating segment wrapping material may act as a carrier for aerosol forming material and / or at least one flavoring agent. For example, the aerosol-forming material and / or at least one flavoring agent can be incorporated into a film formed on the interior metal surface of an aluminum foil and paper laminate using a polymeric film-forming agent, such as ammonium alginate, sodium alginate, guar gum, ethyl cellulose, starch or the like. In addition, the aerosol forming material and / or at least one flavoring agent can be carried by a plurality of metal pieces that can be dispersed throughout the entire tobacco casing within the aerosol generating segment. For example, the aerosol-forming material may be carried on the surface of about 10 to 20 strips of heat conductive material (eg, aluminum foil), each strip being about 1mm to 2mm wide, and about 10mm 20mm long. In addition, the components of the aerosol generation segment may include aerosol forming material and / or at least one flavoring agent carried by a shirred or shredded paper type material, such as paper incorporating particles of absorbent carbon, aluminum or Similar.

The foregoing components of the aerosol forming segment 51 may be disposed within, and surrounded by, a wrapping material 58. A wrapping material 58 may be adapted to facilitate heat transfer from the upstream end 14 of the article of clothing. smoking 10 (for example from heat generation segment 35) to components of aerosol generation segment 51. That is, the aerosol generating segment 51 and the heat generating segment 35 may be configured in a mutual heat exchange relationship. The heat exchange ratio is such that sufficient heat is supplied to the aerosol-forming region from the heat source to volatilize the aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the heat exchange relationship is achieved by positioning those segments in close proximity to each other. A heat exchange ratio can also be achieved by extending a heat conducting material from the proximity of the heat source 40 toward or around the region occupied by the aerosol generating segment 51.

For preferred smoking articles, both ends of the aerosol generating segment 51 are open to expose the substrate material 55 thereof. Aerosol components produced by burning the smokable segment 22 of the firing end during use of the smoking article can easily pass through the aerosol generating segment 51 during aspiration at the mouth end 18.

The heat generation segment 35 and the aerosol generation segment 51 together form an aerosol generation system 60. The aerosol generation segment 51 is located adjacent the downstream end of the heat generation segment 35 in such a way that these segments 51, 35 are axially aligned in end-to-end relationship. That is, these segments are physically separated from one another. These segments may contact each other, or be located in a slightly spaced relationship. The cross-sectional shapes and dimensions of these segments, when viewed transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of smoking article 10, can be essentially identical to each other. The physical arrangement of these components is such that heat is transferred (for example by means including heat transfer by conduction and convection) from the heat source 40 to the adjacent substrate material 55, for as long as it is activated ( for example by burning) the heat source during use of the smoking article 10.

ES 2 385 678 T3

The components of the aerosol generation system 60 and the ignition end segment 22 are bonded together, and secured in place, using an overwrap material 64. For example, a paper wrapping material or a paper-type laminated material surrounds each of the heat generating segment 35, at least a portion of the longitudinally extending outer surface of the aerosol generating segment 51, and at least a portion of an ignition end segment 22 that is adjacent to the heat generating segment. The inner surface of the overwrap material 64 is secured to the outer surface of the outer wrapping material 45 of the heat generating segment 35, to the outer surface of the outer wrapping material 58 of the aerosol generating segment 51, and to the surface exterior of the outer wrapping material 30 of the firing end segment 22, using an appropriate adhesive. Preferably the overwrap material 64 extends over a significant portion of the length of the ignition end segment 22. For example, the overwrap material 64 may extend the entire length of the firing end segment (e.g., virtually bundled or flush with the end of that segment), slightly beyond the firing end of that segment. segment (for example, up to about 2mm beyond the end of that segment) or, as shown in figure 1, slightly retracted from the firing end end (for example, up to about 5 mm from the end of that segment). If desired, the portion of the wrapper that extends beyond the lighting end segment may include grooves or ridges, as desired, to aid in folding of the overwrap over the lighting end end of the cigarette, and optionally to close the lighting end of the cigarette. Alternatively, the extended portion of the overwrap may be cut away to close the firing end. The extending portion can also be cut off and removed from the end of the cigarette. Preferably, the overwrap material 64 extends over a significant portion of the length of the aerosol generating segment 51. The selection of the overwrap material and the degree to which the overwrap material extends near or over the lighting end are selected to allow for proper cigarette performance. That is, these factors allow the desired degree of combustion of the smokable segment of the cigarette end or the heat generating segment of the lighting end. When the segments are positioned in a slightly spaced relationship, it may be desirable to apply the overwrap material more tightly around the segments. If desired, the overwrap material 64, as well as other appropriate wrapping materials, can be treated in appropriate regions in the manner set forth in US Patent No. 6,874,508 to Shafer et al. The combination of the three segments using the single overwrap material provides a cigarette rod. Preferably, the single overwrap material covers the predominant portion of the length of the cigarette rod, and often virtually all of it.

The smoking article 10 further comprises a suitable mouthpiece such as, for example, a filter element 65, located at the mouth end 18 thereof. The filter element 65 is located at one end of the cigarette rod adjacent to one end of the aerosol generation segment 51, such that the filter element and the aerosol generation segment 51 are axially aligned in end relationship. with end, supporting each other butt. Preferably the general cross-sectional shapes and dimensions of those segments 51, 65 are essentially identical to each other, viewed transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. Filter element 65 incorporates filter material 70 (eg, plasticized cellulose acetate tow), which is applied over the length of the longitudinally extending surface thereof, with a surrounding plug or plug wrapping material 72. Both ends of filter element 65 are open to allow aerosol to pass through.

Aerosol generating system 60 is attached to filter element 65 using nozzle forming material 78. The nozzle-forming material 78 surrounds both the entire length of the filter element 65 and a region adjacent to the aerosol generation system 60. The inner surface of the mouthpiece forming material 78 can be secured to the outer surface of the plug wrap 72 and to the outer surface of the cigarette rod wrapper or outer wrap material 64 of the aerosol generation system 60, using a suitable adhesive. As such, any region of the aerosol generation system not covered by the envelope is covered by the nozzle-forming material, and is not readily visible. The wrapping material 64 may extend over the entire length of the aerosol generating segment or, as shown in Figure 1, be slightly retracted from the firing end of that segment (e.g., a sufficient distance from the end of that segment so that the mouthpiece-forming material overlaps the region of the cigarette rod that is not covered by the wrapper). As such, an aesthetically pleasing cigarette rod is provided which appears to possess a single layer wrap. In addition, an aesthetically pleasing filter cigarette is provided having a filter element with a mouthpiece for a cigarette rod that appears to have a single layer wrapper.

The smoking article may include air dilution means, such as a series of perforations 81, each of which extends through the filter element mouthpiece material 78 and the plug wrap material 72.

The overall dimensions of the cigarette, before combustion, may vary. Typically cigarettes are cylindrically shaped rods having circumferences from about 20mm to 27mm, and often from about 22mm to about 25mm; and they have overall lengths from about 70mm to 130mm, generally from about 80mm to about 120mm, and often from about 83mm to about 100mm. The smokable segments of the firing end typically have lengths of at least about 3mm, generally at least about 5mm,

ES 2 385 678 T3 often at least about 8 mm and often at least about 10 mm; while those segments typically have lengths of no more than about 30mm, generally no more than about 25mm, frequently no more than about 20mm, and often no more than about 15mm. Filter elements typically have lengths of about 10mm, often at least about 15mm; but they are generally not more than about 40 mm, and often not more than about 35 mm, in length. The aerosol generation system 60 has an overall length that can vary; and it is usually about 20mm to about 65mm, and generally about 25mm to about 40mm. The heat generating segment 35 of the aerosol generating segment is typically about 5mm to about 30mm in length, generally about 10mm to about 15mm; and the aerosol generation segment 51 of the aerosol generation system 60 typically has a total length of about 10mm to about 60mm, generally about 20mm to about 30mm.

The amount of smokable material 26 used in the manufacture of the smokable segment 22 of the firing end can vary. Typically, a smokable ignition end segment 22, made predominantly from cut tobacco filler, includes at least about 20 mg, generally at least about 50 mg, often at least 75 mg, and frequently at least about 100 mg of tobacco material. , on a dry weight basis. Typically, a smokable segment of the firing end, made predominantly from cut tobacco filler, includes up to about 400 mg, generally up to about 350 mg, often up to about 300 mg, and frequently up to about 250 mg, of tobacco material, on top of a dry weight basis. Certain smokable ignition end segments made predominantly from cut tobacco filler may include less than about 85 mg, often less than about 60 mg, and even less than about 30 mg, of tobacco material, on a dry weight basis. The packing density of the smokable material within the smokable segment of the firing end is typically less than the density of the final fuel element. When the smokable material is in the shape of a cut casing, the packing density of the smokable material within the smokable segment of the firing end is less than about 400 mg / cm³, and generally less than about 35 mg / cm³, while the packing density of the tobacco material within the smokable segment of the lighting end can exceed about 100 mg / cm³, often exceeding about 150 mg / cm³ and frequently exceed about 200 mg / cm³. Preferably the smokable segment 22 of the firing end is composed entirely of smokable material, and does not include a carbonaceous fuel element component.

The combined amount of aerosol forming agent and substrate material 55 employed in aerosol generating segment 51 can vary. The material is normally employed so as to fill the appropriate section of the aerosol generation segment 51 (eg, the region within the wrapping material 58 thereof) to a packing density of less than about 400 mg / cm.³, and generally less than about 350 mg / cm³, while the packing density of the aerosol generation segment 51 generally exceeds about 100 mg / cm³, and often exceeds about 150 mg / cm³.

During use, the smoker lights the lighting end 14 of the smoking article 10 using a match or a cigarette lighter, in a manner similar to the way in which conventional smoking articles are lit. As such, the smokable material 26 of the smokable segment 22 of the ignition end begins to burn. The mouth end 18 of the smoking article 10 is positioned between the lips of the smoker. Thermal decomposition products (eg, components of tobacco smoke) generated by the combustion of smokable material 26 are drawn through smoking article 10, through filter element 65, and into the smoker's mouth. That is, when smoked, the smoking article produces aerosol in the visible mainstream that resembles mainstream tobacco smoke from traditional cigarettes burning tobacco cut gut. The smokable material 26 and the outer wrapping material 30 of the smokable segment of the lighting end are burned, essentially as in a traditional tobacco burning cigarette. The ash and charred materials that result when the resulting hot coal passes downstream from the lighting end can be tapped, or otherwise removed from the cigarette, essentially in the way that the ash generated by burnt tobacco casing it is removed from a traditional type of cigarette that burns tobacco.

The combustion of the smokable segment 22 of the ignition end causes the heat source 40 of the heat generating segment 35, which can be located downstream of the smokable segment 22 of the ignition end, to heat. In that way, the heat source 40 is ignited or otherwise activated (eg begins to burn), thereby generating heat. The heat source 40 within the aerosol generation system 60 burns out and provides heat to volatilize the aerosol-forming material within the aerosol generation segment 51, as a consequence of the heat exchange relationship between those regions or segments. Preferably, the components of the aerosol generation segment 51 do not undergo thermal decomposition (eg, charring or burning) to any significant degree. The volatilized components are drawn into the air which is drawn in through the aerosol generation region 51. The aerosol thus formed is drawn through the filter element 65, and into the smoker's mouth.

During certain periods of use, the aerosol formed within the aerosol generation segment 51 is drawn through the filter element 65 and into the smoker's mouth, along with the aerosol (i.e., smoke) formed as a consequence of the thermal degradation of the smokable material within the ignition segment 22. Thus, the mainstream aerosol produced by the smoking article 10 includes tobacco smoke produced by thermal decomposition of cut tobacco casing, as well as volatilized aerosol-forming material. For the first few puffs (that is, during and shortly after power-up), most of the spray from the stream

The main ES 2 385 678 T3 results from the thermal decomposition of the smokable segment 22 of the firing end and therefore contains thermal decomposition products of the smokable material 26. For the last puffs (i.e., after the firing end smokable segment has been consumed and the heat source of the aerosol generation system has been turned on), the majority of the mainstream aerosol that is provided is produced by the aerosol generation system 60. The smoker may smoke a smoking article for a desired number of puffs. However, when the smokable material 26 has been consumed, and the heat source 40 has been extinguished, use of the smoking article ceases (ie, the smoking experience is over).

Referring to FIG. 2, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. Cigarette 10 includes a smokable lighting end segment 22 located at lighting end 14, a filter segment 65 located at muzzle end 18, and a centrally located aerosol generation system 60, including an aerosol generation segment. heat 35 that is located adjacent to the smokable segment 22 of the ignition end, and an aerosol forming segment 51 that is located adjacent to the filter element 65. The compositions, formats, arrangements, and dimensions of the various segments of the smoking article 10 are generally similar to those discussed above with reference to FIG. 1.

The smokable segment 22 of the firing end includes an outer shell material 30 that surrounds or circumscribes the longitudinally extending portion of the smokable material 26 of that segment. The heat generating segment 35 includes a heat source 40 longitudinally circumscribed by insulation 42, and a wrapping material 45 circumscribing the insulation 42. The aerosol generation segment 51 includes a substrate material 55 that acts, in turn, as a substrate or carrier for an aerosol-forming material (not shown), and a wrapping material 58 that circumscribes the substrate material 55 . The filter element 65 is preferably in the form of a traditional type of cigarette filter element, and may be in the form of a tube composed of vapor-bonded cellulose acetate filter material 70 and includes a central air passage 93 that extends longitudinally. Filter element 65 may also include an optional, but preferable, plug wrap material 72 that circumscribes the longitudinally extending portion of segment 65.

The aforementioned segments are generally typically cylindrical in shape and are aligned in end-to-end relationship, preferably butt to one another. The smokable segment 22 of the ignition end is attached and secured to the heat generating segment 35 using wrapping material 95 that surrounds at least a portion of the length of the smokable segment 22 of the ignition end (e.g., the segment portion smokable of the firing end immediately adjacent to the heat generation segment), and at least a portion of the length of the heat generation segment (for example, the portion of the heat generation segment immediately adjacent to the ignition end segment). If desired, the wrapping material 95 may surround the entire lengths of either or both of the ignition end and heat generating end segments.

The aerosol generating segment 51, which includes the substrate 55 wrapped with the wrapping material 58, is attached and secured to the filter element 65 by means of a wrapping material 102 that circumscribes at least a portion of the length of the wrapping material. aerosol generation (for example, the part of the aerosol generation segment immediately adjacent to the filter element), and at least a part of the length of the heat filter element (for example, the part of the filter element immediately adjacent to the aerosol generation segment). If desired, the wrapping material 102 may circumscribe all of the lengths of either or both of the filter element and aerosol generation segments.

Typically, the ignition end segment can be fabricated by providing a "two-up" ignition end segment, aligning a heat source segment at each end of the "two-up" segment and wrapping the aligned components. to provide a combined segment "of two". That combined "two" segment is then cut in half perpendicular to its longitudinal axis to provide two combined segments. Alternatively, two segments can be aligned and wrapped to provide a combined segment.

Typically, the mouth end segment can be provided by connecting the aerosol generating segment to each end of the "two" filter element segment to provide a combined "two" segment; and subdividing the combined "two" segment to provide two combined mouth end segments. Alternatively, that combined segment can be provided by connecting a filter element segment to each end of a "two" aerosol generation segment to provide a combined "two" segment; and subdividing the combined "two" segment to provide two combined mouth end segments.

The two combined segments are bonded and secured to each other by means of a wrapping material 115 that extends over the filter element, the aerosol generating segment, the heat source segment, for at least a portion of the length of the ignition end segment.

Optionally (although depending on the selection of wrapper 115, not necessarily preferable), a mouth end layer of tipping material 120 may be applied over the filter region of the cigarette. For example, the nozzle-forming material may extend from about 25mm to about 35mm along

ES 2 385 678 T3 the length of the cigarette. The smoking article may also include an air dilution means, such as a series of perforations 81, each of which extends through cap shell 72, connecting shell 102, shell 115 and of optional nozzle forming material 120.

If desired, the filter element can be manufactured to be slightly excessive in length. In addition, the optional nozzle-forming material that overlaps the mouth end region can be made to be slightly excess length. The finished cigarettes thus created can then be aligned, and the end portions of the mouth end of those cigarettes can be trimmed (for example using a high speed cutting wheel) to provide cigarettes of compatible lengths and each of which has a aesthetically pleasing mouth end appearance.

Referring to FIG. 3, a smoking article 10 in the form of a cigarette is shown. The compositions, formats, arrangements, and dimensions of the various segments of the smoking article 10 are generally similar to those discussed above with reference to FIG. 1.

The generally cylindrical firing end smokable segment 22, heat source segment 35, aerosol generating segment 51, and filter element 65, constituting cigarette 10, are aligned in end-to-end relationship, preferably in butt contact with each other. The ignition end segment 22 is attached and secured to the heat generating segment 35 using a wrapping material 130 that circumscribes at least a portion of the length of the smokable segment 22 of the ignition end (e.g., the portion of the smokable segment of the firing end adjacent to the heat generation segment), and at least a portion of the length of the heat generation segment (for example, the portion of the heat generation segment immediately adjacent to the ignition end segment). If desired, in one embodiment, the wrapping material can roll all lengths of either or both of the ignition end and heat generating end segments. For such an embodiment, a single ignition end segment is aligned with a single heat generating segment, and the two segments can be joined and secured together using a wrapping material. In one embodiment, the wrapping material circumscribes the entire length of the smokable segment of the firing end, and a portion of the length of the heat generating segment. For such an embodiment, the heat source segment may be aligned at each end of a "two" firing end segment, the three segments may be combined using a wrapping material to provide a "two" segment by combining, and the combined "two" segment can be cut in half perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to provide two combined segments.

The components of the aerosol generating segment 51 and the combined ignition end and heat source segments 22, 35, are bonded to one another, and secured in place, using an overwrap material 64. For example, the wrapping material circumscribes each of the longitudinally extending outer surfaces of the aerosol generating segment 51, the heat generating segment 35, and at least a portion of an adjacent region of the firing end segment 22. . The inner surface of the overwrap material 64 is secured to the outer surface of the wrapping material 130 which combines the heat generating segment 35 to the firing end segment 22 and the outer surface of the outer wrapping material 58 to the aerosol generation 51, using an appropriate adhesive. Preferably, the overwrap material 64 extends over a significant portion of the length of the firing end segment 22. For example, the overwrap material 64 may extend over the entire length of the firing end segment (e.g., virtually flush with the end of that segment), slightly beyond the final firing end of that segment (e.g. , up to about 5 mm from the end of that segment). Preferably, the overwrap material 64 extends over a significant portion of the length of the aerosol generating segment 51. The combination of the three segments using the wrapping material provides a cigarette rod.

A filter element 65 is attached to the cigarette rod thus formed using a mouthpiece forming material 78, in the general manner set forth above with reference to Figure 1. The smoking article may optionally be diluted in air by making appropriate perforations 81 in the vicinity of the mouth end region 18.

Referring to FIG. 4, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. The compositions, formats, arrangements, and dimensions of the various segments of the smoking article 10 are generally similar to those previously discussed with reference to FIG. 3. However, the aerosol generation segment 51 is attached and secured to the heat generation segment 35 using a wrapping material 131 that circumscribes a portion of the length of the heat generation segment (e.g., the portion of the immediately adjacent segment to the aerosol generation segment), and at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generation segment (eg, the portion of the segment immediately adjacent to the heat generation segment). More preferably, that wrapping material 131 circumscribes the length of the aerosol generating segment and a portion of the length of the heat generating segment. One such preferred arrangement may be provided by arranging two heat generating segments, aligning each of those segments at each end of a "two" aerosol generating segment, combining the three segments using a wrap and cutting the segment in half. "Of two" combined, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two combined segments. More preferably, the wrapping material 131 that

ES 2 385 678 T3 is used to combine the heat generation segment to the aerosol generation segment is a paper and metal laminate (that is, a material that can be used to conduct heat from the heat generation segment to the segment aerosol generation).

The components of the firing end segment 22 and the combined aerosol generation and heat source segments, 51, 35, are bonded together, and secured in place, using a wrapping material 64, in the general manner set forth. previously with reference to Figure 3.

The filter element 65 is attached to the cigarette rod thus formed using a mouthpiece forming material 78, in the general manner set forth above with reference to Figure 1. The smoking article may optionally be diluted in air by providing appropriate perforations 81 in the vicinity of the mouth end region 18.

Referring to FIG. 5, a smoking article 10 in the form of a cigarette is shown. The compositions, formats, arrangements, and dimensions of the various segments of the smoking article 10 are generally similar to those previously discussed with reference to FIG. 2. However, the aerosol generation segment 51 is attached and secured to the heat generation segment 35 using a wrapping material 131 that circumscribes a portion of the length of the heat generation segment (e.g., the part of that segment immediately adjacent to the aerosol generation segment), and at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generation segment (eg, the part of that segment immediately adjacent to the heat generation segment). More preferably, the wrapping material 131 that is used to combine the heat generating segment with the aerosol generating segment is a paper-metal laminate or laminate (i.e., a material that can be used to conduct heat from the heat generation segment to aerosol generation segment).

The components of the ignition end segment 22 and the combined aerosol generation and heat source segments 51, 35, and the filter element 65 are bonded together, and secured in place, using an overwrap material. 115, in the general manner previously discussed with reference to Figure 2.

Optionally, a mouth end layer of tipping material 120 may be applied over the filter region of the cigarette. The smoking article may optionally include an air dilution means, such as a series of perforations 81, each of which extends through the wrapper 115 and optional mouthpiece forming material 120.

Referring to FIG. 6, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. The compositions, formats, arrangements, and dimensions of the various segments of the smoking article 10 are generally similar to those previously discussed with reference to FIG. 3. Aerosol generation segment 51 is attached and secured to heat generation segment 35 using a wrapping material 131 that circumscribes a portion of the length of the heat generation segment (e.g., the portion of that segment immediately adjacent to the segment aerosol generation segment), and at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generation segment (eg, the portion of that segment immediately adjacent to the heat generation segment). More preferably, the wrapping material 131 that is used to combine the heat generating segment with the aerosol generating segment is a metal foil and paper laminate (i.e., a material that can be used to conduct heat from the heat generation segment to aerosol generation segment). Heat generating segment 35 is also attached and secured to firing end segment 22 using a wrapping material 134 that circumscribes a portion of the length of the heat generating segment (e.g., the portion of that segment immediately adjacent to the ignition end segment), and at least a portion of the length of the ignition segment (eg, the portion of that segment immediately adjacent to the heat generation segment). Preferably, the wrapping material 134 connecting the ignition end and heat source segments extends over the entire length of the ignition end segment.

The resulting assembly can be formed by joining individual heat source segments at each end of a "two" ignition end segment, joining the three ends together, and cutting the resulting "two" segment in half. Each combined segment is aligned at each end of a "two" aerosol generation segment, the three segments are joined together, and the resulting "two" set is cut in half. Each set of ignition end segment 22, heat source segment 35, and aerosol generation segment 51 are attached to each other, and secured in place, using a wrapping material 64, generally in the manner set forth above with reference. to figure 3.

A filter element 65 is attached to the cigarette rod thus formed using a mouthpiece forming material 78, in the general manner set forth above with reference to Figure 1. The smoking article may optionally be diluted in air by making appropriate perforations 81 through relevant wrapping materials in the vicinity of the mouth end region 18.

Referring to FIG. 7, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. The cigarette 10 includes a heat generating segment 35 located at the firing end 14, a filter segment

ES 2 385 678 T3 located at the mouth end 18 and an aerosol generation segment 51 that is located adjacent to the filter element 65. A representative heat generation segment 35 may incorporate a generally cylindrical carbonaceous heat source 40, surrounded by insulation 42. The composition and dimensions of the various segments of the smoking article 10 are generally similar to those previously discussed with reference to FIG. 1.

The heat generating segment 35 is attached and secured to the aerosol generating segment 51 using a wrapping material 150 that circumscribes at least a portion of the length of the smokable segment 22 from the firing end (e.g., the portion of the smokable segment of the firing end immediately adjacent to the heat generation segment), and at least a portion of the length of the heat generation segment (for example, the portion of the heat generation segment immediately adjacent to the ignition end segment). The wrapping material 150 may extend over the entire length of the firing end segment (for example, virtually flush with the end of that segment), or, as shown in Figure 7, slightly delayed from the firing end of that segment (for example, up to about 5 mm from the end of that segment). More preferably, the overwrap material 150 that is used to combine the heat generating segment with the aerosol generating segment is a metal foil and paper laminate (i.e., a material that can be used to conduct heat from the heat generation segment to the aerosol generation segment).

The combined segments are attached and secured to the filter element 65 by means of an overwrap material 115 that extends over the filter element, the aerosol generation segment, and at least a portion of the length of the source segment. hot. The overwrap material 115 may extend over the entire length of the ignition end segment (e.g., virtually flush with the end of that segment), slightly beyond the ignition end end of that segment (e.g., up to about 2mm beyond the end of that segment), or, as shown in Figure 7, slightly retracted from the firing end of that segment (for example, to about 5mm from the end of that segment). If desired, the portion of the wrapper 115 that extends beyond the lighting end segment can be folded over the lighting end end of the cigarette. The selection of the overwrap material and the degree to which the overwrap material extends a short distance from or over the lighting end is made to allow for proper cigarette performance. That is, these factors allow the desired degree of ignition end segment combustion.

Optionally, a mouth end layer of tipping material 120 may be applied over the filter region of the cigarette. The smoking article optionally includes an air dilution means, such as a series of perforations 81, each of which extends through stopper wrap 72, connecting wrap 150, wrap 115 and optional 120 nozzle forming material.

Referring to FIG. 8, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. Cigarette 10 includes a heat generating segment 35 located at the firing end 14, a filter segment 65 located at the other end 18, and an aerosol generating segment 51 that is located between those two segments. The heat generation segment 35 is attached and secured to the aerosol generation segment 51 using wrapping material 64 that circumscribes at least a portion of the length of the smokable segment 22 from the ignition end (e.g., the smokable segment portion of the ignition end immediately adjacent to the heat generation segment), and at least a portion of the length of the heat generation segment (for example, the part of the heat generation segment immediately adjacent to the end of the ignition segment). If desired, the ignition material may circumscribe all of the lengths of either or both of the ignition end and heat generating end segments. The combination of those two segments using a single wrapping material provides a cigarette rod. The wrap that is used to combine the heat generation segment with the aerosol generation segment can be a sheet metal and paper laminate (i.e., a material that can be used to conduct heat from the heat generation segment to the aerosol generation segment). Preferably, the heat source wrapping material is a high opacity paper that is white in appearance, and the wrap, which has an overall appearance similar to that of the heat source wrapping material, extends to about 3 mm to about 4 mm around the downstream end of the heat source.

A filter element 65 is attached to the cigarette rod thus formed using a mouthpiece forming material 78, in the general manner set forth above with reference to Figure 1. The smoking article may optionally be diluted in air by making appropriate perforations 81 in the vicinity of the mouth end region 18.

Referring to FIG. 9, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. Cigarette 10 includes a heat generating segment 35 located at the firing end 14, a filter segment 65 located at the mouth end 18, an aerosol forming segment 51 located adjacent to the heat generating segment, and a tobacco containment segment 155 located adjacent to filter element 65. If desired, the tobacco containing segment can be a multi-component segment that has been combined to form a single component piece. The compositions, formats, arrangements, and dimensions of the various segments of the smoking article 10 may be generally similar to those incorporated within

ES 2 385 678 T3 the cigarettes marketed under the trade name "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. Tobacco containment segment 155 has tobacco and / or tobacco flavor generating material 158c (e.g., cut tobacco casing, cut treated tobacco casing, strips of tobacco material, a gathered band of reconstituted tobacco material, or Similar). That segment may have a surrounding wrapper 159, such as paper wrapping material.

The overwrap materials can be either mouthpiece type or single layer cigarette wrap type materials. The overwrap materials can also be laminated with two, three or more layers. For example, a laminate having a high opacity white paper outer layer may be employed for appearance purposes; and an inner tobacco containment layer or reconstituted tobacco paper may be used in order to provide improved flavor to the cigarette. As other examples, laminates of paper, tobacco containment paper and metal foil can be used; three-ply paper laminates, paper laminates, metal mesh and tobacco containment paper; or laminates of paper, metal foil and tobacco containment paper. In certain circumstances, depending on factors such as the section of the wrap, the wrapping material of the heat source is a high opacity paper that is white in appearance, and the wrap, which has an overall appearance similar to that of the material. envelope of the heat source, extends by about 3mm to about 4mm around the downstream end of the heat source. For embodiments that have the overwrap extending beyond the lighting end of the cigarette, the overwrap may be folded over the lighting end of the heat source segment. In such a circumstance, the edges of the envelope may be scored, scored, or otherwise treated to facilitate folding or folding of the envelope. A layer of metal mesh can help retain the overwrap in a folded position.

The heat source segment 35 is attached and secured to the aerosol generating segment 51 using a wrapping material 161 that circumscribes at least a portion of the length of the heat source segment (e.g., the portion of the segment immediately adjacent to the aerosol generation segment), and at least a part of the length of the aerosol generation segment (eg, the part immediately adjacent to the heat generation segment). If desired, the wrapping material can surround all lengths of either or both of the aerosol generating and heat generating segments. More preferably, the wrapping material 161 that is used to combine the heat generation segment with the aerosol generation segment is a sheet metal and paper laminate (i.e., a material that can be used to conduct heat from the heat generation segment to aerosol generation segment).

Combined heat generation segment 35 and aerosol generation segment 51 are attached and secured to tobacco containment segment 155 using a wrapping material 64 that circumscribes at least a portion of the length of heat generation segment 35 ( for example, the part of that segment immediately adjacent to the aerosol generation segment), the aerosol generation segment 51, and at least a portion of the length of the tobacco containment segment 155 (eg, the portion of that segment immediately adjacent to the filter element). If desired, the wrapping material may circumscribe all the lengths of either or both of the tobacco containing and heat generating segments. The combination of these three segments using a single wrapping material provides a cigarette rod.

A filter element 65 is attached to the cigarette rod thus formed using a mouthpiece forming material 78, in the general manner set forth above with reference to Figure 1. The smoking article may optionally be diluted in air by making appropriate perforations 81 in the vicinity of the mouth end region 18.

A representative cigarette 10 has a circumference of about 24.5mm and an overall length of about 83mm. The heat generation segment 35 has a length of about 12 mm, the aerosol generation segment 51 has a length of about 21 mm, the tobacco containment segment 155 has a length of about 40 mm, and the filter element 65 it has a length of about 10 mm. The heat generation segment is joined to the aerosol generation segment using a laminated wrapping material 161 composed of metal foil and paper; and the wrapping material circumscribes the entire length of the aerosol generation segment, and about 3 to about 4 mm of the heat generation segment that is adjacent to the aerosol generation region. A representative overwrap material 64 has a length of about 65mm to about 70mm. The over-wrapping material 64 over-wraps and circumscribes the heat generating segment such that about 3 mm to about 4 mm from the firing end 14 of that segment is not over-wrapped by it; aerosol generation segment 51; and the tobacco containment segment 155 such that approximately 1 to 5 mm from the final mouth end 18 of that segment is not over-wrapped by it; and in such a way that a cigarette stick is produced. Filter element 65 is attached to the resulting cigarette rod using mouthpiece forming material 78 that overlaps the entire length of the filter element and about 17mm from the cigarette rod that is adjacent to the filter element. An air dilution ring of perforations 81 surrounds the cigarette about 13mm from the mouth end 18 of the cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 10, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. The heat generation segment 35 is attached and secured to the aerosol generation segment 51 and using a wrapping material 161, generally in the manner discussed above with reference to Figure 7. The tobacco containment segment 155 is connected to the filter element 65 using a wrapping material 180 that

ES 2 385 678 T3 circumscribes at least a part of the length of the tobacco containment segment (for example, the part of that segment immediately adjacent to the filter element) and at least a part of the length of the filter element (for example , the part of the filter element immediately adjacent to the tobacco containment segment). If desired, the wrapping material can circumscribe all the lengths of either or both of the tobacco containing segment and the filter element.

The two combined segments are joined and secured together by means of an overwrap material 115 that extends over the filter element, the tobacco containment segment, the aerosol generating segment, and at least a portion of the length of the heat source segment.

Optionally, a mouth end layer of nozzle-forming material 120 may be applied over the filter region of the cigarette. The smoking article may optionally include an air dilution means, such as a series of perforations 81, each of which extends through connecting wrap 180, over wrap 115, and optional forming material 120. nozzle. If desired, layers of certain wrapping materials underlying the over wrap, particularly a high opacity wrap, may be comprised of tobacco or reconstituted tobacco containment papers or laminates incorporating metal foil and tobacco-containing paper. or reconstituted tobacco.

Referring to FIG. 11, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. The heat generating segment 35, the aerosol generating segment 51, and the tobacco containment segment 155 are individually aligned in end-to-end relationship, preferably in butt contact with each other, and wrapped using an over-wrap 64 in a manner that are attached and secured together like a cigarette rod. The overwrap 64 is preferably a sheet metal and paper laminate, and preferably overlaps the aerosol generating segment and adjacent regions of the heat generating segment and the tobacco containment segment. Preferably, the overwrap 64 extends from about 3 to 6mm over the heat generating segment, and up to about 5mm from the mouth end of the tobacco containment segment.

A filter element 65 is attached to the cigarette rod thus formed using a mouthpiece forming material 78, in the general manner set forth above with reference to Figure 1. The smoking article may optionally be diluted in air by making appropriate perforations 81 in the vicinity of the mouth end region 18.

Referring to FIG. 12, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. Heat generating segment 35, aerosol generating segment 51, tobacco containment segment 155, and filter element 65 are individually aligned in end-to-end relationship, preferably abutting each other, and over- wrapped using an over-wrap 115 so that they bind and secure together like a cigarette. The over wrap 115 is preferably a metal foil and paper laminate and preferably overlaps the filter element, the tobacco containment segment, the aerosol generating segment, and the adjacent region of the heat generating segment. Preferably, the overwrap 115 extends about 3 to 6 mm over the heat generating segment.

Optionally, a mouth end layer of tipping material 120 may be applied over the filter region of the cigarette. The smoking article may optionally include an air dilution means, such as a series of perforations 81, each of which extends through the wrapper 115 and optional mouthpiece forming material 120.

Referring to FIG. 13, a representative smoking article 10 is shown in the form of a cigarette. Heat generation segment 35, aerosol generation segment 51, tobacco containment segment 155, and filter element 65 are individually aligned in end-to-end relationship, preferably abutting each other. A representative heat generation segment 35 includes a carbonaceous fuel element 40, an insulating material 42, and a paper overwrap 45. An exemplary heat generation segment may be of the general type incorporated within the types of cigarettes marketed under the trade name "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, and is preferably about 12mm long. A representative aerosol generating segment 51 includes a cast sheet type of reconstituted tobacco material as a substrate material 55 for an aerosol forming material, such as a sheet metal and paper laminate. An exemplary aerosol generation segment has a length of about 21mm. A representative tobacco containment segment 155 includes tobacco and / or treated tobacco 158, preferably in cut casing form; and also includes a surrounding wrapping material 158. Such an arrangement can be conveniently manufactured using conventional types of cigarette making machinery, such as a Protos, which is available from Hauni Mashinenbau AG. An exemplary tobacco containment segment has a length of about 40mm.

Aerosol generating segment 51 is connected to heat generating segment 35 using a wrapping material 161, such as a metal and paper laminate. The wrapping material 161 circumscribes a portion of the length of the heat generating segment (eg, about 3mm to about 4mm) in the region thereof adjacent the aerosol generating segment; and the wrapping material circumscribes a portion of the length of the

ES 2 385 678 T3 aerosol generation segment, and preferably the entire length of the aerosol generation segment.

The aerosol generating segment 51 is connected to the tobacco containment segment 155 using an appropriate wrapping material 195, such as paper, or a metal and paper laminate. This wrapping material 195 circumscribes a portion of the length of the aerosol generating segment (eg, about 5mm) in the region thereof adjacent to the tobacco containing segment; and the wrapping material circumscribes a portion of the length of the tobacco containing segment, and preferably the entire length of the tobacco containing segment.

The above components can be combined by arranging two heat generating segments, and aligning these segments at each end of a "two" aerosol generating segment. An exemplary "two" aerosol generation segment may have a length of about 40mm to about 45mm, preferably about 21mm. The three segments are combined using one type of nozzle-forming apparatus, such as a device available as MAX S. Those segments can be stored, dried, rearranged or used directly in additional manufacturing operations. The "two" segment is cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, using an appropriate splitting knife, to provide two combined segments. The segments can be spread apart from one another, and a "two" tobacco containment segment can be positioned between those two combined segments. The resulting three aligned segments are combined using one type of nozzle-forming apparatus, such as a device available as MAX S. For example, a nozzle-forming paper having a width of about 90mm can be used to combine those two. segments together. The resulting "two" cigarette rod segment is cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two cigarette rods. These bars can be collected, or turned and collected in an appropriate bin. The individual cigarette sticks can be fed into a hopper of a type of mouthpiece forming apparatus, such as a device available as MAX S.

Each preceding cigarette rod is aligned with a filter element segment 65 (eg, a cellulose acetate filter or filter tube having a length of about 10mm, or a length slightly in excess of 10mm). At least the entire length of the filter element 65, the length of the tobacco containment segment 155, the length of the aerosol generation segment 55, and at least a portion of the length of the heat generation segment 35 are circumscribed by a material overwrap 115, such as a high opacity cigarette paper or cigarette mouthpiece forming paper. For example, depending on the smoking properties of the over-wrap material 115, that over-wrap material may extend beyond the ignition end of the heat generating segment so that it is flush with the ignition end of that segment or, as shown in Figure 13, toward the downstream end of that segment. Preferably, the wrap 115 extends about 3mm to about 6mm over the heat generating segment. If desired, a short portion of the mouth end of the filter element can be cut away in order to provide cigarettes of uniform length, and a directly shaped and aesthetically pleasing filter end.

Optionally, but not preferably, a mouth end layer of tipping material 120 may be applied over the filter region of the cigarette. The smoking article may optionally, but not preferably, include an air dilution means, such as a series of perforations 81, each of which extends through the overwrap 115 and optional air-forming material 120. nozzle. For example, a ring of air dilution perforations can surround the cigarette by about 13mm from the end of the mouth.

The cigarettes described with reference to Figures 7 to Figure 13 are used in much the same way as cigarettes marketed under the trade name "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.

The smokable firing end segments, heat generating segments, aerosol generating segments, tobacco containment segments, muzzle end pieces, and various components of the foregoing, can be manufactured using conventional types of technique. and cigarette manufacturing equipment and cigarette components, or appropriately modified cigarette manufacturing equipment or cigarette components. That is, the various component parts and pieces can be processed and assembled to form cigarettes using conventional types of technologies known to those skilled in the art of designing and manufacturing cigarettes and cigarette components, and in the art of assembling cigarette components. cigarettes See, for example, the types of component configurations, component materials, assembly methodologies, and assembly technologies set forth in US Patent Nos. 5,052,413, Baker et al .; 5,088,507, Baker et al .; 5,105,838, d White et al .; 5,469,871, to Barnes et al .; and 5,551,451, to Riggs et al .; and US Patent Publication No. 2005/0066986, by Nestor et al.

The manufacture of multi-segment components can be carried out using combination equipment of the type available under the brand name Mulfi or Merlin from Hauni Mashinenbau AG, Hamburg, Germany; or as LKF-01 Laboratory Multi Filter Maker from Heinrich Burghart GmbH. The combination of various cigarette segments or components can be accomplished using conventional or appropriately modified type devices, such as mouthpiece forming devices available as Lab MAX, MAX, MAX S or MAX 80 attachment devices from Hauni Mashinenbau AG. That is, bars, segments and segments combined can

ES 2 385 678 T3 be fed (for example, using trays, hoppers, wheels and the like), aligned, provided with nozzles or otherwise connected, subdivided, turned, transported, separated and collected (for example, using trays, belts, hoppers and the like) using appropriately modified and arranged nozzle forming devices. See, for example, the types of combination devices and techniques set forth in US Pat. Nos. 3,308,600 to Erdmann et al .; 4,280,187 to Reuland et al .; 4,281,670 to Heitmann et al; and 6,229,115, to Vos et al .; and US Patent Publication No. 2005/0194014, by Read, Jr.

A manner or method of assembling a cigarette representative of one aspect of the present disclosure, such as a cigarette of the type described with reference to Figure 3, can be performed using the following types of techniques.

A tobacco rod that includes cut tobacco filler surrounded by a suitable wrapper can be manufactured using conventional cigarette making machinery. For example, a continuous tobacco rod may be subdivided into a plurality of tobacco rods, each of which is 120 mm long, and each such rod may be used as a so-called "six" tobacco rod. ("Six-up") for the manufacture of the segments of the lighting end of six cigarettes. As such, the "six" bar can be subdivided into double-length or so-called "two-length" segments by cutting it transversely with respect to its longitudinal axis into three segments, each of which is 40mm long, using conventional types. of tobacco rod cutting techniques. A continuous rod of extruded carbonaceous fuel element, surrounded by an insulating jacket of glass filaments and circumscribed by an outer jacket material, can also be subdivided into short segments. For example, the continuous bar can be subdivided into a plurality of cylindrically shaped heat source segments, each of which is 12mm in length, and each such segment can be used as a "one" segment ( "One-up") for the manufacture of the cigarette heat generation segment. The heat source segment can be placed at each end of a "two" heat ignition end segment. A surrounding wrap for at least a portion of the length of the heat generating segment and for the smokable segment of the firing end acts to provide a combined "two" segment. The combined "two" segment may be cut in half (ie, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the combined segment, through the "two" ignition end segment) to provide two pieces of combined segment.

Meanwhile, a stick including treated tobacco filler incorporating glycerin surrounded by wrapping material can be manufactured using conventional types of cigarette making machinery. The wrapping material may be a laminated material having an outer surface composed of paper and an inner surface composed of sheet metal. For example, a continuous tobacco rod can be subdivided into a plurality of tobacco rods each of which is 102 mm long, and each such rod may be used as a "six" tobacco rod for the manufacture of the aerosol generation segments of six cigarettes. As such, the "six" bar can be subdivided into three cylindrically shaped "two" segments, each of which is 34mm long, using conventional types of tobacco rod cutting techniques. A pre-provided combined segment can be located at each end of a "two" aerosol generation segment.

A surrounding outer envelope for the aerosol generating segment and at least a portion of the length of the combined segment acts to provide a "two" cigarette stick. In some embodiments, the overwrap can be a laminated material having an outer surface composed of paper and an inner surface composed of metallic foil. In some embodiments, the overwrap can be a high opacity paper that provides an aesthetically pleasing cigarette stick. That "two" cigarette rod can be cut in half (ie transversely to the longitudinal axis of the combined segment, through the "two" aerosol generation segment) to provide two cigarette rods, each of which Includes three pieces of combo segment. Alternatively, the combined segment can be positioned at one end of a "one" aerosol generating segment, and over-wrapped to provide a "one" cigarette stick. The single over-wrap layer preferably covers at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generating segment, the heat generating segment, and at least a portion of the length of the firing end segment.

A "two" filter element segment can be fabricated using conventional types of filter fabrication techniques. As provided above, the cigarette rod can be located at each end of a "two" filter element segment. A surrounding mouthpiece forming material for the filter element segment and an adjacent region of the cigarette rod act to provide a filtered "two" cigarette. That "two" cigarette can be cut in half (ie, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the combined segment, through the "two" filter element) to provide two filter cigarettes.

A mode and method of assembling another cigarette representative of an aspect of the present disclosure, such as a cigarette of the type described with reference to Figure 10, can be performed using the following types of techniques.

An aerosol generation segment is provided using known continuous bar fabrication techniques. As an example, a web of sheet-like material that acts as a substrate for aerosol-forming materials can be gathered together and contained within a surrounding wrapping material that extends

ES 2 385 678 T3 longitudinally. As another example, a form of casing cut from reconstituted tobacco material incorporating aerosol forming material can be formed as a filler or roll within a longitudinally extending surrounding wrapping material (e.g., using a traditional type of procedure cigarette bar manufacturing company). In any case, the continuous bar thus formed is subdivided into bars "of two".

Heat source segments of desired lengths are provided. Two heat source segments are combined with each "two" aerosol generation segment. That is, a heat source segment lines up at each end of the "two" aerosol generation segment. The three segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material spreads over the longitudinally extending surface of the "two" aerosol generating segment and at the same time. minus a portion of the longitudinally extending surface of each heat source segment. The resulting assembly is then cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two individual bar portions; each portion having a combined heat generation segment and an aerosol generation segment.

A tobacco containment segment is preferably provided using known continuous rod manufacturing techniques. As an example, a web of reconstituted sheet-like tobacco material can be gathered and contained within a longitudinally extending surrounding wrapping material. As another example, cut tobacco filler can be formed as a filler or roll within a longitudinally extending surrounding wrapping material (eg, using a traditional type of cigarette rod manufacturing process). In any case, the continuous bar thus formed is subdivided into bars "of two".

Filter element segments of the desired length are provided. Two filter segments are combined with each "two" tobacco segment. That is, a filter element is aligned at each end of the "two" tobacco segment. The three segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material extends over the longitudinally disposed surface of the "two" tobacco segment and in at least one part. of the longitudinally extending surface of each filter element segment. The resulting assembly is then cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two individual rod parts, each part having a combined tobacco containment segment and filter element segment.

Each of the two preceding types of combined segments is aligned in an end-to-end relationship such that the heat generating segment is located at one end and the filter element is located at the other end. The two segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the filter element, tobacco segment, aerosol generation region and at least a portion of the longitudinally extending surface of the heat source segment. As such, an assembled cigarette is provided having several combined bar segments.

The cigarette thus provided can be assembled in a "one-off" manner. In such a situation it is desirable to align the muzzle end of the filter element with the overwrap material so that the filter element and the resulting overwrap are essentially flush with each other. Alternatively, the filter element can be manufactured to be of excess length so that a portion of the end of the filter element can be trimmed and removed from the end of the cigarette. As a consequence, a flush configuration of the filter element and the overwrap can be ensured. Optional overwrap tipping paper can also be applied to the mouth end of the finished cigarette.

Another manner or method of assembling representative cigarettes of the present disclosure, such as a cigarette of the type described with reference to Figure 10, can be performed using the following types of techniques.

A combined heat generation segment and an aerosol generation segment can be provided using the types of techniques discussed above.

A tobacco containment segment is provided using the types of techniques discussed above. In either case, the continuous bar thus formed is subdivided into "one" bar piece segments.

Filter element segments are provided. However, the filter element segments are provided as "two" filter segments. Two tobacco segments are combined with each "of two" filter segment. That is, a tobacco containment rod segment lines up at each end of the "two" filter segment. The three segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material is applied onto the longitudinally extending surface of the "two" filter segment and at least one part of the longitudinally extending surface of each tobacco segment. The resulting assembly is then cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two individual bar portions; each portion having a combined tobacco containment segment and filter element segment.

Each of the resulting segments can be combined to form a cigarette using the type of techniques

ES 2 385 678 T3 discussed above.

Another mode or method of assembling cigarettes representative of one aspect of the present disclosure, such as a cigarette of the type described with reference to Figure 10, can be performed using the following types of techniques.

A combined heat generation segment and aerosol generation segment are provided, using the types of techniques discussed above.

A tobacco containment segment is provided using the types of techniques discussed above. In any case, the continuous bar thus formed is subdivided into "one" segments.

Filter element segments are provided. The filter element segments are provided as "two" filter segments. Two tobacco segments are combined with each "of two" filter segment. That is, a tobacco rod segment lines up at each end of the "two" filter segment. The three segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the "two" filter segment and at least one portion of the longitudinally extending surface of each tobacco containing segment. As such, a "two" segment is provided.

The resulting "two" segment is aligned in end-to-end relationship with the previously combined heat generating segment and aerosol generating segment. That is, a combined segment is located at each end of the "two" segment. The three segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the filter element part, of the segments of tobacco, from the aerosol generation regions and from at least a portion of the longitudinally extending surface of the heat source segments. As such, an assembled "two" cigarette is provided having several combined bar segments. The resulting "two" cigarette set is then cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two individual finished cigarettes.

Another manner or method of assembling cigarettes representative of one aspect of the present disclosure, such as a cigarette of the type described with reference to Figure 9, can be performed using the following types of techniques. One such method involves forming the cigarette rod with a single shell layer, and attaching the filter element thereto.

A combined heat generation segment and an aerosol generation segment can be provided using the types of techniques discussed above. For example, a combined "two" segment can be provided by combining a "two" aerosol generation segment and two heat generation segments, using a MAX S device or other appropriate type of nozzle forming device. .

A tobacco containment segment is provided using the types of techniques discussed above. In one embodiment, the continuous bar thus formed is subdivided into two "one" bars. Each tobacco containment segment is aligned at one end (ie, the end of the aerosol generating segment) of the aforementioned combined segment. The two segments are then combined using a wrapping material of a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material extends over at least a portion of the longitudinally extending surface of the tobacco-containing segment, of the aerosol generation region and of at least a portion of the longitudinally extending surface of the heat source segment. One such combination methodology can be performed using one type of MAX S device or another appropriate one.

In another embodiment, the continuous bar thus formed is subdivided into "two" bars. The aerosol generating segments of the previously combined segments are aligned at each end of the "two" tobacco containment segment. The three segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the tobacco-containing segment, of the generation region. aerosol and at least a portion of the longitudinally extending surface of the heat source segment. The resulting "two" cigarette rod thus provided is cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two cigarette rods. One such combination methodology can be performed using a type of MAX S device or another appropriate or suitably modified nozzle forming device.

In either case, a cigarette stick can be provided having what might appear in relevant regions to be a single over-wrap. These cigarette bars are then fed to a reservoir for further treatment. The reservoir can be a hopper of another nozzle forming device, such as a second MAX S.

Filter element segments are provided; and those segments are provided as "two" filter segments. Two cigarette bars are combined with each "of two" filter segment. That is, a tobacco rod segment lines up at each end of the "two" filter segment. The three segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the material

The wrapper ES 2 385 678 T3 extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the "two" filter segment and adjacent portions of the wrappers of each of the tobacco segment regions of each cigarette rod. The resulting assembly is cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two individual finished cigarettes.

Another manner or method of assembling cigarettes representative of one aspect of the present disclosure, such as a cigarette of the type described in Figure 9, can be performed using the following types of techniques. One such method involves forming the cigarette rod with a single layer of wrap, and attaching the filter element thereto.

A combined heat generation segment and an aerosol generation segment can be provided using the types of techniques discussed above.

A tobacco containment segment is provided using the types of techniques discussed above. An aforementioned combined segment is located at each end of the "two" tobacco containment segment. The three aligned segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the tobacco segment, from the aerosol and at least a portion of the longitudinally extending surface of the heat source segment. As such, a "two" cigarette stick is provided which has what would appear in relevant regions as a single over-wrap. The resulting assembly is then cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two individual cigarette rod portions.

Filter element segments are provided; and those segments are provided as "two" filter segments. Two cigarette rods are combined with each of the "two" filter segments. That is, a tobacco rod segment lines up at each end of the "two" filter segment. The three segments are then combined using a wrapping material in a type of nozzle-forming arrangement, such that the wrapping material extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the "two" filter segment and adjacent portions of the envelopes of each of the tobacco segment regions of each cigarette rod. The resulting assembly is then cut in half, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to provide two individual finished cigarettes.

The smokable materials and other associated materials useful in making certain aspects of the present invention can vary. Smokable materials are materials that can be incorporated into the lighter end smokable segment or rod, and provide mass and volume to some region within the lighter end smokable segment. The smokable materials undergo some type of destruction during normal use conditions of the smoking article in which they are incorporated. Destruction of the smokable material, due at least in part to thermal decomposition of at least some component of the smokable material, results in the formation of an aerosol having the shape normally characterized as "smoke." For example, smokable materials incorporating tobacco materials are intended to burn, or otherwise undergo thermal decomposition, to produce tobacco smoke. The selection of tobacco types and tobacco blends can determine the chemical composition, sensory and organoleptic characteristics, of the aerosol produced when the tobacco material or blend of tobacco materials is burned.

The smokable materials of the smokable segment of the firing end most preferably incorporate tobacco in some form. Preferred smokable materials are predominantly composed of tobacco in some form, based on the dry weights of those materials. That is, most of the dry weight of those materials, and most of the weight of a mix incorporating those materials (including a mix of materials, or materials that have additives applied to or otherwise incorporated into them) are provided by tobacco in some way. For example, those materials may be treated tobaccos incorporating minor amounts of non-tobacco filler materials (e.g., calcium carbonate particles, carbonaceous materials, grains, or wood pulp) and / or binding agents (e.g., gum). guar, sodium alginate or ammonium alginate); and / or a mixture of those materials may incorporate tobacco substitutes or extenders. Those materials, and blends incorporating those materials, often include more than 70 percent tobacco, frequently are more than about 80 percent tobacco, and are generally more than 90 percent tobacco, on a dry weight, based on the combined weights of tobacco, non-tobacco casing material, and non-tobacco substitute or extender. Those materials may be constituted, primarily in their entirety, of tobacco material, and do not incorporate any non-tobacco casings, substitutes or extenders.

The smokable material can be treated with tobacco additives of the type traditionally used for cigarette making, such as topcoat and / or finish components. See, for example, US Patent Nos. 3,419,015 to Wochnowski; 4,054,145 to Berndt et al .; 4,887,619, to Burcham, Jr. et al .; 5,022,416 to Watson; 5,103,842 to Strang et al .; 5,711,320 to Martin. Coating materials can include water, sugars, and syrups (eg, sucrose, glucose, and high fructose cereal syrup), humectants (eg, glycerin or propylene glycol), and flavoring agents (eg, cocoa and licorice). Those added components also include top finishing materials (eg flavor materials, such as menthol). See, for example, US Patent No. 4,449,541, Mays et al. They can also be added

ES 2 385 678 T3 additives to smokable materials using the types of equipment described in US Patent No. 4,995,405, to Lettau, or those available as Menthol Application System MAS from Kohl Mashinenbau GmbH. The selection of particular topcoat and finish components is dependent on factors such as desired sensory characteristics, and the selection and use of those components will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of cigarette design and manufacture. See Gutcho, Substances and Methods of Tobacco Flavoring, Noyes Data Corp. (1972) and Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products (1972). The smokable material can also be treated, for example, with ammonia or ammonium hydroxide or otherwise treated to incorporate ammonia (for example, by the addition of ammonia salts such as, for example, diammonium phosphates). In some embodiments, the amount of ammonia optionally incorporated into the smokable material is less than 5 percent, and generally 1 to 3 percent, based on the dry weight of the smokable material.

The smokable materials can be used in forms and ways that are traditional for the manufacture of smoking articles, such as cigarettes. Those materials can incorporate chopped pieces of tobacco (eg, as sheet and / or stem), and / or those materials can be tobacco materials that are of treated shapes. For example, materials that are typically used in cut filler form (for example, pieces or strands of tobacco filler cut into widths of about 2.54mm to about 0.42mm, or from about 1.27mm to about at 0.73mm, and in lengths from about 3.18mm to 76.2mm, usually about 6.35 to about 25.4mm). Alternatively, although less preferred, those materials, such as treated tobacco materials, can be used as longitudinally extending strands or as sheets formed into the desired configuration, or as compressed or extruded pieces, formed into the desired configuration.

Tobacco materials can include, or can be derived from, various types of tobacco, such as flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco or Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, burnt dark tobacco, and Rustica tobaccos, as well as other tobaccos. rare or specialty, or mixtures thereof. Descriptions of various types of tobaccos, growing practices, harvesting practices, and curing practices are set out in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999). See also Lawson et al. US Patent Application Pub. No. 2004/0084056. In some embodiments, the tobacco materials are those that have been properly cured and aged.

Tobacco materials can be used in a so-called "mixed" form. For example, certain popular tobacco blends, commonly referred to as "American blends", comprise blends of flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco. Such blends contain, in many cases, tobacco materials having treated shapes, such as treated tobacco stems (for example, cut roll sizes, cut-roll-expanded sizes, cut puffed stems), expanded volume tobacco (for example, puffed tobacco, such as dry ice blown tobacco (DIET), preferably in cut casing form). Tobacco materials are also in the form of reconstituted tobaccos (eg, reconstituted tobaccos made using papermaking type or cast sheet type processes). Tobacco reconstitution processes traditionally convert parts of tobacco that could normally be discarded into commercially useful forms. For example, tobacco stems, recyclable pieces of tobacco, and tobacco dust can be used to make treated reconstituted tobaccos of fairly uniform consistency. The precise amount of each type of tobacco within the tobacco blend used to make a particular cigarette brand can vary, and is a manner of design choice, depending on factors such as desired sensory characteristics. See, for example, Tobacco Encyclopedia, Voges (Ed.) P. 44-45 (1984), Browne, The Design of Cigarettes, 3^to Ed., P. 43 (1990) and Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) P. 346 (1999). Various representative types of tobacco, types of treated tobaccos, types of tobacco blends, cigarette components and ingredients, and tobacco rod configurations are also set forth in US Patent Nos. 4,836,224, Lawson et al .; 4,924,883, Perfetti et al .; 4,924,888, Perfetti et al .; 5,056,537, to Brown et al .; 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al .; 5,220,930 to Gentry; 5,360,023 to Blakley et al .; 5,715,844, de Young et al .; and 6,730,832, from Domínguez et al .; Patent Application Pub. Nos. 2002/0000235, by Shafer et al .; 2003/0075193, from Li et al .; and 2003/0131859, by Li et al .; PCT Application Pub. No. WO 02/37990, to Beremann; US Patent Publications Nos. 2004/0084056, from Lawson et al .; 2004/0255965, from Perfetti et al .; and 2005/0066986, by Nestor et al .; and Bombick et al., Fund. Appl. Toxicol., 39, p. 11-17 (1997).

Fuel elements in the heat generation segment can vary. Appropriate fuel elements, and representative components, designs and configurations thereof, and manners and methods for producing those fuel elements and components thereof, are set forth in US Patent Nos. 4,714,082 to Banerjee et al .; 4,756,318, Clearman et al .; 4,881,556, Clearman et al .; 4,989,619, Clearman et al .; 5,020,548 to Farrier et al .; 5,027,837, Clearman et al .; 5,067,499 to Banerjee et al .; 5,076,297 to Farrier et al .; 5,099,861, Clearman et al .; 5,105,831 to Banerjee et al .; 5,129,409 to White et al .; 5,148,821 to Best et al .; 5,156,170, Clearman et al .; 5,178,167 to Riggs et al .; 5,211,684 to Shannon et al .; 5,247,947, Clearman et al .; 5,345,955, Clearman et al .; 5,469,871 to Bames et al .; 5,551,451 to Riggs; 5,560,376 to Meiring et al .; 5,706,834, to Meiring et al .; and 5,727,571, to Meiring et al .; and US Patent Publication No. 2005/0274390, by Banerjee et al. Carbonaceous fuel elements are of the type that have been incorporated into cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. In some embodiments, each heat source segment incorporates a one-piece fuel element, and only one fuel element is incorporated into each heat source segment. In some

In embodiments, the fuel elements lack longitudinally extending air passages. Certain fuel elements can have a generally tubular shape; having a relatively large diameter central passage and not peripherally extending grooves. For example, these fuel elements do not have the types of formats and configurations described in US Pat. US No. 4,989,619, Clearman et al. Certain fuel elements have longitudinally extending peripheral grooves, and the grooves may have semi-circular, triangular, or rectangular cross-sectional shapes, or such an overall cross-sectional shape of the fuel element may be characterized as generally "snowflake" in nature. . Certain other fuel elements may have a surface that does not include grooves while optionally including a center passage. Still other fuel elements may have a surface that does not include grooves and is essentially solid (eg, having no central passage), such as a cylindrical fuel element.

Fuel elements comprise carbonaceous material. For example, the amount of carbonaceous fuel material incorporated into a fuel element can provide at least 50 percent, often at least 60 percent, and frequently at least 70 percent, of the weight of the fuel element, on a basis. dry weight. In some embodiments, the fuel elements may incorporate up to 15 percent by weight, often up to 10 percent by weight, of binding agent; up to 15 percent by weight, often up to 10 percent by weight of additive ingredients such as tobacco dust, salts, and the like; up to 20 percent by weight, often up to 15 percent by weight, of ingredients such as graphite or alumina; and at least 50 weight percent, often at least 65 weight percent, of a high carbon carbonaceous material. However, in some embodiments, the fuel elements may lack the amount of sodium disclosed in US Pat. US No. 5,178,167, to Riggs et al .; and / or the amounts of graphite and / or calcium carbonate indicated in US Pat. US No. 5,551,451, to Riggs et al. In some embodiments, the fuel elements incorporate about 10 to 20 parts by weight of ingredients such as graphite or alumina, and about 60 to 75 parts by weight of carbonaceous fuel material. For example, a representative fuel element has about 66.5 percent carbonaceous material, about 18.5 percent graphite, about 5 percent tobacco parts, about 10 percent guar gum, and about 1 percent. percent sodium carbonate, on a dry weight basis. Such a fuel element may possess, or may lack, longitudinally extending peripheral surface grooves; and such a fuel element may possess, or lack, at least one centrally located air passage, extending longitudinally.

The fuel element can be formed into the desired configuration by techniques such as compression, pressure, or extrusion. For example, a wet, dough-like paste can be extruded using a single screw or twin screw extruder, such as an extruder having a stainless steel barrel and screw, an inner sleeve constructed of highly wear resistant ceramic material. and resistant to corrosion, and a ceramic matrix. Exemplary types of extrusion devices include the types available as ICMA San Giorgio Model No. 70-16D or as Welding Engineers Model No. 70-16LD. For an extruded fuel element that contains a relatively high level of carbonaceous material, the density of the fuel element can be decreased slightly by increasing the level of moisture within the extruded mixture, decreasing the die pressure within the extruder, or incorporating materials of relatively high density. falls into the extruded mix.

In some embodiments, ultrafine particles can be suspended in a liquid solvent or carrier (eg, water, methanol, or ethanol), and the fuel element can be dip coated with the resulting colloidal suspension. Dip coating can be done in order to provide a general type of surface treatment to the fuel element. They can be added to suspensions of stabilizing ultrafine particles such as acetic acid and nitric acid. Furthermore, the pH levels of such solutions or suspensions can be adjusted to a desired degree, to stabilize the suspension and thus act to increase the efficiency of the coating. The formed fuel elements can be surface treated with ultrafine dry powder particles, or spray coated with suspensions or solutions of ultrafine particles. Alternatively, the ultrafine particles may be incorporated with the extruded fuel element immediately after exiting the extrudate from the extrusion die such that a mode or method is provided for providing a type of ultrafine particle surface treatment to at least a portion. of the fuel elements. In some embodiments, the ultrafine particles in dry powder form (eg, as a nanopowder), or in a solution or in colloidal form, can be mixed directly into a charcoal blend along with other ingredients for extrusion. See, for example, the components and techniques described in US Pat. Application Pub. US No. 2005/0274390, by Banerjee et al., And commonly owned by US Application No. 11/377910, filed March 16, 2006, entitled "Smoking Article," by inventors Banerjee et al.

The fuel element may be surrounded or otherwise jacketed by insulation or other suitable material. The insulation can be configured and employed to support, hold and retain in position the fuel element within the smoking article. The insulation can be further adapted such that aspirated air and aerosol can easily pass through it. Examples of insulation materials, insulation assembly components, representative insulation assembly configurations within the heat generation segments, wrapping materials for insulation assemblies, and ways and methods to produce these components and assemblies are set forth in the US Patent Nos. 4,807,809, to Pryor et al .; 4,893,637, Hancock et al .; 4,938,238 to Barnes et al .; 5,027,836 to Shannon et al .; 5,065,776, Lawson et

ES 2 385 678 T3 al .; 5,105,838 to White et al .; 5,119,837 to Banerjee et al .; 5,247,947, Clearman et al .; 5,303,720, Banerjee et al .; 5,345,955, Clearman et al .; 5,396,911 to Casey, III et al .; 5,546,965 to White; 5,727,571, to Meiring et al .; 5,902,431 to Wilkinson et al .; and 5,944,025, Cook et al. See also Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988). Isolate sets have been incorporated into the types of cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.

An insulation assembly is manufactured using at least one layer of nonwoven glass filament mesh. For example, a band of at least one mat layer of non-extruded glass filaments can be applied around a continuously extruded fuel element, the face of the mat being moistened with water (for example by spraying) in order to facilitate union of the fuel element to the mat, the resulting assembly may be surrounded with a continuous paper web (using, for example, two strips of continuous centerlines of adhesive and one joint line of adhesive, each of which may optionally contain flavoring agents or burn modifiers), and the resulting continuous rod can be cut into segments of desired length. If desired, flavoring agents, combustion modifiers and the like can be incorporated into the water to be applied to the glass filament mat. For example, the types of technologies set forth in US Pat. Nos. 5,065,776 to Lawson et al .; 5,727,571, to Meiring et al .; and 5,902,432 to Wilkinson et al, to provide appropriate fuel element assemblies.

The fuel elements can incorporate materials such as calcium sulfate fibers, thermally resistant ceramic filaments, high temperature resistant carbon filaments (eg graphite type materials), and the like, which can be incorporated into nonwoven mats. Insulation kits for use in smoking articles of the present invention may also incorporate tobacco; such as tobacco particles or pieces dispersed within the glass filament mat, or configured as at least one layer of reconstituted tobacco sheet with at least one layer of glass filament mat. Alternatively, paper-type materials (for example, paper-type materials treated with appropriate salts, such as potassium chloride, in amounts sufficient to provide them with some degree of heat-resistant character) may be gathered, or crimped and gathered around the fuel element in order to properly retain the chopped fuel element in position within the cigarette. In addition, sided tobacco casing (for example, shredded foil, pieces of tobacco stalks, shredded reconstituted tobacco paper-type foil, cast reconstituted tobacco foil, or mixtures of the above), which can be treated with appropriate salts , as set forth in US Patent Application Pub. No. 2005/0066986, by Nestor et al., May surround the peripheral region of the fuel element in order to properly retain the secured fuel element in position within the cigarette. Representative types of tobacco materials can be manufactured from mixtures of tobacco types; or from a predominant type of tobacco (for example, a cast sheet type or reconstituted tobacco paper type composed primarily of Burley tobacco, or a cast sheet type or reconstituted paper type tobacco composed primarily of Oriental tobacco). Alternatively, realization isolation segment may include ingredients other than tobacco, that is, in some embodiments, there may be no tobacco in the isolation segments. Flavoring agents (e.g. volatile flavoring agents) can be incorporated within the insulation assembly and as such (i) the flavor can be entrained into the aspirated aerosol which is produced by combustion of the smokable material as the aerosol passes through of the insulation assembly, and (ii) the aerosol aroma or taste produced by combustion of the fuel element of the heat generating segment can be improved.

The aerosol-forming material can vary, and mixtures of various aerosol-forming materials can be used. Representative types of aerosol forming materials are set forth in US Pat. US Nos. 4,793,365, to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al .; and 5,101,839, to Jakob et al .; in PCT Application Pub. No. WO 98/57556, by Biggs et al .; and in Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988). In some embodiments, an aerosol-forming material produces a visible aerosol upon application of sufficient heat to it, which can be considered to be "smoke-like." In some embodiments, an aerosol-forming material is chemically simple, relative to the chemical nature of the smoke produced by combustion of tobacco. An aerosol-forming material, in some embodiments, can be a polyol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

A variety of materials can be used to provide the material for the portion of the aerosol generation region that acts as a substrate for the aerosol-forming material. Substrate materials for formulations incorporating aerosol forming materials for use in the present invention are set forth in US Pat. US Nos. 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh et al .; 4,893,639 to White; 5,099,861, Clearman et al .; 5,101,839 to Jakob et al .; 5,105,836 to Gentry et al .; 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al .; 5,203,355, Clearman et al .; 5,271,419, Arzonico et al .; 5,327,917 to Lekwauwa et al .; 5,396,911 to Casey, III et al .; 5,533,530, to Young et al .; 5,588,446 to Clearman; 5,598,868, to Jakob et al .; 5,715,844, Young et al. and 6,378,528, to Beeson et al .; and Pub. Patent resolution No. 2005/0066986, by Nestor et al. See also Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988). Useful substrate materials have been incorporated into the types of cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.

ES 2 385 678 T3

The substrate material may incorporate tobacco in some form, which is typically predominantly tobacco, and which can be provided virtually entirely of tobacco. The shape of the substrate material can vary. In some embodiments, the substrate material is used in an essentially traditional casing form (eg, as cut casing). The substrate material can be otherwise formed into desired configurations. The substrate material can be used in the form of a gathered strip or sheet, using the types of techniques generally set forth in US Pat. US No. 4,807,809, to Pryor et al. The substrate material can be used in the form of a strip or sheet that is chopped into a plurality of longitudinally extending strands, using the types of techniques generally set forth in US Pat. US No. 5,025,814 to Raker. The substrate material may be in the form of a loosely wound sheet, such that a type of air passage coil extends longitudinally through the aerosol generating segment. Representative types of tobacco-containing substrate materials can be made from mixtures of tobacco types; or from a predominant type of tobacco (for example, a cast sheet type or type of reconstituted tobacco paper primarily of Burley tobacco, or a cast type or type of reconstituted tobacco paper primarily composed of Oriental tobacco).

The substrate material can also be treated with tobacco additives of the type traditionally used for the manufacture of cigarettes, such as coating and / or finishing components. The substrate material can be treated with ammonia (eg, by treatment with anhydrous ammonia, aqueous ammonium hydroxide, or ammonium salts such as diammonium phosphate). Alternatively, those materials may be free, or virtually free, of any type of added ammonia (eg, either by treatment with anhydrous ammonia, aqueous ammonium hydroxide, or ammonium salts such as diammonium phosphate). Those materials can also be treated with other additives, such as potassium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. Other materials, such as catalytic agents, nanoparticle compositions, and the like, can also be incorporated into any of the smokable materials of the smokable stick. See, for example, the types of components discussed in Pat. US 2004/0173229, by Crooks et al. In some embodiments, the material is not treated with more than about 10 percent of any of the types of additive agents other than aerosol-forming materials, based on the dry weight of tobacco material within the substrate material.

The manner in which the aerosol-forming material is contacted with the substrate material (eg, tobacco material) can vary. The aerosol-forming material can be applied to a formed tobacco material, or it can be incorporated into tobacco materials treated during the manufacture of those materials. The aerosol-forming material can be dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous liquid or other suitable liquid carrier or solvent, and sprayed onto the substrate material. See, for example, US Patent Application Pub. No. 2005/0066986, by Nestor et al. The amount of aerosol-forming material employed relative to the dry weight of the substrate material can vary. Materials that include very excessive levels of aerosol-forming material can be difficult to process into cigarette sticks using conventional types of automated cigarette manufacturing equipment.

Types of cast sheet materials can incorporate relatively high levels of aerosol forming material. Reconstituted tobaccos manufactured using types of papermaking procedures can incorporate moderate levels of aerosol-forming material. For treated materials, such as cast sheet materials and reconstituted paper-type tobaccos, they can be used as components of the same tobacco pulp materials that are extracted with aqueous liquids. Removal of some or essentially all of the water soluble tobacco components can help provide a treated material that is capable of acting as an effective substrate for higher levels of aerosol forming material. Furthermore, dusting of treated materials with dry tobacco powders can help provide treated materials that have relatively high levels of glycerin while not exhibiting overly sticky or viscous characteristics.

Cast sheet materials, and particularly cast sheet materials incorporating certain amounts of tobacco pulp materials that have been extracted with water, can often comprise up to 65 percent, frequently up to 60 percent, and often up to 55 percent, aerosol-forming material, based on the dry weight of the tobacco and aerosol-forming material in the material so produced. Reconstituted paper-type tobacco materials, and particularly materials that incorporate certain amounts of tobacco pulp materials that have been extracted with water, and that do not reapply some or all of the water-soluble extract components back to the paste can often comprise up to 55 percent, frequently up to 50 percent, and often up to 45 percent, aerosol-forming material in the material so produced. A material produced by spraying tobacco strip or cut filler with aerosol-forming material often comprises no more than 20 percent, and frequently does not comprise more than 15 percent, aerosol-forming material, based on the amount of aerosol-forming material. combined dry weight of tobacco and aerosol forming material.

Materials having relatively high loading levels of aerosol-forming material can be dried (eg, by subjecting them to a flow of hot air) to a moisture content of about 4 to 5 percent by weight; The dried material can then be treated to form the components of the designed configuration; and then those components can be rebalanced to a moisture content of about 12 to 13 percent by weight.

ES 2 385 678 T3

Other types of materials incorporating relatively high levels of aerosol forming material can be incorporated into the aerosol generation segment. Formed, encapsulated or micro encapsulated materials can be employed. Such types of materials primarily include, in some embodiments, aerosol forming material, and those materials may incorporate some amount and form of tobacco. An example of one such type of material is a film produced by casting and drying an aqueous solution of about 65 to 70 parts by weight of glycerin, and about 25 to 30 parts by weight of binder (e.g. lemon pectin, alginate ammonium, sodium alginate, or guar gum), and about 5 parts by weight flavoring agent (eg, vanilla, coffee, tea, cocoa, and / or fruit flavored concentrates); and then surface coating that film with about 2 to 10 parts by weight of a finely divided powder that is produced by milling tobacco sheet.

The amount of aerosol forming material that is used within the aerosol generation segment is such that the cigarette exhibits acceptable sensory and organoleptic properties, and desirable performance characteristics. For example, sufficient aerosol-forming material, such as glycerin, may be employed in order to provide the generation of a visible mainstream aerosol that in many respects resembles tobacco smoke. It is desirable that those components do not introduce a significant degree of tastelessness, vaporous mouthfeel, or an overall sensory experience that is significantly different from that of a traditional type of cigarette that generates mainstream smoke by combustion of cut tobacco filler. The selection of components, the amounts of those components, and the types of tobacco material used can be altered in order to control the overall chemical composition of the mainstream aerosol produced by the cigarette.

Other types of flavoring agents may be used, or materials that alter the sensory or organoleptic character or the nature of the mainstream cigarette aerosol. Such flavoring agents can be provided by sources other than tobacco, can be artificial or natural in nature, and can be used as concentrates or flavor packets. Of particular interest are flavoring agents that are applied to, or incorporated into, the substrate material of the aerosol generation segment. Exemplary flavoring agents include vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cream, tea, coffee, fruit (for example, apple, grape, strawberry, peach, and lemon flavors, including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, peppermint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, walnut, clove, lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, husk, cocoa, licorice; and flavorings and flavor packs of the type and character traditionally used to flavor cigarettes and pipe tobaccos. Syrups, such as high fructose cereal syrup, can also be used. Flavoring agents can also include acidic or basic characteristics (eg, organic acids, such as levulinic acid). In some embodiments, such flavoring agents constitute less than about 10 percent, and often less than about 5 percent, of the total weight of the aerosol generation segment, on a dry weight basis.

Wrapping materials can vary. Exemplary types of wrapping materials for the heat generation segment are set forth in US Pat. Nos. 4,938,238, to Barnes et al. and 5,105,837, Barnes et al. Wrapping materials, such as those set forth in Publication Pat. US No. 2005/0005947, by Hampl, Jr. et al. and in PCT Application Pub No. WO 2005/039326, by Rasouli et al., Can be used as inner wrap materials of a so-called "double wrap" configuration of a heat generating segment. Wrapping materials (for example, particularly for the aerosol generation segment, to bond the aerosol generation segment to the heat source segment, or to provide an outer wrapping material) may be in the form of sheet / metal laminates, laminates of paper and metal mesh, or laminates of paper and metal screen. An appropriate type of heat conductive wrapping material for the aerosol generation segment is set forth in US Pat. No. 5,551,451, to Riggs et al. Other suitable wrapping materials are set forth in US Pat. US Nos. 5,065,776, Lawson et al. and 6,367,481 to Nichols et al. Alternatively, the wrapping material may be a three-layer paper laminate, or a three-layer paper / leaf / tobacco laminate. Wrapping materials, such as foil and paper laminates, and used papers as the outer surrounding wrap of the heat generating segment, have been incorporated into the types of cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. If desired, outer wrapping materials of the aerosol generation segment (e.g., the wrapping materials surrounding the aerosol generation regions as well as adjacent ones) can optionally be treated with heat-sensitive materials (e.g., inks sensitive to heat) to provide color change when the cigarette is being used, in order that the smoker can visually identify the regions of the cigarette that are experiencing temperature increase with respect to ambient temperature. Such laminates can also be used for the outermost overwrap layer that extends to the ignition layer. A layer of wire mesh in the laminate can assist in folding the end of the envelope over the firing end and retain the envelope in a collapsed or cigarette content containment position. A tobacco layer can aid in the ignitability and / or flavoring of the over-wrap laminate. Having an outer layer of paper in the overwrap laminate can provide a more conventional appearance of the cigarette.

A wrapping material for a component such as the smokable segment of the lighting end is a paper material, such as the type of paper material used in cigarette making. The selection of a particular wrapping material will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of design and manufacture.

ES 2 385 678 T3 of cigarettes. Smokable segments of the firing end may include a layer of wrapping material; or those segments may have more than one layer of surrounding wrapping material, such as is the case for so-called "double wrap" smokable bars. The wrapping material can be made of materials, or appropriately treated, so that the wrapping material does not experience visible staining or soiling as a result of contact with various components contained within the cigarette. Types of wrapping materials, components of wrapping materials, and treated wrapping materials are described in US Pat. US Nos. 5,105,838 to White et al .; 5,271,419, Arzonico et al .; 5,220,930 to Gentry and 6,874,508 to Shafer et al; PCT Application Pub. No. WO 01/08514, by Fournier et al .; PCT Application Pub. No. WO 03/043450, by Hajaligol et al; US Patent Application Pub. No. 2003/0114298, by Woodhead et al .; and US Patent Application Pub. Nos. 2004/0134631, by Crooks et al .; 2005/0005947, from Hampl, Jr. et al .; 2005/0016556, from Ashcraft et al .; and 2005/0076929, by Fitzgerald et al .; and Pub. PCT Application No. WO 2005/039326, by Rasouli et al. Representative wrapping materials are commercially available as RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company Grades 119, 170, 419, 453, 454, 456, 465, 466, 490, 525, 535, 557, 652, 664, 672, 676, and 680 from Schweitzer-Mauduit International. Colored wrapping materials (eg brown colored papers) can be used. Reconstituted tobacco materials can be used, particularly as inner wrapping materials (for example, in regions that are wrapped with at least one more layer of wrapping material), and representative reconstituted tobacco materials useful as wrapping materials for smokable sticks can be used. set forth in Pat. US No. 5,074,321, to Gentry et al .; 5,159,944, Arzonico et al .; 5,262,425 to Raker; 5,462,073 to Bowen; and 5,699,812 to Bowen. The inner wrapping material may also be a cast sheet type of reconstituted tobacco material, including such a material that incorporates a relatively high level of aerosol-forming material.

The cigarette paper can be modified to provide visual clues as to whether the fuel element is on or off. Both reversible and irreversible thermochromic inks containing a eucotic, which are commercially available from Sun Chemical, can be applied to the overwrap and / or other wrapping materials to provide visual cues to either turn on or finish the Eclipse product. The ink can be applied onto the overwrap at appropriate locations determined based on the design of the cigarette, such as a region surrounding the heat generating segment or downstream of the heat generating segment in the aerosol generating segment. . For example, a ring can be located at an appropriate location downstream of the heat generation segment. When such modified papers are printed with ink that changes color when a temperature transition point is achieved, the printed lines or logo will appear or disappear. For example, a paper printed with a reversible ink in the region of the heat generating segment that undergoes a reversible color change at 100^orC, it will change color when the heat source is turned on, and reverse the color after the heat source is extinguished.

Mouth end piece may vary. Preferred mouth end pieces are in the form of filter elements. The filter elements can be of a single-segment or multi-segment design. Representative filter element components, designs, and assemblies are described in Browne, The Design of Cigarettes, 3^to Ed. (1990); Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) 1999; Pat. US Nos. 2,881,770, Touey; 3,101,723, Seligman et al .; 3,217,715, to Berger et al .; 3,236,244 to Irby et al .; 3,347,247 to Lloyd; 3,370,595 to Davis et al .; 3,648,711, to Berger et al .; 3,957,563 to Sexstone; 3,972,335 to Tigglebeck et al .; 4,174,720 to Hall; 4,201,234 to Neukomm; 4,223,597 to Lebert; 4,508525 to Berger; 4,807,809, to Pryor et al .; 4,903,714 to Barnes et al .; 4,920,990 to Lawrence et al .; 5,012,829 to Thesing et al .; 5,025,814 to Raker; 5,074,320 to Jones, Jr. et al .; 5,076,295 to Saintsing et al .; 5,101,839 to Jakob et al .; 5,105,834, Saintsing et al .; 5,105,838 to White et al .; 5,137,034, to Perfetti et al .; 5,271,419, Arzonico et al .; 5,360,023, to Blakley et al .; 5,396,909 to Gentry et al .; 5,360,023, to Blakley et al .; 5,568,819 to Gentry et al .; 5,622,190 to Arterbery et al .; 5,718,250 to Banerjee et al .; 6,530,377, Lesser et al .; 6,537,186 to Veluz; 6,584,979, to Xue et al .; 6,595,218 to Koller et al .; 6,615,842 to Cermi et al .; and 6,631,722, to MacAdam et al .; 6,656,412, d Ercelebi et al .; 6,761,174, to Jupe et al .; 6,779,528, to Xue et al .; 6,789,547, to Paine III; 6,805,174 to Smith et al .; 6,814,786, Zhuang et al .; 6,848,450, Lilly, Jr. et al .; 6,907,885, to Xue et al .; 6,913,784, Xue et al .; and 7,004,896, Heitmann et al .; US Patent Application Pub. Nos. 2002/0014453, to Lilly, Jr. et al .; 2003/0154993, de Paine et al .; 2004/0107973 to Atweil; 2004/0194792, from Zhuang et al .; 2004/0226569, by Yang et al .; 2004/0237984, from Figlar et al .; 2005/0133051, de Luan et al .; 2005/0049128, from Buhl et al .; 2005/0066984, from Crooks et al .; 2005/0282693, by Garthaffner et al .; and 2006/0025292, by Hicks et al .; 2004/0261807, from Dube et al .; 2005/0066983, from Clark et al .; 2005/0133051, de Luan et al .; 2005/0133052, de Fournier et al .; and 2006/0021624, by Gonterman et al .; Solic. by Pat. Europe 579410, White; PCT WO 02/37990, to Bereman; and Sol. de Pat. US Serial No. 11 / 226,932, filed September 14, 2005, to Coleman et al. Representative filter materials can be made from raw materials (for example, cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow) or gathered web materials (for example, gathered paper webs, reconstituted tobacco, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, or polyester) . Certain filter elements can have relatively high filtration efficiencies for selected gas phase components of the mainstream aerosol. Certain filter elements can have relatively low filtration efficiencies for volatilized aerosol forming material. Mouth end piece assemblies have been incorporated into the types of cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse", by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.

The filter element can be of a single-stage or multi-stage component design. For example, a

ES 2 385 678 T3 two-stage filter element may have an upstream segment that is generally tubular in section, composed of plasticized cellulose acetate, and a downstream segment that may have a generally cylindrical shape and is composed of of plasticized cellulose acetate tow. For example, for a cigarette of the type previously indicated with reference to Figure 13, a representative tobacco containment segment may have a length of about 30mm, a tubular filter section may have a length of about 10mm, and a section Mouth end filter may be composed of 10 denier per filament / 35,000 denier total of cellulose acetate tow platified using triacetin.

The plug wrap used to construct the mouth end piece can vary. Plug wrap papers are available from Schweitzer-Mauduit International as Porowrap Plug Wrap 17-M1, 33-M1, 45-M1, 65M9, 95-M9, 150-M4, 260-M4 and 260-M4T; and Olsany Facility (OP Paprina) of the Czech Republic (Trierenberg Holding) as Ref. No. 646. Appropriate plug wrap materials have been incorporated into the types of cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.

The mouthpiece forming material used to construct the mouth end piece and bond the mouth end piece to the remainder of the smoking article can vary. Typical nozzle-forming materials are papers that exhibit relatively large opacities. Representative nozzle-forming materials have TAPPI capacities greater than 85 percent, and often greater than 90 percent. Typical nozzle-forming materials are also treated with so-called "lip release" agents, such as nitrocellulose. Representative nozzle-forming papers and overwrap materials that are useful in accordance with this invention typically have basis weights of about 25 g / m² at about 60 g / m², often about 30 g / m² at about 40 g / m². Representative nozzle forming papers are available as Tervakoski No. 3124, TK 652, A362, and A360. Suitable mouthpiece forming materials have been incorporated into the types of cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Other exemplary cigarette components (eg, adhesives), component designs and design configurations, and representative cigarette formats have been incorporated into the types of cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. , and are also set forth in the Application for Pat. US No. 11 / 194,215, filed August 1, 2005, by Cantrell et al.

For cigarettes of the present invention that are air-thinned or vented, the amount or degree of air-thinning for an air-thinned cigarette is greater than 10 percent, generally greater than 20 percent, often greater than 30 percent and sometimes more than 40 percent. In some embodiments, the air dilution top level for an air-diluted cigarette is less than 80 percent, and is often less than 70 percent. As used herein, the term "air dilution" is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the volume of air drawn through the air dilution means to the total volume of air and aerosol drawn through the cigarette and that it comes out of the mouth end of the cigarette. Higher levels of dilution in air can act to reduce the transfer efficiency of aerosol forming material to the main stream aerosol.

In some embodiments, the cigarettes of the present invention exhibit desirable resistance to draw. For example, an exemplary cigarette exhibits a pressure drop of between about 50 and about 200 mm water pressure drop at an air flow of 17.5 cc / sec. Preferred cigarettes have pressure drop values ​​of between about 60mm and about 180mm and, in some embodiments, between about 70mm to about 150mm of water pressure drop at 17.5 cc / air flow. sec. Cigarette pressure drop values ​​are measured using a Filtrona Cigarette Test Station (CTS Series) available from Filtrona Instruments and Automation Ltd.

The preferred cigarette embodiments of the present invention, when smoked, produce an acceptable number of puffs. Such cigarettes typically provide more than about 6 puffs, and generally more than 8 puffs per cigarette, when the machine smoked under FTC smoking conditions. Such cigarettes typically provide less than about 15 puffs, and generally less than about 12 puffs, per cigarette, when smoked under FTC smoking conditions. FTC smoking conditions consist of 35ml puffs lasting 2 seconds separated by 58 seconds when turned on.

The cigarettes of the present invention, when smoked, produce mainstream aerosol. The amount of mainstream aerosol that is produced per cigarette can vary. When smoked under FTC smoking conditions, a cigarette, according to one embodiment, produces an amount of FTC "tar" that is typically at least 1 mg, often is at least about 3 mg, and frequently is at least about 3 mg. minus about 5 mg. When smoked under FTC smoking conditions, an exemplary cigarette produces an amount of FTC "tar" that does not normally exceed about 20 mg, often does not exceed about 15 mg, and frequently does not exceed about 12 mg.

A preferred cigarette exhibits an FTC "tar" to FTC nicotine production ratio of less than about 30, and often less than about 25. A preferred cigarette exhibits a FTC "tar" to nicotine production ratio of more than about 5. A cigarette (for example, a

ES 2 385 678 T3 cigarette that includes a carbonaceous fuel element devoid of a longitudinally extending air passage, located centrally or internally) exhibits a production ratio of carbon monoxide FTC to "tar" FTC less than about 1, often less than about 0.8 and frequently less than about 0.6. Techniques for determining FTC "tar" and FTC nicotine are set forth in Pillsbury et al., J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem., 52, 458-462 (1969). Techniques for determining FTC carbon monoxide are set forth in Horton et al., J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem. 57, 1-7 (1974).

The aerosols that are produced by cigarettes of the present invention are those that comprise air-containing components, such as vapors, gases, suspended particles, and the like. The aerosol components can be generated from the combustion of tobacco in some way (and optionally other components are burned to generate heat); by thermal decomposition of tobacco caused by heating tobacco and charring tobacco (or otherwise causing the tobacco to undergo some form of combustion); and vaporizing aerosol-forming agent. As such, the aerosol can contain volatilized components, combustion products (eg, carbon dioxide and water), incomplete combustion products, and pyrolysis products. Aerosol components can also be generated by the action of heat from burning tobacco in some form (and optionally other components that are burned to generate heat), on substances that are in a heat exchange relationship with material of tobacco that is burned and other components that are burned. The aerosol components can also be generated by the aerosol generation system as a consequence of the action of the heat generation segment on an aerosol generation segment. In some embodiments, the components of the aerosol generation segment have an overall composition, and are located within the smoking article, such that those components tend not to undergo a significant degree of thermal decomposition (for example as a result of combustion, burning or pyrolysis) during conditions of normal use.

The smoking articles of the present invention can be packaged for distribution, sale and use. The cigarettes may be packaged in the manner used for cigarettes marketed under the trade names "Premier" and "Eclipse" by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. Cigarettes can also be packaged in the manner used for cigarettes marketed under the trade name Camel Blackjack Gin by RJ Reynolds Tabacco Company. Cigarettes marketed under the trade name Salem Dark Currents Silver Label by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company can also be packaged. See also the types of packaging set forth in US Pat. Nos. 4,715,497 to Focke et al .; 4,294,353, Focke et al .; 4,534,463 to Bouchard; 4,852,734, Allen et al .; 5,139,140 to Burrows et al .; and 5,938,018, to Keaveny et al .; Memory of Pat. UK 1,042,000; Sol. Of Pat. German DE 10238906, by Marx; and Solic. by Pat. US 2004/0217023, by Fagg et al .; 2004/0256253, from Henson et al. and 2005/0150786, by Mitten et al.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, other features may be included without departing from the scope of the invention.