| (19) |
 |
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(11) |
EP 1 781 124 B1 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
| (45) |
Mention of the grant of the patent: |
|
01.07.2009 Bulletin 2009/27 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 27.07.2005 |
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| (51) |
International Patent Classification (IPC):
|
| (86) |
International application number: |
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PCT/US2005/026557 |
| (87) |
International publication number: |
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WO 2006/014995 (09.02.2006 Gazette 2006/06) |
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| (54) |
MODIFIED RECONSTITUTED TOBACCO SHEET
MODIFIZIERTES REKONSTITUIERTES TABAKBLATT
FEUILLE DE TABAC RECONSTITUEE, MODIFIEE
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE
SI SK TR |
|
Designated Extension States: |
|
AL BA HR MK YU |
| (30) |
Priority: |
30.07.2004 US 909040
|
| (43) |
Date of publication of application: |
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09.05.2007 Bulletin 2007/19 |
| (73) |
Proprietor: Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc. |
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Wilmington, DE 19803 (US) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
|
- WANNA, Joseph, T.
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 (US)
- HICKS, Douglas, R.
Privadas Suchiate No. 893-1
Neuvo Leon 66256 (MX)
- MONSALUD, JR., Luis
Kernersville, NC 27284 (US)
- MUA, John-Paul
Advance, North Carolina 27006 (US)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Read, Matthew Charles et al |
|
Venner Shipley LLP 20 Little Britain
London EC1A 7DH 20 Little Britain
London EC1A 7DH (GB) |
| (56) |
References cited: :
WO-A-20/05096850 US-A- 2 769 734 US-A- 3 464 422 US-A- 4 497 331 US-A- 5 598 868
|
GB-A- 973 681 US-A- 3 411 515 US-A- 4 270 552 US-A- 5 327 917 US-A- 5 765 570
|
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| |
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| |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a process for making a reconstituted tobacco sheet
and more particularly to a process for making a reconstituted tobacco sheet including
a flavoring compound contained in a gel matrix within the reconstituted tobacco sheet
and even more particularly to a paper process for making a reconstituted tobacco sheet
including an alginate based compound.
[0002] In the manufacturing of smoking articles and particularly cigarettes, it is common
to use in the tobacco blend a percentage of strips of reconstituted tobacco. The reconstituted
tobacco is generally prepared from tobacco fines, veins, stems and other waste tobacco
products which are further processed and formed into sheets, cut into strips and blended
in with fresh cut tobacco. The amount of reconstituted tobacco used in a tobacco blend
for a smoking article varies, but is generally less than 20%. Usually, reconstituted
tobacco sheets made via the paper process are absent of additional binders, such as
alginate, guar, xanthan, acacia, pectin, other gums, and modified cellulose compounds.
[0003] Additionally, there has been great concern for the reduction of the ignition propensity
of smoking articles as there have been a substantial number of fires which have been
attributed to burning cigarettes coming into contact with combustible or flammable
materials. Therefore, there is a considerable effort being expended in the industry
to provide smoking articles whichprovide a low ignition propensity smoking article.
Many of these proposals include a modification of the wrapper for the smoking article.
Particularly, coatings or additives have been made to wrappers for the smoking articles
to reduce the porosity or to change the chemical properties of the wrapper.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel formulation for a reconstituted
tobacco sheet and the process for making same.
[0005] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a smoking article, including
a novel reconstituted tobacco sheet in one layer of a wrapper for the smoking article.
[0006] The present invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims
are directed to various embodiments on the invention.
[0007] An embodiment of the invention described hereinafter provides a reconstituted tobacco
sheet which includes up to about 80% by weight of tobacco; up to about 80% by weight
of wood pulp, preferably up to about 60% by weight of wood pulp; up to about 30% by
weight of a binder (e.g. alginate, guar, xanthan, acacia, pectin, other gums, and
modified cellulose compounds), preferably up to about 20% by weight of a binder; and
up to about 30% by weight of flavouring compounds, preferably about 3% to about 5%
by weight of flavouring compounds.
[0008] Processes for making a reconstituted tobacco sheet are known in the art. Embodiments
of the present invention provides a process for making a reconstituted tobacco sheet
having a binder applied to the sheet to decrease sheet porosity, thereby lowering
ignition propensity and cigarette burn rate. The binder may be alginate, guar, xanthum,
acacia, pectin, other gums, and modified cellulose compounds. The resulting tobacco
sheet with the applied binder is cut into lengths of preselected widths for use in
a smoking article. In one embodiment, the strips are positioned longitudinally of
the tobacco rod between the tobacco rod and an outer cigarette or smoking article
wrapper.
[0009] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description
including examples of the preparation of the reconstituted tobacco sheet of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when
the detailed description of the preferred embodiments is taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is perspective view of a partial cigarette of the present invention using
the reconstituted tobacco sheet of the instant invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an unrolled cigarette wrapper including the reconstituted
tobacco sheet of the instant invention;
Figure 3 is an end view of the cigarette of Fig. 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cigarette paper of an alternative embodiment
of the instant invention including the reconstituted tobacco sheet;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cigarette paper of an alternative embodiment
of the instant invention including the reconstituted tobacco sheet;
Figure 6 is an end view of Fig. 5; and,
Figure 7 is a partial cut away view of a cigarette with the cigarette paper of an
alternative embodiment of the instant invention including the reconstituted tobacco
sheet.
Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the modified paper reconstituted process for making
split inner wrap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] A cigarette with burn rate modification is shown in Figure 1 and may be described
as a partial double wrap cigarette 10. As seen therein, the partial double wrap cigarette
10 of the present invention incorporates a standard column of tobacco 13 which extends
from an exposed end to the filter 15. Circumscribing the tobacco column 13 is the
outer wrap of the cigarette paper 12. Interior of the outer wrap cigarette paper 12
is a separate partial inner wrap layer or strip 14a and 14b. The separate partial
inner wrap layer 14a and 14b acts as a burn rate modifier for the tobacco column 13
by altering the burn characteristics ofthe cigarette 10. As can be seen from the embodiment
shown in Figure 1, the inner wrap layer strips may be co-axial to the tobacco column
13 and may extend substantially the length of the tobacco column from the exposed
end to the filter 15. By insertion of the separate partial inner wrap layer 14a and
14b which in this embodiment extends co-axial to the tobacco column 13, modification
may be made to the burn rate of the cigarette in such a manner that the burn rate
may be adjusted depending upon the packing density of the tobacco, porosity of the
outer wrap paper 12 and additives to the outer wrap, width of the separate partial
inner wrap layer 14a and 14b, porosity of the inner wrap layers 14a and 14b, and additives
to the inner wrap strips. Alternatively, the inner wrap layer may be shortened to
not extend the full length of the tobacco column 13 or may extend in varying directions.
Thus, many alterations to the burn rate of the partial double wrap cigarette 10 of
the present invention may be established based upon the combination of factors noted
herein, among others.
[0012] As depicted in Figure 1, the partial double wrap cigarette 10 of the present invention
which has a modified burn rate characteristic incorporates an outer wrap paper 12
with a first and a second separate partial inner wrap strip 14a and 14b. The outer
wrap cigarette paper 12 maybe a normal porosity paper which typically exhibit a porosity
of 15-80 CORESTA units. In combination with the outer wrap cigarette paper 12 is positioned
at least one partial inner wrap layer which can modify the burn rate characteristics
of the cigarette 10. As shown, a first and a second partial inner wrap layer 14a and
14b are provided on opposite sides of the tobacco column 13. In order to provide substantially
equivalent burn rate characteristics along the entirety of the tobacco column 13,
the partial inner wrap strips 14a and 14b may substantially extend and be co-axial
with the tobacco column 13 to the filter 15.
[0013] As depicted in the embodiment of Figure 4, the partial inner wrap layers 14a and
14b extend from end to end of the tobacco column 13 and may be positioned such that
they are either equal distant from each other or may be placed in alternative positions
based upon the desired burn rate characteristics.
[0014] Turning to Figure 3, it is apparent that the partial double wrap cigarette 10 of
the present invention has alternating high diffusion areas 21 and low diffusion areas
22 based upon the placement of the inner wrap layers or strips 14a and 14b. As can
be seen, the high diffusion areas 21 of which there is at least one, allow for increased
permeation of CO and oxygen gases through the barrier formed by the outer wrap 12
while maintaining normal deliveries. In combination, low diffusion areas 22 which
are defined by the circumferential extent of each of the partial inner wrap layers
14a and 14b may potentially block a significant portion or all of the inflow and outflow
of gases therethrough related directly to the porosity of the inner wrap layer 14a
and 14b in combination with the outer wrap layer 12. The co-linear zones of high diffusion
area 21 and low diffusion area 22 may exhibit a porosity of greater than 14 CORESTA
for the co-linear high diffusion areas and less than 8 CORESTA for the co-linear low
diffusion areas.
[0015] As shown in the drawings, the construction of the cigarette with burn rate modification
is a partial double wrap cigarette 10 depicted herein and utilizes a standard outer
wrap cigarette paper 12 which, in a typical cigarette, is 27mm wide. Placed along
the interior of the outer wrap, as shown in Figure 2 and in Figure 4 in an alternative
embodiment, is located the separate partial inner wrap layer 14a and 14b which may
substantially extend along the length of the outer wrap 12. While the outer wrap of
the cigarette paper may be standard porosity and construction, the partial inner wrap
of this embodiment has a first and a second strip 14a and 14b each of which may be
4mm in width and which may have a porosity of less than 8 CORESTA units. Therefore,
combined, the two inner wrap layers or strips 14a and 14b may circumscribe about 8mm
of the circumference of the partial double wrap cigarette 10 of the present invention
but may extend around a circumference of up to 15 mm of the tobacco column in relation
to a standard cigarette dimension. Any combination of the partial inner wrap and outer
wrap may work depending on the variables noted, such as porosity of each paper, but
it is felt that good burn rate characteristics as well as limited effects to smoke
characteristics and flavor may be achieved by incorporating an inner wrap which covers
less than about 75% or preferably less than about 60% and even more preferably less
than about 35% of the circumference of the outer wrap. This is a function of the overall
cigarette and may vary depending on the circumference of the outer wrap. However,
variations are available to achieve the same favorable results utilizing the inventive
aspects of the present design and such descriptions are not felt to be limiting and
are exemplary only.
[0016] Alternatively, many different constructions may be utilized to provide the cigarette
with burn rate modification as set forth herein. As may be understood, a single inner
wrap layer or a plurality of inner wrap layers may be provided based upon the desired
characteristics and burn rate modification. Thus, as previously mentioned, combinations
of low porosity inner wrap segments and higher porosity outer wrap segments may be
utilized to provide various linear burn rates which may be desirable. Thus, a typical
linear burn rate of 6.0mm per minute may be reduced as desired based upon a combination
of porosity of outer wrap and partial inner wrap strips among other factors and may
readily be reduced to below 4 mm/minute if needed. This includes formulation of single
inner wrap strips of lower porosity or replacement of the inner wrap strips with various
construction material including reconstituted tobacco, low porosity paper, reconstituted
tobacco, a polymer based material, other paper or material. The inner wrap strips
are coated with binders, such as alginates (e.g., sodium alginate), guar, xanthum,
acacia, pectin, other gums, modified cellulose compounds or hydrocolloid-based compounds,
which act as burn modifiers or inhibitors and which create at least one low diffusion
area along the tobacco column. The binders decrease the porosity of the coated reconstituted
tobacco sheet, which are used as inner strips, and provide adequate characteristics
such that the entire combination of outer wrap porosity, tobacco packing density,
inner strip burning characteristics, inner strip porosity, and other factors cause
the cigarette to exhibit a desired burn rate.
[0017] As shown in Figures 4-7, various embodiments may be utilized in order to create the
low porosity zone. As depicted in Figure 4, the opened standard outer wrap 12 is lined
with a plurality of inner wrap or inner layer strips 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d. These
strips may be placed equidistantly apart along the interior of the outer wrap 12 and
positioned away from the edges or seam where the outer wrap is adhered to itself during
rolling within the garniture of the cigarette maker. As depicted, the strips 16a-16d
may all be fed into the garniture and incorporated on the interior of the outer wrap
adjacent the tobacco column. Placement of the partial inner wrap strips coated witch
an alginate based compound modifies the burn rate to a desired level such that the
rate may be decreased sufficiently to cause either a significantly reduced static
burn rate or self-extinguishment at a desired interval.
[0018] As shown in Figure 5, an inner layer with non-linear sides 17 as compared to the
edges of the outer wrap 12 may be utilized as the partial inner wrap in order to create
the low porosity zone. As shown therein, the inner wrap layer 17 may have be a wave
form so that the placement of the low porosity zone changes in position along the
tobacco column axis. Such non-linear placement of the low porosity zone may allow
for different positioning of the cigarette during static burn and insure that the
desired static burn rate takes effect regardless of the position of the cigarette.
[0019] Depicted in Figure 6 is another embodiment of the cigarette with burn rate modification
of the present invention. As seen therein, a high diffusion area 21 and low diffusion
area 22 is defined by addition of a partial double wrap inner wrap layer 18 which
circumscribes a portion of the tobacco column 13 on the interior of outer wrap 12.
The partial inner wrap layer 18, as depicted in the Figure 6, extends approximately
half way around the perimeter of the tobacco column 13. However, many different configurations
may be utilized in order to achieve the appropriate linear burn rate through the burn
rate modification set forth. The partial double wrap inner wrap layer 18 may be comprised
of standard cigarette paper which has a low porosity ofless than 7 CORESTA units or
cigarette paper coated with burn rate modifiers, or may be alternative construction
such as a reconstituted tobacco sheet with or without additives and which typically
has a low CORESTA unit value, typically less than 5 and more preferably less than
3. A secondary benefit of utilizing reconstituted or reconstituted tobacco sheets
as the partial double wrap inner wrap layer 18 is that the coloring of the inner wrap
may be such that it is similar to the tobacco column 13 and does not provide a contrasting
whitened area which extends along the low diffusion area 22. Additionally, a polymer
film or other material may be used as the partial double wrap inner wrap layer 18.
It may be preferable for the partial double wrap inner layer displayed in Figure 6
to be 2-14 mm in width or alternatively, less than 75% ofthe circumference ofthe outer
wrap in order to obtain the appropriate burn rate modification desired wherein the
linear burn rate is sustained at a low enough level, preferably below 4.0 mm per minute.
[0020] As depicted in Figure 7, an alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein a plurality
ofinner wrap strips 19 are utilized substantially surrounding the tobacco column 13
on the interior of the outer wrap 12. The plurality of inner wrap strips 19 may be
fed into the garniture adjacent the outer wrap 12 and encircling the tobacco column
13 as it is formed within the cigarette maker. The plurality of strips 19 may be comprised
of a low porosity cigarette paper individually fed into the cigarette maker or by
a single or multiple strips fed into the cigarette maker adjacent to the garniture
and cut to the appropriate strip widths. As depicted in Figure 7, a plurality of inner
wrap strips 19 are utilized and extend co-axially substantially along the length of
the tobacco column 13. Preferably, the plurality of strips 19 extends along the entire
tobacco column length such as to modify the burn rate along the entire tobacco column
regardless of cigarette positioning. It is felt that by providing a plurality of strips
19 as depicted in Figure 7, a more even modification of the burn rate of the cigarette
may be produced.
[0021] As may be appreciated, extending the inner wrap layer substantially along the length
ofthe tobacco column 13 such that they are co-axial provides a significant benefit
over alternating rings which are perpendicular to the axis of the tobacco column 13.
Such perpendicular rings which alternate along the length of the tobacco column may
provide a non-linear burn rate of the tobacco column 13. Thus, in such a design where
there are circumscribing rings around the tobacco column, the linear burn rate becomes
variable between a low linear burn rate to a high linear burn rate depending upon
the porosity of the paper at the point of the rings as opposed to the porosity of
the non-adjusted paper between the rings. Such non-linear burn rate may in fact be
undesirable in that continued free burning ofthe tobacco column between the rings
for significant periods of time does not produce an appropriate burn rate modification
which can be depended upon through the entire tobacco column length. Further, at points
where the low porosity rings are present, a smoker may puff on the cigarette as the
burning of the tobacco column passes over a low porosity ring. At such a point, it
is thought that the deliveries of the cigarette may be altered significantly to increase
the CO and other compounds provided as the cigarette burns over one of these rings.
Thus, the partial double wrap inner layer of the present invention overcomes these
problems by providing known standard deliveries over the entire length of the tobacco
column while also modifying the burn rate along the entire co-axial length.
[0022] In the design of the cigarette with the burn rate modification 10 of the present
invention, it may be desirable to incorporate the inner wrap layers, whether a plurality
of strips or a single layer, away from the seam of the outer wrap 12. As is known
in cigarette manufacturing, the seam 23, depicted in Figure 1, is formed by the maker
by over-wrapping the side edges 24 of the outer wrap 12. In typical cigarette manufacturing,
an adhesive is applied along one of the edges 24 prior to folding of the outer wrap
and formation of the tobacco column 13. During manufacturing of the cigarette with
burn rate modification 10 of the present invention, it is desirable to maintain the
partial inner wrap layer away from the seam portion to assure that the outer wrap
12 is properly formed and the partial inner wrap layer does not intercede in the formation
of the tobacco column or adhesive of the outer wrap layer. Thus, as depicted in the
embodiments, the partial inner wrap layers are shown to be placed away from the side
edges 24 so that the inner wrap portions will not interfere with the seam of the outer
wrap 12 nor interfere with the formation of the tobacco column within the garniture
in a typical cigarette manufacturing machine. Thus, the cigarette with burn rate modification
of the present invention may be implemented on standard cigarette making machines
with only minor modifications made to the paper feeding devices and no modifications
therefore will necessarily be required within the garniture. It is also apparent that
in any of the embodiments shown herein the strips may be alternatively placed on the
exterior of the cigarette and retained on the wrapper by adhesives or other means
so that there are still formed co-linear zones of high and low porosity.
[0023] The cigarette with burn rate modification of the present invention may be designed
with variations in outer wrap and inner wrap paper characteristics. As previously
explained, standard outer wrap designs are such that the typical outer wrap has a
linear laid out width of 27mm and generally a porosity of between 15 and 80 CORESTA
units. As is generally understood, significantly decreasing the outer wrap porosity
changes the deliveries and linear burn rate of the cigarette. Modification of the
standard burn rate for a normal or typical cigarette may be obtained through addition
of a partial inner wrap to the cigarette. The partial inner wrap may be a single inner
wrap portion or may be a plurality of inner wrap strips as shown in the various figures.
The partial inner wrap may have paper characteristics with a significantly reduced
porosity such that the inner wrap paper exhibits a porosity of less than 8 CORESTA
units If a single inner wrap strip is utilized, the inner wrap layer may have a width
of between 2-15 mm The porosity of the inner wrap layer may be adjusted from any where
to 0 to 8 CORESTA units.
EXAMPLES
[0024] A more comprehensive understanding of the invention can be obtained by considering
the following examples. However, it should be understood that the examples are not
intended to be unduly limitative of the invention.
Example 1
[0025] Several product examples were made using the construction of a partial strip wrap
or partial inner wrap cigarette using the inventive techniques and construction described
herein. In the examples, a control cigarette was used having no partial inner wrap
strips which exhibited a linear burn rate of between 4.3-4.7 mm/min. Different materials
were utilized, as detailed in the chart below, for the partial inner wrap strips ranging
from standard treated paper to band cast tobacco material.
[0026] Examples of cigarettes with two band cast inner wrap strips having a porosity of
band cast material less than 5 CORESTA units:
| |
Outer Wrapper Porosity |
Outer Wrap Citrate |
Inner Strips |
Inner Strip Width |
Linear Bum Rate (LBR) |
Self Extinguishment On 10 layers |
| Cig. |
CORESTA |
% |
Number |
mm |
mm/min |
% |
| 1 |
50 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
4.3 |
0 |
| 2 |
50 |
0.5 |
2 |
4 |
3.1 |
100 |
| 3 |
50 |
0.5 |
2 |
5 |
2.6 |
100 |
| 4 |
50 |
0.5 |
2 |
6 |
2.7 |
100 |
| 5 |
40 |
0.7 |
0 |
0 |
4.7 |
0 |
| 6 |
40 |
0.7 |
2 |
3 |
3.8 |
48 |
| 7 |
30 |
0.6 |
0 |
0 |
4.3 |
0 |
| 8 |
30 |
0.6 |
2 |
4 |
3.1 |
100 |
[0027] Examples of cigarettes with two cigarette paper strips treated or covered with sodium
alginate having a porosity of inner strip paper less than 5 CORESTA units:
| Cig. |
Outer Wrapper Porosity CORESTA |
Outer Wrap Citrate % |
Inner Strips Number |
Inner Strip Width mm |
Linear Bum Rate (LBR) mm/min |
Self Extinguishment On 10 layers % |
| 9 |
70 |
0.6 |
0 |
0 |
4.4 |
0 |
| 10 |
70 |
0.6 |
2 |
2 |
3.8 |
25 |
[0028] Examples of cigarettes detailing smoke deliveries of two samples with band cast strips:
| Cig |
Outer Wrapper Porosity CORESTA |
Outer Wrap Citrate % |
Inner Strip Number |
Inner Strip Width mm |
Linear Burn Rate (LBR) mm/min |
Self Extinguishmen t On 10 layers % |
tar mg/ cig |
Nicotine mg/ cig |
CO mg/ cig |
Puff Number |
| 11 |
70 |
0.6 |
2 |
4 |
3.9 |
90 |
15.5 |
1.4 |
12.2 |
10.3 |
| 12 |
50 |
0.5 |
2 |
4 |
3.8 |
90 |
14.5 |
0.9 |
14.6 |
7.3 |
[0029] In the examples presented, it is apparent that the addition of the partial inner
wrap to the cigarette had a definite impact on linear burn rate and self extinguishment
as compared to the control cigarette. The linear burn rate for the cigarettes using
the present invention was directly affected and evidenced a reduction in linear burn
rate by up to 40 percent. Where inner wrap strips were utilized having a width of
at least 4 mm, all test samples self extinguished. Narrower width strips had differing
results which could be modified by using alternative additives or increasing the number
of strips. References to the self extinguishment of the cigarette on 10 layers are
related to the NIST test for cigarette ignition propensity.
Smoking Article Including Strips of Reconstituted Tobacco
[0030] The separate partial inner wrap strips 14 may be strips of reconstituted tobacco
made in accordance with the specific formula and process for making same as discussed
hereinafter. The outer wrap cigarette paper 12 may be a normal porosity paper which
typically exhibits a porosity of 15-80 CORESTA units. As shown, two strips 14 of a
reconstituted tobacco sheet are provided on opposite sides of the tobacco column 13
to provide a partial inner wrap layer. The partial inner wrap layer including the
reconstituted tobacco strips 14 may extend substantially the length of and be co-axial
with the tobacco column 13. In one embodiment, the strips are placed equidistant from
each other such that the resulting cigarette burns evenly.
Preparation of a Reconstituted Tobacco Sheet Having Binder
[0031] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the modified reconstituted tobacco process for
making split inner wraps. In the preparation of a reconstituted tobacco sheet for
use in a cigarette, tobacco particles, such as tobacco fines, stems, scraps, cut lamina,
shredded stems, or combinations thereof are slurried in an aqueous solvent, such as
water, wherein the ratio is one part tobacco to 11-20 parts aqueous solvent. The solution
is extracted at about 160°F for about 30 minutes. The solution is then separated into
an extract with water soluble compounds and solid/fibrous portion via separation techniques
known in the art, such as centrifugation or filtration. The solid/fibrous portion
is refined and mixed with over 10% wood pulp, made from wood fibers that have been
refined to a pulp, and an optional second binder, such as alginate (e.g., sodium alginate),
guar, xanthum, acacia, pectin, other gums, modified cellulose compounds, and hydrocolloid
based compounds. This mixture of solid/fibrous tobacco, wood pulp, and optional second
binder is then made into a reconstituted tobacco sheet via a paper process known in
the art.
[0032] The extract, meanwhile, can optionally be treated with particular adsorbents to selectively
remove undesired constituents. The extract is then centrifuged and the adsorbent now
containing the constituents is discarded. The extract is then concentrated. A first
binder, such as alginate (e.g. sodium alginate), guar, xanthum, acacia, pectin, other
gums, modified cellulose compounds, and hydrocolloid-based compounds is added to the
extract. Also, a humectant, such as glycerin, can be added for sheet pliability and
is generally added before the binder and before any additional flavorant. A desired
flavoring can also be added to the extract.
[0033] The new extract mixture is then reapplied to the preformed reconstituted tobacco
sheet. Optionally, a third binder mix solution, such as alginate (e.g., sodium alginate),
guar, xanthum, acacia, pectin, other gums, modified cellulose compounds, and hydrocolloid-based
compounds, can be size pressed and/or sprayed onto the reconstituted tobacco sheet.
The reconstituted tobacco sheet can then be dried and slit into elongated strips of
a desired width and wound onto a bobbin. The elongated strips can be used as longitudinally
extending strips along the outer periphery of a tobacco rod and the inner surface
of an outer paper wrap.
[0034] In a preferred mix, the tobacco is up to about 80% by weight; the wood pulp is up
to about 80% by weight, preferably up to about 60% by weight; the binder is up to
about 30% by weight, preferably up to about 20% by weight; and, if a flavoring is
added, the flavoring will be up to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 3% to
about 5% by weight.
[0035] The following examples demonstrate the procedure that was followed in preparing the
reconstituted tobacco sheet having a binder for use in a smoking article.
Example 2
[0036] In the process of making a reconstituted tobacco sheet, 500 pounds of a combination
of tobacco and wood pulp (1:3 to 3:1 ratio) was extracted with 750 gallons of water
in a mixing vessel, at 140°C to 190°C for 3 0 to 45 minutes. Following extraction,
the mixture was separated into solids (fiber) and liquid (extract) streams via centrifugation,
filtration, or pressing.
[0037] The liquid extract was concentrated by vacuum evaporation and mixed thoroughly with
60 pounds of glycerin. In a separate vessel, an alginate solution was prepared by
thoroughly dispersing 40 pounds of sodium alginate in 135 gallons ofwater. The concentrated
extract with glycerin was then thoroughly mixed with the alginate solution. Optionally,
the liquid extract was gently agitated for 20 to 45 minutes with 75 pounds of a powdered
solid adsorbent, such as bentonite (diatomaceous earth), carbon, cyclodextrin, cellulose
acetate, or combinations thereof, to selectively remove nitrogen and other undesired
components. After agitation, the adsorbent was separated and discarded from the extract
via centrifugation. The extract was then concentrated and treated with glycerin and
alginate as described above.
[0038] Meanwhile, the solid stream was put through a refiner to fibrillate the fibers into
a tobacco-wood pulp. The pulp was then used to make base sheets over a Fourdriner
paper machine wire and dried. Any of the two concentrated extracts as prepared above
were then added back to the base sheets either via size pressing or spraying. The
finished sheet was finally dried and slit into strips and wound onto bobbins to be
used as split inner wraps.
Example 3
[0039] Sheets were prepared and slit as described in Example 2, except that the alginate
solution was added directly to the base sheet, instead of being mixed with the concentrated
extract. Also, 25 pounds of precipitated chalk or chitosan (inorganic or organic inert
fillers) were added to the refined pulp mixture before making base sheet over the
Fourdriner machine wire. Other inert fillers include liposan and combinations of chalk,
chitosan, and liposan.
[0040] It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific examples
shown, because the parameters set forth in the examples may be varied by appropriate
changes of the amounts of the constituents within the reconstituted tobacco sheet
mix used in the examples.
1. A process for making a reconstituted tobacco sheet having a binder, comprising the
steps of:
preparing a slurry containing a mixture of up to 80% by weight tobacco, and up to
30% by weight of said binder; and
coating a preformed reconstituted tobacco sheet, wherein said sheet contains up to
80% by weight wood pulp, with said slurry.
2. The process of claim 1, wherein said reconstituted sheet contains up to 60% by weight
of said wood pulp.
3. The process of claim 1, wherein said slurry contains up to 20% by weight of said binder.
4. The process of claim 1, including the addition of up to 30% by weight of a flavor
in said mixture.
5. The process of claim 4, wherein said mixture contains from 3% to 5% by weight of said
flavor.
6. The process of claim 1, said tobacco being firstly added to an aqueous solvent to
form said slurry, and said binder being added to said slurry secondly, each of said
tobacco and said binder being dispersed before adding to said preformed reconstituted
tobacco sheet.
7. The process of claim 1, said binder being selected from the group consisting of alginate,
guar, xanthan, acacia, pectin, other gums, modified cellulose compounds, and hydrocolloid
based compounds.
8. The process of claim 7, wherein said alginate is sodium alginate.
9. The process of claim 1, including the addition of a humectant.
10. The process of claim 9, said humectant being selected from the group consisting of
glycerin and propylene glycol.
11. The process of claim 10, said glycerin being up to 30% by weight of said mixture.
12. The process of claim 1, further comprising: cutting said sheet of reconstituted tobacco
into longitudinal strips; inserting a plurality of said longitudinal strips of said
reconstituted tobacco into a cigarette adjacent a column of tobacco.
13. The process of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
including in said slurry, a humectant, and a flavouring, said tobacco being dispersed
in an aquaeous solvent into said slurry, said binder being dispersed secondly into
said slurry, said humectant being up to 30% by weight and dispersed thirdly into said
slurry, and then up to 30% by weight of flavour being dispersed lastly into said slurry;
cutting sheet of reconstituted tobacco into longitudinal strips; and
inserting a plurality of said longitudinal strips of said reconstituted tobacco into
a cigarette adjacent a column of tobacco.
14. The process of claim 13, said binder being selected from the group consisting of alginate,
guar, xanthan, acacia, pectin, other gums, modified cellulose compounds, and hydrocolloid
based compounds.
15. The process of claim 14, wherein said alginate is sodium alginate
16. The process of claim 13, said humectant being selected from the group consisting of
glycerin and propylene glycol.
17. A cigarette comprising:
a tobacco column surrounded by an outer wrap paper; and,
a partial inner wrap material extending longitudinally of said tobacco column and
disposed between said outer wrap, said partial inner wrap being one or more strips
of a reconstituted tobacco sheet which is comprised of up to 80% by weight of wood
pulp, up to 30% by weight of a binder, and up to 80% by weight of tobacco, said partial
inner wrap being coated with a coating comprising up to 80% by weight tobacco and
up to 30% by weight of a binder.
18. The cigarette of claim 17, including up to 30% by weight of flavor in said inner wrap.
19. The cigarette of claim 18, wherein said flavor is from 3% to 5% by weight of said
inner wrap.
20. The cigarette of claim 17, including up to 30% by weight of a humectant in said inner
wrap.
21. The cigarette of claim 20, said humectant being selected from the group consisting
of glycerin and propylene glycol.
22. The cigarette of claim 17, said binder being selected from the group consisting of
alginate, guar, xanthan, acacia, pectin, other gums, modified cellulose compounds,
and hydrocolloid based compounds.
23. The cigarette of claim 22, said alginate being sodium alginate.
24. The cigarette of claim 17, wherein said wood pulp is up to 60% by weight of said reconstituted
tobacco sheet.
25. The cigarette of claim 17, wherein said binder is up to 20% by weight of said reconstituted
tobacco sheet.
26. A process for making a modified reconstituted tobacco sheet, comprising the steps
of:
preparing a slurry containing tobacco particles and an aqueous solvent;
extracting said slurry at about 160°F for about 30 minutes;
separating said slurry into an extract with water soluble compounds and solid portion;
mixing said solid portion with wood pulp, wherein said wood is up to 80% by weight;
forming said solid portion into a reconstituted tobacco sheet over a Fourdriner paper
machine wire;
centrifuging and concentrating said extract;
adding a first binder to said extract, wherein said first binder is up to 30% by weight;
adding a humectant to said extract, wherein said humectant is up to 30% by weight;
applying said extract to said reconstituted tobacco sheet and drying; slitting said
reconstituted tobacco sheet into elongated strips; and
inserting a plurality of said elongated strips into a cigarette adjacent a column
of tobacco.
27. The process of claim 26, said tobacco particles and said aqueous solvent being in
a ratio of from 1: 11 to 1:20.
28. The process of claim 26, wherein said solid portion and said wood pulp are further
mixed with a second binder, said second binder being up to 30% by weight.
29. The process of claim 28, said second binder being selected from the group consisting
of alginate, guar, xanthan, acacia, pectin, other gums, modified cellulose compounds,
and hydrocolloid compounds.
30. The process of claim 29, wherein said alginate is sodium alginate.
31. The process of claim 26, wherein said extract is treated with adsorbents.
32. The process of claim 26, said first binder being selected from the group consisting
of alginate, guar, xanthan, acacia, pectin, other gums, modified cellulose compounds,
and hydrocolloid compounds.
33. The process of claim 32, wherein said alginate is sodium alginate.
34. The process of claim 26, said humectant being selected from the group consisting of
glycerin and propylene glycol.
35. The process of claim 26, including the addition of up to about 30% by weight of a
flavor to said extract.
36. The process of claim 35, wherein said extract contains from about 3% to about 5% by
weight of said flavor.
37. The process of claim 26, including the addition of an inert filler to said solid portion
before forming said reconstituted tobacco sheet over said Fourdriner paper machine
wire.
38. The process of claim 37, wherein said inert filler is selected from the group consisting
of chalk, chitosan, liposan, or combinations thereof.
39. The process of claim 26, including the step of applying a third binder solution to
said reconstituted tobacco sheet subsequent, wherein said binder is selected from
the group consisting of alginate, guar, xanthan, acacia, pectin, other gums, modified
cellulose compounds, and hydrocolloid based compounds.
1. Prozess zum Herstellen eines ein Bindemittel enthaltenden rekonstituierten Tabakblatts,
der die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
Vorbereiten einer Aufschlämmung, die ein Gemisch von bis zu 80 Gew.-% Tabak und bis
zu 30 Gew.-% Bindemittel enthält; und
Beschichten eines vorgeformten rekonstituierten Tabakblatts, wobei das Blatt bis zu
80 Gew.-% Holzbrei enthält, mit der Aufschlämmung.
2. Prozess nach Anspruch 1, wobei das rekonstituierte Blatt bis zu 60 Gew.-% Holzbrei
enthält.
3. Prozess nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Aufschlämmung bis zu 20 Gew.-% Bindemittel enthält.
4. Prozess nach Anspruch 1, der die Hinzufügung von bis zu 30 Gew,-% eines Aromas in
dem Gemisch umfasst.
5. Prozess nach Anspruch 4, wobei das Gemisch das Aroma in einer Menge von 3 bis 5 Ges.-%
enthält.
6. Prozess nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Tabak erstens zu einem wässrigen Lösungsmittel
hinzugefügt wird, um die Aufschlämmung zu bilden, und zweitens das Bindemittel zu
der Aufschlämmung hinzugefügt wird, wobei sowohl der Tabak als auch das Bindemittel
dispergiert werden, bevor sie zu dem vorgeformten rekonstituierten Tabakblatt hinzugefügt
werden.
7. Prozess nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Bindemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist, die aus
Alginat, Guar, Xanthan, Akazie, Pektin, anderen Gummis, Verbindungen mit modifizierter
Zellulose und Verbindungen auf Hydrokolloid-Basis besteht.
8. Prozess nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Alginat Natriumalginat ist.
9. Prozess nach Anspruch 1, der die Hinzufügung eines Feuchthaltemittels umfasst.
10. Prozess nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Feuchthaltemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist, die
aus Glycerin und Propylenglycol besteht.
11. Prozess nach Anspruch 10, wobei das Glycerin bis zu 30 Gew.-% des Gemisches ausmacht.
12. Prozess nach Anspruch 1, der ferner umfasst: Schneiden des Blatts aus rekonstituiertem
Tabak in längliche Streifen; Einsetzen mehrerer der länglichen Streifen des rekonstituierten
Tabaks in eine Zigarette benachbart zu einem Tabakstängel.
13. Prozess nach Anspruch 1, der ferner die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
Aufnehmen eines Feuchthaltemittels und eines Aromastoffs in die Aufschlämmung, wobei
der Tabak in einem wässrigen Lösungsmittel in die Aufschlämmung dispergiert wird,
wobei das Bindemittel zweitens in die Aufschlämmung dispergiert wird, wobei das Feuchthaltemittel
bis zu 30 Gew.-% ausmacht und drittens in die Aufschlämmung dispergiert wird, woraufhin
zuletzt bis zu 30 Gew.-% des Aromas in die Aufschlämmung dispergiert werden;
Schneiden des Blatts aus rekonstituiertem Tabak in längliche Streifen; und
Einsetzen mehrerer der länglichen Streifen des rekonstituierten Tabaks in eine Zigarette
benachbart zu einem Tabakstängel.
14. Prozess nach Anspruch 13, wobei das Bindemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist, die aus
Alginat, Guar, Xanthan, Akazie, Pektin, anderen Gummis, Verbindungen mit modifizierter
Zellulose und Verbindungen auf Hydrokolloid-Basis besteht.
15. Prozess nach Anspruch 14, wobei das Alginat Natriumalginat ist.
16. Prozess nach Anspruch 13, wobei das Feuchthaltemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist,
die aus Glycerin und Propylenglycol besteht.
17. Zigarette, die umfasst:
einen Tabakstängel, der von einem äußeren Umwicklungspapier umgeben ist; und
ein partielles inneres Umwicklungspapier, das sich in Längsrichtung des Tabakstängels
erstreckt und zwischen der äußeren Umwicklung angeordnet ist, wobei die partielle
innere Umwicklung einen oder mehrere Streifen aus einem rekonstituierten Tabakblatt
enthält, das bis zu 80Gew.-% Holzbrei, bis zu 30 Gew.-% eines Bindemittels und bis
zu 80 Gew.-% Tabak enthält, wobei die partielle innere Umwicklung mit einer Beschichtung
beschichtet ist, die bis zu 80 Gew.-% Tabak und bis zu 30 Gew.-% eines Bindemittels
enthält.
18. Zigarette nach Anspruch 17, die in der inneren Umwicklung bis zu 30 Gew.-% eines Aromas
enthält.
19. Zigarette nach Anspruch 18, wobei das Aroma 3 bis 5 Gew.-% der inneren Umwicklung
ausmacht.
20. Zigarette nach Anspruch 17, die in der inneren Umwicklung bis zu 30 Gew.-% eines Feuchthaltemittels
enthält.
21. Zigarette nach Anspruch 20, wobei das Feuchthaltemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist,
die aus Glycerin und Propylenglycol besteht.
22. Zigarette nach Anspruch 17, wobei das Bindemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist, die
aus Alginat, Guar, Xanthan, Akazie, Pektin, anderen Gummis, Verbindungen mit modifizierter
Zellulose und Verbindungen auf Hydrokolloid-Basis besteht.
23. Zigarette nach Anspruch 22, wobei das Alginat Natriumalginat ist.
24. Zigarette nach Anspruch 17, wobei der Holzbrei bis zu 60 Gew.-% des rekonstituierten
Tabakblatts ausmacht.
25. Zigarette nach Anspruch 17, wobei das Bindemittel bis zu 20 Gew.-% des rekonstituierten
Tabakblatts ausmacht.
26. Prozess zum Herstellen eines modifizierten rekonstituierten Tabakblatts, der die folgenden
Schritte umfasst:
Vorbereiten einer Aufschlämmung, die Tabakpartikel und ein wässriges Lösungsmittel
enthält;
Extrahieren der Aufschlämmung bei etwa 160°F für etwa 30 Minuten;
Separieren der Aufschlämmung in ein Extrakt mit wasserlöslichen Verbindungen und einen
Festkörperanteil;
Mischen des Festkörperanteils mit Holzbrei, wobei das Holz bis zu 80 Gew.-% ausmacht;
Ausbilden des Festkörperanteils zu einem rekonstituierten Tabakblatt über einem Fourdriner-Papiermaschinendraht;
Zentrifugieren und Konzentrieren des Extrakts;
Hinzufügen eines ersten Bindemittels zu dem Extrakt, wobei das erste Mittel bis zu
30 Gew.-% ausmacht;
Hinzufügen eines Feuchthaltemittels zu dem Extrakt, wobei das Feuchthaltemittel bis
zu 30 Gew.-% ausmacht;
Aufbringen des Extrakts auf das rekonstituierte Tabakblatt und Trocknen;
Zerschneiden des rekonstituierten Tabakblatts in lang gestreckte Streifen; und
Einsetzen mehrerer der lang gestreckten Streifen in eine Zigarette benachbart zu einem
Tabakstängel.
27. Prozess nach Anspruch 26, wobei die Tabakpartikel und das wässrige Lösungsmittel in
einem Verhältnis von 1:11 bis 1:20 vorhanden sind.
28. Prozess nach Anspruch 26, wobei der Festkörperanteil und der Holzbrei ferner mit einem
zweiten Bindemittel gemischt werden, wobei das zweite Bindemittel bis zu 30 Gew.-%
ausmacht.
29. Prozess nach Anspruch 28, wobei das zweite Bindemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist,
die aus Alginat, Guar, Xanthan, Akazie, Pektin, anderen Gummis, Verbindungen mit modifizierter
Zellulose und Verbindungen auf Hydrokolloid-Basis besteht.
30. Prozess nach Anspruch 29, wobei das Alginat Natriumalginat ist.
31. Prozess nach Anspruch 26, wobei das Extrakt mit Adsorptionsmitteln behandelt wird.
32. Prozess nach Anspruch 26, wobei das erste Bindemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist,
die aus Alginat, Guar, Xanthan, Akazie, Pektin, anderen Gummis, Verbindungen mit modifizierter
Zellulose und Verbindungen auf Hydrokolloid-Basis besteht.
33. Prozess nach Anspruch 32, wobei das Alginat Natriumalginat ist.
34. Prozess nach Anspruch 26, wobei das Feuchthaltemittel aus der Gruppe gewählt ist,
die aus Glycerin und Propylenglycol besteht.
35. Prozess nach Anspruch 26, der die Hinzufügung von bis zu etwa 30 Gew.-% eines Aromas
zu dem Extrakt umfasst.
36. Prozess nach Anspruch 35, wobei das Extrakt das Aroma in einer Menge von etwa 3 bis
etwa 5 Gew.-% enthält.
37. Prozess nach Anspruch 26, der vor der Bildung des rekonstituierten Tabakblatts über
dem Fourdriner-Papiermaschinendraht die Hinzufügung eines inaktiven Füllstoffs zu
dem Festkörperanteil umfasst.
38. Prozess nach Anspruch 37, wobei der inaktive Füllstoff aus der Gruppe gewählt ist,
die aus Kreide, Chitosan, Liposan oder Kombinationen hiervon besteht.
39. Prozess nach Anspruch 26, der den Schritt des anschließenden Aufbringens einer dritten
Bindemittellösung auf das rekonstituierte Tabakblatt umfasst, wobei das Bindemittel
aus der Gruppe gewählt ist, die aus Alginat, Guar, Xanthan, Akazie, Pektin, anderen
Gummis, Verbindungen mit modifizierter Zellulose und Verbindungen auf Hydrokolloid-Basis
besteht.
1. Procédé de fabrication d'une feuille de tabac reconstituée ayant un liant, comprenant
les étapes consistant à :
préparer une suspension épaisse contenant un mélange de jusqu'à 80 % en poids de tabac,
et jusqu'à 30 % en poids dudit liant ; et
revêtir une feuille de tabac reconstituée préformée, où ladite feuille contient jusqu'à
80 % en poids de pâte de bois, avec ladite suspension épaisse.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite feuille reconstituée contient
jusqu'à 60 % en poids de ladite pâte de bois.
3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite suspension épaisse contient jusqu'à
20 % en poids dudit liant.
4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant l'ajout de jusqu'à 30 % en poids d'un
arôme dans ledit mélange.
5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit mélange contient de 3 % à 5 %
en poids dudit arôme.
6. Procédé selon la revendication 1, ledit tabac étant d'abord ajouté à un solvant aqueux
pour former ladite suspension épaisse, et ledit liant étant ensuite ajouté à ladite
suspension épaisse, chacun dudit tabac et dudit liant étant dispersé avant l'ajout
à ladite feuille de tabac reconstituée préformée.
7. Procédé selon la revendication 1, ledit liant étant choisi dans le groupe consistant
en l'alginate, le guar, le xanthane, l'acacia, la pectine, d'autres gommes, des composés
de cellulose modifiés et des composés à base d'hydrocolloïdes.
8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit alginate est l'alginate de sodium.
9. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant l'ajout d'un humidifiant.
10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, ledit humidifiant étant choisi dans le groupe consistant
en le glycérol et le propylèneglycol.
11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, ledit glycérol représentant jusqu'à 30 % en poids
dudit mélange.
12. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre : le découpage de ladite feuille
de tabac reconstituée en bandes longitudinales ; l'insertion d'une pluralité desdites
bandes longitudinales dudit tabac reconstitué dans une cigarette adjacente à une colonne
de tabac.
13. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre les étapes consistant à :
inclure dans ladite suspension épaisse un humidifiant et un aromatisant, ledit tabac
étant dispersé dans un solvant aqueux dans ladite suspension épaisse, ledit liant
étant dispersé par la suite dans ladite suspension épaisse, ledit humidifiant représentant
jusqu'à 30 % en poids et étant ensuite dispersé dans ladite suspension épaisse, et
enfin jusqu'à 30 % en poids d'arôme étant dispersé dans ladite suspension épaisse
;
découper la feuille de tabac reconstituée en bandes longitudinales ; et
insérer une pluralité desdites bandes longitudinales dudit tabac reconstitué dans
une cigarette adjacente à une colonne de tabac.
14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, ledit liant étant choisi dans le groupe consistant
en l'alginate, le guar, le xanthane, l'acacia, la pectine, d'autres gommes, des composés
de cellulose modifiés et des composés à base d'hydrocolloïdes.
15. Procédé selon la revendication 14, dans lequel ledit alginate est l'alginate de sodium.
16. Procédé selon la revendication 13, ledit humidifiant étant choisi dans le groupe consistant
en le glycérol et le propylèneglycol.
17. Cigarette comprenant :
une colonne de tabac entourée par un papier d'enveloppe externe ; et,
un matériau d'enveloppe interne partielle s'étendant longitudinalement à ladite colonne
de tabac et disposé entre ladite enveloppe externe, ladite enveloppe interne partielle
étant une ou plusieurs bandes de feuille de tabac reconstituée constituées de jusqu'à
80 % en poids de pâte de bois, jusqu'à 30 % en poids d'un liant et jusqu'à 80 % en
poids de tabac, ladite enveloppe interne partielle étant revêtue d'un revêtement comprenant
jusqu'à 80 % en poids de tabac et jusqu'à 30 % en poids d'un liant.
18. Cigarette selon la revendication 17, comprenant jusqu'à 30 % en poids d'arôme dans
ladite enveloppe interne.
19. Cigarette selon la revendication 18, dans laquelle ledit mélange représente 3 % à
5 % en poids de ladite enveloppe interne.
20. Cigarette selon la revendication 17, comprenant jusqu'à 30 % en poids d'un humidifiant
dans ladite enveloppe interne.
21. Cigarette selon la revendication 20, ledit humidifiant étant choisi dans le groupe
consistant en le glycérol et le propylèneglycol.
22. Cigarette selon la revendication 17, ledit liant étant choisi dans le groupe consistant
en l'alginate, le guar, le xanthane, l'acacia, la pectine, d'autres gommes, des composés
de cellulose modifiés et des composés à base d'hydrocolloïdes.
23. Cigarette selon la revendication 22, ledit alginate étant l'alginate de sodium.
24. Cigarette selon la revendication 17, dans laquelle ladite pâte de bois représente
jusqu'à 60 % en poids de ladite feuille de tabac reconstituée.
25. Cigarette selon la revendication 17, dans laquelle ledit liant représente jusqu'à
20 % en poids de ladite feuille de tabac reconstituée.
26. Procédé de fabrication d'une feuille de tabac reconstituée modifiée, comprenant les
étapes consistant à :
préparer une suspension épaisse contenant des particules de tabac et un solvant aqueux
;
extraire ladite suspension épaisse à environ 71,1 °C (160°F) pendant environ 30 minutes
;
séparer ladite suspension épaisse en un extrait avec des composés solubles dans l'eau
et une partie solide ;
mélanger ladite partie solide avec la pâte de bois, où ladite pâte de bois représente
jusqu'à 80 % en poids ;
former ladite partie solide en une feuille de tabac reconstituée sur une toile de
machine à papier de Fourdrinier ;
centrifuger et concentrer ledit extrait ;
ajouter un premier liant audit extrait, où ledit premier liant représente jusqu'à
30 % en poids ;
ajouter un humidifiant audit extrait, où ledit humidifiant représente jusqu'à 30 %
en poids ;
appliquer ledit extrait à ladite feuille de tabac reconstituée et sécher ;
découper ladite feuille de tabac reconstituée en bandes allongées ; et
insérer une pluralité desdites bandes allongées dans une cigarette adjacente à une
colonne de tabac.
27. Procédé selon la revendication 26, lesdites particules de tabac et ledit solvant aqueux
étant dans un rapport de 1 : 11 à 1 : 20.
28. Procédé selon la revendication 26, dans lequel ladite partie solide et ladite pâte
de bois sont en outre mélangées avec un deuxième liant, ledit deuxième liant représentant
jusqu'à 30 % en poids.
29. Procédé selon la revendication 28, ledit deuxième liant étant choisi dans le groupe
consistant en l'alginate, le guar, le xanthane, l'acacia, la pectine, d'autres gommes,
des composés de cellulose modifiés et des composés à base d'hydrocolloïdes.
30. Procédé selon la revendication 29, dans lequel ledit alginate est l'alginate de sodium.
31. Procédé selon la revendication 26, dans lequel ledit extrait est traité avec des adsorbants.
32. Procédé selon la revendication 26, ledit premier liant étant choisi dans le groupe
consistant en l'alginate, le guar, le xanthane, l'acacia, la pectine, d'autres gommes,
des composés de cellulose modifiés et des composés à base d'hydrocolloïdes.
33. Procédé selon la revendication 32, dans lequel ledit alginate est l'alginate de sodium.
34. Procédé selon la revendication 26, ledit humidifiant étant choisi dans le groupe consistant
en le glycérol et le propylèneglycol.
35. Procédé selon la revendication 26, comprenant l'ajout de jusqu'à environ 30 % en poids
d'un arôme audit extrait.
36. Procédé selon la revendication 35, dans lequel ledit extrait contient d'environ 3
% à environ 5 % en poids dudit arôme.
37. Procédé selon la revendication 26, comprenant l'ajout d'une charge inerte à ladite
partie solide avant la formation de ladite feuille de tabac reconstituée sur ladite
toile de machine à papier de Fourdrinier.
38. Procédé selon la revendication 37, dans lequel ladite charge inerte est choisie dans
le groupe consistant en la craie, le chitosan, le liposan ou leurs combinaisons.
39. Procédé selon la revendication 26, comprenant l'étape d'application d'une solution
d'un troisième liant à ladite feuille de tabac reconstitué subséquente, où ledit liant
est choisi dans le groupe consistant en l'alginate, le guar, le xanthane, l'acacia,
la pectine, d'autres gommes, des composés de cellulose modifiés et des composés à
base d'hydrocolloïdes.