SMOKING ARTICLE

Abstract

 A smoking article includes: a tobacco portion; a filter portion; a first covering portion; a second covering portion; a plurality of openings, each of the openings including a first portion penetrating the second covering portion and a second portion penetrating the wrapper; and a rotating portion permitting the mouthpiece-side portion of the filter portion and the second covering portion to rotate relative to the tobacco-side portion of the filter portion between a first position where the first portion is shifted from the second portion and a second position where the first portion and the second portion align.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking article that is improved in the degree of air flow by means of openings.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Jpn. PCT National Publication No. 59-501813 discloses a cigarette that enables a smoker to adjust at least one of an air dilution value, a smoking resistance value and a cigarette fragrance. The cigarette includes a tobacco rod, a cylindrical filter plug, an air-impermeable plug wrapping which covers the filter plug, and tipping paper which wraps the filter plug and part of the tobacco rod to join them. The filter plug includes a mouthpiece portion which is coupled to a rod end portion in such a manner as to be rotatable around the axis of the cigarette. The tipping paper and the plug wrapping have openings, and these openings can be adjusted in position by rotating the mouthpiece portion.

[0003] Jpn. PCT National Publication No. 2013-523110 discloses a smoking article whose ventilation can be changed by control. The smoking article is provided with a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion. The control mechanism is provided with a first control face provided on one of the first portion and the second portion, and a second control face provided on the other of the first portion and the second portion. Since the second control face is engageable with the first control face, the relative rotation between the first portion and the second portion can be controlled.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] 

Patent Literature 1: Jpn. PCT National Publication No. 59-501813

Patent Literature 2: Jpn. PCT National Publication No. 2013-523110

SUMMARY

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] Where the tipping paper is provided with an opening, the tipping paper may outwardly deform in the neighborhood of the opening when the mouthpiece portion is rotated. In this state, the user may feel that the cigarette is defective in terms of the appearance quality. In addition, the degree of air flow may vary at the portion of the opening, and the external air may enter the filter plug in an amount more than the design value, thinning the main flow smoke more than necessary.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a smoking article which reduces the defective rate of the appearance quality and which enables proper adjustment of the degree of air flow in the opening of the filter portion.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0007] A smoking article comprises: a tobacco portion; a filter portion including a filter body adjacent to the tobacco portion and a wrapper wound around the filter body; a first covering portion covering the tobacco portion and part of the filter portion; a second covering portion covering the filter portion other than the part; a plurality of openings shifted in an axial direction of the filter portion, each of the openings including a first portion penetrating the second covering portion and a second portion penetrating the wrapper; and a rotating portion provided between the mouthpiece-side portion of the filter portion and the tobacco-side portion of the filter portion and permitting the mouthpiece-side portion of the filter portion and the second covering portion to rotate relative to the tobacco-side portion of the filter portion between a first position where the first portion is shifted from the second portion and a second position where the first portion and the second portion align.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0008] According to the present invention, a smoking article which is adjustable to have a proper degree of air flow can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a cigarette according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view showing how the filter portion and the neighboring portion of the cigarette depicted in FIG. 1 look like when viewed sideways.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the dimensions of the first opening and second opening of the cigarette depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the cigarette depicted in FIG. 1 and taken along line F4-F4 and illustrates a state in which the cigarette is at a first position.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the cigarette depicted in FIG. 1 and taken along line F5-F5 and illustrates a state in which the cigarette is moved to a second position by rotating the mouthpiece-side portion of the filter portion and the second covering portion from the state shown in FIG. 4 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the mouthpiece side by a predetermined angle.

FIG. 6 is a table showing the conditions of examples 1-4 of the first embodiment and those of comparative examples 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view illustrating the first opening and the neighboring second covering portion of a cigarette which is determined as being defective in comparative examples 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view illustrating the first opening and the neighboring second covering portion of a cigarette which is determined as being acceptable in examples 1-4 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view showing how the filter portion and the neighboring portion of a cigarette of the second embodiment look like when viewed sideways.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view showing how the filter portion and the neighboring portion of a cigarette of the third embodiment look like when viewed sideways.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view showing how the filter portion and the neighboring portion of a cigarette of the fourth embodiment look like when viewed sideways.

FIG. 12 is a cross section of the cigarette depicted in FIG. 11 and taken along line F12-F12 and illustrates a state in which the cigarette is at the first position.

FIG. 13 is a cross section of the cigarette depicted in FIG. 11 and taken along line F13-F13 and illustrates a state in which the cigarette is moved to the second position by rotating the mouthpiece-side portion of the filter portion and the second covering portion from the state shown in FIG. 12 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the mouthpiece side by a predetermined angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[First Embodiment]

[0010] A cigarette, which is an example of a smoking article according to the first embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-8. The smoking article is intended to cover a cigarette, a smoking tool (trade name: Steam Hot One) with which a tobacco flavor is inhaled by application of heat using an electronic device or a carbon heat source, and a smoking tool (trade name: Zero Style Mint) with which a tobacco flavor is inhaled without heating).

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the cigarette 11 is provided with a tobacco portion 12; a cylindrical filter portion 13 including a tobacco-side portion 13A adjacent to the tobacco portion 12 and a mouthpiece-side portion 13B located opposite to the tobacco-side portion 13A; a first covering portion 15 covering the tobacco portion 12 and part of the filter portion 13; a second covering portion 16 covering the filter portion 13 other than the part; a plurality of first openings 17 (opening portions) provided at a position corresponding to the second covering portion 16; a plurality of second openings 18 provided at a position corresponding to the second covering portion 16; and a rotating portion 21 provided between the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion and the mouthpiece-side portion 13B of the filter portion.

[0012] The tobacco portion 12 is formed by wrapping shredded leaves 12A (tobacco) with winding paper 27. The filter portion 13 includes a filter body 22 (a filter plug) adjacent to the tobacco portion 12 and a wrapper 23 (wrapping paper) covering surroundings of the filter body 22. The filter portion 13 includes a mouthpiece portion 24 at one end, which is put into the mouth of a smoker.

[0013] The rotating portion 21 is located inside a notch 25 (slit) formed from the circumference (outer circumference) of the filter portion 13 toward the center and having a depth of several millimeters. The rotating portion 21 can be called a core portion as well. The rotating portion 21 couples the tobacco-side portion 13A and the mouthpiece-side portion 13B in such a manner that the mouthpiece-side portion 13B can be rotated around the axis C (central axis) of the filter portion 13 and relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion 13. The tobacco-side portion 13A and the mouthpiece-side portion 13B of the filter portion 13 are separate from each other by the notch 25. The rotating portion 21 is not limited to the structure described above. The rotating portion 21 may be realized, for example, by a joint-like coupling tool which couples the mouthpiece-side portion 13B to the tobacco-side portion 13A and permits the mouthpiece-side portion 13B to be rotatable around the axis C.

[0014] The first covering portion 15, together with the second covering portion 16, constitutes tipping paper by which the tobacco portion 12 and the filter portion 13 are coupled together. It should be noted that the first covering portion 15 and the second covering portion 16 are separate from each other. That part of the first covering portion 15 which is located on the side of the tobacco portion 12 is adhered to both the winding paper 27 of the tobacco portion 12 and the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (tobacco-side portion 13A) by means of a first adhesive 26. That part of the second covering portion 16 which is located on the side of the mouthpiece portion 24 is adhered to the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (mouthpiece-side portion 13B) by means of a second adhesive 28. The second covering portion 16 covers the outer side of the rotating portion 21. When the mouthpiece-side portion 13B of the filter portion 13 is rotated, the second covering portion 16 rotates integrally with the mouthpiece-side portion 13B.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the first openings 17 (opening portions) are shifted in position from each other in the direction of the axis C. The first openings 17 are shifted in position from each other in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 as well. Owing to this, the first openings 17 are positionally shifted in a stepwise pattern. In the present embodiment, the first openings 17 are, for example, three in number, but the first openings are not limited to this number. The first openings 17 may be two, or four or more.

[0016] Each of the first openings 17 is formed as a rectangle whose long sides extend in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 (filter portion 13). To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 3, the long opening sides of each first opening 17 (or second opening 18) have a length properly selected from within the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, as in the examples described later. The short opening sides of each first opening 17 are within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, though the actual dimensions are dependent on the manufacturing variations. The shape of one of the first openings 17 is the same as another one of the first openings 17. Each of the first openings 17 may be formed as an ellipse whose long axis extends in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 (filter portion 13).

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the first openings 17 includes a first portion 17A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a second portion 17B penetrating the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (tobacco-side portion 13A) and leading to the filter body 22. Each of the first openings 17 functions as an opening for ventilation (ventilation opening) which takes in the air from the external region into the filter portion 13. The first openings 17 supply the external air into the filter portion 13 and mainly function to thin the smoke flowing through the filter portion 13.

[0018] The second openings 18 are provided at a position away from the first openings 17 by 180° rotation around the axis C (central axis). The second openings 18 are arranged in a similar manner to that of the first openings 17. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the second openings 18 are shifted in position from each other both in the direction of the axis C and in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16. Owing to this, the second openings 18 are positionally shifted in a stepwise pattern. The number of second openings 18 is similar to the number of first openings 17. Likewise, the shape and function of each of the second openings 18 are similar to those of the first openings 17 described above. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the second openings 18 includes a third portion 18A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a fourth portion 18B penetrating the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (tobacco-side portion 13A) and leading to the filter body 22. The third portion 18A of each second opening 18 corresponds to the first portion 17A of each first opening 17, and the fourth portion 18B of each second opening 18 corresponds to the second portion 17B of each first opening 17.

[0019] The first openings 17 and the second openings 18 are formed together, for example, by laser beam machining. The method in which the first openings 17 and the second openings 18 are formed is not limited to laser beam machining. The method may be, for example, a mechanical method of press opening using a needle-shaped punch or an electric method using corona discharge.

[0020] The filter body 22 may be formed using various kinds of filler. In the present embodiment, the filter body 22 is formed of filler of, for example, cellulose-based semisynthetic fiber such as cellulose acetate, but the filler is not limited to such an example. As the filler, for example, vegetable fiber such as cotton, hemp, Manila hemp, palm, and mat rush, animal fiber such as wool and cashmere, cellulose-based fiber such as rayon, synthetic fiber such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, and polypropylene, or a combination of these can be used. The component of the filter portion may be, in addition to the above-mentioned filler of cellulose acetate fiber, a charcoal filter or a filter containing particulate matter other than charcoal. The filter portion may have a multi-segment structure in which two or more segments of different types are connected in series in the axial direction. In this case, each segment is covered with the wrapper 23 and fixed in the filter portion 13. Each segment may be formed by winding filler with a segment wrapping material. Alternatively, a non-wrap filter such as that disclosed in FIG. 15 of Japanese Patent No. 4262247 may be used.

[0021] In order that the filter portion 13 can have a desirable hardness, at least one of a plasticizer or a binder may be added to the filter body 22 of the filter portion 13. The plasticizer used is not limited to any particular kind. For example, triethyl citrate, acetyl-triethyl citrate, acetyl-tributyl citrate, dibutyl tartrate, ethylphthalyl-ethylglycolate, methylphthalyl-ethylglycolate, triacetin, triethyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tripropionin, or a combination of these can be used as the plasticizer. The binder used is not limited to any particular kind. For example, HMC, HPMC, PVA, PVAc, PEG or a combination of these can be used as the binder. In some cases, the plasticizer and the binder may be omitted.

[0022] The filter body 22 may contain menthol flavor or the like. The method of imparting flavor is not limited to any particular method. For example, a string-type material adsorbing flavor may be arranged inside the filter body. Alternatively, the filler of the filter portion 13 may contain flavor, or a material such as a capsule in which flavor is immobilized may be arranged inside the filter portion. The type and materials of the wrapper 23 (wrapping paper) used for the filter body 22 of the filter portion are not limited. As the wrapper 23, wrapping paper used for a general type of cigarette filter may be used. Either wrapping paper having air permeability or wrapper paper having no air permeability may be used. Since the air permeability of the wrapper 23 has an effect on the amount of diluted air taken in from the gap between the first covering portion 15 and the second covering portion 16, the air permeability of the wrapper 23 can be properly selected in accordance with the amount of diluted air taken in from the gap between the desired first covering portion 15 and second covering portion 16. Wrapping paper used in general products has a paper weight of 20 to 100 g/m², a thickness of 30 to 110 µm, and an air permeability of 0 to 30000 CORESTA units. In general, paper made of vegetable fiber is used as the material of the wrapper 23. In place of such paper, non-woven cloth using polymer-based chemical fiber (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon) or polymer-based film (such as cellulose, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or polylactic acid) may be used. Alternatively, metal foil such as aluminum foil may be used.

[0023] The tipping paper (first covering portion 15 and second covering portion 16) used in general products is paper having a paper weight of 35 to 56 g/m² and a thickness of 35 to 45 µm and has such smoothness as enables easy printing of a brand logo or the like on the surface. In order to prevent the filter portion from being seen through the tipping paper, filler such as titanium dioxide or calcium carbonate may be added to increase the opacity. The tipping paper (first covering portion 15 and second covering portion 16) is not limited to any particular material. In general, paper made of vegetable fiber is used as the material of the tipping paper. In place of such paper, non-woven cloth using polymer-based chemical fiber (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon) or polymer-based film (such as cellulose, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or polylactic acid) may be used. Alternatively, metal foil such as aluminum foil may be used.

[0024] The gap between the first covering portion 15 and the second covering portion 16 is adjusted to be a very small dimension. Therefore, the amount of air taken into the filter portion 13 through the gap is very small. The cigarette 11 may employ a wrapper 23 having no air permeability or, if any, a comparatively low air permeability. With this structure, even if a small amount of external air enters the filter portion 13 through the gap, the main flow smoke is prevented from being thinned more than necessary. On the other hand, the gap can be used for an opposite purpose. That is, where a wrapper 23 having a comparatively high air permeability is employed, external air (the air) can be taken in positively, thereby thinning the main flow smoke.

[0025] A description will be given of an operation of the cigarette of the present embodiment with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, etc. According to the present embodiment, where the smoker wishes to change the concentration of the smoke of the cigarette 11, the smoker rotates the mouthpiece-side portion 13B relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion 13 (the second covering portion 16 is rotated relative to the first covering portion 15). By doing so, the concentration of the smoke can be increased or decreased.

[0026] In the state where a cigarette 11 is taken out from the packing box, the first portion 17A of the first opening 17 is, for example, at the first position P1 which is shifted from the second portion 17B of the first opening 17 in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16, as shown in FIG. 4. At the first position P1, the third portion 18A of the second opening 18 is shifted from the fourth portion 18B of the second opening 18 in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16. By lighting the tip end of the tobacco portion 12 in this state and inhaling the smoke from the mouthpiece portion 24, the smoker can enjoy the rich flavor produced by the highly concentrated smoke.

[0027] The smoker rotates the mouthpiece-side portion 13B and the second covering portion 16 relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion 13. By doing so, the first portion 17A of the first opening 17 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 where the first portion 17A of the first opening 17 aligns with the second portion 17B of the first opening 17. At the second position P2, the third portion 18A of the second opening 18 aligns with the fourth portion 18B of the second opening 18. According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the mouthpiece-side portion 13B and the second covering portion 16 are rotated, for example, by approximately 150° in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the mouthpiece portion 24 (i.e., the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4). By doing so, the first position P1 shown in FIG. 4 moves to the second position P2 shown in FIG. 5. In this state, the air can be positively taken in through the first openings 17 and second openings 18 and enters the filter portion 13, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5. As a result, the smoke flowing through the filter portion 13 is thinned, and the smoker can enjoy the light flavor (mild flavor) produced by the comparatively low-concentration smoke.

[0028] In the state of the second position P2, the ratio of the air taken in through the first openings 17 and second openings 18 to the main flow smoke is as high as 60 to 80%, for example. When the high degree of air flow is established, the tar of the main flow smoke can be easily made low. Because of the structure in which the mouthpiece-side portion 13B can be rotated by an angle as wide as approximately 150° to change from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the structure is attractive as an article of taste (a luxury item). Desirably, an index (display) indicative of the rotating direction of the mouthpiece-side portion 13B and the second covering portion 16 should be provided on the first covering portion 15 or the second covering portion 16.

[0029] On the other hand, the smoker can enjoy the light flavor from the beginning by lighting the tip end of the tobacco portion 12 in the state of the second position P2 mentioned above. If the smoker feels like enjoying the high-concentration smoke in the middle of enjoying the light taste, the smoker rotates the mouthpiece-side portion 13B relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion, for example, by 150° in the clockwise direction as viewed from the mouthpiece portion 24. By doing so, the second position P2 is changed back to the first position P1. As a result, the smoker can enjoy the rich flavor of the smoke.

[0030] The smoker can rotate the mouthpiece-side portion 13B and the second covering portion 16 from the state of the second position P2 by a slight angle. By doing so, the first portions 17A of the first openings 17 are partly made to overlap the second portions 17B of the first openings 17. In this state, the third portions 18A of the second openings 18 partly overlap the fourth portions 18B of the second openings 18. As a result, the degree of air flow can be adjusted to be intermediate between that of the first position P1 and that of the second position P2.

[0031] Subsequently, the manufacturing process of the cigarette 11 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the tobacco portions 12 (wound) and the filter portion 13 having a length of two cigarettes are manufactured in a general method. Then, the filter portion 13 having the length of two cigarettes is inserted between the two tobacco portions 12. A rotating portion 21 is formed inside the notch 25 in advance by using a disk cutter or the like in the filter portion 13. Further, the tobacco portions 12 and the filter portion 13 are wound up together by covering portions (tipping paper) including the first covering portion 15, the second covering portion 16 and the first covering portion 15 in the order mentioned, thereby forming a rod-like object connecting the tobacco portions 12 and the filter portion 13. The second covering portion 16 located at the middle has a length corresponding to two cigarettes 11. The two first covering portions 15 and the second covering portion 16 are coated with an adhesive before they are wound up.

[0032] Then, a continuous output beam output from a laser oscillator of CO₂ laser or the like is distributed in a pulse shape and irradiated from the outer circumferential direction of the rod, using a rotating chopper or the like, while causing the connected rod-like object to travel at a predetermined speed. By the irradiation of the laser of the pulse shape, a plurality of first openings 17 (both the first portions 17A and the second portions 17B) and a plurality of second openings 18 (both the third portions 18A and the fourth portions 18B) are formed in the second covering portion 16. In the cigarette 11 obtained then, the positional relation between the first openings 17 and the second openings 18 is that of the second position P2. That is, the first portions 17A align with the second portions 17B, and the third portions 18A align with the fourth portions 18B. Then, one cigarette 11 is manufactured by cutting the filter portion 13 and the second covering portion 16 (tipping paper) in the center position of the filter portion 13 having the length of two cigarettes by use of a cutter. Cigarettes 11 are packed in a box such that the first portions 17A and the second portions 17B are rotated to the first position P1, where the first portions 17A and the second portions 17B are shifted from the second position P2 in the circumferential direction R (the third portions 18A and the fourth portions 18B are likewise shifted in the circumferential direction R). The rotation from the second position P2 to the first position P1 may be performed by use of a rotation mechanism in the cigarette manufacturing process described above, after the step of cutting the filter portion 13 and the second covering portion 16 (tipping paper) in the center position of the filter portion 13 having the length of two cigarettes. The rotation may be performed manually or may be performed automatically by using a rotation mechanism provided for part of a packing apparatus.

[0033] The method of forming the first openings 17 and the second openings 18 is not limited to the method mentioned above. For example, the first openings 17 and the second openings 18 may be provided by use of a CO₂ laser after ordinary cigarettes 11 are manufactured.

(Examples)

[0034] A description will be given of the cigarettes 11 according to Examples 1-4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 shown in the Table of FIG. 6. In Example 1, the length of the long sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 is 0.5 mm, and the lengths of the short sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 is within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, though the actual lengths are dependent on the manufacturing variations. In Example 2, the length of the long sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 is 1 mm, and the lengths of the short sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 are within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, though the actual lengths are dependent on the manufacturing variations. In Example 3, the length of the long sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 is 2 mm, and the lengths of the short sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 are within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, though the actual lengths are dependent on the manufacturing variations. In Example 4, the length of the long sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 is 3 mm, and the lengths of the short sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 are within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, though the actual lengths are dependent on the manufacturing variations.

[0035] In Comparative Example 1, the length of the long sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 is 4 mm, and the lengths of the short sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 are within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, though the actual lengths are dependent on the manufacturing variations. In Comparative Example 2, the length of the long sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 is 8 mm, and the lengths of the short sides of the first openings 17 and second openings 18 are within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, though the actual lengths are dependent on the manufacturing variations.

[0036] With respect to the cigarettes 11 of Examples 1-4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the number of defective products generated was examined. In the examination, it was assumed that the smoker put the mouthpiece portion 24 in the mouth such that the first openings 17 were directed upward in the vertical direction and the second openings were directed downward in the vertical direction. In this state, a pressure was applied to a position in the neighborhood of the mouthpiece portion 24 of the filter portion 13 from above and from below. By the application of the pressure, the mouthpiece-side portion 13B of the filter portion 13 was deformed such that the height thereof was reduced by 3mm or so. In this state, the mouthpiece-side portion 13B was rotated 90° relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion 13, and whether the second covering portion 16 outwardly deformed or not was visually evaluated. As a result, it was found that in some cases of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the second covering portion 16 outwardly deformed more than the thickness thereof (step) around the first openings 17 and the second openings 18, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. Where the second covering portion 16 outwardly deformed more than the thickness thereof and a step was formed, the checker determined that such a cigarette was defective. The evaluation described above showed that 13 of 20 cigarettes of Comparative Example 1 were defective. Likewise, all 20 cigarettes of Comparative Example 2 were determined to be defective. With respect to these defective products, the smoker may feel that they are defective in appearance. In addition, the amount of air flowing through the first openings 17 and second openings 18 exceeds the design value, and the smoker cannot enjoy the flavor intended by the maker.

[0037] On the other hand, it was found that in the cases of Examples 1-4, the second covering portion 16 did not deform more than the thickness thereof (step) around the first openings 17, as shown in FIG. 8, for example. In FIG. 8, the illustration of the second openings 18 is omitted. Where the second covering portion 16 did not deform, the checker determined that such a cigarette was acceptable. Likewise, with respect to the second openings 18, the second covering portion 16 did not deform more than the thickness thereof (step) around the second openings 18. With respect to these acceptable products, the amount of air flowing through the first openings 17 and second openings 18 is the same as the design value, and the smoker can enjoy the flavor intended by the maker.

[0038] According to the first embodiment and Examples 1-4, a smoking article comprises: a tobacco portion 12; a filter portion 13 including a filter body 22 adjacent to the tobacco portion 12 and a wrapper 23 wound around the filter body 22; a first covering portion 15 covering the tobacco portion 12 and part of the filter portion 13; a second covering portion 16 covering the filter portion 13 other than the part; a plurality of openings (first openings 17) shifted in the axial direction of the filter portion 13, each of the openings including a first portion 17A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a second portion 17B penetrating the wrapper 23; and a rotating portion 21 provided between the mouthpiece-side portion 13B of the filter portion 13 and the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion 13 and permitting the mouthpiece-side portion 13B of the filter portion 13 and the second covering portion 16 to rotate relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion 13 between a first position P1 where the first portion 17A is shifted from the second portion 17B and a second position P2 where the first portion 17A and the second portion 17B align.

[0039] In this structure, the openings are shifted from each other in the direction of the axis C, and the second covering portion 16 is prevented from outwardly deforming around the openings. Owing to this, the amount of flowing air can be made equal to the design value. Since the external air does not enter the filter portion 13 more than necessary, and the main flow smoke is prevented from being overly thinned.

[0040] The openings are shifted from each other in a stepwise pattern. In this structure, the openings can be shifted from each other in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16, and the second covering portion 16 is prevented from outwardly deforming around the openings.

[0041] The long sides of the openings extend in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16. With this structure, the amount of overlap between the first portions 17A of the openings and the second portions 17B thereof can be easily adjusted by adjusting the rotating angle of the mouthpiece-side portion 13B of the filter portion 13. As a result, the amount of flowing air is maximal when the second position P2 is selected and is minimal when the first position P1 is selected, and in addition, the amount of flowing air can be set to be intermediate between the maximal and minimal amounts. It is therefore possible to provide a smoking article which permits the degree of air flow to be not only maximal or minimal but also properly intermediate between them in accordance with the taste of the smoker.

[0042] The long sides are not shorter than 0.5 mm and not longer than 3 mm. With this structure, the second covering portion 16 does not deform around the openings, and the smoking article that can be provided has a degree of air flow, as designed. Accordingly, the smoke is not thinned more than necessary, and the smoker can taste the same flavor as intended by the maker.

[0043] The long sides are not shorter than 1 mm and not longer than 2 mm. With this structure, the second covering portion 16 is reliably prevented from outwardly deforming around the openings even if the openings vary in size at the time of manufacture.

[0044] The smoking article also comprises a plurality of second openings 18 which are provided at a position rotated around the axis C of the filter portion 13 from the openings mentioned above by a predetermined angle and which are shifted from each other in the direction of the axis C, each of the second openings including a third portion 18A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a fourth portion 18B penetrating the wrapper 23, the rotating portion 21 permitting the mouthpiece-side portion 13B of the filter portion 13 and the second covering portion 16 to rotate relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion 13 between a first position P1 where the third portion 18A is shifted from the fourth portion 18B and a second position P2 where the fourth portion 18B and the third portion 18A align.

[0045] With this structure, a plurality of second openings 18 having a similar function to that of the openings mentioned above can be provided at a position rotated around the axis of the filter portion 13 by a predetermined angle. Accordingly, the distance between the openings and the second openings 18 is sufficiently long in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16. Therefore, the second covering portion 16 is prevented from outwardly deforming around the openings and the second openings 18, and yet the total number of openings can be increased. Accordingly, a smoking article can be provided which has a high degree of air flow and supporting a low-tar range. Setting a high degree of air flow using a plurality of openings (second openings 18) is primary means for providing a low-tar smoking article.

[0046] The second openings are shifted from each other in a stepwise pattern. In this structure, the second openings 18 can be arranged in a similar manner to that of the openings (first openings 17), and the second covering portion 16 is prevented from outwardly deforming around the second openings 18.

[0047] In this case, the predetermined angle mentioned above is 180°. In this structure, the second openings 18 can be arranged at a position farthest from the openings with respect to the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16, and the second covering portion 16 is effectively prevented from outwardly deforming around the openings and the second openings 18. When switching from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the smoker is intentionally required to rotate the mouthpiece-side portion 13B by a wide angle. Because of this design, the smoker can feel the pleasure of changing the flavor by a rotating operation. Owing to this, a smoking article can be provided which is attractive to the smoker as an article of taste.

[Second Embodiment]

[0048] A cigarette 11, which is an example of a smoking article according to the second embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The cigarette 11 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in terms of the arrangement of first openings 17 and second openings 18, but the other features are similar to those of the first embodiment. A description will therefore be given mainly of how the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment. As for the features common to the first embodiment, a description or illustration of them will be omitted.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, the first openings 17 (opening portions) are shifted in position from each other in the direction of the axis C. The first openings 17 are shifted in position from each other in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 as well. Owing to this, the first openings 17 are positionally shifted in a stepwise pattern. The first openings 17 overlap the adjacent first openings 17 with respect to the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16. In the present embodiment, the first openings 17 are, for example, three in number, but the first openings are not limited to this number. The first openings 17 may be two, or four or more.

[0050] Each of the first openings 17 is formed as a rectangle whose long sides extend in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 (filter portion 13). To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening long sides of each of the first openings 17 are in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, and the opening short sides are in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm. The first openings 17 are the same in shape. Each of the first openings 17 may be formed as an ellipse whose long axis extends in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 (filter portion 13).

[0051] Each of the first openings 17 includes a first portion 17A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a second portion 17B penetrating the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (tobacco-side portion 13A) and leading to the filter body 22.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, the second openings 18 are provided at a position away from the first openings 17 by 180° rotation around the axis C (central axis). The second openings 18 are arranged in a similar manner to that of the first openings 17. That is, the second openings 18 are positionally shifted in a stepwise pattern. The second openings 18 overlap the adjacent second openings 18 with respect to the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16. The number of second openings 18 is similar to the number of first openings 17. Likewise, the shape and function of the second openings 18 are similar to those of the first openings 17 described above. Each of the second openings 18 includes a third portion 18A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a fourth portion 18B penetrating the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (tobacco-side portion 13A) and leading to the filter body 22. The third portion 18A of each second opening 18 corresponds to the first portion 17A of each first opening 17, and the fourth portion 18B of each second opening 18 corresponds to the second portion 17B of each first opening 17.

[0053] The cigarette 11 of the second embodiment is substantially similar in operation to the cigarette 11 of the first embodiment. The cigarette 11 of the second embodiment can be manufactured in a similar manner to that of the cigarette 11 of the first embodiment.

[0054] With respect to the second embodiment as well, examination was carried out under the same conditions as Examples 1-4 of the first embodiment and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. As a result, substantially similar results were obtained with respect to Examples 1-4 of the second embodiment and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0055] The advantages of the cigarettes 11 of the second embodiment and Examples 1-4 of the second embodiment are substantially similar to those of the cigarettes 11 of the first embodiment. According to the second embodiment, the first openings overlap each other in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16, and the second openings 18 also overlap each other in the same direction. Because of this, the first openings 17 and the second openings 18 can be arranged in a limited region and do not much affect the appearance of the smoking article. Owing to this feature, the cigarette 11 is improved in appearance, and a smoking article attractive to the smoker as an article of taste can be provided.

[Third Embodiment]

[0056] A cigarette 11, which is an example of a smoking article according to the third embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The cigarette 11 of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in terms of the arrangement of first openings 17 and second openings 18, but the other features are similar to those of the first embodiment. A description will therefore be given mainly of how the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment. As for the features common to the first embodiment, a description or illustration of them will be omitted.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 10, the first openings 17 (opening portions) are shifted in position from each other in the direction of the axis C. In the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16, however, the long sides of the first openings overlap each other. In other words, the first openings 17 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction of the axis C of the filter portion 13. In the present embodiment, the first openings 17 are, for example, three in number, but the first openings are not limited to this number. The first openings 17 may be two, or four or more.

[0058] Each of the first openings 17 is formed as a rectangle whose long sides extend in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 (filter portion 13). To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening long sides of each of the first openings 17 are in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, and the opening short sides are in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm. The first openings 17 are the same in shape. Each of the first openings 17 may be formed as an ellipse whose long axis extends in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 (filter portion 13).

[0059] Each of the first openings 17 includes a first portion 17A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a second portion 17B penetrating the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (tobacco-side portion 13A) and leading to the filter body 22.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 10, the second openings 18 are provided at a position away from the first openings 17 by 180° rotation around the axis C (central axis). The second openings 18 are arranged in a similar manner to that of the first openings 17. That is, the second openings 18 are positionally shifted from each other in the direction of the axis C, but the long sides of the second openings overlap each other in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16. The number of second openings 18 is similar to the number of first openings 17 described above. Likewise, the shape and function of the second openings 18 are similar to those of the first openings 17 described above. Each of the second openings 18 includes a third portion 18A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a fourth portion 18B penetrating the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (tobacco-side portion 13A) and leading to the filter body 22. The third portion 18A of each second opening 18 corresponds to the first portion 17A of each first opening 17, and the fourth portion 18B of each second opening 18 corresponds to the second portion 17B of each first opening 17.

[0061] The cigarette 11 of the third embodiment is substantially similar in operation to the cigarette 11 of the first embodiment. The cigarette 11 of the third embodiment can be manufactured in a similar manner to that of the cigarette 11 of the first embodiment.

[0062] With respect to the third embodiment as well, examination was carried out under the same conditions as Examples 1-4 of the first embodiment and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. As a result, substantially similar results were obtained with respect to Examples 1-4 of the third embodiment and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0063] The advantages of the cigarettes 11 of the third embodiment and Examples 1-4 of the third embodiment are substantially similar to those of the cigarettes 11 of the first embodiment. According to the present embodiment, the first openings 17 and the second opening 18 are provided at positions overlapping each other in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16. Owing to this, as compared with the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the first openings 17 and the second openings 18 can be arranged in a further limited region. Since the space in which the first openings 17 and the second openings 18 are arranged can be small, the appearance of the smoking article is not much affected. Owing to this feature, the cigarette 11 is improved in appearance, and a smoking article attractive to the smoker as an article of taste can be provided.

[Fourth Embodiment]

[0064] A cigarette 11, which is an example of a smoking article according to the fourth embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. The cigarette 11 of the fourth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the second openings 18 are not provided and only the first openings are provided, but the other features are similar to those of the first embodiment. A description will therefore be given mainly of how the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment. As for the features common to the first embodiment, a description or illustration of them will be omitted.

[0065] The first openings 17 (opening portions) are shifted in position from each other in the direction of the axis C. The first openings 17 are shifted in position from each other in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 as well. Owing to this, the first openings 17 are positionally shifted in a stepwise pattern. In the present embodiment, the first openings 17 are, for example, six in number, but the first openings are not limited to this number. The first openings 17 may be two to five, or seven or more.

[0066] Each of the first openings 17 is formed as a rectangle whose long sides extend in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 (filter portion 13). To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening long sides of each of the first openings 17 are in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, and the opening short sides are in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm. The first openings 17 are the same in shape. Each of the first openings 17 may be formed as an ellipse whose long axis extends in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16 (filter portion 13).

[0067] Each of the first openings 17 includes a first portion 17A penetrating the second covering portion 16 and a second portion 17B penetrating the wrapper 23 of the filter portion 13 (tobacco-side portion 13A) and leading to the filter body 22.

[0068] A description will be given of an operation of the cigarette 11 of the present embodiment. In the state where cigarette 11 is taken out from the packing box, the first portion 17A of the first opening 17 is, for example, at the first position P1 where the first portion 17A is shifted from the second portion 17B of the first opening 17 in the circumferential direction R of the second covering portion 16, as shown in FIG. 12. By lighting the tip end of the tobacco portion 12 in this state and inhaling the smoke from the mouthpiece portion 24, the smoker can enjoy the rich flavor produced by the highly concentrated smoke.

[0069] The smoker rotates the mouthpiece-side portion 13B and the second covering portion 16 relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion 13. By doing so, the first portion 17A of the first opening 17 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 where the first portion 17A aligns with the second portion 17B of the first opening 17. According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the mouthpiece-side portion 13B is rotated, for example, by approximately 330° in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the mouthpiece portion 24 (i.e., the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12). By doing so, the position moves from the first position P1 shown in FIG. 12 to the second position P2 shown in FIG. 13. In this state, the air can be positively taken in through the first openings 17 and enters the filter portion 13, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 13. As a result, the smoke flowing through the filter portion 13 is thinned, and the smoker can enjoy the light flavor (mild flavor) produced by the comparatively low-concentration smoke. In this case, the ratio of the air taken in through the first openings 17 and second openings 18 to the main flow smoke is as high as 60 to 80%, for example. Because of the structure in which the mouthpiece-side portion 13B can be rotated by an angle as wide as approximately 330° to change from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the structure is attractive as an article of taste.

[0070] On the other hand, the smoker can enjoy the light flavor by lighting the tip end of the tobacco portion 12 in the state of the second position P2 mentioned above. If the smoker feels like enjoying the high-concentration smoke in the middle of enjoying the light taste, the smoker rotates the mouthpiece-side portion 13B and the second covering portion 16 relative to the tobacco-side portion 13A of the filter portion, for example, by 330° in the clockwise direction as viewed from the mouthpiece portion 24. By doing so, the position can be changed from the second position P2 back to the first position P1. As a result, the smoker can enjoy the rich flavor of the smoke.

[0071] The smoker can rotate the mouthpiece-side portion 13B and the second covering portion 16 from the state of the second position P2 by a slight angle. By doing so, the first portions 17A of the first openings 17 are made to partly overlap the second portions 17B of the first openings 17. As a result, the degree of air flow can be adjusted to be intermediate between that of the first position P1 and that of the second position P2.

[0072] The cigarette 11 of the fourth embodiment can be manufactured in a similar manner to that of the cigarette 11 of the first embodiment. With respect to the fourth embodiment as well, examination was carried out under the same conditions as Examples 1-4 of the first embodiment and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. As a result, substantially similar results were obtained with respect to Examples 1-4 of the fourth embodiment and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0073] The advantages of the cigarettes 11 of the fourth embodiment and Examples 1-4 of the fourth embodiment are substantially similar to those of the cigarettes 11 of the first embodiment. In addition, since the second openings 18 are not provided in the present embodiment, the mouthpiece-side portion 13B and the second covering portion 16 can be rotated largely to change from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Owing to this, when switching from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the smoker is intentionally required to rotate the mouthpiece-side portion 13B by a wide angle. Because of this design, the smoker can feel the pleasure of changing the flavor by a rotating operation. Because of this, a smoking article can be provided which is attractive to the smoker as an article of taste.

[0074] It is to be noted that the smoking articles (cigarettes 11) are not limited to those described in connection with the foregoing embodiments, and the structural elements of the cigarettes can be modified in various manners without departing from the spirit when they are reduced to practice. Further, the structural elements of different embodiments described above can be properly combined to realize one cigarette 11.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0075] 11...Cigarette, 12...Tobacco Portion, 13...Filter Portion, 13A...Tobacco-side Portion, 13B...Mouthpiece-side Portion, 15...First Covering Portion, 16...Second Covering Portion, 17...First Opening, 17A...First Portion, 17B...Second Portion, 18...Second Opening, 18A...Third Portion, 18B...Fourth Portion, 21...Rotating Portion, 22...Filter body, 23...Wrapper, C...Axis, R...Circumferential Direction, P1...First Position, P2...Second Position

Claims

1. A smoking article comprising:

a tobacco portion;

a filter portion including a filter body adjacent to the tobacco portion and a wrapper wound around the filter body;

a first covering portion covering the tobacco portion and part of the filter portion;

a second covering portion covering the filter portion other than the part;

a plurality of openings shifted in an axial direction of the filter portion, each of the openings including a first portion penetrating the second covering portion and a second portion penetrating the wrapper; and

a rotating portion provided between the mouthpiece-side portion of the filter portion and the tobacco-side portion of the filter portion and permitting the mouthpiece-side portion of the filter portion and the second covering portion to rotate relative to the tobacco-side portion of the filter portion between a first position where the first portion is shifted from the second portion and a second position where the first portion and the second portion align.

2. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the openings are shifted from each other in a stepwise pattern.

3. The smoking article according to claim 2, wherein long sides of each of the openings extend in a circumferential direction of the second covering portion.

4. The smoking article according to claim 3, wherein the long sides are not shorter than 0.5 mm and not longer than 3 mm.

5. The smoking article according to claim 4, wherein the long sides are not shorter than 1 mm and not longer than 2 mm.

6. The smoking article according to claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of second openings which are provided at a position away from a position of the openings by a predetermined angle rotation around an axis of the filter portion and which are shifted from each other in a direction of the axis, each of the second openings including a third portion penetrating the second covering portion and a fourth portion penetrating the wrapper,

wherein the rotating portion permits the mouthpiece-side portion of the filter portion and the second covering portion to rotate relative to the tobacco-side portion of the filter portion, between a first position where the third portion is shifted from the fourth portion and a second position where the fourth portion and the third portion align.

7. The smoking article according to claim 6, wherein the second openings are shifted from each other in a stepwise pattern.

8. The smoking article according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined angle is 180°.

Drawing