| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 105 683 B1 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
| (45) |
Mention of the grant of the patent: |
|
07.01.1987 Bulletin 1987/02 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 23.09.1983 |
|
|
| (54) |
Adjustable filter cigarette and a method of manufacture thereof
Einstellbare Filterzigarette und Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung
Cigarette à filtre ajustable et procédé pour sa production
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI NL SE |
| (30) |
Priority: |
30.09.1982 US 429392 05.11.1982 US 439588
|
| (43) |
Date of publication of application: |
|
18.04.1984 Bulletin 1984/16 |
| (71) |
Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED |
|
New York, New York 10017 (US) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Nichols, Walter Allen
Richmond
Virginia 23225 (US)
- Newsome, Reginald Wayne
Richmond
Virginia 23236 (US)
- Hausermann, Max
Richmond
Virginia 23236 (US)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Bass, John Henton et al |
|
REDDIE & GROSE
16 Theobalds Road London WC1X 8PL London WC1X 8PL (GB) |
|
| |
|
| 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).
|
[0001] The present invention relates to filter cigarettes which are adjustable by the smoker
to vary one or more of the air dilution value, the resistance to draw value, and the
flavour of the cigarette.
[0002] Various mechanisms have been disclosed in heretofore issued patents which provide
for adjustment of the air dilution value of a filter cigarette, but these mechanisms
are not without certain disadvantages. While many complicated mechanisms have been
disclosed, the simpler mechanisms generally involved making one or more openings in
a substantially air impermeable filter plug wrap and the overlying, substantially
air impermeable tipping paper. A sleeve containing one or more corresponding openings
is placed over the tipping paper and this either rotated or moved axially to select
the degree to which the two sets of openings are in registry. In another embodiment
found in the art, the filter is not glued to the tipping paper and thus may be moved
axially within the cylinder formed by the tipping paper. openings are made in the
tipping paper which correspond to openings made in the filter plug wrap. The air dilution
value is adjusted by axially moving the filter plug within the tipping paper to adjust
the degree to which the two sets of openings are in registry.
[0003] Among the problems associated with such mechanisms are that the sleeve or the filter
plug may be removed from the cigarette by the smoker and not readily replaced. Also,
registry between the two sets of openings may be inadvertently destroyed by a slight
axial movement of the sleeve or plug. Accordingly, the air dilution value selected
by the smoker is not ensured of any degree of consistency. Yet another problem associated
with a number of these prior devices is that they have not been readily adaptable
to high rate of production on cigarette making machinery of convention design.
[0004] These prior adjustable cigarettes also do not provide a means to maintain the resistance
to draw value constant as the air dilution value changes, nor are such cigarettes
adjustable to vary the resistance to draw value while maintaining a substantially
constant air dilution value. Also, these prior adjustable cigarettes do not provide
an encapsulated flavourant which is released in varying amounts during adjustment
of the air dilution value, the resistance to draw value or both values.
[0005] FR-A-2 273 443 discloses a cigarette filter comprising mouth end and rod end portions
held together by a wrapper and defining a chamber in the filter. Rotation of the mouth
end portion relative to the rod end portion causes the part of the wrapper surrounding
the chamber to twist into the chamber, partially blocking the smoke path through the
filter and so increasing the resistance to draw. In one embodiment, the filter portions
slide on a needle, which extends through the chamber and in which components of the
smoke may condense. This filter does not provide for any air dilution, nor for any
of the other desirable characteristics noted in the preceding paragraph, with the
exception of variable resistance to draw.
[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filter cigarette,
which can be readily manufactured on conventional cigarette making equipment, that
is adjustable by the smoker to vary one or more of the air dilution value, the resistance
to draw value, and the flavour of the cigarette.
[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a filter cigarette comprising
a tobacco rod, a substantially cylindrical filter plug, comprising a rod-end segment
and a mouth-end segment rotatable relative to the rod-end segment, a substantially
air impermeable plug wrapping circumscribing the filter plug, and tipping paper circumscribing
and joining the filter plug and a portion of the tobacco rod, characterised in that
the rod-end segment and the mouth-end segment are held against separation from each
other by interconnection of the axial regions of their opposed faces.
[0008] In some preferred variable air dilution embodiments, at least one opening is made
through the tipping paper, which is substantially air impermeable, and in the underlying
portion of the filter plug wrap, such that, as the first segment of the filter is
rotated about the axis of the central core, the opening in the tipping paper and the
opening in the underlying portion of the filter plug are in varying degrees of registry
to permit varying amounts of air to enter the filter and combine with smoke, thereby
varying the air dilution value of the cigarette. The air dilution value is the ratio
of the volume of air to the volume of smoke exiting the mouth end of the filter and
is expressed as a percentage.
[0009] The present invention also includes within its scope a filter cigarette without the
variable dilution feature but which has a variable resistance to draw provided by
assembling the filter and impermeable tipping paper as described above but without
the openings therethrough and providing a plurality of longitudinally extending channels
in the first segment and a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in the second
segment of the filter which are in varying degrees of registry as the first segment
is rotated about the axis of the core, thereby providing paths of less resistance
for the flow of the smoke through the filter, thus varying the resistance to draw
value of the cigarette.
[0010] Also included within the scope of the present invention is a filter cigarette having
the previously described variable dilution feature as well as the sets of channels
of the variable resistance to draw embodiment. As the first segment is rotated about
the central core to increase the air dilution value, the resistance to draw decreases.
The channels of this embodiment are configured such that, as the air dilution value
is decreased by rotation of the first segment, the channels are subject to increasing
deregistry which increases the resistance to draw. The net effect of the increased
air dilution and deregistry of the channels is to maintain a constant resistance to
draw.
[0011] Yet another embodiment included within the scope of the present invention is a filter
cigarette with or without the variable dilution feature and with or without the variable
or constant resistance to draw feature which is provided with an encapsulated flavourant
which is released in varying amounts responsive to rotation of the first segment about
the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0012] In other preferred embodiments, the wrapping has a plurality of first longitudinally
extending, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference
of the first segment which are registrable with corresponding second longitudinally
extending, substantially air impermeable depressions spaced about the circumference
of the second segment, such that as the first segment is rotated relative to the second
segment, the degree of registry of the first and second depressions varies, thereby
admitting varying amounts of air to the interior of the first segment. The air enters
through the air transmissive tipping paper and travels along the depressions into
the exposed portions of the abutting ends of the first and second segments. The air
transmissive property of the tipping paper may be provided either by employing air
permeable tipping paper or by providing a plurality of openings in air impermeable
tipping paper which overlie and communicate with the depressions in the first segment
or the second segment or both segments.
[0013] The cigarettes of the present invention may be manufactured employing conventional
equipment with only minor modifications and a method of manufacturing is provided
characterised in that it comprises cutting a tobacco rod and a wrapped filter plug
to a desired length, bringing the tobacco rod and the wrapped filter plug into axial
alignment, overwrapping the tobacco rod and the wrapped filter plug with tipping paper,
forming a circumferential cut in the wrapped filter plug and the tipping paper, the
circumferential cut extending partially through the wrapped filter plug so as to leave
a central bore along the longitudinal axis of the wrapped filter plug, thereby permitting
rotational movement of the segments of the filter plug defined by the circumferential
cut.
[0014] The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the
drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the filter plug and tobacco
rod of the filter cigarette of the present invention taken from the mouth end;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of one embodiment of the filter cigarette
of the present invention taken from the mouth end and showing the tobacco rod, filter,
and tipping paper as well as the openings provided through the tipping paper and plug
wrap to provide for variable dilution;
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section taken on the line A-A of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention
taken from the mouth end;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled embodiment of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third variable resistance to draw embodiment
of the cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention which
provides a variable amount of flavourant;
Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the invention in
which the segments of the filter plug are joined by a plastic extrusion;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken from the mouth
end, of a sixth preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled
embodiment of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken from the mouth
end, of a seventh preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled
embodiment of Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, perspective view, taken from the mouth
end, of an eighth preferred embodiment of the filter cigarette of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is an enlarged perspective view, taken from the mouth end, of the assembled
embodiment of Fig. 15;
Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a wrapped filter plug of the present invention showing
the circular cutting disc forming the circumferentially extending cut in the filter
plug;
Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E of Fig. 18 showing the depth
of the cut of the circular blade into the filter plug and the resultant axial core;
Fig. 20 is a longitudinal section taken on the line F-F of Fig. 1;
Fig. 21 is a view in perspective of a laser system for use in making the openings
in the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap of the variable dilution filter cigarette
of the present invention;
Fig. 22 is a partial elevational view of a mechanical apparatus for use in making
openings in the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap of the variable dilution cigarette
of the present invention;
Fig. 23 is a partial elevational view of the cutting mechanism of the apparatus of
Fig. 22; and
Fig. 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 22.
[0015] A preferred embodiment of the variable dilution cigarette of the present invention
is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 and comprises a tobacco rod 1, which is a substantially
cylindrical charge of tobacco 2 wrapped in cigarette paper 3. The tobacco rod is joined
in abutting end-to-end relation to a wrapped filter plug 4 which has a circumferentially
extending cut 5 intermediate the mouth end and the tobacco rod end defining a central
axial core 16, as shown in Figs. 3, and 21, and which divides the filter plug into
a first mouth-end segment 6 and a second rod-end segment 7.
[0016] The filter plug and a portion of the mouth end of the tobacco rod are circumscribed
by non-porous tipping paper 8. The tipping paper has a circumferentially extending
row of closely spaced perforations 9 which overlie the second segment 7 of the filter
plug adjacent the mouth end of the tobacco rod 1. This row of perforations divides
the tipping paper into a first mouth-end band 10 and a second rod-end band 11.
[0017] The inner surface of band 10 is attached adjacent the mouth end to the first segment
6 of the filter plug, preferably by means of an adhesive band 13. The inner surface
of band 11 joins the second segment 7 of the filter plug to the mouth end of tobacco
rod 1, preferably by means of a band of adhesive 12 extending, in width, between the
row of perforations 9 and the rod end of band 11. At least one opening is made through
the tipping paper and the underlying plug wrap at a position on band 10 intermediate
the row of perforations 9 and the cut 5.
[0018] Since the openings, 14 and 15 respectively, are formed simultaneously, they are initially
in registry and variable dilution is achieved by rotating band 10 and breaking the
row of perforations 9, thereby allowing band 10 and the segment 6 to rotate in unison
about the central core 16. This core may typically have a diameter within the range
of from about 12.7% to about 38.1 % of the diameter of the filter plug, a value of
about 25.4% being preferable. This range will permit segment 6 to be rotated 360°
without breaking the core 16. Rotation of the band 10 rotates opening 14 relative
to opening 15 thus varying the degree of registry, thereby varying the air dilution
value of the cigarette.
[0019] Both the tipping paper 8 and the wrapping of the filter plug 4 are substantially
air impermeable wrappings which restrict any radial air flow through the filter paper
and underlying plug wrap to the area of registry between openings 14 and 15. The filter
paper may be any commercially available, substantially air impermeable, paper and
the filter plug may be any conventional, substantially cylindrical filter such as
a cellulose acetate filter or the like. The filter material can be of uniform density
or it can contain a substantially cylindrical axial core of relatively high density
filter material circumscribed by filter material of relatively lower density. When
it is desired to use the non-uniform density filter plug, the higher density filter
material preferably forms the previously described axial core 16. Any conventional,
substantially air impermeable plug wrap may be employed.
[0020] Means for permitting the smoker to select the specific air dilution ratio may be
provided through indicia (not shown) printed on opposite sides of the row of perforations
9, and which are made readily visible and are designed to show the degree of registry
of the openings.
[0021] A second preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5 comprises a tobacco rod 1 containing
a charge of tobacco 2 wrapped in cigarette paper 3 and joined to filter plug 4 in
abutting, end-to-end relation. The filter plug has a circumferentially extending cut
5 intermediate the mouth end and the tobacco rod end which divides the filter plug
into a first mouth-end segment 6 and a second rod-end segment 7. The filter plug is
joined to the tobacco rod by tipping paper 17, preferably by a band of adhesive 18
on the inner surface of the tipping paper which overlaps the abutting ends of the
filter and the tobacco rod. The tipping paper extends from a position on the tobacco
rod adjacent the filter to a point intermediate the cut 5 and the mouth end of the
segment 6. An opening 14 is made through the tipping paper at a position between the
cut 5 and the mouth end of the tipping paper. A corresponding opening 15 is made in
the plug wrap at a position underlying opening 14. Openings 14 and 15 are preferably
made simultaneously and thus are initially in registry.
[0022] The circumferentially extending cut 5 defines a central, axially extending core 16
having a preferred diameter as noted in connection with the first preferred embodiment.
In practice, that portion of filter plug segment 6 which is not wrapped by tipping
paper 17 is grasped by the smoker and rotated about the central core 16, thus rotating
openings 15 relative to openings 14, thereby varying the degree of registry of the
two sets of openings and, accordingly, the air dilution value of the cigarette.
[0023] In a third embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 6, the openings 14 and
15 of the first and second embodiment may be omitted or retained and a plurality of
axially extending passages 19 made in the first and second segments 6 and 7 of the
filter plug. These passages in the first and second segments 6 and 7 are made such
that, as the first segment 6 of the filter plug is rotated about the axis of the central
core 16, the passages in the first and second segments are in varying degrees of registry
thus varying the resistance to draw of the cigarette. Variable resistance to draw
may be selected in conjunction with variable dilution such that the resistance to
draw is constant as the dilution is varied or may be selected in the absence of variable
dilution to provide a variable resistance to draw.
[0024] In a fourth preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 7, a flavour encapsulation means is
inserted within the filter. Thus means may comprise an axially extending cellophane
tube 20 containing individual cells 21 of flavourant which are ruptured in response
to rotation of the first segment of the filter plug about the central core 16. As
can be seen from Fig. 6, increased rotation of the first segment of the filter plug
serves to increase the twist experienced by the cellophane tube, thereby rupturing
an increasing number of flavourant cells. The smoker can thus vary the intensity of
flavour released by the flavour capsule by rotating the filter plug a desired amount.
The flavour system of this embodiment may be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments.
[0025] Fig. 8 shows an alternative arrangement for maintaining a rotational connection between
the first segment 6 and the second segment 7 of the filter plug 4. In this arrangement,
plastic extrusion 22, formed as part of the filter plug, lies along the axis of the
first and second segments. The cut 5 extends down to this extrusion. It will be appreciated
by those of ordinary skill in the art that the plastic extrusion shown in Fig. 8 can
be used with any of the first, second and third embodiments.
[0026] Three further embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference
to Figs. 9 to 17 in which like parts are given like reference numbers throughout.
[0027] Common to these three embodiments are the following elements: A tobacco rod 100,
comprising a substantially cylindrical charge of tobacco 101 enclosed in cigarette
paper 102, is axially aligned in abutting end-to-end relation with a filter plug 103,
which comprises a first segment 104 and a second segment 105. The first and second
segments are axially aligned and abut each other at the line of abutment 106. The
second segment abuts the tobacco rod 100 at the line of abutment 107 and is joined
thereto. Means are provided joining the first segment to the second segment for rotation
of the first segment about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. The first and second
segments are wrapped in a substantially air impermeable plug wrap 108 which has a
plurality of first depressions 109 which are substantially air impermeable and spaced
about the circumference of the first segment. These depressions extend from a position
intermediate the mouth end of the first segment and the line of abutment 106, to the
line 106. A corresponding set of depressions 110, which are registrable with the first
depressions, extend from the line 106 to a position intermediate line 106 and line
107. When the depressions 109 and 110 are in registry, the filter tow is not exposed
and air does not flow through the tipping paper, along the depressions and into the
filter tow. The filter plug 103 and the tobacco rod 100 are circumscribed by a layer
of tipping paper 111 which extends from a position on the first segment to a position
on the tobacco rod adjacent line 107.
[0028] The tipping paper 111 is air transmissive, and, as shown in the figures, comprises
an air impermeable paper which is rendered air transmissive by means of rows of perforations
112, which communicate with the second set of depressions 110. In an alternative embodiment,
the tipping paper 111 may be air permeable and the perforations 112 omitted. These
perforations, when present, may overlie the second segment, or the first segment,
or both segments. The perforations may be formed by conventional means known to those
skilled in the art, such as electrostatic discharge, mechanical perforation, or laser
perforation. The depressions may be formed by passing the filter rod between rollers
having ridges which make the depressions in the plug wrap.
[0029] Means join the first and second segments such that the first segment is rotatable
about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. This means, in one preferred embodiment
shown in the figures, in an extruded plastic rod 113. This embodiment may be formed
by extruding a plastic rod, enveloping it in the filter tow and overwrapping with
plug wrap. The filter is then slit circumferentially down to the extruded rod, whereby
the first segment is rendered rotatable relative to the second segment. Alternatively,
a conventional cellulose acetate filter may be cut circumferentially so as to leave
a central core about which the first segment may be rotated, or a filter may be prepared
having an axial core of a denser filter tow surrounded by a less dense filter tow
and then circumferentially slit down to the denser core, thereby rendering the first
segment rotatable relative to the second segment.
[0030] In one preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the tipping paper 111 extends
from the mouth end of the first segment 104 to a position on the tobacco rod adjacent
the line of abutment 107. The tipping paper 111 has a circumferentially extending
row of closely spaced perforations forming a break-away line 113 which overlies the
second segment intermediate the depressions 110 and the line of abutment 107. This
line 113 divides the tipping paper into a mouth-end sleeve and a rod-end sleeve. The
rod-end sleeve attaches the second segment to the tobacco rod, preferably by means
of an overlapping band of adhesive material 114 as shown in Figs. 9 to 11. The mouth-end
sleeve is attached to the first segment 104, preferably by a band of adhesive 115
intermediate the mouth end and the depressions 109, as shown in Figs. 9 to 11.
[0031] This embodiment may be fabricated using existing cigarette making equipment known
to those skilled in the art with only minor modifications. The row of perforations
113 is preferably made employing a laser perforation system to provide closely spaced
and small diameter perforations such that the line 113 retains only sufficient strength
to remain intact during application of the tipping paper to the plug wrap and tobacco
rod. Preferably the laser system is employed to make about 39 perforations per cm
(about 100 perforations per inch).
[0032] In practice, the mouth end of the cigarette and the tobacco column are grasped and
rotated one relative to the other to break the row of perforations 113 and rotate
the first segment, thereby varying the degree of registry of the depressions 109 and
110 and varying the amount of airflowing through the openings 112 into the depressions
and then into the filter material where the air mixes with the smoke, thereby dilution
the smoke and changing the air dilution value of the cigarette.
[0033] In another preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 12 to 14, the tipping paper 111 extends
as in the first embodiment but bands 116 and 117 are interposed between the tipping
paper 111 and the plug wrap 108. The first band 116 extends from the mouth end of
the filter plug 103 to a position intermediate the mouth end and the depressions 109.
This band 116 is attached to the underlying plug wrap, preferably by an adhesive material
8. A second band extends from a position intermediate the depressions 110 and the
line of abutment 107 to a position on the tobacco rod 100 which corresponds to the
position of the rod end. of the tipping paper 111.
[0034] This band 117 joins the second segment 105 to the tobacco rod 100, preferably by
means of an adhesive material 119. The tipping paper is attached only to the first
band 116, preferably by means of an adhesive material 120. Thus, the entire tipping
paper rotates with the first segment 104, about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette.
Air dilution occurs as described for the embodiment of Figs. 9 to 11.
[0035] In another preferred embodiment, as shown in Figs. 15 to 17, the tipping paper 111
extends from a position intermediate the mouth end of the first segment 104 and the
depressions 109 to a position on tobacco rod 100 adjacent the line of abutment 107.
The tipping paper joins the second segment 105 to the tobacco rod 100, preferably
by means of an overlapping band of adhesive 121. Thus, the tipping paper is attached
only to the tobacco column 100 and the second segment 105. The first segment 104 protrudes
from the mouth end of the tipping paper 111 and may be grasped by the smoker and rotated
within the tipping paper 111 to vary the degree of registry of the depressions 109
and 110. Air dilution occurs as described for the embodiment of Figs. 9 to 11.
[0036] The cigarettes of the present invention may be readily produced on conventional cigarette
making and tipping apparatus with a minimum of modification. Forming and cutting the
cigarette rod and the filter plug to length are done conventionally. Also, bringing
the filter plug into axial alignment with the cigarette rod and the overwrapping with
tipping paper are accomplished in the same manner as in the manufacture of conventional
cigarettes.
[0037] Furthermore, additional simplicity in manufacturing is made possible in the embodiments
of Figs. 1 to 8 by simultaneously forming the openings in the tipping paper and the
underlying plug wrap. This is accomplished, in one manner, simply by slitting or perforating
the tipping paper and underlying plug wrap on each cigarette as it passes through
the conventional cigarette making machinery at or near a rolling shoe station.
[0038] As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the circumferentially extending cut 5 in the filter
plug 4 may by made using a circular knife 22 which is set to penetrate a specified
distance into the filter plug, -perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter
plug. Typically, the circular knife and the filter plug are both rotated as shown
in Fig. 19, resulting in a circumferentially extending cut which leaves a central
core 16 along the longitudinal axis of the filter plug.
[0039] The row of perforations 9 in the tipping paper in the first embodiment may be made
by any conventional means such as laser perforation, electrostatic perforation, or
mechanical perforation using points or knives. In practice; the tipping paper is fed
through a perforation zone where it is exposed to a laser light beam. The power setting
and focusing of the laser and the rate of feed of the tipping paper are selected so
as to all but part the paper along the "break away" line 9 shown in Fig. 2. The attachment
which remains is selected to retain only enough strength to hold the first and second
bands of the tipping paper together during assembly. Preferably, a laser system is
employed to make about 39 perforations per cm (about 100 perforations per inch) in
the paper.
[0040] The tipping paper may be applied to the filter plug and tobacco rod employing conventional
cigarette making equipment and then the openings 14 and 15 are made through the tipping
paper and underlying plug wrap employing either a laser system as shown in Fig. 21
or a mechanical system as shown in Figs. 22, 23 and 24.
[0041] Preferably, as shown in Fig. 21, a laser perforation system is employed which uses
a laser 23 to generate a laser beam 25 that is reflected by mirror 26 and collected
by lens 27 which focuses the beam. The laser beam 25 is focused to traverse the rotating
cigarette and is set to remain on for a time period sufficient to make an opening,
preferably a slit of a desired length, through the tipping paper and the underlying
plug wrap. Slits one millimeter wide are preferred. If it is desired to establish
a line of perforations instead of slits, the laser beam may be pulsed.
[0042] The openings through the tipping paper and the underlying plug wrap may also be made
by mechanical means as shown in Figs. 22, 23 and 24. As shown in Fig. 22, cigarettes
28 are passed between rotating drums 32 and 33. Drum 32 feeds the cigarettes beneath
a fixed plate 31 into contact with a circular knife 29 rotating about shaft 30 and
having a V-shaped edge 34 as shown in Fig. 23. In an alternative embodiment shown
in Fig. 24, the cigarettes 28 are fed between a rotating drum 35 and a fixed plate
36 past semi-circular knife blades 37 which are fixed to the plate 36.
[0043] It will be understood that the particular embodiments described above are only illustrative
of the present invention as defined by the claims.
1. A filter cigarette comprising a tobacco rod (1,100), a substantially cylindrical
filter plug (4,103), comprising a rod-end segment (7,105) and a mouth-end segment
(6, 104) rotatable relative to the rod-end segment, a substantially air impermeable
plug wrapping circumscribing the filter plug, and tipping paper (8,111) circumscribing
and joining the filter plug and a portion of the tobacco rod, characterised in that
the rod-end segment (7,105) and the mouth-end segment (6,104) are held against separation
from each other by interconnection of the axial regions of their opposed faces.
2. A filter cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the mouth-end segment (6,104)
and said rod-end segment (7,105) are defined by a circumferential cut (5,106) in said
filter plug.
3. A filter cigarette according to claim 2 wherein the cut (5) extends partially through
the filter plug (4) and defines a central axis core (16) connecting the mouth-end
segment (6) to the rod-end segment (7).
4. A filter cigarette according to claim 2 including an axial plastic extrusion (20,
22, 113) connecting the segments, the cut (5,106) extending to the extrusion.
5. A filter cigarette according to claim 2 wherein the filter plug (4) comprises an
inner substantially cylindrical core of filter material and an outer substantially
cylindrical layer of filter material circumscribing the inner filter material, wherein
the density of the inner filter material is greater than the density of the outer
filter material, and wherein the cut (5) extends to the inner filter material.
6. A filter cigarette according to any preceding claim in which the mouth end is provided
with means operable by rotation of the mouth-end segment (6,104) of the filter relative
to the rod-end segment (7,105) of the filter to alter at least one smoking characteristic
of the cigarette.
7. A filter cigarette of any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising a means for varying
the air dilution value of the filter cigarette by rotation of the mouth-end segment
(6,104) with respect to the rod-end segment (7,105).
8. A filter cigarette according to claim 7 wherein the tipping paper (8) is substantially
air impermeable and comprises, in sequence, first (11), second (10) and third bands,
the first band (11) fixedly connecting the tobacco rod (1) to the rod-end segment
(7), the second band (10) containing a first opening (14), and the third band attaching
the second band (10) to the mouth-end segment (6) and wherein the plug wrap overlying
the rod-end segment contains a second opening (15) underlying the first opening (14)
so that rotation of the mouth-end segment (6) with respect to the rod-end segment
(7) varies the registry between the first and second openings.
9. A filter cigarette according to claim 7 wherein the tipping paper (17) is substantially
air impermeable and comprises, in sequence, first and second bands, the first band
fixedly connecting the tobacco rod (1) to the rod-end segment (7) and the second band
containing a first opening (14) and further wherein the plug wrap overlying the mouth-end
segment (6) contains a second opening (15) underlying the first opening (14) so that
rotation of the mouth-end segment (6) with respect to the rod-end segment (7) varies
the registry between the first and second openings.
10. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a
means for varying the resistance to draw of the filter cigarette by rotation of the
mouth-end segment (6) with respect to the rod-end segment (7)
11. A filter cigarette according to claim 10 wherein the means for varying the resistance
to draw comprises a first longitudinal bore (19) extending through the mouth-end segment
(6) and a second longitudinal bore (19) extending through the rod-end segment (7),
whereby rotation of the mouth-end segment with respect to the rod-end segment varies
the registry between the first and second bores.
12. A variable air dilution filter cigarette according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the
means for varying the resistance to draw is adapted to maintain the resistance to
draw value of said cigarette constant as the air dilution value is varied.
13. A filter cigarette according to claim 8 wherein the second band (10) is perforatedly
connected to the first band (11).
14. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising an
encapsulated flavourant disposed within the filter plug (4) and adapted to release
varying amounts of flavourant by rotation of the mouth-end segment (6) with respect
to the rod-end segment (7).
15. A filter cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tipping
paper (111) is air transmissive, and the wrapping has a plurality of first longitudinally
extending, substantially air impermeable depressions (109) spaced about the circumference
of the mouth-end segment (104) extending from a position intermediate the ends of
the mouth-end segment to the rod-end segment (105), the first depressions being registrable
with corresponding second, longitudinally extending, substantially air impermeable
depressions (110) spaced about the circumference of the rod-end segment, such that
as the mouth-end segment is rotated relative to the rod-end segment, the degree of
registry of the first and second depressions varies, thereby varying the amount of
air admitted to the interior of the filter plug.
16. A filter cigarette according to claim 14 wherein the tipping paper (111) extends
from the mouth end of the filter plug to a position on the tobacco rod (100) adjacent
the line of abutment (107) of the rod-end segment (105) with the tobacco rod, the
tipping paper including a circumferentially extending row of closely spaced perforations
(113) overlying the rod-end segment at a position intermediate the tobacco rod and
the second depressions (110), thereby dividing said paper into a mouth-end sleeve
and a rod-end sleeve, the mouth-end sleeve being attached to the mouth-end segment
for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis, the rod-end sleeve joining the
rod-end segment to the tobacco rod.
17. A filter cigarette according to claim 14 wherein a first contiguous band (116)
extends from the mouth end of the filter plug (103) to a position on the mouth-end
segment (104) intermediate the mouth end of the first depressions (109) and the first
depressions (109) and attached to the mouth-end segment for rotation therewith, and
the rod-end segment (105) is joined to the tobacco rod by a second contiguous band
(117) extending from a position on the tobacco (100) adjacent the rod-end segment
to a position on the rod-end segment, the tipping paper overlying the first and second
bands, and the tipping paper being attached to the first band for rotation therewith.
18. A filter cigarette according to claim 14 wherein the tipping paper (111) extends
from a position on the mouth-end segment (104) intermediate the mouth-end and the
first depressions (109) to a position on the tobacco rod (100) adjacent the rod-end
segment (105), the tipping paper joining the rod-end segment to the tobacco rod, so
that the mouth-end segment is rotatable within the tipping paper.
19. A method of manufacturing the filter cigarette of any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised
in that it comprises cutting a tobacco rod and a wrapped filter plug to a desired
length, bringing the tobacco rod and the wrapped filter plug into axial alignment,
overwrapping the tobacco rod and the wrapped filter plug with tipping paper, forming
a circumferential cut in the wrapped filter plug and the tipping paper, the circumferential
cut extending partially through the wrapped filter plug so as to leave a central bore
along the longitudinal axis of the wrapped filter plug, thereby permitting rotational
movement of the segments of the filter plug defined by the circumferential cut.
1. Cigarette à filtre comprenant un boudin de tabac (1, 100), un bout-filtre à peu
près cylindrique (4,103), comportant un segment d'extrémité côté boudin (7, 105) et
un segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6, 104) déplaçable en rotation par rapport au
segment d'extrémité côté boudin, une gaine de bout-filtre à peu près imperméable à
l'air entourant le bout-filtre, et un papier de manchette (8, 111) entourant et raccordant
le bout-filtre et une partie du boudin de tabac, caractérisée en ce que le segment
d'extrémité côté boudin (7, 105) et le segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6, 104) sont
maintenus à l'encontre de la séparation l'un de l'autre par interconnexion des régions
axiales de leurs faces opposées.
2. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 1, dans laquelle le segment d'extrémité
côté bouche (6, 104) et ledit segment d'extrémité côté boudin (7, 105) sont délimités
par une découpe circonférentielle (5, 106) ménagée dans ledit bout-filtre.
3. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 2, dans laquelle la decoupe (5) s'etend
partiellement à travers le bout-filtre (4) et délimite une âme axiale centrale (16)
reliant le segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6) au segment d'extrémité côté boudin
(7).
4. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 2, comprenant un élément axial (20,
22, 113) en matière plastique extrudée reliant les segments, la découpe (5, 106) s'étendant
jusqu'à l'élément extrudé.
5. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 2, dans laquelle le bout-filtre (4)
comprend une âme intérieure à peu près cylindrique en matériau filtrant et une couche
extérieure à peu près cylindrique en matériau filtrant entourant le matériau filtrant
intérieur, dans laquelle la densité du matériau filtrant intérieur est plus grande
que la densité du matériau filtrant extérieur et dans laquelle la découpe (5) s'étend
jusqu'au matériau filtrant intérieur.
6. Cigarette à filtre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle l'extrémité côté bouche est munie de moyens actionnables par rotation du
segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6, 104) du filtre par rapport au segment d'extrémité
côté boudin (7, 105) du filtre afin de modifier au moins une caractéristique de fumage
de la cigarette.
7. Cigarette à filtre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, comprenant
en outre des moyens pour faire varier la valeur de la dilution en air de l'a cigarette
à filtre par rotation du segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6, 104) par rapport au segment
d'extrémité côté boudin (7, 105).
8. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 7, dans laquelle le papier de manchette
(8) est à peu prés impermeable à l'air et comprend, dans l'ordre, une première (11),
une deuxième (10) et une troisième bande, la première bande (11) reliant de manière
fixe le boudin de tabac (1) au segment d'extrémité côté boudin (7), la deuxieme bande
(10) comportant un première trou (14) et la troisième bande reliant la deuxième bande
(10) au segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6), et dans laquelle la gaine de bout-filtre
enveloppant le segment d'extrémité côté boudin comporte un deuxième trou (15) s'étendant
sous le premier trou (14) de sorte que la rotation du segment d'extrémité côté bouche
(6) par rapport au segment d'extrémité côté boudin (7) fait varier l'alignement entre
les premier et deuxième trous.
9. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 7, dans laquelle le papier de manchette
(17) est à peu près imperméable et comprend, dans l'ordre, une première et une deuxième
bandes, la première bande reliant de manière fixe le boudin de tabac (1) au segment
d'extrémité côté boudin (7) et la deuxième bande comportant un premier trou (14),
et en outre dans laquelle la gaine de bout-filtre enveloppant le segment d'extrémité
côté bouche (6) comporte un deuxième trou (15) s'étendant sous la premier trou (14)
de sorte que la rotation du segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6) par rapport au segment
d'extrémité côté boudin (7) fait varier l'alignement entre le premier et la deuxième
trous.
10. Cigarette à filtre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, comprenant
en outre des moyens pour faire varier la résistance au tirage de la cigarette à filtre
par rotation du segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6) par rapport au segment d'extrémité
côté boudin (7).
11. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 10, dans laquelle les moyens pour
faire varier la resistance au tirage comprennent un premier conduit longitudinal (19)
s'étendant à travers le segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6) et un deuxième conduit
longitudinal (19) s'étendant à travers le segment d'extrémité côté boudin (7) de sorte
que la rotation du segment d'extrémité côte bouche par rapport au segment d'extrémité
côté boudin fait varier l'alignement entre le premier et le deuxième conduits.
12. Cigarette à filtre et à dilution variable en air suivant la revendication 10 ou
11, dans laquelle les moyens pour faire varier la résistance au tirage sont adaptés
pour maintenir constante la valeur de la résistance au tirage de ladite cigarette
lorsque la valeur de la dilution en air est modifiée.
13. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 8, dans laquelle la deuxième bande
(10) est reliée par l'intermédiaire d'une zone perforée à la première bande (11).
14. Cigarette à filtre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, comprenant
en outre un agent arômatisant mis en capsule disposée à l'intérieur du bout-filtre
(4) et adaptée pour libérer des quantités variables d'agent arômatisant par rotation
du segment d'extrémité côté bouche (6) par rapport au segment d'extrémité côté boudin
(7).
15. Cigarette à filtre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans laquelle
le papier de manchette (111) permet le passage de l'air et dans laquelle la gaine
comporte plusieurs premières dépressions (109) s'étendant longitudinalement et à peu
près imperméables à l'air, réparties autour de la circonférence du segment d'extrémité
côté bouche (104) et s'étendant à partir d'un emplacement situe entre les extrémités
du segment d'extrémité côté bouche jusqu'au segment d'extrémité côté boudin (105),
les premières dépressions étant susceptibles d'être alignées avec des deuxièmes dépressions
(110) correspondantes s'étendant longitudinalement et à peu près imperméables à l'air,
réparties autour de la circonférence du segment d'extrémité côté boudin, de sorte
que lorsque le segment d'extrémité côté bouche est tourné par rapport au segment d'extrémité
côté boudin, le degré d'alignement des premières et des deuxièmes dépressions varie
en faisant varier ainsi la quantité d'air admise à l'intérieur du bout-filtre.
16. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 14, dans laquelle le papier de manchette
(111) s'étend à partir de l'extrémité côté bouche du bout-filtre jusqu'à un emplacement
situé sur le boudin de tabac (100), au voisinage de la ligne de butée (107) du segment
côté boudin (105) avec le boudin de tabac, le papier de manchette comportant une rangée
de perforations (113) s'étendant circonférentiellement, étroitement espacées et s'étendant
sur le segment d'extrémité côté boudin en un emplacement situé entre le boudin de
tabac et les deuxièmes dépressions (110) en divisant ainsi ledit papier en un manchon
d'extrémité côté bouche et un manchon d'extrémité côté boudin, le manchon d'extrémité
côté bouche étant fixé au segment d'extrémité côté boudin de façon à permettre la
rotation de celui-ci autour de l'axe longitudinal et le manchon d'extrémité côté boudin
raccordant le segment d'extrémité côté boudin au boudin de tabac.
17. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 14, dans laquelle une première bande
attenante (116) s'étend à partir de l'extrémité côté bouche du bout-filtre (103) jusqu'à
un emplacement situe sur le segment d'extrémité côté bouche (104) entre l'extrémité
côté bouche et les premières depressions (109) et est fixée au segment d'extrémité
côté bouche pour tourner avec celui-ci, et le segment d'extrémité côté boudin (105)
est raccordé au boudin de tabac à l'aide d'une deuxième bande attenante (117) s'etendant
à partir d'un emplacement situé sur le boudin de tabac (100) au voisinage du segment
d'extrémité côté boudin jusqu'à un emplacement situé sur le segment d'extrémité côté
boudin, le papier de manchette recouvrant les première et deuxième bandes et étant
fixé à la première bande pour tourner avec celle-ci.
18. Cigarette à filtre suivant la revendication 14, dans laquelle le papier de manchette
(111) s'étend à partir d'un emplacement situé sur le segment d'extrémité côté bouche
(104) entre l'extrémité côté bouche et les premières dépressions (109) jusqu'à un
emplacement situé sur le boudin de tabac (100) au voisinage du segment d'extrémité
côté boudin (105), le papier de manchette raccordant le segment d'extrémité côté boudin
au boudin de tabac de sorte que le segment d'extrémité côté bouche est mobile en rotation
à l'intérieur du papier de manchette.
19. Procédé de fabrication de la cigarette à filtre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'on coupe à une longueur requise un boudin de tabac et
un bout-filtre gainé, en ce qu'on aligne axialement le boudin de tabac et le bout-filtre
gainé, en ce qu'on enveloppe le boudin de tabac et le bout-filtre gainé avec du papier
de manchette, en ce qu'on ménage une découpe circonférentielle dans le bout-filtre
gaine et le papier de manchette, la découpe circonférentielle s'étendant partiellement
à travers le bout-filtre gainé de façon à conserver une âme centrale le long de l'axe
longitudinal du bout-filtre gainé en permettant ainsi le mouvement de rotation des
segments du bout-filtre, délimités par la découpe circonférentielle.
1. Filterzigarette mit einem Tabakstrang (1; 100), einem im wesentlichen zylindrischen
Filterpfropfen (4; 103), der einen Strangendeabschnitt (7; 105) und einen relativ
zum Strangendeabschnitt drehbaren Mundendeabschnitt (6; 104) aufweist, einer den Filterpfropfen
umgebenden Filterumhüllung und einem die Verbindungsstelle zwischen dem Filterpfropfen
und einem Teil des Tabakstranges umgebenden Mundstückbelag (8; 111), dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass der Strangendeabschnitt (7; 105) un der Mundendeabschnitt (6; 104) durch die
miteinander verbundenen achsialen Bereiche der einander gegenüberliegenden Stirnseiten
der Abschnitte am Trennen derselben verhindert sind.
2. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Mundendeabschnitt
(6; 104) und der genannte Strangendeabschnitt (7; 105) durch einen längs des Umfanges
verlaufenden Einschnitt (5; 106) im genannten Filterpfropfen gebildet sind.
3. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einschnitt (5)
teilweise durch den Filterpfropfen (4) erstreckt und einen Zentralachsenkern (16)
bildet, welcher den Mundendeabschnitt (6) und den Strangendeabschnitt (7) miteinander
verbindet.
4. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine achsiale Kunststoffextrusion
(20; 22; 113) zum Verbinden der Abschnitte vorhanden ist und dass sich der Einschnitt
(5; 106) bis zur Kunststoffextrusion erstreckt.
5. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Filterpfropfen
(4) einen inneren, im wesentlichen zylindrischen Kern aus Filtermaterial und eine
äussere, im wesentlichen zylindrische, das innere Filtermaterial umgebende Schicht
aus Filtermaterial umfasst, dass die Dichte des inneren Filtermaterials grösser ist
als die Dichte des äusseren Filtermaterials und dass sich der Einschnitt (5) bis zum
inneren Filtermaterial erstreckt.
6. Filterzigarette nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Mundende zum Aendern wenigstens einer Rauch-Characteristik ein Mittel aufweist,
das durch Drehen des Mundendeabschnitts (6; 104) des Filterpfropfens relativ zum Strangendeabschnitt
(7; 104) des Filterpfropfens betätigbar ist.
7. Filterzigarette nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, gekennzeichnet durch ein Mittel
zum Aendem des Luftverdünnungswertes der Filterzigarette durch Drehen des Mundendeabschnittes
(6; 104) bezüglich des Strangendeabschnittes (7; 105).
8. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Mundstückbelag
(8) im wesentlichen luftundurchlässig ist und ein erstes (11), zweites (10) und drittes
Band umfasst, dass das erste Band (11) den Tabakstrang (1) mit dem Strangendeabschnitt
(7) verbindet, dass das zweite Band (10) eine erste Oeffnung (14) aufweist, dass das
dritte Band das zweite Band (10) am Mundendeabschnitt (6) festhält und dass im den
Strangendeabschnitt überdeckenden Teil der Filterumhüllung eine zweite Oeffnung (15)
vorhanden ist, die unterhalb der ersten Oeffnung (14) angeordnet ist, so dass durch
die Drehung des Mundendeabschnittes (6) bezüglich des Strangendeabschnites (7) die
Ueberlappung der ersten und der zweiten Oeffnung veränderbar ist.
9. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Mundstückbelag
(17) im wesentlichen luftundurchlässig ist und ein erstes und ein zweites Band umfasst,
dass das erste Band den Tabakstrang (1) mit dem Strangendeabschnitt (7) verbindet,
dass das zweite Band eine erste Oeffnung (14) aufweist und dass im den Mundendeabschnitt
überdeckenden Teil der Filterumhüllung eine zweite Oeffnung (15) vorhanden ist, die
unterhalb der ersten Oeffnung (14) angeordnet ist, so dass durch die Drehung des Mundendeabschnittes
(6) bezüglich des Strangendeabschnittes (7) die Ueberlappung der ersten und der zweiten
Oeffnung veränderbar ist.
10. Filterzigarette nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, gekennzeichnet durch ein Mittel
zum Aendern des Zugwiderstandes der Filterzigarette durch Drehen des Mundendeabschnittes
(6) bezüglich des Strangendeabschnittes (7).
11. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Mittel zum
Aendern des Zugwiderstandes eine sich durch den Mundendeabschnitt (6) erstreckende
erste Längsbohrung (19) und eine sich durch den Strangendeabschnitt (7) erstreckende
zweite Längsbohrung (19) umfasst, und dass durch Drehen des Mundendeabschnittes bezüglich
des Strangendeabschnittes die Ueberlappung zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Längsbohrung
veränderbar ist.
12. Filterzigarette mit variabler Luftverdünnung nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass das Mittel zum Aendern des Zugwiderstandes so ausgebildet ist,
dass der Zugwiderstandswert der genannten Zigarette konstant bleibt, wenn der Luftverdünnungswert
verändert wird.
13. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das zweite Band
(10) durch Perforation mit dem ersten Band (11) verbunden ist.
14. Filterzigarette nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
in dem Filterpfropfen (4) ein eingekapseltes Aroma angeordnet und zum Freigeben von
veränderbaren Mengen von Aroma durch Drehen des Mundendeabschnittes (6) bezüglich
des Strangendeabschnittes (7) ausgebildet ist.
15. Filterzigarette nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der Mundstückbelag (111) luftdurchlässig ist, dass die Umhüllung eine Anzahl erste,
sich in der Längsrichtung erstreckende und im wesentlichen luftundurchlässige Vertiefungen
(109) aufweist, die entlang des Umfanges des Mundendeabschnittes (104) angeordnet
sind und sich von einer Stelle zwischen den Enden des Mundendeabschnittes zum Strangendeabschnitt
(105) hin erstrecken, dass die ersten Vertiefungen mit entsprechenden zweiten, sich
in der Längsrichtung erstreckenden und im wesentlichen luftundurchlässigen Vertiefungen
(110) in Deckung bringbar sind, welche zweiten Vertiefungen am Umfang des Strangendeabschnittes
so angeordnet sind, dass beim relativen Drehen des Mundendeabschnittes gegenüber dem
Strangendeabschnitt der Grad der Ueberlappung der ersten und der zweiten Vertiefungen
ändert, wodurch die dem Innern des Filterpfropfens zugeführte Luftmenge veränderbar
ist.
16. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Mundstückbelag
(111) sich vom Mundende des Filterpfropfens bis zu einer Stelle auf dem Tabakstrang
(100) erstreckt, selche Stelle benachbart zu der Anstosslinie (107) zwischen dem Strangendeabschnitt
(105) und dem Tabakstrang ist, dass der Mundstückbelag eine sich längs des Umfanges
erstreckende Reihe von eng beabstandeten Perforationen (113) aufweist, die den Strangendeabschnitt
an einer Stelle zwischen dem Tabakstrang und den zweiten Vertiefungen (110) überdecken
und den Mundstückbelag in eine Mundendehülse und eine Strangendehülse unterteilen,
dass die Mundendehülse zum Drehen zusammen mit dem Mundendeabschnitt um die Längsachse
am Mundendeabschnitt befestigt ist und dass die Strangendehülse den Strangendeabschnitt
mit dem Tabakstrang verbindet.
17. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein erstes anliegendes
Band (116) sich vom Mundende des Filterpfropfens (103) bis zu einer Stelle auf dem
Mundendeabschnitt (104) zwischen dem Mundende des Filterpfropfens und den ersten Vertiefungen
(109) erstreckt und zum Drehen mit dem Mundendeabschnitt an demselben befestigt ist,
dass der Strangendeabschnitt (105) mit dem Tabakstrang durch ein zweites anliegendes
Band (117) verbunden ist, das sich von einer zum Strangendeabschnitt benachbarten
Stelle auf dem Tabakstrang (100) bis zu einer Stelle auf dem Strangendeabschnitt erstreckt,
und dass der Mundstückbelag das erste und das zweite Band überdeckt und am ersten
Band zum Drehen mit demselben befestigt ist.
18. Filterzigarette nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich der Mundstückbelag
(111) von einer Stelle auf dem Mundendeabschnitt (104) zwischen dem Mundende und den
ersten Vertiefungen (109) bis zu einer zum Strangendeabschnitt (105) benachbarten
Stelle auf dem Tabakstrang (100) erstreckt, dass der Mundstückbelag den Strangendeabschnitt
mit dem Tabakstrang verbindet und dass der Mundendeabschnitt innerhalb des Mundstückbelages
drehbar ist.
19. Verfahren zum Herstellen der Filterzigarette nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es folgende Verfahrensschritte umfasst: Schneiden eines
Tabakstranges und eines umhüllten Filterfropfens auf eine gewünschte Länge, achsiales
Ausrichten des Tabakstranges und des umhüllten Filterpfropfens, Umhüllen des Tabakstranges
und des umhüllten Filterpfropfens mit einem Mundstückbelag, Einarbeiten eines sich
längs des Umfanges erstreckenden Einschnittes in den Filterpfropfen und den Mundstückbelag,
wobei sich der Einschnitt teilweise durch den Filterpfropfen erstreckt, so dass eine
zentrale Bohrung entlang der Längsachse des Filterpfropfens verbleibt, wodurch eine
Drehbewegung zwischen den Abschnitten, in die der Filterpfropfen durch den Einschnitt
unterteilt ist, ermöglicht wird.