EP3039972A1

EP3039972A1 - Elongate delivery device including liquid release component

Info

Publication number: EP3039972A1
Application number: EP14200446.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Charles Kuersteiner; Dorothy Tritz
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2014-12-29
Filing date: 2014-12-29
Publication date: 2016-07-06

Abstract

There is provided an elongate delivery device (10) for the oral delivery of a volatile active material to a consumer. The device comprises at least one fibrous segment (12) comprising a plurality of woven or non-woven fibres, the at least one fibrous segment being enclosed in a wrapper. Further, the device comprises one or more liquid release components (14) containing a volatile active material in liquid form, wherein the active material is releasable into the at least one fibrous segment upon compression of the liquid release component. The device does not comprise any tobacco. In addition, the plurality of fibres is adapted to disperse the active material in the fibrous segment by capillary action upon release from the liquid release components, such that, upon volatilisation, the active material can be drawn through the fibrous segment to one end of the delivery device.

Description

The present invention relates to an elongate delivery device for the oral delivery of a volatile active material to a consumer, wherein the delivery device includes one or more liquid release components. The delivery device finds particular application as a device for the delivery of volatile flavourants. The present invention further relates to a container including a plurality of smoking articles in combination with one or more of the elongate delivery devices.
The history of smoking dates back to thousand of years and smoking is associated with signals and rituals in different societies. Gestures, poses with a cigarette, the position in which a cigarette is held relative to the mouth and parts of the body are subtle signals that reflect and are sometimes used to communicate certain emotions, especially between men and women. Some smokers are social smokers, who usually smoke only in the presence of others and thus use smoking as a social display to create certain impressions on others. Some smokers relief stress, collect thoughts or stall decision-making by diverting their attention to the smoking process. Some are prone to handling a cigarette even when they are not craving one, and smoking becomes a part of other things they do, such as drinking coffee or alcohol or talking on the telephone. The habit of smoking is strong especially for those who have smoked for a period of time and become accustomed to having a cigarette in their hands or mouths. Many rituals associated with smoking have been observed such as rolling a cigarette between one's fingers, biting or pushing one's tongue against the filter, rolling a cigarette around in one's mouth before lighting it, and holding a cigarette behind one's ear. The inventors have recognized that many such rituals associated with smoking can be performed without lighting a cigarette and can be satisfactorily carried out using an elongate object that has a similar dimension and feel to a cigarette. Such an elongate device can substitute a cigarette in aspects of the smoking ritual that involve the handling of the cigarette and forming of gestures while holding the cigarette. The device can offer smokers an alternative to cigarettes when the habit of smoking urges a smoker to search for and light up a cigarette. Thus, such an elongate device can potentially reduce the incidence of smoking.
According to the invention there is provided an elongate delivery device for the oral delivery of a volatile active material to a consumer. The device comprises at least one fibrous segment comprising a plurality of woven or non-woven fibres, the at least one fibrous segment being enclosed in a wrapper. Further, the device comprises one or more liquid release components containing a volatile active material in liquid form, wherein the active material is releasable into the at least one fibrous segment upon compression of the liquid release component. The device does not comprise any tobacco. In addition, the plurality of fibres is adapted to disperse the active material in the fibrous segment by capillary action upon release from the liquid release components, such that, upon volatilisation, the active material can be drawn through the fibrous segment to one end of the delivery device.
The delivery device of the present invention therefore provides a novel additive delivery system which enables the consumer to selectively release and inhale an active material such as a flavourant. The liquid release components including the active material are provided in a standalone device, which can be used separately and independently from other consumer goods such as smoking articles. The active material can be effectively retained within the delivery device until the consumer chooses to release it through compression of a liquid release component.
Once released, the active material is dispersed within the fibrous segment of the delivery device and begins to volatilise. As the consumer draws on the delivery device from the downstream end, a stream of air is drawn through the device, into which the volatilised active material is entrained. The active material is therefore simply delivered to the consumer within the inhaled air stream, without the need for heating or combustion.
The delivery device of the present invention does not contain any tobacco, and thus is not a filtered cigarette. In most embodiments of the invention, the delivery device does not contain any material derived from tobacco. Although the plurality of fibres forming the fibrous segment can be made from cellulose acetate, a commonly used material for making cigarette filter, the fibrous segment of the present invention is not a cigarette filter due to its low filtration efficiency. Instead of cellulose acetate, other long paper fibres can also be used.
The term "elongate" is used herein to define the shape of the delivery device, which is longer in a first direction (the longitudinal direction) than in the transverse direction, thereby providing a rod like or stick like structure. This provides a form that is particularly suitable for insertion into the consumer's mouth.
The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used herein to refer to the relative positions of components of the delivery device in relation to the direction in which the volatilised active material is drawn through the delivery device upon inhalation by the consumer. Elongate delivery devices as described herein comprise a downstream end which is inserted into the consumer's mouth and an opposed upstream end. In use, a consumer draws on the downstream end of the delivery device. In certain embodiments of the invention, either end of a fibrous segment can act as a downstream end depending on the consumer's preference.
The term "liquid release component" is used herein to refer to any component that provides an encapsulating structure for retaining a volatile liquid during storage and which may be readily broken down to release the volatile liquid upon compression by a consumer. Suitable types of liquid release component for use in the delivery device of the present invention are described below.
As used herein, the term "liquid" refers to compositions that are in a liquid state at room temperature (22 degrees Celsius).
The term "volatile active material in liquid form" is used herein to refer to any liquid additive that readily evaporates at room temperature and that provides an effect on the consumer upon delivery into the consumer's mouth. Typically, this will be a sensory effect such as a taste or cooling effect, but other non-sensory effects, such as warming, tingling, numbing, effervescent, or salivating, may also be provided. The delivery device of the present invention finds particular application in the delivery of flavourants, deodorants and breath fresheners. However, the skilled person will appreciate that the delivery device is suitable for the delivery of a wide variety of other active materials in liquid form.
A flavourant is any natural or artificial compound that affects the organoleptic quality of a composition. Many naturally occurring flavourants can be obtained either by extraction from a natural source or by chemical synthesis if the structure of the compound is known. The flavourants can be extracted from a part of a plant or an animal by physical means, by enzymes, or by water or an organic solvent, and thus include any extractive, essence, hydrolysate, distillate, or absolute thereof. Plants that can be used to provide flavourants, include but are not limited to, those belonging to the families, Lamiaceae (for example, mints), Apiaceae (for example, anise, fennel), Lauraceae (for example, laurels, cinnamon, rosewood), Rutaceae (for example, citrus fruits), Myrtaceae (for example, anise myrtle), and Fabaceae (for example, liquorice). Non-limiting examples of sources of flavourants include mints such as peppermint and spearmint, coffee, tea, cinnamon, clove, ginger, cocoa, vanilla, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, agave, juniper, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chive, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme and caraway. The term "mints" is used to refer to plants of the genus Mentha.
Many flavourants are essential oils, or a mixture of one or more essential oils. An "essential oil" is an oil having the characteristic odour and flavour of the plant from which it is obtained. Suitable essential oils include, but are not limited to, eugenol, peppermint oil and spearmint oil. In many embodiments the flavourant material comprises menthol, eugenol, or a combination of menthol and eugenol. In many embodiments, the flavourant material further comprises anethole, linalool, or a combination of thereof. In certain embodiments, menthol, due to its volatility, can be used as a carrier in combination with other flavourant(s).
Many examples of compounds that produce a cooling effect and can be used as an active material are known in the art, including but not limited to the family of carboxamide compounds, such as WS-3, WS-23, WS-5, WS-27, WS-14, and WS-116.
In the delivery device of the present invention, the one or more liquid release components are incorporated within one or more fibrous segments, each of which is formed of a plurality of woven or non-woven fibres. The fibrous segment or segments provide the structure of the delivery device, which supports and protects the one or more liquid release components prior to use. Furthermore, the fibrous segments are suitably formed of fibres that are optimized to enhance its ability to wick and disperse the active material that is released from the liquid release component by capillary action. The fibres therefore provide a liquid transport effect, which draws the active material away from the liquid release component and disperses it through the fibrous segments. The dispersion of the active material within the segment facilitates the volatilisation of the active material and thereby enhances the oral delivery of the volatilised active material to the consumer. To enhance the volatility of certain active material, a more volatile carrier, such as menthol, may be added. The device does not require heating to release the active material from the fibrous segment or the liquid releasing component.
Wicking takes place when a liquid spontaneously flow along the surface of a fibre in a network of fibres driven by capillary forces. This type of flow caused by capillary action is governed by many factors, such as surface tension, viscosity and density of the liquid, as well as the surface wetting forces of the fibres and the structure of the fibrous network in the segment. Capillary action describes the phenomenon when liquids in narrow tubes, gaps and voids take on motion caused by surface tension of the liquid. If the forces of adhesion between the liquid and the surface of a tube are greater than the forces of cohesion between molecules of the liquid, then capillary action occurs. Fluid flow would be faster in a void with a large capillary radius than that in one with a smaller radius, but the capillary with a smaller radius can transport the liquid to a greater distance. Furthermore, intersections of fibres which are voids, can act as reservoirs and feed the branches with liquid flow. Therefore, the motion of liquid within a fibrous segment also depends on the capillary size and continuity of the fibres within the structure of the fibrous network. Accordingly, the fibrous segment is suitably adapted to wick and disperse the released liquid within the segment to facilitate volatilisation.
The fibrous segment is also adapted to provide passage for air to be drawn through the delivery device from the upstream end to the downstream end and into the consumer's mouth. The air that passes through the network of fibres carries the active material through the segment and delivers it to the consumer.
Suitable fibres for forming the fibrous segment of the delivery device of the present invention would be known to the skilled person and may optionally be selected from the fibrous materials conventionally used for forming fibrous filter segments for smoking articles. Non-limiting examples of fibres used in smoking articles include cellulose acetate, polylactic acid (PLA), cotton, hemp, and flax.
In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the at least one fibrous segment is formed of cellulose acetate fibres. In such embodiments, the cellulose acetate fibres can have a denier per filament (dpf) value of between about 2.5 and about 8.0, preferably between about 2.7 and about 3.4, and most preferably about 3.0. The fibrous segment comprising the cellulose acetate fibres can have a total denier of between about 15,000 and about 60,000, more preferably between about 25,000 and about 48,000, most preferably about 40,000. For maximizing the surface area to adsorb smoke constituents, the cross-sectional outline or shape of many fibres used in cigarette filter is Y-shaped. However, for the purpose of the present invention, in certain embodiments, it is more preferable that the fibres facilitate wicking along spaces between fibres rather than adsorption. Therefore, although Y-shaped fibres can be used, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the fibres be substantially circular, that is, that the fibres be cylindrical.
In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one fibrous segment is formed of polylactic acid (PLA) fibres. In such embodiments, the PLA fibres can have a denier per filament (dpf) value of between about 2.5 and about 8.0, preferably between about 2.7 and about 3.4, and most preferably about 3.0. The fibrous segment comprising the PLA fibres can have a total denier of between about 15,000 and about 60,000, more preferably between about 25,000 and about 48,000, most preferably about 40,000.
The fibres in the at least one fibrous segment may be substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the elongate delivery device and may extend substantially the full length of the segment. Alternatively, the fibres in the fibrous segment may be randomly oriented and extend part way along the length of the segment. Optionally, a plasticiser may be applied to the fibres of the fibrous segment in order to improve the binding of the fibres. Suitable plasticisers for use in the fibrous segment of delivery devices of the present invention may include those conventionally used for forming fibrous filter segments for smoking article filters.
In a first aspect of the present invention, the one or more liquid release components are embedded within the at least one fibrous segment of the delivery device. In such embodiments, the one or more liquid release components are surrounded by the fibres of the fibrous segment and upon compression of the liquid release component, the active material is readily dispersed amongst the surrounding fibrous material.
Delivery devices according to the first aspect of the invention may consist of a single fibrous segment which includes one or more liquid release components embedded within it. Where two or more liquid release components are provided within the fibrous segment, the liquid release components are preferably spaced apart along the length of the segment.
Delivery devices according to the first aspect of the invention may alternatively be formed of a plurality of separate fibrous segments, which are axially aligned along the length of the delivery device. Preferably, adjacent fibrous segments abut each other in an end-to-end relationship to provide a continuous fibrous structure along the length of the delivery device. Each of the fibrous segments may include a single liquid release component, or a plurality of liquid release components spaced apart along the segment, as described above for a single segment delivery device. The liquid release components in each fibrous segment may include the same or a different active material to those in the other fibrous segments.
The fibrous segments in the plurality of fibrous segments are preferably held together by the wrapper of the delivery device, which circumscribes the fibrous segments along the full length of the delivery device. Optionally, each individual fibrous segment may be wrapped with a separate, inner wrapper that underlies the main wrapper of the delivery device.
Preferably, where a plurality of fibrous segments is provided in the delivery device, the fibrous segments are separable from each other by the consumer. This may enable the fibrous segments to be progressively removed from the delivery device after the active material has been released from the liquid components within that segment. This may advantageously improve the delivery of the active material from the remaining fibrous segments by decreasing the distance between the unused fibrous segments and the downstream end of the delivery device. The separation of the fibrous segments from each other also potentially enables the consumer to use each of the fibrous segments separately. In this way, each fibrous segment effectively provides an independent delivery device once removed from the other fibrous segment, from which the active material can be released and inhaled independently.
The number of fibrous segments provided within the delivery device may be selected depending on other properties or features of the delivery device, such as for example, the desired overall length of the delivery device, the size of the liquid release components, the desired number of liquid release components, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the delivery device includes between two and six fibrous segments.
Preferably, the maximum diameter of each liquid release component is between about 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm for delivery device having a diameter of between 4 mm and 8 mm. Where the liquid release component has a diameter that is greater than about 0.75 times the diameter of the delivery device, the delivery device is preferably provided with ventilation means, as described in more detail below, in order to reduce the resistance to draw for the consumer.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the wrapper includes one or more circumferential lines of weakness extending around the delivery device at a position corresponding to the position of an interface between adjacent fibrous segments. The lines of weakness may, for example, be provided by a circumferential row of perforations in the wrapper. The provision of such lines of weakness at the interfaces between the adjacent fibrous segments advantageously facilitates the separation of the fibrous segments from each other.
Where the wrapper is provided with one or more circumferential lines of weakness in the form of perforations, as described above, it may be desirable to provide an additional, inner wrapper over each of the interfaces between the adjacent fibrous segments, wherein the inner wrapper is substantially impermeable to the active material within the liquid release components. In this way, the leakage of the active material through the perforations in the overlying wrapper may be substantially prevented.
Preferably, in order to facilitate the breakage of the inner wrapper at the interface, the inner wrapper is formed of a sheet material having a low basis weight. In one embodement, the inner wrapper is formed of a plastic, such as a polylactic acid (PLA) film. The inner wrapper may have a basis weight of less than about 90 grams per square metre (gsm), more preferably less than about 60 gsm. Preferably, the inner wrapper exhibits anti-staining properties, for example, by coating with an anti-staining varnish. The inner wrapper may alternatively be formed of a paper material having a basis weight of less than about 60 gsm, more preferably less than about 40 gsm.
In a second aspect of the present invention, the one or more liquid release components are provided within one or more cavities defined between adjacent fibrous segments in the delivery device. Each cavity is provided between a first, upstream fibrous segment and a second, downstream fibrous segment and the outer boundary of the cavity is provided by the wrapper of the delivery device. Upon compression of the liquid release component within the cavity, the active material is released into the fibrous segments on either side of the cavity. Such a cavity arrangement is similar to those provided within cavity filters of smoking articles.
Delivery devices according to the second aspect of the invention may include a single cavity defined between two spaced apart fibrous segments. The single cavity preferably includes a single liquid release component, although in certain embodiments a plurality of liquid release components may be provided within the cavity.
Delivery devices according to the second aspect of the invention may alternatively include a plurality of cavities defined between respective pairs of fibrous segments and spaced apart along the length of the delivery device. Each cavity preferably includes a single liquid release component, although in certain embodiments a plurality of liquid release components may be provided within each cavity. The liquid release components in each cavity may include the same or a different active material to those in the other cavities.
The number of cavities provided within the delivery device may be selected depending on other properties or features of the delivery device, such as for example, the desired overall length of the delivery device, the size of the liquid release components, the desired number of liquid release components, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the delivery device includes between two and six cavities.
Preferably, the liquid release components in one or more of the cavities are visible from the outside of the delivery device. For example, in certain embodiments, the wrapper of the delivery device may be formed from a substantially transparent material. In alternative embodiments, the one or more cavities may be circumscribed by a substantially transparent inner wrapper and the main wrapper overlying the inner wrapper may include one or more apertures overlying the cavities. Such an arrangement provides one or more windows in the main wrapper, through which the liquid release components are visible to the consumer.
In delivery devices according to both aspects of the present invention, the one or more liquid release components are preferably provided at a distance of at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, from the downstream end of the delivery device, more preferably at least 5 mm. This preferred minimum spacing between the most downstream liquid release component and the mouth end of the delivery device ensures that the active material is fully volatilised before reaching the downstream end of the device and being delivered into the consumer's mouth.
In delivery devices according to both aspects of the invention in which a plurality of liquid release components are provided, the liquid release components are preferably spaced apart from each other along the length of the delivery device, as described above. The preferred spacing of the liquid release components may depend upon the diameter of the liquid release components, the amount of active material contained in each liquid release component, the overall size of the delivery device, or combinations thereof.
Preferably, the liquid release components are spaced apart by at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, along the length of the delivery device, more preferably by at least 12 mm, measured from the centres of the liquid release components. This preferred minimum spacing between adjacent liquid release components preferably reduces the risk of the active material released from one liquid release component migrating to an adjacent liquid release and adversely affecting the structure or quality thereof.
The one or more liquid release components of delivery devices according to the invention may take a variety of suitable forms in which an active material in liquid form is retained within an encapsulating structure and released upon compression of the encapsulating structure.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the delivery device may include one or more liquid release components in the form of a capsule having a breakable outer shell and a liquid active material encapsulated within the outer shell. Suitable capsules would be known to the skilled person. Capsules typically provide a single burst of the active material since most of the active material is released at once when the capsule is broken.
In alternative embodiments of the invention, the delivery device may include one or more liquid release components formed of a sustained release delivery material in which the liquid active material is encapsulated within a matrix structure, typically formed by a polymer matrix. Such materials are capable of releasing the active material more gradually over a range of applied compressive force, over a range of deformation of the material, or both. Suitable sustained release materials for use in the present invention are described in WO-A-2013/068304 , incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, each of the one or more liquid release components is in the form of a bead, which is preferably rounded and particularly preferably, cylindrical or spherical. Other forms of liquid release component may however be suitable.
As described above, the one or more liquid release components of the delivery devices according to the invention contain an active material in liquid form, which is released from the liquid release component when the encapsulating structure is broken down upon compression of the liquid release component. Preferably, the active material comprises a liquid having a high vapour pressure which readily volatilises upon release from the liquid release component, such that transfer of the active material to the downstream end of the delivery device is assisted.
Preferably, the active material in the one or more liquid release components comprises a flavourant material, particularly preferably mint, menthol, WS-3, or a combination thereof. Where a plurality of liquid release components is provided, the liquid release components may contain the same flavourant as each other or one or more different flavourants.
The desired level of delivery of the active material to the consumer will depend upon the type of active material. For example, in preferred embodiments in which the active material is menthol, the delivery device preferably delivers at least 0.2 mg of menthol per liquid release component.
As described above, the one or more fibrous segments incorporating the liquid release components are circumscribed by a wrapper, which preferably extends substantially the entire length of the delivery device. The wrapper is preferably substantially impermeable to the active material within the one or more liquid release components, such that the active material in liquid form does not leak through the wrapper. This not only prevents unnecessary loss of the active material but also at least minimises potential staining of the wrapper by the active material. The sheet material forming the wrapper may itself be impermeable to the active material. Alternatively or in addition, a coating layer may be applied to at least the inner surface of the wrapper to provide an impermeable barrier layer against migration of the active material through the wrapper.
Preferably, the wrapper is formed of a paper material. However, other sheet materials including plastics may also be suitable.
It has been found that a delivery device that exhibits a certain degree of hardness is more desirable for the consumer who may enjoy chewing the device which is not easily deformed and does not disintegrate even if moistened. The term "hardness" used throughout this specification denotes the resistance to deform. Hardness is generally expressed as a percentage. Hardness is given by: $hardness (%) = \frac{D_{d}}{D_{S}} * 100 %$

where D_S is the original (undepressed) cigarette diameter, and D_d is the depressed diameter after applying a set load for a set duration (but with the load still applied). The harder the material, the closer the hardness is to 100%.
As is described in more detail below, and generally known in the art, to determine the hardness of a portion (such as a filter) of a smoking article, smoking articles or in this case the elongate delivery device should be aligned parallel in a plane and the same portion of each device to be tested should be subjected to a set load for a set duration. This test is performed using a known DD60A Densimeter device (manufactured and made commercially available by Heinr. Borgwaldt GmbH, Germany), which is fitted with a measuring head for cigarettes and with a cigarette receptacle.
The load is applied using two load applying cylindrical rods, which extend across the diameter of all of the elongate delivery devices at once. According to the standard test method for this instrument, the test should be performed such that twenty contact points occur between the delivery devices and the load applying cylindrical rods. In some cases, the delivery devices to be tested may be long enough such that only ten delivery devices are needed to form twenty contact points, with each delivery device contacting both load applying rods (because they are long enough to extend between the rods). In other cases, if the delivery devices are too short to achieve this, then twenty delivery devices should be used to form the twenty contact points, with each smoking article contacting only one of the load applying rods, as further discussed below.
Two further stationary cylindrical rods are located underneath the delivery devices, to support the delivery devices and counteract the load applied by each of the load applying cylindrical rods. For the standard operating procedure for such an apparatus, an overall load of 2 kg is applied for a duration of 20 seconds. After 20 seconds have elapsed (and with the load still being applied to the delivery devices), the depression in the load applying cylindrical rods is determined, and then used to calculate the hardness from the above equation. The temperature is kept in the region of 22 degrees Centigrade ± 2 degrees. The test described above is referred to as the DD60A Test.
According to the invention, the hardness of an elongate delivery device is at least about 80%. More preferably, the hardness of the delivery device is at least about 85%. In order for a consumer to be able to enjoy chewing the elongate delivery device, it is preferable for there to be some (limited) yield when the consumer chews. Thus, preferably the hardness of the delivery device at the downstream end segment is no more than about 90%.
In certain preferred embodiments, to achieve a desired hardness, the wrapper circumscribing the fibrous segments has a basis weight greater than about 50 grams per square metre (gsm) and up to about 150 gsm. More preferably, the wrapper has a basis weight of between about 65 gsm and about 85 gsm and about 75 gsm and about 120 gsm, most preferably about 110 gsm.
The wrapper of delivery devices according to the invention may optionally be provided with perforations to provide ventilation in the delivery device. The perforations allow additional air to be drawn through the wrapper into the fibrous segments at one or more positions along the length of the delivery device, in addition to the air drawn from the upstream end to the downstream end. The provision of ventilation in the delivery device may advantageously be used to control the resistance to draw of the delivery device, in particular where the one or more liquid release components restrict the main flow of air through the device, as may be the case for example where the ratio of the diameter of the liquid release component to the diameter of the device is relatively high. Preferably, the perforations in the outer wrapper provide ventilation from 10 percent to 80 percent, preferably from 20 percent to 60 percent, and most preferably from 40 percent to 55 percent.
Where ventilation is provided in the form of one or more lines of perforations in the wrapper, the perforations are preferably provided upstream of each liquid release component.
The outer surface of the wrapper of delivery devices according to the invention may optionally be printed or marked with indicia to indicate the position of the one or more liquid release components within the device to the consumer. This ensures that the consumer is able to apply the compressive force to the appropriate place on the delivery device, thereby facilitating the release of the active material.
The delivery devices according to the invention preferably have a resistance to draw (RTD) of between 8 mmH₂O (millimetres of water) to 90 mmH₂O for a 20 millimetres segment.
The delivery devices of the present invention have an elongate form, with a downstream end that is adapted to be placed in the consumer's mouth. The downstream end is preferably adapted to be provided directly in the consumer's mouth. Alternatively, the downstream end may be adapted to be received within a suitable mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is inserted into the consumer's mouth and the volatilised active material is delivered through the mouthpiece.
Preferably, the overall length of delivery devices according to the invention is between about 70 millimetres and about 128 millimetres, more preferably between about 80 millimetres and about 90 millimetres. Preferably, the external diameter of delivery devices according to the present invention is between about 5 millimetres and about 8.5 millimetres.
Preferably, delivery devices according to the invention have a substantially round or oval transverse cross sectional shape, in order to provide a smooth and rounded outer surface. However, other transverse cross-sectional shapes could also be used without impacting the release of the active material from the liquid release components.
In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the dimensions of the delivery device are selected such that the delivery device is of a similar size and shape to a conventional smoking article. This may advantageously enable one or more of the delivery devices according to the invention to be packaged together with a bundle of smoking articles, as described below.
According to the invention there is further provided a container of smoking articles comprising: a housing; a plurality of elongate smoking articles within the housing; and one or more elongate delivery devices according to the invention within the housing. Preferably, each of the elongate delivery devices comprises one or more liquid release components containing a flavourant and in particular, a mouth-freshening flavourant such as mint or menthol. Particularly preferably, each delivery device comprises a plurality of liquid release components containing a flavourant, spaced apart along the length of the device.
The provision of one or more delivery devices according to the invention within a container of smoking articles provides the consumer with a convenient means for storing the delivery devices and enables the consumer to use the delivery device to release flavour into their mouth in conjunction with the smoking of a smoking article, or as a separate experience. For example, the consumer may wish to use the delivery device as a mouth freshener after smoking, or may wish to use the delivery device instead of a smoking article.
The dimensions of the delivery devices within the container are preferably selected to be at least similar to the dimensions of the smoking articles such that the delivery devices and smoking articles can be readily packaged together in a conventional container. For example, preferably the length of each of the one or more elongate delivery devices is substantially the same as the length of the elongate smoking articles within the housing.
Where the container includes a plurality of delivery devices according to the invention, the delivery devices may include the same flavourant as each other, or a variety of different flavourants.
If desired, the number of delivery devices within the container or the total number of liquid release components provided by the delivery devices may be selected depending upon the number of smoking articles within the container. For example, the number of delivery devices may be selected such that the total number of liquid release components provided equals the number of smoking articles within the container.
Containers according to the invention may take any suitable form, including but not limited to soft packs, hinge lid packs or slide and shell packs.
The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, unwrapped;
Figure 2 shows a side view of a delivery device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, unwrapped; and

The elongate delivery device 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a single fibrous segment 12 of cellulose acetate fibres including a single liquid release component 14 embedded within the fibrous segment 12, approximately one third of the way along the length of the fibrous segment 12 from the mouth end 16 of the device. The fibrous segment is circumscribed by an outer wrapper 18 formed of a paper material having an impermeable varnish coating layer (not visible).
The delivery device 10 has a length and diameter corresponding to that of a conventional smoking article.
The fibrous segment 12 has a filament denier of 8.0 and a total denier of 15,000. The overall RTD of the delivery device 10 is 8 mm H₂O (millimetres of water).
The liquid release component 14 of the delivery device 10 is in the form of a substantially spherical bead of a sustained release flavour delivery material comprising a menthol flavourant retained within a polysaccharide matrix. The menthol flavourant is gradually released from the bead upon compression of the bead within the fibrous segment The amount of menthol released from the bead depends upon the applied compressive force such that the flavour intensity can be controlled through control of the pressure applied to the delivery device 10. The bead can be compressed one or more times in order to provide a burst of menthol flavour to the consumer.
In use, the consumer releases the menthol from the liquid release component 14 through the application of a compressive force to the delivery device at the position of the liquid release component 14 and then draws on the delivery device 10 from the downstream end. After release into the fibrous segment 12, the menthol from the liquid release component 14 volatilises and is entrained in the stream of air that passes through the fibrous segment as the consumer inhales. The volatilised menthol is thereby delivered into the consumer's mouth as they inhale on the delivery device 10.
The elongate delivery device 20 shown in Figure 2 comprises four substantially identical fibrous segments 22 of cellulose acetate fibres in an abutting end-to-end relationship. Each pair of adjacent segments 22 abut each other at an interface 24. A liquid release component 26 is embedded within each of the fibrous segments 22, approximately two thirds of the way along the length of the respective segment from the mouth end 28 of the device 10.
The delivery device 20 has a length and diameter corresponding to that of a conventional smoking article.
Each fibrous segment 22 has a filament denier of 2.7 and a total denier of 35,000 for a segment that is about 20 millimetres in length. The overall RTD of the delivery device 10 is mm H₂O (millimetres of water).
Each liquid release component 26 is in the form of a frangible, spherical capsule having a brittle outer shell encapsulating a liquid menthol core. The menthol is released in a single burst upon compression of the capsule to rupture the outer shell.
The four fibrous segments 22 are circumscribed by an outer wrapper 30 formed of a paper material having an impermeable varnish coating layer (not visible). The wrapper 30 has been pre-perforated with three rows of perforations 32 which are positioned such that when the wrapper is wrapped around the fibrous segments 22, the rows of perforations 32 extend circumferentially around the delivery device 20 at positions corresponding to the positions of the interfaces 24 between adjacent segments 22.
In use, the consumer releases the menthol from one of the liquid release components 26 through the application of a compressive force to the delivery device at the position of the liquid release component 26 and then draws on the delivery device 20 from the downstream end. As described above in relation to Figure 1, after release into the fibrous segment 22, the menthol from the liquid release component 26 volatilises and is entrained in the stream of air that passes through the fibrous segment as the consumer inhales. The volatilised menthol is thereby delivered into the consumer's mouth as they inhale on the delivery device 20.
The delivery device 20 may be used with the four fibrous segments intact such that the liquid release components 26 are successively compressed to release a burst of menthol. Alternatively, the consumer may separate one or more of the fibrous segments 22 from the remainder of the delivery device 20 by breaking the wrapper 30 along the respective row of perforations 32. The resultant individual fibrous segment 22 may then be used separately to deliver menthol to the consumer. Alternatively again, the consumer may break off each successive fibrous segment 22 after the menthol has been released from the liquid release component 26 of that segment 22.

Claims

An elongate delivery device for the oral delivery of a volatile active material to a consumer, the device comprising:
at least one fibrous segment comprising a plurality of woven or non-woven fibres, the at least one fibrous segment being enclosed in a wrapper; and

one or more liquid release components containing a volatile active material in liquid form, wherein the active material is releasable into the at least one fibrous segment upon compression of the liquid release component; and

wherein the device does not comprise any tobacco; and

wherein the plurality of fibres is adapted to disperse the active material in the fibrous segment by capillary action upon release from the liquid release components such that the active material upon volatilisation can be drawn through the fibrous segment to one end of the delivery device.
A delivery device according to claim 1 wherein the wrapper is formed of a sheet material that is substantially impermeable to the active material.
A delivery device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the wrapper has a basis weight of at least 100 grams per square metre (gsm).
A delivery device according to claim 3 comprising a plurality of fibrous segments axially aligned along the delivery device, each fibrous segment including one or more of the liquid release components.
A delivery device according to claim 4 wherein adjacent fibrous segments abut at an interface and wherein the wrapper includes one or more circumferential lines of weakness extending around the delivery device at a position corresponding to the position of an interface.
A delivery device according to claim 1 or 2 comprising two or more fibrous segments spaced apart to define one or more cavities, wherein one or more liquid release components of the active material are provided within each cavity.
A delivery device according to claim 6 wherein the one or more cavities are circumscribed by a substantially transparent inner wrapper and wherein the wrapper overlies the inner wrapper and comprises one or more apertures overlying the cavities.
A delivery device according to any preceding claim wherein the fibres comprise cellulose acetate or polylactic acid fibres having a denier per filament of about 2.7 to about 3.4 and the at least one fibrous segment comprises about 15,000 to about 60,000 filaments.
A delivery device according to any preceding claim wherein the fibres have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.
A delivery device according to any preceding claim wherein the wrapper comprises one or more ventilation zones, each ventilation zone including one or more circumferential rows of perforation holes.
A delivery device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more liquid release components are provided at a distance of at least 2 millimetres from the downstream end of the delivery device.
A delivery device according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of liquid release components spaced apart in an axial direction along the delivery device, wherein the liquid release components are separated from each other by a distance of at least 6 millimetres.
A delivery device according to any preceding claim wherein the active material comprises at least one of menthol, eugenol, anethole, linalool, a flavourant obtained from peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, cinnamon, clove, ginger, cocoa, vanilla, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, agave, juniper, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chive, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme and caraway, a carboxamide, WS-3, WS-23, WS-5, WS-27, WS-14, and WS-116.
A container of smoking articles comprising:
a housing;

a plurality of elongate smoking articles within the housing; and

one or more elongate delivery devices according to any preceding claim within the housing, each elongate delivery device comprising one or more liquid release components containing a flavourant.
A container according to claim 14 wherein the length of each of the one or more elongate delivery devices is substantially the same as the length of the elongate smoking articles within the housing and wherein each elongate delivery device comprises a plurality of liquid release components provided at spaced apart intervals along the device.