WO2006027437A1 - Adjustable filter tip for tobacco smoke or other smoking materials - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable filter tip for tobacco smoke or other smoking materials comprising, an assembly sleeve (MA) for retaining the object (CI) containing the material for smoking, a rotating sleeve (MR) outside said assembly sleeve (MA), a filter (MA<sub

Description

ADJUSTABLE FILTERING TOOL FOR SMOKING TOBACCO OR OTHER SMOKING MATERIAL

The present invention relates to an adjustable filter tip for tobacco smoke or other smoking material for cigarettes and the like, such as cigars, pipes and the like, using additional air supply to the main flow generated by the combustion of the smoking material.

It relates more particularly, but not exclusively, filter tips for smokers who wish to gradually quit smoking while enjoying a virtually constant draft resistance during the increasing dilution of the smoke generated by the combustion of the smoking material.

In general, it is known that it has already been proposed to manufacture cigarettes having a dilution filter having a non-adjustable opening on the periphery of said filter; this opening makes it possible to associate bypassing the main flow a flow of ambient air.

This mode of derivation can be incorporated in the filter of the cigarette or constitute a filter tip intended to be associated with said cigarette. In the latter case, the tip may comprise baffles for performing a certain mixture between the main flow generated by the combustion of the smoking material and the ambient air flow taken from the periphery of said nozzle. This solution does not make it possible to modify the dilution rate of the main flow.

In order to eliminate this drawback, it has also been proposed to incorporate on the periphery of the filter of the cigarette an adjustable opening, thus making it possible to modify the rate of dilution of the main flow; Furthermore, it has also been proposed to associate with the cigarette a tip with a dilution ratio of the main adjustable flow, which may optionally include a prior filtration of the ambient air flow associated with the main flow.

However, the solutions described above do not take into account a desire of the smoker, considered generally essential, namely a constant or almost constant draw, independent of the dilution rate of the main flow, especially when said smoker wants to quit in the future close and in a way that is unique to him.

The object of the invention is to achieve the objectives previously set out, avoiding the drawbacks of all these known solutions.

It proposes, for this purpose, an adjustable filter tip comprising: - an assembly sleeve for holding the object containing the smoking material, and having:

• mouth side an opening extending over a half periphery of said assembly sleeve, beyond a median plane containing the main axis of the aforesaid assembly sleeve, and

• object side containing the smoking material an internal partition, whose contour, observed in a transverse view perpendicular to said main axis, is defined on the one hand by the inner circumference of the assembly sleeve and on the other hand by a diameter contained in the above plan median, which internal partition is on the same side as the aforesaid half-peripheral opening,

a rotating sleeve external to the aforementioned assembly sleeve, and having:

• mouth side an opening extending over a half periphery of said rotating sleeve, beyond a median plane containing the main axis of said rotary sleeve, and

• object side containing the smoking material an internal partition, whose contour, observed in a transverse view perpendicular to said main axis, is defined on the one hand by the inner circumference of the rotating sleeve and on the other hand by a diameter contained in the aforesaid median plane, which transverse partition is located on the opposite side to the aforesaid half-peripheral opening,

a filter in the form of a half-ring disposed inside the aforesaid assembly sleeve, facing the half-peripheral opening,

means for longitudinally retaining the rotating sleeve with respect to the assembly sleeve, means for locating the relative angular position of the rotating sleeve with respect to the assembly sleeve, knowing that:

The aforesaid semi-peripheral openings of the assembly and rotary sleeves being in correspondence of shape, the aforesaid internal partitions of the assembly and rotary sleeves being close.

Thanks to these arrangements, and as will be described in the following, the combination of the two internal partitions of said assembly and rotary sleeves, and their respective opening, allows, during the rotation of the rotating sleeve, to superimpose the flow principal to the derived flow in a complementary manner. - AT -

In other words, a growing derivative flow corresponds to a decreasing main flow, and vice versa.

Advantageously, the aforesaid internal partitions may be flat transverse partitions perpendicular to said main axis; they may be bulkheads of revolution form, in particular of conical shape, of spherical cap shape, or other, knowing that these so-called forms of revolution are contained in the half-space defined by the aforesaid median plane, which median plane contains the axis of symmetry of the said forms of revolution.

Advantageously, the aforesaid filter in the form of a half-crown disposed inside the assembly sleeve, facing the corresponding half-peripheral opening, will be of a given print, so that the sum of the corresponding prints of one part to the main stream and the other to the derived stream, which is almost constant.

In order to protect the aforesaid filter in the form of a half crown, a fine mesh grid will be disposed at the periphery of the rotating sleeve opposite its half-peripheral opening.

The invention is not limited to the realization of adjustable filter tip for cigarette; indeed, the invention also applies to the realization of adjustable filter tip for cigar, pipe and all similar products.

According to another version, the assembly sleeve holding the object containing the smoking material, is in two coaxial parts rotatable relative to each other:

A mouth-side portion having an opening extending over a half-periphery of said rotating sleeve, beyond a median plane containing the main axis of said rotary sleeve, and an internal partition, whose contour, observed according to a transverse view perpendicular to said main axis, is defined on the one hand by the inner circumference of the rotating sleeve and on the other hand by a diameter contained in the aforesaid median plane, which transverse partition is situated on the opposite side to the aforesaid half-peripheral opening; smoking material having an internal partition, the contour of which, observed in a transverse view perpendicular to said main axis, is defined on the one hand by the inner circumference of the rotating sleeve and on the other hand by a diameter contained in the aforesaid plane median, which object-side portion is rotated by an outer rotatable sleeve, by means of a guide finger located on the periphery of said object-side portion and slidable along the main axis in a longitudinal groove in the cylindrical wall internal of said rotatable cuff, which outer rotatable cuff comprises a closure opening on the mouth side ndant on a half periphery, beyond a median plane containing the main axis of the aforesaid rotating sleeve, knowing that: • the aforesaid semi peripheral openings of the assembly and rotary sleeves being in correspondence of shape, • the aforesaid internal partitions of the two aforesaid parts side mouth and object side of the connecting sleeve being close.

According to another version, the rotating sleeve will include an access door to change the aforesaid filter-shaped half-crown associated with the connecting sleeve. According to yet another version, the rotating sleeve will be secured to the assembly sleeve and different dilution levels will be proposed with an interchangeable filter.

Finally, according to another version, different dilution levels will be proposed with a determined filter; the filter tip may be considered a disposable product after use.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a general view of a first version according to the invention, of the adjustable filter tip associated with a cigarette,

FIG. 2 represents an axial section of the first version according to the invention; FIG. 3 represents a first cross-section of the adjustable filter tip according to the first version;

FIG. 4 represents a second cross-section of the adjustable filter tip according to the first version,

FIG. 5 represents a sectional view of the means for longitudinally retaining the rotating sleeve with respect to the assembly sleeve;

FIGS. 6a and 6b show a general view of a second version according to the invention of the adjustable filter nozzle associated with a cigarette; FIG. 7 represents a first axial section of the second version according to the invention;

FIG. 8 represents a second axial section of the second version according to the invention,

FIG. 9 represents a third axial section of the second version according to the invention, FIG. 10 represents a first cross-section of the adjustable filter nozzle according to the second version,

FIG. 11 represents a second cross-section of the adjustable filter nozzle according to the second version; FIG. 12 represents a third cross-section of the adjustable filter nozzle according to the second version;

FIG. 13 represents a general view of a third version according to the invention, of the adjustable filter tip associated with a cigarette,

FIG. 14 represents a cross section of the third version according to the invention, and

FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c show longitudinal and transverse sections of a fourth version according to the invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable filter nozzle for tobacco smoke or other smoking material according to the invention essentially comprises an assembly cuff MA for holding the smoking object and an external rotating cuff MR at the aforesaid holding cuff MA. This assembly sleeve MA successively comprises three cylindrical sleeves MA ₂ , MA ₃ , MA ₄ , centered around a main axis Δ of the adjustable filter tip. The MA ₂ sleeve is supported by the smoker's mouth; the sleeve MA ₄ holds the object containing the smoking material, an IC cigarette in this case; the sleeve MA ₃ , positioned between the sleeves MA ₂ and MA ₄ , of diameter slightly greater than these, supports the rotating sleeve MR.

This rotating sleeve MR, which can rotate freely around the sleeve MA ₃ of the aforesaid assembly sleeve MA ₅ comprises longitudinal holding means, not shown, along the axis Δ, a half-peripheral opening covered by a grid MR ₂ mesh fine, a conical tip MR ₄ on the side of the cigarette CI whose large diameter is equivalent to outer diameter of the sleeve MR ₃ and whose small diameter, on the side of the cigarette CI, is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve MA ₄ . An index MR1, located near the circumference of the small diameter of the conical tip MR ₄ and integral with the rotational sleeve MR, is the mark in angular position of the rotational sleeve MR relative to the assembly sleeve MA.

Near the aforesaid mark MRi, on the periphery of the sleeve MA ₄ of the assembly sleeve MA, along a half circumference, are written, by printing, by etching, or any other method, indications MAi defining the angle of rotation of the rotating sleeve MR relative to the assembly sleeve MA.

Thus, thanks to a configuration of the openings and partitions associated with the assembly and rotary sleeves, which will be described below, the rotation of the rotating sleeve with respect to the assembly sleeve will superpose the main flow constituted by the smoke from the IC cigarette, the derivative flow through the grid MR ₂ of the rotating sleeve MR; the sum of these two flows being almost constant, the increasing derivative flow will correspond to a decreasing main flow, and vice versa, the ratio between these two flows being indicated by the indications MAi, located on the assembly line MA, associated with the index MRi, located on the rotational cuff MR.

In the example shown in Figure 2, an axial section of the first version according to the invention specifies the configuration of openings and partitions associated with the assembly and rotary sleeves.

As indicated above, the central sleeve MA ₃ of the assembly sleeve MA is of slightly greater diameter than the two lateral sleeves MA ₂ , MA ₄ ; the connection of the central sleeve MA ₃ to the two lateral sleeves MA ₂ , MA ₄ is ensured respectively by two conical sleeves MA ₂ . ₃ and MA _3-4 . Thus the sleeves MR ₃ , MR ₄ , of the rotating sleeve MR ₅ are respectively in correspondence with the sleeves MA ₃ , MA _3-4 of the assembly sleeve MA.

Moreover, protuberances MA ₅ are integral with the inner surface of the sleeve MA ₄ and make it possible to secure the cigarette CI in the sleeve MA ₄ .

The MA assembly sleeve includes:

At the level of the sleeve MA ₃ , an opening MA ₆ extending over a half-periphery beyond a median plane II, passing through the axis Δ, which median plane II is perpendicular to the axial sectional plane shown on FIG. figure 2,

At the level of the sleeve MA _3-4 , near the sleeve MA ₃ , a transverse partition MA ₈ , perpendicular to the main axis Δ, the contour of which is defined on the one hand by the inner circumference of the sleeve

MA ₃ . ₄ , and secondly by a diameter contained in the plane π, which transverse partition MA ₈ is on the same side as the opening MA ₆ ,

An OM journal whose axis is collinear with the main axis Δ, integral with the partition MA ₈ and emerging from said partition MA ₈ on the opposite side to the cigarette CI,

An abutment MA ₉ , perpendicular to the partition MA ₈ , and emerging from said partition MA ₈ on the side of the cigarette CI,

An MA ₇ filter in the form of a half-crown disposed inside the sleeve MA ₃ facing the half-peripheral opening MA ₆ .

Thus, the main flow from the cigarette CI can cross the assembly sleeve MA, approximately the direction of the axis Δ, through the half circle left free by the wall MA ₈ , below the plane II; stop MA9 makes it possible to create a homogenization chamber for drawing the cigarette at the free end thereof. The rotational cuff MR includes:

At the level of the sleeve MR ₃ , an opening MR ₅ extending over a half-periphery behind a median plane II 'passing through the axis Δ, which median plane II' is parallel to the axial sectional plane represented in FIG.

At the level of the sleeve MR ₃ , close to the sleeve MR ₄ , a transverse partition MR ₆ , perpendicular to the main axis Δ, the contour of which is defined on the one hand by the inner circumference of the sleeve MR ₃ , and, d on the other hand by a diameter contained in the plane II ', which transverse partition MR ₆ is located on the opposite side to the opening MR ₅ ,

A bore whose axis is collinear with the principal axis Δ, integral with the partition MR ₆ , receiving the free end of the journal MO,

A pin MR ₇ , integral with the MR ₆ partition, emerging radially from said MR ₆ partition, peripherally thereof, and for securing the aforesaid partition MR ₆ to the MR sleeve ₃ , said MR ₆ partition passing through the sleeve MA ₃ of the assembly sleeve MA ₅ by an oblong opening corresponding in shape, of length at least equal to the half circumference of the sleeve MA ₃ ,

• the MR ₂ grid previously described.

Thus, in this configuration, the MR partition ₆ closes half of the half circle left free by the MA ₈ partition, below the plane II, and the opening MR ₅ closes half of the opening MA ₆ ; this configuration corresponds to the superposition, in almost equivalent values, of the main and derivative flows, that is to say halfway between a maximum value and a zero value of the main flow, or between a zero value and a maximum value of derived flow.

Figures 3 and 4 show cross sections of the adjustable filter tip according to the invention, respectively at the openings MR ₅ , MA ₆ , and at the MR wall ₆ . Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the derived stream passes radially through the filter tip at the second quadrant (in the trigonometric direction, looking at the cigarette side CI).

In the example shown in Figure 4, the main flow axially passes through the filter tip at the third quadrant (in the trigonometric direction, looking at the cigarette side CI).

Is :

• Ti, the axial transmission, • T ₂ , the radial transmission,

Each of them is proportional to the transmission section and inversely proportional to the transmission length. Therefore :

• T ₁ = S ₁ ZL, • T ₂ = S ₂ / e, where S ₁ is the axial section, L is the axial transmission length, S ₂ is the radial section, e is the length of the axial transmission.

Assuming: r the radius of the axial section equivalent to the inner radius of the radial ring, and d the width of the radial ring, and e is therefore the thickness of the radial ring, we have:

• T ₁ = T ² G / 2 L,

• T ₂ = rd (π - θ) / e, where θ is the rotation angle of the rotating sleeve MR with respect to the assembly sleeve MA, varying from 0 to π.

The resistance to pulling to be almost constant during the increasing dilution of the smoke generated by the combustion of the smoking material, imposes the condition: T ₁ + T ₂ = Cte = T,

Let: r ² θ / 2 L + rd (π - θ) / e = T, which gives: (π - θ) / e + a θ + b = 0 (1) with: a = r / 2 d L ₅ b = - T / r d.

Thus equation (1) defines the relationships between the dimensional parameters of the axial and radial sections, in order to respect the constant draw condition.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, means for longitudinally holding the rotating sleeve MR with respect to the assembly sleeve MA ₅ consist of a ball BI, which is housed simultaneously in the two surfaces facing the sleeve MR. ₄ of the rotating sleeve MR and the sleeve MA ₃ . ₄ of the MA assembly sleeve. A hemispherical cap is located in the inner wall of the sleeve MR ₄ ; a circular orifice is located in the outer wall of the sleeve MA _3-4 , whose axis is normal to said facing surfaces. A spring RE, placed in compression, located between the ball BI and the bottom of said circular orifice, makes it possible to plate, in an elastic manner, the ball BI in the said hemispherical cap. Thus, several hemispherical caps, arranged equidistantly on the inner surface of the MR sleeve ₄ , will position the rotating sleeve MR in a manner corresponding to the indications MAi shown on the sleeve MA ₄ , facing the index MRi of said rotating sleeve MR.

In the example shown in FIG. 6a, the adjustable filter nozzle for tobacco smoke or other smoking material according to the invention essentially comprises an assembly sleeve MA for holding the smoking object CI and a rotating sleeve MR outside the aforesaid holding cuff MA.

According to this second version, the aforesaid assembly sleeve MA holding the smoking object CI can slide inside the rotational sleeve MR, thus, as shown in Figure 6b, reduce the length of the filter tip when not in use and eject the smoking object CI.

According to this second version, the assembly sleeve MA holding the object containing the smoking material CI, is in two coaxial parts rotatable relative to each other:

A mouth-side portion having an opening extending over a half-periphery of said rotating sleeve, beyond a median plane containing the main axis of said rotary sleeve, and an internal partition, whose contour, observed according to a transverse view perpendicular to said main axis, is defined firstly by the inner circumference of the rotating sleeve and secondly by a diameter contained in the aforesaid median plane, which transverse partition is located on the opposite side to the aforesaid opening half peripheral, • an object-side part containing the smoking material having an internal partition, the contour of which, viewed in a transverse view perpendicular to said main axis, is defined firstly by the inner circumference of the rotating sleeve and on the other hand, by a diameter contained in the aforesaid median plane, which part on the object side is rotated by a rotating sleeve e outside MR, by means of a guide finger located on the periphery of said object-side portion and slidable along the main axis in a groove located in the inner periphery of said rotary sleeve, which rotating sleeve MR comprises mouth side an opening extending over a half-periphery, beyond a median plane containing the main axis of the aforesaid rotating sleeve MR, knowing that:

The aforesaid semi-peripheral openings of the assembly sleeves MA and the rotating sleeve MR being in correspondence of shape, • the aforesaid internal partitions of the two aforesaid portions side mouth and object side of the assembly sleeve MA being close.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, a first axial section of the second version according to the invention specifies the configuration of the openings and partitions associated with the assembly and rotary sleeves. The adjustable filter tip for tobacco smoke or other smoking material according to the invention essentially comprises an assembly sleeve MA for holding the smoking object and a rotating sleeve MR outside the aforesaid assembly sleeve MA.

This assembly sleeve MA successively comprises two sleeves MA ₁ , MA ₂ , centered around a main axis Δ of the adjustable filter nozzle and pivotable in a manner coaxial with respect to each other. The sleeve MA ₁ is supported by the mouth of the smoker; the sleeve MA ₂ holds the object containing the smoking material, an IC cigarette in this case; the sleeve MAi supports the rotating sleeve MR, which rotating sleeve MR rotates the sleeve MA ₂ .

The sleeve MAi comprises:

A first cylindrical extension MAn, towards the sleeve MA ₂ , of internal diameter equivalent to that of the sleeve MAi, and of outside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve MAi; an opening MAi ₂ , located in the aforesaid extension MAn, extends over a half-periphery below a median plane IL, passing through the axis Δ, which median plane II is perpendicular to the axial section plane shown in FIG. 7

A second extension MAi ₃ , of external diameter equivalent to the outside diameter of the aforesaid extension MAn, comprising an internal partition MAi ₃ , whose contour, observed according to a transverse view perpendicular to said main axis Δ, is defined firstly by the inner circumference of the extension MAn and secondly by a diameter contained in the aforesaid median plane II, which internal partition MA ₁₃ is 5 in opposition to the aforesaid semi-peripheral opening MA ₁₂ , towards the sleeve MA ₂ ; this internal partition, of semicircular shape, comprises a flat face perpendicular to the axis Δ, in the direction of the aforesaid opening MAi ₂ , and a conical surface whose apex is in the direction of the

10 said opening MAi ₂ , and whose base, consequently, is in the direction of the smoking object CI; in addition, said conical surface and the cylindrical surface corresponding to the opening, previously described, are extended by a cylindrical surface of diameter

Slightly greater than the inner diameter of the sleeve MA ₁ ; which cylindrical surface is limited at its end by a circular protrusion MA ₁₄ , turned inward, forming a kind of immobilizing rib of the sleeve MA ₂ , described below; finally, said second extension

20 MA ₁₃ comprises a blind hole MA ₁₅ , opening outwardly, the axis is radial, which blind hole comprises a MA spring ₁₆ , working in compression and located at the bottom of said blind hole MA ₁₅ , which spring is supported at its other end on a ball MA ₁₇ , diameter

Slightly less than the diameter of said blind hole MA ₁₅ ; said ball MA ₁₇ , associated with the spring MA ₁₆ , makes it possible to position the assembly sleeve MA with respect to the rotating sleeve MR ₅ by means of remote cavities located on the inner periphery of said rotating sleeve MR,

Which cavities are in shape correspondence with ball MA ₁₇ , The sleeve MA ₂ , supporting the object containing the smoking material, an IC cigarette in the present case, comprises:

An internal partition MA ₂₃ , the contour of which, observed in a transverse view perpendicular to said main axis Δ, is defined firstly by the inner circumference of a cylindrical wall MA ₂₂ , of diameter slightly smaller than the external diameter of the CI cigarette, and secondly by a diameter contained in the aforesaid median plane II, which internal partition MA ₂₃ is located near the aforesaid internal partition MAi ₃ ; this inner partition MA ₂₃ , semicircular shape, comprises two conical surfaces whose vertices are in the direction of the aforesaid opening MA ₁₂ , and whose bases, consequently, are in the direction of the object to smoke THIS ; • the cylindrical wall MA ₂₂ whose inner surface is extended by the inner surface of the conical wall MA ₂₃ , and whose outer surface is extended by the outer surface of the same conical wall MA ₂₃ ; the outer surface of this circular wall MA _{22 further} comprises a circular groove corresponding in shape with the aforesaid circular protrusion MA ₁₄ , facing inwards, thus forming an axial immobilization rib of the sleeve MA ₂ with the sleeve MAi \

A cylindrical wall MA ₂₄ , of inner diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the cigarette CI, of external diameter equivalent to the outside diameter of the extension MAn of the sleeve MAi, extends the cylindrical wall MA ₂₂ ; a protrusion MA _2I , located at the outer periphery of said cylindrical wall MA _{24 bears} on the inner cylindrical surface of the rotary sleeve MR, and causes a slight deformation of this wall MA ₂₄ , which allows secure the cigarette IC in the sleeve MA ₂ ; Moreover, this cylindrical wall MA ₂₄ comprises a finger, not shown, located at the outer periphery of said cylindrical wall MA ₂₄ , which finger is housed in an axial groove, not shown, located in the inner wall of the rotary sleeve MR, allowing thus to secure in rotation the sleeve MA ₂ , supporting the cigarette CI, with the rotating sleeve MR, while allowing the axial translation of the assembly sleeve MA inside the rotating sleeve MR;

A cylindrical wall MA ₂₅ , of inner diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the cigarette CI, of outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the cylindrical wall MA ₂₄ , extends the cylindrical wall MA ₂₄ , thus forming a shoulder at the end of the sleeve MA ₂ .

The rotational sleeve MR, external to the aforesaid assembly sleeve MA, essentially comprises two sleeves MRi, MR ₂ ; the first sleeve MR1 is introduced by its largest opening around the assembly sleeve MA of the smoking side, which larger opening receives the sleeve MR ₂ closing around the cigarette CI, all of said sleeves MRi, MR ₂ , constituting a rigid assembly surrounding the assembly sleeve and the end of the cigarette located in the assembly sleeve.

The MRi sleeve comprises:

A cylindrical wall MR ₁₀ of inner diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve MA ₂ , previously described, which cylindrical wall comprises two rows of remote cavities MR ₁₃ , MR ₁₄ , situated on the inner periphery of said cylindrical wall MRi ₀ , which two rows of cavities MRi ₃ , MR ₁₄ , are in correspondence of shape with the ball MAi ₇ , previously described, which two rows of cavities MRi ₃ , MR ₁₄ , distant by a length close to the length of the sleeve MAi, are met by longitudinal grooves MRi ₅ of a depth less than the aforesaid cavities,

An opening MRi ₂ , located in the aforesaid cylindrical wall MRio, which extends over a half periphery above a median plane ϋ, passing through the axis Δ, which median plane II is perpendicular to the axial sectional plane represented in FIG. 7, which opening MRi ₂ is situated opposite the aforesaid opening MAi ₂ , previously described, which opening MRi ₂ can be closed by a filter in the form of a half-crown, • a ring MRn, of close outside diameter , or even less than the outer diameter of said cylindrical wall MR10, and of inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the sleeve MAi, previously described, which ring MRn thus constituting an axial stop of the rotational sleeve MR relative to the assembly sleeve MA ,

At its other end of said cylindrical wall MRi ₀ , a shoulder for receiving the sleeve MR ₂ , which is mounted tightly on said shoulder, the sleeve MR ₂ comprises a cylindrical wall of outside diameter close to the outside diameter of the cylindrical wall MRi ₀ , which cylindrical wall comprises:

• MR _2I shoulder fitting tightly on the corresponding shoulder of said cylindrical wall MRi ₀ , • a transverse wall MR ₂₂ , pierced at its center with a circular orifice whose diameter is slightly greater than outer diameter of the shoulder MA ₂₅ previously described, knowing that the inside diameter of the cylindrical wall is increasing towards said transverse wall MR ₂₂ , so that when said transverse wall MR ₂₂ abuts on the sleeve MA ₂ , the aforesaid protrusion MA _2I , previously described, located at the outer periphery of said cylindrical wall MA ₂₄ no longer bears against the inner cylindrical surface of the rotary sleeve MR, no longer causing the slight deformation of this wall MA ₂₄ , the cigarette CI can be detached from the sleeve MA ₂ .

According to the example shown in FIG. 7, the first axial section of the second version specifies the configuration of the openings and partitions associated with the assembly and rotary sleeves. Indeed, in the present case, the two internal partitions MAi ₃ , MA ₂₃ , previously described, are opposite one another; as for the openings MAi ₂ , MRi ₂ , previously described, they are diametrically opposed; in other words, the main flow from the cigarette CI, axially passes through the filter tip; as for the derived flow, resulting from the filter associated with the opening MRi ₂ , it is zero.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, a second axial section of the second version specifies the configuration of the openings and partitions associated with the assembly and rotary cuffs. Indeed, in the present case, the two internal partitions MAi ₃ , MA ₂₃ , previously described, are diametrically opposed; as to the openings MAi ₂ , MRi ₂ , previously described, they are opposite one another; in other words, the main flow from the cigarette CI can not pass axially through the filter tip; as for the derived flow, resulting from the filter associated with the opening MRi ₂ , it is maximum. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a third axial section of the second version specifies the configuration of the openings and partitions associated with the assembly and rotary sleeves, the sleeve MA being in the retracted position with respect to the rotating sleeve MR. In the present case, the two internal partitions MAi ₃ , MA ₂₃ , previously described, are opposite one another; as for the openings MAi ₂ , MRi ₂ , previously described, they are diametrically opposed and distant. Thus in the retracted position, the aforesaid protrusion MA _2I , located at the outer periphery of the aforesaid cylindrical wall MA ₂₄ no longer bears on the inner cylindrical surface of the rotary sleeve MR, since the inside diameter of the cylindrical wall of the aforesaid sleeve MR ₂ is increasing towards the aforesaid transverse wall MR ₂₂ ; consequently, the aforesaid wall MA ₂₄ of the sleeve MA ₂ is no longer deformed, which makes it possible to release the cigarette CI (not shown).

In the example shown in FIG. 10, a first cross-section of the adjustable filter nozzle according to the second version, in the section plane A-A, indicated in FIG. 7, specifies the configuration of the openings and partitions associated with the MA assembly and MR rotary sleeve.

Indeed, in the present case, the openings MAi ₂ , MRi ₂ , previously described, are diametrically opposed; in other words, the main flow from the cigarette CI, axially passes through the filter tip; as for the derived flow, resulting from the filter associated with the opening MRi ₂ , it is zero.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, a second cross-section of the adjustable filter nozzle according to the second version, in the sectional plane BB, indicated in FIG. 8, specifies the configuration of the openings and partitions associated with the cuffs. MA assembly and rotary MR. Indeed, in the present case, the two internal partitions MAi ₃ , MA ₂₃ , previously described, are diametrically opposed; as to openings MAi ₂ , MR ₁₂ , previously described, they are facing one with respect to the other; in other words, the main flow from the cigarette CI can not pass axially through the filter tip; as for the derived flow, resulting from the filter associated with the opening MRi ₂ , it is maximum. Furthermore, the cylindrical wall MRlO ₅ described earlier, comprises longitudinal grooves MRL 5, connecting the aforesaid rows of spaced cavities MR13, MR14.

The angular disposition, in the plane transverse to the aforesaid main axis Δ, of these longitudinal grooves MR1 and these rows of associated cavities, defines the angular position of the rotational sleeve MR relative to the assembly sleeve MA; thus, in the present case, a first groove MRl 5a will be located at 90 °, a second groove MRl 5b will be located at about 150 °, a third groove MR15c will be located at about 195 °, a fourth groove MR15d will be located at 210 ° approximately, a fifth groove MRl 5e will be located at about 225 °, a sixth groove MRl 5f will be located at 240 °, a groove MRl 5g will be located at about 255 °, and an eighth groove MRl 5h will be located at about 270 ° . Thus, thanks to this provision:

The respective position of the rotating sleeve MR at the aforesaid groove MR1 5a corresponds to the case where the main flow coming from the cigarette CI passes axially through the filtering tip; as for the derived flow, resulting from the filter associated with the opening MRi ₂ , it is zero,

The respective position of the rotating sleeve MR at the aforementioned groove MR1 5h corresponds to the case where the main flow coming from the cigarette CI can not pass axially through the filtering tip; as for the derived flux, resulting from the filter associated with the opening MRi ₂ , it is maximum, the intermediate positions corresponding to the grooves MR1 5b, MR1 5c, MR1 5d, MR1 5e ₅ MR1 5f, MR1 5g, allow to vary the derived flow at the expense of the main flow. Furthermore, as has been briefly described in the example shown in FIG. 7, a finger MA26, integral with the cylindrical wall MA24 of the sleeve MA2, corresponding in shape with a longitudinal groove MR1 6, located in the cylindrical wall MR10 MRl sleeve, allows to secure in rotation the above sleeves MR1 and MA2.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, a third cross-section of the adjustable filter nozzle according to the second version, in the section plane CC, indicated in FIG. 8, specifies the configuration of the openings and partitions associated with the cuffs. MA assembly and rotary MR.

Indeed, in the present case, the openings MA ₁₂ , MR ₁₂ , previously described, are opposite one another; in other words, the main flow from the cigarette CI can not pass axially through the filter tip; as for the derived flow, resulting from the filter associated with the opening MRi ₂ , it is maximum.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, according to another version, the rotating sleeve MR will comprise an access hatch for changing the MA ₇ filter, in the form of a half-crown, associated with the assembly sleeve MA.

Said access hatch is a section of the sleeve MR ₃ comprising the protective grid MR ₂ and the opening MR ₅ ; said portion of the sleeve MR ₃ is hinged relative to the remaining portion of the MR sleeve ₃ around a pin whose axis is parallel to the main axis of the adjustable filter tip; which pin is integral with the remaining portion of the sleeve MR ₃ and is located at the periphery of said remaining portion of the sleeve MR ₃ .

In the example shown in FIG. 14, according to the version previously described, a cross-sectional view in the vicinity of the filter MA ₇ , shows the access hatch, constituted by the section MR ₈ of the sleeve MR ₃ . articulated around an axis Δ ', parallel to the main axis Δ of the adjustable filter tip.

The section MR ₈ is of semicircular shape whose radius is close to the radius of the remaining portion of the sleeve MR ₃ . In the vicinity of the end opposite the axis Δ ', a locking mechanism, of the tenon / mortise type, for example, keeps the MR section ₈ in the closed position.

According to yet another version, the rotating sleeve MR will be secured to the assembly sleeve MA and different dilution levels will be proposed with an interchangeable filter MA ₇ .

Finally, according to another version, different dilution levels will be proposed with a specific MA ₇ filter; the filter tip can be considered as a jable product after use.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c, the rotating sleeve MR is made integral with the assembly sleeve MA, to constitute a single sleeve and different dilution levels are proposed with an MA ₇ filter.

The aforementioned single sleeve consists essentially of two cylindrical sleeves MAI, MA2, whose respective axes are collinear with the main axis Δ of the filter tip; the cylindrical sleeve MAI, located on the mouth side, comprises a cylindrical orifice MA3; the cylindrical sleeve MA2, located on the object side containing the smoking material, comprises a cylindrical orifice MA4 for supporting said smoking object. Furthermore, the sleeve MA2 comprises, on the mouth side, a peripheral opening MA6, closed by a shape matching filter MA7; this sleeve MA6 further comprises a transverse wall, perpendicular to the main axis Δ, delimiting the two aforesaid cylindrical orifices MA3, MA4, and having a circular orifice MA5, centered around the main axis Δ. Thus, thanks to this configuration, the combination of these aforesaid openings MA5, MA6 makes it possible to superpose the main stream coming from the object to be smoked and the flux derived through the aforesaid filter MA7.

In such a way that this superposition is carried out in a complementary manner, a decreasing cross-section of the orifice MA5 will be associated with an increasing peripheral section of the orifice MA6, thus corresponding to an increasing dilution of the inhaled smoke.

The example shown in Figure 15a corresponds to a low dilution of the smoke, the cross section of the MA5 orifice being significantly greater than the peripheral section of the MA6 orifice.

The example shown in FIG. 15b corresponds to an average dilution of the smoke, the cross section of the orifice MA5 being close to the peripheral section of the orifice MA6.

The example shown in Figure 15c corresponds to a high dilution of the smoke, the cross section of the MA5 orifice being significantly lower than the peripheral section of the MA6 orifice.

Thus, smokers, with a virtually constant resistance to draw, may, if they wish, gradually quit smoking through a progressive dilution of the main flow from the object containing the smoking material, in favor of ambient air through the peripheral filter. This dilution is defined by the smoker himself, who controls his evolution according to his needs or wishes.

Claims

claims 1. Adjustable filter nozzle for tobacco smoke or other smoking material characterized in that it comprises: - an assembly sleeve (MA) for holding the object (CI) containing the smoking material, and having: • mouth side an opening (MA ₆ ) extending over a half periphery of said assembly sleeve (MA), beyond a median plane (II) containing the main axis (Δ) of the aforesaid cuff assembly (MA), and • object side (CI) containing the smoking material a transverse partition (MA ₈ ) perpendicular to the main axis (Δ) of the aforesaid assembly sleeve (MA), the contour of which is defined firstly by the inner circumference of the assembly sleeve (MA) and secondly by a diameter contained in the aforesaid median plane (II), which transverse partition (MA ₈ ) is on the same side as the aforesaid semi-peripheral opening (MA ₆ ) a rotating sleeve (MR) external to the aforementioned assembly sleeve (MA), and having: • mouth side an opening (MR ₅ ) extending over a half periphery of said rotating sleeve (MR), beyond a median plane (II ') containing the main axis (Δ) of said rotary sleeve ( MR), and • object side (CI) containing the smoking material a transverse partition (MR ₆ ), perpendicular to the main axis (Δ) of the aforesaid rotating sleeve (MR), whose contour is defined on the one hand by the inner circumference of the rotating sleeve (MR) and secondly by a diameter contained in the aforesaid median plane (II '), which transverse partition (MR ₆ ) is located on the opposite side to the aforesaid half-peripheral opening (MR ₅ ), a filter (MA ₇ ) in the form of a half-ring disposed inside the aforesaid assembly sleeve (MA), facing the half-peripheral opening (MA ₆ ), longitudinal holding means (BI) ₅ (RE) of the rotating sleeve (MR) with respect to the joining sleeve (MA) ₅ registering means (MAi) ₅ (MRi), of the relative angular position of the rotating sleeve (MR) with respect to the assembly sleeve (MA), knowing that: The aforesaid semi-peripheral openings (MA ₆ ), (MR ₅ ) of the assembly (MA) and rotational (MR) sleeves being in correspondence of shape, the aforesaid transverse partitions (MA ₈ ), (MR ₆ ), assembly (MA) and rotational (MR) cuffs being close. 2. Adjustable filter tip according to claim 1, characterized in that said transverse partitions are flat transverse partitions perpendicular to said main axis (Δ). 3. Adjustable filter tip according to claim 1, characterized in that said transverse partitions are revolution-shaped partitions whose axis of revolution is collinear with said main axis (Δ). 4. Adjustable filter tip according to claim 3, characterized in that the aforesaid transverse partitions of revolution form are conically shaped partitions whose axis of revolution is collinear with said main axis (Δ). 5. Adjustable filter tip according to claim I ₅ characterized in that the aforesaid rotating sleeve (MR) comprises an articulated door (MRs) access to the aforesaid filter (MA ₇ ). 6. Adjustable filter tip according to claim 2, characterized in that said articulated door (MR ₈ ) is articulated about an axis (Δ '), which axis (Δ') is parallel to said axis (Δ). 7. Adjustable filter tip according to claim I ₅ characterized in that the aforesaid filter (MA ₇ ) is interchangeable. 8. Adjustable filter tip according to claim I ₅ characterized in that the aforesaid rotating sleeve (MR) is made integral with the connecting sleeve (MA) at different relative angular positions of the rotating sleeve (MR) from the cuff assembly (MA). 9. Adjustable filter tip according to claim I ₅ characterized in that the sum of the corresponding prints on the one hand to the main flow from the object (ICs) containing the smokable material and the other to the flow derived from the half peripheral opening (MAo) ₅ is constant.