US5497793A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cigarette and soluble cigarette filter therefor
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-09-22
•
Granted: 1996-03-12
•
Expires: 2013-09-22
Abstract
Abstract A filter cigarette includes a tobacco smoke filter having a core of an expanded starch material which is biodegradable and readily soluble in water. The filter material is preferably formed of high amylose content cornstarch or potato starch extruded at a moisture content of between 10% and 21% at a temperature between 150° to 250° C.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen A. Kubica
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:42
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24D; A24D3/00; A24D3/06; A24D3/067; A24D3/068; A24D3/062; A24D3/066; A24D3/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A cigarette comprising an outer paper wrapping forming an elongated tube having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion of the tube containing smokable tobacco, and the rearward portion of the tube containing a filter, the filter consisting essentially of a porous body formed of a readily water soluble, expanded organic starch material of corn or potato.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A cigarette comprising an outer paper wrapping forming an elongated tube having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion of the tube containing smokable tobacco, and the rearward portion of the tube containing a filter, the filter consisting essentially of a porous body formed of a readily water soluble, expanded organic starch material of corn or potato.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A cigarette according the claim 1 wherein the starch has an amylose content of at least 40% by weight.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
A cigarette according to claim 2 wherein the material of the filter can be formed by extruding the starch in the presence of a moisture content of 21% or less by weight at a temperature of from about 150° to 250° centigrade.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A cigarette according to claim 1 wherein the filter is recessed within the outer paper wrapping whereby the outer paper wrapping extends proximal of the filter to prevent a smoker from contacting the filter with his or her tongue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A cigarette according to claim 1 wherein the filter porous body is unitary in construction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
78 words
A cigarette comprising an outer paper wrapping forming an elongated tube having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion of the tube containing smokable tobacco, and the rearward portion of the tube containing a filter, the filter consisting essentially of a porous body formed of a readily water soluble expanded organic starch material and a portion of the paper surrounds the filter and is thinner than a portion of the paper which surrounds the tobacco.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
78 words
A cigarette comprising an outer paper wrapping forming an elongated tube having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion of the tube containing smokable tobacco, and the rearward portion of the tube containing a filter, the filter consisting essentially of a porous body formed of a readily water soluble expanded organic starch material and a portion of the paper surrounds the filter and is thinner than a portion of the paper which surrounds the tobacco.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
A cigarette comprising an outer paper wrapping forming an elongated tube having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion of the tube containing smokable tobacco, and the rearward portion of the tube containing a filter, the filter comprising a readily water soluble, expanded organic corn or potato starch having an amylose content of at least 40% by weight and can be formed by extruding the starch in the presence of a moisture content of 21% or less by weight at a temperature from about 150° to 250° C.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
91 words
A cigarette comprising an outer paper wrapping forming an elongated tube having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion of the tube containing smokable tobacco, and the rearward portion of the tube containing a filter, the filter comprising a readily water soluble, expanded organic corn or potato starch having an amylose content of at least 40% by weight and can be formed by extruding the starch in the presence of a moisture content of 21% or less by weight at a temperature from about 150° to 250° C.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-03-12 | 1999-09-11 | 2000-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-03-12 | 2003-09-11 | 2004-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-03-12 | 2007-09-11 | 2008-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |