CIGARETTE PERFORATION METHOD AND APPARATUS

Abstract: A system for progressively reducing the concentration of cigarette smoke inhaled by a smoker, comprising a set of combined cigarette lighter/perforators designed to ventilate cigarettes (13, 15) to different extents. The lighter/perforators are used in turn, to enable the smoker to reduce the tar and nicotine inhaled, at a controlled rate.

Description: CIGARETTE PERFORATIONMETHOD AND APPARATUS This invention relates to a cigarette perforation method and apparatus for reducing the haπnful cigarette smoke products inhaled by a smoker whilst smoking, particularly, but not exclusively, to assist in the process of giving up smoking. The health risks faced by smokers are well known and the difficulty that smokers have in giving up smoking is considerable. Additionally, many people who smoke try to reduce their consumption of cigarettes because of the expense incurred or for social reasons. Therefore, a great deal of research has gone into developing methods of reducing the harmful effects of smoking and of assisting people in giving up smoking. One such approach relies upon ventilating the cigarette between the lit end and the mouth end, using a pin to perforate the cigarette paper. This causes fresh air to be drawn into the cigarette through the perforated paper when the smoker draws on the cigarette. This in turn causes a dilution of the cigarette smoke which is inhaled. In addition to this, the hot cigarette smoke is cooled by the ingress of the relatively cold air at the perforation point. Consequently, some of the cigarette smoke products condense in the cigarette, without entering the smoker's body. Two types of device have been developed to achieve this result. The first of these are discrete cigarette perforators, examples of which are disclosed in UK patent application 2019193A and US patent 5,218,976. Such devices comprise at least one perforator, such as a pin. which is attached to a guide member. The guide members are generally manually aligned with the cigarettes and then the guide members and cigarettes are forced together causing the perforators to perforate the cigarette. In the case of US patent 5,218,976, multiple pins are used to perforate a whole packet of cigarettes at once. In this arrangement the pins are forced through the cigarette packet and then through the cigarettes within. The guide member in this design aligns the pins with the cigarette packet and not the cigarettes inside. Therefore, correct cigarette perforation is dependent upon the positioning of the cigarettes within the packet, which cannot be relied upon. UK patent application 2,019, 193 A discloses perforators for perforating individual cigarettes. In this disclosure the guide members more effectively ensure that the perforator enters the cigarette at the right angle and to the right depth. However, the problem with discrete cigarette perforators is that if the cigarette perforator is small, as in UK patent application 2,019,193 A, it is generally difficult to use. Conversely however, if these devices are made larger and so easier to use, they become bulky and undesirable to carry on one's person, as is the case with the perforator in US patent 5,218,976. The second type of device is a combined cigarette lighter and cigarette perforator. An example of a combined cigarette lighter/perforator is disclosed in Belgian patent 822,351. The perforating device of this cigarette lighter/perforator incorporates a central recess into which a cigarette can be inserted and two mutually opposed perforating elements, which can be pressed by the user in order to perforate the cigarette prior to lighting. Accordingly, in one aspect the current invention provides a system for progressively reducing the concentration of cigarette smoke inhaled by a smoker, comprising a set of combined cigarette lighter/perforators designed to ventilate cigarettes to different extents. The lighter/perforators are used in turn, to enable the smoker to reduce the tar and nicotine inhaled, at a controlled rate. A problem that is faced by a person who is trying to reduce the number of cigarettes that he or she smokes, or who is trying to give up smoking, when using the prior art devices, is as follows: in order to wean him or herself off the perceived need for nicotine, the dosage received from the cigarettes must be gradually decreased over a period of time. This allows their body time to reduce its nicotine dependency. This may be achieved by progressively increasing the ventilation in the cigarettes which are smoked. Each of the prior art devices discussed above becomes increasingly tedious for the user to operate if the ventilation of the cigarettes is to be increased. This has a negative psychological effect on a user, who is trying to cut down or give up smoking using this method. Therefore, the user will rapidly return to perforating cigarettes in the minimum number of places, if at all. At best this results in a reduction in the intake of cigarette smoke, without assisting the user in weaning themselves off smoking altogether. At worst, the user will revert to smoking unventilated cigarettes. Thus a user of an embodiment of the present invention is able to reduce his or her dependency upon nicotine gradually in a manner involving the minimum of effort. In another aspect, the invention provides a combined lighter/perforator, which incorporates in its perforation mechanism a recess into which cigarettes may be placed, to a given depth; thus allowing perforations to be made at a constant position along the length of the cigarettes. In a further aspect, the invention provides a combined lighter/perforator in which the perforation process is effected by the movement of an arm which is pivo table in relation to the body of the combined lighter/perforator. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a method of progressively reducing the cigarette smoke drawn through cigarettes which are being smoked, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a combined cigarette lighter/perforator from a set of cigarette lighter/perforators; using the selected combined cigarette lighter/perforator to ventilate cigarettes to a predetermined level prior to being smoked; replacing the selected combined cigarette lighter/perforator with a further combined cigarette lighter/perforator from the set, the further combined cigarette lighter/perforator being arranged to provide increased ventilation in a cigarette when used to perforate a cigarette; and using the further selected combined cigarette lighter/perforator to ventilate cigarettes prior to being smoked. Preferably, each cigarette lighter/perforator of a set according to the invention is non-refillable, with the quantity of fuel contained being calculated to light an approximate, predetermined number of cigarettes; for example, one or more packets. When the fuel in a given lighter/perforator is expended, the user exchanges the lighter/perforator for the next lighter in the set, which increases the degree to which cigarettes are ventilated. Advantageously, this enables a reduction profile to be set which encourages the user to progress through increasing levels of ventilation at a predetermined rate. Preferably, the perforating means of each cigarette lighter/perforator in a set is designed so as to permit the user to comfortably activate the perforating means, and subsequently activate the lighting means without adjusting the way in which the lighter/perforator is held. Preferably, the perforating means of each lighter/perforator in a set permits the cigarette to be perforated through its entire width; thus allowing increased ventilation for a given number of perforating elements. Preferably, the perforating means of each lighter/perforator in the set of lighters is arranged such that the cigarette may be positively located such that the ventilation point or points are consistently positioned with respect to the length of the cigarette. This ensures that each cigarette of the same type yields the same composition and concentration of smoke which is inhaled, when perforated by a given lighter/perforator. Advantageously, by positioning the ventilation holes near the mouth end the dilution of the smoke is maximised. The invention also extends to perforation inserts which may be used in combination with cigarette lighter bodies to perform the invention as described above. Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims. Embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal cross section view of one of a set of lighter/perforators, according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figs. 2a-c illustrate the perforating action of the lighter/perforator of Fig. 1, Figs. 2a and 2b show the same view as in Fig. 1, with the perforator mechanism open and closed respectively and Fig. 2c shows an end on view of Fig 2a; Figs. 3a-d show end on views of the guides for the perforator elements in each of a set of cigarette lighter/perforators, according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figs. 4a-c show in longitudinal cross section, a set of lighter/perforators according to the second embodiment of the invention; Figs. 5a-c illustrate the perforating action of one of a set of lighter/perforators according to the second embodiment of the invention, Figs. 5a and 5b show the same view as in Fig. 4a, with the perforator mechanism open and closed, respectively and Fig. 5c shows an end on view of Fig. 5a; Figs. 6a-f illustrate one of a set of lighter/perforators according to the third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6a shows a side view of the cigarette lighter/perforator, Fig. 6b shows in longitudinal cross section the lighter/perforator of Fig. 6a with the perforator mechanism in the open position, and Fig. 6c shows the view of Fig. 6b with the perforator mechanism in the closed position and with the lighter removed. Fig. 6d shows the lighter/perforator of Fig. 6a viewed from below, and Figs. 6e and 6f show cross sectional views of the perforator mechanism taken along lines 6-6 of Figs. 6b and 6c, respectively; Figs. 7a-c show in longitudinal cross section a set of three lighter/ perforators according to the third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7d shows the same view as that of Fig. 7c but with the perforator mechanism in the closed position and with the lighter removed; Figs. 8a-c show in longitudinal cross section a set of three lighter/ perforators according to the third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8d shows the same view as that of Fig. 8c but with the perforator mechanism in the closed position and with the lighter removed; and Figs. 9a-c show in longitudinal cross section a set of three lighter perforators according to the third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9d shows the same view as that of Fig. 9c but with the perforator mechanism in the closed position and with the lighter removed, and Figs. 9e and 9f show cross sectional views of the perforators mechanism taken along lines 9-9 of Figs. 9c and 9d , respectively. FIRST EMBODIMENT In this embodiment a set of four combined cigarette lighter/perforators are used as an aid to giving up smoking filter cigarettes. The exact number of lighter/perforators may be varied to suit individual requirements. All of the lighter/perforators are substantially the same, differing only in terms of their cigarette perforating characteristics, which will be discussed in detail later, and in that they can easily be differentiated by the user. To this end, the body of each lighter/perforators is embossed with a number, 1 to 4. This number corresponds to the degree of ventilation that is caused in a cigarette which it is used to perforate. Referring to Fig. 1 , one of a set of lighter/perforators according to the first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The lighter/perforator incorporates a conventional lighter mechanism comprising: a flint mechanism 1, a fuel release activator 2, a fuel nozzle 3, and a flame shield 4. The lighter mechanism is mounted upon the lighter/perforator body 5, which is conventionally moulded from a polymer suitable for the purposes of conventional disposal cigarette lighters; for example polypropylene. This allows inexpensive manufacture to be achieved. However any other suitable material may be used for the purpose. The lighter/perforator body 5 provides a fuel storage volume 6, a substantially cylindrical recess 7 into which cigarettes to be perforated are placed and a lever 8 with which a pin 9 may be forced through a pin guide 10a formed in insert 10b and into recess 10c, in order to perforate a cigarette, not shown. Upon perforating a cigarette, pin 9 is retracted from recess 7 through the action of spring 11 upon lever 8, in order to allow the cigarette to be removed. In this embodiment, the lighter/perforators are disposable and therefore there is no means for replenishing the fuel in storage volume 6. This feature helps to ensure that the user will progress to using the second lighter/perforator, upon depleting the fuel in the first lighter/perforator of the set. Subsequently the second, t-αird and fourth lighter/perforators will be used and depleted of fuel. As each successive lighter/perforator causes a greater degree of ventilation in cigarettes, the user is gradually accustomed to inhaling less and less cigarette smoke. When finally the fourth lighter/perforator is depleted of fuel, the user may find that his or her dependency on nicotine has been diminished to such an extent that it is then possible to give up smoking altogether. In this embodiment, an equal volume of fuel is stored in volume 6 of each of the four lighter/perforators of the set. This means that approximately an equal number of cigarettes will be lit at each stage of ventilation. Although numbering the lighter/perforators is used in this embodiment, any other suitable means of differentiating each lighter/perforator from the others of the set may be used; for example, each lighter/perforator being predominantly of a different colour, the greater the ventilation provided by each lighter/perforator, the lighter its colour. Perforating Cigarettes Referring to Fig. 2a-c, in the current embodiment each lighter/perforator incorporates a perforation activation lever 8, which may be comfortably operated by squeezing the lighter/perforator between a finger and the base of the thumb, whilst the lighter means is in a suitable position to be activated by the tip of the thumb. As is shown in Fig. 2b the perforation action is achieved by moving lever 8, in the direction indicated by the arrow. Thus the user can quickly and easily carry out the perforation and lighting operations without adjusting his or her grip on the lighter/perforator. As can be seen from Fig. 2c, the lever 8 comprises shroud portions 8a and 8b which fit around the lighter/perforator body 5. The shroud portions protect the perforation mechanism and greatly increase the strength of lever 8. The length of the recess 7 in the current embodiment is slightly longer than the length of a common "King Size" filter 12, which means 26.75 mm in length, shown in Fig. 2b. This means that when a cigarette 13 is fully inserted filter first into recess 7, see Fig. 2b, pin 9 is level with a tobacco-filled part of the cigarette 13, which is easier to penetrate than the filter 12. It would, of course, be possible in an alternative arrangement to this embodiment for the perforations to be made in the filter 12. Perforating the cigarette close to the filter ensures that the cigarette will not be smoked beyond the point at which it is ventilated, which would reduce the advantages of ventilating the cigarette. Additionally, by ventilating the cigarette close to the filter, the resistance to air being drawn into the cigarette at the ventilation point is significantly less than the resistance to drawing smoke along the length of the cigarette. This results in the fresh air portion of inhaled gas being maximised for a given level of perforation. As can be seen from Fig. 2b, the incorporation of recess 10c in the lighter/perforator body 5 permits pin 9 to penetrate the entire width of the cigarette 13. Thus air enters the cigarette from both sides of the ventilation point, which allows a high degree of ventilation without structurally damaging the cigarette by making overly large ventilation apertures. Pin 9 is flexibly mounted on lever 8, which allows it to enter and exit the cigarette in a straight line, guided by pin guide 10a; thus avoiding the problem of pin 9 jamming in the cigarette 13. This is achieved through the use of a flexible rubber insert 16 (see Fig. 1) in lever 8 on which pin 9 is mounted. Thus, under the influence of pin guide 10a, after pin 9 has contacted and penetrated cigarette 13, pin 9 continues to perforate cigarette 13 at the initial angle of penetration despite the subsequent relative change in angle of lever 8. The rubber insert 16 deforms to accommodate the resultant change in geometry between lever 8 and pin 9. In the current embodiment the first lighter/perforator of the set incorporates a single pin 9. Greater ventilation is provided progressively in the second, third and fourth lighter/perforators of the set, which incorporate two, three and four pins 9, respectively. In each of the lighter/perforators of the set, all of the pins 9 are flexibly mounted on rubber insert 16 in lever 8 to avoid the possibility of jamming on withdrawal and, in each case, the pins 9 are arranged such that they can pass unimpeded through insert 10b and into recess 10c, to ensure that the cigarettes are always perforated through their entire width. Therefore the user can always ventilate cigarettes to the desired degree using one action only, avoiding any tedious repetition. In this embodiment the insert 10b is press fitted into a corresponding recess in the lighter/perforator body. In each lighter/perforator of the set the insert 10b comprises the same number of pin guides 10a as the number of pins 9 used to perforate cigarette 13. This ensures that each pin 9 is individually supported. Figs. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d show an end on view of the insert 10b used in each lighter/perforator of the set according to the current embodiment. Fig. 3a shows one pin guide 10a for guiding the single pin 9 of the first lighter/perforator of the set. Figs. 3b, 3c and 3d show 2, 3, and 4 pin guides 10a and are for use in the second, third and fourth lighter/perforators of the set respectively. The configuration of the pin guides 10a in insert 10b is the same as the mounting configuration of the pins 9 for each lighter/perforator. This ensures a smooth passage of pins 9 through insert 10b as a cigarette is perforated. In order to aid manufacture, the rubber insert 16, pins 9, spring 11 and insert 10b may be manufactured as a separate unit. This enables standard lighter/perforators to be manufactured without these elements. Sets of lighters can then be made by combining standard lighter/perforator bodies with the desired perforation units. In the current embodiment, the object of increased ventilation is achieved through using additional pins, although it can equally be achieved through increasing the size of a single pin, or a combination of the two. SECOND EMBODIMENT The second embodiment of the invention fulfils the same function as the first embodiment, but for use with non-filter cigarettes. Similar features will be referred to by the same numerals and will not be discussed further. Referring to Figs. 4a-c, in this embodiment a set of three lighter/perforators are used. Each lighter/perforator of the set incorporates a pin 9 per level of ventilation, i.e. the first lighter/perforator comprises one pin 9 as shown in Fig. 4a, the second lighter/perforator of the set comprises two pins 9a- b as shown in Fig. 4b, and the third lighter/perforator of the set comprises three pins 9a-c, as is shown in Fig. 4c. Unlike the arrangement of the first embodiment, the extra pins are not positioned in approximately the same location as the first pin and because of the lack of filter, the ventilation hole closest to the mouth end of the cigarette may be closer thereto than in the first embodiment. As extra pins 9 in this embodiment are not positioned in approximately the same position as the first pin, the pin guides 10a are formed directly in the material of the lighter/perforator body. Therefore no equivalent to insert 10b is used in this embodiment. In this embodiment the perforating mechanism has been altered from a lever arrangement, as previous discussed, to a push button arrangement. This is shown in Figs. 5a-c which illustrate the perforating action of this embodiment. Push button 14 is used to force the pin(s) 9 through a non-filter cigarette 15. However, since the movement of pin 9 is linear, pin 9 does not require a flexible mounting, which facilitates manufacture. A spring 1 1 is used to retract pin 9 from the cigarette 15, and for the same reason discussed in the first embodiment, push button 14 incorporates shroud portions 14a and 14b, shown in Fig. 5c. As described in the first embodiment, the length of the recess 7 and the positioning of the pins 9 may be such that either the tobacco-filled portion or the filter portion of the cigarette is perforated. Indeed it may be desirable to design the perforation mechanism so that both portions are perforated. THIRD EMBODIMENT The third embodiment, in general terms, fulfils the same function as the first and second embodiments. Similar features will be referred to by the same numerals and will not be discussed further in detail. Whereas the first and second embodiments illustrated sets of lighter/perforators of unitary construction, in this embodiment the lighter and the perforator are designed to be separate portions, the two portions being arranged to be united as a single unit cigarette lighter/perforator. The arrangement of the present embodiment gives rise to two separate advantages: first, the perforator inserts may be designed to function with a known brand of commercially available cigarette lighter. This in turn has the effect of greatly simplifying the manufacturing process of the lighter/perforator and so of greatly reducing manufacturing costs. Second, the advantage of being easy to carry on one's person, as well as being easy to use, as described in the previous embodiments, is preserved. Referring to Fig. 6a, a cigarette lighter/perforator according to the present embodiment is shown, which comprises a body 5 and a push button 14 for actuating the perforator mechanism. Situated above the body 5 is a conventional lighter mechamsm, as described with reference to the first embodiment. However, in Fig. 6, only the flame shield 4 and the fuel release activator 2 are visible. In order to assemble the cigarette lighter/perforator shown in Fig. 6a, a commercially available cigarette lighter 16 is inserted into recess 22 formed in the lighter/perforator body 5. The shape and size of recess 22 is formed in order to securely hold a selected commercially available cigarette lighter. Fig. 6d is a view from below of the lighter/perforator shown in Fig. 6a, which illustrates the substantially cylindrical recess 7 into which cigarettes to be perforated are placed. Figs. 6b and 6c illustrate the internal construction of the cigarette lighter/perforator of Fig. 6a, showing the perforation mechanism in the open and closed positions respectively. Figs. 6e and 6f show views of Figs. 6b and 6c, respectively, from underneath along cross sections 6-6. As can be seen from Figs. 6b and 6c, the perforation mechanism employed in this embodiment works in the manner previously described with respect to the second embodiment; i.e. a cigarette is inserted into recess 7 and then it is perforated by the actuation of push button 14 from the open state (as shown in Fig. 6b) to the closed state (shown in Fig. 6c), forcing perforation pins 9 into the cigarette. The resilience of spring 1 1 subsequently causes the perforation mechanism to return to its open state. Figs. 6b and 6c show the internal layout of the lighter/perforator according to the present embodiment, in which the lighter portion consists of a commercially available cigarette lighter 16 (shown in Fig. 6b), which is united with the cigarette lighter/perforator body 5. The cigarette lighter/perforator is shown in Fig. 6c with the cigarette lighter 16 removed. The skilled reader will appreciate that this embodiment could be modified in various ways in order to satisfy the aesthetic and ergonomic requirements of the user. Figs. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate three possible variations of this embodiment. The function and method of use of the cigarette lighter/perforators in these figures is the same as that already described with reference to that of Fig. 6 and that of the second embodiment, and hence will not be described further. Referring to Fig. 7, in this variation of the present embodiment, the perforator portion, which comprises push button 14, recess 7, spring 11 and pins 9, lies laterally, entirely to one side of the lighter portion 16. In this variation, the recess 7 is positioned horizontally with respect to the lighter portion, which may for some people be easier to operate than a lighter/perforator in which the recess is positioned vertically. As can be seen from Fig. 7b, apertures 17 are provided in the side wall of recess 7 through which pins 9 are free to pass into void 18. This ensures that it is possible to perforate cigarettes entirely through their width. In this variation of the third embodiment, the push button 14 is designed to be removable from its housing member 19, in which push button 14 slides. This allows the user to add or remove further pins 9 from pin support members 20, thus allowing the degree of ventilation obtained to be varied. Referring to Fig. 8, the same design of push button 14, pins 9, spring 11 and recess 7, as is shown in Fig. 7, is used. However, in this variation of the present embodiment, the perforator mechanism is located entirely below the lighter portion 16, in body portion 5. Again, the recess 7 is positioned horizontally with respect to the lighter portion 16. This arrangement may provide for some users an ergonomic or aesthetic improvement over the variation shown in Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 9, again the arrangement of push button 14, recess 7, spring 11 and pins 9 is the same as shown in Fig. 7. However, in this variation of the present embodiment, the recess 7 is positioned vertically with respect to the lighter portion 16, but like the variation shown in Fig. 8 the perforator portion is located entirely below the lighter portion 16. In this variation of the present embodiment, portion 21 is provided to give the user an improved grip on the cigarette lighter/perforator body 5, when actuating the push button 14. Furthermore, portion 21 provides a continuous smooth outer surface of the body portion 5 and prevents push button 14 from snagging on items of clothing, for example. It will also be appreciated by the skilled reader that cigarette lighter/perforators according to the present embodiment could be manufactured to incorporate the lever perforation actuator described in the first embodiment. If disposable cigarette lighters are to be used in lighter/perforators according to the present embodiment, then it is envisaged that the commercially available lighter and the perforator portion should be joined in a permanent manner although this would not be essential. This may be achieved using standard manufacturing techniques, through the use of adhesives or snapfast fittings, for example. Therefore, when the fuel in the commercially available cigarette lighter is expended, the cigarette lighter/perforator assembly would be disposed of. However, if non-disposable cigarette lighters are to be used then a releasable attachment between the lighter and the perforator is required. This may be achieved through the use of a releasable snapfast fitting between the two, for example. This allows the lighter to be removed in order to be replenished with fuel as and when required. Further, it allows the perforator portion to be replaced by a perforator portion which perforates cigarettes to a different degree, as and when the user chooses. Sets of combined cigarette lighter/perforators can either be sold as a complete set in a "pack" together with instructions for use as described above, or, individually. If sold individually, users may buy the next lighter/perforator required, after a predetermined usage of the current lighter/perforator. For example, in the case of a disposable lighter, or lighter/perforator, this may be when its fuel is exhausted; or, in the case of a non-disposable lighter/perforator, this may be after a certain number of fuel refills. However, where the lighter/perforators are assembled by the user, using either disposable or non-disposable commercially available cigarette lighters, the body portions may be sold either individually or in sets. Further, such body portions need not be supplied, equipped with the perforator portion, as such perforator portions may be sold separately in order to easily provide the user with a greater degree of choice. Other aspects and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to the skilled person from the foregoing. For example, it may be desirable to vary the relative volumes of fuel between each disposable lighter/perforator of a set. For some users it may be desirable to decrease or increase the volume of fuel with each subsequent change of lighter/perforator, in order to help with the final transition from smoking cigarettes with maximum ventilation to giving up altogether. Therefore, the fuel storage volumes 6 are not constant between each lighter/perforator in the second embodiment, as can be seen from Figs. 4a-c. Different levels of ventilation between lighter/perforators of a set may also be achieved through the use of shorter pins 9 than those previously discussed allowing cigarettes to be perforated across part of their width. Further, the differing levels of ventilation caused by cigarette lighter/perforators may be achieved by using short and long pins in combination. For example, the first lighter/perforator of a set may employ one short pin, perforating cigarettes partially. The second lighter/perforator of the set may employ one long pin, which perforates cigarettes fully across their entire width. The third cigarette lighter/perforator may employ one long and one short pin, causing cigarettes to be perforated in two places, once partially and once fully. The term "cigarette" has been used throughout with reference to the invention, however it will be apparent to the reader that the invention can equally be applied to similar smoking products and the term "cigarette" encompasses such products. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the above described embodiments but to extend to all modifications thereof which will be apparent to the skilled reader and fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for progressively reducing the quantity of harmful cigarette smoke products inhaled by a smoker, comprising: a set of two or more cigarette lighter/perforators, each cigarette lighter/perforator in the set comprising a lighter means and a perforating means, said perforating means comprising at least one perforating element for perforating a cigarette, wherein the perforating means of a first lighter/perforator of said set is arranged to perforate cigarettes to a predetermined degree different from that of a second lighter/perforator of said set. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first lighter/perforator of said set comprises a differing number of perforating elements from said second lighter/perforator of said set. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first lighter/perforator of said set comprises at least one perforating element differing in size from that of said second lighter/perforator of said set. 4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first lighter/perforator of said set comprises a differing quantity of fuel from said second lighter/perforator of said set. 5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said first and second lighter/perforators of said set is non-refillable. 6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said first and second lighter/perforators comprises at least one perforating element arranged to perforate a cigarette through its entire width. 7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one lighter/perforator of said set comprises at least one perforation means which is arranged to perforate each cigarette at a predeteπ ined point or points on the length of the cigarette. 8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first lighter/perforator of said set is visually distinguishable from said second lighter/perforator of said set. 9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each said lighter/perforator of the set comprises a cigarette lighter/perforator body in which both the lighter means and the perforator means are located. 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the lighter means is formed integrally with said lighter/perforator body. 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said perforating means is releasably connected to the body of said lighter/perforator. 12. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the perforating means is formed integrally with said lighter/perforator body. 13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said lighter means is releasably connected to the body of said cigarette lighter/perforator. 14. An apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said lighter means comprises a discrete cigarette lighter. 15. A pack comprising apparatus according to any preceding claim. 16. A cigarette lighter/perforator comprising a pivotable arm upon which one or more perforating elements are mounted, said arm being manually actuable so as to perforate a -cigarette. 17. A cigarette lighter/perforator comprising a recess arranged to receive a cigarette to a predetermined depth. 18. A method of treating cigarettes with a set of two or more lighter/perforators to progressively reduce the cigarette smoke inhaled by a smoker thereof, said method comprising the steps of: perforating at least one cigarette to a first predetermined degree with a first cigarette lighter/perforator; and perforating at least one further cigarette using a second lighter/perforator, said second lighter/perforator having a second perforating means arranged to perforate a cigarette to a second predetermined degree, greater than said first degree. 19. A method of assembling a cigarette lighter/perforator, the lighter/perforator comprising a perforator portion connected to a body portion, said method comprising the step of: inserting a cigarette lighter into said body portion. 20. A cigarette perforator comprising a perforator means and a body portion, said body portion being arranged to receive a cigarette lighter.

Inventors: KHANIAN EDWARD AMIR, KHANIAN, EDWARD, AMIR
Applicants: KHANIAN EDWARD AMIR, ROSS LIMITED, KHANIAN, EDWARD, AMIR
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A24F13
IPC codes: A24F13