CN107529818A - Smoking product and the cigarette holder for smoking product - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kind of smoking product（1）, the smoking product（1）Including：Smoking product rod part（2）, the smoking product rod part（2）With depression（13）；And cigarette holder（71、91、101）, the cigarette holder（71、91、101）The smoking product rod part, the cigarette holder can be attached to（71、91、101）Including the elongated cylindrical elements for being arranged to be inserted into by user in the depression（20）.The cylindrical elements include having at least one elevated regions（73、103）Outer surface, and at least one elevated regions are arranged to and engaged with the inner surface of the depression to provide resistance to motion of the cylindrical elements in the depression.At least one elevated regions, which are arranged to move in the depression to the cylindrical elements compared with moving to outside the depression to the cylindrical elements, provides lower resistance.

Description

Smoking articles and mouthpieces for smoking articles

technical field

The present invention relates to a smoking article and a mouthpiece for a smoking article, in particular but not exclusively to a smoking article, a mouthpiece for a smoking article and a method for forming a mouthpiece for a smoking article.

Background technique

Cigarettes and other smoking articles produce aerosols, or in the case of cigarettes smoke, which are inhaled by the user. Filters for smoking articles are used to modify the aerosol before it reaches the user's mouth. Filters known in the art for this purpose may be formed from plugs of fibrous cellulose acetate or other materials having similar physical properties.

Various additives may be added to smoking article filters in order to enhance the removal of certain smoke constituents. Examples include smoke absorbents, such as activated carbon, which absorb certain smoke components, thereby removing them from the smoke stream passing through the filter. In addition to removing components from the smoke, filter additives can impart properties to the smoke or other aerosol passing through the filter. For example, scents and fragrances can be included in the filter, which alter the odor and taste characteristics of the aerosol.

Contents of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a smoking article comprising: a smoking article stick portion having a depression; and a mouthpiece attachable to the smoking article stick portion, the smoking article stick portion being The mouthpiece comprises an elongate cylindrical element arranged to be inserted by a user into the recess; wherein the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised area, and the at least one raised area is arranged to engages with an inner surface of the recess to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical element within the recess, and wherein the at least one raised region is arranged to move toward the cylindrical element into the recess The outer portion provides lower resistance than movement of the cylindrical element into the recess.

The cylindrical element may comprise adjacent first and second portions each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being arranged to be inserted into the recess; and an annular element disposed around the second portion of the cylindrical element, the annular element having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the recess.

The annular element may comprise a wrap forming at least part of an outer surface of the annular element.

The inner diameter and/or length of the recess and the outer diameter and/or length of the cylindrical element may be arranged to substantially correspond such that at least a portion of the cylindrical element can be accommodated within the recess and substantially fill the depressions.

The cylindrical element may include a smoke modifying additive. The smoke improving additive may be distributed throughout the cylindrical element and/or annular element, the smoke improving additive may be contained within at least one frangible capsule, the smoke improving additive may comprise a botanical additive, The smoke modifying additive may comprise an absorbent and/or the additive may be loaded on a wire extending through the cylindrical element and/or the annular element.

The annular element may be attached to the cylindrical element using an adhesive.

The cylindrical element may comprise a wrap forming at least part of the outer surface of the cylindrical element.

The at least one raised area may be formed by embossing the outer surface of the cylindrical element.

The at least one raised area may have a first section having a relatively steep slope as it is raised away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element and a second section, the second section It has a relatively shallow slope as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element, and wherein, when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess, the second section may be arranged to ahead of the first section described above.

The at least one raised region may have a first section and a second section, and wherein the first section may have a wider circumferential extent than the second section, and wherein, when the The second section may be arranged in front of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.

The body of the cylindrical element may comprise fibrous filter material.

The at least one raised region may comprise at least one circumferentially extending raised region configured to engage the inner surface of the corresponding recess to prevent or limit contact between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the cylindrical element. Air flow between exterior surfaces.

The cylindrical element may also include an outer surface having at least one circumferentially extending raised region configured to engage a corresponding recessed inner surface to prevent or limit Air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical element.

The cylindrical element may comprise a roll forming at least part of an outer surface of the cylindrical element, and wherein the at least one circumferentially extending raised region may be formed by embossing the roll to form.

The circumferentially extending raised region may extend substantially around the entire circumference of the cylindrical element.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouthpiece for attachment by a user to a smoking article, the mouthpiece comprising: an elongated cylindrical element arranged to be inserted by a user into In a corresponding recess, wherein the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised area, and the at least one raised area is arranged to engage with the inner surface of the recess to provide an orientation towards the cylindrical element. Movement within the recess provides resistance, and wherein the at least one raised region is arranged to provide more resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than to movement of the cylindrical element out of the recess. low resistance.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for forming a mouthpiece as defined above, the method comprising: forming a wrapping material having at least one raised region disposed thereon; forming a filter material an elongated cylinder; and wrapping the wrapping material around the elongated cylinder of filter material.

The mouthpiece as described above and elsewhere herein may be a filter unit.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1a is a side sectional view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separated from the smoking article rod portion;

Figure 1b is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 2a is a side sectional view of the smoking article of Figure 1a, with a filter unit attached to a rod portion of the smoking article;

Figure 2b is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in Figure 2a;

Figures 3(a) to 3(d) are side sectional views of corresponding mouthpieces, which in these examples are filter units containing Various smoke modifying additives used with the smoking articles shown;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion, and wherein the filter unit includes at least one raised area for the filter unit is held in partial engagement with the smoking article rod;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion, and wherein the filter unit comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion, and wherein the filter unit comprises the at least one raised region and at least one circumferentially extending raised region illustrated in FIG. 5 ;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion, and wherein the filter unit comprises at least one circumferentially extending a raised area to hold the filter unit in engagement with the smoking article rod portion;

Figure 8 is a side sectional view of a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, with an offset cylindrical element for use with the smoking article illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b ;

Figure 9 is a side sectional view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article stick portion and the two filter units of Figure 8 connected to the smoking article stick portion;

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, as described herein;

Figure 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for forming the cylindrical element of the filter unit described with reference to Figure 4; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming the cylindrical element of the filter unit described with reference to FIG. 5 .

detailed description

As used herein, the term "smoking article" includes smokable products, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded cut tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes and heat-not-burn (HnB) products, such as, Cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, and including other nicotine delivery products such as aerosol generating devices, including electronic cigarettes. The smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gaseous flow inhaled by the smoker.

Smoking articles (such as cigarettes and their sizes) are commonly named according to their length: "regular" (usually in the range of 68-75 mm, e.g., from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), "short" or "miniature" ( 68 mm or less), "extended size" (usually in the range 75-91 mm, for example, from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or "extra long" (usually in the range 91-105mm within, for example, from about 94 mm to about 101 mm), and "extra long" (typically in the range of about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

Smoking articles are also named according to the circumference of the cigarette: "regular" (about 23-25 mm), "wide" (greater than 25 mm), "slim" (about 22-23 mm), "semi-slim" (about 19-22 mm) , "extra fine" (about 16-19 mm), and "extra fine" (less than about 16 mm). Thus, an extended size, extra slim gauge cigarette would, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. Many consumers prefer regular, extended-sized cigarettes, ie, having a circumference of from 23 mm to 25 mm and an overall length of from 75 mm to 91 mm.

Each size can be produced as filters with different lengths, with smaller filters usually used for sizes with smaller lengths and girths. Typically, the filter length will be from about 15 mm (associated with the short, regular gauge) to 30 mm (associated with the extra long, extra fine gauge). The tipping paper will have a longer length than the filter, eg, 3 mm to 10 mm longer than the filter, such that the tipping paper covers the filter and overlaps the tobacco rod to connect the filter to the tobacco rod.

The smoking articles described herein may be manufactured from any of the above specifications.

Figure 1a is a side cross-sectional view of a smoking article 1 comprising a smoking article rod part 2, also referred to as an aerosol generating part, and a mouthpiece, which is separate from the smoking article rod part 2 and can be removed by the user. Attached to the smoking article rod part 2, the mouthpiece is a filter unit 3 in this example. Figure 1b is a perspective view of the smoking article 1 shown in Figure 1a. In this example the smoking article rod part 2 is of conventional, elongated size, ie having a length in the range of 75-91 mm and a circumference in the range of 23 mm to 25 mm. In particular, in this example the length of the smoking article rod part 2 is 83 mm and it has a circumference of 24.6 mm. The smoking article 1 is a cigarette and the smoking article rod part 2 comprises a tobacco rod 4 wrapped in a wrapping material 5, in this case a cigarette paper. The smoking article rod part 2 comprises at its mouth end a filter 6 comprising a first section 7 positioned at the tobacco rod end of the filter 6 . The first filter segment 7 is formed in this example from a cellulose acetate tow 8 wrapped in a first plug wrap 9 . The filter 6 also comprises a second section 10 positioned downstream of the first section 7 and comprising a tubular element 11 wrapped in a second plug wrap 12 . The tubular element 11 is in this example open at the mouth end of the smoking article rod part 2 and defines a recess or cavity 13 at that end. The mouth end surface 16 of the tubular element 11 is exposed at the mouth end of the rod part 2 of the smoking article. The tobacco rod 4 is connected to the first and second filter sections 7 , 10 by tipping material 14 overlapping the first and second filter sections 7 , 10 and partially overlapping the wrapping material 5 . In other embodiments, the first and second filter sections 7, 10 and any other sections forming the filter 6 may use another plug before using the tipping material 14 to connect the filter 6 to the tobacco rod 4 wrapped together (not shown).

The filter unit 3 comprises a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 . The cylindrical element 20 has adjacent first and second portions 20a, 20b each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element 20 . In this example, the first portion 20a extends from the inserted end of the cylindrical element 20 to an intermediate location 22 along the length of the cylindrical element 20 . In this example, the cylindrical element 20 is 13 mm in length and the intermediate location 22 is located 6 mm from the insertion end along the length of the cylindrical element 20 . The first part 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is arranged to be inserted by a user into the recess 13 at the mouth end of the rod part 2 of the smoking article.

The ring element 21 is arranged around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20 . The ring element 21 has a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the recess 13 . In this example, the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20 extends from the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20 and terminates at an intermediate location 22 along the length of the cylindrical element 20 . The surface 23 of the ring element 21 is exposed on the end of the ring element 21 which is arranged to face the smoking article stick part 2 in use and abuts the tubular element 11 when the filter unit 3 is attached to the smoking article stick part 2 The mouth end surface 16, as described below.

The first part 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is arranged to be inserted into a recess in the smoking article, in this case into the recess 13 formed by the tube section 11 . The inner diameter and/or length of the recess 13 and the outer diameter and/or length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 are arranged to be substantially corresponding, so that the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 can be accommodated in the recess 13 And substantially fill the depression 13 . For example, the inner diameter and/or length of the recess 13 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter and/or length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 . In practice, the correspondence between the dimensions of the recess 13 and the dimensions of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 will depend on the materials used to form these parts and the desired tightness of fit between them. It may be preferred that the recess dimensions are slightly larger than the dimensions of the first portion 20 a to facilitate insertion of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 .

In the example of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b , the recess 13 has an inner diameter of 5.10 mm and the cylindrical element 20 has an outer diameter of 5.03 mm. In alternative examples, the inner diameter of the recess 13 and the outer diameter of the cylindrical element 20 may have other values, eg have diameters in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm. In the example of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b , the recess 13 has an inner length of 6 mm and the first portion 20 a of the cylindrical element 20 has a length of 6 mm. In alternative examples, the inner length of the recess 13 and the length of the first portion of the cylindrical element 20 may have other values, eg have a length in the range from 3 mm to 20 mm.

In this example, an adhesive (not shown) is used to attach the annular element 21 to the cylindrical element 20 . The annular element 21 may be attached to the cylindrical element 20 by other mechanisms than adhesives, for example by mechanical mechanisms such as a friction fit or other locking arrangement.

In use, the user is provided with the smoking article 1 having the filter unit 3 and the smoking article rod part 2 as separate components. The filter unit 3 may be attached to the smoking article stick part 2 by inserting the first part 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 before the smoking article stick part 2 is first used by the user. The first part 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the opening of the recess 13 and pushed into the recess 13 until the surface 23 of the annular element 21 abuts the mouth end surface 16 of the tubular element 11 preventing further insertion. The user can choose whether to attach the filter unit 3 to the smoking article rod part 2 before smoking on the smoking article 1 and can in this way control the length of the filter of the smoking article 1 and thus the aerosols produced by the smoking article 1 filtering level.

Figure 2a is a side cross-sectional view of the smoking article 1 of Figures 1a and 1b, with a filter unit 3 attached to the rod part 2 of the smoking article. Figure 2b is a perspective view of the same smoking article 1 with the filter unit 3 attached to the rod part 2 of the smoking article.

In this example, the cylindrical element 20 comprises fibrous filter material 25 and is wrapped circumferentially in a wrap 26, leaving its longitudinal ends unwrapped, in this case the wrap 26 is Plug roll material. In alternative embodiments, cylindrical element 20 may be formed in other ways. Cylindrical element 20 may alternatively be formed from other fibrous materials and may be arranged in different configurations. Cylindrical element 20 may be formed, for example, from cardboard, plastic, card or other material as a hollow tube with open or closed ends. The cylindrical element 20 also need not be wrapped in a roll, but may, for example, be formed without a roll, such as a non-wrapped acetate (NWA) plug formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filter material 25 may comprise cellulose acetate fibers and/or other materials used to form fibers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(succinic acid- 1,4-butanediolsuccinate) (poly(1-4 butanediolsuccinate); PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (poly(butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate ); PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers.

In this example, the annular element 21 comprises a fibrous filter material 27 formed into a tube and wrapped circumferentially in a wrap 28, leaving its longitudinal ends unwrapped, in this case In this case the roll 28 is a plug wrap. In alternative embodiments, ring element 21 may be formed in other ways. For example, ring element 21 may alternatively be formed from other fibrous materials. The annular element 21 also need not be wrapped in a roll, but may, for example, be formed without a roll, such as a non-wrapped acetate (NWA) tube formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filter material 27 may comprise cellulose acetate fibers and/or other materials used to form fibers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(succinic acid- 1,4-Butanediol ester), poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymerization things. The annular element 21 may alternatively be formed from a sheet material, such as tipping paper, that is wrapped around the cylindrical element 20 to form a single or multiple layers of sheet material around the cylindrical element 20 . Ring element 21 may alternatively be formed from plastic or another molding material.

Cylindrical element 20 and/or annular element 21 may contain a filter plasticizer. Filter plasticizers work by softening the fibrous filter material from which the filter element is constructed so that individual fibers can bond to each other to form a more rigid structure. Filter plasticizers, such as triacetin, also known as triacetin, can be used in these applications, for example, when the cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 are formed from a fibrous filter material, such as cellulose acetate. element. Higher levels of plasticizer than are typically used in filter elements may be used to provide additional robustness to either component. For example, greater than 7%, greater than 10%, greater than 12%, or greater than 15% plasticizer may be used in either component by weight of the fibrous filter material employed.

In the present example, the longitudinal extent of the first portion 20 a of the cylindrical element 20 is substantially equal to the longitudinal extent of the recess 13 . The longitudinal extent of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 may in alternative examples be shorter or longer than the longitudinal extent of the recess 13 .

Cylindrical element 20 and/or annular element 21 may comprise an aerosol modifying additive.

Figures 3a to 3d are side sectional views of corresponding mouthpieces, in this example filter units 30, 40, 50, 60, which can be used as described with reference to Figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b Replacement mouthpiece for the filter unit 3. The filter units 30, 40, 50, 60 of Figures 3a-3d are generally similar in construction to the filter unit 3 of Figure 1a, and the same reference numerals are used to designate equivalent features.

In the filter unit 30 of Figure 3a, the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element comprises particles of an aerosol modifying additive 31 disposed therein. The aerosol modifying additive 31 is activated carbon in this example. However, other additives may be used, such as absorbents other than carbon, or taste-imparting additives. For example, the additive may be a botanical additive. Where permitted by local regulations, botanical additives may include at least one plant-based material selected from the group consisting of licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, Japanese peppermint, star anise , cinnamon, vanilla, wintergreen, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, bittersweet, geranium, vanilla, cinnamon, coriander, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, ginger, anise, and peppercorns coriander.

In this embodiment, the aerosol modifying additive 31 is distributed throughout the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20 . The aerosol modifying additive 31 may alternatively or additionally be distributed throughout the fibrous filter material 27 of the annular element 21 .

In the filter unit 40 of Fig. 3b, the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20 comprises inserted therein a frangible capsule 41 containing a liquid load comprising a fragrance such as menthol. The frangible bladder 41 is positioned at the intermediate portion 22 between the first and second portions 20a, 20b of the cylindrical element, and thus below the end of the annular element 21 at this location. A user may squeeze the end of the ring element 21 to cause pressure to be exerted on the bladder causing it to rupture to release the fragrance contained therein to thereby improve the aerosol drawn through the filter unit 40 .

In the filter unit 50 of Fig. 3c, the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20 comprises an elongate aerosol modifying element 51 inserted therein. In this example, the elongate aerosol modifying element 51 comprises a thread loaded with a fragrance such as menthol. When the aerosol is drawn through the filter unit 50, the fragrance loaded onto the thread 51 is released.

In the filter unit 60 of Fig. 3d, the cylindrical element 20 comprises a first plug 61 and a second plug 62 which are longitudinally aligned, separated and wrapped around the plug. The wrapping 26 is plugged such that a cavity is formed between the first and second plugs 61 , 62 . The cavity contains disposed therein an aerosol modifying additive 63, such as those described with reference to Figure 3a.

In any of the mouthpiece or filter units described herein, additional mouth-end filter sections may be provided. In filter units containing additives such as activated carbon or vegetable additives, an additional mouth-end filter section may prevent particles of these additives from reaching the user's mouth.

In addition to or as an alternative to the features of the filter units described herein, the wrapping of the cylindrical element 20 and/or annular element 21 of the filter units described herein may include additives such as menthol or chili flavor) to provide additional taste, odor and/or other perceivable characteristics to the filter unit.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a smoking article 70 comprising a smoking article rod part 2 and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit 71, separate from the smoking article rod part 2, and wherein the filter unit 71 comprises a At least one raised area 73 to hold the filter unit 71 in engagement with the rod part 2 of the smoking article. The smoking article 70 of Figure 4 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and like reference numerals are used to designate equivalent features. The filter unit 71 comprises a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those already described previously. However, the outer surface of the first part 20 a of the cylindrical element 20 has at least one raised area 73 arranged to engage with the inner surface of the recess 13 . In the present example, four such raised areas 73 are arranged circumferentially around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 . Each raised portion 73 protrudes approximately 1 mm from the outer surface at its highest point or region, although it may be arranged to protrude more or less than described above.

In this example, the raised portion 73 is substantially triangular in plan view and longitudinal sectional view, although other shapes may be used. The raised area 73 is provided approximately half way along the length of the first part 20a of the cylindrical element, which in this case is in an area of about 3 mm from the annular element 21 . However, the raised area 73 may alternatively be provided in other locations around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 .

The raised area 73 is arranged to provide resistance to movement of the first portion 20 a of the cylindrical element 20 within the recess 13 . The raised area 73 may also have the function of centering the first portion 20a in the recess and providing a cushion between the cylindrical element and the recess to absorb the dimensions of either part due to tolerances in the manufacture of either part. any imprecision. The raised area 73 is arranged to provide lower resistance to movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 than movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 out of the recess 13 . This is achieved in the present example in that the raised area 73 has a first section 73 a and a second section 73 b, the first section 73 a being lifted away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the raised area 73 The second section 73b has a relatively steep slope as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised region 73 . The second section 73b is arranged to face in the direction of movement of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 . When the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the recess 13, the second section 73b is arranged in front of the first section 73a. In particular, the second section 73b is closer to the end of the first portion 20a opposite the ring element 21 than the first section 70a. The raised area 73 thus provides a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the first portion 20a is inserted into the recess 13 . The first section 73a is arranged to face in the direction of movement along the cylindrical element 20 out of the recess 13 . In particular, the first section 73a is closer to the end of the first portion 20a adjacent to the ring element 21 . The raised area 73 thus provides a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the first portion 20a is withdrawn out of the recess 13 .

In this example, the raised area 73 also has a wider circumferential extent in the first section 73a than in the second section 73b, thereby again providing A greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 is achieved. In this example, the circumferential extent of the raised region 73 is approximately 3 mm in the first section 73a and approximately 0.5 mm in the second section 73b, although other dimensions may be used.

In this example, the at least one raised area 73 is formed by embossing a roll 72 , which forms the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 . However, alternative arrangements are possible. For example, raised area 73 may be formed using an add-on material, such as varnish, paint, adhesive, or equivalent, or formed from plastic, paper, or other material protrusions to form. Additionally, any shape of raised portion 73 that provides a greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of recess 13 when cylindrical member 20 is removed than when cylindrical member 20 is inserted may be used.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 80 comprising a smoking article rod part 2 and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit 81, separate from the smoking article rod part 2. The filter unit 81 comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83 . The smoking article 80 of Figure 5 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and like reference numerals have been used to designate equivalent features. The filter unit 81 comprises a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those previously described. However, the outer surface of the first part 20 a of the cylindrical element 20 has at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83 arranged to engage with the inner surface of the recess 13 . In this example, circumferentially extending first and second raised regions 83a, 83b are provided longitudinally spaced apart. However, in alternative embodiments, a single circumferentially extending raised region 83 may be provided, or more than two circumferentially extending raised regions 83 may be provided.

The circumferentially extending first and second raised regions 83 a , 83 b each extend continuously around the outer surface of the first portion 20 a of the cylindrical element 20 . In particular, the circumferentially extending raised regions 83 a , 83 b extend substantially around the entire circumference of the cylindrical element 20 , in this example forming a band or ring around the cylindrical element 20 . However, other arrangements are possible, such as circumferentially extending raised regions extending around some, but not all, of the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20, or regions having other patterns, such as a helical configuration.

The first and second circumferentially extending raised regions 83 a , 83 b each prevent or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 . This is achieved by the circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b forming a seal between the outer surface of the cylindrical element and the inner surface of the recess 13 by pressing against the inner surface of the recess 13 . Preventing or restricting air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 can help prevent or restrict outside air from entering the smoking article between the filter 6 and the filter unit 83 of the smoking article rod part 2. 80. Additionally, preventing or limiting air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical member 20 can help prevent or limit the passage of aerosols formed by the smoking article rod portion 2 between the cylindrical member 20 and the annular member 21. The cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 pass between them.

The circumferentially extending raised regions 83 a , 83 b may be formed by embossing the roll 82 forming the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 . In the present example, the circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b have a height of 1 mm above the surface of the cylindrical element 20 and a width of 1 mm. However, other dimensions may be used, such as a width between 0.5 mm and 10 mm and a height between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. Furthermore, in the present example, the first and second circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b are separated by a spacing of 2 mm between them, although other dimensions may be used depending on the size and configuration of the cylindrical element 20. spacing, such as between 1 mm and 20 mm. A circumferentially extending raised area 83 is provided approximately halfway along the length of the first part 20a of the cylindrical element, which in this case is in an area of about 3 mm from the annular element 21 . However, the circumferentially extending raised portion 83 may alternatively be provided in other locations around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 .

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article 90 comprising a smoking article rod part 2 and a mouthpiece separate from the smoking article rod part 2, in this example a filter unit 91, and wherein the filter unit 91 comprises Both the at least one raised region 73 described with reference to FIG. 4 and the at least one circumferentially extending raised region 83 as described with reference to FIG. 5 . The smoking article 90 of Figure 6 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and like reference numerals have been used to designate equivalent features. At least one raised area 73 is provided on the outer surface of the first part 20a of the cylindrical element 20 , the at least one raised area 73 being further from the annular element 21 than the at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83 . In particular, in the present example four raised regions 73 are provided spaced around the perimeter of the cylindrical element 20 and spaced approximately 4 mm from the annular element 21 . First and second circumferentially extending raised regions 83 are provided approximately 2 mm apart from the ring element 21 . The raised area 73 and the circumferentially extending raised area 83 may be formed by embossing the roll 92 forming the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 .

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a smoking article 100 comprising a smoking article rod part 2 and a mouthpiece separate from the smoking article rod part 2, in this example a filter unit 101, and wherein the filter unit 101 comprises at least A circumferentially extending raised area 103 to hold the filter unit 101 in engagement with the smoking article rod part 2 . The smoking article 100 of Figure 7 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and like reference numerals have been used to designate equivalent features. The at least one circumferentially extending raised area 103 has the combined function of the at least one raised area 73 described with reference to FIG. 4 and the at least one circumferentially extended raised area described with reference to FIG. 5 . In particular, the circumferentially extending raised area 103 is formed so as to have a forward section 103b and a rearward section 103a, the forward section 103b being lifted away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the raised area 103 The rear section 103a has a relatively steep slope as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised region 103 . The circumferentially extending raised area 103 thus provides a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the recess 13, and upon withdrawal of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13. The outer shell provides a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 . Additionally, the circumferentially extending raised area 103 also acts to prevent or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 .

Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit 110, having an offset cylindrical element 20, for use with the smoking article described herein. The filter unit 110 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 111 . The cylindrical element 20 is substantially identical to the previously described cylindrical element 20 . However, in the present example, the annular element 111 is arranged around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20 and also extends beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20 . The ring element 111 has in this example the same longitudinal length as the cylindrical element 20 . In particular, in this example, both the cylindrical element 20 and the annular element 21 have a length of 13 mm. The intermediate location 22 is located 6 mm from the insertion end along the length of the cylindrical element 20 as previously described, and thus the ring element 21 extends 6 mm beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20 . Ring element 111 is a roll of rolls 112, such as tipping paper. The filter unit 110 of Fig. 8 thus has at its mouth end a recess 113 which can accommodate the first part 20a of the cylindrical element 20 of the filter unit as described herein.

The filter unit 110 of Figure 8 may be adapted to include any of the features of the filter unit of Figures 3a-3d. The user may thus select the first filter unit 110 as illustrated in Figure 8, but comprising an aerosol modifying additive, and attach the first filter unit 110 to the smoking article rod part 2 as described herein . The user may then select an additional second filter unit, selected from any of the filter units described herein, and attach this filter unit to the first filter unit 110 . This enables the user to achieve properties such as filtering and aerosol modifying properties of multiple filter units that may be connected to the same smoking article rod part 2 .

Figure 9 is a side sectional view of a smoking article 120 comprising a smoking article stick part 2 and the first 110a and second 110b of the filter unit 110 of Figure 8 connected to the smoking article stick part 2. The smoking article 120 of Figure 9 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and like reference numerals are used to designate equivalent features.

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, as described herein. In a first step ( S101 ), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed having adjacent first and second portions, the first portion being arranged to be inserted into a corresponding recess in the smoking article. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker in which filter tow is fed from its supply into a garment section of the maker where , compress the filter tow into a rod shape and wrap it in a roll, such as a plug wrap. The plug wrap may be provided with an embossed raised area forming raised area 73 and circumferentially extending raised area 83 as described herein. The cylinder can be cut to its final length on the filter rod maker, or to a length that is a multiple of its desired final length, which can be cut to size when combined with the ring element 21 . In a second step ( S102 ), a ring element 21 is applied around the second portion 20 b of the elongated cylinder formed in step S101 . For example, the annular element 21 may be formed by wrapping sheet material around a cylinder or by sliding a tubular filter section over the cylinder. In each case, an adhesive may be used to adhere the annular element 21 to the outer surface of the cylindrical element.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming the cylindrical element of the filter unit 71 as described herein with reference to FIG. 4 . In a first step ( S201 ), a wrapping material is formed having at least one raised region arranged thereon. For example, a sheet wrapping material, such as a plug wrap, may be embossed or otherwise provided with at least one raised area disposed thereon. In a second step (S202), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed, for example using a filter rod maker. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker in which filter tow is fed from its supply into a fitting section of the maker where it is compressed into stick shape. In a third step (S203), the wrapping material is wrapped around an elongated cylinder of filter material. The cylinder of filter material can be cut on the filter rod maker to its final length, or to lengths that are multiples of its desired final length, which can be cut to size at a later stage.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming the cylindrical element of the filter unit 81 as described herein with reference to FIG. 5 . In a first step ( S301 ), a web is formed having at least one circumferentially extending raised region disposed thereon. For example, a sheet of web material, such as a plug wrap, may be embossed or otherwise provided with at least one circumferentially extending raised region disposed thereon. In a second step (S302), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed, for example using a filter rod maker. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker in which filter tow is fed from its supply into a fitting section of the maker where it is compressed into stick shape. In a third step (S303), the wrapping material is wrapped around an elongated cylinder of filter material. The cylinder of filter material can be cut on the filter rod maker to its final length, or to lengths that are multiples of its desired final length, which can be cut to size at a later stage.

The smoking articles described herein provide the user with the ability to modify the properties of the smoking article before or during use of the smoking article. Any of the filter units 3 , 30 , 40 , 50 , 60 , 71 , 81 , 91 , 101 , 110 described herein may be attached to any smoking article rod part 2 . For example, the user may be provided with one or more smoking article rod parts 2, as well as filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, An anthology of 71, 81, 91, 101, 110.

Although certain arrangements for the filter unit 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 and smoking article rod part 2 have been described herein, alternative designs are possible. For example, in some embodiments the annular element 21 of the respective filter unit 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 may be omitted and a filter comprising only the cylindrical element 20 provided unit. In this case, the cylindrical element 20 may comprise both the first and the second part 20a, 20b, or only the first part 20a arranged to be housed within the recess 13 . Mouthpieces other than filter units as described herein may be used, for example tubular mouthpieces with an axial flow path therethrough made of materials such as plastic (polyvinyl chloride or other similar polymeric material), paper or card materials to form. Mouthpieces that do not perform a filtering function or provide a limited filtering function may be provided for use in non-combustible smoking articles, such as heat-not-burn (HnB) products, and in other nicotine delivery products, such as aerosol generating devices, including electronic cigarette. Such a mouthpiece may for example comprise the same structure and materials as the filter unit described herein. Additionally, although smoking article rod parts 2 have been described as having first and second filter sections 7, 10, they may instead include only the first filter section 7, or in addition to the first and second filter sections Sections 7, 10 include further filter sections. For example, the smoking article rod part 2 described herein may comprise an additional third filter section at the tobacco rod end of the filter 6 comprising an absorbent (such as an active carbon). Furthermore, the smoking article rod part 2 need not comprise the second filter section 10 and may instead have a recess 13 at the mouth end of the smoking article rod part 2 formed from a hard plug wrap or tipping material. In that case a corresponding filter unit would be adapted to fit this alternative recess arrangement.

The embossing used to form the raised areas 73, 83, 103 on their respective rolls has been described herein. Such rolls may be embossed between suitably shaped cooperating pairs of rollers to form the raised areas 73 , 83 , 103 . Multiple packages can be embossed simultaneously and in parallel between the rollers.

In order to solve various problems and improve upon the prior art, this disclosure throughout illustrates various examples in which the claimed invention(s) can be practiced and provide advanced smoking article and filter unit. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of examples, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented merely to aid in understanding and to teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that the advantages, examples, illustrations, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects of the present disclosure are not to be considered limitations of the present disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims , and other examples may be employed and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the present disclosure. Various examples may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., or Consisting essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, sections, steps, means, etc. Additionally, this disclosure includes other inventions that are not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims (18)

1. A smoking article comprising: a smoking article rod portion having a depression; and a mouthpiece attachable to said smoking article rod portion, said mouthpiece comprising an elongated cylindrical element arranged to be inserted by a user into said recess; Wherein, the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised area, and the at least one raised area is arranged to engage with the inner surface of the recess to provide a view of the cylindrical element within the recess. Movement provides resistance, and wherein said at least one raised region is arranged to provide lower resistance to movement of said cylindrical element into said recess than to movement of said cylindrical element out of said recess. 2. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said cylindrical element comprises: adjacent first and second portions each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being arranged to be inserted by a user into the recess ;as well as An annular element arranged to surround the second portion of the cylindrical element, the annular element having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the recess. 3. The smoking article as claimed in claim 2, wherein the annular element comprises a wrap forming at least part of an outer surface of the annular element. 4. The smoking article according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the inner diameter and/or length of the recess and the outer diameter and/or length of the cylindrical element are arranged to substantially correspond such that the At least a portion of the cylindrical element is receivable within the recess and substantially fills the recess. 5. The smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the cylindrical element comprises a smoke modifying additive. 6. The smoking article according to claim 5, wherein: said smoke improving additive is distributed throughout said cylindrical element and/or annular element; wherein said smoke improving additive is contained within at least one frangible capsule; Wherein, the smog-improving additive includes a vegetable additive; Wherein, the smoke improving additive comprises an absorbent; and/or Wherein said additive is loaded on a wire extending through said cylindrical element and/or annular element. 7. The smoking article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the annular element is attached to the cylindrical element using an adhesive. 8. The smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the cylindrical element comprises a wrap forming at least part of an outer surface of the cylindrical element. 9. The smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one raised region is formed by embossing the outer surface of the cylindrical element. 10. The smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one raised region has a first section and a second section, said first section being lifted away from said cylindrical element The outer surface has a relatively steep slope, the second section has a relatively shallow slope when it is lifted away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element, and wherein, when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess In the middle, the second section is arranged in front of the first section. 11. The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one raised region has a first section and a second section, and wherein the first section has a ratio The second section has a wider circumferential extent and wherein, when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess, the second section is arranged in front of the first section. 12. The smoking article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body of the cylindrical element comprises a fibrous filter material. 13. The smoking article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one raised region comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised region configured to engage an inner surface of a corresponding recess to prevent or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical element. 14. The smoking article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical element further comprises an outer surface having at least one circumferentially extending raised region, the at least one circumferentially extending The raised area is configured to engage the corresponding recessed inner surface to prevent or restrict air flow between the corresponding recessed inner surface and the outer surface of the cylindrical element. 15. The smoking article according to claim 14, wherein said cylindrical element comprises a wrap forming at least part of an outer surface of said cylindrical element, and wherein said at least one circumferentially extending protrusion The lifting area is formed by embossing the roll-up. 16. The smoking article as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the circumferentially extending raised region extends substantially around the entire circumference of the cylindrical element. 17. A mouthpiece for attachment by a user to a smoking article, the mouthpiece comprising: an elongated cylindrical element arranged to be inserted by a user into a corresponding recess, wherein the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface with at least one raised region, and the at least one raised A raised area is arranged to engage an inner surface of the recess to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical element within the recess, and wherein the at least one raised area is arranged to engage the inner surface of the cylindrical element Movement out of the recess provides lower resistance than movement of the cylindrical element into the recess. 18. A method for forming the mouthpiece of claim 17 comprising: forming a wrapping material having at least one raised region disposed thereon; forming an elongated cylinder of filter material; and The wrapping material is wrapped around an elongated cylinder of filter material.