RU2672304C1 - Smoking article, smoking article filter section and the smoking article manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the smoking article, to the smoking article filter section, and to the smoking article manufacturing method. Smoking article comprises the filter section comprising the filtration material for filtering smoke and/or another aerosol, which is generated by the mentioned smoking article; the variable ventilation structure, which is designed with the possibility to provide the user-adjustable ventilation level in the filter section, so that the smoke and/or other aerosol, which is generated by the mentioned smoking article, is diluted with a certain amount of outdoor air, which is controlled by the user; and the flavor source, which is designed with possibility to release the flavor into diluted smoke and/or another aerosol, which is generated by the mentioned smoking article at a specific location in the mentioned smoke and/or other aerosol after the mentioned ventilation structure.EFFECT: improvement of the smoking article.31 cl, 7 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a smoking article, a filter section of a smoking article, and a method for manufacturing a smoking article.

State of the art

Cigarettes may include a filter section to filter the mainstream smoke. Cigarettes with a flavor source, for example, with a capsule containing a flavor, are known in the filter section to increase the flavor of the smoke generated by the cigarette.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide, according to a first aspect, a smoking article comprising a filter section for receiving smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, a variable ventilation design for providing a user-adjustable ventilation level in the filter section, and an aroma source configured to be released aroma to said smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a specific place in said smoke / or other aerosol after the specified ventilation design.

The aroma source may be configured to selectively release the aroma to said smoke and / or other aerosol. The flavor source may contain one or more capsules. One or more capsules may have a diameter of 2-6 mm.

The flavor source may contain at least one of the elements, which include plant material, a flavoring thread, a flavoring sprayed in a filter tow, particles impregnated with a flavoring, and a sheet material containing a flavoring. The flavor source may be located in the indicated section of the filter.

The smoking article may further comprise another ventilation structure configured to provide a level of ventilation in the filter section that is not user adjustable.

The ventilation level provided by another variable ventilation design may be 5-50% of the volume of smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article that passes through the filter section when said variable ventilation is at a minimum level.

The variable ventilation design can provide user-controlled ventilation in the range of 0 - 90% of the volume of smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article that passes through the filter section.

At least a component of the first part of the smoking article can form a filter section, and the smoking article can further comprise a second part that can be moved relative to the first part to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable ventilation structure. The first or second part may include a sleeve configured to move relative to another of the parts, first or second, to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable ventilation design. The sleeve can be rotated relative to the filter section, and the ventilation level is varied by changing the angular position of the sleeve relative to the filter section.

The filter section may comprise a first filter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and / or a smoking article may further comprise a second filter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and / or a variable ventilation design may provide ventilation air at a distance of 6 to 20 mm from the mouthpiece of a smoking article.

The filter section may comprise a first filter section, and the smoking article may further comprise a second filter section, the second filter section being located after the first filter section, and the gas flow resistance along the length of the second filter section is less than the gas flow resistance along the length of the first filter section, and the gas resistance the flow along the length of the filter structure remains essentially constant with varying levels of ventilation.

The first and second sections of the filter may contain strands of tow, and the first section of the filter may differ from the second section of the filter in one or more parameters from among the parameters that include: mass of the tow, number of strands of tow per unit volume, cross-section of tow strands and compression ratio.

The second filter section may contain at least one air channel extending in the longitudinal direction along its length. The second filter section may contain fibrous filter material having an annular cross section.

The second filter section may comprise a tube of fibrous filter material, and the air channel extends along a central longitudinal axis along the length of the second filter section.

The smoking article may be a cigarette.

The flavor source may comprise a flavor release component to release a plurality of individual flavor particles.

The flavor release component may comprise an open-cell structure that contains the flavor and is at least partially surrounded by an additive-tight layer.

The smoking article may further comprise a shell-forming structure that at least partially surrounds the open-cell structure and the impervious layer of the additive.

The aroma source may be located in the filter unit, which is provided separately from the smoking article and can be attached to the smoking article by the user.

The smoking article may further comprise a sealing element for restricting the flow of air into the smoking article between the filter unit and the smoking article.

The smoking article may comprise a recess, and at least a portion of the filter unit may be arranged to be located in the recess when the filter unit is attached to the smoking article. The recess may be formed by a tubular filter element provided at the rear end of the smoking article.

The filter section may contain another aroma source designed to release aroma into said smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a specific location in said smoke / or other aerosol after or in front of said ventilation structure.

Another flavor source may contain one or more capsules.

In embodiments of the invention, according to the second aspect, there is provided a filter section for a smoking article receiving smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, a filter section comprising a variable ventilation structure for providing a user-adjustable level of ventilation in the filter section, and an aroma source made with the possibility of releasing aroma in the specified smoke and / or other aerosol generated by the specified smoking product, in a specific place in the specified smoke / Or other aerosol after said venting structure.

The flavor source may comprise a flavor release component to release a plurality of individual flavor particles.

The aroma source may be located in the filter unit, which is provided separately from the other components of the filter section and can be attached to the filter section by the user.

Embodiments of the invention in a third aspect provide a method of manufacturing a smoking article comprising forming a filter section for receiving smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, providing a variable ventilation structure to provide a user-adjustable level of ventilation in the filter section, and providing a source a flavor adapted to release the flavor into said smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoke a product, at a specific place in the specified smoke / or other aerosol after the specified ventilation structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The following is only an example of a description of a number of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a smoking article according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in FIG. one;

FIG. 3a is a plan view of a preform for forming a wrapper for a smoking article according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 3b is a longitudinal sectional view of a smoking article according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a smoking article according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a method of manufacturing a smoking article.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a smoking article according to a fourth embodiment having a separate filter unit; and

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of another filter unit that can be used with a smoking article from a fourth embodiment.

Detailed description

As used herein, the term “smoking article” includes products that produce smoke, such as cigarettes, cigars and thin cigarettes, based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes, and non-combustible tobacco heated products and other nicotine delivery devices capable of generating an aerosol for supplying it to a consumer. Such smoking articles may be provided with a filter to filter the gas stream inhaled by the smoker.

Smoking products, such as cigarettes and their formats, are often referred to by the length of the cigarette: “regular” (usually in the range of 68 - 75 mm, for example, from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less ), “King-size” (usually in the range of 75 - 91 mm, for example, from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (usually in the range of 91 - 105 mm, for example, from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and ultra-long (usually in the range of about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

They are also called by the circumference of the cigarette: “regular” (approximately 23 - 25 mm). Wide (greater than 25 mm), slim (approximately 22–23 mm), demi-slim (approximately 19–22 mm), super-slim (approximately 16–19 mm) and micro-slim "(Less than approximately 16 mm). Accordingly, a king-size, super-slim cigarette, for example, has a length of approximately 83 mm and a circumference of approximately 17 mm. Many consumers prefer regular, king-size cigarettes, i.e. with a circumference of 23 - 25 mm and a total length of 75 - 91 mm.

Cigarettes of each format can be made with filters of different lengths, and filters of shorter lengths are generally used in formats of shorter circumference and length. Typically, the filter length is from 15 mm for short, regular formats to 30 mm for ultra-long, super-slim formats. The length of the rim paper is longer than the length of the filter, for example, by 3-10 mm.

The smoking articles and filters described below can be made in any of the above formats. Smoking articles may, for example, have a length of 70-100 mm and a circumference of 14-25 mm.

In the context of this document, the terms "before" and "after" are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of the main stream of smoke (or other aerosol) inhaled through the smoking article during use.

In FIG. 1 shows a smoking article according to a first embodiment. In the present example, the smoking article 10 is a cigarette. However, other smoking articles may be used.

The smoking article 10 comprises a source of smoke generating material, such as tobacco, attached to a filter structure that includes a first filter section 12 and a second filter section 14. The source of smoke generating material is in the form of a tobacco rod 11 that is attached to the first filter section 12. The second filter section 14 is located after the first filter section 12 and the tobacco rod 11. The ventilation structure 17 provides a user-adjustable variable ventilation level in the first filter section 12, as described in detail below.

The second section 14 of the filter contains an aroma source designed to release aroma into the smoke and / or other aerosol generated by the smoking article 10 at the location in front of the ventilation structure 17. In this example, the aroma source contains aromatic particles of plant material, although they can be used other flavor sources as described herein. Flavors based on plant materials and aromatic particles of plant materials relate, respectively, to plant materials and particles of plant materials and are described in detail below.

The smoking article 10 comprises a first portion comprising a tobacco rod 11 and a first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are connected by a protective layer for attaching the first filter section to the tobacco rod, which is formed from rim paper. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 relate to the tobacco section. The elongated tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 define the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

The second part of the smoking article comprises a second filter section 14 and a sleeve 13 that can move relative to the first part of the smoking article. The sleeve 13 has the shape of a tube extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 11 and / or the first filter section 12. The tube may be cylindrical. In the present example, the sleeve 13 is formed of paper, although other materials can be used. The first and second sections 12, 14 of the filter contain filter material wrapped in sheet material, which may be paper, for example, ficella. The first and second filter sections 12, 14 form a filter structure. The first filter section 12 is located in front of the second filter section 14. The second filter section 14 is located at the output end of the sleeve 13 next to and separately from the first filter section 12.

The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 attached thereto are connected by rim paper (not shown). The rim paper is a standard rim paper or an embossed rim paper of relatively large thickness or a cardboard rim paper.

The ventilation structure 17 is configured to control the ventilation level of the smoking article 10. The ventilation structure 17 comprises one or more first ventilation regions 15 on the sleeve 13. In the present example, the first ventilation regions 15 are closer to the rear end of the first filter section 12 than to the front end. The smoking article further comprises one or more second ventilation regions 16 around the first filter section 12. For example, one or more ventilation regions 16 are defined by a layer (s) of sheet material wrapped around a first filter section 12 or around a filter material of a first filter section 12. The ventilation structure 17 provides ventilation air to the first section of the filter.

The ventilation regions 15, 16 are formed as ventilation holes or breathable material. In some embodiments, when the ventilation regions 15 on the sleeve 13 are open, air may enter the smoking article 10. When the first ventilation regions 15 on the sleeve 13 and the corresponding second ventilation regions 16 around the second filter section 12 are aligned, air may enter the smoking article 10 The ventilation areas 15, 16 are aligned by rotating the first part of the smoking article relative to the second part. In particular, ventilation is controlled by turning the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12. The ventilation structure 17 provides a selective variable level of ventilation, controlled by controlling the overlap of the first ventilation region 15 with the second ventilation region 16. The degree of ventilation depends on the actual ventilation area, which is determined by the overlap area of the first and second ventilation regions. The ventilation level can be selected by selecting the position of the second part relative to the first part, for example, by rotating the second part relative to the first part. Thus, the ventilation design provides a variable size of the actual area of ventilation, providing a variable flow of air.

The first filter section 12 and the second filter section 14 are made of known filter material. The filtration material for both sections of the filter may be a fiber, for example, cellulose acetate fiber. The filtration material of the first filter section is homogeneous, and regardless of this, the filtration material of the second filter section is homogeneous. The term "homogeneous" means that the filter material is substantially uniform throughout the volume of each section of the filter and, in particular, uniform in the longitudinal and / or radial direction throughout the volume of each of the first and second sections 12, 14 of the filter. At least one physical characteristic of the homogeneous first filter section may differ from the homogeneous second filter section.

The first and second sections of the filter contain fibrous material containing tow fibers. A tow mass is a measure of the amount of tow fibers in a given volume. The mass of the tow may provide an indication of the density of the fibrous material in the filter section. The first and second sections of the filter are manufactured using filtration material formed or processed to obtain the desired properties, for example, providing a different pressure drop per unit length for the first and second sections of the filter.

The second section 14 of the filter contains particles of plant material (not shown) interspersed in the fibrous material. The second section 14 is similar to a Dalmatian type filter containing a fibrous filter material in which particles of plant material were interspersed before folding the fibrous material and wrapping it in a wrapping material. Particles of plant materials consist of dried and crushed plant materials and can be formed from plant materials such as menthol, juniper, coffee, anise or any other plant material having the corresponding flavor characteristics. For the manufacture of particles of plant materials, you can use any part of the selected plant, for example, roots, leaves, flowers, stems or buds.

The numerous particles of plant material contained in the second filter section 14 impart a taste and / or aroma to the smoke that passes through the second filter section 14. By varying the level of ventilation, the dilution level of flavored smoke changes. However, the amount of flavored smoke that reaches the mouthpiece of the smoking article remains more constant than non-flavored smoke, which results in a smoking article 10 in which the smoke intensity can be controlled while providing a relatively stable level of additional flavor. However, the additional aroma varies as a proportion of the overall taste that the smoker senses from the combination of smoke and the additional aroma, and therefore, in this regard, the smoking article 10 provides a new consumer experience.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are dimensioned so that they can rotate as a portion about a longitudinal axis, the second filter section 14 being located in the sleeve 13. The holding means (not shown) holds the first part and the second part in a fixed longitudinal arrangement and prevents the extension of the smoking article 10. Thus, the first part cannot move in the longitudinal direction relative to the second part, i.e. the sleeve cannot be moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the second filter section 14.

The ventilation level can be selected by selecting the angular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the second filter section 14.

In some examples, the first ventilation regions 15 are configured to non-linearly increase in size relative to the angular position. The first and second ventilation regions 15, 16 are designed so that the ventilation level has a substantially linear dependence on the angular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the second filter section 14.

In some aspects, one or more of the first and second ventilation regions 15, 16 maintain a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the first and second filter sections when the sleeve 13 is rotated relative to the second filter section 14.

In the present embodiment, the second filter section 14 is securely attached and fixed to the sleeve 13. Thus, rotating the second filter section 14 relative to the first filter section 12 causes the first filter section 12 to rotate in the sleeve 13.

By choosing the different angular position of the second filter section 14 relative to the first filter section 12, it is possible to selectively increase or decrease the alignment of the first ventilation regions 15 in the sleeve 13 and the second ventilation regions 16 in the sheet material or fitzell around the first filter section 12. Therefore, the ventilation level in the smoking article 10 can be increased or decreased.

The second section 14 of the filter contains particles of vegetable raw materials that are located in front of the ventilation regions 15. The ventilation level in the smoking article 10 controls the dilution of the smoke that passes through the first part of the smoking article 10 with air entering the smoking article 10 through the ventilation regions 15. Therefore, despite while the level of ventilation controls the dilution of the smoke, it essentially does not affect the level of additional aroma in the smoking article, which, therefore, can be maintained relative to completely constant.

In FIG. 3a is a plan view of a preform 30 forming a wrapper for a smoking article according to a second embodiment. In FIG. 3b is a longitudinal sectional view of a smoking article 32 in which the blank 30 of FIG. 3a. The smoking article 32 containing the preform 30 has substantially the same functions as described above. Components have the same layout and function, unless otherwise indicated.

With reference to FIG. 3b, the smoking article 32 includes a tobacco rod 11 similar to the above tobacco rod and a first and second filter section 12, 14 after the tobacco rod 11. A second filter section 14 is provided in the first part 14 'of the mouthpiece of the smoking article 32 and the second part 14 '' before the first part of 14 '. The first and second parts 14 ', 14' 'are located after the first section 12 of the filter and the tobacco rod 11 at the mouthpiece of the smoking article. The first filter section 12 is located between the second part 14 ″ of the second filter section 14 and the tobacco rod 11. The second part 14 ″ of the second filter section 14 contains vegetable particles 18, as described with reference to the first embodiment. The first filter section 12 is divided into the first part 12 ′ and the second part 12 ″ by a cut 12 ″ ″ allowing the first part 12 ′ of the first filter section 12 to be moved relative to the second part 12 ″.

The preform 30 is double wrapped, and in the present example only double wrapped around the entire circumference of the smoking article 32. The preform 30 has a first section 30a, which is first wrapped around the smoking article 32, forming an inner layer, and a second section 30b, which is later wrapped around the first section 30a, forming the outer layer. Thus, the preform 30 is configured to form two complete layers extending around the circumference of the smoking article 32, and comprises regions 30a, 30b for restricting the inner layer and the outer layer.

The first section 30a of the blank 30 comprises a first end portion 30a ′ connected to the second filter section 14 and to the first part 12 ′ of the first filter section 12, and therefore connecting together the second filter section 14 and the first part 12 ′ of the first filter section 12. The first section 30a of the blank 30 also contains a second end portion 30a ″ connected to the second part 12 ″ of the first filter section 12 and to the tobacco rod 11. The second section 30b of the blank 30 is divided into a first part 30b ′ and a second part 30b ″ by a cut 31 .

The blank 30 comprises, in the first section 30a, a control element 34 that can be moved in a circumferentially extending channel 36 for controlling ventilation and restricting movement.

The control element 34 can be moved in a circumferential direction in a limited range. The control element 34 may be moved between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

The first contact surface and the second contact surface define a channel 36 extending in the circumferential direction, in which the control element 34 can move.

The control element 34 defines the first and second bounding surfaces 34a, 34b at the edges of the control element in the direction of travel, i.e. on the circumferential edge of the control member 34. The contact of the first and second confining surfaces 34a, 34b of the control member 34 with the first contact surface and the second contact surface extending in the circumferential direction of the channel 36 limits the relative rotation of the first and second parts of the smoking article.

The first and second bounding surfaces 34a, 34b extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The first and second contact surfaces also extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article and / or at an angle to the axis of movement of the control element. The first and second contact surfaces also extend at the same angle and / or have a mating shape with the first and second bounding surfaces 34a, 34b.

The longitudinal movement limiting structure 35 comprises a sliding element 37 that is movable between the first and second limiting elements 38a and 38b. The slide member 37 is attached to the first and second bounding members 38a and 38b by a brittle joint. A brittle joint is a circumferentially extending line with perforated holes. A part of the workpiece, including the slide element 37, the control element 34, the first and second limiting elements 38a and 38b and the circumferentially extending channel 36, is disposed once over the entire circumference of the smoking article, for example, to form a pipe. The slide member 37 is attached to the first part 30b ′ of the second section 30b of the preform 30 together with the first part 30a ′ of the first preform section 30a and therefore moves together with the first part 30a ′ of the first section 30a, the second filter section 14 and the first part 12 ′ of the first section 12 of the filter relative to the second part 30a ″ of the first section 30a of the workpiece 30 and the second part 12 ″ of the first section 12 of the filter and the tobacco rod 11.

The second section 30b of the workpiece 30, forming the outer layer, contains a ventilation region 39'in the place 39 of the workpiece. In some examples, the ventilation region 39 'comprises a single opening. Alternatively, the ventilation region 39 ′ comprises a plurality of individual permeable regions or openings. For example, holes are formed by electroperforation (EP). The ventilation region 39 'is positioned so that it aligns with the channel 36 when the workpiece is wrapped around a smoking article 32.

The control element 34 has an additional function in controlling the ventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the control element 34 directly controls the ventilation of the smoking article by selectively blocking one or more ventilation areas. The control element 34 is configured to move relative to one or more ventilation areas in a radially adjacent and formed as a single unit of the smoking article. The control element 34 is formed of a material that is substantially impervious to air, in particular paper, which is impermeable to air. The control element 34 is movable between the ventilation region 39 'and the bottom of the rod of the smoking article 32, so that the ventilation air cannot enter the smoking article through a channel 36 which is blocked by the control element 34. The control element is impermeable to air between the first and second bounding surfaces 34a, 34b. The first and second confining surfaces 34a, 34b determine both the limits of rotation and the magnitude of the open or closed ventilation region.

Thus, the control element 34 has the dual function of directly controlling the level of ventilation by closing part of the ventilation area and restricting the relative movement of the first and second parts of the smoking article between the maximum and minimum levels of ventilation.

In some embodiments, the second portion 14 ″ of the second filter section 14 comprises a particulate flavor of the plant material. However, the second filter section 14 may contain other forms of flavoring, for example, one or more capsules, a flavoring thread, a flavoring sprayed in a filter tow, particles impregnated with a flavoring, or sheet material containing a flavoring located in front of the ventilation region 39 ′, and may be included in the first and / or second parts 14 ′, 14 ″ of the second filter section 14. The ventilation level in the smoking article 10 controls the dilution of the smoke that passes through the first part of the smoking article 10 with air that enters the smoking article 10 through the ventilation region 39 '. However, it does not significantly affect the level of additional aroma transmitted to the gaseous stream through the smoking article by the aroma source. Therefore, the aroma level added to the main smoke can be kept relatively constant with varying smoke dilutions.

In some aspects, the blank 30 comprises another ventilation region (not shown) at location 33 on the blank after the variable ventilation structure 39 ′. Another ventilation region comprises a plurality of separate ventilation regions or openings, for example, on a line extending in a circumferential direction. Another ventilation region may be formed by a laser. In general, one or more ventilation regions comprise a plurality of individual ventilation regions or openings. The other ventilation region provides a constant minimum ventilation level that is not affected by the variable degree of ventilation of the ventilation region 39 '. The degree of ventilation provided by the other ventilation region can be set in the manufacture of the smoking article 10 and, for example, is 5-50% of the volume of smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passing through the filter section when said variable ventilation is on minimum level. The variable ventilation structure 39 ', 36 may provide user-controlled ventilation in a sub-range within 0 - 90% of the volume of smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passing through the filter section, for example, 0-50% ventilation.

In FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a smoking article 32 according to a second embodiment.

In FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a smoking article 40 according to the third embodiment, which is the same as the smoking article 32 according to the second embodiment, except that in the third embodiment, the second filter section 14 is configured as a separate continuous filter component, and does not consist from the first and second parts, and contains a user-activated flavor release component instead of plant material particles 18. The flavor release component is preferably provided in the form of a capsule 41, which comprises an outer wall and an inner volume filled with liquid flavor. The flavor may be selectively released by the user of the smoking article 40 into the adjacent filter material by externally compressing the filter to deform or break the outer wall of the capsule 41. In the present example, the capsule has a diameter of 3-5 mm, although capsules of other sizes, for example 2.5, may be used. 3, 4 or 4.5 mm, microcapsules or macrocapsules with a diameter of 1 to 7 mm or more.

Capsule 41 delimits a cavity having a volume that is filled with flavor. The outer wall or shell may be made using gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polysaccharide, a polysaccharide derivative, or any other suitable material using methods known in the art. The outer shell surrounds and seals the flavor. The capsule 41 is configured to release the entire flavor when the outer wall is destroyed. The outer shell is destroyed during compression and is configured to fracture substantially along the entire surface of the outer shell or, alternatively, destruction only in a predetermined area during compression.

Alternatively, the capsule 41 is configured to release only a portion of the flavor when compressed by the user, so that the flavor is released in many separate places. The outer shell is elastically deformable and can be made with the possibility of destruction in a given area or only on part of the surface area to form one or more cracks or holes during compression.

The outer shell may be formed of one part or of a plurality of hermetically connected parts. The outer shell formed of two parts can be made with the possibility of destruction in the weakened zone, for example, along a longitudinal line or a circumferential seam connecting the two parts, which opens under pressure, forming a gap. The capsule 41 can only release part of the contents through the gap when the capsule 41 is compressed before it is returned, at least partially to its original form, after the compression of the capsule 41 has ceased.

In addition, the capsule 41 may contain a substrate, which is an element of absorbent material impregnated with flavoring. The substrate is a porous matrix with an open structure, in particular, an open-cell structure, for example, an open-cell foam structure. The substrate is configured to gradually compress and release at least a portion, and preferably only a portion of the flavor, upon partial compression. The flavor is distributed within the substrate and is preferably absorbed by the substrate. The substrate is preferably formed from a filter material, for example cellulose acetate. The filtration material may be in the form of a known tow of filtration material suitable as a filter. The outer shell after destruction does not interfere with the release of flavor. The substrate may be at least partially resiliently deformable and may at least partially return to its original shape after the compression of the capsule 41 has ceased. During the partial expansion of the substrate after releasing the compression force, the substrate may reabsorb a portion of the released flavor. Thus, references to the release of flavor refer to the net release of flavor after relieving the compressive force.

The substrate can be made by extrusion of a material containing flavoring, which is then subjected to cutting to obtain a substrate of the appropriate length. In a closed cell foam substrate, the use of an outer shell to hold the flavor is optional, and therefore such a substrate can form a capsule 41 without an outer shell. Alternatively, the capsule 41 may comprise a closed-cell foam substrate enclosed in an outer shell.

The second filter section 14 contains one or more capsules 41, which are located after the ventilation regions 39, 36. The ventilation level in the smoking article 40 controls the dilution of the smoke that passes through the first part of the smoking article with air entering the smoking article 40 through the variable ventilation region 39 '. After releasing the flavor from one or more capsules by compressing the first section of the filter, the aroma level in the smoking article is relatively unaffected by the user changes in the ventilation level provided in the smoking article, compared to diluting the mainstream smoke.

In the described embodiments, the aroma source is located after the variable ventilation structure. In addition, another second aroma source may be provided in front of the variable ventilation structure. For example, the first filter section 12 may contain one or more first flavor release components, and the second filter section 14 may contain one or more second flavor release components. Each of the first and second flavor release components may be any of the flavor sources described herein. The degree of aroma provided by the aroma source, which is located in front of the variable ventilation region 17, 39 ′, can be increased or decreased by varying the ventilation level of the smoking article. The degree of aroma provided by the aroma release component after the variable ventilation region 17, 39 ′ can be predefined and is substantially unaffected by the ventilation level of the smoking article. Thus, the initial degree of aroma can be provided by the first aroma release component as a minimum level. The overall degree of aroma can be increased to a maximum level by reducing the amount of ventilating air that dilutes the aroma of the second aroma release component. Accordingly, the degree of aroma provided by the smoking article can be varied over a wide range in order to meet the user's preferences.

In some embodiments, the first flavor release component comprises a first capsule, and the second flavor release component comprises a second capsule.

In FIG. 6 schematically shows a method for manufacturing smoking articles according to the invention. The method comprises forming a filter section (step S1) in the present example from a known filtration material, for example, from cellulose acetate fiber. Further, it is envisaged to ensure (step S2) the availability of a variable ventilation structure, for example, the structure described herein, which allows a user-adjustable ventilation level in the filter section. A variable ventilation structure can be obtained, for example, by means of inner and outer wrappers having selectively overlapping ventilation regions.

Further, the provision (step S3) of the flavor source is provided for releasing the aroma in place after the ventilating structure. In some embodiments, the flavor source is a plurality of particles of plant material, as described herein, that are embedded in a filter tow in a filter section in front of a filter section that uses variable ventilation. In other embodiments, other flavor sources described herein may be used, for example, capsules or flavoring threads.

The first and second sections of the filter can be aligned longitudinally with the source of smoke generating material.

Any other known filter components may be added to the smoking articles described herein. Examples of other filter components include a third filter section, for example, a filter section with particulate material (e.g., graphite, activated carbon) or an additional hollow section having an air channel throughout its length. Each of the first and / or second sections can be considered as containing one or more separate filter sections. Filter sections can be considered, in general, as located in front of or after a variable ventilation area.

In another embodiment, the second filter section located after the first filter section may be located so that the resistance to gas flow along the length of the second filter section is less than the resistance to gas flow along the length of the first filter section. Resistance to gas flow along the length of the filter structure remains essentially constant with varying levels of ventilation. The first section of the filter may, for example, differ from the second section of the filter in one or more parameters from among the parameters that include: mass of the bundle, number of strands of the bundle unit volume, cross section of the strands of the bundle and compression ratio. The second filter section may be, for example, a tubular section having at least one air channel extending in the longitudinal direction along its length. The second section of the filter could, for example, comprise a fibrous filter material having an annular cross section, in particular a tube of fibrous filter material with an air channel extending along a central longitudinal axis along the length of the second filter section.

In FIG. 7a shows a perspective view of a smoking article 50 according to a fourth embodiment, in this case provided with a separate filter unit 52.

The smoking article 50 comprises a first filter section 12 and a second filter section 14. The source of smoke generating material is in the form of a tobacco rod 11 described above, which is attached to the first filter section 12 with rim paper. The second filter section 14 in the present example is a tubular filter section having a channel 14 'that extends through its center and forms a recess at the rear end of the smoking article 50. The second filter section 14 is located after the first filter section 12 and the tobacco rod 11. A ventilation structure is provided comprising a ventilation region 39, which can be adjusted by the user, and an additional ventilation region 33, providing a basic level of ventilation, as described above with reference to the second and third options for implementation. A filter unit 52 is provided which must be connected by the user to the second filter section 14 of the smoking article 50.

The filter unit 52 comprises a surface 52 ′ such that it is at least partially facing the end surface 14 ″ of the second filter section 14 when the filter unit 52 is connected to the smoking article 50. The filter unit 52 further comprises a sealing part 62 extending over at least part of the surface 52 'of the filter unit and intended to limit the flow of air into the smoking article 50 between the block 52 and the smoking article 50 when the filter block 52 is connected to the second filter section 14. The sealing member 62 may also be referred to as the sealing member 62. The sealing member 62 may include, without limitation, a gasket and / or one or more adhesive layers. As used herein, surface 52 'is also referred to as surface portion 52.

The filter unit 52 may be configured to connect to the end surface 14 ″ of the second filter section 14 using a sealing element 62. For example, the sealing element 62 may include adhesive for connecting the surface portion 52 ′ of the filter block 52 to the end surface 14 ″ of the second section 14 filters.

Block 52 of the filter contains a first section 58, having in the present embodiment, a generally cylindrical shape and an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the smoking article 50. The first section 58 is formed in the form of a tube made of filtration material, for example, plasticized cellulose acetate fiber, wrapped in rim paper 60, although it could have been formed from other materials and / or wrapped in other materials or as an un wrapped section of the filter. The surface 52 'is located on the first section 58.

The filter unit 52 also comprises a second section 54 extending from the first section 58 and adapted to be inserted into a recess formed by a channel 14 'extending through the second filter section 14. The user can insert the second portion 54 into the recess for connecting the filter unit 52 to the smoking article 50. In the present example, the second portion 54 extends from the surface 52 'of the filter unit of the first portion 58 and has a generally cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the first portion 58 The first and second sections 54, 58 are located on the same axis. The second portion 54 extends from the sealing element 62 located on the surface 52 'of the filter unit. The second section 54 also extends through the first section 58. The second section 54 is formed as a cylinder of filter material, in the present case of plasticized cellulose acetate fiber, wrapped in an airtight ficella 56. However, as an option, the second section 54 can be formed from other materials, for example, from paper, or may be in the form of a non-wrapped portion of an acetate filter.

The channel 14 'of the second filter section 14 is sized to accommodate at least a portion of the second portion 54 of the filter unit 52 when the filter unit 52 is connected to the smoking article 50.

The sealing element 62 may comprise a base that is airtight in at least one direction. For example, the sealing member 62 may allow smoke to flow through the smoking article 50 in the longitudinal direction to pass through the smoking article, but to prevent smoke from passing through the smoking element 62 in the lateral direction and exit through the filter unit 52 and the smoking article 50 when these components are connected to each other friend.

The sealing element 62 may have any suitable thickness, for example 0.1 to 3 mm, 0.1 to 2 mm, or 0.1 to 1 mm. The sealing element may have, for example, a thickness of 0.5-1 mm.

The sealing element 62 may have one or more of one or more adhesive sections and one or more airtight substrates. The airtight base may be closed cell foam, for example, without limitation, closed cell polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene. An airtight base comprises a base that is impervious to air passing through the base in at least one direction.

The filter unit 52 may be attached to the smoking article 50 in any suitable manner. This may include the formation of a fixed fit between the side walls of the recess formed by the second filter portion 14 and the longitudinal outer walls of the second portion 54 of the filter unit 52. Additionally or alternatively, the filter unit 52 can be attached to the smoking article 50 using the sealing member 62. The sealing member 62 can be attached to the surface portion 52 ′ of the first portion 58 by any means including glue forming part of the sealing member 62, and / or any other suitable fastening means, for example, thermosetting means. The sealing element 62 can be attached to the end surface 14 ″ of the second filter section 14 by any means including glue forming part of the sealing element 62 and / or glue located on the end surface 14 ″ of the second filter section 14.

The adhesive used may contain natural glue (bio-glue) and / or synthetic glue. Synthetic glue can be prepared on any of the following materials: elastomeric material; thermoplastic material; emulsion and thermosetting material such as epoxide, polyurethane, cyanoacrylate or acrylic polymer. The adhesive may be an inactive adhesive, for example, drying adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, contact adhesive, hotmelt adhesive. The adhesive may be a curing adhesive. The glue may be a permanently sticky glue, for example, allowing you to separate and change the position of the smoking product 50, the filter unit 52 and the sealing element 62.

In other examples, the sealing element may not contain glue or may be completely eliminated. Alternatively or in addition to the sealing element 62, the filter unit 52 can be connected to the end surface 14 ″ using the second portion 54 of the filter unit 52, which is placed in a recess in the rear end of the smoking article. The outer surface of the second portion 54 and / or the inner surface of the recess 14 'may include protrusions, other surface elements, adhesives, or may be sized to provide a fixed fit that allows the filter unit 52 to be attached to the end surface 14' 'of the second filter section 14 .

The smoking article 50 may be supplied to the user as a separate component for the filter unit 52, in which the annular sealing element 62 is glued to the surface portion 52 ′ by an adhesive layer.

The user can choose whether or not to attach the filter unit 52 to the smoking article 50 before smoking the smoking article 50, and can thus adjust the filter length of the smoking article 50 and, therefore, the level of filtering of the aerosol generated by the smoking article 50.

Block 52 of the filter further comprises a flavor source, in the present example, pressure-degradable capsule 64. The capsule may have any shape described herein and is preferably a seamless, substantially spherical capsule in a solid shell with a diameter of 3-6 mm containing a liquid flavor, for example, menthol. The flavor source in the filter unit may optionally be provided in any of the other forms described herein, for example, at least selected from a plant material, a thread with a flavor, a flavor sprayed in a filter tow, particles impregnated with a flavor , and a sheet material containing flavoring.

In addition to the flavor source in the filter unit 52, another flavor source may be provided in at least one of the first and second sections 12, 14, which, if necessary, may be modified to accommodate another flavor source. Another aroma source is intended to release aroma into said smoke and / or other aerosol generated by the smoking article 50 in the smoke and / or other aerosol after or before the ventilation structure 39. Another flavor source may be provided in the form of a capsule that breaks under pressure. The capsule may be in any form described herein and is preferably a seamless, substantially spherical capsule in a solid shell of 3-6 mm diameter, containing a liquid flavoring agent, for example menthol. The flavor source in the filter unit may optionally be provided in any of the other forms described herein, for example, at least selected from a plant material, a thread with a flavor, a flavor sprayed in a filter tow, particles impregnated with a flavor , and a sheet material containing flavoring.

In FIG. 7b shows a perspective view of another filter unit 70 that can be used with the smoking article 50 of the fourth embodiment. The other filter unit 70 in the present example is dimensioned to fit in a recess 14 'at the rear end of the smoking article 50. However, as an option, another filter unit 70 may be formed similarly to the filter unit 52 described with reference to FIG. 7a.

In FIG. 7b shows, by way of example, a flavor release component 72, also referred to as a flavor release component, inside the filter unit 70. Flavoring agent release component 72 is intended to release a plurality of individual flavoring agent particles. In the present example, the flavor release component 72 comprises an open-cell structure containing the additive that is held within the open cells of the specified structure (not shown) by an additive-impermeable layer. The flavor release component 72 is at least partially elongated and extends longitudinally in the filter body 74 within the filter unit 70. The filter body 74 is formed of cellulose acetate fiber that surrounds the flavor release component 72 and is wrapped in a ficella 76, which is permeable to air and / or liquid. The flavor release component 72 has an opening 72 'through which the contents of component 72 can be released, for example, in an open-cell structure. A hole 72 'is located at the longitudinal end of the additive release component 72 and is preferably located on a central longitudinal axis.

A portion of the contents of the additive, preferably a liquid flavor, is pumped from the additive release component 72 upon initial partial compression, and additional portions of the additive may be released upon subsequent compression. The hole 72 'can be formed using a fragile weakened area or, for example, using a slotted valve. For example, the outer wall of component 72 may be provided with a narrow slot that substantially impedes the release of the additive when the additive release component 72 is not compressed. After compression of the additive release component 72, the additive-impermeable layer is destroyed, revealing interconnected open cells to the outside of the open-cell structure. The coated structure of component 72 may partially contain the additive and allow the additive to exit through the opening 72 '.

A hole 72 'is shown from only one end of the flavor release component 72. Alternatively, a flavor opening 72 'may be provided at both longitudinal ends of component 72. Alternatively, the additive release component 72 may comprise openings at any two locations spaced apart from each other.

The flavor release component 72 is configured such that when a force is applied from the flavor release component, the additive is forcibly ejected, sprayed, or guided. The release of the additive from the additive release component 72 means that the additive can be deposited away from the component and over a larger area than would otherwise be possible. For example, the encapsulated structure may contain a region configured such that the released additive is ejected or sprayed through this (alternatively, relatively small) region when a force is applied to it.

In some embodiments, the coated structure may include one or more openings. In some embodiments, these openings may be closed prior to activation of the additive release component 72. Alternatively, the sheathed structure can be made with the possibility of destruction or breaking in a given area only when activated, for example, by means of compression. The region of the sheathed structure may have a greater tendency to collapse because it has a smaller thickness compared to other parts of the sheathed structure or because it is formed from a different brittle or weakened material and / or due to the general shape of the sheathed structure and / or other parts component release additive.

In some embodiments, the coated structure is configured to transmit force to the open-cell structure in such a way as to facilitate the release of the additive from the open-cell structure. For example, a sheathed structure can be configured to spread the compressive force exerted by the user so that it is applied over a larger area of the open-mesh structure to deform and / or compress a larger number of cells compared to deformation and / or compression resulting from such in magnitude of the force to the release component of the additive, which does not include a coated structure.

The additive release component 72 may contain one or more erect structures. In some embodiments, the additive release component 72 comprises a plurality of reticulate structures that may contain the same or different additives.

The coated structure, which is part of the additive release component 72, comprises a coated material, which material may be the same or different from the base material forming the body of the open-cell structure and / or the material of the layer impervious to the additive.

Thus, in some embodiments, the sealing material may contain one or more polymers. These polymers can be natural or synthetic and can be crosslinked. For example, one or more polymers can be polysaccharides and, for example, one or more of these polysaccharides can be cellulose or any suitable derivative thereof, for example, cellulose acetate. In some embodiments, both the coated structure and the base material are formed from cellulose acetate. Alternatively or in addition, both the coated structure and the base material may contain gelatin.

In some embodiments, polysaccharide polymers are preferred because they are biocompatible, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. In addition, they can be insoluble in water and relatively heat-resistant at low temperatures (for example, below about 75 ° C) by crosslinking, and they can be crosslinked by ionic bonds and heated and burned to obtain a tasteless product.

In certain embodiments, the coated structure may be formed from one or more of the following sealing materials: polysaccharides (including, for example, starch, alginate, agar, pectin, carrageenan and gum), proteins (including here, for example, gelatin and casein) , fats and fatty acids, cellulose derivatives, lipids (including, for example, waxes, shellac, carnauba and beeswax).

In some embodiments, the enclosed structure may be made of brittle material. In an embodiment, the encapsulated structure consists of high molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol with low solubility. A number of other suitable materials are known, and as an example, capsules commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry can be used. Such capsules can be made, for example, on the basis of gelatin or from a polymeric material, for example, from modified cellulose. Modified cellulose that can be used to make these capsules is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Many biodegradable materials are known that may be suitable for use in the manufacture of additive release components and include high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, polylactic acid, starch-based plastic, polycaprolactone, polyglycolide, polyhydroxyalkanoate, for example poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, and zein-based bioplastics .

Any suitable manufacturing method can be used to obtain an open-cell structure of an additive release component comprising open cells limited by the walls of the base material with at least some open cells holding the additive. For example, a person skilled in the art will not have any problems in forming a suitable open mesh structure by creating a mesh form.

Any materials for the manufacture of the additive, release component of the additive or filter must be safe to use and require the approval of regulatory authorities.

One or more additive release components may be introduced into the filter unit 70 or as a flavor source in any of the smoking articles 10, 32, 40 described herein. The additive release component may be located at any suitable location in the smoking article and may, for example, be provided as another flavor source described above in addition to or instead of the flavor source provided as the primary flavor source described in the embodiments described herein.

In other embodiments, the additive release component 72 may be positioned such that at least a portion thereof is outside the smoking article 50. For example, the additive release component may be attached to an outer radial recess or groove formed in the surface of the smoking article, for example, around a part of a filter section.

If the additive release component is located inside the filter, the filter material in which the component is held may contain any suitable filter material, for example, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, paper or any other suitable material. The filter may contain a reaction surface to the bark, the additive release component can be displaced to facilitate activation of the additive release component and the release of the additive. In some embodiments, additive release components may be located at the periphery of the filter. The radially adjacent filter material may form a reaction surface to which the additive release component can shift. Preferably, the filter material may be relatively hard (for example, contain an increased amount of plasticizer) to form a reaction surface and may have a Filtrona hardness of more than 90%. The additive release component may be located in the filtration material or may be located in a cavity adjacent to the filtration material. This cavity can be formed using an elongated inner core of the filter material, which is surrounded by one or two annular sections of the filter material. The protective layer forming the outer side of the filter is attached to one or both outer sections of the filter material and at a distance from the inner rod to form a cavity. Preferably, the inner rod is harder than the annular outer sections due to the content at the discretion of more plasticizer.

As described above, the open-cell structure can be folded after compression to release the additive contained therein. If the additive release component folds after activation (for example, since the open-cellular structure is not elastically deformable or is not enclosed in a shell-containing structure that returns essentially to its original size and shape after activation), the activation causes folding of the smoking article section containing the component the release of the additive, or the outer shape of the smoking article section is maintained, and an empty space is formed inside the section. The smoking article may comprise a reinforced outer section surrounding the additive release component to ensure that the shape of the smoking article remains after the additive release component is activated. This reinforced outer section may form an annular portion with greater structural rigidity, for example, an additional surrounding layer or a layer of filter material having increased hardness (as described above). The empty space in the smoking article created by activating the additive release component may, in general, correspond to the difference between the initial form of the additive release component and its shape after activation. In embodiments where the additive release component is recessed into the filter material in the filter section of the smoking article, activating the folding additive release component leaves an empty space around the component. In some embodiments, the filter is configured to form an empty space and its effect on the flow of air through the filter.

The additive release component may be sized, shaped, or positioned so that at least a portion of the component is inside the smoking article and part of it is outside the smoking article. In other words, at least a portion of the outer component may not be enclosed in a smoking article. For example, if the smoking article is a cigarette, at least a portion of the outer component may not be surrounded by fitzlet, cigarette paper, rim paper, or any other paper or cigarette coating. In other words, at least a portion of the component may be located outside of all other components of the smoking article before and after use. In particular, the user can directly see at least part of the component, touch and feel the component. In some embodiments, the component may protrude from the filter of the smoking article. The outer section may contain only one surface. For example, the component may have a shape that allows it to be installed in the filter cavity of a smoking article, and one surface is shaped so that when the component is connected to the filter, the outer surface of the component will be flush with the outer surface of the filter.

If at least a part of the component is located outside the smoking article, at least that part of the component is directly accessible to the user. Therefore, the user can easily detect the release of the additive from the component, for example, simply by sensing the movement of the component, observing the release of the component, or by detecting aroma. In addition, in some embodiments, the release of the additive from the component may be accompanied by sound noise or a noticeable change in the sensation of the component.

The part of the component that is on or near the surface of the smoking article or outside of the smoking article may be a section of the structure of the component to which the force to release the additive should preferably be applied. For example, in components in which the additive is released by pressing one part of the component into another part of the component, the indented part of the component may be located on or near the surface or may protrude from the surface of the smoking article. The smoking article may include an indication that a force should be applied in a particular area to release the additive. For example, the component may comprise a surface having irregularities or protrusions or other elements that can be detected through the filter material or wrapping layers of the smoking article; as an option or in addition, the filter of the smoking article may comprise a graphic or other printed indication on the outer surface.

The dimensions of the additive release component and / or the open-cell structure may depend on the required amount of the additive, which, in turn, may depend on a number of factors, including potential additives and the required degree of smoke modification. In general, it is preferable that the volume of the additive component of the additive and / or open cell structure be as large as possible, so as to provide the maximum possible amount of additive for smoke modification to the greatest possible extent.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the flow of air through the open-cell structure may be possible after the destruction or opening of an otherwise impermeable layer for the additive. In some embodiments, this airflow may be minimal. In some embodiments, no air flow through the additive release component is possible.

The additive release component and / or open-cell structure should not be so large that it adversely affects the filtration or tightening performance through the filter. In addition, as the size of the additive component of the additive and / or open cell structure increases, the risk of accidentally releasing the additive from the component may also increase.

In some embodiments, the component length is 1 to 50 mm, and may be 3 to 35 mm or 15 to 35 mm. The diameter of the component is preferably 0.1-6 mm, and more preferably 1-5 mm. In a particular embodiment, the component has a length of at least 7 mm. In some embodiments, the component has an elongated shape, the length being greater than the width.

The release component of the additive and the open-cell structure incorporated therein may have substantially any shape. The component and / or open-cell structure can, for example, be spherical, toroidal, hemispherical, conical, trapezoidal, pyramidal, flattened, ellipsoidal, elongated, cylindrical cubic, or any other suitable shape. The shape of the component and / or open cell structure may be limited only depending on the desired method of release of the additive.

The dimensions and / or shape of the additive release component and the open-cell structure incorporated therein may be substantially identical or may differ.

If a large amount of additive is required, more than one additive release component may be incorporated into the smoking article. The components may have the same or different shapes, may have the same or different sizes, and may contain the same, similar or different additives.

In the embodiments described herein, wrapping material for constituent elements is applied to the complete smoking article. The paper wrapping material is a rim paper that is substantially impervious to being incorporated into the openings as described herein. In addition, a sleeve is wrapped around the smoking article. The sleeve is movable relative to the first filter section and, alternatively, is securely attached to the second filter section.

The smoking article is adapted to inflow a selectively variable amount of air in front of the second filter section. For example, ventilation holes are formed in the outermost layer of the paper wrapper and / or in the paper sleeve. Air vents are formed using a mechanical cutting tool or laser. Ventilation holes are made in the wrapping material before assembling the smoking article (i.e., the holes are pre-perforated) or, alternatively, after assembling the smoking article.

Ventilation has been described with reference to air entering the smoking article in front of the second filter section and, in particular, to the first filter section. Alternatively, ventilation can be at least partially provided in the second filter section, for example, near the front end of the second filter section.

A smoking article may contain one or more ventilation areas providing a basic level of ventilation. Such ventilation areas do not vary in size.

To solve problems and improve the prior art, this document describes a number of embodiments by which the claimed invention (s) can be put into practice and a high-quality smoking article is obtained. The advantages and features of the present invention are presented only in the form of an illustrative example of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to promote understanding and study of the claimed features. It will be appreciated that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, constructions, and / or other aspects described herein are not considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or limitations on equivalents of the claims, and other options may be used. perform and perform modifications without deviating from the scope and / or essence of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the described elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, this description includes other inventions that are not claimed in the present description, but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (42)

1. A smoking article containing a filter section comprising filtration material for filtering smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article; a variable ventilation structure configured to provide a user-adjustable ventilation level in the filter section, so that smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article is diluted with a certain amount of outside air controlled by the user; and an aroma source configured to release aroma into diluted smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a specific location in said smoke / or other aerosol after said ventilation structure. 2. The smoking article of claim 1, wherein said aroma source is configured to selectively release aroma into said smoke and / or other aerosol. 3. A smoking article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said source of aroma contains one or more capsules. 4. The smoking article of claim 3, wherein said one or more capsules have a diameter of 2-6 mm. 5. A smoking article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said source of aroma contains at least one element selected from elements that include plant material, a thread with a flavor, a flavor sprayed in a filter tow, particles impregnated with a flavor and sheet material containing flavoring. 6. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aroma source is located in said filter section. 7. A smoking article according to any preceding paragraph, further comprising another ventilation structure configured to provide a level of ventilation in the filter section that is not user adjustable. 8. The smoking article of claim 7, wherein the level of ventilation provided by another variable ventilation structure is 5-50% of the volume of smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article that passes through the filter section when said variable ventilation is on minimum level. 9. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein said variable ventilation design provides user-controlled ventilation within a sub-range within the range of 0 - 90% of the volume of smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article that passes through the filter section. 10. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein said filter section forms at least a component of a first part of the smoking article and further comprises a second part that can be moved relative to the first part to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable ventilation structure. 11. The smoking article of claim 10, wherein said first or second part comprises a sleeve configured to move relative to another of the first or second parts to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable ventilation structure. 12. The smoking article of claim 11, wherein the sleeve can be rotated relative to the filter section and the ventilation level is varied by changing the angular position of the sleeve relative to the filter section. 13. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, in which the filter section comprises a first filter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, the smoking article further comprises a second filter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and a variable ventilation design provides ventilation air from a distance 6 - 20 mm from the mouthpiece of a smoking article. 14. A smoking article according to any one of paragraphs. 1 to 12, in which the filter section comprises a first filter section and the smoking article further comprises a second filter section, wherein the first and second filter sections form the filter structure and the second filter section is located after the first filter section; and in which resistance to gas flow along the length of the second filter section is less than resistance to gas flow along the length of the first filter section, and resistance to gas flow along the length of the filter structure remains essentially constant with varying levels of ventilation. 15. The smoking article of claim 14, wherein the first and second sections of the filter comprise strands of tow and the first section of the filter differs from the second sections of the filter by one or more parameters from among the parameters that include: weight of the tow, number of tow threads per unit volume , the cross-section of the strands and the compression ratio. 16. A smoking article according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second filter section comprises at least one air channel extending in the longitudinal direction along its length. 17. The smoking article of claim 16, wherein the second filter section comprises a fibrous filter material having an annular cross-section. 18. The smoking article of claim 17, wherein the second filter section comprises a tube of fibrous filter material and the air channel extends along a central longitudinal axis along the length of the second filter section. 19. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aroma source comprises a flavoring release component configured to release a plurality of individual flavoring particles. 20. A smoking article according to claim 19, in which the release component of the flavoring additive contains an open-cell structure that contains the flavoring additive and is at least partially surrounded by a layer impervious to the additive. 21. The smoking article of claim 20, further comprising a shell-forming structure that at least partially surrounds the open-cell structure and the impervious layer of the additive. 22. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein said aroma source is located in a filter unit, which is provided separately from the smoking article and can be attached to the smoking article by a user. 23. The smoking article of claim 22, further comprising a sealing member for restricting airflow into the smoking article between the filter unit and the smoking article. 24. The smoking article of claim 22 or 23, wherein the smoking article comprises a recess and at least a portion of the filter unit is configured to be located in the recess when the filter unit is attached to the smoking article. 25. The smoking article of claim 24, wherein the recess is formed by a tubular filter element provided at the rear end of the smoking article. 26. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter section contains another odor source for releasing the odor to said smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a specific place in said smoke / or other aerosol after said ventilation structure or in front of her. 27. The smoking article of claim 26, wherein the other flavor source contains one or more capsules. 28. A filter section for a smoking article, comprising: filter material for filtering smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article; a variable ventilation structure configured to provide a user-adjustable ventilation level in the filter section, so that smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article is diluted with a certain amount of outside air controlled by the user; and an aroma source configured to release aroma into diluted smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a specific location in said smoke / or other aerosol after said ventilation structure. 29. The filter section of claim 28, wherein the flavor source comprises a flavor release component that is capable of releasing a plurality of individual flavor particles. 30. The filter section according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said flavor source is located in the filter unit, which is provided separately from the other components of the filter section and can be attached to the filter section by a user. 31. A method of manufacturing a smoking article, comprising: forming a filter section for receiving smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article; providing a variable ventilation design that allows a user-adjustable ventilation level in the filter section, so that smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article is diluted with a certain amount of outside air controlled by the user; and providing a source of aroma adapted to release aroma into the diluted smoke and / or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a specific location in said smoke / or other aerosol after said ventilation structure.

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