TWI409038B - Multi-component filter providing improved flavour enhancement - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-component filter (4) for a smoking article comprises: a first flavour-releasing segment (12) proximate a mouth end of the filter; and a second flavour-releasing segment (14) located immediately upstream of the first flavour-releasing segment (12). The first flavour-releasing segment (12) comprises at least one flavour-bearing thread (16) and the second flavour-releasing segment (14) comprises flavour-bearing cellulosic particles (18). The multi-component filter (4) may further comprise a rod end segment (22) comprising filtration material located upstream of the second flavour-releasing segment (14), distant from the first flavour-releasing segment (12).

Description

Multi-component filter for improved flavor enhancement

The present invention relates to multi-component filters for smoking articles and to smoking articles comprising such multi-component filters.

Filter cigarettes typically include a tobacco-cut filler rod surrounded by a wrapper and a cylindrical filter that is aligned with the wrapped tobacco rod in a terminal-to-terminal relationship and attached to the cigarette filter paper.

In conventional filter cigarettes, the filter is typically composed of a cellulose acetate cellulose filler encapsulated in a porous wrapper. However, filter cigarettes having multi-component filters are also well known which comprise two or more sections of filter material for removing particulate and gaseous constituents of mainstream smoke. To enhance the flavor of the mainstream smoke produced during the burning of the wrapped tobacco, it is also well known to provide a filter cigarette having a filter comprising a fragrance.

WO-A-03/059096 discloses a cigarette having a multi-component filter comprising a flavored spherical beaded activated carbon and downstream of a spheroidal beaded activated carbon, including a release flavor having a line on which the fragrance is applied The bed of the paragraph. Since the beaded activated carbon is an adsorbent, the bead-like activated carbon whose flavor cannot be self-sufficient is released into the mainstream smoke sucked through the multi-component filter, even when saturated.

It may be desirable to provide a multi-component filter for smoking articles, such as cigarettes, which provides improved flavor enhancement to the mainstream smoke as it is drawn through the filter through the filter rod.

A multi-component filter for smoking articles according to the present invention includes: a first release flavor segment near the mouth end of the filter, and a second release flavor segment immediately upstream of the first release flavor segment, wherein the first release flavor segment comprises at least one flavored line and a second release flavor segment Includes flavored cellulose particles.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a smoking article comprising: a smokable material rod and a multi-component filter, the multi-component filter comprising: a first release flavor segment adjacent the mouth end of the filter, and located immediately upstream of the first release flavor segment a second release flavor segment, wherein the first release flavor segment comprises at least one line having flavor and the second release flavor segment comprises cellulose particles having flavor.

In a further embodiment of the multi-component filter and smoking article of the present invention, the second release flavor segment comprises flavored particles made from tobacco plant material.

In the entire specification, the sections of the multi-component filter of the present invention are described using "upstream" and "downstream" with respect to the direction of the mainstream smoke drawn from the smokable material rod by the multi-component filter during use. Relative position.

When mainstream smoke is drawn through the multi-component filter from the rod of smokable material, the flavor is released from the flavored cellulose particles into the mainstream smoke as it passes through the second release flavor segment. Thereafter, as the smoke passes through the first release flavor segment, the additional flavor is released into the mainstream smoke from one or more flavored lines. The two adjacent release flavor segments of the multi-component filter according to the present invention advantageously facilitate the release of the maximum amount of flavor into the mouth of the consumer.

The cellulose particles of the second release flavor segment of the multi-component filter of the present invention serve as a flavor container rather than an adsorbent. When sucked through a multi-component filter When the mainstream smoke approaches the surface of the cellulose particles, the flavor contained therein is released into the mainstream smoke.

According to the fluid dynamics, the mainstream smoke from the majority of the rod of smokable material passes through the center of the filter. The mass flow of mainstream smoke decreases radially from the center. Flavor carriers in the form of one or more flavored lines, such as one to five flavored strips, are distributed along the center of the filter or around the center of the filter to advantageously increase flavor release into mainstream smoke.

In use, one or more flavored strips of the first release flavor segment serve as a first flavor reservoir and the second release flavor segment of cellulose particles serve as a second flavor reservoir. Thus, the multi-component filter according to the present invention advantageously provides dual flavor enhancement to the mainstream smoke passing through the filter. Preferably, the amount of perfume in the first release flavor segment exceeds the amount of perfume in the second release flavor segment.

According to the multi-component filter of the present invention, it is particularly advantageous to use a filter which is a low-twist and ultra-low-pressure filter cigarette. In the entire specification, "low sputum" is used to describe a cigarette having no nicotine-containing dry particulate matter, or a "溚" output of about 4 mg to about 6 mg, and an ultra-low enthalpy to describe about 3 mg or less. The total output of cigarettes.

However, it will be appreciated that the multi-component filter according to the present invention can also be used for filter cigarettes and other smoking articles having a higher total sputum output, such as a total sputum output of about 6 mg or greater.

The first release flavor segment and the second release flavor segment of the multi-component filter according to the present invention may comprise any volatile fragrance which is capable of releasing flavor into the mainstream smoke drawn through the multi-component filter.

The first release flavor segment and the second release flavor segment can include one or more natural flavors, one or more synthetic flavors, or a combination of one or more natural flavors and one or more synthetic flavors.

For example, the first release flavor segment and the second release flavor segment can include one or more essential oils, oleoresin, absolute alcohol, fruit concentrate, fruit extract and distillate, or a combination thereof.

The first release flavor segment and the second release flavor segment of the multi-component filter according to the present invention may comprise a fragrance comprising one or more flavor components to impart a certain flavor profile. Spices and flavors that may be included in the first and second release flavor segments of the multi-component filter according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, coffee, tea, spices (eg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger), cocoa , vanilla, spearmint, mint, fruit flavors (eg: blueberry, cranberry, tangerine, peach and strawberry), chocolate, menthol, eucalyptus, geranium extract, sterols and citrus Genus.

The first release flavor segment and the second release flavor segment of the multi-component filter according to the present invention can be constructed and configured to release the same or different flavors from the mainstream smoke drawn through the sorbable material rod of the multi-component filter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first release flavor segment and the second release flavor segment are configured to release the same flavor into the mainstream smoke drawn through the multi-component filter from the absorbable material rod.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first release flavor segment and the second release flavor segment are constructed and arranged to release the menthol into the mainstream smoke drawn through the multi-component filter from the smokable material rod.

Preferably, the first release flavor segment comprises a cylindrical fill of filter material An article having one or more strips having a flavor extending substantially axially therethrough. More preferably, the first release flavor segment comprises a cylindrical filler of cellulose acetate cellulose tow having one or more flavored tape strips, for example: one to five substantially axially extending therethrough Flavored strips. Most preferably, the first release flavor segment comprises a filler of cellulose acetate cellulose tow having a single strip of substantially flavored substantially centrally extending axially therethrough.

Preferably, the first release flavor segment comprises one or more flavored strips of menthol loaded.

One or more strips may be formed from any suitable material capable of supporting the fragrance, including but not limited to cotton, cellulose acetate, rayon or other hydrophilic or non-woven materials or combinations thereof. Preferably, the one or more strips are formed from cotton or cellulose acetate yarn.

Preferably each of the one or more strips has a diameter of from about 0.6 mm to about 2.0 mm, more preferably about 0.8 mm.

Suitable for use in a multi-component filter according to the invention, comprising a flavored strip filter filling, and a method and apparatus for forming such a filter, as described in US-A-4, 281, 671 and US-A-7,074,170, Available from the American Filtrona Company of Richmond, Virginia, USA.

Preferably, the first release flavor segment comprises a filter material fill comprising a single flavored strip. However, the first release flavor segment can include a ribbon having more than one flavor, for example up to five strips having flavor. Each strip can be loaded with more than one fragrance. In addition, when the first release flavor segment A filter material fill comprising two or more flavored strips that can be loaded with the same or different flavors.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first release flavor segment comprises a filler of cellulose acetate tow comprising a single substantially substantially central axially flavored strip loaded with menthol.

Preferably, the first release flavor segment comprises one or more colored flavored strips. The color of the one or more flavored strips may advantageously be used to indicate to the consumer during use that the flavor released via the first release flavor segment enters the mainstream smoke drawn through the multi-component filter. For example, the first release flavor segment includes a strip having a flavor of one or more of the menthol, and the flavored lines are preferably green.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first release flavor segment is located at the mouth end of the multi-component filter. However, if desired, the multi-component filter of the present invention may additionally include an oral end section that includes a filter material fill or a protrusion downstream of the first release section.

The first release flavor segment is located at the mouth of the multi-component filter, and at least one end of the flavored strip is preferably visible on the mouth of the first release flavor segment and the multi-component filter.

The second release flavor segment can include a filter material filler loaded with flavored cellulose particles. For example, the second release flavor segment can comprise a cylindrical filler loaded with cellulose acetate cellulose tow having flavored cellulose particles.

Alternatively, the second release flavor segment can comprise a bed of flavored cellulose particles disposed in a multi-component filter cavity. According to the invention The dispensing filter can include a second release flavor segment comprising, for example, flavored cellulose particles having different diameters or different colors.

Preferably, the second release flavor segment comprises a flavored cellulose bead, more preferably a flavored porous cellulose bead.

Preferably, the cellulose beads are substantially spherical.

Preferably, the cellulose beads have a diameter of from about 0.2 mm to about 2.0 mm.

The cellulose particles may comprise cellulose in combination with a binder, such as, for example, a polyvinyl acetate binder.

In EP-A-0 850 979, a process for the production of cellulose beads suitable for use in the second release flavor section of a multi-component filter according to the invention is described. Cellulose beads suitable for use in the second release flavor segment of the multi-component filter according to the present invention are available from Rigo, Japan under the trademark Viscopearl .

It is preferred to load the flavored cellulose particles with menthol.

Preferably, the multicomponent filter according to the present invention has an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 8.5 mm, more preferably about 7.9 mm.

Preferably, the multicomponent filter according to the present invention has a total length of from about 18 mm to about 36 mm, more preferably about 27 mm.

Preferably, the length of the first release flavor segment is from about 9 mm to about 18 mm, more preferably about 15 mm.

Preferably, the length of the second release flavor segment is from about 9 mm to about 18 mm, more preferably about 12 mm.

The multi-component filter according to the present invention may additionally comprise a rod end section containing a filler upstream of the filter material of the second release flavor section.

The rod end section may comprise any suitable fibrous or fibrous network filter material , including but not limited to cellulose acetate fiber tow and crepe paper.

The rod end section can additionally include a substantially centrally disposed hollow tube extending substantially axially through the filter material fill. Preferably, the tube has an inner diameter of from about 0.8 mm to about 2.0 mm, more preferably about 1.1 mm, and an outer diameter of from about 1.0 mm to about 2.2 mm, more preferably about 1.3 mm.

A rod end segment comprising a filler of filter material therein is particularly preferred for use in a low or ultra low pressure filter cigarette in a multi-component filter according to the present invention.

Preferably, the length of the rod end section is from about 8 mm to about 12 mm, more preferably about 10 mm.

Preferably, the multi-component filter according to the invention comprises a maximum of three segments.

The multi-component filter according to the present invention can form a plurality of multi-component filters comprising a plurality of units by forming separate continuous rods comprising a plurality of filter segments of a plurality of units and then combining the divided rods in a well-known manner in one or more stages Continuous filter rod. The continuous filter rods can then be severed at regular intervals using a cutter to produce successive individual component filters in accordance with the present invention.

Also provided according to the invention are smoking articles comprising a smokable material rod and a multi-component filter according to the invention.

The multi-component filter can be attached to the wrapped smokable material rod via the cigarette filter paper in a suction manner. Preferably, the cigarette filter paper has a transparent portion aligned with the second release flavor segment of the multi-component filter such that at least some of the second release flavor segment of the flavored cellulose particles pass through the transparent portion of the cigarette filter paper . The second release flavor segment of the multi-component filter comprises a colored flavored cellulose particle, and a cigarette filter paper having at least one transparent portion aligned with the second release flavor segment is particularly preferred. The multi-component filter can be attached to the wrapped absorbent material rod via a transparent cigarette filter paper that is rendered opaque via gravure printing outside the area that is aligned or aligned with the second release flavor segment.

Preferably, the smoking article has a total length of from about 68 mm to about 128 mm, more preferably about 84 mm.

The smoking article according to the present invention preferably further comprises at least one circumferential row of apertures for venting the mainstream smoke drawn from the smokable material rod through the multi-component filter at a location along the multi-component filter.

Preferably, the circumferential row of at least one of the apertures is located at a distance from the mouth of the multi-component filter, at least 12 mm.

Preferably, the smoking article according to the present invention has a dry particulate material completely free of nicotine or a "溚" output of between about 1 mg and 6 mg, more preferably from about 1 mg to about 3 mg. Preferably, the smokable material is a tobacco cut filler.

Preferably, the smokable material rod is wrapped in a cigarette paper.

In order to maintain the flavor enhancing ability of the multi-component filter according to the present invention, the smoking article according to the present invention may be packaged, for example, into a soft pack, a hinged lid, or a bag having a flavor liner. For example, a smoking article according to the present invention comprising a multi-component filter having a second release flavor segment comprising a cellulose seed having a flavor of menthol and a first release flavor segment comprising a load of menthol One or more flavored strips are packaged with a menthol lining.

The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: The cigarettes of the second, third and fourth embodiments have several common components, and in the figures, such components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Each cigarette typically includes an extendable, cylindrically wrapped smokable material rod 2 attached at one end to an axially aligned extension to the cylindrical multi-component filter 4. The wrapped tobacco rod 2 and the multi-component filter 4 are connected in a conventional manner via a cigarette filter paper 6, which surrounds the full length of the multi-component filter and the wrapped tobacco rod 2 adjacent to the portion. In order to use ambient air for the mainstream smoke generated during the burning of the wrapped tobacco rod 2, a plurality of perforations 8 are provided through the cigarette filter paper 6 along a portion of the multi-component filter 4.

According to a first embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1, the multi-component filter 4 of the cigarette comprises two sections in abutting terminal-to-terminal relationship: the first release flavor section 12 is located at the mouth end of the multi-component filter 4, away from The wrapped tobacco rod 2 and the second release flavor section 14 are located upstream of the first release flavor section 12 and are attached adjacent to and joined to the wrapped tobacco rod 2.

The first release flavor segment 12 includes a cellulose acetate fiber tow filler having a medium to high filtration efficiency. A single centrally flavored tampon 16 extends axially through the cellulose acetate tow filler, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cigarette 10.

The second release flavor segment 14 comprises a cellulose acetate tow filler having a high filtration efficiency which is substantially uniformly loaded with a plurality of flavored cellulose beads 18. The cigarette filter paper 6 may be transparent at least as it surrounds the second release flavor segment 14 such that the flavored cellulose beads 18 of the second release flavor segment 14 pass through the cigarette filter paper 6.

At the time of use, mainstream smoke passes through the multi-component filter 4, self-wrapping tobacco The exposed end of the rod 2 is sucked in downstream. When the mainstream smoke enters the multi-component filter 4, it passes through the second release flavor section 14, where the high filtration efficiency cellulose acetate fiber bundle partially filters out the particulate phase components of the smoke, and flavors the fiber from the flavor. Prime 18 is released into mainstream smoke.

After passing through the second release flavor section 14, the mainstream smoke enters the first release flavor section 12 at the mouth end of the multi-component filter 4, where the medium to high filtration efficiency cellulose acetate fiber bundle also partially filters out the smoke particles. The phase ingredients, and additional flavors, are released into the smoke from the flavored cotton thread 16.

Then, the double-flavored smoke exits the first release flavor section 12 of the multi-component filter 4 through the mouth end of the cigarette 10.

The high filtration efficiency of the cellulose acetate fiber tow in the second release flavor section 14 maximizes the filtration of the particulate phase components of the mainstream smoke. At the same time, the first release flavor segment 12 and the second release flavor segment 14 of the multi-component filter 4 advantageously provide dual flavor enhancement to mainstream smoke. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a particularly preferred cigarette, wherein the flavored cellulose beads 18 of the second release flavor section 14 and the flavored strips 16 of the first release flavor section 12 are loaded with menthol, It has a nicotine output of 0.1 mg and a sputum output of 1 mg, including a menthol output of 0.3 mg in the sputum output.

The cigarette 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 2 has a multi-component filter 4 which includes three sections in a terminal-to-terminal relationship: the first release flavor section 12 is located at the mouth end of the multi-component filter 4. , away from the wrapped tobacco rod 2. The second release flavor section 14 is located upstream of the first release flavor section 12, and the rod end section 22 is located upstream of the second release flavor section 14, which abuts and joins the wrapped tobacco rod 2.

The first release flavor section 12 has the same construction as the first release flavor section 12 of the cigarette 10 shown in Fig. 1, but includes a filler of cellulose acetate tow comprising medium to low filtration efficiency.

The second release flavor section 14 also has the same construction as the second release flavor section 14 of the cigarette 10 shown in Fig. 1, but includes a filler of the cellulose acetate tow having a low to medium filtration efficiency.

The rod end section 22 includes a filler of the cellulose acetate tow having high filtration efficiency.

The cigarette 24 according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 3 also has a multi-component filter comprising three sections in a terminal-to-terminal relationship: the first release flavor section 12 is located at the mouth of the multi-component filter 4. End, away from the wrapped cigarette rod 2, the second release flavor section 14 is located upstream of the first release flavor section 12, and the rod end section 22 is located upstream of the second release flavor section 14, which is adjacent to and connected to the wrapped tobacco rod 2 .

The rod end section 22 has the same configuration as the rod end section 22 of the cigarette 20 shown in Fig. 2.

The first release flavor segment 12 is also of the same construction as the first release flavor segment 12 of the cigarette 20 shown in Figure 2, but includes a filler of the cellulose acetate tow having a low to medium filtration efficiency.

The second release flavor section 14 is located between the rod end section 22 and the first release flavor section 12, and is filled with flavored cellulose beads.

In the special cigarette according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the flavored cellulose beads 18 of the second release flavor section 14 and the flavor-containing line 16 of the first release flavor section 12 are loaded with menthol, and will Second release flavor segment The holes of 14 are filled with a flavored cellulose bead to a volume of about 80% or more.

The cigarette 26 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4 also has a multi-component filter comprising three sections in a terminal-to-terminal relationship: the first release flavor section 12 is located at the mouth of the multi-component filter 4. End, away from the tobacco rod 2 included. The second release flavor section 14 is located upstream of the first release flavor section 12 and a rod end section 22 is located upstream of the second release flavor section 14, which abuts and joins the wrapped tobacco rod 2.

The first release flavor section 12 has the same construction as the first release flavor section 12 of the cigarette 20 shown in Fig. 2, but includes a filler of cellulose acetate tow which has a low to medium filtration efficiency.

The second release flavor segment 14 also has the same construction as the second release flavor segment 14 of the cigarette 20 shown in FIG. 2, but based on the overall filtration effect required for the cigarette 26, including a low to high filtration efficiency cellulose acetate tow. Filler.

As shown in Figure 4, the rod end section 22 includes a medium to high filtration efficiency cellulose acetate tow packing and a central empty tube 28 extending axially through the cellulose acetate fiber rod packing parallel to the cigarette 26 The longitudinal axis. The central empty tube 28 extends axially through the rod end section 22, which maximizes the filtration of the particulate phase components of the mainstream smoke, increasing the output of the first few jets of mainstream smoke drawn by the cigarette 26.

In order to form the cigarettes 10, 20, 24, 26 according to the first, second, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, which are respectively shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the multi-component filter 4 is produced, Then connected to the wrapped cigarette rod 2, which makes A well-known filter cigarette making apparatus is produced in a conventional manner via the cigarette filter paper 6.

In order to manufacture the multi-component filter 4 of the cigarettes 10, 20, 26 according to the first, second and fourth embodiments of the invention, a separate continuous rod comprising segments 12 of a plurality of multi-component filters 4, 14, 22, manufactured in a well known manner, and then combined to form a continuous filter rod comprising a plurality of units of multi-component filter 4. The continuous filter rods are then severed at regular intervals via a cutter to produce a continuous individual multi-component filter 4.

In order to manufacture the multi-component filter 4 of the cigarette 24 according to the third embodiment of the invention, the separate continuous rod comprises a plurality of units of the first release flavor section 12 and a rod end section 22 of the multi-component filter 4, to be known. The means are manufactured and then joined to form a continuous filter rod comprising a plurality of first release flavor segments 12 and a plurality of rod end segments 22 separated by cavities. The holes are filled with cellulose beads 18 to form a plurality of second release flavor segments 14, and then the continuous filter rods comprising a plurality of units of multi-component filter 4 are cut at regular intervals via a cutter to produce a continuous individual multi-component Filter 4.

Example:

The filter cigarette according to the first embodiment of the present invention having the size and properties shown in Table 1 below is manufactured by a conventional combination method.

Although the invention is exemplified above with reference to a filter cigarette comprising a multi-component filter comprising a filler of cellulose acetate tow, it will be appreciated that the multi-component filter according to the invention may comprise other suitable fibrous or fibrous mesh filtration. Filler of material.

As described above, in use, the first release flavor segment and the second release flavor segment of the multi-component filter according to the present invention can respectively release the desired flavor into the mainstream smoke passing through the multi-component filter, thereby advantageously providing a dual Flavor Increased in mainstream smoke. By providing a dual flavor enhancement to the mainstream smoke drawn therein, the multi-component filter according to the present invention advantageously produces filter cigarettes and other filter smoking articles that increase flavor while still obtaining particles that significantly reduce mainstream smoke Phase and gas phase components and acceptable total anti-absorption.

2‧‧‧ rods for absorbing materials

4‧‧‧ filter

6‧‧‧Cigarette filter paper

8‧‧‧ annular eyelet

10‧‧‧Smoking products

12‧‧‧First release flavor end

14‧‧‧Second release flavor end

16‧‧‧flavored strips

18‧‧‧Flavoured cellulose particles

20‧‧‧Smoking products

22‧‧‧ rod end

24‧‧‧Smoking products

26‧‧‧Smoking products

28‧‧‧ hollow tube

1 shows a side view of a filter cigarette including a tobacco rod and a multi-component filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention, partially omitted to exemplify internal details of the multi-component filter.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a filter cigarette including a tobacco rod and a multi-component filter in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, partially omitted to illustrate the internal details of the multi-component filter.

Figure 3 shows a side view of a filter cigarette including a tobacco rod and a multi-component filter in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, partially omitted to illustrate the internal details of the multi-component filter.

Figure 4 shows a side view of a filter cigarette including a tobacco rod and a multi-component filter in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, partially omitted to illustrate the internal details of the multi-component filter.

2‧‧‧ rods for absorbing materials

4‧‧‧ filter

6‧‧‧Cigarette filter paper

8‧‧‧ annular eyelet

12‧‧‧First release flavor end

14‧‧‧Second release flavor end

16‧‧‧flavored strips

18‧‧‧Flavoured cellulose particles

20‧‧‧Smoking products

22‧‧‧ rod end

Claims (10)

A multi-component filter (4) for a smoking article, comprising: a first release flavor segment (12) proximate the mouth end of the filter, and a second release flavor located immediately upstream of the first release flavor segment (12) Segment (14), wherein the first release flavor segment (12) comprises at least one flavored strip (16) and the second release flavor segment (14) comprises flavored cellulose particles (18), and the first release flavor The amount of perfume in the segment exceeds the amount of perfume in the second release flavor segment. The multi-component filter (4) of claim 1, wherein the second release flavor segment (14) comprises a filler loaded with a filter material having flavored cellulose particles (18). The multi-component filter (4) of claim 1, wherein the second release flavor segment (14) comprises a bed of flavored cellulose particles (18) disposed in a cavity of the filter (4). The multicomponent filter (4) of claim 1, wherein the cellulose particles (18) are porous, substantially spherical cellulose beads. The multi-component filter (4) of claim 1, wherein the first release flavor segment (12) comprises a filter material filler and a substantially centrally flavored strip (16) substantially axially Extending through the filter material filler. The multi-component filter (4) of claim 1 further comprising: a rod end section (22) comprising upstream of the second release flavor section (14) Filter material fill. A multi-component filter (4) according to claim 6 wherein the rod end section (22) additionally comprises a substantially centrally disposed hollow tube (28) extending substantially axially through the filter material fill. The multi-component filter (4) of claim 1, wherein the first release flavor segment (12) is positioned at the mouth end of the filter (4). A smoking article (10), (20), (24), (26) comprising: a rod (2) of a smokable material and a multi-component filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ( 4). A smoking article (10), (20), (24), (26) according to claim 9 wherein the multi-component filter (4) is attached to the smokable via a cigarette filter paper (6) having a transparent portion A rod (2) of material is used to align with the second release flavor segment (14) of the multi-component filter (4).