A smoking article, a smoking article filter section and a method of manufacturing a smoking article

Abstract

A smoking article and a method of manufacturing a smoking article A smoking article has a filter section for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section and a flavour source configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

Cigarettes can include a filter section for filtering mainstream smoke. It is known to provide cigarettes with a flavour source, such as a flavour capsule, within the filter section, to add additional flavour to the smoke generated by the cigarette.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention provide, in 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 arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section and a flavour source configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.

The flavour source can be configured to selectively release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol. The flavour source can comprise one or more capsules. The one or more capsules can each have a diameter of from 2 mm to 6 mm.

The flavour source can comprise at least one selected from plant material, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow, flavour impregnated particles and a sheet material comprising a flavourant. The flavour source can be located within said filter section.

The smoking article can further comprise a further ventilation arrangement configured to provide a level of ventilation into the filter section which is not user controllable.

The level of ventilation provided by the further variable ventilation arrangement can be within the range of from 5% to 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 at its minimum level.

The variable ventilation arrangement can provide ventilation which is user controllable within a sub-range within the range of from 0% to 90% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passing through the filter section.

The filter section can form at least a component of a first part of the smoking article and the smoking article can further comprise a second part movable relative to the first part in order to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable ventilation arrangement. The first or second part can comprise a sleeve configured to move relative to the other of the first or second part to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable ventilation arrangement. The sleeve can be rotatable with respect to the filter section, and the level of ventilation is varied by altering an angular position of the sleeve relative to the filter section.

The filter section can comprise a first filter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and/or the smoking article can further comprise a second filter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and/or the variable ventilation arrangement can provide ventilating air at a position between 6 and 20 mm from a mouth end of the smoking article.

The filter section can comprise a first filter section and the smoking article can further comprise a second filter section, the second filter section being located downstream of the first filter section, and wherein a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the second filter section is lower than a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the first filter section and the resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the filter arrangement remains substantially constant as the level of ventilation is varied.

The first and second filter sections can comprise tow filaments, and the first filter section can differ from the second filter section by one or more of: tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume, cross-section of tow filaments and degree of crimping.

The second filter section can comprise at least one air passage extending longitudinally through the length thereof. The second filter section can comprise fibrous filtration material formed having an annular cross section.

The second filter section can comprise a tube of fibrous filtration material and the air passage extends along a central longitudinal axis through the length of the second filter section.

The smoking article can comprise a cigarette.

Embodiments of the invention provide, in a second aspect, a filter section for a smoking article for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the filter section comprising a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section, and a flavour source configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.

Embodiments of the invention provide, in a third aspect, a method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising forming a filter section for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, providing a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section and providing a flavour source configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the smoking article illustrated in FIG. 1;

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

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

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

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

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “smoking article” includes smokable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not-burn products and other nicotine delivery devices capable of generating an aerosol for delivery to a consumer. Such smoking articles may be provided with a filter for the gaseous flow drawn by the smoker.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and their formats are often named according to the cigarette length: “regular” (typically in the range 68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less), “king-size” (typically in the range 75-91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (typically in the range 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “ultra-long” (typically in the range from about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

They are also named according to the cigarette circumference: “regular” (about 23-25 mm), “wide” (greater than 25 mm), “slim” (about 22-23 mm), “demi-slim” (about 19-22 mm), “super-slim” (about 16-19 mm), and “micro-slim” (less than about 16 mm). Accordingly, a cigarette in a king-size, super-slim format will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. Cigarettes in the regular, king-size format are preferred by many customers, namely with a circumference of from 23 to 25 mm and an overall length of from 75 to 91 mm.

Each format may be produced with filters of different lengths, smaller filters being generally used in formats of smaller lengths and circumferences. Typically the filter length will be from 15 mm, associated with short, regular formats, to 30 mm, associated with ultra-long super-slim formats. The tipping paper will have a greater length than the filter, for example from 3 to 10 mm longer.

Smoking articles and filters described hereinafter can be manufactured in any of the above formats. The smoking article can, for instance, be from 70 to 100 mm in length and from 14 to 25 mm in circumference.

The terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ used herein are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream smoke (or other aerosol) drawn though a smoking article in use.

FIG. 1 illustrates a smoking article 10 according to a first embodiment. The smoking article 10 is a cigarette in the present example. However, other smoking articles can be used.

The smoking article 10 comprises a source of smokable material, such as tobacco, attached to a filter arrangement which comprises a first filter section 12 and a second filter section 14. The source of smokable material is in the form of a tobacco rod 11, which is attached to the first filter section 12. The second filter section 14 is located downstream of the first filter section 12 and tobacco rod 11. A ventilation arrangement 17 provides a user controllable variable level of ventilation into the first filter section 12, as described in more detail below.

The first filter section 12 comprises a flavour source configured to release flavour to the smoke and/or other aerosol generated by the smoking article 10 at a location upstream of the ventilation arrangement 17. In the present example, the flavour source comprises plant flavour particles, although other flavour sources as described herein can be used. Plant-based flavourants and plant flavour particles are referred to respectively as botanicals and botanical particles, and will be described in more detail below.

The smoking article 10 comprises a first part comprising the tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are connected with a covering layer to affix the first filter section to the tobacco rod, which is formed of tipping paper. The tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are referred to as a tobacco unit. The elongate tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 define a longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

A second part of the smoking article comprises the second filter section 14 and a sleeve 13 which is movable relative to the first part of the smoking article. The sleeve 13 is in the form of a tube extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 11 and/or first filter section 12. The tube can be cylindrical. The sleeve 13 is formed of paper in the present example, although other materials can be used. The first and second filter sections 12,14 each comprise filtration material which is wrapped in a sheet material, which may be paper, e.g. plugwrap. The first and second filter sections 12, 14 form a filter arrangement. The first filter section 12 is upstream of the second filter section 14.

The second filter section 14 is at a mouth end of the sleeve 13, adjacent to, and separate from, the first filter section 12.

The tobacco rod 11 and attached first filter section 12 are connected by tipping paper (not shown). The tipping paper is a standard tipping paper, or a relatively thick recessed tipping paper, or a board type tipping paper.

The ventilation arrangement 17 is configured to allow adjustment of a ventilation level of the smoking article 10. The ventilation arrangement 17 comprises one or more first ventilation areas 15 on the sleeve 13. In the present example, the first ventilation areas 15 are at a location closer to the downstream end of the first filter section 12 than to the upstream end. The smoking article further comprises one or more second ventilation areas 16 around the first filter section 12. For example, the one or more second ventilation areas 16 are defined by a layer(s) of sheet material around the first filter section 12 or around the filtration material of the first filter section 12. The ventilation arrangement 17 provides for ventilating air to enter into the first filter section.

Ventilation areas 15,16 are formed as ventilation apertures or air permeable material. In some embodiments, when ventilation areas 15 on the sleeve 13 are exposed, air can flow into the body of the smoking article 10. When first ventilation areas 15 on the sleeve 13 and the corresponding second ventilation areas 16 around the second filter section 12 are aligned, air can flow into the body of the smoking article 10. Ventilation areas 15,16 are aligned by rotation of the first part of the smoking article relative to the second part. In particular, the ventilation is controlled by rotation of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12. The ventilation arrangement 17 provides a selectable variable level of ventilation controlled by adjusting the overlap of the first ventilation area 15 with the second ventilation area 16. The amount of ventilation depends on the effective ventilating area, which is determined by the area of the overlap of the first and second ventilation areas. The level of ventilation can be selected by selecting a position of the second part relative to the first part e.g. by rotation of the second part relative to the first part. Thus, the ventilation arrangement 17 provides for a variable size of effective ventilation area, providing a variable intake of air.

The first filter section 12 and second filter section 14 are made of a known filtration material. The filtration material for both filter sections can be tow, for example, cellulose acetate tow. The filtration material of the first filter section is homogenous, and independently, the filtration material of the second filter section is homogenous. The term “homogenous” is used to mean that the filtration material is substantially uniform throughout each filter section, and in particular, is uniform in a longitudinal and/or radial direction through each of the first and second filter sections 12,14. At least one physical property of the homogenous first filter section may be different to the homogenous second filter section.

The first and second filter sections both comprise fibrous material, comprising tow filaments. The tow weight is a measure of the amount of tow fibres in a certain volume. The tow weight can provide an indication of the density of a fibrous material within the filter section. The first and second filter sections are manufactured using filtration material formed or treated to have required properties, for example, providing a different pressure drop per unit length for the first and second filter sections.

The first filter section 12 comprises botanical particles (not shown) embedded in the fibrous material. The first filter section 12 is similar to a “Dalmatian” type filter, comprising fibrous filtration material through which botanical particles have been sprinkled before the fibrous material is folded and wrapped in a wrapping material. The botanical particles are comprised of dried and chopped plant materials, and may be formed from botanicals such as menthol, juniper, coffee, anise or any other botanical having suitable taste and aroma characteristics. Any part of a chosen plant, for example the roots, leave, flowers, stems, or buds, can be used in the formation of botanical particles.

The plurality of botanical particles in the first filter section 12 impart a taste and/or aroma to the smoke which passes through the first filter section 12. As the level of ventilation is varied the level of dilution of the flavoured smoke is changed. The amount of flavoured smoke which reaches the mouth end of the smoking article can therefore be controlled, resulting in an overall smoking article 10 in which both smoke intensity and secondary flavour intensity can be simultaneously controlled.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are dimensioned to rotate as a unit around a longitudinal axis with the second filter section 14 positioned within the sleeve 13. A restraining means (not shown) retains the first part and second part in a fixed longitudinal arrangement, and prevents extension of the smoking article 10. Thus, the first part cannot slide longitudinally relative to the second part, i.e. the sleeve is not movable longitudinally relative to the second filter section 14.

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

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

In some aspects, the one or more first and second ventilation areas 15, 16 maintain a fixed longitudinal position relative 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 within the sleeve 13. Rotation of the second filter section 14 relative the first filter section 12 therefore causes rotation of the first filter section 12 within the sleeve 13.

By selecting a different angular position of the second filter section 14 relative to the first filter section 12, the registry between the first ventilation areas 15 in the sleeve 13 and the second ventilation areas 16 in the sheet material or plugwrap around the first filter section 12 can be selectively increased or decreased. The level of ventilation in the smoking article 10 can therefore be increased or decreased.

The first filter section 12 comprises botanical particles which lie upstream of the ventilation areas 15. The level of ventilation in the smoking article 10 controls the dilution of smoke which passes through the first part of the smoking article 10 with air which enters the smoking article 10 through the ventilation areas 15. Therefore the level of ventilation also controls the dilution of flavoured smoke which has passed over the botanical particles with unflavoured air which enters the smoking article through the ventilation areas 15. The level of flavour in the smoking article can therefore be increased or decreased.

FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank 30 forming a wrapper for a smoking article according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3b is longitudinal cross-sectional view of a smoking article 32 to which the blank 30 of FIG. 3a has been applied. The smoking article 32 comprising the blank 30 has substantially the same functions as described above. Features have the same arrangement and function unless otherwise described.

Referring to FIG. 3b, the rod article 32 includes a tobacco rod 11, similar to that previously described, and first and second filter sections 12, 14 downstream of the tobacco rod 11. The second filter section 14 is provided downstream of the first filter section 12 and tobacco rod 11, at the mouth end of the smoking article. The first filter section 12 is provided between the second filter section 14 and the tobacco rod 11. The first filter section 12 comprises botanical particles 18, as described with respect to the first embodiment. The first filter section 12 is divided into a first part 12′ and a second part 12″ by a cut 12″′, allowing the first part 12′ of the first filter section 12 to move relative to the second part 12″.

The blank 30 is configured to wrap twice, and in the present example twice only, around the whole circumference of the rod article 32. The blank 30 has a first section 30a which first wraps around the rod article 32 forming an inner layer and a second section 30b which then wraps around the first section 30a, forming an outer layer. The blank 30 is therefore configured to define two complete layers extending around the circumference of the rod article 32, and comprises areas 30a, 30b to define an inner layer and an 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 the second filter section 14 and the first part 12′ of the first filter section 12 together. The first section 30a of the blank 30 also comprises 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 separated into a first part 30b′ and a second part 30b″ by a cut 31.

The blank 30 comprises, on the first section 30a, a control element 34 movable in a circumferentially extending channel 36, configured to control ventilation and limit movement.

The control element 34 is movable circumferentially within a limited range. The control element 34 is movable between a first engaging surface and a second engaging surface.

The first engaging surface and second engaging surface define the circumferentially extending channel 36 in which the control element 34 is movable.

The control element 34 defines first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b at the edges of the control element in the direction of movement, i.e. at the circumferential edge of the control element 34. Contact of the first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b of the control element 34 with the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface of the circumferentially extending channel 36 limits relative rotation between the first and second parts of the smoking article.

The first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b extend at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The first and second engaging 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 engaging surfaces extend at the same angle and/or have a complementary shape to the first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b.

A longitudinal movement restricting arrangement 35 comprises a sliding element 37 which is arranged to move between first and second restricting elements 38a and 38b. Sliding element 37 is attached to first and second restricting elements 38a and 38b with a frangible connection. The frangible connection is a circumferentially extending line of perforations. The part of the blank including the sliding element 37, control element 34, first and second restricting elements 38a and 38b and circumferentially extending channel 36 extends one time around the whole circumference of the smoking article, e.g. to form a tube. The sliding element 37 is attached to first part 30b′ of the second section 30b of the blank 30, together with the first part 30a′ of the first section 30a of the blank, 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 filter section 12, relative to the second part 30a″ of the first section 30a of the blank 30 and the second part 12″ of the first filter section 12 and the tobacco rod 11.

The second section 30b of the blank 30 forming the outer layer, comprises a ventilation area 39′ at a location 39 on the blank. In some examples, the ventilation area 39′ comprises a single aperture. Alternatively, the ventilation area 39′ comprises a plurality of discrete permeable areas or apertures. For example, the apertures are formed by electroperforation (EP). The ventilation area 39′ is arranged to align with the channel 36 when the blank 30 is wrapped around the rod article 32.

The control element 34 has a further 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 be movable relative to one or more ventilation areas in a radially adjacent, and integrally formed, part of the smoking article. The control element 34 is formed of a material which is substantially impermeable to air, in particular, paper which is not permeable to air. The control element 34 is configured to move between the ventilation area 39′ and the underlying rod article 32 of the smoking article, such that ventilation air cannot enter the smoking article through the channel 36 which is blocked by the control element 34. The control element is impermeable to air between the first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b. The first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b define both the limits of rotation and define the amount of ventilation area which is covered or uncovered.

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

In some embodiments, the first filter section 12 comprises flavourant in the form of botanical particles. However, the first filter section 12 can comprise other forms of flavourant, such as one or more capsules, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow, flavour impregnated particles or a sheet material comprising a flavourant, which lie upstream of the ventilation area 39′. The level of ventilation in the smoking article 10 controls the dilution of smoke which passes through the first part of the smoking article 10 with air which enters the smoking article 10 through the ventilation area 39′. Therefore the level of ventilation also controls the dilution of flavoured smoke which has passed through the flavourant with unflavoured air which enters the smoking article through the ventilation area 39′. The level of flavour in the smoking article can therefore be increased or decreased.

In some aspects, the blank 30 comprises a further ventilation area (not shown) at a location 33 on the blank downstream of the variable ventilation arrangement 39′. The further ventilation area comprises a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or apertures, for example, in a circumferentially extending line. The further ventilation area can be formed by a laser. Generally, one or more of the ventilation areas comprise a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or apertures. The further ventilation area provides a constant minimum level of ventilation which is unaffected by the variable amount of ventilation from the ventilation area 39′. The amount of ventilation provided by the further ventilation area can be predetermined in the manufacture of the smoking article 10 and is, for instance, between 5% to 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 at its minimum level. The variable ventilation arrangement 39′, 36 can be arranged to provide ventilation which is user controllable within a sub-range within the range of from 0% to 90% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passing through the filter section, for instance from 0% to 50% ventilation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article 32 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 40 according to a third embodiment, which is the same as the smoking article 32 of the second embodiment, except that in the third embodiment, the first filter section 12 comprises a user activated flavour release component in place of the botanical particles 18. The flavourant release component is preferably in the form of a capsule 41 which comprises an outer wall and an inner volume filled with fluid flavourant. The flavourant can be selectively released by the user of the smoking article 40 into the adjacent filtration material by squeezing the outside of the filter to deform or rupture the outer wall of the capsule 41. In the present example, the capsule has a diameter of 3.5 mm, although other sizes can be used, for instance diameters of 2.5, 3, 4 or 4.5 mm, micro capsules or macro capsules with diameters in the range from 1 mm to 7 mm or larger.

The capsule 41 defines a cavity having a volume which is filled with flavourant. The outer wall or shell may be formed using gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a polysaccharide, polysaccharide derivative or any other suitable material, using methods known in the art. The outer shell surrounds and encapsulates the flavourant. The capsule 41 is configured to release all of the flavourant contents when the outer wall is ruptured. The outer shell is frangible on compression, and is configured to break apart over substantially the whole surface of the outer shell, or alternatively rupture only in a predefined area when compressed.

Alternatively, capsule 41 is configured to release only a part of the flavourant on inward pressure from a user, such that the flavourant contents are released in a plurality of discrete deliveries. The outer shell is resiliently deformable and may be configured to rupture in a predetermined area, or over a part of the surface area only, to form one or more slits or apertures when compressed.

The outer shell may be formed from a single part, or a plurality of parts sealed together. An outer shell formed from two parts may be configured to rupture at a weakened region, for example along a longitudinal or circumferential seam joining the two parts, which opens under pressure to define a slit. The capsule 41 may only release a part of the contents through the slit when the capsule 41 is compressed before returning at least partially to its original shape, when the compression of the capsule 41 ceases.

Additionally, the capsule 41 may comprise a substrate, which is a body of absorbent material impregnated with the flavourant. The substrate is a porous matrix with an open structure, in particular, an open cell structure, e.g. an open cell foam structure. The substrate is configured to be progressively compressible and configured to release at least a part, and preferably only a part, of the flavourant contents when partly compressed. The flavourant is distributed within the substrate, and preferably, absorbed by the substrate. The substrate is preferably formed of a filtration 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 does not inhibit release of the flavourant once ruptured. The substrate may be at least partially resiliently deformable and may at least partially return towards the original shape, when the compression of the capsule 49 ceases. In the partial expansion of the substrate following release of the compressive force, the substrate may re-absorb a part of the released flavourant. References to release of the flavourant are therefore intended to refer to the net release of flavourant after the compressive force has ended.

The substrate may be formed by extrusion of the material containing the flavourant, which is then cut to a suitable length. A closed cell foam substrate may not require an outer shell to retain the flavourant, and so may form the capsule 41 without an outer shell. Alternatively, the capsule 41 may comprise the closed cell foam substrate encapsulated in an outer shell.

The first filter section 12 comprises one or more capsules 41 which lie upstream of the variable ventilation area 39′. The level of ventilation in the smoking article 40 controls the dilution of smoke which passes through the first part of the smoking article with air which enters the smoking article 40 through the ventilation area 39′. After the flavourant has been released from the one or more capsules by compression of the first filter section, the level of ventilation also controls the dilution of flavoured smoke which has passed through the first filter section with unflavoured air which enters the smoking article through the ventilation area 39′. The level of flavour in the smoking article can therefore be increased or decreased.

In the embodiments described herein, a flavour source is provided upstream of a variable ventilation arrangement. In addition, a further flavour source can be provided downstream of the variable ventilation arrangement. For instance, the first filter section 12 can comprise one or more first flavour release components and the second filter section 14 can comprise one or more second flavour release components. The first and second flavour release components can each be any of the flavour sources described herein. As described above, the amount of flavour provided by the flavour source which lies upstream of the variable ventilation areas 17, 39′ can be increased or decreased by varying the level of ventilation of the smoking article. The amount of flavour provided by the second flavour release component can be predetermined and is substantially unaffected by the level of ventilation of the smoking article. In this way, a baseline amount of flavour can be provided by the second flavour release component as a minimum level. The total amount of flavour can be increased to a maximum level by reducing the amount of ventilating air which dilutes the flavour of the first flavour release component. Accordingly, the amount of flavour provided by the smoking article may be varied over a wide range to suit the taste of a user.

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

FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a method of 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, cellulose acetate tow. A variable ventilation arrangement, for instance an arrangement as described herein, is provided (step S2) which is configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section. The variable ventilation arrangement can be provided, for instance, by inner and outer wrappers having selectably overlapping ventilation areas.

A flavourant source is provided (step S3) to release flavour at a location upstream of the ventilation arrangement. In some embodiments, the flavourant source is a plurality of botanical particles, as described herein, and these are applied to the filter tow of a filter section upstream of the filter section into which the variable ventilation is applied. In alternative embodiments, other flavour sources as described herein can be used, for instance capsules or flavour loaded threads.

The first and second filter sections may be longitudinally aligned with a source of smokable material.

Any other known filter components can be added to the smoking articles described herein. Examples of further filter components include a third filter section, for instance a filter section with particulate material such as carbon, activated charcoal or particulate flavourant, or an additional hollow section having an air passage therethrough. The first and/or second filter sections can each be considered as comprising one or more discrete filter sections. The filter sections can be considered as generally upstream and downstream of the variable ventilation area.

In a further embodiment, the second filter section, located downstream of the first filter section, can be arranged such that a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the second filter section is lower than a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the first filter section. The resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the filter arrangement remains substantially constant as the level of ventilation is varied. The first filter section can for instance, differ from the second filter section by one or more of: tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume, cross-section of tow filaments and degree of crimping. The second filter section can, for instance, be a tubular section having at least one air passage extending longitudinally through the length thereof. The second filter section could, for instance, comprise fibrous filtration material formed having an annular cross section, in particular a tube of fibrous filtration material with the air passage extending along a central longitudinal axis through the length of the second filter section.

Wrapping material is applied to the smoking article assembly to attach the component parts. The paper wrapping material is tipping paper. In addition, a sleeve is wrapped around the smoking article. The sleeve is configured to move relative to the first filter section and, optionally, is securely attached to the second filter section.

The smoking article is configured to allow the ingress of a selectively variable amount of air upstream of the second filter section. For example, ventilation apertures are formed in the outermost layer of paper wrap and/or the paper sleeve. The ventilation apertures are formed by a mechanical cutting tool or a laser. The ventilation apertures are formed in the wrapping material prior to the assembly of the smoking article (i.e. pre-perforated apertures) or, optionally, when the smoking article is assembled.

The ventilation has been described by entering the smoking article upstream of the second filter section, and in particular, into the first filter section. Alternatively, the ventilation can be at least partially into the second filter section, e.g. adjacent an upstream end of the second filter section.

The smoking article can comprise one or more ventilation areas providing a base level of ventilation. Such ventilation areas are not variable in size.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure illustrates by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior smoking article. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. A smoking article comprising:

a filter section for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the filter section comprising filtration material;

a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section; and

a flavour source disposed in the filtration material of the filter section and configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.

2. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour source is configured to selectively release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol.

3. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour source comprises one or more capsules.

4. A smoking article according to claim 3, wherein said one or more capsules each have a diameter of from 2 mm to 6 mm.

5. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour source comprises at least one selected from plant material, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow, flavour impregnated particles and a sheet material comprising a flavourant.

6. A smoking article according to claim 1, further comprising a further ventilation arrangement configured to provide a level of ventilation into the filter section which is not user controllable.

7. A smoking article according to claim 6, wherein the level of ventilation provided by said further variable ventilation arrangement is within the range of from 5% to 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 at its minimum level.

8. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said variable ventilation arrangement provides ventilation which is user controllable within a sub-range within the range of from 0% to 90% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passing through the filter section.

9. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said filter section forms at least a component of a first part of the smoking article and further comprising a second part movable relative to the first part in order to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable ventilation arrangement.

10. A smoking article according to claim 9, wherein said first or second part comprises a sleeve configured to move relative to the other of the first or second part to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable ventilation arrangement.

11. A smoking article according to claim 10, wherein the sleeve is rotatable with respect to the filter section, and the level of ventilation is varied by altering an angular position of the sleeve relative to the filter section.

12. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter section comprises a first filter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, the smoking article further comprising a second filter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and the variable ventilation arrangement provides ventilating air at a position between 6 and 20 mm from a mouth end of the smoking article.

13. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter section comprises a first filter section and the smoking article further comprises a second filter section, the first and second filter sections forming a filter arrangement, and the second filter section being located downstream of the first filter section; and wherein

a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the second filter section is lower than a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the first filter section; and

the resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the filter arrangement remains substantially constant as the level of ventilation is varied.

14. A smoking article according to claim 13, wherein the first and second filter sections comprise tow filaments, and the first filter section differs from the second filter section by one or more of: tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume, cross-section of tow filaments and degree of crimping.

15. A smoking article according to claim 13, wherein the second filter section comprises at least one air passage extending longitudinally through the length thereof.

16. A smoking article according to claim 13, wherein the second filter section comprises fibrous filtration material formed having an annular cross section.

17. A smoking article according to claim 13, wherein the second filter section comprises a tube of fibrous filtration material and the air passage extends along a central longitudinal axis through the length of the second filter section.

18. A filter section for a smoking article for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the filter section comprising:

filtration material;

a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section; and

a flavour source disposed in the filtration material and configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.

19. A method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising:

forming a filter section for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the filter section comprising filtration material;

providing a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section; and

providing a flavour source in the filtration material of the filter section configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.