BR112020008267B1 - SMOKING ARTICLE OR AEROSOL GENERATING PRODUCT AND FILTER - Google Patents

Abstract

A smoking article or an aerosol generating product comprising a filter arrangement comprising a first filter section and a second filter section, the second filter section being located downstream of the first filter section; and a ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user-controllable level of ventilation in the first filter section; wherein a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the second filter section is less than a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the first filter section; and the first filter section comprising filter material and one or more capsules comprising an additive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a smoking article or an aerosol generating product, and a filter.

Background

[0002] The puff resistance of a smoking article is a measure of the pressure necessary to force smoke through the smoking article at a certain specified rate. A smoking article may be configured by the manufacturing process to have a puff resistance within a predefined range. The resistance to puffing through a smoking article generally falls with increasing ventilation.

summary

[0003] Embodiments of the invention provide, in a first aspect, a smoking article or an aerosol generating product comprising a filter arrangement comprising a first filter section and a second filter section, the second filter section being located at downstream of the first filter section and a ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user-controllable level of ventilation into the first filter section, wherein a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the second filter section is less than a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the first filter section, and the first filter section comprising filter material and one or more capsules comprising additives.

[0004] The first filter section may have a first tow weight of fibrous filtration material, and the second filter section may have a second tow weight of a fibrous filtration material and the second tow weight of the filtration material fibrous is less than the first tow weight of fibrous material.

[0005] In one embodiment, the resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the filter arrangement remains substantially constant as the level of ventilation is varied.

[0006] The pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section may be greater than 5 mm H2O/mm, and the pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section may be less than 5 mm H2O/mm . The resistance to gas flow through the second filter section can be more than 15 times less than the resistance to gas flow through the first filter section.

[0007] The first filter section can be formed from a first homogeneous filtration material, and a second filter section can be formed from a second homogeneous filtration material.

[0008] The second filter section may be separate from the first filter section, and/or movable relative to the first filter section to control ventilation to the first filter section.

[0009] The smoking article may further comprise a sleeve configured to move relative to the first filter section, wherein the second filter section is fixed within the sleeve, and the level of ventilation is varied by changing a position of the bag in relation to the first filter section.

[0010] The sleeve can be rotatable with respect to the first filter section, and the ventilation level can be varied by changing an angular position of the sleeve with respect to the first filter section.

[0011] The first filter section may have a length of 5 to 25 mm, the second filter section may have a length of 5 to 25 mm, and/or the ventilation arrangement may provide air ventilation at 6 mm to 35 mm. mm from a mouth end of the smoking article.

[0012] The first and second filter sections may comprise tow filaments, and the first filter section may differ from the second filter section by one or more of the following: tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume , cross section of tow filaments and degree of compression (Crimping).

[0013] The second filter section may comprise at least one air passage extending longitudinally through its length.

[0014] The air passage can have a diameter of between 1 and 7 mm.

[0015] The second filter section may comprise fibrous filtration material formed having an annular cross-section.

[0016] The second filter section may comprise a tube of fibrous filtration material and the air passage may extend along a central longitudinal axis through the length of the second filter section.

[0017] The first filter section comprises one or more capsules comprising additives, such as flavors.

[0018] The first filter section may comprise continuous filter material. The first filter section may comprise cellulose acetate filter material. Capsules can be incorporated into the filter material. Capsules can be embedded in cellulose acetate.

[0019] The capsule or capsules may be located within the first filter section in a position other than a longitudinally central position within the first filter section. The capsule may be located within the first filter section at a position of 1 mm to 10 mm from a longitudinally central position within the first filter section. Alternatively, the capsule or capsules may be located on or along the central longitudinal axis of the filter.

[0020] As described herein, the second filter section may comprise at least one air passage extending longitudinally through the length of the second filter section. The capsule or capsules may be located in the first section or along the longitudinal axis extending from the longitudinal axis of the air passage. In one embodiment, the air passage and the capsule or capsules are located in sequence along the central longitudinal axis of the filter.

[0021] The first filter section comprises one or more capsules containing additives. The additive, such as flavoring, is encapsulated within the capsule. The capsule or capsules allow the consumer to release the additive when the first section of the filter is subjected to an external force. The release of the additive, such as flavoring, modifies the smoke that passes through the filter. Encapsulating the additive can prevent unintended release or migration of the additive during manufacturing or storage.

[0022] The capsule or capsules may be fragile. Brittle capsules allow the consumer to crush them and release the capsule contents, e.g. additive/flavorizer. Two or more capsules can provide the consumer with the choice of which additive/flavorant to release and/or which additive/flavorizer to release. For example, in an embodiment in which two capsules contain the same additive/flavorizer in the same amount, crushing both capsules releases twice the amount of additive/flavorizer compared to crushing just one capsule. Alternatively, in embodiments that have two capsules containing different flavorings, the consumer can choose which flavoring should be released or release both flavorings, for example, at the same time. Two capsules also increase the range of pressure drops over which the filter must operate (both capsules crushed, or one capsule crushed, or both capsules crushed).

[0023] The capsule or capsules comprise an additive. For example, the capsules may comprise a flavoring agent. If two capsules are present, the two capsules may contain the same flavor or different flavors. When the two capsules contain the same flavoring, the capsules may contain the same amount or different amounts of flavoring.

[0024] The flavoring can be a liquid.

[0025] The flavoring used in the capsules can be any flavoring suitable for use in a smoking article filter. For example, flavoring can improve the user experience. Suitable flavors or flavors include, but are not limited to, menthol, mint, chocolate, licorice, citrus, blackberry, blueberry, mojito, vanilla, spice flavors, plant essential oils or other fruit flavors. Specific flavor combinations include, but are not limited to, blueberry and mojito, blackberry and menthol, or menthol and blueberry.

[0026] The capsule or capsules may have any suitable weight. For example, capsules may weigh from about 9 mg to about 18 mg, from about 11 mg to about 16 mg, or from about 13 mg to about 14 mg.

[0027] The capsule can have any suitable structure in which the additive/flavorizer is encapsulated in the capsule. The capsule may comprise an outer shell and an inner core containing the additive/flavorant. The outer shell may be substantially continuous. The outer shell seals the additive/flavorizer inside the capsule, but the capsule, e.g. the outer shell, is frangible or breakable to allow the additive/flavorizer to be released when an external force is applied to the capsule.

[0028] The capsule or capsules may have a breaking strength of about 0.8 kp (8 N) to about 2.4 kp (24 N), from about 1.2 kp (12 N) to about 2.0 kp (20 N), from about 1.4 kp (14 N) to about 1.8 kp (18 N) or about 1.60 kp (16N).

[0029] The capsule or capsules may have any suitable shape, such as spherical, spheroid, cylindrical or ellipsoid. The cross section perpendicular to the filter axis may be circular.

[0030] The diameter of the capsules is measured as the largest dimension of their cross-section perpendicular to the filter axis. The diameter of the capsule or capsules can be from about 2.0 mm to about 6.0 mm. Alternatively, the diameter of the capsules may be from about 2.2 mm to about 3.8 mm, about 2.4 mm to about 3.4 mm, about 2.6 mm to about 3.2 mm. , about 2.7mm to about 3.1mm, about 2.8mm to about 3.0mm, or 2.8mm or 3.0mm.

[0031] The filter material of the first filter section (and if present in the second filter section) may comprise any suitable material or materials, such as cellulose acetate.

[0032] The filter material may have any suitable circumference, including, without limitation, from about 16 mm to about 25 mm, from about 16 to about 18 mm, from about 19 mm to about 22 mm, or from about 23 mm to about 25 mm.

[0033] The fibers of the filter material may have a fiber denier of about 3.0 denier per filament (dpf) to about 10.0 dpf, from about 3.0 dpf to about 8.0 dpf, from about 4.5 dpf to about 8.0 dpf, from about 3.0 dpf to about 5.0 dpf, or from about 4.0 dpf to about 5.0 dpf.

[0034] The combination of a filter material with a specific circumference with a specific fiber denier has been found to be particularly useful. Certain combinations provide acceptable levels of tar supply while avoiding crushing of the capsules during the process employed to incorporate the capsules into the filter material.

[0035] In one embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 16 mm to about 18 mm, and the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of about 4.5 dpf to about 10.0 dpf.

[0036] In another embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 19 mm to about 22 mm, and the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of about 4.0 dpf at about 5.0 dpf. For example, fiber denier may be about 5.0 dpf.

[0037] In another embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 23 mm to about 25 mm, and the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of about 3.0 dpf at about 5.0 dpf. For example, fiber denier may be about 3.0 dpf.

[0038] The filter material may have a total denier of from about 12,000 to about 40,000, from about 15,000 to about 40,000, from about 15,000 to about 23,000, from about 30,000 to about 35,000, or from about 35,000 to about 40,000.

[0039] The combination of a filter material with a specific circumference with a specific total denier has been found to be particularly useful. Certain combinations provide acceptable levels of tar supply while avoiding crushing of the capsules during the process employed to incorporate the capsules into the filter material.

[0040] In one embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 16 mm to about 18 mm, and the filter material has a total denier of about 15,000 to about 23,000.

[0041] In another embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 19 mm to about 22 mm, and the filter material has a total denier of about 25,000 to about 35,000. For example, the total denier may be around 30,000.

[0042] In another embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 23 mm to about 25 mm, and the filter material has a total denier of about 30,000 to about 40,000. For example, the total denier may be around 40,000.

[0043] The first filter section may have a resistance to swallowing (RTD), before the capsule is crushed, of about 75 mm/Wg to about 100 mm/Wg, or from about 80 mm/Wg to about of 95 mm/Wg.

[0044] The first filter section may have a resistance to swallowing (RTD), after the capsule is crushed, of about 85 mm/Wg to about 110 mm/Wg, of about 90 mm/Wg to about 100 mm/Wg.

[0045] In one embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 16 mm to about 18 mm, and the RTD before the capsule is crushed is from about 110 mm/Wg to about 160mm/Wg.

[0046] In another embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 19 mm to about 22 mm, and the RTD before the capsule is crushed is about 86 mm/Wg to about of 94 mm/Wg and/or the RTD after the capsule is crushed is about 95 mm/Wg to about 100 mm/Wg.

[0047] In another embodiment, the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section may be from about 23 mm to about 25 mm, and the RTD before the capsule is crushed is about 80 mm/Wg to about of 85 mm/Wg and/or the RTD after the capsule is crushed is about 86 mm/Wg to about 92 mm/Wg.

[0048] A plasticizer can also be added to the fibers. Examples of suitable plasticizers include, but are not limited to, triacetin. The amount of plasticizer added to the fibers can vary from about 2% to about 10% or from about 3% to about 6% by weight (w/w) of the fibers.

[0049] The filter comprises a first filter section and a second filter section, the second filter section being located downstream of the first filter section. The first filter section comprises one or more capsules. For example, the first filter section may comprise two capsules (a first capsule and a second capsule) spaced sequentially along the filter axis. The second capsule is located downstream of the first capsule. In other words, the second capsule is located closer to the mouth end of the smoking article and the first capsule is located farther from the mouth end of the smoking article. The capsules may be located in a single segment of the first filter section or the capsules may be located in two separate segments of the first filter section.

[0050] The distance between the capsules, that is, between the first capsule and the second capsule, can be any suitable distance. For example, the distance between the capsules may be from about 8 mm to about 12 mm, from about 7 mm to about 11 mm, from about 8 mm to about 10 mm, or about 9 mm.

[0051] The length of the first filter section may be from about 16 mm to about 24 mm, from about 18 to about 22 mm, or about 20 mm. The length of the first filter section is measured parallel to the filter axis.

[0052] The two capsules can be equally spaced in the first filter section. Alternatively, the capsules may be unevenly spaced within the first filter section. For example, the distance between the first and second capsules may be greater than the distance from the center of the second capsule to the downstream end of the first filter section and/or greater than the distance from the first capsule to the upstream end of the first filter section. filter.

[0053] For example, the distance from the first capsule to the second capsule may be from about 8 mm to about 10 mm or about 9 mm. For example, the distance from the second capsule to the downstream end of the first filter section is about 5 mm to about 7 mm, or about 6 mm. For example, the distance from the first capsule to the upstream end of the first filter section is about 4 mm to about 6 mm or about 5 mm. The distance from the second capsule to the downstream end of the first filter section may be greater than the distance from the first capsule to the upstream end of the first filter section. For example, the distance from the second capsule to the downstream end of the first filter section is greater than the distance from the first capsule to the upstream end of the first filter by about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm or about 1mm. In one embodiment, the distance between the first capsule and the second capsule is about 8 mm to about 10 mm, the distance from the second capsule to the downstream end of the first filter section is about 5 mm to about 7 mm, and the distance from the first capsule to the upstream end of the first filter section is about 4 mm to about 6 mm, provided that the distance from the second capsule to the downstream end of the first filter section is greater than the distance from the first capsule to the upstream end of the first filter section. The length of the second filter section may be from about 4 mm to about 10 mm, from about 5 mm to about 9 mm, from about 6 mm to about 8 mm, or about 7 mm. The combined length of the first filter section and the second filter section may be from about 20 mm to about 34 mm, from about 21 mm to about 33 mm, from about 23 mm to about 31 mm, from about 25mm to about 29mm or about 27mm.

[0054] In one embodiment, the filter material of the first filter section has a circumference of about 16 mm to about 19 mm, has fibers having about 4.5 dpf to about 10.0 dpf, and has a total denier from about 15,000 to about 23,000; and the capsules are spherical, have a diameter of about 2.7 mm to about 3.1 mm, and have a breaking strength of about 14 N to about 18 N.

[0055] In one embodiment, the filter material of the first filter section has a circumference of about 20 mm to about 22 mm, fibers of about 4.0 dpf to about 5.0 dpf, and has a total denier of about 30,000 to about 35,000; and the capsules are spherical, have a diameter of about 2.7 mm to about 3.1 mm, and have a breaking strength of about 14 N to about 18 N.

[0056] In one embodiment, the filter material of the first filter section has a circumference of about 23 mm to about 25 mm, has fibers of about 3.0 dpf to about 5.0 dpf, and has a total denier from about 35,000 to about 40,000; and the capsules are spherical, have a diameter of about 2.7 mm to about 3.1 mm, and have a breaking strength of about 14 N to about 18 N.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first filter section has a swallow resistance (RTD), before the capsule is crushed, of about 80 mm/Wg to about 95 mm/Wg and a swallow resistance (RTD), after the capsule is crushed, from about 90 mm/Wg to about 100 mm/Wg.

[0058] The capsules can be surrounded by filtration material.

[0059] The capsule can be lengthened. The capsule may have a longitudinal axis that is parallel to an axial direction of the smoking article or filter in which the capsule is located. The capsule may be substantially tubular and have a maximum cross-sectional area defined in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross-sectional area of the capsule may be substantially constant over most of the length of the capsule. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of the capsule may vary along its length. The term "elongated" may be taken to mean that the dimension of the capsule in one direction is substantially greater than the dimension of the capsule in the two perpendicular directions. The longer dimension is beyond manufacturing tolerances for a substantially spherical capsule. For example, the longest dimension may be at least 1.5 times the maximum lateral dimension or at least twice the maximum lateral dimension.

[0060] The capsule may have an outer surface that is substantially cylindrical. The longitudinal ends may be rounded, for example, so that the ends are substantially hemispherical. The capsule may comprise an outer wall and an inner volume filled with fluid. The additive may be selectively released by the user of the smoking article into the adjacent filtration material by squeezing the outside of the filter to deform or rupture the outer wall of the capsule.

[0061] The capsule can be configured to release the entire additive content when the outer wall is ruptured. Alternatively, the capsule may be configured to release only a portion of the additive by internal pressure from a user, such that the capsule is configured to release the additive contents in a plurality of discrete deliveries.

[0062] A known smoking article may generally have a maximum side dimension, which is a diameter for a circular cross section. In the case of a cigarette in the superslim format, or a filter therefor, the maximum side dimension, or diameter, may be 5-6 mm, for example approximately 5.4 mm, which may be known as superslim. The filter will typically be marginally smaller in diameter than the filter to accommodate the wrapping paper. A spherical capsule may have a diameter that is a relatively large proportion of the cross-sectional area of the filter. The capsule may cause an adverse effect on smoke flow and/or pressure drop. The capsule may have a relatively small diameter, so that the effect of the capsule on the filter properties is reduced. The capsule can be elongated, rather than spherical, so that a sufficient amount of additive can be contained. The maximum lateral dimension of the capsule is less than 4 mm or less than 3.5 mm and preferably 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm. Elongated capsules may have lengths of 7 mm to 11 mm, for example, 8 mm to 10 mm or approximately 9 mm. Alternatively, the length may vary from 5 mm to 7 mm, for example approximately 5.5 mm.

[0063] The combination of a capsule with a maximum lateral dimension (diameter) of less than 3.5 mm, in a smoking article or filter with a fine, semi-fine or super-slim shape provides a required amount of additive and affects the flow rate of smoke and/or pressure drop within an acceptable limit. The particular dimensions (side and length) of the elongated capsule, in a smoking article with such small diameter shapes, provide an advantageous combination of parameters that provide the required amount of additive without significantly affecting the pressure drop.

[0064] Alternatively, the capsule may have a shape that is not elongated. In some aspects, the capsule may be spherical or substantially spherical. For a specific maximum lateral dimension (diameter), a spherical capsule may be capable of containing less additive than an elongated capsule. For a smaller diameter filter or smoking article, the reduced amount of additive may be substantially as effective as a larger amount of additive in a larger diameter filter or smoking article. The smallest diameter of the filter or smoking article may have a maximum side dimension of less than 7.6 mm or less than 7 mm or any specified range in any embodiment. The diameter of the spherical capsule may be less than 3.5 mm or any specified diameter range in any embodiment. Radial dimensions apply to elongated and spherical capsules.

[0065] A capsule length can be from 4 mm to 15 mm. The capsule has an external length of 7 mm to 11 mm, and in some aspects 8 to 10 mm, or approximately 9 mm.

[0066] Alternatively, the capsule may have an external length of 4 mm to 15 mm and, in some aspects, 5 mm to 7 mm or 5 mm to 6 mm. In some aspects, the capsule length is approximately 5.5 mm. The maximum lateral extension of the capsule can vary from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm and is preferably approximately 2.5 mm.

[0067] Alternatively, the length of the capsule is 11 mm to 15 mm, or 12 to 14 mm, or approximately 13.6 mm. The maximum lateral extension of the capsule can vary from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm and is approximately 2.5 mm.

[0068] Alternatively, the maximum external lateral extension, or diameter for a circular cross-section, of the capsule of any type or embodiment, may be in the range of 4.5 mm to 7 mm. The maximum lateral extension can be less than 7 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm or less than 4 mm. The maximum lateral extension can be between 3 mm and 4 mm. In particular, the maximum lateral extension of the capsule may be between 3 mm and 4 mm (e.g. approximately 3.5 mm) in combination with a smoking article/filter having a diameter between 5 mm and 6 mm (e.g. approximately 5.4mm). The maximum lateral extension may be greater than 1 mm, in combination with any upper limit, capacity or relative cross-sectional area.

[0069] These dimensions can be applied to any type of capsule. The longer length additive releasing component can be used with a capsule comprising a substrate. The substrate may contain approximately 40% additive by volume.

[0070] The diameter and length of the capsule determine the maximum volume of additive that can be contained. Therefore, the selection of a relatively small diameter can be used in combination with a relatively high length to contain a required amount of additive. Any combination of dimensions, including dimensions outside the indicated ranges, may be used. The outer shell of any embodiment may have a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm.

[0071] The smoking articles or filters containing the capsule may have a diameter of 4 mm to 10 mm, for example 5 mm to 7 mm, or 5 mm to 6 mm, or 5.1 mm to 6 mm ( superslim). In some aspects, from 5.2 mm to 5.6 mm, or from 5.3 mm to 5.5 mm, for example, approximately 5.4 mm. In cases where the smoking article or filter is in fine, semi-fine, superslim or microslim format, it may have a diameter of less than 7.6, 7.0, 6.0 and 5.1 mm, respectively (corresponding approximately to circumferences less than 24, 22, 19 and 16 mm respectively). When the smoking article or filter is in regular shape, it may have a diameter of 7.6 to 8.0 mm (corresponding approximately to a circumference of 24 to 25 mm). So-called "wide" formats can have diameters greater than 8.0 mm (corresponding to approximately circumferences greater than 25 mm).

[0072] The small lateral extension of the capsule can be advantageous for reducing the pressure drop in any smoking article diameter, although the advantage has a particular effect for the smaller diameter smoking article. The invention is applicable to any diameter smoking article or filter in combination with a relatively sized capsule. For example, the smoking article may have a diameter of: 5 mm, 5.3 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.3 mm, 7.5 mm, 7 .7mm, 8mm to a 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, 7.5mm, 7.9mm, 8.5mm, in any combination.

[0073] The capsule may have an additive capacity of 3μL to 50μL, or 3μL to 10μL, or 10μL to 30μL, and optionally, 15μL to 25μL or 20μL to 30μL or 8μL to 20μL, or approximately 20μL or approximately 30μL. Any higher or lower capacity value can be used in combination. In particular, the capsule capacity can be from: 3μL, 5μL, 8μL, 10μL, 15μL, 20μL, 25μL, 30μL, 35μL, 40μL to one of: 5μL, 8μL, 10μL, 15μL, 20μL, 25μL, 30μL, 35μL , 40 μL, 45 μL, 50 μL.

[0074] Alternatively, the maximum lateral extension of the capsule can be: 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, 1.5 mm to 3 mm, 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, 2 mm to 2.5 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, 2 mm to 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm to 3 mm, 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, 3.5 mm to 4 mm. The maximum lateral extension of the additive release component can be a lateral extension of less than 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1, 6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2, 6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3.0mm, 3.1mm, 3.2mm, 3.3mm, 3.4mm, 3.5mm, 3.6mm, 3.7mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm and at an upper lateral extent of one of: 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1 .8mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3.0mm , 3.1mm, 3.2mm, 3.3mm, 3.4mm, 3.5mm, 3.6mm, 3.7mm, 3.8mm, 3.9mm, 4.0mm, 4.1mm, 4.2mm, 4 ,3mm, 4.4mm, 4.5mm, 4.6mm, 4.7mm, 4.8mm, 4.9mm, 5.0mm, 5.1mm, 5.2mm, 5.3mm, 5.4mm, 5.5mm , 5.6mm, 5.7mm, 5.8mm, 5.9mm, 6.0mm, 6.1mm, 6.2mm, 6.3mm, 6.4mm, 6.5mm, 6.6mm, 6.7mm, 6 .8mm, 6.9mm, 7.0mm, 7.1mm, 7.2mm, 7.3mm, 7.4mm, 7.5mm, 7.6mm, 7.7mm, 7.8mm, 7.9mm, 8.0mm in any combination.

[0075] However, these ranges are not intended to be limiting and one skilled in the art will understand that larger or smaller filters or capsules may be used. References to diameter indicate the maximum lateral dimension of the capsule. For a capsule that is not circular in cross section, the diameter values above indicate the maximum lateral dimension of the capsule.

[0076] The capsule has a maximum radial cross-sectional area. The area of the capsule relative to the radial cross-sectional area of the section of the smoking article containing the capsule can determine whether the restriction of smoke flow or pressure drop due to the capsule is within acceptable limits. In some aspects, the capsule may be less than 50% of the radial cross-sectional area of the section containing the capsule, e.g., less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, less than 30%, less than 25% , less than 20%, less than 15% or less than 10%. Alternatively, the maximum radial cross-sectional area of the capsule may be less than 65%, less than 60%, or less than 55% of the cigarette section of the filter containing the component. The cross-sectional area of the capsule may be greater than 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% of the filter or smoking article, in combination with any upper limit .

[0077] Alternatively, the maximum radial cross-sectional area of the capsule, expressed as a percentage of the radial cross-sectional area of the section of the smoking article or filter containing the additive release component, may be greater than 50%. The proportion can be less than 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%. Alternatively, the proportion may be greater than 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70 %, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%.

[0078] The invention may comprise filters and smoking articles, particularly cigarettes, in which the maximum radial cross-sectional area of the capsule expressed as a percentage of the radial cross-sectional area of the section containing the capsule lies between the two values described above.

[0079] This range may vary from 15% to 50%, or, in some aspects, from 20% to 35%, or from 30% to 45%, or from 25% to 40%, or from 30% to 40% .

[0080] In particular, when a capsule has the above area in relation to a section of the smoking article containing the capsule, the diameter of that section may be less than 8 mm, less than 7.5 mm, less than 7 mm or less than 6 mm. For example, the section of the smoking article containing the capsule may have a diameter of 5 mm to 6 mm, or 6 mm to 7 mm, or 5 mm to 7.5 mm. Alternatively, the diameter of this section of the smoking article may be greater than 8 mm.

[0081] The capsule may have a maximum lateral cross-sectional area of less than 40 mm2, less than 30 mm2, less than 20 mm2, less than 15 mm2, and in some aspects less than 10 mm2, less than 8 mm2, less than 6 mm2, less than 5 mm2. The lateral cross-sectional area can be greater than 1 mm2, 2 mm2, 3 mm2, 4 mm2, 5 mm2 or 6 mm2, in combination with any upper limit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0082] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0083] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of a smoking article according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0084] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the smoking article illustrated in Figure 1;

[0085] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of a smoking article according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0086] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article illustrated in Figure 3;

[0087] Figure 5a is a plan view of a mold forming a casing for a smoking article in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

[0088] Figure 5b is a plan view of a rod article to which the mold of Figure 6a is applied to form the smoking article in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention;

[0089] Figure 6a is a plan view of a mold for forming a casing for a smoking article according to a fourth embodiment;

[0090] Figure 6b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the smoking article according to the fourth embodiment; It is

[0091] Figure 7 is a schematic flow diagram showing a method of manufacturing a smoking article.

Detailed Description

[0092] Figure 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 may be used, and the term smoking article is used to refer also to cigars or cigarillos, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes, and also tobacco products. non-burning/heating tobacco and aerosol-generating products such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). For convenience, these will be referred to as "smoking articles" in this specification. The term "aerosol" covers smoke, for example tobacco smoke. Such smoking articles may be provided with a filter for the gas stream inhaled by the user.

[0093] The term "smoking article" includes cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, in addition to roll-your-own and make-your-own products.

[0094] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and their shapes, are often named according to the length of the cigarette: "regular" (typically in the range of 68 to 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 of 75 to 91 mm, e.g. about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or " super king" (typically in the range of 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and "ultra-long" (typically in the range of about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

[0095] They are also named according to their 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). So 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, particularly with a circumference of 23 to 25 mm and a total length of from 75 to 91 mm.

[0096] Each format can be produced with filters of different lengths, smaller filters generally being used in formats of smaller lengths and circumferences. Typically, the filter length will be from 15mm, associated with short and regular formats, to 30mm, associated with ultra-long and super-slim formats. The filter paper will be longer than the filter, for example 3 to 10 mm longer.

[0097] The smoking articles and filters described below can be manufactured in any of the above formats. The smoking article may, for example, be 70 to 100 mm long and 14 to 25 mm in circumference.

[0098] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" used herein are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of the main smoke (or other aerosol) extracted through a smoking article in use.

[0099] Here, the units "mm/Wg" refer to millimeters/water pressure (also known as mmH2O). Here, these measurements were performed on individual filter sections.

[0100] The smoking article 10 of the example of Figure 1 comprises a source of smokable material, such as tobacco, connected to a filter arrangement comprising a first filter section 12 and a second filter section 14. The source of material The smokable material is in the form of a tobacco rod 11, which is connected to the first filter section 12.

[0101] The first filter section contains a capsule containing additive 70. Capsule 70 is spherical and has a diameter of 2.8 mm, although other capsule shapes and sizes may be used, and contains a fluid additive that modifies the properties of the main smoke passing through the smoking article 1. The capsule 70 can be manufactured and inserted into the first filter section 12 using existing processes and machines. In the present example, capsule 70 contains menthol flavoring, although other fluids or granular additives may be contained within capsule 70. Capsule 70 may be ruptured by a consumer to release the fluid additive into the absorbent filter material.

[0102] In the present example, the capsule 70 is located in an 'axial region' of the first filter section 12. The capsule 70 may be located so that the center of the capsule is closer to the axis of the smoking article 10 than from the outer periphery of the smoking article 10. In the present example, the capsule 70 is located with its center substantially along said axis. In the present example, the capsule 70 is displaced from the longitudinal center of the first filter section 12. The capsule 70 may, for example, be located within the first filter section 12 at a position of 1 mm to 10 mm from a position longitudinally central within the first filter section 12. The capsule 70 is located within a portion of the first filter section 12, closer to the downstream end of the first filter section 12. The capsule 70 is therefore closer to the second filter section 14 than that of the tobacco rod 11. In particular, the distance between the center of the capsule 70 and the downstream end of the first filter section 12 is less than half the total longitudinal length of the first filter section 12. In In some embodiments, said distance is less than 40%, less than 30%, or less than 25% of the total longitudinal length of the first filter section 12. In the present example, said distance is approximately 30% of the total longitudinal length of the first filter section 12. In alternative embodiments, the capsule 70 may be located longitudinally centrally within the first filter section 12 or closer to the upstream end of the first filter section 1 than the downstream end.

[0103] In use, the tobacco rod 11 of the smoking article 10 is lit by a consumer in the conventional manner and tobacco smoke is removed from the burning charcoal of the tobacco rod 11 through the filter. The channel 28 in the second filter section 14 has a lower resistance to the main smoke passing through the filter than the surrounding tubular filter material and therefore a greater proportion of the main smoke is directed through the channel 28. This, in turn, This time results in a greater main smoke flow in the axial region around the axis of the first filter section 12, in which the capsule 70 is located. When the consumer breaks the capsule 70 before or during smoking of the smoking article 10, the additive contained therein, in the present case menthol, is released in greater concentration in the axial region of the first filter section 12 through which an increased flow of smoke The main smoke is directed as a result of the second filter section 14. Therefore, the increased flow of the main smoke improves the delivery of the smoke modifying additive to the consumer and the smoking article 10 can therefore exhibit an improved delivery of an additive. smoke modifier for a consumer compared to conventional smoking articles.

[0104] The use of the second tubular section 24 at the mouth end of the smoking article 10 allows the capsule 70 to be located closer to the mouth end of the smoking article 10 than would be possible if the first section 12 containing the capsule 70 was at the mouth end of the smoking article 10. This is because the tube separates the first section 12 from the consumer's mouth, preventing the contents of the capsule 70 from coming into contact with the consumer's mouth.

[0105] The second filter section 14 is located downstream of the first filter section 12 and the tobacco rod 11. A ventilation arrangement 17 provides a user-controllable variable level of ventilation into the first filter section 12, such as described in more detail below.

[0106] The resistance to gas flow through the length of the second filter section is less than the resistance to gas 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 reduced resistance of the second filter section 14 results in the first filter section 12 having a greater influence on the overall resistance to gas flow of the filter arrangement. As ventilation is increased to the second filter section 14, a lower resistance path is created for flow through the filter arrangement, thereby significantly reducing the swallowing resistance experienced by the consumer when compared to lower levels of ventilation. . The reduced resistance of the second filter section 14, as compared to the first filter section, therefore increases the change in the consumer's experience of swallowing resistance as the ventilation is changed, providing the consumer with a greater indication sensor that ventilation has changed.

[0107] The smoking article 10 comprises a first part comprising the tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are connected with a coating layer for securing the first filter section to the tobacco rod, which is formed from filter paper. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are referred to as a tobacco unit. The elongated tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 define a longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

[0108] A second part of the smoking article comprises the second filter section 14 and a sleeve 13 that is movable with respect to the first part of the smoking article. The sleeve is in the form of a tube extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 11 and/or the first filter section 12. The tube may be cylindrical. Sleeve 13 is formed from paper. The second filter section 14 is firmly connected and fixed within the sleeve. The first and second filter sections 12,14 each comprise filtration material that is wrapped in a sheet material, which may be paper, e.g. wrapper. The first and second filter sections 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 and separate from the first filter section 12. Alternatively, the first and second filter sections filter are connected.

[0109] The tobacco rod 11 and the first connected filter section 12 are described as connected by tip paper (not shown). Nib paper is a standard nib paper, or a relatively thick recessed nib paper, or a board-type nib paper.

[0110] The smoking article 10 is provided with the ventilation arrangement 17 configured to permit adjustment of a ventilation of the smoking article 10. The ventilation arrangement 17 comprises one or more second ventilation areas 15 in the sleeve 13, upstream of the second filter section 14. The smoking article further comprises one or more first ventilation areas 16 surrounding the first filter section 12. For example, one or more first ventilation areas 16 are defined by a layer(s) of sheet material around the first filter section or around the filtration material of the first filter section. The ventilation arrangement 17 provides ventilation of air to enter the first filter section. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are relative to the direction of smoke passage along the longitudinal axis of the smoking article 10, that is, “downstream” indicates in a direction toward the mouth end of the smoking article 10. smoking 10.

[0111] Ventilation areas 15,16 are formed as ventilation openings or air permeable material. In some embodiments, when the ventilation areas 15 in the sleeve 13 are exposed, air can flow into the body of the smoking article 10. When the second ventilation areas 15 in the sleeve 13 and the corresponding first ventilation areas 16 around of the first filter section 12 are aligned, air can flow into the body of 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 rotating 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 second ventilation area 15 with the first ventilation area. 16. The amount of ventilation depends on the effective ventilation area, which is determined by the overlapping area of the first and second ventilation areas. The ventilation level can be selected by selecting a 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 arrangement 17 provides a variable size of the effective ventilation area by providing a variable inlet of air substantially upstream of the second filter section.

[0112] The first filter section 12 and the 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 homogeneous, and independently, the filtration material of the second filter section is homogeneous. The term “homogeneous” 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 across each of the first and second filter sections. 12,14. At least one physical property of the first homogeneous filter section is different from the second homogeneous filter section.

[0113] The first filter section 12 provides a first resistance to gaseous flow across its length. The resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the first filter section is determined by the filtration material of the first filter section. The resistance to gas flow indicates the pressure required to extract smoke through the length of the first filter section 12 at a given rate. The term “pressure drop” can be used in place of “resistance to gas flow”. The pressure drop can be given in units of water height distance (mmH20). The first filter section has a first pressure drop per unit length, or resistance to gaseous flow per unit length, which is constant in a longitudinal direction across the first filter section 12. The pressure drop per unit length is given per millimeter, that is, in units of mmH20/mm. The first pressure drop per unit length is determined by the filtration material of the first filter section.

[0114] The second filter section 14 provides a second resistance to gaseous flow across its length. The resistance to gas flow through the length of the second filter section is determined by the filtration material of the second filter section 14. The resistance to gas flow through the length of the second filter section 14 defines a second pressure drop. The second pressure drop or resistance to gas flow indicates the pressure required to extract smoke through the length of the second filter section 14 at a given rate. The second resistance to gaseous flow (or pressure drop) per unit length is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction through the second filter section 14. The second filter section 14 may be considered to comprise a filtration material having a second drop of pressure per unit length.

[0115] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the resistance to gas flow through the length of the first filter section 12 is greater than the resistance to gas flow through the length of the second filter section 14. In another aspect, the weight of tow of the second filter section 14 is less than the weight of tow of the first filter section 12. The second density provided by the second filter section 14 is lower than the first density provided by the first filter section 12. Optionally , the first pressure drop across the first filter section 12 is greater than the second pressure drop across the second filter section 14.

[0116] The one or more ventilation areas 15,16 that allow selectable ventilation are upstream of the second filter section 14. The relatively low drag resistance across the length of the filter arrangement downstream of the ventilation area 15 provides a increasing variation in an overall resistance to puffing from the mouth end of the smoking article 10 as ventilation is varied.

[0117] The ventilation arrangement 17 is located substantially upstream of the second filter section 14. Ventilation of a smoking article 10 reduces the swallowing resistance of the mouth end of the smoking article 10. The air intake from ventilation reduces the volume of air drawn across the length of the smoking article 10 upstream of the ventilation areas, reducing the volume of air that is resisted to gas flow upstream of the ventilation areas. Ventilation air enters directly with substantially no resistance, so the overall draft resistance is reduced. In particular, the ingress of air through the ventilation areas 15 reduces the effect of resistance to gaseous flow through the section of the smoking article 10 upstream of the ventilation areas 15. The effect of resistance to gaseous flow through the smoking article 10 downstream of ventilation areas 15 is unaffected by variations in ventilation.

[0118] The relatively low resistance to gas flow provided by the lower density of the second filter section 14 (relative to the first filter section 12) downstream of the vent areas 15 defines a minority of the resistance to gas flow across the entire length of the filter arrangement. Alternatively, the second filter section 14 provides a relatively small contribution to the overall puff resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article 10. The contribution of the one or more sections upstream of the ventilation area 15 to the overall puff resistance is larger by comparison. The air intake reduces the effect of pressure drop or resistance to gas flow through the upstream section only, and the downstream section with a lower resistance to gas flow or pressure drop is not affected by ventilation. Therefore, a relatively large proportion of the overall puffing resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article 10 is affected by changing the ventilation of the smoking article 10. The decrease in density of the second filter section 14 downstream of the ventilation areas 15 increases the proportion of the puff resistance that is affected by the change in ventilation of the smoking article 10. Decreasing the density of the second filter section 15 provides an increase in the effect of an increase in ventilation on the overall puff resistance from the end. of mouth of smoking article 10.

[0119] As the ventilation level is varied, the swallowing resistance of the mouth end of the smoking article 10 also changes. As the amount of ventilation air entering the smoking article 10 increases, the overall puff resistance decreases. The relatively low pressure drop or resistance to gaseous flow through the second filter section 14 (e.g., achieved with a relatively low density of filter material) provides a relatively large change in the overall resistance to swallowing caused by an increase in the level of ventilation. Therefore, as the ventilation level is varied over a user-selectable range, the puffing resistance of the mouth end of the smoking article 10 varies over a relatively large range as a result of the lower density of the second filter section 14. Thus, the variation in the drawing resistance of the mouth end of the smoking article is accentuated as the ventilation is varied. This can give the user a greater sensory indication that the ventilation level has been varied.

[0120] In some examples of the invention, the second filter section has a pressure drop per unit length of less than 5 mmH2O/mm. Alternatively, the second filter section has a pressure drop per unit length of less than a value selected from: 4 mmH2O/mm, 3 mmH2O/mm, 2 mmH2O/mm, 1.5 mmH2O/mm, and 1 mmH2O/mm.

[0121] In some examples of the invention, the first filter section has a pressure drop per unit length of more than 5mmH2O/mm. Alternatively, the first filter section has a pressure drop per unit length of more than a value selected from: 6 mmH2O/mm, 7 mmH2O/mm, 8 mmH2O/mm, 9 mmH2O/mm, 10 mmH2O/mm mm, 11 mmH2O/mm, and 12 mmH2O/mm.

[0122] In some aspects, the pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section is between 1 and 5 mmH2O/mm, and the pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section is between 5 and 15 mmH2O/mm. In some examples, the pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section is less than 5 mmH2O/mm, and the pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section is more than 5 mmH2O/mm. The upstream filter section has a pressure drop per unit length that is greater than the pressure drop per unit length of the downstream filter section. The upstream filter section has a pressure drop per unit length that is greater than any of the exemplary specified values, and a pressure drop per unit length of the downstream filter section is less than any of the exemplary values. specified copies.

[0123] In some examples, the resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the second filter section is less than the first filter section by at least a multiple value selected from one of: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

[0124] For example, the resistance to gas flow across the length of the second filter section is between 2 and 15 times less than across the length of the first filter section. Optionally, the second pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section is between 5 and 12 times smaller than the first pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section.

[0125] In some aspects, the ventilation arrangement 17 is located at a downstream end of the first filter section 12. In some examples, the ventilation arrangement is located less than 10 mm from the downstream end of the first filter section 12 .

[0126] The pressure drop per unit length of the first and second filter sections is determined (at least partially) by the physical structure of the filtration material forming the filter sections. The first and second filter sections may both comprise fibrous material, comprising tow filaments. For a filtration material comprising tow filaments, the pressure drop per unit length can be determined by the amount or number of tow filaments in a particular volume or length. Burlap weight is a measure of the amount of burlap fibers in a given volume. The pressure drop per unit length can also be determined by the cross-section of the tow filaments. For example, tow filaments can have an X-shaped cross-section or a Y-shaped cross-section. The cross-sectional area can also affect the pressure drop per unit length. The weight of the tow can provide an indication of the density of a fibrous material within the filter section. The pressure drop per unit length can also be determined by the amount or degree of pressing (i.e. bending) of the filaments during manufacturing processes. These factors affecting the pressure drop per unit length of the filter sections are known and can be selected to obtain the required pressure drop per unit length for each of the first and second filter sections individually. Thus, the first and second filter sections comprise filtration material that has a physical property determined by a selection other than any one or more of the above characteristics. The first and second filter sections are manufactured using filtration material formed or treated to have the required properties, for example, as above, providing the different pressure drop per unit length for the first and second filter sections.

[0127] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the portion of the smoking article 10 illustrated in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 2, the tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are sized to rotate as a unit in around a longitudinal axis within the sleeve 13. The retaining means (not shown) keeps the first part and the second part in a fixed longitudinal arrangement, and prevents extension of the smoking article 10. Thus, the first part cannot slide longitudinally with respect to the second part, i.e. the sleeve is not longitudinally movable with respect to the tobacco unit.

[0128] The ventilation level can be selected by selecting an angular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12.

[0129] In some examples, the ventilation areas 15 are configured to increase in size non-linearly with respect to the angular position. The ventilation areas 15 are configured so that the level of ventilation has a substantially linear dependence on the angular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12.

[0130] In some aspects, the one or more ventilation areas 15 maintain a fixed longitudinal position relative to the first and second filter sections when the sleeve 13 is rotated relative to the first filter section 12.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the second filter section 14 is firmly connected and fixed within the sleeve 13. Rotation of the second filter section 14 causes a corresponding rotation of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12.

[0132] By selecting a different angular position of the second filter section 14 relative to the first filter section 12, the registration between the ventilation areas 15 in the sleeve 13 and the ventilation areas 16 in the sheet material or casing 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.

[0133] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of a smoking article according to a second embodiment of the invention. The overall arrangement is similar to the example in Figures 1 and 2 described above, the same parts have the same reference numbers, and parts other than those described remain unchanged.

[0134] In the embodiment of Figure 3, the second filter section 24 is formed to have an air passage 28 passing longitudinally through its center. The second filter section 24 and air passage 28 form a tubular filter section extending along the longitudinal axis of the smoking article 20. The second filter section 24 is formed from fibrous filtration material having a section annular transversal. Alternatively, the air passage 28 may pass longitudinally along a non-central path through the second filter section. Optionally, the second filter section may be formed to have a plurality of air passages passing longitudinally therethrough.

[0135] The air passage 28 reduces the resistance to the gas flow through the second filter section 24. The through-length of the second filter section 24 is lower than the resistance to the gas flow through the length of the first filter section 12.

[0136] The dimensions of the second filter section 24 will depend on several factors, such as the desired resistance to swallowing or the second filter section 24 in relation to the first filter section 12, the properties of the filter tow and the level of plasticizer, such as triacetin, added to the filter tow. However, in the examples presented here, the outer circumference of the second filter section is between 15 and 25 mm, for example, between 22 mm and 25 mm, or 23.95 mm. The internal diameter of the air passage 28 is preferably between 1 mm and 7 mm, for example, between 3 mm and 6 mm, or 4.8 mm.

[0137] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article illustrated in Figure 3. As illustrated in Figure 4, the air passage 28 is located to pass longitudinally through the center and the second filter section 24. Alternatively , the air passage 28 may pass longitudinally along a non-central path through the second filter section 24. Optionally, the second filter section 24 may be formed to have a plurality of air passages passing longitudinally therethrough.

[0138] In some embodiments, the pressure drop downstream of the vent arrangement 17 is further reduced by reducing the distance between the mouth end of the smoking article and the one or more vent areas.

[0139] In some examples of the invention, the ventilation areas allow air to enter at a distance from the end of the mouth that is less than 15 mm. Alternatively, the distance from the mouth end of the vent is less than a value selected from: 14 mm, 13 mm, 12 mm, 11 mm and 10 mm.

[0140] Figure 5a is a plan view of a mold 30 that forms a casing for a smoking article in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 5b is a plan view of a rod article 32 to which the mold 30 of Figure 5a is applied to form the smoking article. The smoking article, comprising mold 30, has substantially the same functions as previously described. Features have the same structure and function unless otherwise described.

[0141] The mold 30 is configured to enclose twice only about the entire circumference of the rod article 32. The mold 30 is configured to define two complete layers that extend around the circumference of the rod article 32, and comprises areas to define an inner layer and an outer layer.

[0142] Mold 30 comprises a control element 34 movable in a channel 36, configured to control ventilation and limit movement.

[0143] The control element 34 is circumferentially movable within a limited range. The control element 34 is movable between a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The first engagement surface and the second engagement surface define a circumferentially extending channel 36 in which the control element 34 is movable.

[0144] The control element 34 defines first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b at the ends of the control element in the direction of movement, that is, on the circumferential edge of the control element 34. The contact of the first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 3b of the control element 34 between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface limits the relative rotation between the first and second parts of the smoking article.

[0145] 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 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and/or at an angle with respect to the axis of motion 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.

[0146] The mold 30 comprises the first and second spacing sections 38a, 38b. The first and second spacing sections 38a, 38b are configured to directly attach to and circumscribe the rod articles. The first and second spacing sections 38a, 38b are intended to space a plurality of optional indexing surfaces at a correct radial distance to allow indexing. The first and second spacing sections 38a, 38b are longitudinally spaced from each other.

[0147] The control element 34 is configured to directly overlap one of the spacing sections 38a, 38b. The control element is movable through the spacing section 38a, the spacing section providing a substantially smooth outer surface upon which the control element is easily moved.

[0148] Referring to Figure 5b, the rod article 32 includes a tobacco rod 11, similar to those previously described, and the first and second filter sections 40, 42 downstream of the tobacco rod 11. The second filter section 42 is provided, as a tubular section substantially similar to the second filter section 24 described in connection with the second embodiment, downstream of the first filter section 41 and the tobacco rod 11, at the mouth end of the smoking article. The first filter section 40 is provided between the second filter section 42 and the tobacco rod 11. When the mold 30 is wrapped around the rod article 32, the control element 34 is spaced by the spacing section from the first filter section 40. The first filter section 40 optionally defines a first indexing surface 40a, and thus does not provide a smooth surface for the control element.

[0149] The first and second spacing sections 38a, 38b are optionally connected by a spacer connection 44. The first and second spacing sections 38a, 38b extend circumferentially over the two layers of the first mold 30. The spacer connection 44 is adjacent to a main edge of the first mold 30, that is, the point on the mold 30 first wrapped around the rod article 32.

[0150] The spacer connection 44 and the longitudinally adjacent areas of the spacer sections 38a, 38b are initially attached to the rod article to begin winding the first mold 30, for example, with adhesive. The spacer connection 44 provides the mold 30 to have a single initial attachment area to the rod article 32. The spacer sections 38a, 38b are not attached as independent elongated sections of sheet material, requiring separate attachment to the rod article 32. Thus, connecting the leading edges of the spacing sections 38a, 38b improves the initial attachment of the mold 30 to the rod articles.

[0151] The spacer connection 44 has a track edge 44a to a circumferentially opposite end of the spacer connection 44 to the main edge. The track edge of the spacer connection 44a extends between the first and second spacer sections 38a, 38b. The trailing edge of the spacer connection 44a extends at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

[0152] The control element 34 is formed on a support section 46 of the mold 1401. The control element 34 defines the longitudinally extreme area of the section to which the control element is attached. Thus, the first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b of the control element 34 extend longitudinally beyond the section to which the control element is attached. The support section 44 is connected to the first and second spacing sections with frangible connections. Frangible bonds are lines that extend circumferentially from perforations. The support section 46 extends once around the entire circumference of the smoking article, for example, to form a tube. The control element is curved like a part of this tube.

[0153] The support section 46 optionally supports a second indexing surface 48. In particular, the second indexing surface optionally comprises a tongue 48 formed by a tongue support unit 50, which is connected to the support section 46 The pawl 48 is configured to extend between the first and second spacing sections 38a, 38b, and engage with the first optional indexing surface 40a.

[0154] Support section 46 comprises a leading edge of support section 46a. The main edge of the support section 46a defines the starting point of the support section 46 which is first wrapped around the article rod 32. The main edge of the support section 46a extends at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the article. smoke.

[0155] A trail edge 46b of the support section 46 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

[0156] The spacer connecting track edge 44a, the leading edge of the support section 46a, and the first and second spacing sections 38a, 38b define an opening 52 in the mold 30. The opening 52 provides a space in which the support 46 is movable.

[0157] In some examples, the opening 52 has a circumferential extent that is greater than a circumferential extent of movement of the control element 34. Thus, the main spacer connecting edge 44a does not determine the range of movement of the control element 34 .

[0158] The area of the mold 30 that forms the inner layer, for example, over the first spacing section 38a, comprises a ventilation area 54. In some examples, the ventilation area 54 comprises a single opening. Alternatively, the ventilation area 54 comprises a plurality of discrete permeable areas or openings. For example, openings are formed by electrodrilling (PE).

[0159] 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 covering one or more ventilation areas. The control element 34 is configured to be movable along one or more ventilation areas in a radially adjacent integrally formed portion of the smoking article. The control element 34 is formed from a material that is substantially impervious to air, in particular, paper that is not permeable to air. The control element 34 is configured to cover one or more ventilation areas of the smoking article such that ventilation air cannot enter the smoking article through an area that is covered by the control element 34. control is impervious to air between the first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b. The first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b both define the rotation limits and define the amount of ventilation area that is covered or uncovered.

[0160] 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 the relative movement of the first and second parts of the smoking article between the maximum levels and ventilation minimums.

[0161] In some aspects, the smoking article further comprises a ventilation area 56. For example, the first filter section 40 comprises the additional ventilation area 56. The ventilation area 54 is arranged to at least partially coincide with the additional ventilation area 56. The additional ventilation area 56 comprises a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or openings, for example in a circumferentially extending line. The additional ventilation area 56 can be formed by a laser. Generally, one or more of the ventilation areas 54, 56 comprise a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or openings.

[0162] Figure 6a is a plan view of a mold 60 that forms a casing for a smoking article according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 6b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a smoking article 62 to which the mold 60 of Figure 6a has been applied. The smoking article 62 comprising the mold 60 has substantially the same functions as previously described. Features have the same structure and function unless otherwise described.

[0163] Referring to Figure 6b, the rod article 62 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 the 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 is divided into a first part 12' and a second part 12'' by a cutout 12''', allowing the first part 12' of the first filter section 12 to move relative to the second part 12''.

[0164] The mold 60 is configured to wrap twice, and in the present example only twice, around the entire circumference of the rod article 62. The mold 60 has a first section 60a that surrounds the first rod article 62 forming an inner layer and a second section 60b which then wraps around the first section 60a forming an outer layer. The mold 60 is therefore configured to define two complete layers extending around the circumference of the rod article 62 and comprises areas 60a, 60b for defining an inner layer and an outer layer.

[0165] The first section 60a of the mold 60 comprises a first end portion 60a' connected to the second filter section 14 and 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 60a of the mold 60 also comprises a second end portion 60a'' connected to the second part 12'' of the first filter section 12. The second section 60b of the mold 60 is separated into a first part 60b' and a second part 60b '' by a cut 61.

[0166] The mold 60 comprises, on the first section 60a, a movable control element 64 in a circumferentially extending channel 66, configured to control ventilation and limit movement.

[0167] The control element 64 is circumferentially movable within a limited range. The control element 64 is movable between a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The first engagement surface and the second engagement surface define a circumferentially extending channel 66 in which the control element 64 is movable.

[0168] The control element 64 defines first and second limiting surfaces 64a, 64b on the edges of the control element in the direction of movement, that is, on the circumferential edge of the control element 64. The contact of the first and second limiting surfaces 64a, 64b of the control member 64 with the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the circumferentially extending channel 66 limits the relative rotation between the first and second parts of the smoking article.

[0169] The first and second limiting surfaces 64a, 64b extend at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The first and second engaging surfaces also extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and/or at an angle with respect to the axis of motion 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 64a, 64b.

[0170] A longitudinal movement restraint arrangement 65 comprises a sliding element 67 that is arranged to move between the first and second restraint elements 68a and 68b. The sliding member 67 is connected to the first and second restraint members 68a and 68b with a frangible connection. The breakable connection is a circumferentially extending line of perforations. The part of the mold including the sliding element 67, control element 64, first and second restraining elements 68a and 68b and circumferentially extending channel 66 extends once around the entire circumference of the smoking article, e.g. , to form a tube. The sliding element 67 is connected to the first part 60b' of the second section 60b of the mold 60, together with the first part 60a' of the first section 60a of the mold, and therefore moves, together with the first part 60a' of the first section 60a, the second filter section 14 and the first part 12' of the first filter section 12, relative to the second part 60a'' of the first section 60a of the mold 60 and the second part 12'' of the first filter section 60a filter 12.

[0171] The second section 60b of the mold 60 that forms the outer layer comprises a ventilation area 69' at a location 69 on the mold. In some examples, the ventilation area 69' comprises a single opening. Alternatively, the ventilation area 69' comprises a plurality of discrete permeable areas or openings. For example, openings are formed by electrodrilling (EP). The ventilation area 69' is arranged to align with the channel 66 when the mold 60 is wrapped around the rod article 62.

[0172] The control element 64 has an additional function in controlling the ventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the control element 64 directly controls the ventilation of the smoking article by selectively blocking one or more ventilation areas. The control element 64 is configured to be movable with respect to one or more ventilation areas in a radially adjacent integrally formed portion forming part of the smoking article. The control element 64 is formed from a material that is substantially impervious to air, in particular, paper that is not permeable to air. The control element 64 is configured to move between the ventilation area 69' and the underlying stem article 62 of the smoking article, so that ventilation air cannot enter the smoking article through the channel 66 which is blocked. by the control element 64. The control element is impervious to air between the first and second limiting surfaces 64a, 64b. The first and second limiting surfaces 64a, 64b define both the limits of rotation and define the amount of ventilation area that is covered or uncovered.

[0173] Thus, control element 64 has the dual function of both directly controlling a ventilation level by covering a portion of a ventilation area and limiting the relative movement of the first and second portions of the smoking article between maximum levels and ventilation minimums.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first filter section 12 comprises a flavoring, in the form of botanical particles. However, the first filter section 12 may include other forms of flavoring, such as one or more capsules, a flavoring-loaded filament, flavoring dispersed in filter tow, flavor-impregnated particles, or a sheet material comprising a flavoring. which are upstream of the ventilation area 69'. The level of ventilation in the smoking article 10 controls the dilution of smoke passing through the first part of the smoking article 10 with air entering the smoking article 10 through the ventilation area 69'. Therefore, the ventilation level also controls the dilution of flavored smoke that has passed through the flavorant with unflavored air that enters the smoking article through ventilation area 69'. The flavor level in the smoking article can therefore be increased or decreased.

[0175] In some aspects, the mold 60 further comprises a ventilation area (not shown) at a location 63 in the mold downstream of the variable ventilation arrangement 69'. The additional ventilation area comprises a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or openings, for example in a circumferentially extending line. The additional ventilation area can be formed by a laser. Generally, one or more of the ventilation areas comprise a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or openings. The additional ventilation area provides a constant minimum level of ventilation that is not affected by the variable amount of ventilation from ventilation area 69'. The amount of ventilation provided by the additional ventilation area may be predetermined in the manufacture of the smoking article 10 and is, for example, between 5% to 50% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article that passes through. of the filter section when said variable ventilation is at its minimum level. The variable ventilation arrangement 69', 66 may be arranged to provide ventilation that is controllable by the user within a subrange within the range of from 0% to 90% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said article. smoke passing through the filter section, for example, from 0% to 50% ventilation.

[0176] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a method 100 of manufacturing smoking articles in accordance with the invention. Method 100 comprises forming a first filter section with a first resistance to gaseous flow or pressure drop (step 110). The first filter section is formed from a known filtration material, for example cellulose acetate fibers. A second filter section is produced separately (step 120). The second filter section is also formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The resistance to gas flow through the length of the second filter section is less than the resistance to swallowing through the length of the first filter section. Optionally, the pressure drop of the second filter section is less than the pressure drop of the first filter section.

[0177] The different pressure drop properties of the first and second filter sections are determined during the manufacture of the first and second filter sections. In some aspects, the fibrous filtration material, i.e. tow elements are configured differently for the first and second filter sections. For example, the second filter section is formed with a different tow diameter, more compressed than the first filter section, different cross-section, to obtain the different properties (i.e., lower density). The pressure drop properties of the first and second filter sections are not substantially altered or modified during use of the smoking article.

[0178] In one embodiment, the second filter section is formed with an annular cross section, to obtain a lower density. The first and second filter sections are formed from the same fibrous filtration material, and formed to have different cross sections, so as to obtain the different properties. In some examples, the filter arrangement is formed from a single piece, including the first filter section and the second filter section.

[0179] The first filter section and the second filter section are assembled with one or more additional components to form the filter arrangement of the smoking article (step 130). The first and second filter sections may be longitudinally aligned with a source of smokable material. Any other known filter components may be added to the smoking article. Examples of additional filter components include a third filter section, for example a filter section with particulate matter (e.g. carbon, activated carbon) or an additional hollow section. The first and/or second filter sections may each be considered to comprise one or more discrete filter sections. The filter sections can be considered to be generally upstream and downstream of the variable ventilation area. The one or more upstream filter sections have a greater resistance to gaseous flow than the one or more downstream filter sections.

[0180] Casing material is applied to the smoking article assembly to secure the component parts. The paper wrapper material is high-end paper. Furthermore, the 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.

[0181] The smoking article is configured to allow a selectively variable amount of air to enter upstream of the second filter section. For example, ventilation openings are formed in the outermost layer of the paper wrapper and/or the paper sleeve. The ventilation openings are formed by a mechanical cutting tool or a laser. Ventilation openings are formed in the casing material prior to assembly of the smoking article (i.e., pre-drilled openings) or, optionally, when the smoking article is assembled.

[0182] Ventilation has been described as entering the smoking article upstream of the second filter section, and in particular, into the first filter section. Alternatively, the vent may be at least partially into the second filter section, for example adjacent to an upstream end of the second filter section. A ventilation position for the air inlet that includes both upstream of the second filter section and optionally an upstream portion (e.g., fourth upstream) of the second filter section is referred to as substantially located upstream of the second filter section.

[0183] The properties of filter sections can be defined in terms of any of: pressure drop per unit length, resistance to gas flow per unit length, pressure drop, resistance to gas flow, tow weight, or density. Filter sections can be defined in terms of the filtration material that has a resistance to gas flow, which can be considered to be independent of the length of the filter section.

[0184] The smoking article may comprise one or more ventilation areas that provide a base level of ventilation. Such ventilation areas (not shown) are not variable in size.

[0185] In order to solve various problems and make advances in the art, the entirety of the present specification illustrates by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) can be practiced. ) and provide a superior smoking article. The advantages and characteristics of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to aid understanding and teach the claimed characteristics. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the description are not to be considered limitations of the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations in equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be used 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 described elements, components, devices, parts, steps, means, etc. Additionally, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims (23)

1. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product characterized in that it comprises: a filter arrangement comprising a first filter section (12) and a second filter section (14), the second filter section (14 ) being located downstream of the first filter section (12); and a ventilation arrangement (17) configured to provide a user-controllable level of ventilation in the first filter section (12); wherein the resistance to gas flow through the length of the second filter section (14) is less than a resistance to gas flow through the length of the first filter section (12); and the first filter section (12) comprising filter material and one or more capsules (70) comprising an additive; wherein the circumference of the filter material in the first filter section (12) is 16 mm to 18 mm; and either (i) the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of 4.5 dpf to 10 dpf, or (ii) the filter material has a total denier of 15,000 to 23,000; the circumference of the filter material in the first filter section (12) is 19 mm to 22 mm, and either (i) the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of 4.0 dpf to 5.0 dpf, or (ii) the filter material has a total denier of 25,000 to 35,000; or the circumference of the filter material in the first filter section (12) is 23 mm to 25 mm, and or (i) the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of 3.0 dpf to 5.0 dpf, or (ii) the filter material has a total denier of 30,000 to 40,000. 2. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that the first filter section (12) has a first tow weight of fibrous filtration material, and the second section filter (14) has a second tow weight of fibrous filtration material; and the second weight of fibrous filtration material tow is less than the first weight of fibrous material tow. 3. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section (12) is greater than 5 mm H2O/mm, and the pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section (14) is less than 5 mm H2O/mm. 4. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resistance to gas flow through the second filter section (14) is more than 15 times less than the resistance to gas flow through the first filter section (12). 5. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first filter section (12) is formed from a first homogeneous filtration material, and the second filter section (14) is formed from a second homogeneous filtration material. 6. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second filter section (14) is separate from the first filter section, and/or movable relative to the first filter section (12) to control ventilation to the first filter section (12). 7. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises a sleeve (13) configured to move relative to the first filter section (12 ), wherein the second filter section (14) is fixed inside the sleeve (13), and the ventilation level is varied by changing a position of the sleeve (13) in relation to the first filter section (12). 8. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sleeve (13) can rotate relative to the first filter section (12), and the Ventilation level is varied by changing an angular position of the sleeve (13) relative to the first filter section (12). 9. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first filter section (12) has a length of 5 to 25 mm, the second section of filter (14) has a length of 5 to 25 mm, and/or the ventilation arrangement (17) provides ventilation air at 6 to 35 mm from a mouth end of the smoking article. 10. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first and second filter sections (12, 14) comprise tow filaments, and the first filter section (12) differs from the second filter section (14) by one or more of the following: weight of the tow, number of tow filaments in unit volume, cross section of the tow filaments and degree of compression. 11. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second filter section (14) comprises at least one air passage (28) which extends longitudinally through its length. 12. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product, according to claim 11, characterized in that the air passage (28) has a diameter between 1 and 7 mm. 13. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second filter section (14) comprises fibrous filtration material formed having an annular cross section. 14. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the second filter section (14) comprises a tube of fibrous filtration material and the passage of air (28) extends along a central longitudinal axis along the length of the second filter section (14). 15. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that the capsule or capsules (70) contain flavorings. 16. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the flavoring is liquid. 17. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product, according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by the fact that the pressure drop of the first filter section (12), before rupture of the capsule (70 ), is 85 mm/Wg to 100 mm/Wg. 18. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the circumference of the filter material of the first filter section (12) is 14 mm to 28 mm, from 16 mm to 18 mm, from 19 mm to 22 mm or from 23 mm to 25 mm. 19. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the capsules (70) have a breaking strength of 14 N to 18 N. 20. Smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the capsules (70) are spherical and have a diameter of 2.7 mm to 3.1 mm. 21. Filter for the smoking article (10) or aerosol generating product, as defined in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a filter arrangement comprising a first filter section (12) and a second filter section ( 14), the second filter section (14) being located downstream of the first filter section (12); and a ventilation arrangement (17) configured to provide a user-controllable level of ventilation in the first filter section; wherein a resistance to gas flow through the length of the second filter section (14) is less than a resistance to gas flow through the length of the first filter section (12); and the first filter section (12) comprising filter material and one or more capsules (70) comprising additive, wherein the circumference of the filter material in the first filter section (12) is 16 mm to 18 mm; and either (i) the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of 4.5 dpf to 10 dpf, or (ii) the filter material has a total denier of 15,000 to 23,000; the circumference of the filter material in the first filter section (12) is 19 mm to 22 mm, and either (i) the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of 4.0 dpf to 5.0 dpf, or (ii) the filter material has a total denier of 25,000 to 35,000; or the circumference of the filter material in the first filter section (12) is 23 mm to 25 mm, and or (i) the fibers of the filter material have a fiber denier of 3.0 dpf to 5.0 dpf, or (ii) the filter material has a total denier of 30,000 to 40,000. 22. Filter according to claim 21, characterized in that the second filter section (14) comprises a tube of fibrous filtration material with an air passage (28) extending longitudinally through the length of the second section of filter. 23. Filter, according to claim 21 or claim 22, characterized by the fact that one or more capsules (70) are incorporated in the filter material.