ES2968037T3 - A smoking item and a cigarette holder - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a smoking article (1) comprising a rod portion (2) of the smoking article having a recess (13) and a mouthpiece (71, 91, 101) attachable to the rod portion. rod of the smoking article comprising an elongated cylindrical element (20). arranged to be inserted into the gap by a user. The cylindrical member comprises an outer surface having at least one raised area (73, 103), and at least one raised area is arranged to engage with an inner surface of the recess to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical member within the recess. The at least one raised area is arranged to provide less resistance to movement of the cylindrical element inside the gap than outside the gap. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

A smoking item and a cigarette holder

Technical field

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

Background

Cigarettes and other smoking items produce an aerosol, smoke in the case of cigarettes, which is inhaled by the user. Smoking article filters are used to modify the aerosol before it reaches the user's mouth. Filters known in the art for this purpose can be formed from a plug of fibrous cellulose acetate or other materials with similar physical properties.

To improve the removal of certain components from smoke, various additives can be added to the filters of the smoking article. Examples include smoke adsorbents, such as activated carbon, which adsorbs certain smoke components thereby removing them from the smoke stream passing through the filter. In addition to removing smoke components, filter additives can impart characteristics to smoke or other aerosols that pass through the filter. For example, fragrances and flavorings can be incorporated into the filter that alter the aroma and flavor characteristics of the aerosol.

WO2013/000967 relates to a smoking article filter comprising a recess for receiving a filter insert unit. EP1754419 relates to a smoking article comprising a column of smokeable material in axial alignment with a liquid release device.

EP1754419 describes a smoking article, wherein the mouthpiece acts as a smoke modifier delivery device. Upon activation by the smoker, by pushing the moving element of the device to its final condition, the release of the smoke modifying agent from a capsule takes place in a controlled manner, ideally immediately before the article is smoked.

Summary

According to the invention, there is provided a mouthpiece attachable to a column portion of a smoking article, the mouthpiece comprising an elongated cylindrical element formed of plastic as a hollow tube arranged to be inserted into a corresponding recess of the column portion. of the smoking article by a user, wherein the cylindrical member comprises an outer surface having at least one raised area and the at least one raised area is arranged to engage with an inner surface of the recess to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical member within the recess and wherein the at least one raised area is arranged to provide less resistance to movement of the cylindrical member into the recess than outward from the recess, wherein the at least one raised area is embossed on an outer surface. of the cylindrical element.

The cylindrical element may comprise first and second adjacent portions, each of which extends partially along the length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being arranged to be inserted into the recess by a user, and an annular element arranged to be inserted into the recess by a user. around the second portion of the cylindrical element, the annular element having an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the recess.

The annular element may comprise a casing that forms at least part of the outer surface of the annular element.

The inner diameter and/or length of the recess and the outer diameter and/or length of the cylindrical member may be arranged to substantially correspond so that at least a portion of the cylindrical member may be received within the recess and substantially fill it.

The cylindrical element may comprise a smoke modifying additive. The smoke modifying additive may be distributed throughout the cylindrical element and/or annular element, the smoke modifying additive may be contained within at least one frangible capsule, the smoke modifying additive may comprise a botanical additive, the smoke modifying additive It may comprise an adsorbent and/or the additive may be loaded into a thread extending through the cylindrical element and/or annular element.

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

The cylindrical element may comprise a casing that forms at least part of the outer surface of the cylindrical element.

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

The at least one raised area may have a first section with a relatively steep inclination as it rises against the outer surface of the cylindrical element and a second section with a relatively shallow inclination as it rises against the surface. exterior of the cylindrical element and wherein the second section can be arranged to be in front of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.

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

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

The at least one raised area may comprise at least one circumferentially extending raised area configured to engage an inner surface of the corresponding recess to prevent or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical member.

The cylindrical element may further comprise an outer surface having at least one circumferentially extending raised area configured to engage with an inner surface of the corresponding recess to prevent or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical element.

The cylindrical element may comprise a wrapper that forms at least part of the outer surface of the cylindrical element and wherein the at least one circumferentially extending raised area may be formed by embossing the wrapper.

The circumferentially extending raised area may extend around substantially the entire circumference of the cylindrical member.

Furthermore, according to the invention, there is provided a smoking article comprising a mouthpiece as defined above and the column portion of the smoking article having a recess.

Also according to the invention, there is provided a method of forming a nozzle as defined above, comprising forming a wrapping material having the at least one raised area disposed thereon, forming an elongated cylinder of filter material and wrapping the material of wrapping around the elongated cylinder of filter material.

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

Brief description of the drawings

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

Figure 1a is a cross-sectional side view of a smoking article including a column portion of the smoking article and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit, separated from the column portion of the smoking article;

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

Figure 2a is a cross-sectional side view of the smoking article of Figure 1a with the filter unit attached to the column portion of the smoking article;

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

Figures 3(a) to 3(d) are cross-sectional side views of respective mouthpieces, in these examples filter units, containing various smoke modifying additives for use with the smoking article illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a column portion of the smoking article and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit, separated from the column portion of the smoking article and in which the filter unit comprises at least one raised area for maintaining the filter unit in engagement with the column portion of the smoking article;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a column portion of the smoking article and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit, separated from the column portion of the smoking article and in which The filter unit comprises at least one raised area that extends circumferentially. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a column portion of the smoking article and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit, separated from the column portion of the smoking article and in which The filter unit comprises both the at least one raised area illustrated in Figure 4 and the at least one circumferentially extending raised area illustrated in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a column portion of the smoking article and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit, separated from the column portion of the smoking article and in which the filter unit comprises at least one raised area extending circumferentially to maintain the filter unit in engagement with the column portion of the smoking article;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit, having an offset cylindrical element, for use with the smoking article illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a smoking article including a column portion of the smoking article and two of the filter units of Figure 8 connected to the column portion of the smoking article;

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a nozzle, in the present example a filter unit, as described herein;

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

Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming the cylindrical element of the filter unit described with reference to Figure 5.

Detailed description

As used herein, the term "smoking article" includes smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also products that no-burn (HnB) and other nicotine delivery products, such as aerosol generating devices, including e-cigarettes. The smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gas flow drawn in by the smoker.

Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and their formats, are often named according to the length of the cigarette: "normal" (usually in the range of 68 - 75 mm, for example from around 68 mm to around 72 mm), "short " or "mini" (68 mm or less), "medium" (usually in the range of 75 - 91 mm, for example from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or "extra long" (usually in the range of 91 -105 mm, for example from around 94 mm to around 101 mm) and "ultra-long" (generally in the range of around 110 mm to around 121 mm).

They are also called according to the circumference of the cigarette: "normal" (about 23 - 25 mm), "wide" (more than 25 mm), "fine" (about 22 - 23 mm), "semi-fine" (about 19 - 22mm), "superfine" (about 16 -19mm) and "microfine" (less than about 16mm). Accordingly, a medium format, super slim cigarette will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. Many customers prefer cigarettes in medium, normal format, that is, with a circumference of 23 to 25 mm and a total length of 75 to 91 mm.

Each format can be produced with filters of different lengths, with smaller filters generally being used in formats of smaller lengths and circumferences. Generally, the filter length will be approximately 15 mm, associated with short, normal formats, up to 30 mm, associated with ultra-long, super-fine formats. The tipping paper will have a longer length than the filter, for example 3 to 10 mm longer, so that the tipping paper covers the filter and overlaps the tobacco column to connect the filter to the tobacco column.

The smoking articles described herein can be manufactured in any of the above formats.

Figure 1a is a cross-sectional side view of a smoking article 1 including a column portion 2 of the smoking article, also called an aerosol generating portion, and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit 3 separated from the column portion 2 of the smoking article and that a user can set to column portion 2 of the smoking article. Figure 1b is a perspective view of the smoking article 1 shown in Figure 1a. In the present example, the column portion 2 of the smoking article has the normal medium size format, that is, it has a length in the range of 75 to 91 mm and a circumference in the range of 23 to 25 mm. In particular, the length of the column portion 2 of the smoking article is 83 mm and has a circumference of 24.6 mm in the present example. The smoking article 1 is a cigarette and the column portion 2 of the smoking article includes a column 4 of tobacco wrapped in a wrapping material 5, in this case cigarette paper. The column portion 2 of the smoking article includes a filter 6 at its mouth end comprising a first section 7 located at the tobacco column end of the filter 6. The first filter section 7 is, in the present example, formed from a cellulose acetate tow 8 wrapped in a first plug wrapper 9. The filter 6 also includes a second section 10 located downstream of the first section 7 and comprising a tubular element 11 wrapped in a second plug wrapper 12. The tubular member 11 is, in the present example, open at the mouth end of the column portion 2 of the smoking article and defines a recess or cavity 13 at that end. A mouth end surface 16 of the tubular member 11 is exposed at the mouth end of the column portion 2 of the smoking article. The tobacco column 4 and the first and second filter sections 7, 10 are connected by a mouthpiece material 14 that overlaps the first and second filter sections 7, 10 and that partially overlaps the wrapper material 5. In other embodiments, the first and second filter sections 7, 10 and any other sections forming the filter 6, may be connected to each other using an additional plug wrap (not shown), prior to connection of the filter 6 to the column 4 of tobacco using the mouthpiece material 14.

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

The annular element 21 is arranged around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20. The annular element 21 has an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the recess 13. In the present example, the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20 extends from a mouth end of the cylindrical element 20 and ends at the intermediate position 22 along along the length of the cylindrical element 20. A surface 23 of the annular member 21 is exposed at the end of the annular member 21 arranged to face the column portion 2 of the smoking article in use and abuts the end surface of the mouth 16 of the tubular member 11 when the unit Filter 3 is attached to column portion 2 of the smoking article, as described below.

The first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20 is arranged to be inserted into a recess of a smoking article, in the present case into the recess 13 formed by the tube section 11. The inner diameter and/or length of the recess 13 and the outer diameter and/or length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20 are arranged to substantially correspond so that the first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20 can be received within and filled substantially the recess 13. For example, the internal diameter and/or length of the recess 13 may be substantially the same as the external diameter and/or length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20. In practice, the correspondence between the dimensions of the recess 13 and those of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 will depend on the materials used to form these components and the desired tightness of the fit between them. It is probably preferable that the dimensions of the recess be slightly larger than the dimensions of the first portion 20a, to facilitate insertion of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13.

In the example of Figures 1a and 1b, the recess 13 has an internal diameter of 5.10 mm and the cylindrical element 20 has an external diameter of 5.03 mm. In alternative examples, the internal diameter of the recess 13 and the external diameter of the cylindrical element 20 may have other values, for example diameters in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm. In the example of Figures 1a and 1b, the recess 13 has an internal length of 6 mm and the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has a length of 6 mm. In alternative examples, the internal length of the recess 13 and the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 may have other values, for example lengths in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm.

In the present example, the annular element 21 is attached to the cylindrical element 20 using an adhesive (not shown). The annular member 21 may be secured to the cylindrical member 20 by means other than an adhesive, for example by mechanical means such as a friction fit or other locking arrangement.

In use, the smoking article 1 is provided to users with the filter unit 3 and the column portion 2 of the smoking article as separate components. Before a user first uses the column portion 2 of the smoking article, the filter unit 3 can be attached to the column portion 2 of the smoking article by inserting the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 The first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the opening of the recess 13 and is pushed into the recess 13 until the surface 23 of the annular element 21 abuts the mouth end surface 16 of the tubular element 11, preventing further movement. insertion. The user can select whether or not to attach the filter unit 3 to the column portion 2 of the smoking article before smoking the smoking article 1 and can thus control the length of the filter of the smoking article 1 and therefore the filtration level of the aerosol generated by smoking item 1.

Figure 2a is a cross-sectional side view of the smoking article 1 of Figures 1a and 1b with the filter unit 3 fixed to the column portion 2 of the smoking article. Figure 2b is a perspective view of the same smoking article 1 with the filter unit 3 fixed to the column portion 2 of the smoking article.

In the present example, the cylindrical element 20 comprises a fibrous filtration material 25 and is circumferentially wrapped in a wrapper 26, in the present case a plug wrapper material, leaving its longitudinal ends unwrapped. In alternative embodiments, the cylindrical element 20 may be formed in other ways. Alternatively, the cylindrical member 20 may be formed from other fibrous materials and may be arranged to have a different construction. The cylindrical element 20 according to the invention is formed of plastic as a hollow tube. The cylindrical element 20 also need not be wrapped in a wrapper, but could be formed, for example, without a wrapper such as a non-wrapped acetate (NWA) plug formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filtration material 25 may comprise cellulose acetate fibers and/or other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate). (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers.

In the present example, the annular element 21 comprises a fibrous filtration material 27, formed in the form of a tube and circumferentially wrapped in a wrapper 28, in the present case a plug wrapper material, leaving its longitudinal ends unwrapped. In alternative embodiments, the annular element 21 may be formed in other ways. For example, the annular element 21 may alternatively be formed from other fibrous materials. The annular element 21 also need not be wrapped in a wrapper, but could be formed, for example, without a wrapper such as a non-wrapped acetate (NWA) tube formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filtration material 27 may comprise cellulose acetate fibers and/or other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate). (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers. Alternatively, the annular member 21 may be formed from a sheet material, such as tipping paper, wrapped around the cylindrical member 20 to form one or multiple layers of the sheet material around the cylindrical member 20. Alternatively, the annular member 21 may be formed of plastic or other molded material.

The cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 may contain a filter plasticizer. Filter plasticizers work by softening the fibrous filter material from which a filter element is constructed so that the individual fibers can lock together to form a more rigid structure. A filter plasticizer such as glycerin triacetate, also called triacetin, can be used, for example, in the cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 when these elements are formed from a fibrous filter material such as cellulose acetate. . A higher level of plasticizer than is typically used in a filter element may be used to provide additional firmness to either component. For example, more than 7%, more than 10%, more than 12% or more than 15% plasticizer may be used in any of the components, by weight of the fibrous filtration material used.

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

The cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 may comprise an aerosol modifying additive.

Figures 3a to 3d are cross-sectional side views of the respective nozzles, in the present example filter units 30, 40, 50, 60, which can be used as alternative nozzles to the filter unit 3 described with reference to Figures 1a , 1b, 2a and 2b. The filter units 30, 40, 50, 60 of Figures 3a to 3d are generally similar in construction to the filter unit 3 of Figure 1a and the same reference numerals are used to indicate equivalent characteristics.

In the filter unit 30 of Figure 3a, the fibrous filtration material 25 of the cylindrical element comprises particles of an aerosol modifying additive 31 disposed therein. The aerosol modifying additive 31 is, in the present example, activated carbon. However, other additives may be used, such as non-carbon adsorbents or flavoring additives. For example, the additive may be a botanical additive. The botanical additive may, where permitted by local regulations, comprise at least one plant material selected from licorice, hydrangea, Japanese whitebark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, Japanese mint, anise seed, cinnamon, grass, wintergreen , spearmint, spearmint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, geranium, vanilla, cassia, caraway, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, ginger, anise and coriander.

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

In the filter unit 40 of Figure 3b, the fibrous filtration material 25 of the cylindrical element 20 comprises a frangible capsule 41 inserted therein containing a liquid payload comprising a flavoring, such as menthol. The frangible capsule 41 is located at the intermediate position 22 between the first and second portions 20a, 20b of the cylindrical element and therefore lies below the end of the annular element 21 at that location. The user can squeeze the end of the annular element 21 to cause pressure to be exerted on the capsule so that it ruptures to release the flavoring contained therein to thereby modify the aerosol drawn through the filter unit 40.

In the filter unit 50 of Figure 3c, the fibrous filtration material 25 of the cylindrical element 20 comprises an elongated aerosol modifying element 51 inserted therein. In the present example, the elongated aerosol modifier element 51 comprises a thread loaded with a flavoring such as menthol. The flavorant loaded on thread 51 is released as the aerosol passes through filter unit 50.

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

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

In addition or as an alternative to the feature of the filter units described herein, the wrapper surrounding the cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 of the filter units described herein may comprise an additive such as menthol. or chili flavor, to provide additional flavor, aroma and/or other sensory characteristics to the filter units.

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

In the present example, the raised portions 73 are generally triangular in shape in both plan view and longitudinal cross-sectional view, although other shapes may be used. The raised areas 73 are provided at approximately half the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element, which in the present case is in a region of approximately 3 mm of the annular element 21. However, the raised areas 73 may alternatively be provided at other locations around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20.

The raised areas 73 are arranged to provide resistance to movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 within the recess 13. The raised areas 73 may also have the effect of centering the first portion 20a in the recess and providing a cushion between the element cylindrical and recess to accommodate any inaccuracies in the dimensions of any of the components caused by tolerances in the manufacturing of any of the components. The raised areas 73 are arranged to provide less resistance to movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20 into the recess 13 than out of the recess 13. This is achieved, in the present example, by the raised area 73 which has a first section 73a with a relatively steep inclination as it rises against the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised area 73 and a second section 73b with a relatively shallow inclination as rises against the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised area 73. The second section 73b is arranged to be directed in the direction of movement of the cylindrical element 20 towards the interior of the recess 13. The second section 73b is arranged to be in front of the first section 73a when the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the recess 13. In particular, the second section 73b is closer to the end of the first portion 20a opposite the annular element 21 than the first section 70a. Therefore, the raised area 73 provides a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when inserting the first portion 20a into the recess 13. The first section 73a is arranged to face in the direction of movement of the element 20 cylindrical outside the recess 13. In particular, the first section 73a is closer to the end of the first portion 20a adjacent to the annular element 21. Therefore, the raised area 73 provides a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 by retracting the first portion 20a out of the recess 13.

In the present example, the raised areas 73 also have a wider circumferential extent in the first section 73a compared to the second section 73b, again providing greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when removing the cylindrical element 20 compared to the insertion of the cylindrical element 20. In the present example, the circumferential extent of the raised areas 73 in the first section 73a is approximately 3 mm and in the second section 73b is approximately 0.5 mm, although other dimensions can be used.

In the present example, the at least one raised area 73 is formed by embossing the envelope 72 that forms the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. However, alternative arrangements are possible that are not in accordance with the present invention. For example, the raised area 73 may be formed using an added material such as varnish, lacquer, adhesive or equivalent or by a projection of plastic, paper or other material that adheres to the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. Additionally, any form of raised portion 73 may be used that provides greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 upon removal of the cylindrical member 20 compared to insertion of the cylindrical member 20.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 80 including a column portion 2 of the smoking article and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit 81, separated from the column portion 2 of the smoking article . The filter unit 81 comprises at least one raised area 83 that extends circumferentially. The smoking article 80 of Figure 5 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and the same reference numerals are used to indicate equivalent characteristics. The filter unit 81 comprises a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those described above. However, the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83 arranged to engage with an inner surface of the recess 13. In the present example, a first and second areas 83a are provided , 83b elevated extending circumferentially, spaced longitudinally. However, in alternative embodiments, a single raised area 83 may be provided that extends circumferentially or more than two may be provided.

The first and second circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b each extend continuously around the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20. In particular, the circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b extend around substantially the entire circumference of the cylindrical element 20, in the present example forming bands or rings around the cylindrical element 20. However, other arrangements are possible, such as circumferentially extending raised areas that extend around some, but not all, of the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 or areas that have other patterns such as a spiral configuration.

The first and second circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b each prevent or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. This is achieved by causing the circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b to form a seal between the outer surface of the cylindrical element and the inner surface of the recess 13, pressing against the inner surface of the recess 13. Preventing or restricting air flow between The inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 may help prevent or restrict external air from entering the smoking article 80 between the filter 6 of the column portion 2 of the smoking article and the filter unit 83 . Additionally, preventing or restricting air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 may help prevent or restrict the aerosol formed by the column portion 2 of the smoking article from passing through the element. 20 cylindrical and/or the annular element 21 when passing between the two.

The circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b can be formed by embossing the envelope 82 that forms the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. In the present example, the circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b have a height of 1 mm above the surface of the cylindrical element 20 and have a width of 1 mm. However, other dimensions can be used, such as between 0.5 mm and 10 mm wide and between 0.5 mm and 5 mm high. Furthermore, in the present example, the first and second circumferentially extending raised areas 83a, 83b are separated by a space of 2 mm between them, although another space may be used, such as between 1 mm and 20 mm depending on the size and the configuration of the cylindrical element 20. The circumferentially extending raised areas 83 are provided at approximately half the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element, which in the present case is in a region of approximately 3 mm of the annular element 21. However, the circumferentially extending raised portions 83 may alternatively be disposed at other locations around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article 90 including a column portion 2 of the smoking article and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit 91, separated from the column portion 2 of the smoking article and wherein the filter unit 91 comprises both the at least one raised area 73 as described with reference to Figure 4 and the at least one raised area 83 extending circumferentially as described with reference to Figure 5. The smoking article 90 of Figure 6 is generally similar in construction to smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and the same reference numerals are used to indicate equivalent characteristics. The at least one raised area 73 is provided on the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 further away from the annular element 21 than the at least one raised area 83 that extends circumferentially. In particular, in the present example, four raised areas 73 spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical element 20 and spaced approximately 4 mm from the annular element 21 are provided. First and second circumferentially extending raised areas 83 are provided, spaced approximately 2 mm from the annular element 21. Raised areas 73 and circumferentially extending raised areas 83 may be formed by embossing the envelope 92 that forms the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a smoking article 100 including a column portion 2 of the smoking article and a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit 101 separated from the column portion 2 of the smoking article and wherein the filter unit 101 comprises at least one raised area 103 that extends circumferentially to maintain the filter unit 101 in engagement with the column portion 2 of the smoking article. The smoking article 100 of Figure 7 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and the same reference numerals are used to indicate equivalent characteristics. The at least one circumferentially extending raised area 103 has the combined functions of the at least one raised area 73 described with reference to Figure 4 and the at least one circumferentially extending raised area described with reference to Figure 5. In In particular, the circumferentially extending raised area 103 is formed to have a front section 103b with a relatively shallow inclination as it rises against the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised area 103. and a rear section 103a with a relatively steep inclination as it rises against the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised area 103. Therefore, the circumferentially extending raised area 103 provides a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when inserting the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 and a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the surface interior of the recess 13 by removing the cylindrical element 20 out of the recess 13. In addition, the circumferentially extending raised area 103 also acts to prevent or restrict air flow between the interior surface of the recess 13 and the exterior surface of the cylindrical element 20 .

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a mouthpiece, in the present example a filter unit 110, having an offset cylindrical element 20, for use with the smoking articles described herein. The filter unit 110 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 111. The cylindrical element 20 is substantially the same as the cylindrical elements 20 described above. However, in the present example, the annular member 111 is disposed around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical member 20 and also extends beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical member 20. The annular element 111, in the present example, has the same longitudinal length as the cylindrical element 20. In particular, in the present example, both the cylindrical element 20 and the annular element 21 have a length of 13 mm. The intermediate position 22 is 6 mm along the length of the cylindrical element 20 from the insertion end, as described above and therefore the annular element 21 extends 6 mm beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20 . The annular element 111 is wrapped in a wrapper 112, such as tipping paper. Therefore, the filter unit 110 of Figure 8 has a recess 113 at its mouth end, which can receive the first portion 20a of a cylindrical element 20 of a filter unit as described herein.

The filter unit 110 of Figure 8 can be adapted to include any of the features of the filter units of Figures 3a to 3d. Therefore, a user can select a first filter unit 110 as illustrated in Figure 8, but including an aerosol modifying additive and attach it to a smoking article column portion 2 as described herein. The user may then select an additional second filter unit, selected from any of the filter units described herein, and attach that filter unit to the first filter unit 110. This allows a user to achieve the properties, such as filtration and aerosol modification properties, of multiple filter units that can be connected to the same column portion 2 of the smoking article.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a smoking article 120 including a column portion 2 of the smoking article and a first 110a and a second 110b of the filter units 110 of Figure 8, connected to the portion 2 column of the article for smoking. The smoking article 120 of Figure 9 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and the same reference numerals are used to indicate equivalent characteristics.

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a nozzle, in the present example a filter unit, as described herein. In a first step (S101), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed having first and second adjacent portions, the first portion being arranged to be inserted into a corresponding recess in a smoking article. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter column former in which filter tow is supplied from a supply of the filter to a packing section of the former in which it is compressed into a column and wrapped in a wrapper such as a plug wrapper. The cap wrapper may be provided with embossed raised areas forming raised areas 73 and circumferentially extending raised areas 83 as described herein. The cylinder can be cut to its final length on the filter column former or to lengths that are multiples of its desired final length, which can be cut to size when combined with the annular element 21. In a second step (S102) an annular element 21 is applied around the second portion 20b of the elongated cylinder formed in step S101. For example, the annular element 21 may be formed by wrapping a sheet material around the cylinder or by sliding a tubular filter section over the cylinder. In each case, the annular element 21 can be adhered to the outer surface of the cylindrical element using an adhesive.

Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming the cylindrical element of the filter unit 71 as described herein with reference to Figure 4. In a first step (S201), a material of envelope having at least one raised area disposed thereon. For example, a sheet-like wrapping material, such as a cap wrapper, may be embossed or otherwise provided with at least one raised area disposed thereon. In a second step (S202), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed, for example using a filter column former. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter column former in which filter tow is supplied from a supply of filter tow to a packing section of the former in which it is compressed into a column. In a third step (S203), the wrapping material is wrapped around the elongated cylinder of filter material. The filter material cylinder can be cut to its final length in the filter column former or to lengths that are multiples of its desired final length, which can be cut to size at a later stage.

Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming the cylindrical element of the filter unit 81 as described herein with reference to Figure 5. In a first step (S301), a material of envelope having at least one raised area that extends circumferentially disposed thereon. For example, a sheet-like wrapper material, such as a stopper wrapper, may be embossed or otherwise provided with the at least one circumferentially extending raised area disposed thereon. In a second step (S302), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed, for example using a filter column former. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter column former in which filter tow is supplied from a supply of filter tow to a packing section of the former in which it is compressed into a column. In a third step (S303), the wrapping material is wrapped around the elongated cylinder of filter material. The filter material cylinder can be cut to its final length in the filter column former or to lengths that are multiples of its desired final length, which can be cut to size at a later stage.

The smoking articles described herein provide users with the ability to modify the characteristics of the smoking article before or during use of the smoking article. Any of the filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 described herein can be attached to any of the column portions 2 of the smoking article. For example, a user may be supplied with one or more smoking article column portions 2 and a selection of filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 to be supplied. They can be selectively attached to 2 column portions by the user as desired.

Although certain arrangements for the filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 and the column portions 2 of the smoking article have been described herein, alternative designs are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the annular element 21 of the respective filter unit 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 may be omitted and a filter unit may be provided that comprise only the cylindrical element 20. In this case, the cylindrical element 20 may comprise both the first and second portions 20a, 20b or only the first portion 20a arranged to receive within the recess 13. Nozzles other than the filter units described herein may be used, for example a tubular nozzle with an axial flow path therethrough, formed from a material such as plastic (polyvinyl chloride or other similar polymeric material), paper or cardboard. Mouthpieces that do not perform a filtration function or that provide a limited filtration function may be provided for use in non-combustible smoking articles such as heated without burning (HnB) products and other nicotine delivery products such as generation devices. aerosols including electronic cigarettes. Such nozzles could, for example, comprise the same structure and materials as the filter units described herein. Furthermore, although the column portions 2 of the smoking article have been described as having first and second filter sections 7, 10, they may alternatively include only the first filter section 7 or additional filter sections in addition to the first and second sections. 7, 10 filter. For example, the column portions 2 of the smoking article described herein may comprise an additional third filter section at the end of the tobacco column of the filter 6, this third section comprising an adsorbent such as dispersed activated carbon. in her. Furthermore, the column portions 2 of the smoking article need not include the second filter section 10 and may instead have a recess 13 at the mouth end of the column portion 2 of the smoking article formed by a rigid wrapper. of plug or mouthpiece material. In this case, the corresponding filter units would be adapted to fit this alternative recess arrangement.

Embossing to form the raised areas 73, 83, 103 on their respective wrappers has been described herein. Such wrappers may be embossed between a pair of cooperating rollers in a suitable manner to form the raised areas 73, 83, 103. Multiple wrappers can be embossed simultaneously and in parallel between the rollers.

To address various problems and advance the art, the entirety of this description sets forth by way of illustration several examples in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and smoking articles and units provided. of upper filter. The advantages and features of the description are only a representative sample of examples and are not exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented solely to help understand and teach the claimed features. It should be understood that advantages, examples, examples, functions, characteristics, structures and/or other aspects of the description are not to be considered limitations of the description as defined in the claims and that other examples may be used and modifications may be made without departing of the scope of the description.

Claims (15)

1. A mouthpiece (3) attachable to a column portion of a smoking article (1), the mouthpiece comprising an elongated cylindrical element (20) formed of plastic as a hollow tube arranged to be inserted into a recess ( 13) corresponding to the column portion of the article for smoking by a user; wherein the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised area (73), and the at least one raised area is arranged to engage with an inner surface of the recess to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical element within the recess and wherein the at least one raised area is arranged to provide less resistance to movement of the cylindrical member into the recess than out of the recess, wherein the at least one raised area is embossed on an outer surface of the cylindrical element. 2. A mouthpiece (3) according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical element (20) comprises a smoke modifying additive (31, 63). 3. A nozzle (3) according to claim 2, wherein: the smoke modifier additive (31, 63) is distributed throughout the cylindrical element (20); wherein the smoke modifying additive is contained within at least one frangible capsule (41); wherein the smoke modifying additive comprises a botanical additive; wherein the smoke modifying additive comprises an adsorbent; I wherein the additive is loaded into a thread (51) that extends through the cylindrical element. 4. A nozzle (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one raised area (73) has a first section (73a) with a relatively steep inclination as it rises against the outer surface of the element (20). ) cylindrical element and a second section (73b) with a relatively shallow inclination as it rises against the outer surface of the cylindrical element, and wherein the second section is arranged to be in front of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess (13). 5. A nozzle (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one raised area (73) has a first section (73a) and a second section (73b), and wherein the first section has a wider circumferential extension than the second section, and wherein the second section is arranged to be in front of the first section when the cylindrical element (20) is inserted into the recess (13). 6. A mouthpiece (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body of the cylindrical element (20) comprises a fibrous filtration material (25). 7. One (1) smoking article comprising: a nozzle (3) according to any of the preceding claims; and a smoking article column portion having a recess (13). 8. A smoking article (1) according to claim 7, wherein the cylindrical element (20) comprises: an adjacent first and second portions (20a, 20b), each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being arranged to be inserted into the recess by a user; and an annular element (21) disposed around the second portion of the cylindrical element, the annular element having an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the recess. 9. A smoking article (1) according to claim 8, wherein the annular element (21) comprises a wrapper (28) that forms at least part of the outer surface of the annular element. 10. A smoking article (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the internal diameter and/or length of the recess and the external diameter and/or length of the cylindrical element (20) are arranged to correspond substantially so that the at least a portion of the cylindrical element can be received within and substantially fill the recess (13). 11. A smoking article (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the annular element (21) is attached to the cylindrical element (20) using an adhesive and/or wherein the cylindrical element (20) comprises a wrapper ( 26) that forms at least part of the outer surface of the cylindrical element. 12. A smoking article (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the at least one raised area comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area (83, 103) configured to engage with an interior surface of the corresponding recess (13) to prevent or restrict the flow of air between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical element (20); either The outer surface of the cylindrical element (20) further comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area (83, 103) configured to engage with an inner surface of the corresponding recess (13) to prevent or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical element (20). 13. A smoking article (1) according to claim 12, wherein the cylindrical element (20) comprises a wrapper (26) that forms at least part of the outer surface of the cylindrical element, and wherein the at least one area ( 83, 103) elevated that extends circumferentially is formed by embossing the wrapper. 14. A smoking article (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the circumferentially extending raised area (83, 103) extends around substantially the entire circumference of the cylindrical element (20). 15. A method of forming a nozzle (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: forming a wrapping material having at least one raised area disposed thereon; forming an elongated cylinder of filter material; and Wrap the wrapping material around the elongated cylinder of filter material.