KR102290041B1 - Device for a smoking article - Google Patents

Abstract

A device is provided for holding a smoking article having a liquid delivery member disposed therein. The device includes a support and a crusher. The support supports the smoking article during smoking of the smoking article. The crusher allows the consumer to easily apply an external force to the liquid delivery member in the smoking article.

Description

DEVICE FOR A SMOKING ARTICLE

The present invention relates to a device for holding a smoking article having a liquid delivery member disposed therein.

Smoking articles, particularly cigarettes, generally include a filter aligned in end-to-end relationship with a shredded tobacco rod or other aerosol-forming substrate. Typically, the filter contains a plug of cellulose acetate tow attached to the tobacco rod by tipping paper. Cigarettes are used by the consumer by lighting one end of it and burning a rod of chopped tobacco. The consumer receives mainstream smoke by inhaling at the opposite end of the cigarette (the mouth end or filter end). Ventilation of the mainstream smoke may be achieved by a string or strings of perforations in the tipping paper around the location along the filter. Other known smoking articles include smoking articles in which the tobacco material is heated rather than combusted to form an aerosol, and smoking articles in which the nicotine-containing aerosol is generated from tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other nicotine source without combustion or heating.

Smoking articles are known in the art that include flavoring agents that are released into the mainstream smoke of the smoking article during combustion to modify the smoking characteristics of the smoking article. Flavorants may be used to enhance the tobacco flavor produced when heating or burning tobacco material, or to provide additional non-tobacco flavors such as mint or menthol. The flavoring agent may be provided in a liquid delivery member, such as a capsule, comprising a structural material surrounding the flavoring agent. The encapsulated flavoring agent may be released prior to or during smoking of the smoking article by modifying or breaking the encapsulation structure, eg, crushing.

European Patent Publication EP1754419

It would be desirable to provide an improved device for holding a smoking article comprising a liquid delivery member.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for holding a smoking article having a liquid delivery member disposed therein, the device comprising: a support for supporting the smoking article during smoking of the smoking article; and a crusher configured to apply an external force to the liquid delivery member in the smoking article.

1 is a side view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an end view of the device of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a side view of a cover for the device of Figs. 1 and 2;
4 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2 holding a smoking article received in the device;
Fig. 5 is an end view of the device of Figs. 1 and 2 holding a smoking article received in the device;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figs. 1 and 2 holding a spent smoking article to be discharged;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figs. 1 and 2, with a spent smoking article being discharged;

The device is provided for simple, consistent and reliable crushing of a liquid delivery member within the smoking article. As used herein, the term “crush” is used to mean press or squeeze with an external force. The crushing results in deformation or destruction of the liquid delivery member. The liquid delivery member may be reduced in size after crushing. Deformation of the liquid delivery member may occur continuously over various external forces. Alternatively, the liquid delivery member may suddenly deform or break when the external force reaches a threshold value, for example the liquid delivery member may rupture.

Providing a crusher means that the consumer does not need to contact the smoking article to apply an external force to the liquid delivery member in the smoking article. This may reduce any stains or odors on the consumer's fingers. The crusher may also allow the liquid delivery member to be crushed more easily than would be possible using only the consumer's fingers. The crusher facilitates manipulation of the liquid delivery member and allows a consumer to more easily apply an external force. Providing the support means that the consumer does not even need to contact the smoking article while smoking. In other words, it may reduce any stains or odors on the consumer's fingers.

The liquid delivery member preferably comprises a liquid or structural material enclosing the liquids. The liquid may comprise any suitable material, but preferably a flavoring agent for adding flavor to smoke during smoking of the smoking article, or any other smoke modifying material for modifying smoke during smoking of the smoking article. may include Preferably, the liquid delivery member is arranged to release at least a portion of the liquid when the smoking article is subjected to an external force. The external force may be applied prior to or during smoking, whereby the liquid is released.

The device according to the invention may advantageously be used in filter cigarettes or other smoking articles in which tobacco material is combusted to form smoke. The device according to the invention may alternatively be used in smoking articles in which tobacco material is heated rather than combusted to form an aerosol. A device according to the invention may also be used in smoking articles in which a nicotine-containing aerosol is generated from tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other sources of nicotine, without combustion or heating. As used herein, the term “smoking” should be interpreted broadly similarly.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to a smoking article or to the direction of the mainstream smoke when the mainstream smoke is drawn from the lit end of the smoking article towards the mouth end of the smoking article. Used to describe the relative position between elements of a filter. Mainstream smoke flows in a longitudinal direction approximately parallel to the length of the smoking article. The transverse direction of the smoking article is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The support and crusher may or may not be separate from each other. For example, the support and crusher may be made of a single piece material, for example injection molded plastic. Alternatively, the support and crusher may be separated from each other by the consumer. This may allow replacement or extra supports or crushers to be provided. For example, the support and crusher may be fitted together by a screw fit, friction fit, snap fit, or any suitable type of connection.

The support supports the smoking article during smoking, so that the consumer does not need to contact the smoking article. The support may support any portion of the smoking article. Preferably, however, the support supports the downstream end of the smoking article.

Preferably, the support comprises a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is the portion held in the mouth of the consumer during smoking of the smoking article. The mouthpiece forms part of the device and is not part of the smoking article itself. Preferably, the mouthpiece receives the most downstream end of a smoking article (eg, a smoking article filter), and the consumer's lips are in contact with the mouthpiece rather than the smoking article during smoking. The mouthpiece preferably has an upstream perforation for receiving a smoking article, a downstream perforation or outlet for receiving in the mouth of a consumer during smoking, and said two perforations for delivering smoke from the downstream end of the smoking article into the mouth of the consumer. It contains passages or pipes that connect them.

The device may include a removable cover for the mouthpiece. The cover protects the mouthpiece when the device is not in use. The cover may be removed when a consumer wishes to use the device. Preferably, the cover is arranged to cover the mouth end (downstream end) of the mouthpiece when the device is not in use. Additionally, or alternatively, the cover may be arranged to cover the upstream end of the mouthpiece when the device is not in use. This may reduce the chance of dust and debris entering the mouthpiece. Where the mouthpiece comprises an upstream aperture for receiving a smoking article and a downstream aperture for receiving in the mouth of a consumer during smoking, the cover is preferably arranged to cover at least the downstream aperture when the device is not in use. .

The device preferably comprises means for attaching the device to another object. For example, the attachment means may be arranged to attach the device to a pack of smoking articles when the device is not in use. Preferably, said smoking article is a smoking article that may be used in said device. This is convenient for consumers. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment means may attach the device to the consumer, for example near the consumer's wrist, on the consumer's clothing, or other consumer goods or packs of consumer goods, such as matches, lighters, fire extinguishing means, mouth fresheners. Or it may be arranged to attach to an electronic device.

The attachment means may have any structure suitable for attaching the device to another object. The attachment means may be integrally formed with a part of the device, or it may be a detachable component secured to the part of the device. For example, the attachment means may comprise two or more opposing spring clips arranged to pivot relative to one another and to grip another object, for example a pack of smoking articles or a portion of consumer clothing. Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise a band, eg an elastic band, arranged to surround a pack of smoking articles, a wrist of a consumer, or other object. Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise an arm or plate arranged to slide under one surface of the pack of smoking articles. Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise a chain or other decorative connector that enables the device to be worn as an ornament or attached to clothing in a decorative manner.

The mouthpiece cover may be an additional part of the device. Alternatively, another part of the device may function as a mouthpiece cover. For example, the crusher may function as a mouthpiece cover when the device is not in use.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the means for attaching the device to another object comprises a removable cover for the mouthpiece.

Alternatively, the support may further comprise a removable cover for the mouthpiece. In one such embodiment, the support includes an upstream portion for receiving a smoking article and a downstream portion comprising a mouthpiece. When the device is not in use, the mouthpiece may be dismounted from the upstream portion of the support, rotated by 180°, and reattached such that the downstream end of the mouthpiece is covered by the upstream portion of the support.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises means for ejecting the smoking article from the support after smoking the smoking article. Providing a means of discharging means avoiding the need for the consumer to contact the used smoking article after the smoking article has been smoked. This may reduce any stains or odors on the consumer's fingers.

In one preferred embodiment, the support comprises a tubular portion for receiving the smoking article during smoking of the smoking article, and an insert for extending into the tubular portion, wherein the insert comprises the smoking article. configured to be inserted into the tubular portion after smoking of the article, thereby displacing the smoking article from the tubular portion to eject the smoking article from the support. This avoids the need for the consumer to contact the used smoking article after the smoking article has been smoked. The consumer may eject the smoking article by simply pushing the insert into the tubular portion. In that embodiment, preferably the support portion is stretchable (ie stretchable and retractable) by relative movement between the tubular portion and the insert. Preferably, the support assumes an elongated configuration when a smoking article is received within the tubular portion, and wherein the insert is withdrawn from the tubular portion. Preferably, the support assumes a retracted configuration when the device is not in use, and wherein the insert is inserted into the tubular portion.

Preferably, the support is arranged to support at least two different sized smoking articles. For example, the support may include a first portion arranged to support a smoking article of a first size and a second portion arranged to support a smoking article of a second size. The consumer may choose which part to use according to the size of the smoking article. Alternatively, the support may be adjustable between at least a first size and a second size. The consumer may then manually adjust the support according to the size of the smoking article.

For example, the support may be arranged to support a smoking article having a diameter of between about 7.0 mm and about 8.0 mm, and a smoking article having a diameter of between about 5.0 mm and about 7.0 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the support is arranged to receive the most downstream end of the smoking article, the support comprising a first upstream tubular portion having a first inner dimension and a second downstream tubular portion having a second inner dimension, wherein The first internal dimension is greater than the second internal dimension.

Accordingly, the support is tapered to support two different sized smoking articles. Preferably, said first inner dimension is substantially equal to a diameter of a smoking article of a first size, and said second inner dimension is substantially equal to a diameter of a smoking article of a second size. Thus, when the support is used in the first, larger sized smoking article, the downstream end of the smoking article extends only into the first upstream tubular portion. The smoking article may be secured within the first upstream tubular portion by a friction fit. The second downstream tubular portion is too small to receive a smoking article. On the other hand, when the support is used in the second, smaller sized smoking article, the downstream end of the smoking article extends through the first upstream tubular portion and into the second downstream tubular portion. The smoking article may be secured within the second downstream tubular portion by a friction fit.

The crusher is arranged to apply an external force to the smoking article and thus to the liquid delivery member inside the smoking article. Preferably, the crusher is manually operable by the consumer. Preferably, the crusher is biased into the non-crushing position until a force is applied by the consumer. The crusher may have any structure suitable for applying a necessary external force to the liquid delivery member. The structure of the crusher, and consequently the external force that may be applied, may vary depending on the shape, size, position, and material or combination of materials of the liquid delivery member.

Preferably, the crusher is arranged to apply an external force of between about 5 N and about 24 N to the liquid delivery member. More preferably, the crusher is arranged to apply an external force of between about 8 N and about 20 N to the liquid delivery member. Even more preferably, the crusher is arranged to apply an external force of between about 12 N and about 16 N to the liquid delivery member. This force may correspond to a peak in the force versus compression curve of the liquid delivery member.

The external force may be applied before or during smoking of the smoking article, if desired by the consumer. The external force may be applied in any direction, but is preferably applied in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the smoking article.

Preferably, the crusher comprises at least one lever for amplifying the force applied by the consumer, thereby providing an external force on the liquid delivery member in the smoking article. This arrangement of applying an external force using a lever reduces the force that needs to be applied by the consumer. This allows the liquid delivery member to be crushed more easily than would otherwise be possible.

The lever amplifies the force applied by the consumer as the lever arm pivots about a hinge or fulcrum. For example, to provide maximum mechanical advantage, the liquid delivery member may be approximately aligned with the middle of the lever, a consumer force may be applied on one side of the liquid delivery member, and the hinges of the lever may be positioned to provide liquid delivery It may be located on the other side of the member. The structure of the lever should be suitable to apply the necessary external force to the liquid delivery member using a suitable force from the consumer.

In a preferred embodiment, the crusher comprises two opposing portions for applying a force on respective opposing surfaces of the liquid delivery member. Providing a force on the two opposing surfaces of the liquid delivery member may result in a simpler, more consistent and reliable crushing of the liquid delivery member. It may also provide for the release of liquid in a uniform manner throughout the cross-section of the smoking article.

Preferably, the two opposing portions are biased in the non-crushing position until a force is applied by the consumer. The two opposing portions may include two opposing members for transmitting a linear compressive force applied to the liquid delivery member by a consumer. Accordingly, the consumer does not need to contact the smoking article in order to crush the liquid delivery member. More preferably, however, the crusher comprises two opposing levers for applying a force on respective opposing surfaces of the liquid delivery member. The levers amplify the torque applied by the consumer. Preferably, the levers are arranged to pivot about a common hinge. Preferably, the two levers are arranged to amplify the two inwardly directed forces applied on the respective levers by the consumer.

Alternatively, however, the crusher may include only a single portion for applying an external force to the liquid delivery member. For example, the crusher may include a single lever arm that allows the consumer to simply squeeze using one hand or only one finger. Alternatively, the crusher may include a plurality of parts for applying an external force.

Preferably, the crusher comprises at least one protrusion for applying an external force to the liquid delivery member. The at least one protrusion engages the liquid delivery member and is located on the inside (liquid delivery member side) of the crusher. Preferably, said at least one projection is pointed. When an external force is applied through a small area of the at least one protrusion, the pressure applied on the liquid delivery member may be increased. This reduces the force that needs to be applied by the consumer. This allows the liquid delivery member to be crushed more easily than would otherwise be possible. This also allows the external force to be applied to a specifically desired position or positions.

Preferably, the crusher comprises at least one lever and the lever comprises at least one protrusion configured to engage the liquid delivery member. Preferably, said at least one projection is pointed. The combination of the lever with the protrusion reduces the force that needs to be applied by the consumer. In order to provide maximum mechanical advantage, the at least one projection (for alignment with the liquid delivery member) may be approximately aligned with the middle of the lever, a consumer force may be applied on one side of the projection, and the hinge It may be located on the other side of the protrusion.

Even more preferably, the crusher comprises two opposing levers for applying a force on respective opposite surfaces of the liquid delivery member, each lever comprising a protrusion configured to engage the liquid delivery member; have. Preferably, each projection is pointed. Preferably, the levers are arranged to pivot about a common hinge, each projection approximately aligned with the middle of each lever, a consumer force may be applied on one side of the projection, and the hinge located on the other side.

Regardless of the particular construction of the crusher, the crusher may include one or more contact pads for contacting a consumer's finger. This allows the consumer to be in secure contact with the crusher which may facilitate the application of force. Preferably, the contact pads are sized and shaped for good contact with a consumer's finger.

The position of the smoking article relative to the device during smoking is preferably the same as the position of the smoking article relative to the device during crushing. That is, preferably, the device is arranged such that the crusher is positioned to apply an external force to the liquid delivery member when the smoking article is supported by the support for smoking of the smoking article. The consumer may then crush the liquid delivery member, if desired, before or during smoking.

However, in this case it is not necessary. For example, the device may be arranged to retain the smoking article in a first position for smoking and a second position for applying an external force to the liquid delivery member. If the consumer desires to crush the liquid delivery member prior to smoking, the consumer may position the smoking article in a second position where the crusher is properly aligned with the liquid delivery member. Then, an external force may be applied to the liquid delivery member by the crusher. The consumer may then position the smoking article in a first position in which the smoking article is supported by the support. The consumer may then smoke the smoking article. Alternatively, if the consumer desires to crush the liquid delivery member during smoking, the consumer may position the smoking article in a first position in which the smoking article is supported by a support. The consumer may then partially smoke the smoking article. The consumer may then position the smoking article in a second position where the crusher is properly aligned with the liquid delivery member. Then, an external force may be applied to the liquid delivery member by the crusher. The consumer may then return the smoking article to the first position to continue smoking the smoking article.

A device according to the present invention may be a smoking article of any desired size, such as, but not limited to, between about 5.0 mm and about 8.0 mm, or between about 7.0 mm and about 8.0 mm (eg, a standard cigarette), or It may also be used in smoking articles having a diameter of between about 5.0 mm and about 7.0 mm (eg, slim or super slim cigarettes). Smoking articles may have any desired length, for example between about 70 mm and about 100 mm.

The liquid delivery member may be positioned within the smoking article at any suitable location. The position of the liquid delivery member and the arrangement of the device are such that the crusher can be properly positioned relative to the liquid delivery member so that an external force may be applied. Preferably, the liquid delivery member is disposed towards the downstream end of the smoking article. More preferably, the liquid delivery member is disposed within the filter of the smoking article. The liquid delivery member may be embedded in the filter material of the filter, for example in a plug of filter material such as cellulose acetate tow. Alternatively, the liquid delivery member may be provided in a cavity within the filter, for example in a plug-space-plug filter. Alternatively, the liquid delivery member may be disposed within a tobacco rod of a smoking article.

The term “liquid delivery member” refers to any delivery system for delivering a liquid or liquids. The liquid may comprise any suitable material, but preferably a flavoring agent for adding flavor to smoke during smoking of the smoking article, or any other smoke modifying material for modifying smoke during smoking of the smoking article. may include Preferably, the liquid delivery member comprises a liquid or structural material enclosing the liquids. Providing a liquid delivery member that releases at least a portion of the liquid when the smoking article is subjected to an external force from the crusher allows the liquid to be controllably released by the consumer. Before or during use of the smoking article, an external force may be applied, thereby releasing the liquid. The external force on the liquid delivery member allows liquid to exit from the liquid delivery member and interact with the smoking article and hence the smoke derived therefrom to modify their characteristics. Since the liquid is only released when an external force is applied, this reduces the possibility of liquid migration or disintegrating, for example during storage.

When the liquid includes a flavoring agent, the flavoring agent may include any flavoring compound suitable for releasably disposed in liquid form within the structural material of the liquid delivery member. Suitable flavors include, but are not limited to, mint such as menthol, peppermint and spearmint, eucalyptus, sage, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, mouthwash flavors, Spice flavors such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavor. Other suitable flavors may include liquid compounds selected from the group consisting of acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, combinations or combinations thereof, and the like.

The liquid delivery member may have any suitable structure, and preferably the structural material encloses the liquid. The liquid delivery member may include a matrix structure defining a plurality of regions, wherein liquid is trapped within the regions until released when the smoking article is subjected to an external force through the crusher. However, more preferably, the liquid delivery member comprises a capsule. Preferably, the capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core containing a liquid. Preferably, the outer shell is substantially continuous. Preferably, the outer shell is sealed prior to application of an external force, but is prone to breakage or breakage so that liquid can be released when an external force is applied. The capsules include, but are not limited to, single-part capsules, multi-part capsules, single-walled capsules, multi-walled capsules, large capsules, and small It may be formed in various physical forms, including capsules.

Where the liquid delivery member includes a matrix structure defining a plurality of regions enclosing liquid, the liquid delivery member may release liquid when the smoking article is subjected to an external force through the crusher over a variable force of at least 5N. Alternatively, if the liquid delivery member is a capsule arranged to rupture or burst to release liquid when the smoking article is subjected to an external force (eg, but not limited to, the capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core) ), the capsule may have any desired burst strength. The burst strength is the force at which the capsule will burst (applied to the capsule through the crusher from the outside of the smoking article). The burst strength may be a peak in the force versus compression curve of the capsule. Preferably, the capsule has a burst strength of between about 5 N (0.5 kgf) and about 24 N (2.4 kgf). More preferably, the capsule has a burst strength of between about 8 N (0.8 kgf) and about 20 N (2.0 kgf). Even more preferably, the capsule has a burst strength of between about 12 N (1.2 kgf) and about 16 N (1.6 kgf). The force versus compression curve of the liquid delivery member may have a peak between about 5N and about 24N.

The application of an external force preferably provides a compressive or compressive force that breaks the capsule and, in turn, causes at least a portion of the liquid to be released into the smoking article. Alternatively, the compressive force or compressive force provides a sustained release of liquid over a variety of forces. The liquid may then flavor or otherwise modify the smoke as it passes through the smoking article.

The liquid delivery member may have any suitable shape, for example, a sphere, a spheroid, or an ellipsoid. However, preferably, the liquid delivery member is generally spherical in shape.

The liquid delivery member may have any desired size. For example, the liquid delivery member may be spherical in shape with a diameter of between about 2.5 mm and about 4.5 mm, preferably between about 3.0 mm and about 3.5 mm, more preferably about 3.5 mm. The size of the liquid delivery member relative to the diameter of the smoking article should be such that liquid can be released from the liquid delivery member when an external force is applied by the crusher. For example, the device may be between about 5.0 mm and about 8.0 mm, or between about 7.0 mm and about 8.0 mm (eg, a standard cigarette), or between about 5.0 mm and about 7.0 mm (eg, slim or It may be suitable for use in smoking articles having a diameter of a super slim cigarette).

The liquid delivery member may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, such as those used in capsules for drug delivery, liquid capsules, or other encapsulated materials. The liquid delivery member may be manufactured according to any suitable method (eg, by co-extrusion), as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

The device may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), metal, paper, rubber, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece of the device comprises paper. When the consumer's lips are in contact with the paper mouthpiece, it provides the same feeling as in direct contact with the smoking article filter. All or part of the device may be printed, embossed, engraved or otherwise decorated with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia.

The device may be of any suitable size to be suitable for carrying and supporting a smoking article on which the liquid delivery member is disposed.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a device for holding a smoking article having a liquid delivery member disposed therein, the device comprising: a support for supporting the smoking article during smoking of the smoking article; and a crusher configured to apply a force to the liquid delivery member in the smoking article.

Features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may also be applied to other aspects of the invention.

The invention will be further described for purposes of illustration only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a side view of a device for a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an end view of the device of Fig. 1; 1 and 2 , the device 100 includes a support 101 at its downstream end and a crusher 103 at its upstream end.

The support 101 includes an upstream tubular portion 105 and a downstream mouthpiece 107 (shown dark in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The mouthpiece 107 includes a mouth end 109 designed to be received in a consumer's mouth during smoking, and an insert 111 extending into a tubular portion 105 . A passage 113 extends through the insert 111 and the mouth end 109 .

The crusher 103 includes two opposing lever arms 115a , 115b arranged to pivot about a hinge 117 . In Figure 1, only the lever arm 115b is visible. Each lever arm 115a , 115b includes a contact pad 119a , 119b at its distal end distal to the hinge 117 , respectively. In FIG. 1 , lever arms 115a , 115b are shown in a closed position, and in FIG. 2 , lever arms 115a , 115b are shown in an open position. Each of the lever arms 115a, 115b further includes a projection 121a, 121b, respectively, on its inner surface. The protrusions 121a and 121b are not visible in FIG. 1 . 1 and 2 , a hinge 117 connects the crusher 103 to the support 101 .

3 shows a cover 300 for the mouthpiece 107 of the device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 . The cover 300 also serves as a means for attaching the device to another object. The cover 300 includes a closure tube 301 arranged to receive the mouth end 109 of the mouthpiece 107 . This is shown by the arrow between FIGS. 1 and 3 . The inner diameter of the tube 301 substantially coincides with the diameter of the mouth end 109 so that the mouthpiece 107 may be fixed to the cover 300 by friction fit. This protects the mouthpiece 107 when not in use. The cover 300 further includes two spring clips 303 on the outer surface of the closing tube 301 . The spring clips 303 are arranged to pivot relative to each other and to grab other objects. Accordingly, the spring clip 303 may secure the device 100 to another object when the device 100 is not in use. For example, the spring clip 303 may secure the device 100 over a pack of smoking articles or consumer apparel.

4 shows the device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 with a smoking article received on the device 100 . In this embodiment, smoking article 400 includes a tobacco rod 401 and a filter 403 that is coaxially aligned with and downstream of tobacco rod 401 . A liquid delivery member in the form of a flavor capsule 405 is disposed on the filter 403 . Flavor capsules 405 enclose a liquid flavoring agent (not shown) for modifying the taste of mainstream smoke during smoking of smoking article 400 .

To position the smoking article 400 as shown in FIG. 4 (when the consumer wishes to smoke the smoking article), the lever arms 115a , 115b of the crusher 103 are moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 2 . is located in Downstream of the smoking article 400 , the filter end is inserted between the lever arms 115a , 115b and into the tubular portion 105 of the support 101 . When the smoking article 400 is inserted into the tubular portion 105 , the insert 111 is pushed out of the tubular portion 105 in a downstream direction. Once the smoking article 400 is correctly positioned (as shown in FIG. 4 ), a stopper (not shown) prevents the smoking article 400 from further extending within the tubular portion 105 and inserts the insert 111 . ) to prevent further excretion. At this point, the smoking article 400 is lit and the consumer may smoke. The consumer holds the mouth end 109 in the mouth and the passageway 113 delivers smoke from the downstream end of the lit smoking article 400 into the mouth of the consumer. There is no need for the consumer to touch the smoking article during smoking.

FIG. 5 is an end view of FIG. 4 ; As can be seen in FIG. 4 , once the smoking article 400 is correctly positioned in the device 100 , the flavor capsule 405 disposed in the smoking article filter 403 is aligned with the crusher 103 of the device 100 . . If desired by the consumer (before or during smoking), the consumer may use the crusher 103 to crush the capsule 405 . This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 . A consumer's finger rests over the contact pads 119a, 119b of the lever arms 115a, 115b. When the consumer applies a compressive force (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5 ), the lever arms 115a , 115b pivot inward around the hinge 117 . When the lever arms 115a, 115b pivot, the projections 121a, 121b on the inner surface of the lever arms 115a, 115b exert an inducing force on the outer surface of the filter 403 aligned with the capsule 405 . apply An external force on the capsule 405 causes the capsule to release at least a portion of the liquid flavoring agent enclosed within the capsule. The consumer then begins or continues to smoke, and the mainstream smoke will now be transformed by the liquid flavoring agent released from the capsule 405 .

There is no need for the consumer to contact the smoking article 400 to crush the capsule 405 . Additionally, because of the lever mechanism of the lever arms 115a , 115b , the consumer only needs a small force to crush the capsule 405 . Crushing results in deformation or destruction of the capsule which results in the release of the liquid flavor. 1-5, the capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core containing the liquid flavoring agent. When an external force is applied, the outer shell breaks and the liquid flavor is suddenly released. Alternatively, however, the liquid flavor may be released slowly over varying forces, for example, if the capsule is replaced with a liquid delivery member comprising a matrix structure that defines a plurality of regions surrounding the liquid flavor. have.

6 and 7 illustrate how a used smoking article may be ejected from the device 100 after smoking. Once the consumer has finished smoking the smoking article 400 , the spent smoking article 400 may be ejected from the device 100 without the consumer needing to touch the used smoking article 400 . 6 , the consumer grips the device 100 and presses the mouth end 109 of the mouthpiece 107 towards the tubular portion 105 . This is shown by arrows in FIG. 6 . The insert 111 is pressed into the tubular portion 105 , and the used smoking article 400 is pushed out of the tubular portion 105 in an upstream direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , once the insert 111 is fully extended into the tubular portion 105 , the spent smoking article 400 is no longer supported by the device 100 and is ejected from the device 100 . do. Discharge of the used smoking article 400 may be performed without the need for the consumer to contact the smoking article. It is noted that FIGS. 6 and 7 show filter cigarettes in which the length of the tobacco rod is reduced after smoking. However, the device may be used with any smoking article, including those in which the tobacco material is not combusted so that the used smoking article is the same length as the unused smoking article.

100: device
101: support
103: crusher
105: tubular part
107: mouthpiece
109: mouse end
111: insert member
113: passage
117: hinge
115a, 115b: lever arm
119a, 119b: contact pad
121a, 121b: protrusions
300: cover
301: tube
303: spring clip
400: smoking article
401: Tobacco Load
403: filter
405: capsule

Claims (15)

A device for holding a smoking article having a liquid delivery member disposed therein, the device comprising:
a support for supporting the smoking article during smoking of the smoking article; and
a crusher configured to apply an external force to the liquid delivery member in the smoking article;
and the crusher includes at least one lever for amplifying a force applied by a consumer, thereby providing an external force on the liquid delivery member in the smoking article.
The device of claim 1 , wherein the support includes a mouthpiece. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the device includes a removable cover for the mouthpiece. 4. The device of claim 3, further comprising means for attaching the device to another object. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the means for attaching the device to another object comprises a removable cover for the mouthpiece. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for ejecting the smoking article from the support after smoking of the smoking article. device for. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the support includes a tubular portion for receiving the smoking article during smoking of the smoking article, and an insert for extending into the tubular portion, wherein the insert comprises: A device for holding a smoking article having a liquid delivery member disposed therein configured to be inserted into the tubular portion, thereby displacing the smoking article from the tubular portion and discharging the smoking article from the support. 6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support is arranged to support at least two different sized smoking articles. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the support is arranged to receive a most downstream end of the smoking article, the support comprising a first upstream tubular portion having a first inner dimension and a second downstream tubular portion having a second inner dimension; , wherein the first internal dimension is greater than the second internal dimension. 6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crusher is arranged to apply an external force of between 5N and 24N to the liquid delivery member. delete 6. The liquid delivery member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crusher comprises two opposing portions for applying a force on respective opposite surfaces of the liquid delivery member. A device for holding smoking articles. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crusher includes at least one protrusion for applying an external force to the liquid delivery member. Device. 6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device is positioned such that the crusher applies an external force to the liquid delivery member when the smoking article is supported by the support for smoking of the smoking article. A device for holding a smoking article having a liquid delivery member disposed therein. delete

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