WO2022058396A1

WO2022058396A1 - Article with a refreshing liquid substance

Info

Publication number: WO2022058396A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/075402
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jens Schneider; Pranav KULKARNI; Branislav DUSANIC; Mark ASPINALL-PAUL; Olaf JANSON
Original assignee: Jt International
Priority date: 2020-09-16
Filing date: 2021-09-15
Publication date: 2022-03-24
Also published as: EP4213656A1

Abstract

Present invention relates to an article (100) for smoking comprising at least one filter portion (10), characterised in that the filter portion (10) comprises at least one compartment (14) having containment walls containing a refreshing liquid substance and is configured to rupture at least one defined rupturing point (X) upon application of pressure onto the section so to release the refreshing liquid substance out of the article (100). The article is suitable to be used as a smoking article, in particular a "roll-your-own" cigarette.

Description

Article with a refreshing liquid substance

Technical Filed

The invention relates to an article with refreshing liquid substance to be used as mouth refresher and/or fingers refresher to reduce smoke smell. The article comprises a filter portion containing a liquid refreshing substance releasable on demand. The article may be a smoking article. Alternatively, the article may be a dedicated refreshing article that may be inserted in a cigarette pack. Further, the invention relates to the use of the article as a mouth refresher and/or fingers refresher to get rid of smoke smell.

Background Art

In general, a smoking article such as filter cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or the like have generally cylindrical rod-shaped configuration and include a charge, roll or column of smokable material, for example minced or shredded tobacco, known as tobacco rod. A cigarette or cigarillo usually also includes a cylindrical filter portion aligned in end-to-end relationship with a tobaccocontaining portion. The two portions are arranged along a longitudinal axis wherein the filter portion is located adjacent to a proximal end and the tobaccocontaining portion is located adjacent to a distal end. The filter portion comprises at least a filter element, for example, a plug of cellulose acetate tow, and the filter element is circumscribed by a wrapper material known as “plug wrap”. Typically, the filter portion including the filter element is attached to one end of the tobacco rod using a circumscribing wrapping material known as tipping wrapper or tipping paper, whereby providing a mouthpiece element.

The tobacco-containing portion includes smokable material, such as minced tobacco leaves which is lit or heated for smoking the smokable material and a second portion integrally attached to the filter portion. When the tobacco rod is lit or heated for smoking, the smokable material undergoes combustion or pyrolysis and the smoke generated travels from the lit end downstream to the filter portion. Hereinafter, smoking is intended to mean heating, combusting or otherwise causing a release of certain components from smokable material.

The filter portion of the smoking article is provided to filter off harmful components in smoke generated from burning or heating of the smokable material. However, the filter portion with at least one type of sorbent may remove one or more gas phase constituents such as harmful components but as well flavours delivered in mainstream smoke thus reducing the taste and sensorial character of the smoking article.

For a modified taste of the smoke a cigarette is known from US 2006174901 wherein one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavour components, is provided in the filter of the cigarette. The sealed capsule is subjected to external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material from the one or more capsules and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The additive material or agent components may modify the characteristics of the tobacco smoke such as flavour, taste, or TNCO levels (tar, nicotine, CO) during smoking of the cigarette. The one or more capsules are arranged such that a barrier between the additive materials and the other cigarette components, such as sorbents or filter materials, is provided in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. Therefore, to improve the delivery of the additive material the capsule may be arranged inside of a hollow tube of the filter such to release the additive material contained in the mainstream smoke, towards the tobacco rod of the cigarette to interact with and modify the characteristics of the cigarette and the smoke derived therefrom.

US 20190239558 discloses a smoking article including a capsule configured to release a liquid, preferably water, as an additive material providing modified sensory attributes. In the case of using a liquid-filled capsule for a smoking article, the capsule may be a non-directional capsule or preferably a directional capsule. A directional capsule is configured to break at predetermined rupture region and is adapted to direct liquid release into a desired direction or towards a particularly desired region of the smoking article. The rupture region of the capsule may be arranged to release the liquid in an axial direction, such as the longitudinal axis of the filter element. Generally, the direction of the release is oriented towards the tobacco-containing portion such that the generated smoke passes through the released and dispersed liquid affecting the characteristics of the mainstream smoke before being inhaled by the user at the mouth end of the filter portion.

WO 2012/156702 discloses a smoking article comprising an additivecontaining member which releases additive via a predetermined region at a seal between two parts of the additive member of a capsule (or pocket). However, there is no additive (fluid) exiting out of the filter to reach directly to the user’s mouth. The liquid is released randomly out of the pocket (or capsule) but remains within the article.

Known smoking articles including capsules filled with additives are known to modify the smoke inhaled by the consumer. One type of additives includes aromatic components to provide a refreshing sensation for the user during smoking. Such additives include cooling agents such as menthol to provide a refreshing impression during smoking. However, after smoking the breath, the taste and the physiological sensation of a smoker is known to be unpleasant and bad tasting.

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide an article that can provide a pleasant aroma and refreshing taste in particular after the consumer has finished smoking. In particular, it is desirable to provide a smoking article, which provides a refreshing taste in the mouth or reduce or eliminate a cigarette smell from the fingers holding the smoking article. Summary of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an article comprising at least one filter or fluid absorbent portion, characterised in that the filter or fluid absorbent portion comprises at least one compartment having containment walls containing a refreshing liquid substance and is configured to rupture at least one defined rupturing point (X) upon application of pressure onto the compartment in a manner to release the refreshing liquid substance out of the article. In particular, the defined rupturing point is oriented to rupture in a manner such that, upon the application of pressure on the containment walls, the liquid is urged outside of the article. Furthermore, it is disclosed herein that the article can be used for different purposes, such as it can be combined with a smoking article, or it can be simply used for refreshing mouth, or both.

According to a second aspect of the invention, it relates to a smoking article comprising the article according to any one of the preceding claims.

According to a third aspect of the invention, it relates to the use of the article as a mouth refresher and/or fingers refresher to get rid of the smoke smell.

According to the invention, the article may be possible to be used in combination with other smokable products such as cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivate, tobacco substitutes etc. or heat- not-burn products or nicotine delivery devices capable for generating an aerosol for delivery to the consumer. Alternatively, the article can be used purely for refreshing mouth, or both as an integrated mouth refreshing article in a smoking article.

The present invention allows the liquid substance to be released out of the article upon an external pressure is applied to the article, in particular at the filter portion. The rupturing point (X) is defined through the rupturing of the containment wall upon application of pressure onto the compartment so to release the refreshing liquid substance out of the article. According to one embodiment, the compartment of the article comprises a capsule unit, wherein the capsule unit comprises a shell containing the refreshing liquid substance whereby the at least one defined rupturing point (X) is provided thereto. In particular, the capsule unit is oriented with the rupturing point facing the mouth end of the smocking article. As such, when the capsule is pressed, liquid is released in direction the user’s mouth. Preferably, the rupturing point forms a localized reduction of the thickness of the shell of the capsule unit. Such localized reduction enables the liquid to be released in a defined direction and under the form of a jet.

According to a further embodiment, the compartment comprises a wrapper forming a cavity for positioning the capsule unit. The wrapper may be a plug wrapper. The wrapper may be used to adjoin different components to form the filter portion. For example, the first section and the compartment may be adjoined with a wrapper. A tear line made up of perforations may be provided to the wrapper such that the first section and the compartment may be separable through the tear line.

According to a further embodiment, the compartment comprises a plug wrapper forming a cavity for positioning the capsule unit.

According to a further embodiment, the filter portion comprises at least a compartment comprising the refreshing liquid substance and a first section, arranged in a longitudinal axis of the article, wherein the first section comprises at least a longitudinal channel with an open end allowing the refreshing liquid substance to be released in a directional-controlled manner and out of the article. The longitudinal channel with an open end allows the refreshing liquid substance to be released out of the article to a desired direction.

According to a further embodiment, the first section comprises a hydrophobic material and/or is coated with a hydrophobic material such as polyester, nylon and/or oleophobic polymer. The absorption of liquid by the corresponding element can be successfully prevented. According to a further embodiment, a weakened zone with preferably a plurality of pre-cut or rupturing points are provided to the containment walls or capsule unit corresponding to the compartment, wherein the weakened zone is provided extending to the different periphery of the article, or different circumferent regions at the external surface of the article. As the compartment is where the fingers of the user holding the article, this allows liquid substance to reach and clean the fingers.

According to a further embodiment, the plug wrapper comprises a plurality of perforations and surrounds the compartment, allowing the refreshing liquid substance to be released out of the article in different directions. The perforations provided on the plug wrapper allow the liquid to be released more easily out of the article, and thus wetting or refreshing the fingers of the user.

According to a further embodiment, the first section located adjacent to the proximal end comprises at least one longitudinal channel arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one weakened zone is arranged facing towards the longitudinal channel, the weakened zone is defined whereby the liquid substance is released from the capsule unit when an external force is applied on the shell.

According to yet a further embodiment, the filter portion comprises a tobacco containing portion, wherein the filter portion is located adjacent to a proximal end and the tobacco containing portion is located adjacent to a distal end, wherein the filter portion comprises at least a first section and a compartment, arranged in a longitudinal axis of the article, wherein the first section located adjacent to the proximal end comprises at least one longitudinal channel arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis, whereas the compartment comprises the capsule unit having a shell and at least one rupturing point (X), wherein the shell contains the liquid substance, wherein the at least one rupturing point (X) is arranged facing towards the longitudinal channel, the rupturing point (X) is defined whereby the liquid substance is released from the capsule unit when an external force is subjected to the shell. Such arrangement of the article allows the liquid substance to be released out of the capsule unit upon the application of an external pressure, where the at least rupturing point is oriented towards the longitudinal channel. The capsule unit may comprise a directional capsule, which can eject the liquid substance in a jet away from the directional capsule with a determinable degree of force. The force of which may depend on the crushing force applied by the consumer. The liquid substance releasable in the form of a jet may enter a longitudinal channel of the first section of the filter portion and subsequently into the mouth of the consumer.

To this end, it is mentioned that the filtering material provided in the first section may be made of a hydrophobic material or a hydrophobic coating so that the liquid substance is not absorbed by the filter material in order to ensure an efficient releasing effect. For instance, filter material having undergone an oleophobic polymer treatment could be a suitable candidate. Alternatively, the surface of the first section can be treated or coated with at least one material or solution to prevent water absorption. For instance, water-resistant polymer material such as polyester and nylon can be used.

According to some embodiments, the longitudinal channel is extended throughout the first section of the filter portion. This ensures that the liquid substance is effectively expelled out of the article.

In some embodiment, the rupturing point (X) of the capsule unit is further defined by a recess and/or a protrusion provided to the shell of the capsule unit. Rupturing points provided at recess would require more external force to rupture compared to the rupturing points provided at protrusion. This has the advantage that the liquid substance can be released according to the degree of the pressure that is being applied to the article. A weakened zone or point of pressure sensitive capsule unit can be made by providing rupturing points in recess and/or protrusion.

According to some embodiments, the capsule unit is provided with an elongated body having a first end adjacent to the proximal end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the capsule unit are provided with one or more rupturing points (X). This allows that the liquid substance can be released directionally towards the mouth end and/or the distal end. In some preferred embodiments, the capsule unit is provided with only one rupturing point (X) located adjacent to the longitudinal channel, wherein the liquid substance is released out from the smoking article through the longitudinal channel when an external force is applied to the shell. This one rupturing point provided facing towards the longitudinal channel may have a larger diameter so that liquid substance can be released predominantly through this rupturing point.

In other preferred embodiments, the capsule unit comprises a plurality of branches branching from the capsule unit. This allows the liquid substance to be released from the article at multi-directional.

In some embodiments, the capsule unit comprises a plurality of branches branching from the capsule unit, wherein the branches are predominantly located at the compartment of the filter portion. This allows liquid substance to be released predominantly at the compartment of the filter portion such that the liquid substance seeps through the article and reaching the user’s fingers which hold the article. The liquid substance may be a refreshing liquid substance such as Listerine, menthol- or peppermint-containing cleansing liquid which is suitable to get rid of smoke smell.

In one embodiment, the capsule unit is located in a cavity of the filter portion or embedded within the filter portion, in particular in the compartment of the filter portion. The filter material of the filter portion may be any of the variety of fibrous materials suitable for use in smoking article filter portion. The filter portion may be made of a filter material selected from a list of a natural fibre, a synthetic fibre and a thermoplastic polymer such as cotton, rayon, cellulose acetate or paper. Various configurations of the filter portion may be used, for example a mono filter, a dual filter, a triple filter, a single or multi cavity filter, a recessed filter, a free-flow filter, combinations thereof and the like. The filter portion is configured to offer at least good tar and nicotine retention, and high degradability.

According to one embodiment, the first section of the filter portion located adjacent to the proximal end thereof and providing the mouth end comprises fibrous filter material formed into a tubular shape and having the longitudinal channel extending throughout the centre of the filter material.

The longitudinal channel provides a passageway either for the mainstream smoking or in particular after smoking for the liquid substance released from the capsule unit for refreshing effect. The liquid substance released from the capsule unit disposed in the compartment of the filter portion, in particular in an axial region thereof, enters the longitudinal channel which extends to the mouth end and further downstream into the mouth of the consumer providing a refreshing sensation in the mouth and refreshing the smell. According to this arrangement, the loss of refreshing liquid substances is highly reduced.

In another embodiment of the smoking article, the filter portion comprises a further section provided in a longitudinal axis between the compartment and the tobacco-containing portion. The further section(s) is preferably made of cellulose acetate without having the longitudinal channel.

The further section of the filter element can be provided as a discrete filter section and can comprise fibrous filter material and sorbent material to provide filtration by adsorption or absorption. The sorbent material may be provided to remove some substances of the mainstream smoke by holding or taking up these substances on the surface and/or in the inner structures or pores of the sorbent material provided. The sorbent material may be any suitable material with the ability to adsorb and/or to absorb at least some substances of the mainstream smoke like carbons such as activated carbon, alumina, silicates, molecular sieves and/or zeolites. For example, the sorbent material can be a granular adsorbent material and can be disposed in a circumferential region of the further section, dispersed within the filter material of the further section or in a combination thereof.

According to a further embodiment, the longitudinal channel extends throughout the first section of the filter portion providing a direct excess into the mouth of the consumer for the refreshing liquid substance released from the capsule unit. The capsule unit included in the smoking article of the invention is configured to be opened by subjecting the shell of the capsule unit to external force, in particular the at least one rupturing point of the capsule unit opens to release the liquid substance contained. According to a preferable embodiment, the rupturing point is defined by a recess and/or a protrusion provided to the shell of the capsule unit.

According to a preferable embodiment of the invention, the shell of the capsule unit is provided with an end wall, preferably made of an elastically deformable material.

The squeezing action or application of external force to an outer side of the shell of the capsule unit with the consumer’s fingers, for example in an inward radial direction, is sufficient to break the capsule unit and release a substantial amount of liquid substance contained therein in a predetermined direction. The external force can be applied by squeezing the shell of the capsule unit at one or more prescribed locations of the filter element from opposite sides. Alternatively, the at least one rupturing point may be opened by torsion or compression forces applied by the consumer or by a suitable device such as a pinching device, a tube squeezer, tweezer or any other device. The amount of external force and the configuration of the shell of the capsule unit with the at least one rupturing point may cause expulsion or jetting of the liquid substance increasing the speed with which the liquid substance flows through the longitudinal channel and reaches the mouth of the consumer. The jetting may also increase the amount of liquid substance reaching the mouth.

According to another embodiment of the smoking article, the capsule unit is provided with an elongated body having a first end adjacent to the proximal end and a second end adjacent to the distal end, wherein the first end and the second end of the capsule unit are provided with one or more rupturing points. Determining the location in which the liquid substance is released, in particular the location and orientation of the rupturing points are important in order to provide better control on the effects of the liquid substance released on the consumer, in particular to control the use of the liquid substance either for refreshing the breath or for getting rid of the smoke smell from the fingers. According to an embodiment of the invention, there is only one rupturing point provided at the first end of the elongated body of the capsule unit and located adjacent to the longitudinal channel, wherein the liquid substance is released out from the smoking article through the longitudinal channel when an external force is applied to the shell. Thereby, the liquid substance is released or even jetted through the longitudinal channel towards the mouth end and provides physiologically sensation when contacting the mouth of the consumer.

The second end located adjacent to the distal end of the capsule unit, provided with one or more rupturing points can comprise a plurality of branches branching out from the elongated body of the capsule unit, in particular from a central region of the capsule unit. Furthermore, the branches extend to locations adjacent to the periphery of the smoking article and end in rupturing points or openings releasing the liquid substance. Due to this embodiment, the released liquid substance can spread into the multiple branches and discharges at ends thereof located at the periphery of the smoking article. The released liquid substance can rapidly advance for example by capillary action and can soak and wet the circumscribing wrapping material of the filter portion. By touching this soaked or wetted region, the fingers of the consumer are exposed to the liquid substance, which can take away the cigarette smell from the skin.

Furthermore, the capsule unit can be substantially cylindrical. Alternatively, the capsule unit can have a partially trapezoidal shape or may be of substantially spherical or ovoidal shape. The shell of the capsule unit may comprise a peripheral wall and one or more open ends defining the rupturing points. For example, the shell may have a lateral wall that extends from an end wall to an open end and provides a rim at the open end to facilitate application of the seal member such as a cap. The material and the configuration of the shell and further of the capsule unit may be elected to tailor stability, strength, rupturing resistance and/or processing ease of the capsule unit.

The seal member is preferably made of gelatine, polyamide or low- density polyethylene laminate sheet. For example, the seal member in form of a cap may be formed and cut from a section or an expanse of sheet material. The shell defines the cavity, whereby the cavity may be surrounded by cylindrical or faceted lateral walls, which may taper or narrow from the open end towards the end wall.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the rupturing point of the capsule unit has a rupturing strength of at least 25 N, preferably at least 45 N, more preferably between 25 N and 100 N. Furthermore, the external force can be applied through biting and/or pressing with fingers to the weakened zone capsule unit.

In another preferred embodiment of the smoking article, the capsule unit comprises approximately at a central position thereof a dividing wall, which divides the capsule unit into two compartments, containing same or different liquid substances. Furthermore, each of the compartments comprises one or more weakened zones (having rupturing points) located at the end of each compartment. Therefore, it is possible to provide one liquid substance for refreshing the mouth of the consumer and another liquid substance to refresh the fingers by wetting the same. Furthermore, the volume of the refreshing liquids can be chosen such that the generated effect is strong enough to get rid of the smoke smell from either the breath or the fingers of the smoker.

The liquid substances may be suitable to provide a refreshing sensation in the mouth of a consumer, refreshing the smell and/or taking away the smell of smoke from the fingers, Suitable refreshing components provide a durable, bitterness free, pleasant and refreshing effect. The liquid substances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, mint, such as peppermint and spearmint, breath freshener flavours and spice flavours such as cinnamon.

The invention further relates to the use of the smoking article previously described as a mouth refresher and/or a finger refresher to get rid of the smoking smell. Brief Description of the Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the invention and the advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference characters designate like parts and in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article according to a second embodiment;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article for smoking according to a third embodiment;

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article according to a fifth embodiment;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article according to a sixth embodiment.

Detailed Description

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated, as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description. It will be appreciated that common and well-understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used in the present specification have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

Referring to Figure 1 is an article 100 comprises a filter portion 10, wrapped by a filter wrapper 16 (or also known as a plug wrap) which may be aligned in end-to-end relationship with a tobacco-containing portion along a longitudinal axis 110. The filter portion is provided with a filter material 18, wherein a cavity may be created within the filter material 18 such that at least one compartment 14 having containment walls containing a refreshing liquid substance and is configured to rupture at least one defined rupturing point (X) upon application of pressure onto the compartment so to release the refreshing liquid substance out of the article 100.

To this end, it is disclosed that the filter wrapper 16 may be used to wrap around the filter portion of the article comprising the containment walls. In some variants, the filter material 18 may not be provided completely throughout the filter portion 10 but only at a certain location e.g., top and bottom of the containment walls such that air can be flowed along the longitudinal axis 110 of the article 100.

Figure 2 shows another variant of the article 100 where the filter portion 10 comprises a first section 12 and a compartment 14. Both the first section 12 and compartment 14 may be wrapped by the plug wrap 16 to adjoin the two sections. According to this embodiment, the compartment 14 comprises a cavity delimited by the plug wrap 16, wherein at least one capsule unit 30 is provided therein. The capsule unit 30 comprises a shell 32 having at least one rupturing point X facing towards the longitudinal channel 13 is provided thereto. The rupturing point X is defined upon application of pressure onto the compartment (or the article 100) where the location of the shell is rupturing so as to release the refreshing liquid substance out of the article 100. The rupturing point X may be provided for example through a weakened part or a material where upon external force applied to the surface of the shell, the selected point tends to be ruptured easily. The rupturing point X may of course be provided as a weakened zone where the rupturing point X only ruptures upon an external force being applied to the surface of the article 100 when exceeds a certain threshold.

In the first section 12 of the filter portion 10, a longitudinal channel 13 with an open-end open end (“OP”) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 of the article 100 is provided in between two filter materials 18. This arrangement allows the liquid substance upon external pressure applied to the capsule unit 30 to be released from the rupturing point X through the longitudinal channel 13. An opening may be provided at the longitudinal end of the article 100 to allow the flow of the liquid out of the article 100.

Figure 3 shows another variant of the present invention where the article 100 is provided to a tobacco-containing portion 20, forming a smoking article 100 comprising a capsule unit 30 in the filter portion 10. The filter portion 10 has a generally elongated cylindrical form, comprising a first section 12 located adjacent to the proximal end 19 (or mouth end) providing an end for insertion into a mouth of a consumer; and a compartment 14 located adjacent to the connecting end with the tobacco-contained portion 20. In the embodiment shown in the Figure s, the two sections 12, 14 (or compartment) of the filter portion 10 arranged in series in the longitudinal axis 110 of the article 100. A further section may be provided in the filter portion 10 where it can be configured as a sorbent portion including material to adsorb and/or absorb components of the smoke to reduce harmful constituents. The further portion may be provided next to the tobaccocontaining portion so that the sorbent material may act to filter out those harmful constituents before reaching the compartment 14 and first section. In this embodiment, the first section 12 and the orientation of the rupturing point X of the capsule unit 30 are provided similar to the second embodiment as illustrated in the Figure 2. According to this embodiment, the first section 12 of the filter portion 10 comprises a longitudinal channel 13 with an open-end (OP) extending along the longitudinal axis 110 preferably throughout the first section 12. The first section 12 comprises a filter material, preferably a fibrous filter material such as cellulose acetate or a paper tube arranged around the longitudinal channel 13. The compartment 14 comprises a cavity containing a capsule unit 30 having a shell 32 containing a liquid and/or refreshing liquid substance. Alternatively, the capsule unit 30 could be surrounded by filtration material such as cellulose acetate. The plug wrapper as shown in the Figure 1 and Figure 2 may also be provided in this embodiment.

The capsule unit 30 is configured with a weakened region that forms a rupturing point X at which the capsule unit 30 is designed to break or rupture upon application of an external force F to release the liquid substance contained therein. The capsule unit 30, preferably configured as a directional capsule unit, is arranged with the rupturing point X located generally on the longitudinal axis 110 such that, upon breaking or rupturing of the capsule unit 30, the liquid substance is released in the axial direction towards the first section 12 of the filter portion 10, i.e. into the longitudinal channel 13. The liquid substance released can flow through the longitudinal channel 13 out of the article 100, e.g. into the mouth of the consumer through the mouth end 19 of the article 100. In this way, when the consumer holds the article 100, press the filter portion 10 of the article 100 and pour the liquid content into the mouth, the liquid content could be used as a breath refreshing substance.

Generally, it is disclosed that the article according to the present invention may be used as a smoking article. A tipping paper comprising a plurality of perforations or holes aligned as a tear line may be provided to connect the filter portion 10 and the tobacco-containing portion 20. The plurality of the perforations forming a tear line may also be provided at the plug wrap 16 where the first section 12 and the compartment 14 adjoined such that a user may decide to break apart the two components and use them separately. For instance, the first section 12 comprising the filter material 18 may be used as a “roll-your-own” cigarette and the compartment 14 containing the capsule unit 30 may be used after smoking to refresh the breath (e.g., Figures 1 -5) and also fingers which hold the article (e.g., Figure 4).

To this end, it is reiterated that the material of the first section 12 comprises a material that does not absorb liquid e.g., whether the material of the first section is made with a water-resistant or water-proof material, or the surface of the first section is treated with at least one material or solution to prevent water absorption. For instance, water-resistant polymers such as polyester and nylon can be used. This allows that the liquid released from the capsule 30 to flow through the longitudinal channel 13 having an open-end (OP) and out of the article 100.

It is disclosed that in some embodiments, a total of approximately 0.2 ml to 10 ml of refreshing liquid substance may be provided to the capsule unit 30. Preferably about 0.5 ml to 5 ml or about 1.0 ml to 3 ml of liquid substance is provided to the capsule unit 30.

In Figure 4, a fourth embodiment of the article 100 is shown. This article 100 differs from the second embodiment of Figure 2 in that a plurality of branches are provided predominantly to the second end 33 of the capsule unit 30, extending predominantly towards to the periphery of the compartment 14 of the filter portion 10. Said location is usually where fingers are placed to hold the article 100 (e.g. cigarette). Similar to the previous embodiments, at least one rupturing point is provided at the first end 31 of the shell 32 of the capsule unit 30. When a user decided to press on the article 100, the plurality of the rupturing points may be ruptured of burst so that liquid substance can be released through the rupturing points X.

In other words, a plurality of weakened zone (or point-of-pressure sensitive rupturing points X) can be provided in the end of the “branches” as shown in the fourth embodiment (Figure 4), wherein the at least one rupturing point is provided at the first end 31 facing towards the longitudinal channel 13 while at the second end 33, a plurality of weakened zone with rupturing points X branching out from the capsule 30 are provided on the shell 32 of the capsule unit 30, preferably extended surrounding the periphery of the cylindrical filter portion 10. The rupturing points X may be provided closed to the periphery such that when an external pressure is exerted on the capsule unit 30, the liquid substance contained in the capsule unit 30 will be released not only towards the mouth end (through the longitudinal channel 13 with an open-end OP) but also towards the surrounding of the compartment 14 of the filter portion 10. The liquid substance released at multiple rupturing points X soaks or wets the periphery of the filter portion 10 touched by the fingers and therefore neutralizes the smoke smell from the fingers. The volume of the released liquid substance is provided in a volume such that the refreshing effect on the fingers is generated without causing unpleasant wet feeling. In this connection, it is foreseen that the compartment 14, 214 is preferably made of or comprise of a material that absorbs water. Such water-absorbing material can be superabsorbent polymer (SAP) or hygroscopic material such as hydrogel and polyvinyl pyrrolidone.

In order to allow the user to decide whether to rupture the rupturing points X of the capsule unit 30 to allow a directional release of the liquid substance (e.g., only to the first end 31 or only to the second end 33 of the capsule unit 30), it is foreseen that marks (e.g., line rings) can be provided to the filter wrap 16. Furthermore, in order to ensure a safe directional release of the liquid substance, several compartments containing the liquid substances can be provided to the capsule unit 30. For instance, one compartment serves for the first end 31 and a second compartment serves for the second end 33 of the capsule unit 30.

To this end, it is reiterated herein that in order to increase the efficiency of the releasing of the liquid substance, it is preferably that the material of the first section 12 comprises or made of a material that is not water-absorbing such that the liquid substance is not absorbed by the filter portion 10. Ideal examples of such non-hygroscopic materials are for instance polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention where a repeated number of the articles 100 can be provided longitudinally. This enables for an easy production where the individual article 100 can be cut W at a respective location. Alternatively, a tear line made up of the perforations provided to the plug wrap 16 serves to break apart the articles 100. In this example, the first section 12 may comprise a fluid absorbent material or a filter material. Such multiple units of article 100 may be provided as a standalone component in a cigarette package to serve as refreshing units as such or as a component for a “roll-your-own” cigarette package, where these articles 100 can be used by consumer to roll their own cigarettes.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made, and equivalents thereof employed, without departing from the scope of the claims. Features disclosed in different embodiments can be combined within the general common knowledge of a skilled person, without involving any inventive step skill.

Claims

Claims An article (100) comprising at least one filter or fluid absorbent portion (10), characterised in that the filter portion (10) comprises at least one compartment (14) having containment walls containing a refreshing liquid substance and is configured to rupture at least one defined rupturing point (X) upon application of pressure onto the compartment (14) in manner to release the refreshing liquid substance out of the article (100). The article (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the compartment (14) comprises a capsule unit (30), wherein the capsule unit (30) containing the refreshing liquid substance comprises a shell (32), whereby the at least one defined rupturing point (X) is provided thereto. The article (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the compartment (14) comprises a plug wrapper (16) forming a cavity for positioning the capsule unit (30). The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter portion (10) comprises at least a compartment (14) comprising the refreshing liquid substance and a first section (12), arranged in a longitudinal axis (110) of the article (100), wherein the first section (12) comprises at least a longitudinal channel (13) with an open end (OP) allowing the refreshing liquid substance to be released in a directional- controlled manner and out of the article (100). The article (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first section (12) comprises a hydrophobic material and/or is coated with a hydrophobic material such as polyester, nylon and/or oleophobic polymer. The article (100) according to any one preceding claims, wherein a weakened zone such as plurality of pre-cut or rupturing points (X) are provided to the containment walls or capsule unit (30) corresponding to the compartment (14), wherein the weakened zone is provided extending to different periphery of the article (100). The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, wherein the plug wrapper (16) comprises a plurality of perforations and are provided encircling the compartment (14), allowing the refreshing liquid substance to be released out of the article (100) in different directions. The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claim 4 to 7, wherein the article (100) further comprises a tobacco containing portion (20), wherein the filter portion (10) is located adjacent to a proximal end (19) and the tobacco-containing portion (20) is located adjacent to a distal end (29), wherein the filter portion (10) comprises at least a first section (12) and a compartment (14), arranged in a longitudinal axis (110) of the article (100) , wherein the first section (12) located adjacent to the proximal end (19) comprises at least one longitudinal channel (13) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (110), whereas the compartment (14) comprises the capsule unit (30) having a shell (32) and at least one rupturing point (X), wherein the liquid substance is contained within shell (32), wherein the at least one rupturing point (X) is arranged facing towards the longitudinal channel (13), the rupturing point (X) is defined whereby the liquid substance is released from the capsule unit (30) when an external force is subjected to the shell (32). The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule unit (30) is located in a cavity of the filter portion (10) or embedded within the filter portion (10), wherein the filter portion (10) is made of a material selected from a list consisting of a natural fibre, a synthetic fibre and a thermoplastic polymer such as cotton, rayon, cellulose acetate or paper. 10. The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 9, wherein the longitudinal channel (13) is extended throughout the first section (12) of the filter portion (10).

11. The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 10, wherein the rupturing point (X) of the capsule unit (30) is further defined by a recess and/or a protrusion provided to the shell (32) of the capsule unit (30).

12. The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 11 , wherein the capsule unit (30) is provided with an elongated body having a first end (31 ) adjacent to the proximal end (19) and an opposite second end (33), wherein the first end (31 ) and the second end (33) of the capsule unit (30) are provided with one or more rupturing points (X).

13. The article (100) according to any one of the claims 4 to 12, wherein the capsule unit (30) is provided with only one rupturing point (X) located adjacent to the longitudinal channel (13), wherein the liquid substance is released out from the smoking article (100) through the longitudinal channel (13) when an external force is applied to the shell (32).

14. The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 13, wherein the capsule unit (30) comprises a plurality of branches branching from the capsule unit (30).

15. The article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 14, wherein the capsule unit (30) comprises a plurality of branches branching from the capsule unit (30), wherein the branches are predominantly located at the compartment (14) of the filter portion (10).

16. A smoking article comprising the article according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. Use of the article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims as a mouth refresher and/or fingers refresher to get rid of the smoke smell.