CN107529818B

CN107529818B - Smoking article and mouthpiece for a smoking article

Info

Publication number: CN107529818B
Application number: CN201680024489.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K.卡尔祖拉
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-27
Filing date: 2016-02-26
Publication date: 2020-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-02-26
Also published as: EP3261462A1; EP4305974A2; CA3014886A1; CA3014886C; JP6683403B2; PL3261462T3; EP4305974A3; KR102349316B1; HK1249372A1; ES2968037T3; CN107529818A; JP2018506288A; RU2674975C1; EP3261462B1; GB201503390D0; KR20170109009A; WO2016135502A1; JP6958968B2; US20180035706A1; JP2020114231A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smoking article (1), said smoking article (1) comprising: a smoking article rod part (2), the smoking article rod part (2) having a recess (13); and a mouthpiece (71, 91, 101), the mouthpiece (71, 91, 101) being attachable to the smoking article rod portion, the mouthpiece (71, 91, 101) comprising an elongate cylindrical element (20) arranged to be inserted into the recess by a user. The cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised region (73, 103) and the at least one raised region is arranged to engage with an inner surface of the recess to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical element within the recess. The at least one raised area is arranged to provide a lower resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than out of the recess.

Description

Smoking article and mouthpiece for a smoking article

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a smoking article and a mouthpiece for a smoking article, particularly but not exclusively to a smoking article, a mouthpiece for a smoking article, and a method for forming a mouthpiece for a smoking article.

Background

Cigarettes and other smoking articles produce an aerosol (aerosol), which in the case of cigarettes produces an aerosol, which is inhaled by the user. Filters for smoking articles are used to modify the aerosol before it reaches the mouth of the user. Filters known in the art for this purpose may be formed from plugs of fibrous cellulose acetate (cellulose acetate) or other materials having similar physical properties.

To enhance the removal of certain smoke constituents, various additives may be added to the smoking article filter. Examples include smoke absorbents (such as activated carbon) that absorb certain smoke constituents, thus removing them from the smoke stream passing through the filter. In addition to removing constituents from the smoke, the filter additive may impart characteristics to the smoke or other aerosol passing through the filter. For example, flavors and fragrances may be included in the filter that alter the odor and taste characteristics of the aerosol.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking article comprising: a smoking article rod portion having a recess; and a mouthpiece attachable to the smoking article rod portion, the mouthpiece comprising an elongate cylindrical element arranged to be inserted into the recess by a user; wherein the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised region and the at least one raised region 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 region is arranged to provide a lower resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than out of the recess.

The cylindrical member may include: adjacent first and second portions 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 disposed around the second portion of the cylindrical element, the annular element having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the recess.

The annular element may comprise a wrap forming at least a portion of an 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 element may be arranged to substantially correspond such that at least a portion of the cylindrical element can be received within and substantially fill the recess.

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 may comprise an absorbent, and/or the additive may be loaded on a wire extending through the cylindrical element and/or annular element.

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

The cylindrical element may comprise a wrap forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the cylindrical element.

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

The at least one raised region may have a first section having a relatively steep slope when it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element and a second section having a relatively shallow slope when it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element, and wherein the second section may be arranged in front of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.

The at least one raised region 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 disposed forward of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.

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

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

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

The cylindrical element may comprise a wrap forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the cylindrical element, and wherein the at least one circumferentially extending raised region may be formed by embossing the wrap.

The circumferentially extending raised region may extend around substantially the entire perimeter of the cylindrical element.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouthpiece for attachment to a smoking article by a user, the mouthpiece comprising: an elongate cylindrical element arranged to be inserted into a corresponding recess by a user, wherein the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised region and the at least one raised region 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 region is arranged to provide a lower resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than out of the recess.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for forming a mouthpiece as defined above, the method comprising: forming a wrapper having at least one raised area disposed thereon; forming an elongated cylinder of filter material; and wrapping the wrapping material around the elongated cylinder of filter material.

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

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 side cross-sectional view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion;

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

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

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

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

figure 4 is a perspective view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion and wherein the filter unit comprises at least one raised area to retain the filter unit in engagement with the smoking article rod portion;

figure 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion and wherein the filter unit comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area;

figure 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion and wherein the filter unit comprises at least one raised area illustrated in figure 4 and at least one circumferentially extending raised area illustrated in figure 5;

figure 7 is a perspective view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, separate from the smoking article rod portion and wherein the filter unit comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area for holding the filter unit in engagement with the smoking article rod portion;

figure 8 is a side sectional view of a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit, having an offset cylindrical element for use with the smoking article illustrated in figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2 b;

figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a smoking article comprising a smoking article rod portion and two filter units of figure 8 connected to the smoking article rod portion;

figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming a mouthpiece as described herein, in this example a filter unit;

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

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

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "smoking article" includes suckable products, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or on tobacco substitutes and products that are heated but not combusted (HnB), such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, as well as other nicotine delivery products, such as aerosol generating devices, including electronic cigarettes. The smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gaseous stream inhaled by the smoker.

Smoking articles (such as cigarettes and their specifications) are often named according to cigarette length: "conventional" (typically in the range of 68-75 mm, e.g., from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), "short" or "micro" (68 mm or less), "elongated dimension" (typically in the range of 75-91 mm, e.g., from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or "extra-long" (typically in the range of 91-105 mm, e.g., from about 94 mm to about 101 mm), and "extra-long" (typically in the range of about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

Smoking articles are also named according to cigarette circumference: "conventional" (about 23-25 mm), "Wide" (greater than 25 mm), "Fine" (about 22-23 mm), "semi-fine" (about 19-22 mm), "ultra-fine" (about 16-19 mm), and "ultra-fine" (less than about 16 mm). Thus, an elongated, ultra-fine sized cigarette would, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. Many consumers prefer cigarettes of conventional, elongated size, i.e. having a circumference of from 23 to 25 mm and an overall length of from 75 to 91 mm.

Each format can be produced with filters of different lengths, with smaller filters typically being used for formats of smaller length and circumference. Typically, the filter length will be from about 15 mm (associated with short, conventional gauges) to 30 mm (associated with ultra-long, ultra-fine gauges). The tipping paper will have a length longer than the filter, for example 3 mm to 10 mm longer than the filter, such that the tipping paper covers the filter and overlaps the tobacco rod to attach the filter to the tobacco rod.

The smoking articles described herein may be manufactured by any of the above specifications.

Fig. 1a is a side sectional view of a smoking article 1, the smoking article 1 comprising a smoking article rod part 2, also referred to as aerosol-generating part, and a mouthpiece, which is separate from the smoking article rod part 2 and which is attachable to the smoking article rod part 2 by a user, in this example the mouthpiece is a filter unit 3. Figure 1b is a perspective view of the smoking article 1 shown in figure 1 a. In this example, the smoking article rod portion 2 is of conventional, elongate size, i.e. has a length in the range 75-91 mm and a circumference in the range 23 mm to 25 mm. In particular, in this example, the length of the smoking article rod portion 2 is 83 mm, and it has a circumference of 24.6 mm. The smoking article 1 is a cigarette and the smoking article rod portion 2 comprises a tobacco rod 4, the tobacco rod 4 being wrapped in a wrapping material 5, in this case the wrapping material 5 being cigarette paper. The smoking article rod portion 2 comprises a filter 6 at the mouth end thereof, the filter 6 comprising a first section 7 positioned at the tobacco rod end of the filter 6. The first filter section 7 is in this example formed by a cellulose acetate tow (tow) 8 wrapped in a first plug wrap 9. The filter 6 further comprises a second section 10, the second section 10 being positioned downstream of the first section 7 and comprising a tubular element 11 wrapped in a second plug wrap 12. The tubular element 11 is in this example open at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2 and defines a recess or cavity 13 at that end. The mouth end surface 16 of the tubular element 11 is exposed at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2. The tobacco rod 4 and the first and

second filter sections

7, 10 are connected by tipping material 14 which overlaps the first and

second filter sections

7, 10 and partially overlaps the wrapping material 5. In other embodiments, the first and

second filter sections

7, 10, and any other sections forming the filter 6, may be connected together using another plug wrap (not shown) before the tipping material 14 is used to connect the filter 6 to the tobacco rod 4.

The filter unit 3 comprises 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 this example, the first portion 20a extends from the insertion end of the cylindrical element 20 to an intermediate position 22 along the length of the cylindrical element 20. In this example, the cylindrical element 20 is 13 mm in length and the intermediate position 22 is located 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 smoking article rod portion 2.

The annular element 21 is arranged around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20. The annular element 21 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the recess 13. In this example, the second portion 20b of the cylindrical member 20 extends from the mouth end of the cylindrical member 20 and terminates at an intermediate location 22 along the length of the cylindrical member 20. The surface 23 of the annular element 21 is exposed on the end of the annular element 21 arranged to face the smoking article rod portion 2 in use, and abuts the mouth end surface 16 of the tubular element 11 when the filter unit 3 is attached to the smoking article rod portion 2, as described below.

The first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is arranged to be inserted into a recess in the smoking article, in this case 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 element 20 are arranged to substantially correspond such that the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 may be received within the recess 13 and substantially fill the recess 13. For example, the inner diameter and/or length of the recess 13 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter and/or length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20. In practice, the correspondence between the dimensions of the recess 13 and the dimensions of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 will depend on the materials used to form these parts and the desired tightness of fit between them. It may be preferred that the recess dimension is slightly larger than the dimension of the first portion 20a to facilitate insertion of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13.

In the example of fig. 1a and 1b, the recess 13 has an inner diameter of 5.10 mm and the cylindrical element 20 has an outer diameter of 5.03 mm. In alternative examples, the inner diameter of the recess 13 and the outer diameter of the cylindrical element 20 may have other values, for example having a diameter in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm. In the example of fig. 1a and 1b, the recess 13 has an inner length of 6 mm and the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has a length of 6 mm. In alternative examples, the inner length of the recess 13 and the length of the first portion of the cylindrical element 20 may have other values, for example having a length in the range from 3 mm to 20 mm.

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

In use, a smoking article 1 having the filter unit 3 and the smoking article rod part 2 as separate components is provided to a user. The filter unit 3 may be attached to the smoking article rod portion 2 by inserting the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 before the user first uses the smoking article rod portion 2. The first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the opening of the recess 13 and 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 insertion. The user may choose whether to attach the filter unit 3 to the smoking article rod part 2 before sucking on the smoking article 1, and may in this way control the length of the filter of the smoking article 1 and thus the filtration level of the aerosol produced by the smoking article 1.

Figure 2a is a side cross-sectional view of the smoking article 1 of figures 1a and 1b, with the filter unit 3 attached to the smoking article rod portion 2. Figure 2b is a perspective view of the same smoking article 1, with the filter unit 3 attached to the smoking article rod portion 2.

In the present example, the cylindrical element 20 comprises fibrous filter material 25 and is circumferentially wrapped in a wrapper 26, leaving its longitudinal ends unwrapted, in this case the wrapper 26 being a plug wrap material. In alternative embodiments, the cylindrical element 20 may be formed in other ways. The cylindrical element 20 may alternatively be formed from other fibrous materials and may be arranged to have a different configuration. The cylindrical element 20 may be formed as a hollow tube with open or closed ends, for example, from cardboard, plastic, card, or other material. The cylindrical element 20 also need not be wrapped in a wrapper, but may be formed, for example, without a wrapper, such as an unwrapped acetate (NWA) plug formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filter material 25 may include cellulose acetate fibers and/or other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), Polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (1-4 butylene 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 fibrous filter material 27, the fibrous filter material 27 being formed into a tube and being circumferentially wrapped in a wrapper 28, leaving its longitudinal ends unwrapted, in this case the wrapper 28 being a plug wrap material. In alternative embodiments, the ring element 21 may be formed in other ways. For example, the annular element 21 may alternatively be formed from other fibrous materials. The loop element 21 need not be wrapped in a wrapping, but may be formed, for example, without a wrapping, such as an unwrapped acetate (NWA) tube formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filter 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-butylene succinate), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers. The annular element 21 may alternatively be formed from a sheet material (such as tipping paper) which is wrapped around the cylindrical element 20 to form a single or multiple layers of sheet material around the cylindrical element 20. The annular element 21 may alternatively be formed of plastic or another molded material.

The cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 may comprise a filter plasticizer. The filter plasticizer acts by softening the fibrous filter material from which the filter element is constructed so that the individual fibers can be bonded to one another to form a more rigid structure. A filter plasticizer (such as triacetin, also known as triacetin) may be used in the cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21, for example, when these elements are formed of a fibrous filter material (such as cellulose acetate). Higher levels of plasticizer than are typically used in filter elements may be used to provide additional robustness to either component. For example, greater than 7%, greater than 10%, greater than 12%, or greater than 15% plasticizer by weight of the fibrous filter material used may be used in either component.

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

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

Fig. 3a to 3d are side sectional views of respective mouthpieces, in this

example filter units

30, 40, 50, 60, which may be used as alternative mouthpieces to the filter units 3 described with reference to fig. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2 b. The

filter units

30, 40, 50, 60 of fig. 3a to 3d are substantially similar in construction to the filter unit 3 of fig. 1a, and identical reference numerals are used to identify equivalent features.

In the filter unit 30 of fig. 3a, the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element comprises particles of an aerosol modifying additive 31 disposed therein. The aerosol modifying additive 31 is in this example activated carbon. However, other additives may be used, such as an absorbent other than carbon, or a taste imparting additive. For example, the additive may be a botanical additive. The botanical additive may include at least one plant-based material selected from licorice, hydrangea, japanese white bark magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, vanilla, wintergreen, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, bitter orange, geranium, vanilla, cinnamon, caraway, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, ginger, anise, and coriander, as local regulations permit.

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

In the filter unit 40 of fig. 3b, the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20 includes a frangible capsule 41 containing a liquid load comprising a flavoring agent (such as menthol) inserted therein. The frangible bladder 41 is positioned at the intermediate portion 22 between the first and

second portions

20a, 20b of the cylindrical element and is therefore located below the end of the annular element 21 at that location. The user may squeeze the end of the annular element 21 to cause pressure to be applied to the bladder to cause it to rupture to release the flavourant contained therein to thereby modify the aerosol drawn through the filter unit 40.

In the filter unit 50 of fig. 3c, the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20 comprises an elongate aerosol modifying element 51 inserted therein. In this example, the elongate aerosol-modifying element 51 comprises a thread loaded with a flavourant (such as menthol). When the aerosol is drawn through the filter unit 50, the flavourant loaded onto the thread 51 is released.

In the filter unit 60 of fig. 3d, the cylindrical element 20 comprises a first plug 61 and a second plug 62, the first and

second plugs

61, 62 being longitudinally aligned, separated and wrapped in the plug wrap 26 such 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 fig. 3 a.

In any of the mouthpiece or filter units described herein, additional mouth end filter segments may be provided. In filter units containing additives, such as activated carbon or botanical additives, additional mouth end filter sections may prevent particles of these additives from reaching the user's mouth.

In addition to or in lieu of the features of the filter units described herein, the wrapper that wraps the cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 of the filter units described herein may include additives (such as menthol or pepper flavors) to provide additional taste, odor, and/or other perceptible properties to the filter units.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a smoking article 70, the smoking article 70 comprising a smoking article rod part 2 and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit 71, separate from the smoking article rod part 2, and wherein the filter unit 71 comprises at least one raised area 73 for holding the filter unit 71 in engagement with the smoking article rod part 2. The smoking article 70 of figure 4 is substantially similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of figure 1a and identical reference numerals have been used to identify equivalent features. The filter unit 71 comprises a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those already described previously. 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 the inner surface of the recess 13. In the present example, four such raised areas 73 are provided circumferentially around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20. Each raised portion 73 protrudes approximately 1 mm from the outer surface at its highest point or region, but may be arranged to protrude more or less than that described above.

In the present example, the convex portion 73 is substantially triangular in shape in both plan view and longitudinal sectional view, although other shapes may be used. The raised region 73 is provided approximately halfway along the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element, which in this case is in the region of about 3 mm from the annular element 21. However, the raised area 73 may alternatively be provided in other locations around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20.

The raised areas 73 are arranged to provide resistance to movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical member 20 within the recess 13. Raised areas 73 may also have the following effect: centering the first portion 20a in the recess, and providing a cushion between the cylindrical member and the recess to absorb any inaccuracies in the dimensions of either component caused by tolerances in the manufacture of either component. The raised areas 73 are arranged to provide a lower resistance to movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 than to movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 out of the recess 13. This is achieved in this example by: the raised region 73 has a first section 73a and a second section 73b, the first section 73a having a relatively sharp slope as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised region 73, and the second section 73b having a relatively shallow slope as it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised region 73. The second section 73b is arranged to face in a direction of movement along the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13. The second section 73b is arranged 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 70 a. The raised region 73 thus provides a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the first portion 20a is inserted into the recess 13. The first section 73a is arranged to face in a direction of movement out of the recess 13 along the cylindrical element 20. In particular, the first section 73a is closer to the end of the first portion 20a adjacent to the annular element 21. The raised region 73 thus provides a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the first portion 20a is withdrawn out of the recess 13.

In this example, the raised region 73 also has a wider circumferential extent in the first section 73a than the second section 73b, again providing greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the cylindrical element 20 is removed than when the cylindrical element 20 is inserted. In the present example, the circumferential extent of the raised area 73 is approximately 3 mm in the first section 73a and approximately 0.5 mm in the second section 73b, although other dimensions may be used.

In this example, the wrapping 72 forms the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 by embossing the wrapping 72 to form at least one raised area 73. However, alternative arrangements are possible. For example, raised areas 73 may be formed using an add-on (add-on) material, such as varnish, paint, adhesive, or equivalent, or formed from plastic, paper, or other material protrusions adhered to the outer surface of cylindrical member 20. Alternatively, any shape of raised portion 73 may be used that provides greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of recess 13 upon removal of cylindrical member 20 than upon insertion of cylindrical member 20.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 80, the smoking article 80 comprising a smoking article rod part 2 and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit 81, separate from the smoking article rod part 2. The filter unit 81 comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83. The smoking article 80 of figure 5 is substantially similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of figure 1a and identical reference numerals have been used to identify equivalent features. The filter unit 81 comprises a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those previously described. However, the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83, the raised area 83 being arranged to engage with the inner surface of the recess 13. In the present example, first and second circumferentially extending raised

areas

83a, 83b are provided spaced apart longitudinally. However, in alternative embodiments, a single circumferentially extending raised area 83 may be provided, or more than two circumferentially extending raised areas 83 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 substantially around the entire circumference of the cylindrical element 20, in this example forming a band or ring around the cylindrical element 20. However, other arrangements are possible, such as circumferentially extending raised regions extending around some but not all of the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20, or regions having other patterns (such as a helical configuration).

The first and second circumferentially extending raised

areas

83a, 83b each prevent or limit air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. This is achieved by: the circumferentially extending raised

areas

83a, 83b form a seal between the outer surface of the cylindrical element and the inner surface of the recess 13 by pressing against the inner surface of the recess 13. Preventing or limiting air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 may help prevent or limit outside air from entering the smoking article 80 between the filter 6 of the smoking article rod portion 2 and the unit 83 of the filter. Additionally, preventing or limiting air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 may help prevent or limit aerosol formed by the smoking article rod portion 2 from bypassing the cylindrical element 20 and/or the annular element 21 by passing between the cylindrical element 20 and the annular element 21.

The circumferentially extending raised

areas

83a, 83b may be formed by embossing the wrap 82 forming 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 a width of 1 mm. However, other dimensions may be used, such as a width between 0.5 mm and 10 mm and a height between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. Further, in the present example, the first and second circumferentially extending raised

regions

83a, 83b are separated by a spacing of 2 mm therebetween, although other spacings may be used, such as between 1 mm and 20 mm, depending on the size and configuration of the cylindrical element 20. A circumferentially extending raised region 83 is provided approximately halfway along the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element, which in this case is in the region of about 3 mm from the annular element 21. However, the circumferentially extending raised portion 83 may alternatively be provided in other locations around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article 90, the smoking article 90 comprising a smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit 91, separate from the smoking article rod portion 2, and wherein the filter unit 91 comprises both at least one raised area 73 as described with reference to figure 4 and at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83 as described with reference to figure 5. The smoking article 90 of figure 6 is substantially similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of figure 1a and identical reference numerals have been used to identify equivalent features. At least one raised area 73 is provided on the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20, the at least one raised area 73 being further away from the annular element 21 than the at least one circumferentially extending raised area 83. In particular, in the present example, four raised areas 73 are provided spaced around the periphery of the cylindrical element 20 and spaced approximately 4 mm from the annular element 21. The first and second circumferentially extending raised areas 83 are provided approximately 2 mm apart from the annular element 21. The raised regions 73 and the circumferentially extending raised regions 83 may be formed by embossing the wrap 92 forming the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a smoking article 100, the smoking article 100 comprising a smoking article rod part 2 and a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit 101, separate from the smoking article rod part 2, and wherein the filter unit 101 comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised area 103 for holding the filter unit 101 in engagement with the smoking article rod part 2. The smoking article 100 of figure 7 is substantially similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of figure 1a and identical reference numerals have been used to identify equivalent features. The at least one circumferentially extending raised area 103 has the combined function of the at least one raised area 73 described with reference to fig. 4 and the at least one circumferentially extending raised area described with reference to fig. 5. In particular, the circumferentially extending raised area 103 is formed so as to have a forward section 103b and a rearward section 103a, the forward section 103b having a relatively shallow slope when it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or area of the raised area 103, and the rearward section 103a having a relatively steep slope when it rises away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or area of the raised area 103. The circumferentially extending raised region 103 thus provides a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the recess 13 and a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the cylindrical element 20 is withdrawn out of the recess 13. Additionally, the circumferentially extending raised area 103 also serves the following function: preventing or limiting air flow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20.

Figure 8 is a side sectional view of a mouthpiece, in this example a filter unit 110, having an offset cylindrical element 20 for use with a smoking article as described herein. The filter unit 110 includes a cylindrical member 20 and an annular member 111. The cylindrical member 20 is substantially identical to the cylindrical member 20 previously described. However, in the present example, the annular element 111 is arranged to surround the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20 and also extends beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20. The annular element 111 has in this example the same longitudinal length as the cylindrical element 20. In particular, in the present example, the cylindrical element 20 and the annular element 21 each have a length of 13 mm. The intermediate position 22 is located 6 mm from the insertion end along the length of the cylindrical element 20, as previously described, and thus the annular element 21 extends 6 mm beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20. The annular element 111 is a wrapper of a wrapper 112, such as tipping paper. The filter unit 110 of fig. 8 thus has a recess 113 at its mouth end, the recess 113 being able to receive the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 of the filter unit as described herein.

The filter unit 110 of fig. 8 may be adapted to include any of the features of the filter units of fig. 3a to 3 d. The user may thus select a first filter unit 110 as illustrated in figure 8, but which includes the aerosol modifying additive, and attach the first filter unit 110 to the smoking article rod 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 enables a user to achieve properties of multiple filter units that may be connected to the same smoking article rod portion 2, such as filtration and aerosol modification properties.

Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a smoking article 120, the smoking article 120 comprising a smoking article rod portion 2 and first 110a and second 110b filter units 110 of figure 8 connected to the smoking article rod portion 2. The smoking article 120 of figure 9 is substantially similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of figure 1a and identical reference numerals have been used to identify equivalent features.

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming a mouthpiece as described herein, in this example a filter unit. In a first step (S101), an elongate cylinder of filter material is formed having adjacent first and second portions, the first portions being arranged to be inserted into corresponding recesses in a smoking article. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker in which a filter tow (filter tow) is fed from its supply into a garniture section of the maker in which the filter tow is compressed into a rod shape and wrapped in a wrapper, such as a plug wrap. The plug wrap may be provided with embossed raised regions forming raised regions 73 and circumferentially extending raised regions 83 as described herein. The cylinder may be cut to its final length on the filter rod maker, or to a length that is a multiple of its desired final length, which may be cut to a suitable size when combined with the ring element 21. In a second step (S102), a ring-shaped 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 sheet material around a cylinder or by sliding a tubular filter section over a cylinder. In each case, the annular member 21 may be adhered to the outer surface of the cylindrical member using an adhesive.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming a cylindrical element of a filter unit 71 as described herein with reference to fig. 4. In a first step (S201), a wrapping material having at least one raised area disposed thereon is formed. For example, a sheet wrapping material (such as an plug wrap) may be stamped or otherwise provided with at least one raised region disposed thereon. In a second step (S202), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed, for example using a filter rod maker. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker in which the filter tow is fed from its supply into a fitting section of the maker in which the filter tow is compressed into a rod shape. In a third step (S203), the wrapping material is wrapped around an elongated cylinder of filter material. The cylinder of filter material may be cut to its final length on the filter rod maker, or to a length that is a multiple of its desired final length, which may be cut to an appropriate size at a later stage.

Fig. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming a cylindrical element of a filter unit 81 as described herein with reference to fig. 5. In a first step (S301), a wrapping material is formed having at least one circumferentially extending raised region disposed thereon. For example, a sheet wrapping material (such as an plug wrap) may be embossed or otherwise provided with at least one circumferentially extending raised region disposed thereon. In a second step (S302), an elongated cylinder of filter material is formed, for example using a filter rod maker. The cylinder may be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker in which the filter tow is fed from its supply into a fitting section of the maker in which the filter tow is compressed into a rod shape. In a third step (S303), the wrapping material is wrapped around an elongated cylinder of filter material. The cylinder of filter material may be cut to its final length on the filter rod maker, or to a length that is a multiple of its desired final length, which may be cut to an appropriate size at a later stage.

The smoking articles described herein provide the user with the ability to modify the characteristics of the smoking article prior to or during use of the smoking article. Any of the

filter units

3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 described herein may be attached to any smoking article rod portion 2. For example, a user may be provided with one or more smoking article rod portions 2, and a selection of

filter units

3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 that may be selectively attached to the rod portions 2 as desired by the user.

Although certain arrangements for the

filter units

3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 and the smoking article rod portion 2 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 comprising only the cylindrical element 20 is provided. 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 be received within the recess 13. A mouthpiece other than a filter unit as described herein may be used, for example a tubular mouthpiece having an axial flow path therethrough, formed from a material such as plastic (polyvinyl chloride or other similar polymeric material), paper or card. A mouthpiece that does not perform a filtering function or provides a limited filtering function may be provided for use in non-combustible smoking articles, such as heated non-combustible (HnB) products, as well as for other nicotine delivery products, such as aerosol generating devices, including electronic cigarettes. Such a mouthpiece may for example comprise the same structure and materials as the filter unit described herein. Additionally, although the smoking article rod portion 2 has been described as having first and

second filter sections

7, 10, they may alternatively comprise only the first filter section 7, or further filter sections in addition to the first and

second filter sections

7, 10. For example, the smoking article rod portion 2 described herein may comprise a further third filter section at the tobacco rod end of the filter 6, the third section comprising an adsorbent (such as activated carbon) dispersed therein. Furthermore, the smoking article rod portion 2 need not comprise the second filter section 10 and may instead have a recess 13 at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2 formed from a hard plug wrap or tipping material. In this case, the corresponding filter unit will be adapted to fit the alternative recess arrangement.

The embossing for forming the raised

areas

73, 83, 103 on their respective wraps has been described herein. Such a wrapper may be embossed between suitably shaped cooperating pairs of rollers to form the raised

regions

73, 83, 103. A plurality of wraps can be simultaneously and concurrently embossed between the rollers.

To address various issues and improve upon the prior art, the entirety of the present disclosure shows, by way of illustration, various examples in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provides advanced smoking articles and filter units. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely exemplary and are not intended to be exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented merely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other examples may be employed and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various examples may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, and the like. Additionally, this disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece attachable to a rod portion of a smoking article, the mouthpiece comprising an elongate cylindrical element arranged to be inserted by a user into a recess of the rod portion of the smoking article;

wherein the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised region and the at least one raised region is arranged to provide resistance to movement of the cylindrical element within the recess, and wherein the at least one raised region has a first section which has a relatively steep slope when it is lifted away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element and a second section which has a relatively shallow slope when it is lifted away from the outer surface of the cylindrical element, and wherein the second section is arranged forward of the first section when the cylindrical element is inserted into the recess.

2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein said cylindrical element comprises:

adjacent first and second portions 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 disposed around the second portion of the cylindrical element, the annular element having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the recess.

3. A holder according to claim 2, wherein said annular element comprises a wrapper forming at least a portion of an outer surface of said annular element.

4. A holder according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inner diameter and/or length of said recess and the outer diameter and/or length of said cylindrical element are arranged to substantially correspond such that at least a portion of said cylindrical element can be received within and substantially fill said recess.

5. A holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said cylindrical element comprises a smoke modifying additive.

6. A holder according to claim 5, wherein:

the smoke modifying additive is distributed throughout the cylindrical element and/or annular element;

wherein the smoke modifying additive is contained within at least one frangible capsule;

wherein the smoke modifying additive comprises a botanical additive;

wherein the smoke modifying additive comprises an absorbent; and/or

Wherein the additive is loaded on a wire extending through the cylindrical element and/or the annular element.

7. A holder according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said annular element is attached to said cylindrical element using an adhesive and/or said cylindrical element comprises a wrapper forming at least a portion of the outer surface of said cylindrical element.

8. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one raised area is embossed in the outer surface of said cylindrical element.

9. A holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one raised area has a first segment and a second segment, and wherein said first segment has a wider circumferential extent than said second segment, and wherein said second segment is arranged forward of said first segment when said cylindrical element is inserted into said recess.

10. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the body of said cylindrical element comprises fibrous filter material.

11. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one raised region comprises at least one circumferentially extending raised region configured to engage with an inner surface of a corresponding recess to prevent or limit air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and an outer surface of said cylindrical element.

12. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein said cylindrical element further comprises an outer surface having at least one circumferentially extending raised region configured to engage with an inner surface of a corresponding recess to prevent or limit air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of said cylindrical element.

13. A holder according to claim 12, wherein said cylindrical element comprises a wrapper forming at least a portion of an outer surface of said cylindrical element, and wherein said at least one circumferentially extending raised area is formed by embossing said wrapper.

14. A holder according to claim 12, wherein said circumferentially extending raised area extends around substantially the entire perimeter of said cylindrical element.

15. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one raised area is arranged to provide a lower resistance to movement of said cylindrical element into said recess than out of said recess.

16. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one raised area is arranged to engage with an inner surface of said recess to provide resistance to movement of said cylindrical element within said recess.

17. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein said cylindrical element comprises cavities containing particles of an aerosol modifying additive.

18. A smoking article, the smoking article comprising:

a smoking article rod portion having a recess; and

a holder according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A method for forming a mouthpiece according to claim 1, comprising:

forming a wrapper having at least one raised area disposed thereon;

forming an elongated cylinder of filter material; and

wrapping the wrapped material around the elongated cylinder of filter material to form the cylindrical element.