U.S. patent application number 13/637979 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-06 for smoking article.
This patent application is currently assigned to BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Kevin Blick, David Dittrich, Richard Fiebelkorn, Mike Simpson. Invention is credited to Kevin Blick, David Dittrich, Richard Fiebelkorn, Mike Simpson.
Application Number | 20130140197 13/637979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44146556 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130140197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fiebelkorn; Richard ; et
al. |
June 6, 2013 |
Smoking Article
Abstract
A smoking article (10) comprising a source of smokable material
(11); and a sleeve (13) coupled to the source of smokable material
and defining a chamber (15). The sleeve has a distal end configured
to be movable relative to the source of smokable material. The
smoking article (10) further comprises a smoke modifying agent
releasable into the smoking article.
Inventors: |
Fiebelkorn; Richard;
(London, GB) ; Dittrich; David; (London, GB)
; Blick; Kevin; (London, GB) ; Simpson; Mike;
(Mid Levels, HK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fiebelkorn; Richard
Dittrich; David
Blick; Kevin
Simpson; Mike |
London
London
London
Mid Levels |
|
GB
GB
GB
HK |
|
|
Assignee: |
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO
(INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
London
GB
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO JAPAN, LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
44146556 |
Appl. No.: |
13/637979 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
March 14, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2011/050496 |
371 Date: |
February 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/205 ;
131/335; 131/337 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24D 1/047 20130101;
B65D 85/10 20130101; B65D 25/04 20130101; A24D 3/041 20130101; A24D
1/042 20130101; A24D 3/061 20130101; A24D 3/048 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/205 ;
131/335; 131/337 |
International
Class: |
A24D 3/06 20060101
A24D003/06; B65D 25/04 20060101 B65D025/04; B65D 85/10 20060101
B65D085/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 29, 2010 |
JP |
2010-074231 |
Claims
1. A smoking article comprising: a first part comprising a source
of smokable material; a second part having at least an end
configured to be movable relative to the first part; and the
smoking article further comprising a smoke modifying agent
releasable into the smoking article.
2. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 wherein the smoke
modifying agent is a source of flavoring.
3. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 wherein a surface of
the first part facing the second part is provided with one of: a
plurality of capsules containing the smoke modifying agent or one
or more engaging features, wherein a surface of the second part
facing the first part is provided with the other one of: a
plurality of capsules containing the smoke modifying agent or one
or more engaging features, and the one or more engaging features
are configured to engage with the capsules to release the smoke
modifying agent as the first part moves relative to the second
part.
4. The smoking article as claimed in claim 3 wherein the one or
more engaging features are one or more protruding features
configured to crush the capsules as the first part rotates relative
to the second part.
5. The smoking article as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first part
is slidable longitudinally relative to the second part to vary the
length of a chamber defined by at least one of the first part and
the second part.
6. The smoking article as claimed in claim 3 wherein the engaging
features are configured to break the capsules on at least one of
relative longitudinal movement and rotation between the first part
and second part.
7. The smoking article as claimed in claim 6 wherein said
longitudinal movement is independent of rotation about a
longitudinal axis.
8. The smoking article as claimed in claim 3 wherein the plurality
of capsules are located on a periphery of a filter of the first
part, and the engaging features extend radially inwardly to crush
the capsules against the filter.
9. The smoking article as claimed in claim 3 wherein the engaging
features have a substantially pyramidal shape.
10. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 further comprising
one or more compartments formed on an exterior surface of one of
the first part and second part, wherein the one or more
compartments contain the smoke modifying agent, and the one or more
compartments comprise a frangible membrane configured to allow
release of the smoke modifying agent into the smoking article.
11. The smoking article as claimed in claim 10 comprising a chamber
defined by at least one of the first part and second part, wherein
the frangible membrane separates a said compartment from the
chamber.
12. The smoking article as claimed in claim 11 wherein one of the
first and second part further comprises a transparent window
allowing viewing of the chamber.
13. The smoking article as claimed in claim 11 wherein one of the
first part and second part is moveable between a retracted position
covering said frangible membrane to inhibit breakage of the
frangible membrane, and an extended position in which the one of
the first and second part does not cover the frangible membrane
such that the frangible membrane can be broken into the
chamber.
14. The smoking article as claimed in claim 10 wherein an exterior
surface of the compartment extends radially beyond the exterior
surface of one of the first and second part on which the
compartment is formed.
15. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
part comprises a sleeve.
16. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smoking
article is an extendable smoking article, such that the length of a
chamber defined by one of the first part and second part is
variable.
17. The smoking article as claimed in claim 16 wherein the smoking
article is configured to one of: release the smoke modifying agent,
and allow the smoke modifying agent to be released, as the smoking
article is extended.
18. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
flexible elongate substrate within a chamber defined by at least
one of the first part and second part, wherein a first end of the
substrate is moveable with the first part, and a second end of the
substrate is moveable with the second part; wherein the substrate
is configured to extend from a folded state to an unfolded state as
the first part is moved relative to the second part, and the smoke
modifying agent is covered between two facing sections of the
substrate in the folded state and uncovered as the facing sections
move apart into the unfolded state.
19. The smoking article as claimed in claim 18 wherein the smoke
modifying agent is a plurality of discrete smoke modifying agent
units attached to both of the two facing faces of the substrate in
the folded state, and smoke modifying agent units are configured to
divide in the unfolded state into a first smoke modifying agent
portion attached to one of the two facing sections of the
substrate, and a second smoke modifying agent portion attached to
the other of the two facing sections of the substrate.
20. The smoking article as claimed in claim 15 wherein at least one
of: the first part comprises a first filter attached to the source
of smokable material and the second part comprises a second filter
connected to the sleeve.
21. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 comprising a filter
connected to the second part, and a flexible elongate substrate
extending through said filter and at least partially coated with
the smoke modifying agent; wherein a first end of the substrate is
moveable with the first part, wherein the substrate is configured
to be drawn through said filter as the first part is moved relative
to the second part.
22. The smoking article as claimed in claim 21 wherein the
substrate is coiled adjacent to said filter and outside of a
chamber defined by at least one of the first part and second
part.
23. The smoking article as claimed in claim 21 wherein the
substrate is provided with an enlarged section having a lateral
dimension larger than the substrate passable through a second
filter, to prevent further movement of the substrate when the
enlarged section abuts the second filter.
24. The smoking article as claimed in claim 21 wherein the
substrate is a string coated with a wax containing the smoke
modifying agent.
25. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 wherein a chamber
defined by at least one of the first part and second part comprises
loose particles.
26. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second
part comprises a sleeve, and the sleeve is formed as a cylindrical
tube slidable around the source of smokable material.
27. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second
part comprises a sleeve, and the sleeve is formed as a concertina
in order to vary the length of the sleeve and a chamber defined by
at least one of the first part and second part.
28. A package, comprising: a first compartment containing a
plurality of smoking articles; and a second compartment containing
a liquid smoke modifying agent; and a divider separating the first
and second compartments, wherein the divider has a plurality of
apertures, wherein a substrate of a smoking article extends through
an aperture in the divider, and into the liquid smoke modifying
agent in the second compartment.
29. (canceled)
30. The smoking article as claimed in claim 6 wherein rotation of
the first part relative to the second part actuates extension of
the smoking article.
31. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
part further comprises a sleeve and the second part comprises a
filter moveable relative to the sleeve.
32. The smoking article as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one
of: the first part comprises a first filter attached to the source
of smokable material and the second part comprises a second filter
connected to the sleeve.
33. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 wherein a chamber
defined by one of the first part and second part comprises loose
carbon particles.
34. The package of claim 28, wherein the smoking articles further
comprise: a first part comprising a source of smokable material; a
second part having at least an end configured to be movable
relative to the first part; the smoking article further comprising
a smoke modifying agent releasable into the smoking article; a
filter connected to the second part, and a flexible elongate
substrate extending through said filter and at least partially
coated with the smoke modifying agent; and wherein a first end of
the substrate is moveable with the first part, wherein the
substrate is configured to be drawn through said filter as the
first part is moved relative to the second part.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking article. In
particular, the invention relates to an extendable smoking article
whose length can be varied to vary the length of an internal
chamber.
[0002] An extendable cigarette is known from U.S. Pat. No.
2,820,462. The cigarette is telescopic, with a tobacco rod slidable
within a tube having a filter at the mouthpiece end. The tobacco
rod can be slid within the tube to vary the size of an internal
chamber.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,062,218 describes a telescopic cigarette in
which a tobacco rod is slidable within a tube. The tube may be
coated with a flavouring material, such as menthol, to provide
flavour.
[0004] The present invention provides a smoking article comprising:
a first part comprising a source of smokable material; a second
part having at least an end configured to be movable relative to
the first part; and the smoking article further comprising a smoke
modifying agent releasable into the smoking article.
[0005] Thus, the smoking article contains a smoke modifying agent
which is delivered when required.
[0006] The present invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
smoking article;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cut-away side elevation view of the smoking
article of FIG. 1 in a retracted state;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cut-away side elevation view of the smoking
article of FIG. 1 in an extended state;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
smoking article according to the present invention, in a partially
formed state;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cut-away side elevation view of a third
embodiment of the smoking article;
[0012] FIG. 6a is a schematic perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of the smoking article, in a retracted state;
[0013] FIG. 6b is a schematic perspective view of the smoking
article of FIG. 6a, in an extended state;
[0014] FIG. 7a is a schematic side elevation view of a first
embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article, in a
retracted state;
[0015] FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of the flavour delivery system
of FIG. 7a;
[0016] FIG. 8a is a schematic side elevation view of a first
embodiment of a flavour delivery system in an smoking article, in a
partially extended state;
[0017] FIG. 8b is an enlarged view of the flavour delivery system
of FIG. 8a;
[0018] FIG. 9a is a schematic side elevation view of a first
embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article, in an
extended state;
[0019] FIG. 9b is an enlarged view of the flavour delivery system
of FIG. 9a;
[0020] FIG. 10a is a cut-away perspective view of the flavour
delivery system of FIG. 7a;
[0021] FIG. 10b is a cut-away perspective view of the flavour
delivery system of FIG. 9a;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic side elevation view of a second
embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article, in a
retracted state;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic side elevation view of the second
embodiment of the flavour delivery system in a smoking article, in
a partially extended state;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic side elevation view of the second
embodiment of the flavour delivery system in a smoking article, in
an extended state;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a cut-away perspective view of a package
containing smoking articles with the second embodiment of the
flavour delivery system;
[0026] FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a variation of the second
embodiment of the flavour delivery system in a smoking article, in
a retracted state;
[0027] FIG. 15b is a perspective view of the smoking article of
FIG. 15a, in a partially extended state;
[0028] FIG. 15c is a perspective view of the smoking article of
FIG. 15a, in an extended state;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
flavour delivery system in a smoking article;
[0030] FIG. 17 is an enlarged cut-away side elevation view of the
flavour delivery system of FIG. 16;
[0031] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cut-away cross section through the
flavour delivery system of FIG. 16;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a cutaway side elevation view of a fourth
embodiment of a flavour delivery system;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a cutaway side elevation view of FIG. 19 during
use; and
[0034] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the smoking article of
FIG. 19.
[0035] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a smoking article
10. The smoking article may be an article such as a cigarette,
cigar or cigarillo. For convenience, these will be referred to as
"smoking articles" in this specification. The smoking article 10
comprises a first part comprising a source of smokable material in
the form of a tobacco rod 11, with an attached first filter section
12. The tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are attached
with a covering layer, preferably formed of tipping paper.
[0036] A second part of the smoking article comprises a sleeve 13
in the form of a cylindrical tube extending around the
circumference of the tobacco rod 11 and/or first filter section 12.
The tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are dimensioned to
slide as a unit longitudinally within the sleeve 13. The tobacco
rod 11 and first filter section 12 may be referred to as a tobacco
unit.
[0037] The second part may further comprises a second filter
section 14 at a mouthpiece end of the sleeve 13, distal from the
first filter section 12. The second filter section 14 is securely
attached and fixed within the sleeve 13. The first and/or second
filter sections 12, 14 are preferably made of a conventional
cellulose acetate tow.
[0038] A chamber 15 is defined in the sleeve 13 between the first
filter section 12 and second filter section 14. The chamber 15 has
a variable length, and hence volume, as the first filter section 12
slides axially within the cylindrical sleeve 13. The chamber 15 has
a length varying from zero to a predetermined maximum length. Thus,
an end of the sleeve 13 distal to the source of smokable material
is movable relative to the source of smokable material. The first
part is slidable around the second part, i.e. the second part is
slidable within the first part.
[0039] Relative movement of the first and second parts, i.e. sleeve
13 and tobacco rod 11, beyond the maximum length is prevented by a
restraining means, preferably abutting surfaces on or adjacent to
the tobacco rod 11 and sleeve 13. In particular, the restraining
means may comprise a first engaging surface extending radially
inwardly from the sleeve 13, engagable with a second engaging
surface extending radially outwardly from the tobacco unit. The
second engaging surface may be provided by sheet material wrapped
around the tobacco unit, and in particular, by material (e.g.
tipping paper) connecting the tobacco rod and first filter.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows the smoking article 10 in a retracted state,
with the tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 moved up to the
second filter section 13. The length of the chamber 15 has been
reduced to zero. The smoking article 10 is at its shortest overall
length. The smoking article 10 may be packaged in the retracted
state prior to use. The smoking article 10 may be returned to the
retracted state after use, once the tobacco rod 11 has been
partially or fully combusted.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows the smoking article 10 in an extended state,
with the tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 moved as far as
possible away from the second filter section 14. The length of the
chamber 15 has been increased to its maximum. The smoking article
10 is at its longest length. The smoking article 10 may be in the
extended state during use. The tobacco rod 11 and first filter
section 12 are continuously positionable within the sleeve 13 to be
in any partially extended position between the retracted and
extended states.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the smoking article 20.
The smoking article 20 comprises a cylinder of tobacco 21
surrounded by, and attached to, a sleeve 23 to form a tobacco rod.
The cylinder of tobacco 21 does not move relative to the sleeve 23.
The sleeve 23 has a section 23a extending rearwardly of the tobacco
21. A filter 24 is longitudinally slidable within the sleeve
section 23a. A chamber 25 is formed by the tubular section 23a,
between the tobacco 21 and the filter 24.
[0043] The smoking article 20 functions in a similar manner to
smoking article 10. Smoking article 20 differs in that the sleeve
forming the chamber 25 is rigidly attached to the tobacco rod, not
the mouthpiece filter 24. Smoking article 20 also differs by not
having a filter attached directly to the tobacco 21. A further
embodiment of the present invention may have only one of these
features or differences.
[0044] Relative movement of the sleeve 23 and filter 24 beyond the
maximum length is prevented by a restraining means. Preferably, the
restraining means comprises first and second engaging surfaces on
or adjacent to the sleeve 23a and filter 24 respectively. A second
engaging surface may be provided by one or more layers of sheet
material (e.g. tipping paper) wrapped around the filter 24.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the smoking article 30.
Smoking article 30 has a similar construction to the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 to 3, having a tobacco rod 31 attached to a filter 32. The
tobacco rod 31 and filter 32 are slidable within a sleeve 33 formed
as a cylindrical tube. At the mouthpiece end of the sleeve 33 is a
stain binder 36, instead of a second filter. The stain binder 36
may remove substances which can cause staining. A variable length
chamber 35 is formed between the filter 32 and stain binder 36.
[0046] FIGS. 6a and 6b show a fourth embodiment of an extendable
smoking article 40. The smoking article 40 comprises a tobacco rod
(not shown) attached to a first filter section 42. A sleeve 43 is
attached to the first filter section 42. At a distal end of the
sleeve 43 is a second filter section 44, defining a mouthpiece end.
A chamber 45 is defined in the sleeve 43, between the first and
second filter sections 42, 44.
[0047] The sleeve 43 can fold as a concertina in order to vary the
length of the sleeve 43 and chamber 45. The sleeve 43 has a
plurality of sections of varying diameter, such that fold lines are
formed around the circumference of the sleeve 43 at lines of
maximum and minimum diameter.
[0048] In a retracted state shown in FIG. 6a, the first and second
filter sections 42,44 are urged together, such that the sleeve is
compressed. The sleeve lines of the sleeve 43 increase in angle,
and segments of the sleeve 43 between fold lines are orientated
towards a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
smoking article. The chamber 45 has a relatively short length.
[0049] In an extended state shown in FIG. 6b, the first and second
filter sections 42,44 are urged apart, such that the fold lines of
the sleeve 43 decrease in angle, and segments of the sleeve 43
between fold lines are orientated towards a plane parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The chamber 45 has a
relatively long length.
[0050] The concertina sleeve 43 therefore allows the chamber 45 to
vary in length without requiring parts sliding relative to each
other. Thus, an end of the sleeve 43 distal to the source of
smokable material is movable relative to the source of smokable
material.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 6b, the concertina sleeve 43 also allows
controlled bending of the smoking article 40. The sleeve 43 may be
urged at an angle or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such
that one or more fold lines of the sleeve 43 are not uniformly
extended around the circumference. The variation in extension
around the circumference of the sleeve 43 provides for bending of
the sleeve 43. The longitudinal axis of the first filter section 42
is not co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the second filter
section 44 when the sleeve 43 is bent.
[0052] The tobacco rod and attached filter are described as
connected by tipping paper. The tipping paper may be standard
tipping paper, or a relatively thick recessed tipping paper, or a
board type tipping paper. Alternatively, a tube formed of any
material may attach the filter material to the source of smokable
material. In particular, such a tube may be made of a plastics
material, for example, a plastic made from corn starch.
Alternatively, the tube may be made from a ceramic material.
Alternatively, the tube may be formed from foil, metal or
metallised paper.
[0053] The embodiments above have been described as having a filter
section at the mouthpiece (rearward) end of the sleeve.
Alternatively, the sleeve may not contain such a filter section or
stain binder. In the absence of a filter or stain binder at the
mouthpiece end of the sleeve, the sleeve is only a hollow tube and
the chamber is defined by the sleeve between the tobacco unit and
the mouthpiece end of the sleeve. The embodiments described above
may have at least one filter section, attached to one or both of
the source of smokable material and the mouthpiece end of the
sleeve. Alternatively, the smoking article may not include any
filter section.
[0054] One or more of the filter sections may be formed of a single
segment of filter material or a plurality of segments. A filter
section formed of a plurality of segments may comprise segments
made of different materials or having different filtration
properties. In particular, a filter section may comprise a standard
segment of cellulose acetate tow and a further segment of
filtration material including charcoal. Alternatively, the filter
section may be a single segment incorporating charcoal.
[0055] The second filter may be shaped, preferably to aid draw
strength or provide other benefits relating to sensation and
staining pattern. The filter may be made from pressed, formed or
extruded acetate.
[0056] In a further embodiment of the smoking article, the chamber
contains loose filtration material, retained by the second filter
or suitable means preventing escape of the loose material. The
loose filtration material is preferably granulated carbon,
providing loose carbon particles in the chamber.
[0057] FIGS. 7 to 21 show four embodiments of flavour delivery
systems, for providing flavourants. Any of the embodiments of the
flavour delivery systems may be used with any of the embodiments of
smoking article described in FIGS. 1 to 6, unless otherwise
stated.
[0058] FIGS. 7a to 9b show a first embodiment of a flavour delivery
system in a smoking article 50. Smoking article 50 comprises a
variable length chamber 55, substantially as described in any of
the embodiments above. The smoking article 50 comprises a tobacco
unit 51, which may comprise a tobacco rod and first filter as
described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a
tobacco rod as described with respect to FIG. 4. The chamber 55 is
defined between the tobacco unit 51 and a filter or stain binder
54. The filter or stain binder 54 will be referred to as filter
54.
[0059] A flexible elongate substrate 57 is located in the chamber
55. The substrate 57 has a first end attached to the tobacco unit
51. The substrate 57 has a second end attached adjacent the
mouthpiece end of the smoking article, attached to the sleeve 53 or
to the filter 54. The substrate 57 is preferably a strip of
flexible material, in particular, a strip of paper.
[0060] When the smoking article is in a retracted state, as shown
in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the substrate 57 is folded against itself.
Preferably, the substrate 57 has a plurality of folds 58 such that
several sections of substrate 57 face an adjacent section of
substrate 57, and are in close proximity to such an opposing
section. Flavouring units 59 containing a source of flavouring are
attached between the facing sections of substrate 57. Flavouring
units 59 are inhibited from releasing flavouring by being covered
by the facing sections of substrate 57. The source of flavouring
may be locked in a weak glue bound parcel.
[0061] FIGS. 8a and 8b show the smoking article 50 in a partially
extended state. The separation of the tobacco unit 51 and filter 54
is increased from the retracted state. The substrate 57 is extended
by a reduction in the angle of folds. The flavouring units 59 are
divided into a first flavouring portion attached to a first facing
surface of the substrate 57, and a second flavouring portion
attached to a second, opposed, facing surface of the substrate 57.
The first and second portions may be "cracked" apart in a
non-reversible separation. The detached flavouring portions release
the flavourings into the chamber 55. Alternatively the flavouring
units 59 may remain whole, and release flavouring by being
uncovered, i.e. separated from, an adjacent covering section of
substrate 57.
[0062] Alternatively, the source of flavouring may be contained
within microcapsules. The microcapsules are configured to be
ruptured by the separation of facing surfaces of the substrate.
[0063] FIGS. 9a and 9b show the smoking article 50 in a fully
extended state. The separation of the tobacco unit 51 and filter 54
is increased from the partially extended state. The substrate 57 is
further extended by an additional reduction in the angle of folds
58. The substrate 57 is not taut, and does not inhibit or affect
the extension of the smoking article 50. The flavouring units 59
are located at intervals along the whole length of the substrate
57, providing for a diffuse release of flavourings over the length
of the chamber 55.
[0064] FIGS. 10a and 10b show a perspective view of the smoking
article 50 in a retracted state and extended state respectively.
The substrate 57 may be formed of a suitable strip of flexible
material, which can support flavouring units 59. The substrate 57
is preferably of paper, and may be of board weight. Alternatively,
the substrate 57 may be formed of a metallic foil strip. The
flavouring units 59 are formed as a series of dots on the substrate
59.
[0065] FIGS. 11 to 15c show a second embodiment of a flavour
delivery system in a smoking article 60. Smoking article 60
comprises a variable length chamber 65, substantially as described
in any of the embodiments above. The smoking article 60 comprises a
tobacco unit 61, which may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as
described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a
tobacco rod as described with respect to FIG. 4. The chamber 65 is
defined between the tobacco unit 61 and a filter or stain binder
64. The filter or stain binder 64 will be referred to as filter
64.
[0066] A flexible elongate substrate 67 is located in the chamber
65. The substrate 67 has a first end attached to the tobacco unit
61. The substrate 67 extends through an aperture in the filter 64,
and has a second end outside of the chamber 65 and beyond the
filter 64. The substrate 67 is preferably a flexible string. The
second end of the substrate 67 may be provided with an enlarged
section 68, to prevent the second end of the substrate 67 passing
though the filter 64. The enlarged section 68 may be formed by a
knot in the substrate 67.
[0067] FIG. 11 shows the smoking article 60 in a retracted state.
The substrate 67 extends through the filter 64 and the majority of
the length of the substrate 67 is outside of the chamber 65,
rearward of the filter 64. The substrate 67 is coated with a
flavouring, preferably in the form of a wax incorporating the
source of flavouring. The flavouring is preferably menthol.
[0068] FIG. 12 shows the smoking article 60 in a partially extended
state. The separation of the tobacco unit 61 and filter 64 is
increased from the retracted state. The substrate 64 is drawn
through the filter 64 as the smoking article is extended, and is
taut within the chamber 65. As the substrate is drawn through the
filter 64, some of the flavouring coated on the substrate 67 is
absorbed into the filter 64.
[0069] FIG. 13 shows the smoking article 60 in a fully extended
state. The separation of the tobacco unit 61 and filter 64 is
increased from the partially extended state. The substrate 67 is
taut within the chamber 65, and the enlarged section 68 is adjacent
the filter 64. The enlarged section 68 may be used to limit
extension of the smoking article 60, since further extension is not
possible once the enlarged section 68 abuts the filter 64. The
chamber 65 receives flavouring, in particular menthol, from the
substrate 67.
[0070] FIG. 14 shows a package 70 containing smoking articles 60
substantially as described above. The package comprises a first
compartment 71 for receiving a plurality of smoking articles 60.
The smoking articles 60 are stored in the package 70 in the
retracted state. The smoking articles 60 extend vertically in the
first compartment. A second compartment 72 is formed vertically
below the first compartment, and is separated from the first
compartment by a divider 73. The divider 73 has an array of
apertures 74, one aperture 74 aligned with the intended position of
one smoking article 60 in the first compartment. The second
compartment 72 acts as a reservoir containing a flavouring 75 in
liquid form.
[0071] Each of the smoking articles 60 are arranged in the package
70 with the substrate 67 extending downwardly, through an aperture
74 and into the second compartment 72. The substrate 67 extends
into the reservoir of liquid flavouring 75. Thus, substantially the
whole substrate is moisturised by the liquid flavouring 75 in the
package 70. The substrates 67 are preferably not initially coated
with a wax containing the flavouring, since the flavouring from the
reservoir soaks in to the substrate 67.
[0072] As a smoking article 60 is extracted from the package 70,
the substrate 67 extends below the filter 64 and is pulled through
the aperture 74. Excess liquid flavouring 75 may run off the
substrate 67 as the smoking article 60 is lifted. The smoking
article 60 may then be extended as described, introducing the
flavouring 75 into the filter 64 and chamber 65.
[0073] FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c show a variant of the smoking article
60. FIG. 15a shows the smoking article 60 in a retracted state. The
substrate 67 is outside of the filter 64, and is coiled into a
spiral, within the diameter of the smoking article 60. FIG. 15b
shows the smoking article 60 in a partially extended state. A
portion of the substrate 67 has been pulled into the chamber 65,
from the inside of the spiral. FIG. 15c shows the smoking article
60 in a fully extended state. The substrate 67 extends fully within
the chamber 65 and filter 64. The enlarged section 68 abuts the
filter 64.
[0074] FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 show a third embodiment of the flavour
delivery system in a smoking article 80. Smoking article 80
comprises a variable length chamber defined in a sleeve 83 formed
as a cylindrical tube, substantially as described in any of the
embodiments above. The smoking article 80 comprises a tobacco unit
81, which may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as described with
respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as
described with respect to FIG. 4. The chamber is defined between
the tobacco unit 81 and a filter or stain binder 84. The filter or
stain binder 84 will be referred to as filter 84.
[0075] The sleeve 83 is co-axial with the tobacco unit 81, and
surrounds an end of the tobacco unit 81. The tobacco unit 81 is
movable in a longitudinal direction within the sleeve 83, in order
to vary the length of the chamber. The tobacco unit 81 is also
rotatable relative to the sleeve 83 about a longitudinal axis. The
relative rotation of the tobacco unit 81 and sleeve 83 releases
flavouring into the chamber.
[0076] The extension and rotation of the sleeve are preferably
independent. Alternatively, the rotation and extension may be
linked. In particular, rotation of the sleeve relative to the
tobacco unit may actuate extension of the smoking article, and/or
rotation of the parts of the smoking article may actuate extension
of the sleeve. Alternatively, the first part may be rotatable
relative to the second part at a fixed longitudinal position, such
that the first part is not moveable longitudinally relative to the
second part. The smoking article may have no chamber such that the
filter 84 abuts the tobacco unit, or the smoking article may have a
chamber of a fixed length.
[0077] FIGS. 17 and 18 show capsules 89 containing a source of
flavouring located within the extendable cigarette 80. The capsules
are preferably micro-capsules. Preferably, the capsules 89 contain
menthol flavouring, or may contain another flavouring or substance.
The capsules 89 are affixed to an exterior surface of the tobacco
unit 81, and preferably on a periphery of a filter attached to the
source of smokable material, or on a periphery of the source of
smokable material. The capsules 89 are on a portion of the tobacco
unit 81 which is covered by the sleeve 83 over the whole range of
extensions of the smoking article 80. Engaging elements, preferably
in the form of grinding elements 88, are provided on an interior
surface of the sleeve 83, preferably in the form of one or more
protrusions. The engaging elements are configured to engage with
the capsules to release the source of flavouring. The grinding
elements 88 extend inwardly from the sleeve 83, and are preferably
configured to crush the capsules 89 on rotation, to release
flavouring from the capsules 89.
[0078] The grinding elements 88 preferably have a substantially
pyramid shape, with the apex pointing radially inwardly. A
plurality of grinding elements 88 extend in one or more
longitudinally extending rows. Preferably, a plurality of rows of
grinding elements 88 are equally spaced around the circumference of
the sleeve 83. Preferably, there are four rows of grinding elements
88. Preferably, the grinding elements comprise a first engaging
surface extending at a first angle to a radial directions, and
preferably, the grinding elements comprises a second engaging
surface extending at a second angle to a radial direction, and
meeting the first engaging surface at the apex pointing radially
inwardly. The grinding elements may comprise one or two sets of the
first and second engaging surfaces, configured to break capsules on
rotation by facing circumferentially, and/or configured to break
capsules on longitudinal movement by facing axially.
[0079] Alternatively, the capsules 89 may be affixed to the
interior surface of the sleeve 83, and the grinding elements 88
attached to the exterior surface of the tobacco unit 81.
[0080] The grinding elements have been described as breaking the
capsules containing flavouring when rotated relative to the
capsules. Alternatively, the grinding elements may be configured to
break the capsules when there is relative longitudinal movement
between the sleeve and tobacco unit. The grinding elements may be
configured to break the capsules when there is relative
longitudinal movement and rotation between the sleeve and tobacco
unit.
[0081] FIGS. 19 to 21 show a fourth embodiment of the flavour
delivery system in a smoking article 90. The smoking article 90
comprises a variable length chamber 95 defined in a sleeve 93
formed as a cylindrical tube, substantially as described in any of
the embodiments above. The smoking article 90 comprises a tobacco
unit 91, which may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as described
with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as
described with respect to FIG. 4. The chamber is defined between
the tobacco unit 91 and a filter or stain binder 94. The filter or
stain binder 94 will be referred to as filter 94.
[0082] The smoking article 90 comprises one or more compartments
containing a source of flavouring. The compartments 99 are formed
on an exterior surface of the sleeve 93. The compartments 99 extend
radially beyond the exterior surface of the sleeve 99. A frangible
membrane separates a compartment 99 from the chamber 95.
[0083] Preferably, there are two of said compartments on the sleeve
93. Preferably, the compartments 99 are located diametrically
opposite to each other.
[0084] The sleeve 93 may further comprise a window 98. The window
98 is formed of a transparent material allowing viewing of the
chamber 95. The window 98 allows the flavouring to be viewed when
introduced into the chamber 95.
[0085] In order to dispense the flavouring, a radial force is
applied to one or more of the compartments 99. The radial force
applied to a radially outward facing surface of the compartment
causes the frangible membrane to break. The source of the
flavouring can then enter the chamber 95.
[0086] The flavouring can only be released into the chamber 95 when
the smoking article 90 is in a sufficiently extended state. When
the smoking article 90 is in a retracted state, the tobacco unit 91
covers the frangible membranes, and so the compartments 99 do not
overlie the space of the chamber 95.
[0087] In a further embodiment of a flavour delivery system, one or
more filter sections comprise capsules containing a source of
flavouring. The capsules may be single capsules or double capsules,
containing menthol or other substances such as water.
[0088] In a further embodiment, capsules containing a source of
flavouring are in the chamber.
[0089] The smoking article of any embodiment is configured to
release the source of flavouring, or allow the source of flavouring
to be released, as the smoking article is extended. Alternatively,
the release of flavouring may be independent of the extension of
the smoking article.
[0090] The ventilation of the smoking article may depend on the
extension. In particular, the ventilation may be varied as
ventilation apertures in the tobacco unit and/or sleeve are covered
or uncovered by the other of the tobacco unit and sleeve. The
ventilation may affect the release of flavouring, or amount of
flavourant exiting the mouth end of the smoking article. Therefore,
the amount of flavouring may be variable, depending on the
extension.
[0091] The filter of any embodiment may be impregnated with a
flavouring, e.g. menthol. One or both of the first or second
filters of any embodiment may be provided with threads impregnated
with a source of flavouring. The threads may extend substantially
longitudinally, or may not have a uniform orientation.
[0092] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer
to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to
create a desired taste or aroma in a product. They may include
extracts e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia
leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed,
cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Dramboui,
bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender,
cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot,
geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil,
cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel,
piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any
species of the genus Mentha), flavour masking agents, bitterness
receptor site blockers, receptor site enhancers, sweeteners e.g.,
sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates,
lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol, and
other additives such aschlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath
freshening agents, as may be permitted by individual jurisdictions.
They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends
thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil,
liquid, or powder.
[0093] In use, a smoking article according to any of the
embodiments described is preferably packaged in a retracted state.
In order to use, the user extends the smoking article by urging
apart the sleeve and tobacco units in at least a longitudinal
direction. The user may light the tobacco in a conventional manner.
The length of the chamber may be used to vary the properties of the
smoking article.
[0094] In order to extinguish the smoking article, the user may
press the lit tobacco end against any suitable extinguishing
surface. When the user holds the sleeve to extinguish the
cigarette, the tobacco unit will be urged into the sleeve along the
longitudinal axis until the remaining tobacco unit is covered by
the sleeve. The burnt tobacco rod is therefore not visible in a
side view of the extinguished smoking article.
[0095] The tobacco unit and mouthpiece filter of any embodiment may
be provided separately in a package. In particular, for the
embodiment of FIG. 4, the mouthpiece filter may initially be
separate from the remainder of the extendable smoking article. The
user may insert the filter longitudinally into the sleeve in order
to complete the formation of the extendable smoking article. The
restraining means described allows longitudinal insertion from the
rearward end, and prevents the filter from subsequently being
pulled out.
[0096] The filter may be individually wrapped or wrapped in a
bundle prior to insertion, and in particular, may be wrapped in
foil. The tipping element may be housed in the pack of smoking
articles, preferably in a separate part of the pack to the smoking
articles.
[0097] The smoking article of at least one embodiment has been
described as comprising capsules. Alternatively, the source of
flavouring may be located in any type of encapsulation or additive
release component, of which a capsule is an example. The substance
in the capsules which is selectively released has been described as
a source of flavouring. The substance may be generally termed a
smoke modifying agent or additive, of which a source of flavouring
is an example.
[0098] Any of the features of any embodiment may be combined with
any of the features of any other embodiment. In particular, any of
the embodiments of smoking article may or may not have a filter
section adjoining the cylinder of tobacco.
[0099] The smoking article has been described as extendable.
Alternatively, the smoking article may have a fixed length. The
first part may only be rotatable relative to the second part. The
flavouring may be released, or may be able to be released, by
rotation of the sleeve without changing the length of the smoking
article.
[0100] Alternatively, the smoking article may have a fixed length
and the release of flavouring may be manually actuated without
relative movement of first and second parts of the smoking
article.
* * * * *