Smoking articles and mouthpieces for smoking articles

Abstract

To provide an improved smoking article and an improved a mouthpiece for a smoking article and a method for forming a mouthpiece for a smoking article.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a smoking article 120 comprising a smoking article rod portion 2 having a recess and a mouthpiece 110 arranged to be attached to the smoking article rod portion. The mouthpiece comprises an elongate cylindrical element having adjacent first and second portions each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being arranged to be inserted into a smoking article recess by a user. The mouthpiece also comprises an annular element 111 arranged around the second portion of the cylindrical element, the annular element having a larger external diameter than the cylindrical element such that the annular element is larger than the diameter of the recess.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to smoking articles and mouthpieces for smoking articles, and in particular, but not exclusively, to smoking articles, mouthpieces for smoking articles, and methods for forming mouthpieces for smoking articles. [Background technology]

[0002] Cigarettes and other smoking articles produce an aerosol (smoke, in the case of cigarettes) that is inhaled by the user. Filters for smoking articles are used to modify the aerosol before it reaches the user's mouth. Filters known in the art for this purpose can be formed from a plug of fibrous cellulose acetate or other material having similar physical properties.

[0003] Various additives are added to smoking article filters to aid in the removal of certain smoke constituents. Examples include smoke adsorbents such as activated carbon, which adsorb certain smoke constituents and remove them from the smoke stream passing through the filter. In addition to removing constituents from the smoke, filter additives can impart certain properties to the smoke or other aerosols passing through the filter. For example, filters can contain fragrances and flavorings that alter the aroma and taste characteristics of the aerosol. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to some aspects 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 being an elongated cylindrical element having adjacent first and second portions, the first and second portions each extending partially along a length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being configured to be inserted into the recess by a user, and an annular element disposed around the second portion of the cylindrical element and having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the recess.

[0005] The cylindrical element and / or the annular element may be provided with a wrapper forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the cylindrical element and / or the annular element.

[0006] An inner diameter and / or length of the recess and an outer diameter and / or length of the first portion of the cylindrical element may be configured to substantially match such that the first portion of the cylindrical element can be received within and substantially fill the recess.

[0007] The cylindrical and / or annular elements may include a smoke modifying additive that may be dispersed throughout the cylindrical and / or annular elements, may be contained within at least one frangible capsule, may include a botanical additive, may include a sorbent, and / or may be attached to fibers extending within the cylindrical and / or annular elements.

[0008] The annular element may be attached to the cylindrical element using an adhesive.

[0009] The first portion of the cylindrical element can have an outer surface having at least one raised region, and the at least one raised region can be configured to engage an inner surface of the recess.

[0010] The at least one raised region may provide resistance to movement of the first portion of the cylindrical element within the recess, and the at least one raised region may be configured to provide less resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than to movement of the cylindrical element out of the recess.

[0011] The at least one raised area may be formed by embossing the exterior surface of the cylindrical element.

[0012] The annular element may be formed from a sheet material that wraps around the second portion of the cylindrical element.

[0013] The body of the annular and / or cylindrical elements may comprise a fibrous filter material.

[0014] The first portion of the cylindrical element can have an outer surface having at least one circumferentially extending raised region configured to engage an inner surface of a corresponding recess so as to block or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and the outer surface of the cylindrical element.

[0015] The first portion of the cylindrical element may comprise a wrapping paper forming at least a portion of its outer surface, the at least one circumferentially extending raised area being formed by embossing the wrapping paper.

[0016] The circumferentially extending raised region may extend substantially around the entire circumference of the cylindrical element.

[0017] The cylindrical element can have a mouth end for being received in a user's mouth and an insertion end for insertion into the recess, with the annular element extending beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element to form the recess in the mouth end of the mouthpiece.

[0018] The cylindrical and annular elements may be of the same length.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for attachment to a smoking article by a user, the mouthpiece comprising: an elongate cylindrical element having first and second portions adjacent each other, the first and second portions each extending partially along a length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being configured to be inserted by a user into a recess in the smoking article; and an annular element disposed around the second portion of the cylindrical element and having a larger outer diameter than the cylindrical element.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for forming a mouthpiece as defined above, the method comprising the steps of forming an elongate cylindrical body of filter material having adjacent first and second portions, the first portion being adapted to be inserted into a corresponding recess in a smoking article, and applying an annular element around the second portion of the elongate cylindrical body.

[0021] The mouthpieces described above and elsewhere herein may be filter units.

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1a] 1 is a cross-sectional view (hereinafter referred to as a "side cross-sectional view") of a smoking article including a rod portion of the smoking article and a mouthpiece (a filter unit in this example) separated from the rod portion of the smoking article. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in FIG. [Figure 2a] 1b is a cross-sectional side view of the smoking article of FIG. 1a with the filter unit attached to the smoking article rod portion; FIG. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in FIG. 2a; [Diagram 3] 1(a)-(d) are cross-sectional side views of mouthpieces (in these examples, filter units) containing various smoke-modifying additives for use with the smoking articles shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (in this example, a filter unit) separated from the smoking article rod portion, the filter unit having at least one raised area for retaining the filter unit in engagement with the smoking article rod portion. [Diagram 5]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (in this example, a filter unit) separated from the smoking article rod portion, the filter unit having at least one circumferentially extending raised region. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (in this example, a filter unit) separated from the smoking article rod portion, the filter unit having both at least one raised region as shown in FIG. 4 and at least one circumferentially extending raised region as shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and a mouthpiece (in this example, a filter unit) separated from the smoking article rod portion, the filter unit having at least one circumferentially extending raised area for holding the filter unit in engagement with the smoking article rod portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece (in this example a filter unit) having an offset cylindrical element for use with the smoking article shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b. [Figure 9] 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a smoking article including a smoking article rod portion and two of the filter units of FIG. 8 connected to the smoking article rod portion. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of forming a mouthpiece (in this example, a filter unit) as described herein. [Figure 11] 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a cylindrical element of the filter unit described with reference to FIG. 4. [Figure 12] 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a cylindrical element of the filter unit described with reference to FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The term "smoking article" as used herein includes smokable products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes, and nicotine delivery products such as heat-not-burn products and aerosol generating devices, including electronic cigarettes. Smoking articles may be provided with a filter for the gas flow inhaled by the smoker.

[0025] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and types thereof may be referred to according to the length of the cigarette as "regular" (typically 68mm to 75mm, e.g. in the range of about 68mm to about 72mm), "short" or "mini" (68mm or less), "king size" (typically 75mm to 91mm, e.g. in the range of about 79mm to about 88mm), "long" or "super king" (typically 91mm to 105mm, e.g. in the range of about 94mm to about 101mm) and "ultra long" (typically in the range of about 110mm to about 121mm).

[0026] They are also referred to according to the circumference of the cigarette as "regular" (about 23 mm to 25 mm), "wide" (more than 25 mm), "slim" (about 22 mm to 23 mm), "demi-slim" (about 19 mm to 22 mm), "super slim" (about 16 mm to 19 mm), and "micro slim" (less than about 16 mm). Thus, for example, a king-size super slim cigarette has a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. Regular king-size cigarettes, i.e. cigarettes with a circumference of 23 to 25 mm and a total length of 75 to 91 mm, are preferred by many customers.

[0027] Each style can be made with filters of various lengths, with smaller filters generally used in styles of smaller length and circumference. Typically, the length of the filter ranges from about 15 mm associated with the short / regular styles to 30 mm associated with the ultra-long / super slim styles. The tipping paper is longer than the filter, for example 3-10 mm, and is adapted to cover the filter and overlap the tobacco rod to connect the filter to the tobacco rod.

[0028] The smoking articles described herein may be manufactured in any of the types described above.

[0029] FIG. 1a is a side cross-sectional view of a smoking article 1 including a smoking article rod portion 2 (also referred to as the "aerosol-generating portion") and a mouthpiece (in this example a filter unit 3) that is detachable from the smoking article rod portion 2 and attachable to the smoking article rod portion 2 by a user. FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the smoking article 1 shown in FIG. 1a. In this example, the smoking article rod portion 2 is of the regular king size type, i.e. has a length in the range of 75 mm to 91 mm and a circumference in the range of 23 mm to 25 mm. In particular, in this example, the smoking article rod portion 2 has a length of 83 mm and a circumference of 24.6 mm. The smoking article 1 is a cigarette, and the smoking article rod portion 2 includes a tobacco rod 4 that is covered with a covering material 5, in this case cigarette paper. The smoking article rod portion 2 includes a filter 6 at its mouth end, the filter 6 being provided with a first section 7 located at its tobacco rod end. The first section 7 of the filter is formed, in this example, from a cellulose acetate tow 8 covered with a first plug wrap 9. The filter 6 also includes a second section 10 disposed downstream of the first section 7, the second section 10 comprising a tubular element 11 covered with a second plug wrap 12. The tubular element 11 is, in this example, open at the proximal end of the smoking article rod portion 2 and has a recess or cavity 13 formed therein. A proximal end face 16 of the tubular element 11 is exposed at the proximal end of the smoking article rod portion 2. The tobacco rod 4 and the first and second filter sections 7, 10 are connected by a tipping material 14 overlapping the first and second filter sections 7, 10 and partially overlapping the covering material 5. In other embodiments, the first and second filter sections 7, 10 and other sections forming the filter 6 can be connected together using a separate plug wrapper (not shown) before the filter 6 is connected to the tobacco rod 4 with the tipping material 14.

[0030] The filter unit 3 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21. The cylindrical element 20 has a first portion 20a and a second portion 20b adjacent to each other, the first and second portions 20a, 20b each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element 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 length of the cylindrical element 20 is 13 mm, and the intermediate position 22 is 6 mm from the insertion end along the length of the cylindrical element 20. The first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is configured to be inserted by a user into a recess 13 at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2.

[0031] The annular element 21 is disposed around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20. The annular element 21 has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the recess 13. In this example, the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20 extends from the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20 and terminates at an intermediate position 22 along the length of the cylindrical element 20. On the end of the annular element 21 arranged to face the smoking article rod portion 2 in use, a surface 23 of the annular element 21 is exposed, which surface 23 abuts against 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.

[0032] The first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is configured to be inserted into a recess of a smoking article, in this example a recess 13 formed by the tubular element 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 configured to substantially match so that the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 can be received in the recess 13 and substantially occupy said recess 13. For example, the inner diameter and / or length of the recess 13 can 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 depends on the materials used to form these components and the desired tightness of fit between them. To facilitate the insertion of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13, it is considered preferable that the dimensions of the recess are slightly larger than the dimensions of the first portion 20a.

[0033] In the example of Figures 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 another example, the inner diameter of the recess 13 and the outer diameter of the cylindrical element 20 can have other values, for example diameters in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm. In the example of Figures 1a and 1b, the recess 13 has an inner length of 6 mm and the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has a length of 6 mm. In another example, the inner length of the recess 13 and the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 can have other values, for example lengths in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm.

[0034] In this example, the annular element 21 is attached to the cylindrical element 20 using an adhesive (not shown). The annular element 21 may be attached to the cylindrical element 20 by means other than an adhesive, for example by mechanical means such as a friction fit or other fastening means.

[0035] In use, the smoking article 1 is provided to the user with the filter unit 3 and the smoking article rod portion 2 as separate components. Before the user first uses the smoking article rod portion 2, the filter unit 3 is attached to the smoking article rod portion 2 by inserting a first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13. The first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is inserted into the opening of the recess 13 and pushed into the recess 13 until the face 23 of the annular element 21 abuts the mouth-side end face 16 of the tubular element 11 preventing further insertion. The user can choose whether or not to attach the filter unit 3 to the smoking article rod portion 2 before smoking the smoking article 1, and can thus control the length of the filter of the smoking article 1 and thus the degree of filtration of the aerosol generated by the smoking article 1.

[0036] Figure 2a is a cross-sectional side view of the smoking article 1 of Figures 1a and 1b with a filter unit 3 attached to a smoking article rod portion 2. Figure 2b is a perspective view of the same smoking article 1 with a filter unit 3 attached to a smoking article rod portion 2.

[0037] In this example, the cylindrical element 20 comprises a fibrous filter material 25 and is wrapped all around in a wrapping paper (in this case a plug wrapping paper) 26, leaving its longitudinal ends unwrapped. In alternative embodiments, the cylindrical element 20 may be formed in other ways. Alternatively, the cylindrical element 20 may be formed from other fibrous materials and may be configured to have a different structure. The cylindrical element 20 may be formed, for example, from rigid paper, plastic, card, or other materials. The cylindrical element 20 also does not have to be wrapped with a wrapping paper, but may be formed without a wrapping paper, for example, a non-wrapped acetate (NWA) plug formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filter material 25 can include cellulosic acetate fibers and / or other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers.

[0038] In this example, the annular element 21 includes a fibrous filter material 27 formed into a tube, wrapped all around in a wrapping paper (in this case plug wrapper) 28, and its longitudinal ends left unwrapped. In alternative embodiments, the annular element 21 may be formed in other ways. For example, the annular element 21 may be formed from other fibrous materials. Also, the annular element 21 need not be wrapped with a wrapping paper, but may be formed without a wrapping paper, such as, for example, an unwrapped acetate (NWA) tube formed from cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous filter material 27 may include cellulose acetate fibers and / or other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(i-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers. Alternatively, the annular element 21 may be formed from a sheet material, such as tipping paper, that is wrapped around the cylindrical element 20 to form single or multiple layers of sheet material around the cylindrical element 20. Alternatively, the annular element 21 may be formed from a plastic or other molding material.

[0039] The cylindrical element 20 and / or the annular element 21 may include 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 adhere to each other to form a more rigid structure. A filter plasticizer such as glycerin triacetate, also called triacetin, may be used in the cylindrical element 20 and / or the annular element 21, for example, when the cylindrical element 20 and / or the annular element 21 are formed from a fibrous filter material such as cellulose acetate. Higher levels of plasticizer than those normally used in filter elements may be used in either component to add rigidity. For example, more than 7%, more than 10%, more than 12% or more than 15% plasticizer may be used in either component by weight of the fibrous filter material used.

[0040] In this example, the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 is substantially equal to the length of the recess 13. In another example, the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 may be shorter or longer than the length of the recess 13.

[0041] The cylindrical element 20 and / or the annular element 21 may include an aerosol modifying additive.

[0042] Figures 3(a)-(d) are side cross-sectional views of the mouthpieces of filter units 30, 40, 50, and 60 of this embodiment, which can be used as alternatives to the mouthpiece for filter unit 3 described with reference to Figures 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. Filter units 30, 40, 50, and 60 in Figures 3(a)-(d) are generally similar in construction to filter unit 3 in Figure 1a, and the same reference numbers are used to indicate equivalent features.

[0043] In the filter unit 30 of FIG. 3(a), the cylindrical element fibrous filter material 25 has particles of an aerosol-modifying additive 31 embedded therein. The aerosol-modifying additive 31 is, in this example, activated carbon. However, other additives, such as adsorbents other than carbon and flavoring additives, can also be used. For example, the additive may be a botanical additive. The botanical additive may include, if permitted by the respective local government, plant-derived materials selected from licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenigreak, clove, mint, anise, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, geranium, vanilla, cassia, caraway, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, ginger, anise, and coriander.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In the filter unit 40 of Fig. 3(b), a frangible capsule containing a liquid payload including a flavouring, such as menthol, is disposed within the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20. The frangible capsule 41 is disposed at an intermediate position 22 between the first and second portions 20a, 20b of the cylindrical element, and is therefore located at that position directly below the end of the annular element 21. A user can squeeze the end of the annular element 21 to apply pressure to the capsule, causing it to break and release the flavouring contained therein, modifying the aerosol drawn through the filter unit 40.

[0046] In the filter unit 50 of Figure 3(c) an elongated aerosol-modifying element 51 is disposed within the fibrous filter material 25 of the cylindrical element 20. In this example, the elongated aerosol-modifying element 51 comprises threads to which a flavouring, such as menthol, has been added. The flavouring added onto the threads 51 is released as the aerosol is drawn through the filter unit 50.

[0047] In filter unit 60 of Figure 3(d), cylindrical element 20 comprises longitudinally aligned and separated first and second plugs 61, 62 wrapped in plug wrap 26 such that a cavity is formed between the plugs 61, 62. An aerosol-modifying additive 63 as described with reference to Figure 3(a) is disposed in the cavity.

[0048] In any of the mouthpieces or filter units described herein, an additional end filter section can be provided. In filter units that include additives such as activated carbon or botanical additives, the additional end filter section can prevent particles of such additives from reaching the user's mouth.

[0049] In addition to or in lieu of the features of the filter units described herein, the wrapper covering the cylindrical element 20 and / or the annular element 21 of the filter units described herein may include additives such as menthol or chili flavoring to provide additional flavor, aroma and / or other sensory characteristics to the filter unit.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a smoking article 70 including a smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece (in this example a filter unit 71) separate from the smoking article rod portion 2, the filter unit 71 having at least one raised area 73 for holding the filter unit 71 in engagement with the smoking article rod portion 2. The smoking article 70 of FIG. 4 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of FIG. 1a, and the same reference numbers are used to indicate equivalent features. The filter unit 71 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those described above. However, the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has at least one raised area 73 arranged to engage with the inner surface of the recess 13. In this example, there are four such raised areas 73 arranged circumferentially around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20. Each raised area 73 protrudes approximately 1 mm from the outer surface at its highest point or area, but may protrude higher or lower.

[0051] In this example, the raised region 73 is generally triangular in both plan and longitudinal section, although other shapes can be used. The raised region 73 is located approximately midway along the length of the cylindrical element first portion 20a, in this case in a region about 3 mm from the annular element 21. However, the raised region 73 may be located at other locations around the circumference of the cylindrical element first portion 20a.

[0052] The raised region 73 is arranged to prevent movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 within the recess 13. The raised region 73 may also have the effect of centering the first portion 20a within the recess and providing a cushioning effect between the cylindrical element and the recess to absorb inaccuracies in the dimensions of the components caused by tolerances in the manufacture of either component. The raised region 73 is configured to provide less resistance to movement of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13 than out of the recess 13. This is achieved in this example by the raised region 73 including a first section 73a having a relatively steep slope as it rises from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised region 73, and a second section 73b having a relatively gentle slope as it rises 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 the direction of movement of 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 located closer to the end of the first part 20a opposite the annular element 21 than the first section 70a. The raised area 73 therefore has a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the first part 20a is inserted into the recess 13. The first section 73a is arranged to face the direction of movement of the cylindrical element 20 out of the recess 13. In particular, the first section 73a is located closer to the end of the first part 20a adjacent the annular element 21. The raised area 73 therefore has a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the first part 20a is withdrawn from the recess 13.

[0053] In this example, the raised region 73 has a greater circumferential extent in the first section 73a compared to the second section 73b, which also provides a greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the cylindrical element 20 is withdrawn compared to when the cylindrical element 20 is inserted. In this example, the circumferential extent of the raised region 73 in the first section 73a is about 3mm and for the second section 73b is about 0.5mm, although other dimensions may be used.

[0054] In this example, at least one raised area 73 is formed by embossing the wrapping paper 72 forming the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. However, other configurations are also possible. For example, the raised area 73 can be formed by an additional material such as varnish, lacquer, glue or the like, or a plastic, paper or other material protrusion adhered to the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. Furthermore, any shape of the raised area 73 can be used that provides a greater frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 when the cylindrical element 20 is withdrawn compared to when the cylindrical element 20 is inserted.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 80 including a smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece (in this example a filter unit 81) separate from the smoking article rod portion 2. The filter unit 81 includes at least one circumferentially extending raised region 83. The smoking article 80 of FIG. 5 is generally similar in structure to the smoking article 1 of FIG. 1a, and the same reference numbers are used to indicate equivalent features. The filter unit 81 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 21 corresponding to those described above. However, the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 has at least one circumferentially extending raised region 83 configured to engage with the inner surface of the recess 13. In this example, first and second circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. However, in alternative embodiments, a single circumferentially extending raised region 83 can be provided, or three or more can be provided.

[0056] The first and second circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b each extend continuously around the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20. In particular, the circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b extend substantially the entire circumference of the cylindrical element 20, in this example forming a band or ring around the cylindrical element 20. However, other configurations are possible, such as circumferentially extending raised regions that extend around a portion of, but not the entire circumference of, the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20, or regions having other patterns, such as a spiral configuration.

[0057] The first and second circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b respectively prevent or limit airflow 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 regions 83a, 83b pressing against the inner surface of the recess 13, thereby forming a seal between the outer surface of the cylindrical element and the inner surface of the recess 13. Preventing or limiting airflow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 can help prevent or limit the ingress of outside air into the smoking article 80 through between the filter 6 of the smoking article rod portion 2 and the filter unit 83. Furthermore, preventing or limiting airflow between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 can help prevent or limit aerosol formed by the smoking article rod portion 2 bypassing the cylindrical element 20 and / or the annular element 21 by passing between the cylindrical element 20 and the annular element 21.

[0058] The circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b may be formed by embossing the wrapping paper 82 that forms the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20. In this example, the circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b are 1 mm high above the surface of the cylindrical element 20 and have 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. Also, in this example, the first and second circumferentially extending raised regions 83a, 83b are separated by a spacing of 2 mm, but other spacings may be used, such as between 1 mm and 20 mm, depending on the size and configuration of the cylindrical element 20. The circumferentially extending raised region 83 is provided approximately midway along the length of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element, in this case in a region of about 3 mm from the annular element 21. However, the circumferentially extending raised portion 83 may alternatively be provided at other locations around the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a smoking article 90 including a smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece (in this example a filter unit 91) separate from the smoking article rod portion 2, the filter unit 91 including at least one raised region 73 as described with reference to FIG. 4 and at least one circumferentially extending raised region 83 as described with reference to FIG. 5. The smoking article 90 of FIG. 6 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of FIG. 1a, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate equivalent features. The at least one raised region 73 is provided on the outer surface of the first portion 20a of the cylindrical element 20 further from the annular element 21 than the at least one circumferentially extending raised region 83. In this example, four raised regions 73 are spaced around the cylindrical element 20 and spaced about 4 mm from the annular element 21. The first and second circumferentially extending raised regions 83 are spaced about 2 mm from the annular element 21. Raised region 73 and circumferentially extending raised region 83 may be formed by embossing wrapping paper 92 that forms the exterior surface of cylindrical element 20 .

[0060] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a smoking article 100 including a smoking article rod portion 2 and a mouthpiece (in this example a filter unit 101) separate from the smoking article rod portion 2, the filter unit 101 comprising at least one circumferentially extending raised region 103 for holding the filter unit 101 in engagement with the smoking article rod portion 2. The smoking article 100 of Figure 7 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a, and the same reference numerals have been used to denote equivalent features. The at least one circumferentially extending raised region 103 has a combined function of the at least one raised region 73 described with reference to Figure 4 and the at least one circumferentially extending raised region described with reference to Figure 5. In particular, the circumferentially extending raised region 103 is formed to include a forward section 103b having a relatively gradual slope as it rises from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised region 103, and an aft section 103a having a relatively steeper slope as it rises from the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20 to the highest point or region of the raised region 103. Thus, the circumferentially extending raised region 103 provides a relatively low level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 upon insertion of the cylindrical element 20 into the recess 13, and a relatively high level of frictional engagement with the inner surface of the recess 13 upon withdrawal of the cylindrical element 20 from the recess 13. Additionally, the circumferentially extending raised region 103 also functions to prevent or restrict the flow of air between the inner surface of the recess 13 and the outer surface of the cylindrical element 20.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece having an offset cylindrical element 20 (in this example, a filter unit 110) for use with a smoking article described herein. The filter unit 110 includes a cylindrical element 20 and an annular element 111. The cylindrical element 20 is substantially the same as the cylindrical element 20 described above. However, in this example, the annular element 111 is disposed around the second portion 20b of the cylindrical element 20 and extends beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20. In this example, the annular element 111 has the same longitudinal length as the cylindrical element 20. In particular, in this example, both the cylindrical element 20 and the annular element 21 have a length of 13 mm. The intermediate position 22 is 6 mm along the length of the cylindrical element 20 from the insertion end, as described above, and therefore the annular element 21 extends 6 mm beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element 20. The annular element 111 is covered within a wrapping paper 112, such as tipping paper. Thus, the filter unit 110 of Figure 8 has a recess 113 at its mouth end that can receive a first portion 20a of a cylindrical element 20 of the filter unit described herein.

[0062] The filter unit 110 of Figure 8 can be configured to include features of any of the filter units of Figures 3(a)-(d). Thus, a user can select a first filter unit 110, such as that shown in Figure 8, but including an aerosol-modifying additive, and attach it to a smoking article rod portion 2 as described herein. The user can then select another, second filter unit, selected from any of the filter units described herein, and attach that filter unit to the first filter unit 110. This allows a user to obtain multiple properties, such as filtration properties and aerosol-modifying properties, of multiple filter units that can be connected to the same smoking article rod portion 2.

[0063] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a smoking article 120 including a smoking article rod portion 2 and a first 110a and a second 110b of the filter units 110 of Figure 8 connected to the smoking article rod portion 2. The smoking article 120 of Figure 9 is generally similar in construction to the smoking article 1 of Figure 1a and the same reference numerals have been used to indicate equivalent features.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a method for forming a mouthpiece (in this example, a filter unit) as described herein. In a first step (S101), an elongated cylindrical body of filter material is formed having a first portion and a second portion adjacent to each other. The first portion is configured to be inserted into a corresponding recess of a smoking article. The cylindrical body can be formed, for example, using a filter rod maker. In the filter rod maker, filter tow is fed from its source into a decorator section of the filter rod maker, where it is compressed into a rod and coated with a wrapper, such as a plug wrapper. The plug wrapper can be provided with embossed raised areas forming the raised area 73 and the circumferentially extending raised area 83 as described herein. The cylindrical body can be cut to a final length at the filter rod maker, or can be cut to a length that is a multiple of the desired final length, and then cut to the appropriate size when combined with the annular element 21. In a second step (S102), an annular element 21 is applied around the elongated cylindrical second portion 20b formed in step S101. For example, the annular element 21 may be formed by wrapping a sheet material around a cylinder or by sliding a cylindrical filter section over a cylinder. In either case, the annular element 21 may be adhered to the outer surface of the cylindrical element using an adhesive.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a method of forming a cylindrical element of a filter unit 71 described herein with reference to FIG. 4. In a first step (S201), a covering material is formed that is provided with at least one raised area. For example, a sheet-like covering material, such as plug wrap, may be embossed or otherwise provided with at least one raised area. 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, where filter tow is fed from its source to a decorator section of the filter rod maker where it is compressed into a rod. In a third step (S203), a covering material is wrapped around the elongated cylinder of filter material. The cylinder of filter material may be cut to a final length at the filter rod maker, or may be cut to a length that is a multiple of the desired final length, in which case it may be cut to size at a later stage.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing a method of forming a cylindrical element of a filter unit 81 as described herein with reference to FIG. 5. In a first step (S301), a covering material is formed that is provided with at least one circumferentially extending raised area. For example, a sheet of covering material, such as a plug wrapper, may be embossed or otherwise provided with at least one circumferentially extending raised area. 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, where filter tow is fed from its source to a decorator section of the filter rod maker where it is compressed into a rod. In a third step (S303), a covering material is wrapped around the elongated cylinder of filter material. The cylinder of filter material may be cut to a final length at the filter rod maker, or may be cut to a length that is a multiple of the desired final length, in which case it may be cut to size at a later stage.

[0067] The smoking articles described herein provide the user with the possibility to modify the properties of the smoking article before or during use. Any of the filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 described herein may be attached to any of the smoking article rod portions 2. For example, a user may be provided with one or more smoking article rod portions 2 and a selected one of the filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 that can be selectively attached to the rod portion 2 by the user.

[0068] Although particular configurations for the filter units 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 and smoking article rod portions 2 have been described herein, alternative design configurations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the annular element 21 of each filter unit 3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 71, 81, 91, 101, 110 may be omitted, and a filter unit may be provided that includes only a cylindrical element 20. In this case, the cylindrical element 20 may include both the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b, or may include only the first portion 20a that is configured to be received within the recess 13. Mouthpieces other than the filter units described herein may be used, such as tubular mouthpieces formed from materials such as plastic (polyvinyl chloride or other similar polymeric materials), paper, or card, with an axial passage extending therethrough. Mouthpieces that do not perform filtering functions or that have only limited filtering functions may be provided for use with non-combustible smoking articles, such as heat-not-burn (HnB) products, and other nicotine delivery products, such as aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes. Such mouthpieces may, for example, include the same structures and materials as the filter units described herein. Furthermore, although the smoking article rod portion 2 has been described as having first and second filter sections 7, 10, it may include only the first filter section 7, or may include additional filter sections in addition to the first and second filter sections 7, 10. For example, the smoking article rod portion 2 described herein may include an additional third filter section (with a sorbent, such as activated carbon, dispersed therein) at the tobacco rod end of the filter 6. Furthermore, the smoking article rod portion 2 need not include the second filter section 10, but may instead have a recess 13 at the mouth end of the smoking article rod portion 2 formed from a rigid plug wrap or tipping material. In this case, the corresponding filter unit is configured to accommodate this alternative recess configuration.

[0069] Embossing is described herein to form raised regions 73, 83, 103 in a corresponding paper wrapper. Such paper wrappers may be embossed between a pair of appropriately configured cooperating rollers to form the raised regions 73, 83, 103. Multiple paper wrappers may be embossed simultaneously in parallel between the rollers.

[0070] In order to address various problems and advance the art, the entire disclosure illustrates various examples in which the claimed invention is embodied and provides an excellent smoking article and filter unit. The advantages and features of the disclosure are merely representative examples for illustration only and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The disclosure is presented only for the purpose of understanding and teaching the claimed features. The advantages, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects of the disclosure should not be considered as limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations equivalent to the claims, and modifications may be made using other examples without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. The various examples may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece attachable to a smoking article rod portion in which a recess is formed by a tubular element, the mouthpiece comprises an elongate cylindrical element having a first portion and a second portion adjacent each other, the first portion and the second portion each extending partially along a length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being configured to be inserted into the recess by a user; the mouthpiece has an outer diameter at the second portion that is greater than an inner diameter of the recess, and the mouthpiece has a surface arranged to abut against a mouth end surface of the tubular element such that, when the first portion is inserted into the recess by a user, further insertion of the first portion is prevented; the cylindrical element comprises a cavity containing particles of an aerosol-modifying additive; the first portion of the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one circumferentially extending raised region; The circumferentially extending raised region forms a band or ring around the cylindrical element.

2. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical element comprises an aerosol-modifying additive.

3. the aerosol-modifying additive being dispersed throughout the cylindrical element; the aerosol modifying additive is contained within at least one frangible capsule; the aerosol modifying additive comprises a botanical additive; the aerosol modifying additive comprises an adsorbent; the aerosol modifying additive is attached to fibers extending through the cylindrical element; The mouthpiece according to claim 2, wherein the mouthpiece is at least one of the above.

4. The mouthpiece of claim 3 , wherein the first portion of the cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one further raised area.

5. The mouthpiece of claim 4 , wherein the at least one further raised area is formed by embossing an outer surface of the cylindrical element.

6. The mouthpiece of claim 5 , wherein the cylindrical element comprises a fibrous filter material.

7. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the circumferentially extending raised region extends substantially around the entire circumference of the cylindrical element.

8. the cylindrical element having a mouth end for being received in a user's mouth and an insertion end for being inserted into the recess; the mouthpiece further comprising an annular element having an outer diameter greater than the first portion of the cylindrical element; A mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the annular element extends beyond the mouth end of the cylindrical element to form a recess at the mouth end of the mouthpiece.

9. The mouthpiece of claim 8 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are the same length.

10. a smoking article rod portion comprising a tubular element defining a recess; A mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Equipped with smoking articles.

11. 11. A smoking article as described in claim 10, wherein an inner diameter and / or length of the recess is configured to substantially match an outer diameter and / or length of the first portion of the cylindrical element such that the first portion of the cylindrical element can be received within the recess and substantially fill the recess.

12. a smoking article rod portion comprising a tubular element defining a recess; The mouthpiece according to claim 1 , A smoking article comprising:

13. A smoking article comprising: a first portion of said cylindrical element having a first circumferentially extending raised region adapted to engage an inner surface of said recess and configured to provide resistance to movement of said first portion of said cylindrical element within said recess and configured to provide less resistance to movement of said cylindrical element into said recess than to movement of said cylindrical element out of said recess.

13. a smoking article rod portion comprising a tubular element defining a recess; The mouthpiece according to claim 4 or 5, A smoking article comprising: the at least one further raised region is configured to engage an inner surface of the recess and to provide resistance to movement of the first portion of the cylindrical element within the recess and to provide less resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than to movement of the cylindrical element out of the recess.

14. a smoking article rod portion comprising a tubular element defining a recess; The mouthpiece according to claim 7, A smoking article comprising: A smoking article, wherein the at least one circumferentially extending raised region is configured to engage an inner surface of a corresponding recess so as to block or restrict air flow between the inner surface of the corresponding recess and an outer surface of the cylindrical element.

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