Tobacco smoke filters

Abstract

1. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core including first and second longitudinally extending rods of tobacco smoke filtering material, the first rod of tobacco smoke filtering material being longitudinally spaced from the second rod of tobacco smoke filtering material; a wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending rods such that the wrapper defines a cavity between the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filtering material; and at least one receptacle for an additive disposed in the cavity, the receptacle for the additive having a maximum width or diameter that is less than half the maximum diameter of the cavity, the remaining void space in the cavity being more than 50% of the volume of the cavity, the receptacle being freely movable within the cavity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to tobacco smoke filters or filter elements for smoking articles such as cigarettes. [Background technology]

[0002] Tobacco smoke filters are known that include a frangible capsule or multiple frangible capsules embedded in a tobacco smoke filter material. These capsules contain an additive, usually a liquid flavoring. The smoker applies pressure to the filter to break the capsule therein and release the flavoring. While the smoker typically breaks the capsule immediately before smoking, the smoker can choose to break the capsule at any stage in the smoking process (or not at all). Such capsule filter products are consequently known as "flavor on demand," indicating that the smoker chooses when and whether they desire release of the flavor contained within the capsule.

[0003] Applicant has previously described tobacco smoke filters that include a central cavity surrounded by a tobacco smoke filter material, such as the Cavitec® filter. The central cavity is filled with one or more sepiolite granular additives (e.g., flavorants) with a high additive loading. The cavity optimizes the effect of the additive, providing the user with a consistent flavor level and a flavorful cigarette every time, including when the pack is first opened. However, these filters do not allow the smoker to choose when (or if) the flavor is released, and they do not offer a special interactive or sensory experience. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to the present invention there is provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core including first and second longitudinally extending rods of tobacco smoke filtering material, the first rod of tobacco smoke filtering material being longitudinally spaced from the second rod of tobacco smoke filtering material; a wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending rods such that the wrapper defines a cavity between the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filtering material; and at least one receptacle for an additive disposed in the cavity, the receptacle for the additive having a maximum width or diameter that is less than half the maximum diameter of the cavity, the remaining void space in the cavity being more than 50% of the volume of the cavity, and the receptacle being freely movable within the cavity.

[0005] The phrase "freely movable within the cavity" means that the receptacle is not fixed or glued (e.g., by adhesive) within the cavity and has sufficient space to move in all directions within the cavity (e.g., up, down, front, back, left, and right). When the filter element is moved or shaken, the receptacle can move freely in all directions within the cavity. The movement of the receptacle is both audible and tactile. A user can sense the movement of the receptacle (e.g., hear it or feel it as a vibration). As used herein, the term "audible" means within the acceptable range of human hearing for pitch (Hz) and loudness (dB), i.e., 20-20,000 Hz and 0-85 dB. As used herein, the term "tactile" means capable of being touched or felt.

[0006] The applicant has discovered that the tobacco smoke filter and filter element of the present invention can provide smokers with a unique and enhanced sensory experience. By including a freely moving capsule(s) within the cavity, which can move in all directions within the cavity, an audible and tactile rattle is generated when the filter is moved, and an audible and tactile "pop" is generated when the capsule(s) break. These features provide smokers with an enhanced sensory experience through both auditory and tactile sensations when smoking. The omnidirectional movement of the capsule(s) within the cavity generates vibrations, the frequency of which can vary depending on the number, size, and composition of the capsules, the length and circumference of the cavity, and the weight, opacity, and composition of the wrapper fitted around the cavity. The vibration frequency provides smokers with a new and different sensation compared to conventional filters. The vibration frequency of the freely moving capsules can be particularly useful in combating anti-counterfeiting, a major problem in the tobacco industry. The vibration frequency and audible rattle generated by the free movement of the capsule(s) within the cavity is unique and may help to deter counterfeiting of the brand.

[0007] The longitudinally extending core (including at least the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filter material and the cavity therebetween) may be substantially cylindrical. In other words, the core is formed not from a single rod of tobacco smoke filter material, but from two spaced-apart rods of tobacco smoke filter material. The first rod of tobacco smoke filter material is longitudinally spaced from the second rod of tobacco smoke filter material, leaving a space between them. Preferably, the space between the first rod of tobacco smoke filter material and the second rod of tobacco smoke filter material has a length of 3.5 mm to 32 mm, e.g., 3.5 to 26 mm, e.g., 4 to 22 mm, e.g., 5 to 21 mm, e.g., 7 to 14 mm. The first rod of tobacco smoke filter material and the second rod of tobacco smoke filter material may be the same length or different lengths.

[0008] The tobacco smoke filter material of the first rod of tobacco smoke filter material and the tobacco smoke filter material of the second rod of tobacco smoke filter material can be composed of the same or different filter materials. Preferably, the filter material is cellulose acetate (e.g., in the form of crimped filament tow). However, other materials such as cotton or plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene, natural or synthetic staple fibers, absorbent cotton, web materials like (usually creped) paper, (e.g., synthetic) nonwoven materials, and / or extruded materials (e.g., starch, synthetic foam, extruded foam) can also be used. The filter material may contain carbon (e.g., activated carbon) to reduce gas-phase and semi-volatile components in mainstream smoke without the need for ventilation. The filter material can also be cellulose acetate with a plasticizer (e.g., plasticized filament tow). Triacetin is known in the art and is typically applied to cellulose acetate filters as a plasticizer (e.g., about 6-8% w / w).

[0009] A tobacco smoke filter or filter element includes one or more receptacles for additives. As used herein, the term "additive receptacle" refers to a specific additive receptacle or each additive receptacle when more than one receptacle is present. Preferably, the additive receptacle is a capsule (e.g., a frangible capsule). Preferably, the additive receptacle (e.g., a capsule, e.g., a frangible capsule) contains an additive in the form of a flavorant. The flavorant can be any flavorant known or suitable for use in smoking articles such as cigarettes, such as menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, clove, etc. The additive receptacle may be colored to identify the flavorant contained therein (e.g., a green capsule for menthol). The additive receptacle may contain more than one flavorant (and may provide a blend of different flavors). If there is more than one additive receptacle, the receptacles may contain the same or different flavorants. In this embodiment, a user can change the amount of flavorant they receive and the timing of when they receive it by destroying as many receptacles as needed; for example, a user can destroy one additive receptacle at the beginning of smoking and one additive receptacle mid-smoking, allowing the user to vary their smoking experience, e.g., increase the flavor during smoking.

[0010] The additive receptacle (e.g., capsule, e.g., frangible capsule) and / or tobacco smoke filter material may contain one or more additives, e.g., flavorants and / or other materials, such as liquid, solid, or activated carbon, to aid in smoke filtration. The additive receptacle and / or tobacco smoke filter material may further contain irritants, water, tobacco extracts, smoke-altering chemicals, and / or agents to facilitate filter degradation. The additive receptacle (e.g., capsule, e.g., frangible capsule) may have a maximum width of 2 to 5 mm, e.g., 2.5 to 4 mm, e.g., 2.5 to 3.9 mm, e.g., 3.0 to 3.8 mm, e.g., 3.2 to 3.7 mm, e.g., 3.35 or 3.5 mm. As used herein, maximum width refers to the measurement at the widest point of the entire receptacle, and thus, in the case of a spherical or approximately cylindrical capsule, refers to the diameter. The additive receptacle may contain 5 to 30 mg, such as 7 to 25 mg, for example 10 to 25 mg, for example 10 to 20 mg of flavorant.

[0011] The additive receptacle (e.g., a capsule, e.g., a frangible capsule) is freely movable within the central cavity. This means that the additive receptacle is not fixed or bonded (e.g., with an adhesive) to the filter wrapper or the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filter material. The maximum width or diameter of the receptacle (if spherical or approximately spherical) is less than half the maximum diameter of the cavity. The volume of the receptacle (e.g., the space occupied by the receptacle) is such that the remaining void space within the cavity (e.g., the space not occupied by the receptacle) exceeds 50% (e.g., 51-90%, e.g., 55-80%, e.g., 60-75%) of the cavity's volume. Thus, the additive receptacle is free to move in all directions (e.g., longitudinally and laterally) within the void space within the cavity, producing an audible and tactile rattle when the filter is moved or shaken. The receptacle for the additive is not visible (to the smoker) at the mouth or buccal end of the filter or filter element, or at the mouth end of a cigarette containing a filter of this aspect of the invention.

[0012] Applicant has surprisingly discovered that placing a capsule that is free to move within the cavity delivers more flavorant to the user compared to placing a capsule that is (immovably) embedded within the tobacco smoke filter material: when a crushed capsule is placed within the cavity (and is free to move within the cavity), the menthol yield in the smoke is higher, and therefore more flavor is delivered to the smoker.

[0013] The wrapper is engaged around the longitudinally extending core and around the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filter material to define a cavity between the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filter material. The proximal ends (e.g., opposing ends) of the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filter material, together with the inner surface of the wrapper, define the cavity. At least one receptacle for an additive is freely disposed within the cavity. Preferably, the cavity has a length of 3.5 mm to 32 mm, e.g., 3.5 to 25 mm, e.g., 4 to 22 mm, e.g., 5 to 21 mm, e.g., 7 to 14 mm. The cavity may have a circumference of 14 to 28 mm, e.g., 16 to 26 mm, e.g., 16 to 25 mm, e.g., 16 to 19 mm, e.g., 24 to 25 mm. The cavity may have a maximum diameter of 5 mm to 10 mm, e.g., 5.3 mm to 7.8 mm. It will be understood that the circumference and diameter of the cavity are approximately the same as the circumference and diameter of the filter or filter element. The cavity may vary in location within the longitudinally extending core, for example, the cavity may be approximately centrally located within the longitudinally extending core or located towards one end of the longitudinally extending core.

[0014] The adhesive is applied to the wrapper so that it matches the plugs of tobacco smoke filter material, but not to the spaces between the plugs. In other words, no adhesive is applied to the cavity area, and only the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filter material are glued to the wrapper. This allows the capsule to move freely within the central cavity. The adhesive can be any conventional filter wrapper adhesive known in the art and can be applied by methods known in the art.

[0015] In further embodiments, the wrapper can be colored (e.g., green) and / or transparent to provide further visual differentiation from conventional filters. A transparent wrapper provides a window into the cavity through which the smoker can see the freely movable receptacle for the additive. By looking through the window, the user can determine whether the capsule has been broken or identify the flavorant in the receptacle (e.g., menthol for a green capsule). The use of a window can also be used as an anti-counterfeiting measure, as this distinct appearance can deter the production of counterfeit products. The color of the wrapper (e.g., a green wrapper for menthol) can also be used to identify the flavor provided by the additive receptacle.

[0016] The wrapper can be paper, e.g., plug wrap. As known in the art, the wrapper can be coated to minimize absorption of liquid released from the ruptured capsule. The wrapper can be standard or porous, depending on ventilation requirements. The wrapper can be breathable filter paper (e.g., corrugated breathable filter paper) or a cellulose acetate wrapper (e.g., crimped breathable cellulose acetate). The weight of the inner wrapper can be 23 grams per square meter to 100 grams per square meter, e.g., 80 grams per square meter. The wrapper can also include an additional flavor disposed thereon, which can be any flavor known for use in tobacco smoke filters or filter elements (e.g., the flavor can be menthol, spearmint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, etc.). The wrapper may be opaque, with an opacity of 71% or greater (e.g., 71% to 100%, e.g., 71% to 80%, e.g., 80% to 90%, e.g., 90% to 100%). As used herein, the term "opacity" refers to a value measured in accordance with ISO 2471:2008 Paper and Board—Determination of Opacity (Backing Paper)—Diffuse Reflectance Method. The weight and opacity of the wrapper can affect the vibration frequency generated by the omnidirectional movement of the capsule(s) within the cavity. Additionally, the weight and opacity of the wrapper can affect the auditory and tactile sensations experienced by a user when moving or shaking the filter or filter element.

[0017] The tobacco smoke filter or filter element may have a length of 10 to 45 mm, for example, 15 to 35 mm, for example, 11 to 25 mm, for example, 12 to 16 mm, or for example, 20 to 30 mm. The filter or filter element may have a circumference of 14 to 28 mm, for example, 16 to 26 mm, for example, 16 to 25 mm, for example, 16 to 19 mm, or for example, 24 to 25 mm. The filter or filter element may have a maximum diameter of 5 mm to 10 mm, for example, 5.3 mm to 7.8 mm. The tobacco smoke filter or filter element may be used in smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, e.g., tobacco heating products) of a variety of different circumferences (e.g., microslim, superslim, slim, standard, king size).

[0018] The present invention provides a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product) comprising a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to the present invention. The tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to the present invention is suitable for use with all types of tobacco blends. In a filter smoking article according to the present invention, a filter according to the present invention (or a filter comprising a filter element according to the present invention) is attached to a wrapped tobacco rod with one end of the filter facing the tobacco. The filter can be attached to the wrapped tobacco rod by ring tipping (engaging around the adjacent ends of the (wrapped) filter and rod, leaving most of the filter wrap exposed). The filter may also be attached by a full tipping overlap (engaging around the entire length of the filter and the adjacent ends of the tobacco rod).

[0019] The present invention includes filter rods (and / or filter element rods) of length (e.g., two or more), including, for example, multiple filter rods (filter element rods) joined end-to-end. Tobacco smoke filters or filter elements can also be incorporated into multi-segment filters as single segments.

[0020] The present invention provides a method of making a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core including first and second longitudinally extending rods of tobacco smoke filtering material, the first rod of tobacco smoke filtering material being longitudinally spaced from the second rod of tobacco smoke filtering material, a wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending rods such that the wrapper defines a cavity between the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filtering material, and at least one receptacle for an additive disposed within the cavity, the receptacle being freely movable within the cavity. The method comprises: (a) placing plugs of tobacco smoke filter material longitudinally on a filter wrapper (e.g., garniture) at spaced intervals to leave spaces between the plugs; (b) applying adhesive to the filter wrapper to conform to the placed plugs, so that no adhesive is applied to the spaces between the plugs; (c) bringing the wrapper and plugs together so that the adhesive conforms to the plugs but not to the spaces between the plugs; (d) inserting a receptacle for the additive (e.g., a capsule, e.g., a frangible capsule) into the space between the plugs of tobacco smoke filter material (e.g., when the wrapper and plug are assembled); (e) securing the wrapper around the plug of tobacco smoke filter material (e.g., by applying additional adhesive to the edges of the wrapper) to form a continuous rod of alternating wrapped plugs and cavities such that there is no adhesive in the cavities; and, optionally, (f) cutting the resulting continuous product rod to form individual filters or filter elements; Includes.

[0021] The manufacturing method of the present invention allows for the use of standard cellulose acetate tow items, such as NWA (non-wrapped acetate) filter plugs, although it will be appreciated that other materials known in the art can be used to form the tobacco smoke filter material, wrappers, and receptacles for additives.

[0022] The manufacturing method of the present invention requires a combiner machine and an additional capsule inserter kit (known in the art). Filters are manufactured by producing multiple lengths of rod. The tow machine is configured to place cellulose acetate tow plugs longitudinally on a filter wrapper (garniture) at spaced intervals, leaving spaces between the plugs. Segment anchor adhesive is applied to the filter wrapper at equal intervals to the plugs, so no adhesive is present in the spaces between the plugs. The wrapper and plugs are then joined together, ensuring that the adhesive matches the plugs but not the spaces between them. The capsule inserter kit is then configured to insert capsules into the spaces between the cellulose acetate tow plugs using a capsule drum. Filters containing two or more capsules can also be manufactured. Wrappers with adhesive edges are gathered and secured around the plugs, forming a continuous rod of alternatingly wrapped plugs and cavities, with no adhesive present in the cavities. The glued wrappers form a continuous rod of alternatingly wrapped plugs and cavities, each with one or more receptacles for an additive packaged in the cavity. The optional step of cutting the resulting continuous product rod to form individual filters or filter elements can then be performed.

[0023] The continuous rod can be cut through each plug of tobacco smoke filter material. The cut can be made at any location through the plug of tobacco smoke filter material to vary the size of the first and second plugs of tobacco smoke filter material and the location of the cavities within the longitudinally extending core. For example, making a longitudinal cut through the center of the plug of tobacco smoke filter material will produce individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements with first and second longitudinally extending rods of tobacco smoke filter material of the same size surrounding a centrally located cavity. Cutting at other locations will produce individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements with first and second longitudinally extending rods of tobacco smoke filter material of different sizes surrounding an off-center cavity. The length of the filter or filter element will not be affected by the change in cut, and the final filter performance (e.g., pressure drop) will remain constant.

[0024] According to the present invention there is also provided a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core including first and second longitudinally extending rods of tobacco smoke filtering material, the first rod of tobacco smoke filtering material being longitudinally spaced from the second rod of tobacco smoke filtering material; a wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending rods such that the wrapper defines a cavity between the first and second rods of tobacco smoke filtering material; and at least one receptacle for an additive disposed within the cavity, the receptacle being freely movable within the cavity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective, not-to-scale, view of a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, not to scale, taken along the longitudinal axis of the filter. [Figure 3]1 is a cross-sectional, not-to-scale, perspective view of a method for manufacturing multiple lengths of rods according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective, not-to-scale, view of a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to a second embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] 1 and 2 show a tobacco smoke filter or filter element having a length of 27 mm and a circumference of 24.5 mm, comprising a longitudinally extending cylindrical core 1 including first and second longitudinally extending rods 2 and 3 of tobacco smoke filter material in the form of NWA (non-wrapped acetate) crimped tow. The first rod 2 of tobacco smoke filter material is longitudinally spaced from the second rod 3 of tobacco smoke filter material. A transparent, breathable plug wrap wrapper 4, held in place by an adhesively attached seam along a portion of its length, is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending rods 2, 3 (and the distance therebetween). The wrapper 4 defines a cavity 5 having a length of 5 mm and a diameter of 7.8 mm between the first and second rods 2 and 3 of tobacco smoke filter material. Segment anchor adhesive (to hold rods 2 and 3 in place) is applied to wrapper 4 to coincide with first and second rods 2 and 3 of tobacco smoke filter material, but is absent in the space between the plugs so that no segment anchor adhesive is present within cavity 5. A receptacle for an additive in the form of a 3.5 mm diameter frangible capsule 6 containing menthol flavoring is completely enclosed within cavity 5. The diameter of frangible capsule 6 is less than 50% of the diameter of cavity 5. The void space of cavity 5 (e.g., the space not occupied by frangible capsule 6) is 88%. The dimensions of frangible capsule 6 relative to the dimensions of cavity 5 and the absence of adhesive within the cavity mean that capsule 6 can move freely within cavity 5. Wrapper 4 serves as a window into cavity 5, which can be used to identify the flavorant within capsule 6 (e.g., a green capsule for menthol) and to determine whether capsule 6 has been broken. This wrapper 4 further differentiates the filter for anti-counterfeiting purposes. In another embodiment, the wrapper 4 may be opaque and have an opacity of 71% or greater (measured in accordance with ISO 2471:2008 Paper and board - Determination of opacity (backing paper) - Diffuse reflectance method).

[0028] It will be appreciated that the filter 1 can be joined to the wrapped tobacco rod to form a cigarette by methods known in the art. The filter can be joined to the wrapped tobacco rod, for example, by ring tipping (engaging around the adjacent ends of the (wrapped) filter and rod, leaving most of the filter wrap exposed). The filter can also be joined, for example, by full tipping overlap (engaging around the entire length of the filter and the adjacent ends of the tobacco rod).

[0029] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a method for manufacturing multiple lengths of rod according to one embodiment of the present invention. A continuous filter rod 7 includes a plug 8 of tobacco smoke filter material adhered to a wrapper 9. Thus, the absence of adhesive within a cavity 10 allows the capsule 11 to move freely within the cavity. The continuous filter rod 7 may be cut to create individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements, as in Figures 1 and 2. It will be appreciated that the plug of tobacco smoke filter material can be cut at various locations to create individual smoke filters or filter elements.

[0030] The manufacturing method of the present invention requires a combiner machine and an additional capsule inserter kit (known in the art). Filters are manufactured by producing multiple lengths of rod. The tow processing machine is configured to longitudinally space cellulose acetate tow plugs 8 on a filter wrapper 9 (garniture), leaving spaces between the plugs 8. Segment anchor adhesive is applied to the plugs 8 at equal intervals on the filter wrapper 9, so that no adhesive is present in the spaces between the plugs. Traditionally, segment anchor adhesive is a continuous line of adhesive that holds the segments in place and prevents them from being ejected into the smoker's mouth during smoking. Applicant has developed a method that uses pulses of spray adhesive to apply a discontinuous line of adhesive that is aligned with the plugs but not the cavity. Combining the wrapper 9 and plugs 8 ensures that the adhesive is aligned with the plugs 8 but not the spaces between them. The capsule inserter kit is then configured to insert capsules 11 into the spaces between the cellulose acetate tow plugs 8 using a capsule drum. The adhesive-coated wrappers 9 are gathered and secured around the plugs 8 to form a continuous rod of alternating wrapped plugs 8 and cavities 10 (each cavity 10 containing a capsule 11), thereby ensuring that no adhesive is present within the cavities. The bonded wrappers form a continuous rod of alternating wrapped plugs and cavities, each cavity containing one or more receptacles for enclosed additives. The resulting continuous product rod is cut to form individual filters or filter elements.

[0031] 4 shows a tobacco smoke filter or filter element having a length of 27 mm and a circumference of 24.5 mm, comprising a longitudinally extending cylindrical core 101 including first and second longitudinally extending rods 102 and 103 of tobacco smoke filter material in the form of wrapped acetate crimped tow. The first rod 102 of tobacco smoke filter material is longitudinally spaced from the second rod 103 of tobacco smoke filter material. Engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending rods 102, 103 (and the distance between them) is an opaque wrapper 104 of breathable plug wrap having an opacity of 71% or greater (measured in accordance with ISO 2471:2008 Paper and board - Determination of opacity (backing paper) - Diffuse reflectance method), the wrapper 104 being held in place by an adhesively applied seam along a portion of its length. The wrapper 104 defines a cavity 105 between the first rod 102 and the second rod 103 of tobacco smoke filter material, the cavity 105 being 5 mm long and 7.8 mm in diameter. A segment anchor adhesive is applied to the wrapper 104 to conform to the first and second rods 102 and 103 of tobacco smoke filter material (to hold the rods 102 and 103 in place), but not in the spaces between the plugs so that no segment anchor adhesive is present within the cavity 105. Tipping paper 107 (not shown in FIG. 4 ) is engaged around the wrapper 104 and is used to bond the tobacco smoke filter or filter element 101 to the wrapped tobacco rod. A receptacle for an additive in the form of a 3.5 mm diameter frangible capsule 106 containing menthol flavoring is completely enclosed within the cavity 105. The frangible capsule 106 has a diameter that is less than 50% of the diameter of the cavity 105. The void space within cavity 105 (e.g., the space not occupied by frangible capsule 106) is 88%. The dimensions of frangible capsule 106 relative to the dimensions of cavity 105 and the absence of adhesive within cavity 105 mean that capsule 106 is free to move within cavity 105. [Example]

[0032] An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a capsule in a cavity on menthol yield in smoke. Filter A (according to Figure 4) was prepared as described above. Filter A was tested against a conventional filter B, in which the capsule was embedded in a tobacco smoke filter material known in the art. The capsules of Filter A and Filter B were crushed before smoking to release the menthol flavoring.

[0033] The average menthol smoke yield of Filters A and B was measured by a method known in the art (ISO 13110:2012 Gas chromatographic method for determination of menthol in total particulate matter (TPM) of the smoke condensate of mentholated cigarettes). The results are shown in Table 1. The pad measurement data shows the menthol yield in the smoke.

[0034] [Table 1]

[0035] Applicant surprisingly discovered that by placing a capsule that is free to move within the cavity, more flavorant is delivered to the user compared to capsules embedded within the tobacco smoke filter material. The yield of menthol in the smoke was higher when the crushed capsule was placed within the cavity (and allowed to move freely within the cavity), thus delivering a stronger flavor to the user.

Claims

1. a longitudinally extending core including first and second longitudinally extending rods of tobacco smoke filter material, the first rod of tobacco smoke filter material being longitudinally spaced from the second rod of tobacco smoke filter material; a wrapper engaged about said first and second longitudinally extending rods, said wrapper defining a cavity between said first and second rods of tobacco smoke filter material; At least one receptacle for an additive disposed within the cavity, the maximum width or diameter of the receptacle for the additive being less than half the maximum diameter of the cavity, the remaining void space within the cavity being 51% to 90% of the volume of the cavity, and the receptacle being freely movable within the cavity; Including, 1. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the wrapper is opaque, the opacity of the wrapper being 71% or greater (measured in accordance with ISO 2471:2008 Paper and board—Determination of opacity (backing paper)—Diffuse reflectance method), and the weight of the wrapper being between 23 grams and 100 grams per square meter.

2. 10. The tobacco smoke filter or filter element of claim 1, wherein the receptacle for the additive is a capsule, e.g., a frangible capsule.

3. 3. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the additive receptacle contains an additive in the form of a flavorant.

4. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the void space remaining in the cavity is 55-80% (eg 60-75%) of the volume of the cavity.

5. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinally extending core is a generally cylindrical core.

6. 6. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tobacco smoke filter material of the first and / or second rods of tobacco smoke filter material comprises natural or synthetic filament tow, for example of cotton or a plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or cellulose acetate filament tow, natural or synthetic staple fibres, absorbent cotton, a web material such as (usually creped) paper, a (e.g. synthetic) nonwoven material, and / or an extruded material (e.g. starch, synthetic foam, extruded foam).

7. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter material comprises carbon, for example activated carbon.

8. 8. The tobacco smoke filter or filter element of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tobacco smoke filter material of the first rod of tobacco smoke filter material and the tobacco smoke filter material of the second rod of tobacco smoke filter material are different.

9. 9. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinally extending core has a perimeter or circumference of from 14 to 28 mm, such as from 16 to 26 mm, for example from 16 to 25 mm, such as from 16 to 19 mm, for example from 24 to 25 mm.

10. 10. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the cavity is from 3.5mm to 32mm, such as from 3.5 to 25mm, for example from 4 to 22mm, such as from 5 to 21mm, for example from 7 to 14mm.

11. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, which is adhesive-free in the region of the cavity.

12. 12. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the width of the receptacle (e.g. capsule) for the additive is from 2 to 5 mm, such as from 2.5 to 4 mm, for example from 2.5 to 3.9 mm, for example from 3.0 to 3.8 mm, such as from 3.2 to 3.7 mm, for example from 3.35 or 3.5 mm.

13. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of the longitudinally extending core is at least 0.7 mm greater than the maximum width of the additive receptacle.

14. 14. A smoking article (e.g. a cigarette, e.g. a tobacco heating product) comprising a tobacco smoke filter according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or a tobacco smoke filter comprising a filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, attached to a wrapped tobacco rod with one end of the filter facing the tobacco.

15. A plurality of rods comprising a plurality (eg 2, 4, 6 etc.) of tobacco smoke filters or filter elements according to any one of claims 1 to 13 joined together end to end.

16. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavity has a diameter of from 5mm to 10mm, for example from 5.3mm to 7.8mm.

17. A method for producing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: (a) placing spaced apart plugs of tobacco smoke filter material longitudinally on a filter wrapper (e.g., garniture) to leave spaces between the plugs; (b) applying adhesive to the filter wrapper so as to align with the positioned plugs, and leaving spaces between the plugs free of adhesive; (c) bringing the wrapper and plugs together so that the adhesive is aligned with the plugs but not with the spaces between the plugs; (d) inserting an additive receptacle (e.g., a capsule, e.g., a frangible capsule) into the space between the plugs of tobacco smoke filter material (e.g., when the wrapper and plug are assembled); (e) securing the wrapper around the plug of tobacco smoke filter material (e.g., by applying additional adhesive to an edge of the wrapper) to form a continuous rod of alternating wrapped plugs and cavities such that there is no adhesive in the cavities; and, optionally, (f) cutting the resulting continuous product rod to form individual filters or filter elements; A method comprising:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the alternating plugs are made from the first and second filter materials.

19. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein two or more receptacles are inserted into the spaces between the plugs of tobacco smoke filter material.

20. a longitudinally extending core including first and second longitudinally extending rods of tobacco smoke filter material, said first rod of tobacco smoke filter material being longitudinally spaced from said second rod of tobacco smoke filter material; a wrapper engaged about said first and second longitudinally extending rods, said wrapper defining a cavity between said first and second rods of tobacco smoke filter material; At least one receptacle for an additive disposed within the cavity, the receptacle being freely movable within the cavity and having a void remaining therein that is between 51% and 90% of the volume of the cavity; 1. A tobacco smoke filter or filter element, wherein the wrapper is opaque, the opacity of the wrapper being 71% or greater (measured in accordance with ISO 2471:2008 Paper and board—Determination of opacity (backing paper)—Diffuse reflectance method), and the weight of the wrapper being between 23 grams and 100 grams per square meter.

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