Smoking articles with improved fire extinguishing properties

Abstract

To provide a smoking article that is extinguished in safe and hygienic way, without hindering or undesirably affecting a function of the smoking article during smoking.SOLUTION: A smoking article 10 comprises a tobacco rod 11 and a filter 12 in axial alignment with the tobacco rod. A tipping wrapper 16 circumscribes a portion of the filter and the tobacco rod to secure the filter. The filter includes a hollow tubular element 13 at an upstream end of the filter adjacent to the tobacco rod and a first segment of a filtration material 15 adjacent to a downstream side of the hollow tubular element. The tipping wrapper includes a line of weakness 17 disposed at 4 millimeters upstream of an interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod or disposed at the interface. The tobacco rod, the first segment of the filtration material and an inner surface of the hollow tubular element define a cavity 14. The cavity is designed to receive the lit end of the smoking article and any unburnt tobacco material when a consumer chooses to extinguish the smoking article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes). Filter cigarettes generally comprise a rod of cut tobacco filler surrounded by a paper wrapper and a cylindrical filter aligned end-to-end with the wrapped tobacco rod and attached to the tobacco rod by tipping paper. In traditional filter cigarettes, the filter may consist of a plug of cellulose acetate tow encased within a porous plug wrap. Filter cigarettes with multi-component filters comprising two or more segments of filtering material to remove particulate and gaseous components of mainstream smoke are also known. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, consumers smoke a smoking article until the burning area of ​​the tobacco rod (the lighting end) reaches the end of the tipping paper. This means that a small portion of the tobacco (where the tipping paper overlaps the tobacco rod) remains unburned and will continue to burn unless extinguished. Therefore, consumers typically extinguish the smoking article by holding the filter and pressing the lighting end of the smoking article against the bottom of an ashtray or other hard, non-combustible surface. This causes the lighting end's structure to collapse, preventing oxygen from reaching the burning tobacco, and combustion usually quickly stops. However, during the process of extinguishing the smoking article, consumers' fingers may come into contact with or come close to the lighting end of the smoking article or any remaining embers in the ashtray.

[0003] Accordingly, several solutions have been proposed to extinguish smoking articles in a safe and hygienic manner. For example, it has been proposed to modify the combustion characteristics of the paper surrounding the tobacco rod at or near its downstream end so that the cigarette effectively self-extinguishes when the lighting end reaches this modified section. However, in some situations, consumers may wish to extinguish the cigarette before the lighting end reaches the modified section of the wrapper, thus necessitating manual extinguishing of the cigarette. Moreover, the modified section does not always extinguish the lighting end in a quick and reliable manner. In addition, such arrangements still result in loose ash remaining in the ashtray.

[0004] Another proposed solution is to provide a tube or sleeve that can be slid over the smoking article to cover the lighting end of the tobacco rod and extinguish the smoking article after the consumer has finished smoking the smoking article, but such a tube may interfere with or have undesirable effects on the function of the smoking article when smoking.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a solution for extinguishing smoking articles in a safe and hygienic manner without interfering with the function of the smoking article or causing undesirable effects when smoking. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a smoking article comprising a tobacco rod, a filter axially aligned with the tobacco rod, and a tipping wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the filter and at least a portion of the tobacco rod to secure the filter in axial alignment with the tobacco rod, wherein the filter comprises a hollow tubular element at an upstream end of the filter adjacent the tobacco rod, and a first segment of filtration material downstream of and adjacent the hollow tubular element, wherein, of course, the inner surface of the hollow tubular element, the downstream end of the tobacco rod, and the upstream end of the first segment of filtration material collectively define the boundary of an internal cavity within the filter.

[0007] By providing a hollow tubular element adjacent to the tobacco rod at the upstream end of the filter, a consumer can easily extinguish a smoking article by, for example, holding the filter and pressing the lighting end of the smoking article against a hard, non-burning surface (e.g., an ashtray). This forces the lighting end of the smoking article and any unburned tobacco into the hollow tubular element's recess. The portion of tipping paper surrounding the tobacco rod and any remaining cigarette paper may also be forced into the hollow tubular element's recess. This minimizes the possibility of ash or the lighting end coming into contact with the consumer's fingers and reduces the amount of loose material (such as ash) generated during the act of extinguishing the smoking article. This also reduces the oxygen supply to the lighting end, thereby improving the speed at which the smoking article is extinguished.

[0008] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of elements of a filter or smoking article relative to the direction of mainstream smoke as it is drawn through the filter and out the lighting end of the smoking article. Mainstream smoke flows longitudinally, generally parallel to the length of the smoking article. The transverse direction of the smoking article is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0009] As used herein, the term "inner surface" is used to describe the side of the hollow tubular element that faces the inside of the filter.

[0010] As used herein, the term "buckling strength" refers to the axial compressive load applied to a smoking article filter at which the filter collapses or buckles, which may be caused by a consumer pressing the lit end of the smoking article against the bottom of an ashtray or other hard, non-combustible surface.

[0011] As used herein, the term "fill force" is used to describe the volume of space occupied by a given weight or mass of tobacco material. The greater the fill force of a tobacco material, the less weight of material is required to fill a tobacco rod of standard dimensions. Fill force values ​​are expressed in terms of corrected cylinder volume (CCV), which is the cylinder volume (CV) of tobacco material at a standard moisture level with an oven volatility of 12.5 percent. Cylinder volume (CV) can be determined using a Borgwaldt density meter, type DD60 or DD60A, fitted with measuring heads for cut tobacco and tobacco cylinders.

[0012] Preferably, the hollow tubular element has a thickness (wall thickness) (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article of about 100 micrometers to about 700 micrometers. More preferably, the hollow tubular element has a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article of about 150 micrometers to about 400 micrometers, and even more preferably a thickness of about 200 micrometers to about 300 micrometers. In some preferred embodiments, the hollow tubular element has a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article of about 250 micrometers.

[0013] Providing a hollow tubular element having a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article within the aforementioned range reduces the risk of the hollow tubular element collapsing or deforming when a consumer extinguishes the smoking article, for example, by pressing the lighting end against a hard, non-burning surface. This also helps prevent tobacco from the tobacco rod from entering the upstream end of the hollow tubular element before the consumer chooses to extinguish the smoking article. Additionally, this provision can help prevent the first segment of filtering material from entering the downstream end of the hollow tubular element when the consumer extinguishes the smoking article. Providing a hollow tubular element having a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article within the aforementioned range can ensure that the internal recess of the hollow tubular element is large enough to receive all of the lighting end and unburned tobacco of the smoking article, thereby minimizing the possibility of ash or the lighting end coming into contact with the consumer's fingers.

[0014] The hollow tubular elements are preferably formed from a material having a basis weight of about 50 grams per square meter to about 250 grams per square meter, more preferably about 80 grams per square meter to about 150 grams per square meter. In certain preferred embodiments, the hollow tubular elements are formed from a material having a basis weight of about 100.

[0015] Providing a hollow tubular element with a basis weight within the aforementioned range increases the buckling strength of the hollow tubular element, which may also help to reduce the risk of the hollow tubular element collapsing or deforming when a consumer extinguishes a smoking article.

[0016] Preferably, the hollow tubular element has a length of about 3 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. More preferably, the hollow tubular element has a length of about 4 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, and even more preferably, about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the hollow tubular element has a length of about 6 millimeters.

[0017] Providing a hollow tubular element having a length greater than about 4 millimeters helps ensure that the internal cavity of the hollow tubular element is large enough to receive the lighting end of the smoking article and all of the unburned tobacco, thereby minimizing the possibility that ash or the lighting end will come into contact with the consumer's fingers.

[0018] The hollow tubular element preferably has a length greater than or equal to the length of the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod, so that any loose tobacco underneath the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod can fit inside the hollow tubular element when the smoking article is extinguished.

[0019] The tipping wrapper preferably includes a line of weakness located at or within 5 mm upstream of the interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod, and more preferably at or within 2 mm upstream of the interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod. The line of weakness allows the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod to buckle or otherwise deform when a consumer presses the lit end of the smoking article against the bottom of an ashtray or other hard, non-burning surface to extinguish the smoking article. This deformation can help the lit end of the smoking article and any unburned tobacco enter the recess in the hollow tubular element when the consumer extinguishes the smoking article. This can increase the likelihood that any buckling during extinguishing will be limited to the portion of the smoking article immediately upstream of the hollow tubular element. As a result, the consumer can use less force to extinguish the smoking article, reducing the likelihood of deforming the filter during extinguishing.

[0020] As described above, the line of weakness is provided to allow the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod to buckle or otherwise deform when a consumer presses the lighting end of the smoking article against the bottom of an ashtray or other hard, non-combustible surface to extinguish the smoking article. This allows the tipping wrapper to separate along the line of weakness, in which case a portion of the tipping wrapper, along with the loose tobacco and the lighting end of the smoking article, may also be forced into the recess of the hollow tubular element. Alternatively, this allows the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod to fold along the line of weakness, in which case the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod remains attached to the filter, leaving behind a sleeve that may help guide the lighting end of the tobacco rod and all of the unburned tobacco into the hollow tubular element.

[0021] As noted above, the line of weakness is preferably located at or within 5 millimeters upstream of the interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod. In some embodiments, the line of weakness is located at the interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod. In some alternative embodiments, the line of weakness is located about 0.5 millimeters to about 5 millimeters upstream of the interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod, and more preferably about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters upstream of the interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod.

[0022] In some embodiments, there are multiple lines of weakness located at or within 5 millimeters upstream of the interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod. For example, there may be from about 2 to about 5 lines of weakness. This allows for greater control over deformation of the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod.

[0023] The line of weakness can be formed in the tipping wrapper before or after the tipping wrapper encases the tobacco rod and filter. In some embodiments, the line of weakness is formed in the tipping wrapper before the tipping wrapper encases the tobacco rod and filter. This can simplify the manufacturing process. Suitable types of lines of weakness include, but are not limited to, embossed lines, debossed lines, creases, perforation lines, or combinations thereof.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the line of weakness comprises a plurality of perforations.

[0025] The perforations may be of any size. The diameter of the perforations is preferably about 0.2 micrometers to about 1.2 micrometers, more preferably about 0.3 micrometers to about 1 micrometer, and even more preferably about 0.5 micrometers to about 0.9 micrometers. In some preferred embodiments, the diameter of the perforations is about 0.8 micrometers.

[0026] The multiple perforations may be substantially the same size or may be substantially different sizes. Preferably, the perforations are substantially the same size. This may help promote uniform deformation of the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod when the smoking article is extinguished. Each perforation may have any suitable shape, such as circular or oval.

[0027] Providing a line of weakness that includes a plurality of perforations according to the above dimensions helps ensure that the line of weakness allows the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod to deform under normal extinguishing conditions, while preventing the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod from deforming before the consumer chooses to extinguish the smoking article.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the smoking article further comprises a flavor delivery mechanism configured to release a flavorant when a consumer extinguishes the smoking article. The flavor delivery mechanism is preferably provided at or near the filter portion of the smoking article, thereby enabling at least one of mainstream smoke or sidestream smoke to be flavored or scented when the smoking article is extinguished. For example, a flavor delivery mechanism provided on the inner surface of the tubular element and configured to release a flavorant when a consumer extinguishes the smoking article may enable the sidestream smoke to be flavored or scented when the smoking article is extinguished. This can flavor or scent the air around the extinguished smoking article and can counter or mask any undesirable odors generated by the act of extinguishing.

[0029] The flavoring agent can be in any suitable form, for example, the flavoring agent can be a liquid flavoring agent, a powdered flavoring agent, or a combination thereof. Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, natural or synthetic menthol, mint (such as peppermint and Dutch spice), eucalyptus, sage, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavoring agents, gamma octamer, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath freshening flavoring agents, spice flavoring agents (such as cinnamon), methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavoring agents. Other suitable flavoring agents can include flavoring compounds selected from the group consisting of acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, combinations or blends thereof, and the like. Other suitable flavoring agents can include flavoring compounds selected from the group consisting of acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, combinations or blends thereof, and the like.

[0030] The flavor delivery mechanism may have a structure in which a structural material releasably encapsulates a flavorant. For example, in some embodiments, the flavor delivery mechanism comprises a matrix structure defining a plurality of regions within which the flavorant is trapped until released when the consumer extinguishes the smoking article.

[0031] In some embodiments, the flavor delivery mechanism is provided on the hollow tubular element. For example, the flavor delivery mechanism may be provided on the inner or outer surface of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the flavor delivery mechanism is provided on the inner surface of the hollow tubular element and is configured to release a flavorant when a consumer extinguishes the smoking article. This allows materials inserted into the cavity of the hollow tubular element to come into direct contact with the flavor delivery mechanism, resulting in the release of flavor.

[0032] The flavour delivery mechanism may comprise a flavourant on the inner surface of the hollow tubular element. Alternatively, or in addition, the flavour delivery mechanism may be provided by a surface treatment process on the inner surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0033] As described above, the smoking article preferably includes a flavor delivery mechanism configured to release a flavorant when a consumer extinguishes the smoking article. For example, extinguishing may initiate one or more trigger events that cause the flavor delivery mechanism to release the flavorant. The one or more trigger events may be selected from the group consisting of application of a frictional force, addition of moisture, a change in pH, an increase in temperature, and any combination thereof. Application of a frictional force may include application of a frictional force to the inner surface of a hollow tubular element, application of a frictional force to the outer surface of tipping paper, or both.

[0034] In certain preferred embodiments, the flavor delivery mechanism is configured to release the flavorant when the tobacco rod has burned beyond a certain point. In this embodiment, the flavor delivery mechanism may be configured to release the flavorant in response to an increase in temperature.

[0035] Alternatively, or in addition, the flavor delivery mechanism may be configured to release flavorant when the smoking article is extinguished by a consumer by pressing the lit end of the smoking article against the bottom of an ashtray or other hard, non-combustible surface. In this embodiment, the flavor delivery mechanism may be configured to release flavorant in response to the application of a frictional force against the interior surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, the hollow tubular element is preferably formed from a paper material. More preferably, the hollow tubular element is formed from multiple overlapping paper layers, such as multiple parallel-wound paper layers or multiple spirally-wound paper layers. Forming the hollow tubular element from multiple overlapping paper layers can help improve the buckling strength of the hollow tubular element. This means that the hollow tubular element is less likely to buckle or otherwise deform when a user extinguishes a smoking article.

[0037] Preferably, the hollow tubular element has at least two paper layers. Preferably, the hollow tubular element has fewer than 11 paper layers. This can help to minimize the amount of material used in the smoking article while ensuring that the hollow tubular element has adequate buckling strength.

[0038] An exemplary method for forming a tube segment from multiple spirally wound paper layers includes wrapping multiple, overlapping, substantially continuous strips of paper around a cylindrical mandrel. The strips are wrapped helically to form a substantially continuous tube on the mandrel. The formed tube may be rotated around the mandrel, for example, using a rubber belt, so that the paper layers are continuously pulled and wrapped around the mandrel. The formed tube can then be cut to the desired length downstream of the mandrel.

[0039] In an embodiment according to the invention, the hollow tubular element is formed from an annular segment of filtration material. The filtration material can be any filtration material, such as cellulose acetate. The annular segment of filtration material has a hollow core extending from the upstream end of the annular segment to the downstream end of the annular segment. Such a segment is sometimes referred to as a hollow acetate tube.

[0040] The filtration material of the annular segments preferably has high particle efficiency. The filtration material of the annular segments preferably comprises fibers of about 1.5 denier per filament (dpf) to about 5 dpf, more preferably about 1.5 denier per filament (dpf) to about 3 dpf. In one preferred embodiment, the filtration material of the annular segments comprises fibers of about 3.3 dpf.

[0041] Preferably, the filtration material of the annular segment comprises fibers having a total denier (td) of from about 30,000 to about 50,000 td, more preferably from about 35,000 to about 50,000 td. In one preferred embodiment, the filtration material of the annular segment comprises fibers having a total denier (td) of from about 44,000 td.

[0042] The hollow tube segment preferably includes one or more plasticizers. Suitable plasticizers include triacetin and triethylene glycol diacetate. The plasticizer is preferably present in the annular segment in an amount of about 5 to about 15 weight percent, more preferably about 8 to about 12 weight percent.

[0043] Providing a hollow tubular element formed from annular segments of filtration material having the aforementioned particle efficiency, fiber denier, and plasticizer may improve the buckling strength of the hollow tubular element.

[0044] The hollow tubular element has a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article and a diameter (D) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, where the ratio of diameter (D) to thickness (t) is preferably less than about 80. The ratio of diameter (D) to thickness (t) of the hollow tubular element is preferably less than about 75, more preferably less than about 40. This can increase the buckling strength of the hollow tubular element, which can reduce the risk of the hollow tubular element buckling, collapsing, or otherwise deforming when a consumer extinguishes the smoking article. It has been observed that, at a given height, the buckling strength of a hollow tubular element can be significantly increased by decreasing the D:t ratio. This allows the consumer to extinguish the smoking article while significantly reducing the likelihood of the hollow tubular element bending under pressure loads. The ratio of diameter (D) to thickness (t) of the hollow tubular element is preferably greater than about 10, more preferably greater than about 20. This helps ensure that the internal recess of the hollow tubular element is large enough to receive all of the lighting end of the smoking article and any unburned tobacco, minimizing the possibility of ash or the lighting end coming into contact with the consumer's fingers.

[0045] In some embodiments according to the present invention, the filter further comprises a filter wrapper surrounding at least the hollow tubular element and the first segment of filtration material, the filter wrapper being disposed between the tipping wrapper and the hollow tubular element and the first segment of filtration material. Furthermore, the provision of a filter wrapper can help prevent the hollow tubular element and the first segment of filtration material from separating during use or when a consumer chooses to extinguish the smoking article. This is particularly relevant when the hollow tubular element and the first segment of filtration material are attached to the filter wrapper.

[0046] The filter wrap preferably surrounds the entire length of the hollow tubular element. The filter wrap preferably surrounds the entire length of the first segment of filtration material.

[0047] Examples of suitable filter wrapper materials include, but are not limited to, cellulose-based materials, paper, cardboard, recon, cellulose-based films, and combinations thereof.

[0048] The tobacco rod preferably comprises a tobacco material surrounded by a tobacco rod wrapper.

[0049] Any suitable tobacco material may be used. For example, the tobacco material may comprise tobacco cut filler. Preferably, the cut filler at the downstream end of the tobacco rod has a fill force of at least about 3.5 cubic centimeters / gram at a moisture content of 12.5 percent oven volatile matter. More preferably, the cut filler at the downstream end of the tobacco rod has a fill force of at least about 4 cubic centimeters / gram at a moisture content of 12.5 percent oven volatile matter. Additionally or alternatively, the cut filler at the downstream end of the tobacco rod has a fill force of less than about 8 cubic centimeters / gram at a moisture content of 12.5 percent oven volatile matter. More preferably, the cut filler at the downstream end of the tobacco rod has a fill force of less than about 7 cubic centimeters / gram at a moisture content of 12.5 percent oven volatile matter. In certain preferred embodiments, the cut filler at the downstream end of the tobacco rod has a fill force of between about 3.5 cubic centimeters / gram and about 8 cubic centimeters / gram at a moisture content of 12.5 percent oven volatile matter. This may reduce the likelihood of tobacco cut filler entering the hollow tubular element's recesses without significantly affecting the burn attributes of the tobacco rod.

[0050] Alternatively, or in addition, the tobacco material may comprise a crimped tobacco cast leaf at the downstream end of the tobacco rod, which may help to prevent the tobacco material from entering the cavity of the hollow tubular element without significantly affecting the tobacco rod burn attributes.

[0051] The tobacco rod wrapper may comprise any suitable material. Preferably, the tobacco rod wrapper is formed from cigarette paper.

[0052] In some embodiments according to the present invention, the filter further comprises one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material.

[0053] The one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material may be adjacent to the first segment of filtration material. Alternatively, the one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material may be separated from the first segment of filtration material by an additional component or recess.

[0054] The first segment of filtration material and one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material may comprise any suitable filtration material or combination of filtration materials. The type of filtration material may be selected to provide a desired level of RTD (resistance to withdrawal) during smoking and a desired level of firmness and ovality after deformation. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polylactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, nylon, polyhydroxybutyrate, thermoplastic materials (such as starch), nonwoven materials, longitudinally oriented fibers and randomly oriented fibers, paper, crepe, PLA fibers, and combinations thereof. One or more materials may be formed into an open-cell structure. All or a portion of the first segment of filtration material and one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material may comprise activated carbon or other absorbent material. The first segment of filtration material and one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material may comprise an adhesive, a plasticizer, or a combination thereof. The first segment of filtration material and one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material may be compressible. The first segment of filtration material and one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material may comprise the same filtration material. Alternatively, the first segment of filtration material and one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material may comprise different filtration materials. In a preferred embodiment, one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material comprise a plug of cellulose acetate tow.

[0055] Alternatively, or in addition, the filter includes a mouth end recess at its downstream end. The mouth end recess may be adjacent to the first segment of filtration material. Alternatively, if present, the mouth end recess may be adjacent to one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material. The mouth end recess may be formed from a section of a spirally wound paper layer. Alternatively, or in addition, the mouth end recess may be formed from an annular section of filtration material. Alternatively, or in addition, the mouth end recess may be formed by the downstream end of tipping material. Preferably, the first segment of filtration material comprises a plug of cellulose acetate tow.

[0056] The axial stiffness of the hollow tubular element is preferably greater than or equal to the axial stiffness of the tobacco rod, which may reduce the likelihood that the hollow tubular element will buckle before the tobacco rod buckles during extinguishing.

[0057] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a smoking article 10 including a tobacco rod 11 having an upstream end and a downstream end and attached to an axially aligned filter 12 at its downstream end. The tobacco rod 11 includes a dose of cut filler 31 surrounded by a tobacco rod wrapper 32. The filter 12 includes a hollow tubular element 13 and a single segment of cellulose acetate tow 15 adjacent to the hollow tubular element 13. The hollow tubular element 13 is adjacent to the tobacco rod 11 such that a cylindrical interior cavity 14 is defined by the interior surface of the hollow tubular element 13, the single segment of cellulose acetate tow 15, and the tobacco rod 11. The filter 12 and a portion of the tobacco rod 11 are surrounded by a tipping wrapper 16. The length of the portion of the tobacco rod 11 surrounded by the tipping wrapper 16 is shorter than the length of the hollow tubular element 13. A line of weakness is provided in the tipping wrapper 16 in the form of a plurality of perforations 17. The perforations are located 1 millimeter upstream from the downstream end of the tobacco rod 11. The hollow tubular element 13 and the single segment of cellulose acetate tow 15 are both surrounded by a filter wrapper 18 which is in turn surrounded by a tipping wrapper 16 .

[0060] In use, a consumer lights the upstream end of the tobacco rod 11 and draws on the downstream end of the single segment of cellulose acetate tow 15. When the consumer chooses to extinguish the smoking article 10, the smoking article 10 is held by the filter 12, and the lit end of the tobacco rod 11 is pressed against the bottom of an ashtray or other hard, non-burning surface. Once this is accomplished, the tipping wrapper 16 bends or separates along the multiple perforation lines 17. This serves to force the lit end of the tobacco rod and any unburned tobacco into the recess 14 of the hollow tubular element 13. This serves to extinguish the smoking article 10 by preventing oxygen from reaching the lit end of the tobacco rod 11.

[0061] 1. A smoking article, Tobacco rod and a filter axially aligned with the tobacco rod; a tipping wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the filter and at least a portion of the tobacco rod to secure the filter in axial alignment with the tobacco rod; The filter is a hollow tubular element at the upstream end of the filter adjacent the tobacco rod; a first segment of filtration material downstream and adjacent to said hollow tubular element; A smoking article wherein the tipping wrapper includes a line of weakness located at or within 5 millimeters upstream of the interface between the hollow tubular element and the tobacco rod. 2. The smoking article of 1, wherein the hollow tubular element has a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article of about 100 micrometers to about 700 micrometers. 3. A smoking article according to 1 or 2, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length of about 3 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. 4. A smoking article according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length greater than or equal to the length of the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod. 5. A smoking article described in any one of 1 to 4, wherein the line of weakness comprises a plurality of perforations. 6. A smoking article as described in any one of 1 to 5, wherein a flavor delivery mechanism is provided on the inner surface of the hollow tubular element and configured to release a flavorant when the consumer extinguishes the smoking article. 7. The smoking article of claim 6, wherein extinguishing initiates one or more trigger events that cause the flavor delivery mechanism to release flavorant, the one or more trigger events being selected from the group consisting of application of a frictional force, addition of moisture, a change in pH, an increase in temperature, and any combination thereof. 8. A smoking article according to any one of 1 to 7, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed from a plurality of spirally wound paper layers. 9. A smoking article according to any one of 1 to 7, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed from an annular segment of filtering material. 10. A smoking article described in any one of 1 to 9, wherein the hollow tubular element has a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article and a diameter (D) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and the ratio of the diameter (D) to the thickness (t) is less than about 40. 11. A smoking article according to any one of 1 to 10, wherein the filter further comprises a filter wrapper surrounding at least the hollow tubular element and the first segment of filtration material, the filter wrapper being disposed between the tipping wrapper and the hollow tubular element and the first segment of filtration material. 12. The smoking article according to any one of 1 to 11, wherein the tobacco rod comprises a crimped tobacco cast leaf at the downstream end of the tobacco rod. 13. A smoking article according to any one of 1 to 12, wherein the filter further comprises one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material. 14. A smoking article according to any one of 1 to 13, wherein the axial stiffness of the hollow tubular element is greater than or equal to the axial stiffness of the tobacco rod.

Claims

1. A smoking article comprising: a tobacco rod including a tobacco material surrounded by a tobacco rod wrapper, the tobacco material being present at least at a downstream end of the tobacco rod; a filter axially aligned with the tobacco rod; a tipping wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the filter and at least a portion of the tobacco rod to secure the filter in axial alignment with the tobacco rod; Equipped with The filter is a hollow tubular element at an upstream end of the filter adjacent the downstream end of the tobacco rod; a first segment of filtration material downstream and adjacent to said hollow tubular element; a recess at the mouth end of the downstream end of said filter; Equipped with the hollow tubular element has a thickness (t) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article of 100 micrometers or greater; the hollow tubular element has a length greater than 4 millimeters; the hollow tubular element has a length greater than or equal to the length of the portion of the tipping wrapper surrounding the tobacco rod; the axial stiffness of the hollow tubular element is greater than or equal to the axial stiffness of the tobacco rod; Smoking articles.

2. 10. The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular element has a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article of between 100 micrometers and 700 micrometers.

3. 3. A smoking article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length of between 4 mm and 15 mm.

4. The smoking article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tipping wrapper comprises a line of weakness.

5. The smoking article of claim 4 , wherein the line of weakness comprises a plurality of perforations.

6. 6. A smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a flavour delivery mechanism is provided on the inner surface of the hollow tubular element and configured to release flavourant when a consumer extinguishes the smoking article.

7. 7. The smoking article of claim 6, wherein extinction initiates one or more trigger events that cause the flavor delivery mechanism to release flavorant, the one or more trigger events being selected from the group consisting of application of a frictional force, addition of moisture, a change in pH, an increase in temperature, and any combination thereof.

8. A smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed from a plurality of spirally wound paper layers.

9. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed from an annular segment of filtration material.

10. A smoking article as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hollow tubular element has a thickness (t) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article and a diameter (D) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and the ratio of the diameter (D) to the thickness (t) is less than 40.

11. 11. A smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filter further comprises a filter wrapper surrounding at least the hollow tubular element and the first segment of filtration material, the filter wrapper being disposed between the tipping wrapper and the hollow tubular element and the first segment of filtration material.

12. 12. The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the tobacco rod comprises a crimped cast tobacco leaf at a downstream end of the tobacco rod.

13. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter further comprises one or more segments of filtration material downstream of the first segment of filtration material.

14. A smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed from a material having a basis weight of from 50 grams per square meter to 250 grams per square meter.

15. 15. The smoking article of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the tobacco material comprises tobacco cut filler.

16. A smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the hollow tubular element has a diameter (D) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and the ratio of the diameter (D) to the thickness (t) is less than 80.

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