HK1183771A - Smoking article - Google Patents

Description

Smoking article

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a smoking article. In particular, the present invention relates to an extensible smoking article that can vary in length, thereby varying the length of the internal chamber.

Background

An extendable cigarette is known from US 2820462. The cigarette is telescopic, in that the tobacco rod can be slid within a tube with a filter at the mouth end. A tobacco rod may be slid within the tube to change the size of the internal chamber.

US3062218 describes a retractable cigarette in which a tobacco rod is slidable within a tube. The tube may be coated with a flavour material, such as menthol, to provide flavour.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a smoking article comprising: a first portion comprising a source of smokable material; a second portion having at least one end and configured to be movable relative to the first portion; and the smoking article further comprises a smoke modifying agent releasable into the smoking article.

Thus, the smoking article contains a smoke modifying agent which is delivered when required.

Drawings

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

figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a smoking article;

figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the smoking article of figure 1 in a contracted state;

figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the smoking article of figure 1 in an extended state;

figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a smoking article according to the invention in a partially formed state;

figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a smoking article;

figure 6a is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a smoking article in a contracted state;

figure 6b is a schematic perspective view of the smoking article of figure 6a in an extended state;

figure 7a is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article in a contracted state;

FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of the flavor delivery system of FIG. 7 a;

figure 8a is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article in a partially expanded state;

FIG. 8b is an enlarged view of the flavor delivery system of FIG. 8 a;

figure 9a is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article in an extended state;

FIG. 9b is an enlarged view of the flavor delivery system of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 10a is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flavor delivery system of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 10b is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flavor delivery system of FIG. 9 a;

figure 11 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article in a contracted state;

figure 12 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article in a partially expanded state;

figure 13 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article in an extended state;

figure 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a package containing a smoking article with a second embodiment of a flavour delivery system;

figure 15a is a perspective view of a variation of the second embodiment of the flavour delivery system in a smoking article in a contracted state;

figure 15b is a perspective view of the smoking article of figure 15a in a partially extended state;

figure 15c is a perspective view of the smoking article of figure 15a in an extended state;

figure 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the flavor delivery system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view through the flavor delivery system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a flavor delivery system;

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 19 during use; and

figure 21 is a side view of the smoking article of figure 19.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a smoking article 10. The smoking article may be an article such as a cigarette, cigar or cigarillo. For convenience, these articles will be referred to as "smoking articles" in this specification. The smoking article 10 comprises a first portion comprising a source of smokable material in the form of a tobacco rod 11 having a first filter section 12 attached thereto. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are attached by a cover layer, preferably formed of tipping paper.

The second part of the smoking article comprises a sleeve 13 in the form of a cylindrical tube extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 11 and/or the first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are dimensioned to slide longitudinally within the sleeve 13 as a unit. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 may be referred to as a tobacco unit.

The second portion may further comprise a second filter section 14 located at the mouth end of the sleeve 13 and distal to the first filter section 12. The second filter section 14 is firmly attached and fixed within the sleeve 13. The first and/or second filter sections 12, 14 are preferably made of conventional cellulose acetate tow.

A chamber 15 is defined in the sleeve 13 between the first filter section 12 and the second filter section 14. The chamber 15 has a variable length, and therefore a variable volume, when the first filter section 12 slides axially inside the cylindrical sleeve 13. The chamber 15 has a length varying from zero to a predetermined maximum length. Thus, the end of the sleeve 13 remote from the source of smokable material is movable relative to the source of smokable material. The first portion is slidable about the second portion, i.e. the second portion slides within the first portion.

Relative movement of the first and second portions, i.e. the sock 13 and tobacco rod 11, beyond a maximum length is prevented by restraining means, preferably abutment surfaces on or adjacent to the tobacco rod 11 and sock 13. In particular, the restraining means may comprise a first engagement face extending radially inwardly from the sleeve 13, which first engagement face is engageable with a second engagement face extending radially outwardly from the tobacco unit. The second engagement surface may be provided by a sheet of material wrapped around the tobacco unit, and in particular by a material (e.g. tipping paper) joining the tobacco rod to the first filter.

Figure 2 shows the smoking article 10 in a contracted state, in which the tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are moved upwardly to the second filter section 13. The length of the chamber 15 has decreased to zero. The smoking article 10 is at its shortest overall length. Prior to use, the smoking article 10 may be wrapped in a contracted state. Once the tobacco rod 11 has been partially or fully combusted, the smoking article 10 can return to a collapsed state after use.

Figure 3 shows the smoking article 10 in an extended state, in which the tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are moved away from the second filter section 14 as far as possible. The length of the chamber 15 has increased to its maximum. The smoking article 10 is at its maximum length. The smoking article 10 may be in an extended state during use. Tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 may be positioned continuously within sleeve 13 so as to be in any partially extended position between contracted and extended states.

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a smoking article 20. The smoking article 20 includes a tobacco column 21 surrounded by a sleeve 23 and attached to the sleeve 23 to form a tobacco rod. The tobacco column 21 does not move relative to the sleeve 23. The sleeve 23 has a section 23a extending rearwardly from the tobacco 21. The filter 24 is longitudinally slidable within the sleeve section 23 a. A chamber 25 is formed by the tubular section 23a between the tobacco 21 and the filter 24.

The smoking article 20 operates in a similar manner to the smoking article 10. The smoking article 20 differs in that the sleeve forming the chamber 25 is rigidly attached to the tobacco rod, rather than the mouth end filter 24. The smoking article 20 also differs in that there is no filter attached directly to the tobacco 21. Further embodiments of the invention may have only one of these features or differences.

The relative movement of the sleeve 23 and the filter 24 is prevented from exceeding a maximum length by the restraining means. Preferably, the restraining means comprises first and second engagement faces on or adjacent the sleeve 23a and filter 24 respectively. The second engagement surface may be provided by one or more layers of sheet material (e.g., tipping paper) wrapped around the filter 24.

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a smoking article 30. The smoking article 30 has a structure similar to the embodiment of figures 1 to 3, and has a tobacco rod 31 attached to a filter 32. The tobacco rod 31 and filter 32 are slidable within a sleeve 33 formed as a cylindrical tube. At the mouth end of the sleeve 33 is a coloured adhesive 36, not a second filter. The colored adhesive 36 may remove substances that can cause coloring. A variable length chamber 35 is formed between the filter 32 and the pigmented adhesive 36.

Figures 6a and 6b show a fourth embodiment of an extensible smoking article 40. The smoking article 40 comprises a tobacco rod (not shown) attached to a first filter section 42. The sleeve 43 is attached to the first filter section 42. At the distal end of the sleeve 43 is a second filter section 44 defining a mouth end. A chamber 45 is defined in the sleeve 43 and between the first and second filter sections 42, 44.

The sleeve 43 may be folded concertina-like to vary the length of the sleeve 43 and the chamber 45. The sleeve 43 has a plurality of sections of different diameters, thereby forming a plurality of fold lines at maximum and minimum diameter lines around the circumference of the sleeve 43.

In the contracted state shown in fig. 6a, the first and second filter sections 42, 44 are pushed together so that the sleeve is compressed. The sleeve line angle of the sleeve 43 increases and the sections of the sleeve 43 between the fold lines are oriented towards a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The chamber 45 has a relatively short length.

In the extended state shown in figure 6b, the first and second filter sections 42, 44 are pulled apart so that the fold line angle of the sleeve 43 is reduced and the section of the sleeve 43 between the fold lines is oriented towards a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The chamber 45 has a relatively long length.

Thus, the bellows sleeve 43 allows the chamber 45 to change length without requiring parts to slide relative to each other. Thus, the end of the sleeve 43 remote from the source of smokable material is movable relative to the source of smokable material.

As shown in fig. 6b, the bellows sleeve 43 also allows for controlled bending of the smoking article 40. The sleeve 43 may be pulled at an angle or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that one or more fold lines of the sleeve 43 extend unevenly around the circumference. The difference in extension around the circumference of the sleeve 43 provides for the bending of the sleeve 43. When the sleeve 43 is bent, the longitudinal axis of the first filter section 42 is not coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second filter section 44.

The tobacco rod and attached filter are described as being joined by tipping paper. The tipping paper may be standard tipping paper, or relatively thick depressed tipping paper, or board tipping paper. Alternatively, a tube formed of any material may attach the filter material to the source of smokable material. In particular, such tubes may be made of plastic, for example plastic made of maize starch. Alternatively, the tube may be made of a ceramic material. Alternatively, the tube may be made of foil, metal or metallised paper.

The above embodiments have been described as having a filter section at the mouth (rear) end of the sleeve. Alternatively, the sleeve may not contain such filter segments or colored binder. When the mouth end of the sleeve is free of a filter or coloured adhesive, the sleeve is simply a hollow tube and the chamber is defined by the sleeve between the tobacco unit and the mouth end of the sleeve. The above embodiments may have at least one filter section attached to one or both of the source of smokable material and the mouth end of the sleeve. Alternatively, the smoking article may not comprise any filter section.

One or more of the filter sections may be formed from a single section or multiple sections of filter material. Filter sections formed from multiple sections may include sections made from different material sections or having different filtering properties. In particular, the filter section may comprise a standard section of cellulose acetate tow and a further section of filter material comprising charcoal. Alternatively, the filter section may be a single section containing charcoal.

The second filter may be configured to preferably increase the suction or provide other benefits with respect to feel and color patterns. The filter may be made by extruding, shaping or extruding cellulose acetate.

In a further embodiment of the smoking article, the chamber comprises loose filtration material held by a second filter or suitable means to prevent the escape of loose material. The loose filter material is preferably granular carbon, providing loose carbon particles in the chamber.

Fig. 7 to 21 show four embodiments of a flavour delivery system for providing flavourants. Any embodiment of the flavour delivery system may be used with any embodiment of the smoking article shown in figures 1 to 6, unless otherwise specified.

Figures 7a to 9b show a first embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article 50. The smoking article 50 comprises a variable length chamber 55 substantially the same as the chamber in any of the embodiments described above. The smoking article 50 comprises a tobacco unit 51, which tobacco unit 51 may comprise a tobacco rod and a first filter as described with reference to figures 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as described with reference to figure 4. A chamber 55 is defined between the tobacco unit 51 and the filter or coloured binder 54. The filter or colored adhesive 54 will be referred to as a filter 54.

A flexible elongate substrate 57 is positioned in the chamber 55. The substrate 57 has a first end attached to the tobacco unit 51. The base 57 has a second end attached to the mouth end adjacent the smoking article, which is attached to the sleeve 53 or filter 54. The substrate 57 is preferably a strip of flexible material, in particular a paper strip.

As shown in figures 7a and 7b, the substrate 57 is folded against itself when the smoking article is in a contracted state. Preferably, the base 57 has a plurality of folds 58 such that a plurality of sections of the base 57 face adjacent sections of the base 57 and are in close proximity to these opposing sections. Flavor units 59 containing flavor sources are attached between the sections of the substrate 57 that face each other. The flavour units 59 are prevented from releasing flavour by being covered by mutually facing sections of the substrate 57. The flavor source may be locked in a low-strength glue package.

Figures 8a and 8b show the smoking article 50 in a partially extended state. The spacing between the tobacco unit 51 and the filter 54 is increased compared to the contracted state. By reducing the folding angle, the base 57 is extended. The flavor units 59 are divided into a first flavor portion attached to a first opposing face of the substrate 57 and a second flavor portion attached to a second opposing face of the substrate 57. The first and second portions may be separated by a non-reversible interval "break". The separated flavor portion releases flavor into the chamber 55. Alternatively, the flavor units 59 may remain intact and release flavor by being uncovered, i.e., separated from adjacent covered sections of the substrate 57.

Alternatively, the flavor source may be contained within the micro-capsules. The micro-capsules are configured to rupture by separation of opposing faces of the substrate.

Figures 9a and 9b show the smoking article 50 in a fully extended state. The spacing between the tobacco unit 51 and the filter 54 is increased compared to the partially expanded state. The base 57 is further extended by further reducing the angle of the fold 58. The substrate 57 is not taut and does not impede or affect the stretching of the smoking article 50. Flavor cells 59 are positioned at intervals along the entire length of the substrate 57 to provide diffuse release of flavor over the length of the chamber 55.

Figures 10a and 10b show perspective views of the smoking article 50 in a contracted state and an expanded state, respectively. The base 57 may be formed from a suitable strip of flexible material that can support the flavor elements 59. The substrate 57 is preferably paper and may be a board weight. Alternatively, the base 57 may be formed of a metal foil strip. The flavor units 59 may be formed as a series of dots on the substrate 57.

Fig. 11 to 15c show a second embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article 60. The smoking article 60 comprises a variable length chamber 65 which is substantially the same as the chamber in any of the embodiments described above. The smoking article 60 comprises a tobacco unit 61, which tobacco unit 61 may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as described with reference to figures 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as described with reference to figure 4. A chamber 65 is defined between the tobacco unit 61 and the filter or coloured binder 64. The filter or colored adhesive 64 will be referred to as a filter 64.

A flexible elongate substrate 67 is positioned in the chamber 65. The substrate 67 has a first end attached to the tobacco unit 61. Base 67 extends through an aperture in filter 64 and has a second end outside of chamber 65 and beyond filter 64. The substrate 67 is preferably a flexible wire. The second end of base 67 may be provided with an enlarged section 68 to prevent the second end of base 67 from passing through filter 64. The enlarged section 68 may be formed by a junction in the matrix 67.

Figure 11 shows the smoking article 60 in a contracted state. The base 67 extends through the filter 64 and a majority of the length of the base 67 is outside the chamber 65, behind the filter 64. The substrate 67 is coated with a flavour, preferably in the form of a wax containing a flavour source. The flavour agent is preferably menthol.

Figure 12 shows the smoking article 10 in a partially extended state. The spacing between the tobacco unit 61 and the filter 64 is increased compared to the contracted state. The substrate 64 is drawn through the filter 64 as the smoking article is extended and is drawn tight within the cavity 65. As the substrate is drawn through the filter 64, some of the flavour coated on the substrate 67 is adsorbed into the filter 64.

Figure 13 shows the smoking article 60 in a fully extended state. The tobacco unit 61 is in an increased partially expanded state compared to the spacing of the filter 64. The base is tensioned within the chamber 65 and the enlarged section 68 abuts the filter 64. The enlarged section 68 may serve to limit expansion of the smoking article 60, as the smoking article 60 cannot expand further once the enlarged section 68 abuts the filter 64. The chamber 65 receives flavour, in particular menthol, from the substrate 67.

Figure 14 shows a pack 70 containing smoking articles 60 substantially as described above. The package comprises a first compartment 71 for containing a plurality of smoking articles 60. The smoking articles 60 are stored in the pack 70 in a contracted state. The smoking articles 60 extend vertically in the first compartment. The second compartment 72 is formed vertically below the first compartment and is separated from the first compartment by a partition 73. The spacer 73 has a set of apertures 74, one aperture 74 being aligned with the intended position of one smoking article 60 in the first compartment. The second compartment 72 acts as a reservoir containing flavour agent 75 in liquid form.

Each of the smoking articles 60 is arranged in the pack 70 with the substrate 67 extending downwardly through the aperture 74 and into the second compartment 72. The substrate 67 extends into a reservoir of liquid flavouring 75. Thus, substantially the entire matrix is wetted by the liquid flavour agent 75 in the package 70. The matrix 67 is preferably not initially coated with a wax containing the flavor because the flavor from the reservoir is impregnated into the matrix 67.

As the smoking article 60 is removed from the pack 70, the substrate 67 extends under the filter 64 and is pulled through the aperture 74. As the smoking article 60 is lifted, excess liquid flavour 75 may be carried out of the substrate 67. The smoking article 60 may then be extended as described, thereby introducing the flavour 75 into the filter 64 and the chamber 65.

Figures 15a, 15b and 15c show a variation of the smoking article 60. Figure 15a shows the smoking article 60 in a contracted state. The substrate 67 is external to the filter 64 and is coiled into a spiral within the diameter of the smoking article 60. Figure 15b shows the smoking article 60 in a partially extended state. A portion of the substrate 67 has been pulled from the interior of the spiral into the chamber 65. Figure 15c shows the smoking article 60 in a fully extended state. The substrate 67 is fully extended within the chamber 65 and the filter 64. The enlarged section 68 abuts the filter 64.

Figures 16, 17 and 18 show a third embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article 80. The smoking article 80 comprises a variable length chamber defined in a sleeve 83 formed as a cylindrical tube substantially identical to that of any of the embodiments described above. The smoking article 80 comprises a tobacco unit 81, which tobacco unit 81 may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as described with reference to figures 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as described with reference to figure 4. A chamber is defined between the tobacco unit 81 and the filter or coloured binder 84. The filter or colored adhesive 84 will be referred to as the filter 84.

The sleeve 83 is coaxial with the tobacco unit 81 and surrounds the end of the tobacco unit 81. The tobacco unit 81 is movable in the longitudinal direction within the sleeve 83, thereby changing the length of the chamber. The tobacco unit 81 is also rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the sleeve 83. Relative rotation of the tobacco unit 81 and sleeve 83 releases flavour into the chamber.

The extension and rotation of the sleeve are preferably independent. Alternatively, the rotation and extension may be linked. In particular, rotation of the sleeve relative to the tobacco unit may actuate extension of the smoking article, and/or rotation of a portion of the smoking article may actuate extension of the sleeve. Alternatively, the first portion may be rotatable relative to the second portion at a fixed longitudinal position such that the first portion cannot move longitudinally relative to the second portion. The smoking article may be without a chamber such that the filter 84 abuts the tobacco unit, or the smoking article may have a chamber of fixed length.

Figures 17 and 18 show a membrane capsule 89 containing a source of flavour positioned within an extensible cigarette 80. The membrane vesicles are preferably micro-membrane vesicles. Preferably, the membrane vesicles 89 contain menthol flavor, or may contain other flavors or substances. The capsule 89 is attached to the outer surface of the tobacco unit 81 and is preferably located on the periphery of a filter attached to the source of smokable material, or on the periphery of the source of smokable material. The capsule 89 is on a portion of the tobacco unit 81 which is covered by the sleeve 38 throughout the extension of the smoking article 80. An engagement element, preferably in the form of a grinding element 88, is provided on the inner surface of the sleeve 83, said grinding element 88 preferably being in the form of one or more protrusions. The engaging element is configured to engage with the membrane capsule to release the source of flavor. The abrasive elements 88 extend inwardly from the sleeve 83 and are preferably configured to rupture the capsules 89 upon rotation, thereby releasing the flavor from the capsules 89.

The abrasive elements 88 preferably have a generally pyramidal shape with the apex radially inward. The plurality of abrasive elements 88 extend along one or more longitudinally extending rows. Preferably, one or more rows of abrasive elements 88 are equally spaced around the circumference of sleeve 83. Preferably, there are four rows of abrasive elements 88. Preferably, the abrasive element comprises a first engagement face extending at a first angle to the radial direction, and preferably the abrasive element comprises a second engagement face extending at a second angle to the radial direction, and the second engagement face intersects the first engagement face at a radially inward apex. The grinding element may include one or two sets of first and second engagement faces configured to fracture the capsules by facing circumferentially when rotating and/or configured to fracture the capsules by facing axially when moving longitudinally.

Alternatively, the membrane capsule 89 may be attached to the inner surface of the sleeve 83 and the grinding element 88 may be attached to the outer surface of the tobacco unit 81.

The grinding elements have been described as breaking up the capsules containing the flavour when rotated relative to the capsules. Alternatively, the grinding element may be configured to break the capsule when there is relative longitudinal movement between the sleeve and the tobacco unit. The grinding element may be configured to break the capsule when there is relative longitudinal movement and rotation between the sleeve and the tobacco unit.

Figures 19 to 21 show a fourth embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a smoking article 90. The smoking article 90 comprises a variable length chamber 95 defined in a sleeve 93 formed as a cylindrical tube substantially identical to the sleeve described in any of the embodiments above. The smoking article 90 comprises a tobacco unit 91, which tobacco unit 91 may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as described with reference to figures 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as described with reference to figure 4. The chamber is defined between the tobacco unit 91 and a filter or coloured binder 94. The filter or colored adhesive 94 will be referred to as the filter 94.

The smoking article 90 comprises one or more compartments containing a source of flavour. Compartments 99 are formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 93. The compartment 99 extends radially beyond the outer surface of the sleeve 93. A frangible membrane separates compartment 99 from chamber 95.

Preferably, there are two of said compartments on the sleeve 93. Preferably, the compartments 99 are positioned diametrically opposite each other.

The sleeve 93 may further include a window 98. The window 98 is made of a transparent material, allowing the chamber 95 to be viewed. The window 98 allows viewing of the flavoring as it is introduced into the chamber 95.

To dispense the flavoring, a radial force is applied to one or more of the compartments 99. A radial force applied to the radially outward facing surface of the compartment causes the frangible capsule to rupture. The flavour source may then enter the chamber 95.

The flavour agent may only be released into the chamber 95 when the smoking article 90 is in a fully extended state. When the smoking article 90 is in the contracted state, the tobacco unit 91 covers the frangible membrane and thus the compartment 99 does not cover the space of the chamber 95.

In a further embodiment of the flavor delivery system, one or more of the filter sections comprises a membrane capsule containing a source of flavor. The membrane vesicles may be single or double membrane vesicles containing menthol or other substances such as water.

In a further embodiment, a membrane containing a source of flavor is encapsulated in the chamber.

The smoking article of any embodiment is configured to release or allow the flavour source to be released upon extension of the smoking article. Alternatively, the release of flavour agent may be independent of the extension of the smoking article.

Ventilation of the smoking article may be dependent on stretching. In particular, the ventilation condition may be changed as the ventilation aperture in the tobacco unit and/or the sleeve is covered or uncovered by the other of the tobacco unit and the sleeve. Ventilation can affect the release of the flavour or the amount of flavour leaving the mouth end of the smoking article. Thus, the amount of flavor may vary depending on the stretching condition.

The filter of any of the embodiments may be impregnated with a flavoring agent, such as menthol. Either or both of the first or second filters of any embodiment may be provided with threads impregnated with a source of flavour. The filaments may extend generally longitudinally, or may not be uniformly oriented.

As used herein, the term "flavor" means a material that can be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product as permitted by local regulations. They may include extracts-such as licorice, hydrangea, magnolia liliflora, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, anise seed, cinnamon, vanilla, wintergreen oil, cherry, berry, peach, apple, dammar (Dramboui), bourboni, Scotch whisky, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, balsam, mace, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cinnamon bark, caraway, cocknak, jasmine, ylang, sage, fennel, allfruit, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or any kind of mint oil from the genus Mentha, flavor masking agents, bitter receptor site blockers, receptor site enhancers, sweeteners (such as sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, peppermint, coffee, and mixtures thereof), Saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol) as well as other additives that may be permitted by independent jurisdictions-such as chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form-for example oils, liquids or powders.

In use, a smoking article according to any of the embodiments described is preferably wrapped in a contracted state. For use, the user stretches the smoking article by separating the sleeve from the tobacco unit at least in the longitudinal direction. The user may ignite the tobacco in a conventional manner. The length of the chamber may be used to alter the characteristics of the smoking article.

To extinguish the smoking article, the user may press the burning tobacco end against any suitable extinguishing surface. When the user grips the sleeve to extinguish the cigarette, the tobacco unit will be pushed into the sleeve along the longitudinal axis until the remaining tobacco unit is covered by the sleeve. The burnt tobacco rod is therefore not visible in a side view of the extinguished smoking article.

The tobacco unit and mouth end filter of any embodiment may be provided separately in a package. In particular, for the embodiment of fig. 4, the mouth end filter may be initially spaced apart from the remainder of the expandable smoking article. The user may insert the filter longitudinally into the sleeve, thereby completing the formation of the stretchable smoking article. The described restraining means allow longitudinal insertion from the rear end and prevent subsequent extraction of the filter.

The filters may be individually wrapped or wrapped in bundles prior to insertion, and in particular, may be wrapped in foil. The tipping element may be contained within the package of smoking articles, preferably in a separate part of the package from the smoking articles.

The smoking article of at least one embodiment has been described as comprising a capsule. Alternatively, the flavour source may be positioned in any type of capsule or additive releasing means, such as membrane capsules. The substance in the membrane vesicles that is selectively released has been described as a source of flavor. This material may be referred to generally as a smoke modifier or additive, such as a source of flavour.

Any feature of any embodiment may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment. In particular, any embodiment of the smoking article may or may not have a filter section that abuts the tobacco column.

The smoking article has been described as being stretchable. Alternatively, the smoking article may have a fixed length. The first portion may only rotate relative to the second portion. The flavour agent may be or can be released by rotating the sleeve without changing the length of the smoking article.

Alternatively, the smoking article may have a fixed length and the release of flavour agent may be actuated manually without relative movement of the first and second parts of the smoking article.

Claims (29)

1. A smoking article comprising:

a first portion comprising a source of smokable material;

a second portion having at least one end and configured to be movable relative to the first portion; and is

The smoking article further comprises a smoke modifying agent releasable into the smoking article.

2. The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the smoke modifier is a flavor source.

3. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein a surface of the first part facing the second part is provided with one of: one or more engaging features or a plurality of capsules containing a smoke modifying agent,

wherein a surface of the second portion facing the first portion is provided with the other of: one or more engaging features or a plurality of capsules containing a smoke modifying agent, and

the one or more engagement features are configured to engage with the capsule upon movement of the first portion relative to the second portion so as to release the smoke modifying agent.

4. The smoking article of claim 3, wherein the one or more engagement features are one or more protruding features configured to break the capsules as the first portion is rotated relative to the second portion.

5. The smoking article as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the first part is longitudinally slidable relative to the second part to vary the length of a chamber defined by the first and/or second part.

6. The smoking article as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the engagement features are configured to break the capsules on relative longitudinal movement and/or rotation between the first and second parts.

7. The smoking article of claim 6, wherein the longitudinal sliding is independent of the rotation about the longitudinal axis, or rotation of the first part relative to the second part actuates expansion of the smoking article.

8. The smoking article as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the plurality of capsules are positioned on the periphery of the filter of the first part and the engagement features extend radially inwardly so as to crush the capsules against the filter.

9. The smoking article as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the engaging features have a generally pyramidal shape.

10. The smoking article of claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more compartments formed on an outer surface of the first or second portion, wherein the one or more compartments contain a smoke modifying agent and the one or more compartments comprise a frangible membrane configured to allow the release of the smoke modifying agent into the smoking article.

11. The smoking article of claim 10, comprising a chamber defined by the first and/or second portions, wherein the frangible membrane separates the compartment from the chamber.

12. The smoking article of claim 11, wherein the first or second portion further comprises a transparent window allowing viewing of the chamber.

13. The smoking article as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the first or second part is moveable between a retracted position in which it covers the frangible membrane to prevent it from rupturing and an extended position in which the first or second part does not cover the frangible membrane so that it can be broken into the chamber.

14. The smoking article as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein an outer surface of the compartment extends radially beyond an outer surface of the first or second portion on which the compartment is formed.

15. The smoking article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part comprises a sleeve, or the first part further comprises a sleeve and the second part comprises a filter movable relative to the sleeve.

16. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the smoking article is stretchable so that the length of the chamber defined by the first and/or second sections is variable.

17. The smoking article of claim 16, wherein the smoking article is configured to release or allow the smoke modifying agent to be released when the smoking article is extended.

18. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 or 2 or claims 15 to 17 further comprising a flexible elongate substrate within a chamber defined by the first and/or second portions,

wherein a first end of the base is movable with the first portion and a second end of the base is movable with the second portion;

wherein the base is configured to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state when the first portion is moved relative to the second portion, and

the smoke modifying agent is covered between two facing sections of the substrate in a folded state and is exposed when the facing sections are moved away from each other into an unfolded state.

19. The smoking article of claim 18, wherein the smoke modifier is a plurality of discrete smoke modifier units attached to two opposing faces of the substrate in a folded state, and the smoke modifier is configured to divide in an expanded state into a first smoke modifier portion attached to one of the two opposing sections of the substrate and a second smoke modifier portion attached to the other of the two opposing sections of the substrate.

20. The smoking article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part comprises a first filter attached to a source of smokable material and/or the second part comprises a second filter connected to the sleeve.

21. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1 or 2 or claims 15 to 17 comprising a filter connected to the second part and a flexible elongate substrate extending through the filter and at least partially coated with an aerosol-modifying agent;

wherein a first end of the base is movable with the first portion, wherein the base is configured to be drawn through the filter as the first portion moves relative to the second portion.

22. The smoking article as claimed in claim 21 wherein the substrate is adjacent the filter and is coiled outside a chamber defined by the first and/or second portions.

23. The smoking article as claimed in claim 21 or 22 wherein the base is provided with an enlarged section having a transverse dimension greater than that of a base which can pass through the second filter to prevent further movement of the base when the enlarged section abuts the second filter.

24. The smoking article as claimed in claim 21, 22 or 23 wherein the substrate is a thread coated with a wax containing smoke modifier.

25. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the chamber defined by the first and/or second parts contains loose particles, and preferably loose carbon particles.

26. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part comprises a sleeve formed as a cylindrical tube slidable around the source of smokable material.

27. The smoking article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 wherein the second part comprises a sleeve and the sleeve is formed concertina-like to vary the length of the sleeve and the chamber defined by the first and/or second parts.

28. A package, comprising:

a first compartment comprising a plurality of smoking articles according to claim 21;

a second compartment comprising a liquid smoke modifier; and

a divider separating the first and second compartments, wherein the divider has a plurality of orifices,

wherein the substrate of the smoking article extends through the aperture in the spacer and into the liquid aerosol-modifying agent in the second compartment.

29. A smoking article as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.