Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-1-
Smoking article
Description
The present invention relates to a smoking article. In particular, the
invention
relates to an extendable smoking article whose length can be varied to vary
the
length of an internal chamber.
An extendable cigarette is known from US 2,820,462. The cigarette is
telescopic,
with a tobacco rod slidable within a tube having a filter at the mouthpiece
end. The
tobacco rod can be slid within the tube to vary the size of an internal
chamber.
US 3,062,218 describes a telescopic cigarette in which a tobacco rod is
slidable
within a tube. The tube may be coated with a flavouring material, such as
menthol,
to provide flavour.
The present invention provides a smoking article comprising: a first part
comprising
a source of smokable material; a second part having at least an end configured
to be
movable relative to the first part; and the smoking article further comprising
a
smoke modifying agent releasable into the smoking article.
Thus, the smoking article contains a smoke modifying agent which is delivered
when required.
The present 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 the smoking article;
Figure 2 is a cut-away side elevation view of the smoking article of Figure 1
in a
retracted state;
Figure 3 is a cut-away side elevation 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 present invention, in a partially formed state;
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-2-
Figure 5 is a cut-away side elevation view of a third embodiment of the
smoking
article;
Figure 6a is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
smoking
article, in a retracted state;
3 Figure 6b is a schematic perspective view of the smoking article of figure
6a, in an
extended state;
Figure 7a is a schematic side elevation view of a first embodiment of a
flavour
delivery system in a smoking article, in a retracted state;
Figure 7b is an enlarged view of the flavour delivery system of figure 7a;
Figure 8a is a schematic side elevation view of a first embodiment of a
flavour
delivery system in an smoking article, in a partially extended state;
Figure 8b is an enlarged view of the flavour delivery system of figure 8a;
Figure 9a is a schematic side elevation view of a first embodiment of a
flavour
delivery system in a smoking article, in an extended state;
13 Figure 9b is an enlarged view of the flavour delivery system of figure 9a;
Figure 10a is a cut-away perspective view of the flavour delivery system of
figure 7a;
Figure 10b is a cut-away perspective view of the flavour delivery system of
figure
9a;
Figure 11 is a schematic side elevation view of a second embodiment of a
flavour
delivery system in a smoking article, in a retracted state;
Figure 12 is a schematic side elevation view of the second embodiment of the
flavour delivery system in a smoking article, in a partially extended state;
Figure 13 is a schematic side elevation view of the second embodiment of the
flavour delivery system in a smoking article, in an extended state;
Figure 14 is a cut-away perspective view of a package containing smoking
articles
with the second embodiment of the 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 retracted 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;
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-3-
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a flavour delivery
system
in a smoking article;
Figure 17 is an enlarged cut-away side elevation view of the flavour delivery
system
of Figure 16;
3 Figure 18 is an enlarged cut-away cross section through the flavour delivery
system
of Figure 16;
Figure 19 is a cutaway side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a flavour
delivery system;
Figure 20 is a cutaway side elevation view of Figure 19 during use; and
Figure 21 is a side elevation view of the smoking article of Figure 19.
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 will
be referred to as "smoking articles" in this specification. The smoking
article 10
13 comprises a first part comprising a source of smokable material in the form
of a
tobacco rod 11, with an attached first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11
and first
filter section 12 are attached with a covering layer, preferably formed of
tipping
paper.
A second part of the smoking article comprises a sleeve 13 in the form of a
cylindrical tube extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 11
and/or
first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are
dimensioned
to slide as a unit longitudinally within the sleeve 13. The tobacco rod 11 and
first
filter section 12 may be referred to as a tobacco unit.
The second part may further comprises a second filter section 14 at a
mouthpiece
end of the sleeve 13, distal from the first filter section 12. The second
filter section
14 is securely attached and fixed within the sleeve 13. The first and/or
second filter
sections 12, 14 are preferably made of a conventional cellulose acetate tow.
A chamber 15 is defined in the sleeve 13 between the first filter section 12
and
second filter section 14. The chamber 15 has a variable length, and hence
volume,
as the first filter section 12 slides axially within the cylindrical sleeve
13. The
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-4-
chamber 15 has a length varying from zero to a predetermined maximum length.
Thus, an end of the sleeve 13 distal to the source of smokable material is
movable
relative to the source of smokable material. The first part is slidable around
the
second part, i.e. the second part is slidable within the first part.
3
Relative movement of the first and second parts, i.e. sleeve 13 and tobacco
rod 11,
beyond the maximum length is prevented by a restraining means, preferably
abutting surfaces on or adjacent to the tobacco rod 11 and sleeve 13. In
particular,
the restraining means may comprise a first engaging surface extending radially
inwardly from the sleeve 13, engagable with a second engaging surface
extending
radially outwardly from the tobacco unit. The second engaging surface may be
provided by sheet material wrapped around the tobacco unit, and in particular,
by
material (e.g. tipping paper) connecting the tobacco rod and first filter.
13 Figure 2 shows the smoking article 10 in a retracted state, with the
tobacco rod 11
and first filter section 12 moved up to the second filter section 13. The
length of
the chamber 15 has been reduced to zero. The smoking article 10 is at its
shortest
overall length. The smoking article 10 may be packaged in the retracted state
prior
to use. The smoking article 10 may be returned to the retracted state after
use, once
the tobacco rod 11 has been partially or fully combusted.
Figure 3 shows the smoking article 10 in an extended state, with the tobacco
rod 11
and first filter section 12 moved as far as possible away from the second
filter
section 14. The length of the chamber 15 has been increased to its maximum.
The
smoking article 10 is at its longest length. The smoking article 10 may be in
the
extended state during use. The tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are
continuously positionable within the sleeve 13 to be in any partially extended
position between the retracted and extended states.
Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the smoking article 20. The smoking
article
20 comprises a cylinder of tobacco 21 surrounded by, and attached to, a sleeve
23 to
form a tobacco rod. The cylinder of tobacco 21 does not move relative to the
sleeve 23. The sleeve 23 has a section 23a extending rearwardly of the tobacco
21.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-5-
A filter 24 is longitudinally slidable within the sleeve section 23a. A
chamber 25 is
formed by the tubular section 23a, between the tobacco 21 and the filter 24.
The smoking article 20 functions in a similar manner to smoking article 10.
Smoking
3 article 20 differs in that the sleeve forming the chamber 25 is rigidly
attached to the
tobacco rod, not the mouthpiece filter 24. Smoking article 20 also differs by
not
having a filter attached directly to the tobacco 21. A further embodiment of
the
present invention may have only one of these features or differences.
Relative movement of the sleeve 23 and filter 24 beyond the maximum length is
prevented by a restraining means. Preferably, the restraining means comprises
first
and second engaging surfaces on or adjacent to the sleeve 23a and filter 24
respectively. A second engaging surface may be provided by one or more layers
of
sheet material (e.g. tipping paper) wrapped around the filter 24.
Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the smoking article 30. Smoking article
30
has a similar construction to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, having a
tobacco
rod 31 attached to a filter 32. The tobacco rod 31 and filter 32 are slidable
within a
sleeve 33 formed as a cylindrical tube. At the mouthpiece end of the sleeve 33
is a
stain binder 36, instead of a second filter. The stain binder 36 may remove
substances which can cause staining. A variable length chamber 35 is formed
between the filter 32 and stain binder 36.
Figures 6a and 6b show a fourth embodiment of an extendable smoking article
40.
The smoking article 40 comprises a tobacco rod (not shown) attached to a first
filter
section 42. A sleeve 43 is attached to the first filter section 42. At a
distal end of the
sleeve 43 is a second filter section 44, defining a mouthpiece end. A chamber
45 is
defined in the sleeve 43, between the first and second filter sections 42, 44.
The sleeve 43 can fold as a concertina in order to vary the length of the
sleeve 43
and chamber 45. The sleeve 43 has a plurality of sections of varying diameter,
such
that fold lines are formed around the circumference of the sleeve 43 at lines
of
maximum and minimum diameter.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-6-
In a retracted state shown in Figure 6a, the first and second filter sections
42,44 are
urged together, such that the sleeve is compressed. The sleeve lines of the
sleeve 43
increase in angle, and segments of the sleeve 43 between fold lines are
orientated
towards a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.
The
chamber 45 has a relatively short length.
In an extended state shown in Figure 6b, the first and second filter sections
42,44
are urged apart, such that the fold lines of the sleeve 43 decrease in angle,
and
segments of the sleeve 43 between fold lines are orientated towards a plane
parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The chamber 45 has a
relatively long
length.
The concertina sleeve 43 therefore allows the chamber 45 to vary in length
without
requiring parts sliding relative to each other. Thus, an end of the sleeve 43
distal to
the source of smokable material is movable relative to the source of smokable
material.
As shown in Figure 6b, the concertina sleeve 43 also allows controlled bending
of
the smoking article 40. The sleeve 43 may be urged at an angle or
perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis, such that one or more fold lines of the sleeve 43 are
not
uniformly extended around the circumference. The variation in extension around
the circumference of the sleeve 43 provides for bending of the sleeve 43. The
longitudinal axis of the first filter section 42 is not co-axial with the
longitudinal
axis of the second filter section 44 when the sleeve 43 is bent.
The tobacco rod and attached filter are described as connected by tipping
paper.
The tipping paper may be standard tipping paper, or a relatively thick
recessed
tipping paper, or a board type tipping paper. Alternatively, a tube formed of
any
material may attach the filter material to the source of smokable material. In
particular, such a tube may be made of a plastics material, for example, a
plastic
made from corn starch. Alternatively, the tube may be made from a ceramic
material. Alternatively, the tube may be formed from foil, metal or metallised
paper.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-7-
The embodiments above have been described as having a filter section at the
mouthpiece (rearward) end of the sleeve. Alternatively, the sleeve may not
contain
such a filter section or stain binder. In the absence of a filter or stain
binder at the
mouthpiece end of the sleeve, the sleeve is only a hollow tube and the chamber
is
3 defined by the sleeve between the tobacco unit and the mouthpiece end of the
sleeve. The embodiments described above may have at least one filter section,
attached to one or both of the source of smokable material and the mouthpiece
end
of the sleeve. Alternatively, the smoking article may not include any filter
section.
One or more of the filter sections may be formed of a single segment of filter
material or a plurality of segments. A filter section formed of a plurality of
segments
may comprise segments made of different materials or having different
filtration
properties. In particular, a filter section may comprise a standard segment of
cellulose acetate tow and a further segment of filtration material including
charcoal.
13 Alternatively, the filter section may be a single segment incorporating
charcoal.
The second filter may be shaped, preferably to aid draw strength or provide
other
benefits relating to sensation and staining pattern. The filter may be made
from
pressed, formed or extruded acetate.
In a further embodiment of the smoking article, the chamber contains loose
filtration material, retained by the second filter or suitable means
preventing escape
of the loose material. The loose filtration material is preferably granulated
carbon,
providing loose carbon particles in the chamber.
Figures 7 to 21 show four embodiments of flavour delivery systems, for
providing
flavourants. Any of the embodiments of the flavour delivery systems may be
used
with any of the embodiments of smoking article described in Figures 1 to 6,
unless
otherwise stated.
Figures 7a to 9b show a first embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a
smoking
article 50. Smoking article 50 comprises a variable length chamber 55,
substantially
as described in any of the embodiments above. The smoking article 50 comprises
a
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-8-
tobacco unit 51, which may comprise a tobacco rod and first filter as
described with
respect to Figures 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as described with
respect
to Figure 4. The chamber 55 is defined between the tobacco unit 51 and a
filter or
stain binder 54. The filter or stain binder 54 will be referred to as filter
54.
3
A flexible elongate substrate 57 is located in the chamber 55. The substrate
57 has a
first end attached to the tobacco unit 51. The substrate 57 has a second end
attached adjacent the mouthpiece end of the smoking article, attached to the
sleeve
53 or to the filter 54. The substrate 57 is preferably a strip of flexible
material, in
particular, a strip of paper.
When the smoking article is in a retracted state, as shown in Figures 7a and
7b, the
substrate 57 is folded against itself. Preferably, the substrate 57 has a
plurality of
folds 58 such that several sections of substrate 57 face an adjacent section
of
13 substrate 57, and are in close proximity to such an opposing section.
Flavouring
units 59 containing a source of flavouring are attached between the facing
sections
of substrate 57. Flavouring units 59 are inhibited from releasing flavouring
by being
covered by the facing sections of substrate 57. The source of flavouring may
be
locked in a weak glue bound parcel.
Figures 8a and 8b show the smoking article 50 in a partially extended state.
The
separation of the tobacco unit 51 and filter 54 is increased from the
retracted state.
The substrate 57 is extended by a reduction in the angle of folds. The
flavouring
units 59 are divided into a first flavouring portion attached to a first
facing surface
of the substrate 57, and a second flavouring portion attached to a second,
opposed,
facing surface of the substrate 57. The first and second portions may be
"cracked"
apart in a non-reversible separation. The detached flavouring portions release
the
flavourings into the chamber 55. Alternatively the flavouring units 59 may
remain
whole, and release flavouring by being uncovered, i.e. separated from, an
adjacent
covering section of substrate 57.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-9-
Alternatively, the source of flavouring may be contained within microcapsules.
The
microcapsules are configured to be ruptured by the separation of facing
surfaces of
the substrate.
Figures 9a and 9b show the smoking article 50 in a fully extended state. The
separation of the tobacco unit 51 and filter 54 is increased from the
partially
extended state. The substrate 57 is further extended by an additional
reduction in
the angle of folds 58. The substrate 57 is not taut, and does not inhibit or
affect the
extension of the smoking article 50. The flavouring units 59 are located at
intervals
along the whole length of the substrate 57, providing for a diffuse release of
flavourings over the length of the chamber 55.
Figures 10a and 10b show a perspective view of the smoking article 50 in a
retracted
state and extended state respectively. The substrate 57 may be formed of a
suitable
strip of flexible material, which can support flavouring units 59.. The
substrate 57 is
preferably of paper, and may be of board weight. Alternatively, the substrate
57 may
be formed of a metallic foil strip. The flavouring units 59 are formed as a
series of
dots on the substrate 59.
Figures 11 to 15c show a second embodiment of a flavour delivery system in a
smoking article 60. Smoking article 60 comprises a variable length chamber 65,
substantially as described in any of the embodiments above. The smoking
article 60
comprises a tobacco unit 61, which may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as
described with respect to Figures 1 to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as
described with respect to Figure 4. The chamber 65 is defined between the
tobacco
unit 61 and a filter or stain binder 64. The filter or stain binder 64 will be
referred
to as filter 64.
A flexible elongate substrate 67 is located in the chamber 65. The substrate
67 has a
first end attached to the tobacco unit 61. The substrate 67 extends through an
aperture in the filter 64, and has a second end outside of the chamber 65 and
beyond the filter 64. The substrate 67 is preferably a flexible string. The
second end
of the substrate 67 may be provided with an enlarged section 68, to prevent
the
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-10-
second end of the substrate 67 passing though the filter 64. The enlarged
section 68
may be formed by a knot in the substrate 67.
Figure 11 shows the smoking article 60 in a retracted state. The substrate 67
extends
through the filter 64 and the majority of the length of the substrate 67 is
outside of
the chamber 65, rearward of the filter 64. The substrate 67 is coated with a
flavouring, preferably in the form of a wax incorporating the source of
flavouring.
The flavouring is preferably menthol.
Figure 12 shows the smoking article 60 in a partially extended state. The
separation
of the tobacco unit 61 and filter 64 is increased from the retracted state.
The
substrate 64 is drawn through the filter 64 as the smoking article is
extended, and is
taut within the chamber 65. As the substrate is drawn through the filter 64,
some of
the flavouring coated on the substrate 67 is absorbed into the filter 64.
Figure 13 shows the smoking article 60 in a fully extended state. The
separation of
the tobacco unit 61 and filter 64 is increased from the partially extended
state. The
substrate 67 is taut within the chamber 65, and the enlarged section 68 is
adjacent
the filter 64. The enlarged section 68 may be used to limit extension of the
smoking
article 60, since further extension is not possible once the enlarged section
68 abuts
the filter 64. The chamber 65 receives flavouring, in particular menthol, from
the
substrate 67.
Figure 14 shows a package 70 containing smoking articles 60 substantially as
described above. The package comprises a first compartment 71 for receiving a
plurality of smoking articles 60. The smoking articles 60 are stored in the
package
70 in the retracted state. The smoking articles 60 extend vertically in the
first
compartment. A second compartment 72 is formed vertically below the first
compartment, and is separated from the first compartment by a divider 73. The
divider 73 has an array of apertures 74, one aperture 74 aligned with the
intended
position of one smoking article 60 in the first compartment. The second
compartment 72 acts as a reservoir containing a flavouring 75 in liquid form.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-11-
Each of the smoking articles 60 are arranged in the package 70 with the
substrate 67
extending downwardly, through an aperture 74 and into the second compartment
72. The substrate 67 extends into the reservoir of liquid flavouring 75. Thus,
substantially the whole substrate is moisturised by the liquid flavouring 75
in the
3 package 70. The substrates 67 are preferably not initially coated with a wax
containing the flavouring, since the flavouring from the reservoir soaks in to
the
substrate 67.
As a smoking article 60 is extracted from the package 70, the substrate 67
extends
below the filter 64 and is pulled through the aperture 74. Excess liquid
flavouring
75 may run off the substrate 67 as the smoking article 60 is lifted. The
smoking
article 60 may then be extended as described, introducing the flavouring 75
into the
filter 64 and chamber 65.
Figures 15a, 15b and 15c show a variant of the smoking article 60. Figure 15a
shows
the smoking article 60 in a retracted state. The substrate 67 is outside of
the filter
64, and is coiled into a spiral, within the diameter of the smoking article
60. Figure
15b shows the smoking article 60 in a partially extended state. A portion of
the
substrate 67 has been pulled into the chamber 65, from the inside of the
spiral.
Figure 15c shows the smoking article 60 in a fully extended state. The
substrate 67
extends fully within the chamber 65 and filter 64. The enlarged section 68
abuts the
filter 64.
Figures 16, 17 and 18 show a third embodiment of the flavour delivery system
in a
smoking article 80. Smoking article 80 comprises a variable length chamber
defined
in a sleeve 83 formed as a cylindrical tube, substantially as described in any
of the
embodiments above. The smoking article 80 comprises a tobacco unit 81, which
may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as described with respect to Figures 1
to 3 or
5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as described with respect to Figure 4. The
chamber is
defined between the tobacco unit 81 and a filter or stain binder 84. The
filter or
stain binder 84 will be referred to as filter 84.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-12-
The sleeve 83 is co-axial with the tobacco unit 81, and surrounds an end of
the
tobacco unit 81. The tobacco unit 81 is movable in a longitudinal direction
within
the sleeve 83, in order to vary the length of the chamber. The tobacco unit 81
is
also rotatable relative to the sleeve 83 about a longitudinal axis. The
relative
3 rotation of the tobacco unit 81 and sleeve 83 releases flavouring 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 the parts of the smoking article may actuate extension of the
sleeve.
Alternatively, the first part may be rotatable relative to the second part at
a fixed
longitudinal position, such that the first part is not moveable longitudinally
relative
to the second part. The smoking article may have no chamber such that the
filter 84
abuts the tobacco unit, or the smoking article may have a chamber of a fixed
length.
Figures 17 and 18 show capsules 89 containing a source of flavouring located
within
the extendable cigarette 80. The capsules are preferably micro-capsules.
Preferably,
the capsules 89 contain menthol flavouring, or may contain another flavouring
or
substance. The capsules 89 are affixed to an exterior surface of the tobacco
unit 81,
and preferably on a periphery of a filter attached to the source of smokable
material,
or on a periphery of the source of smokable material. The capsules 89 are on a
portion of the tobacco unit 81 which is covered by the sleeve 83 over the
whole
range of extensions of the smoking article 80. Engaging elements, preferably
in the
form of grinding elements 88, are provided on an interior surface of the
sleeve 83,
preferably in the form of one or more protrusions. The engaging elements are
configured to engage with the capsules to release the source of flavouring.
The
grinding elements 88 extend inwardly from the sleeve 83, and are preferably
configured to crush the capsules 89 on rotation, to release flavouring from
the
capsules 89.
The grinding elements 88 preferably have a substantially pyramid shape, with
the
apex pointing radially inwardly. A plurality of grinding elements 88 extend in
one or
more longitudinally extending rows. Preferably, a plurality of rows of
grinding
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
- 13-
elements 88 are equally spaced around the circumference of the sleeve 83.
Preferably, there are four rows of grinding elements 88. Preferably, the
grinding
elements comprise a first engaging surface extending at a first angle to a
radial
directions, and preferably, the grinding elements comprises a second engaging
3 surface extending at a second angle to a radial direction, and meeting the
first
engaging surface at the apex pointing radially inwardly. The grinding elements
may
comprise one or two sets of the first and second engaging surfaces, configured
to
break capsules on rotation by facing circumferentially, and/or configured to
break
capsules on longitudinal movement by facing axially.
Alternatively, the capsules 89 may be affixed to the interior surface of the
sleeve 83,
and the grinding elements 88 attached to the exterior surface of the tobacco
unit 81.
The grinding elements have been described as breaking the capsules containing
13 flavouring when rotated relative to the capsules. Alternatively, the
grinding elements
may be configured to break the capsules when there is relative longitudinal
movement between the sleeve and tobacco unit. The grinding elements may be
configured to break the capsules when there is relative longitudinal movement
and
rotation between the sleeve and tobacco unit.
Figures 19 to 21 show a fourth embodiment of the flavour delivery system in a
smoking article 90. The smoking article 90 comprises a variable length chamber
95
defined in a sleeve 93 formed as a cylindrical tube, substantially as
described in any
of the embodiments above. The smoking article 90 comprises a tobacco unit 91,
which may comprise a tobacco rod and filter as described with respect to
figures 1
to 3 or 5 to 6b, or only a tobacco rod as described with respect to figure 4.
The
chamber is defined between the tobacco unit 91 and a filter or stain binder
94. The
filter or stain binder 94 will be referred to as filter 94.
The smoking article 90 comprises one or more compartments containing a source
of
flavouring. The compartments 99 are formed on an exterior surface of the
sleeve
93. The compartments 99 extend radially beyond the exterior surface of the
sleeve
99. A frangible membrane separates a compartment 99 from the chamber 95.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-14-
Preferably, there are two of said compartments on the sleeve 93. Preferably,
the
compartments 99 are located diametrically opposite to each other.
The sleeve 93 may further comprise a window 98. The window 98 is formed of a
transparent material allowing viewing of the chamber 95. The window 98 allows
the
flavouring to be viewed when introduced into the chamber 95.
In order to dispense the flavouring, a radial force is applied to one or more
of the
compartments 99. The radial force applied to a radially outward facing surface
of
the compartment causes the frangible membrane to break. The source of the
flavouring can then enter the chamber 95.
The flavouring can only be released into the chamber 95 when the smoking
article
90 is in a sufficiently extended state. When the smoking article 90 is in a
retracted
state, the tobacco unit 91 covers the frangible membranes, and so the
compartments
99 do not overlie the space of the chamber 95.
In a further embodiment of a flavour delivery system, one or more filter
sections
comprise capsules containing a source of flavouring. The capsules may be
single
capsules or double capsules, containing menthol or other substances such as
water.
In a further embodiment, capsules containing a source of flavouring are in the
chamber.
The smoking article of any embodiment is configured to release the source of
flavouring, or allow the source of flavouring to be released, as the smoking
article is
extended. Alternatively, the release of flavouring may be independent of the
extension of the smoking article.
The ventilation of the smoking article may depend on the extension. In
particular,
the ventilation may be varied as ventilation apertures in the tobacco unit
and/or
sleeve are covered or uncovered by the other of the tobacco unit and sleeve.
The
ventilation may affect the release of flavouring, or amount of flavourant
exiting the
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
- 15-
mouth end of the smoking article. Therefore, the amount of flavouring may be
variable, depending on the extension.
The filter of any embodiment may be impregnated with a flavouring, e.g.
menthol.
3 One or both of the first or second filters of any embodiment may be provided
with
threads impregnated with a source of flavouring. The threads may extend
substantially longitudinally, or may not have a uniform orientation.
As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which,
where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma
in a
product. They may include extracts e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white
bark
magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed,
cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Dramboui, bourbon,
scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery,
cascarilla,
13 nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla,
lemon
oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel,
piment,
ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus
Menth
a), flavour masking agents, bitterness receptor site blockers, receptor site
enhancers,
sweeteners e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine,
cyclamates,
lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol, and other
additives such
aschlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents, as may be
permitted
by individual jurisdictions. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural
ingredients
or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid,
or
powder.
In use, a smoking article according to any of the embodiments described is
preferably packaged in a retracted state. In order to use, the user extends
the
smoking article by urging apart the sleeve and tobacco units in at least a
longitudinal
direction. The user may light the tobacco in a conventional manner. The length
of
the chamber may be used to vary the properties of the smoking article.
In order to extinguish the smoking article, the user may press the lit tobacco
end
against any suitable extinguishing surface. When the user holds the sleeve to
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-16-
extinguish the cigarette, the tobacco unit will be urged into the sleeve along
the
longitudinal axis until the remaining tobacco unit is covered by the sleeve.
The
burnt tobacco rod is therefore not visible in a side view of the extinguished
smoking
article.
The tobacco unit and mouthpiece filter of any embodiment may be provided
separately in a package. In particular, for the embodiment of Figures 4, the
mouthpiece filter may initially be separate from the remainder of the
extendable
smoking article. The user may insert the filter longitudinally into the sleeve
in order
to complete the formation of the extendable smoking article. The restraining
means
described allows longitudinal insertion from the rearward end, and prevents
the
filter from subsequently being pulled out.
The filter may be individually wrapped or wrapped in a bundle prior to
insertion,
and in particular, may be wrapped in foil. The tipping element may be housed
in the
pack of smoking articles, preferably in a separate part of the pack to the
smoking
articles.
The smoking article of at least one embodiment has been described as
comprising
capsules. Alternatively, the source of flavouring may be located in any type
of
encapsulation or additive release component, of which a capsule is an example.
The
substance in the capsules which is selectively released has been described as
a
source of flavouring. The substance may be generally termed a smoke modifying
agent or additive, of which a source of flavouring is an example.
Any of the features of any embodiment may be combined with any of the features
of any other embodiment. In particular, any of the embodiments of smoking
article
may or may not have a filter section adjoining the cylinder of tobacco.
The smoking article has been described as extendable. Alternatively, the
smoking
article may have a fixed length. The first part may only be rotatable relative
to the
second part. The flavouring may be released, or may be able to be released, by
rotation of the sleeve without changing the length of the smoking article.
CA 02793621 2012-09-18
WO 2011/121326 PCT/GB2011/050496
-17-
Alternatively, the smoking article may have a fixed length and the release of
flavouring may be manually actuated without relative movement of first and
second
parts of the smoking article.
