Multi-component filter providing improved flavour enhancement

Abstract

A multi-component filter for a smoking article comprises: a first flavour-releasing segment proximate a mouth end of the filter; and a second flavour-releasing segment located immediately upstream of the first flavour-releasing segment. The first flavour-releasing segment comprises at least one flavour-bearing thread and the second flavour-releasing segment comprises flavour-bearing cellulosic particles. The multi-component filter may further comprise a rod end segment comprising filtration material located upstream of the second flavour-releasing segment, distant from the first flavour-releasing segment.

1 . A multi-component filter for a smoking article comprising:
 a first flavour-releasing segment proximate a mouth end of the filter; and   a second flavour-releasing segment located immediately upstream of the first flavour-releasing segment,   wherein the first flavour-releasing segment comprises at least one flavour-bearing thread and the second flavour-releasing segment comprises flavour-bearing cellulosic particles.   
     
     
         2 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the second flavour-releasing segment comprises a plug of filtration material loaded with flavour-bearing cellulosic particles. 
     
     
         3 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the second flavour-releasing segment comprises a bed of flavour-bearing cellulosic particles disposed in a cavity in the filter. 
     
     
         4 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the cellulosic particles are porous, substantially spherical, cellulosic beads. 
     
     
         5 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the first flavour-releasing segment comprises a plug of filtration material and a substantially central flavour-bearing thread that extends substantially axially through the plug of filtration material. 
     
     
         6 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a rod end segment comprising a plug of filtration material upstream of the second flavour-releasing segment.   
     
     
         7 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 6 , wherein the rod end segment further comprises a substantially central hollow tube that extends substantially axially through the plug of filtration material. 
     
     
         8 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the first flavour-releasing segment is located at the mouth end of the filter. 
     
     
         9 . A smoking article comprising:
 a rod of smokable material; and   a multi-component filter according to  claim 1 .   
     
     
         10 . A smoking article according to  claim 9 , wherein the multi-component filter is attached to the rod of smokable material by tipping paper having a transparent portion in alignment with the second flavour-releasing segment of the multi-component filter. 
     
     
         11 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 7 , wherein the hollow tube has an internal diameter of 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm. 
     
     
         12 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the flavour-bearing thread includes a volatile flavourant. 
     
     
         13 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the first flavour-releasing segment includes a different flavourant than the second flavour-releasing segment. 
     
     
         14 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second flavour-releasing segments include menthol flavourant. 
     
     
         15 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 4 , wherein the beads have a diameter of 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm. 
     
     
         16 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the flavour-bearing thread is visible at the mouth end and has a color indicating the flavour released by the thread. 
     
     
         17 . A smoking article according to  claim 9 , wherein at least one row of perforations in the filter provides ventilation of about 75%. 
     
     
         18 . A smoking article according to  claim 9 , wherein the smoking article comprises a cigarette contained in a pack having a mentholated liner. 
     
     
         19 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 3 , wherein the cavity is at least 80% filled with the beads. 
     
     
         20 . A multi-component filter according to  claim 1 , wherein the thread has a diameter of 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm.