Smoking article and method of making the same

Abstract

A cigarette has a wire running lengthwise through the tobacco. A section of the wire may project from the end of the cigarette to be lit, and such section can be provided with an abutment which contacts this end of the cigarette.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a smoking article.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars develop an ash as the smokable material in the cigarettes or cigars combusts. The smokable material is typically tobacco encased in a paper or natural leaf wrapper.

The ash increases in length as combustion proceeds and is normally dislodged by tapping the smoking article. If the ash is not removed by tapping, the ash will normally break off under its own weight after growing to a certain length.

Where no receptacle for the ash is available, e.g., outdoors, the ash is usually discharged into the air which is unsanitary. Moreover, in the presence of a wind or a draft, the ash, as well as sparks, from a smoking article held by a smoker can be blown into the face of the smoker or the faces of persons around the smoker.

To avoid these undesirable situations, a variety of devices have been developed to contain the ash and sparks. These containing devices surround all or most of a smoking article or are designed to lie underneath the smoking article. The ash in a containing device can be disposed of at the smoker's convenience.

As a novelty, some smokers attempt to maintain the ash of a smoking article for an extended period of time when conditions permit. However, as noted earlier, the ash normally falls off under its own weight after attaining a certain length. Thus, for those smokers interested in a long visible and conspicuous ash, it would be desirable to have a smoking article capable of developing such an ash.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention resides in a smoking article. The smoking article comprises means defining an elongated passage having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, a mass of smokable material in the passage, and a support for supporting ash generated by combustion of the smokable material. At least one part of the support, which may be referred to as an embedded support part, is located in the mass of smokable material.

The mass of smokable material and the embedded support part will typically extend along at least the major part of the distance between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the passage.

The embedded support part can be elongated and the passage may have a central longitudinal axis extending in a direction from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end thereof. The embedded support part can here be positioned at least approximately on such central longitudinal axis.

The embedded support part may comprise wire or wire-like material. It is preferred for the wire or wire-like material to have a gauge of about 18 to about 25.

The support may have another part located externally of the passage and such external part of the support can be provided with an abutment or end structure projecting radially of the embedded support part. Preferably, the abutment projects radially of the embedded support part to two substantially diametrically opposed sides of the same. The abutment may abut one of the longitudinal ends of the passage to confine ash generated by combustion of the smokable material. The abutment can be provided with at least one symbol and/or with a decorative item. For instance, the abutment may be formed with a logo, an identifier (i.d.), a charm or an ornamental stone.

The abutment can include an insulating body and/or a non-insulating body, and the abutment may be situated adjacent one of the longitudinal ends of the passage. If the abutment includes both an insulating body and a non-insulating body, it is preferred for the insulating body to be sandwiched between the non-insulating body and the adjacent longitudinal end of the passage.

The abutment can project radially of the passage so that the abutment has the ability to maintain ash generated by combustion of the smokable material out of contact with a surface on which the smoking article is placed.

Another aspect of the invention resides in a method of making a smoking article. The method comprises the step of forming a product which includes an elongated passage containing a mass of smokable material and having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end. The method additionally comprises the steps of providing a support for ash generated by combustion of the smokable material, and positioning at least one part of the support, which may again be referred to as an embedded support part, in the mass of smokable material during or after the forming step.

The forming step and the positioning step can include arranging the mass and the embedded support part so that both the mass and the embedded support part extend along at least the major part of the distance between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the passage.

As mentioned previously, the embedded support part can be elongated and the passage may have a central longitudinal axis extending in a direction from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end thereof. The positioning step can here comprise locating the embedded support part at least approximately on the central longitudinal axis.

If the positioning step is carried out after the forming step, the positioning step may involve pushing the embedded support part into the mass of smokable material through one of the longitudinal ends of the passage.

The method can further comprise the step of providing another part of the support with an abutment or end structure located externally of the passage and projecting radially of the embedded support part. The positioning step may then include abutting the abutment with one of the longitudinal ends of the passage to confine ash generated by combustion of the smokable material. The step of providing another part of the support with an abutment is preferably performed in such a manner that the abutment projects radially of the embedded part of the support to two substantially diametrically opposite sides of the same.

The step of providing another part of the support with an abutment can be carried out so that the abutment is located externally, and projects radially, of the passage thereby enabling the abutment to maintain ash generated by combustion of the smokable material out of contact with a surface on which the smoking article is placed.

The method can also comprise the step of providing the abutment with at least one symbol and/or the step of providing the abutment with a decorative item.

As indicated earlier, the abutment may include an insulating body and a non-insulating body, and the abutment can be disposed adjacent one of the longitudinal ends of the passage. Under such circumstances, the method may further comprise the step of sandwiching the insulating body between the non-insulating body and the adjacent longitudinal end of the passage.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be forthcoming from the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of one embodiment of a smoking article according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but shows another embodiment of a smoking article in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 but illustrates an additional embodiment of a smoking article according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 1 but shows a further embodiment of a smoking article in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 1 but illustrates one more embodiment of a smoking article according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 1 but shows yet another embodiment of a smoking article in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 1 but illustrates an additional embodiment of a smoking article according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of an abutment constituting part of the smoking article of FIG. 4 as seen in the direction of the arrow A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a view of an abutment constituting part of the smoking article of FIG. 6 as seen in the direction of the arrow B of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a view of an abutment constituting part of the smoking article of FIG. 7 as seen in the direction of the arrow C of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an ashtray showing the smoking article of FIG. 4 resting on the ashtray.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a smoking article in accordance with the invention is identified by the numeral 10. The smoking article 10 comprises a smoking product 12 which is here assumed to be a cigarette but could also be a cigar, stogy, cigarillo or similar item. Accordingly, the composition of the wrapper or inclusion of, for example, a filter, are not relevant to the invention.

The smoking product 12 includes a wrapper which is preferably cigarette paper and is shaped into the form of a hollow, elongated cylinder 14 of generally circular cross section. The cylinder 14 constitutes a means for defining an elongated passage 16, and the cylinder 14 and passage 16 have a common longitudinal end 18a and a common opposite longitudinal end 18b. The cylinder 14 and passage 16 are open at both longitudinal ends 18a,18b. The cylinder 14 and the passage 16 additionally have a common, central longitudinal axis 20 which extends in a direction from the longitudinal end 18a to the longitudinal end 18b and also constitutes the central longitudinal axis of the smoking product 12.

The smoking product 12 further includes a conventional filter 22 which is bonded to and closes the longitudinal end 18b of the cylinder 14 and passage 16. The filter 22 is in the form of a cylinder of circular cross section and is coaxial with the cylinder 14.

A mass of smokable material 24 is accommodated in the passage 16 of the cylinder 14, and the mass of smokable material 24 generally has the shape of a cylinder of circular cross section. The mass of smokable material 24 has a cross-sectional area which substantially equals the internal cross-sectional area of the cylinder 14, i.e., which substantially equals the cross-sectional area of the passage 16, and the mass of smokable material 24 extends from the longitudinal end 18a to the longitudinal end 18b of the cylinder 14 and passage 16. The smokable material 24 is here assumed to be tobacco but could be another smokable substance as well.

A support or carrier 26 for supporting ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 24 is embedded in the mass of smokable material 24. The support 26 is elongated and straight and has a cross-sectional area which is advantageously a minor fraction of the cross-sectional area of the passage 16. The support 26 runs lengthwise of the cylinder 14 and passage 16 and extends from the longitudinal end 18a to the longitudinal end 18b of the cylinder 14 and passage 16. The support 26 is preferably disposed on, or approximately on, the central longitudinal axis 20 of the smoking product 12.

The support 26 allows a visible ash of substantial length to develop as the smoking product 12 is smoked. The ash is conspicuous inasmuch as it is not confined inside a receptacle. The ash may be discarded in an appropriate manner once a smoker has finished smoking the smoking product 12 and the support 26 can thereafter be reused.

The smoking article 10 can be made by providing a section of wire as the support 26. If the smoking product 12 was manufactured previously, the support 26 is then aligned, at least approximately, with the central longitudinal axis 20 of the smoking product 12. The support 26 is thereupon pushed into the mass of smokable material 24 via the longitudinal end 18a of the cylinder 14 and passage 16 while maintaining the support 26 at least approximately on the central longitudinal axis 20 of the smoking product 12. On the other hand, if the smoking product 12 is in the process of being manufactured, the support 26 is placed, at least approximately, on the central longitudinal axis 20 of the smoking product 12. Thereafter, the mass of smokable material 24 is packed around the support 26.

Considering FIG. 2, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1, plus 100, are used to denote similar elements.

The smoking article 110 of FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 primarily in that the support 126 of FIG. 2 includes one part 126a which is embedded in the mass of smokable material 124 and another part 126b which projects from and is located externally of the cylinder 114 and passage 116. The embedded support part 126a is straight and preferably disposed on, or approximately on, the central longitudinal axis 120 of the smoking product 112.

The external or projecting support part 126b is provided with an abutment or end structure 128 which is situated externally of the cylinder 114 and passage 116 and projects radially to one side of the embedded support part 126a. The abutment 128 can also project radially to one side of the cylinder 114 and passage 116 as illustrated. The abutment 128 is situated adjacent to the longitudinal end 118a of the cylinder 114 and passage 116, and the abutment 128 preferably abuts the longitudinal end 118a so that the abutment 128 can confine and maintain an ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 124.

The abutment 128, which is integral with the support 126, is shaped like a coil and is produced by coiling the external support part 126b. The length of the embedded support part 126a can be adjusted to smoking products 112 of different length by coiling the external support part 126b more or partially uncoiling the external support part 126b.

The smoking article 110 can be made by providing a section of wire or wire-like material as the support 126 and coiling the external support part 126b so that the embedded support part 126a has a length at least equal to that of the cylinder 114 and passage 116. If the smoking product 112 is already in existence, the embedded support part 126a is then aligned, at least approximately, with the central longitudinal axis 120 of the smoking product 112. The embedded support part 126a is thereupon pushed into the mass of smokable material 124 through the longitudinal end 118a of the tube 114 and passage 116 while maintaining the embedded support part 126a at least approximately on the central longitudinal axis 120 of the smoking product 112. On the other hand, if the smoking product 112 is in the process of being manufactured, the embedded support part 126a is placed, at least approximately, on the central longitudinal axis 120 of the smoking product 112. Thereafter, the mass of smokable material 124 is packed around the embedded support part 126a.

Once the smoking article 110 has been produced, the external support part 126b may be coiled further or partially uncoiled, if necessary, to bring the coil 128 into abutment with the longitudinal end 118a of the cylinder 114 and passage 116. The coil 128 may also be adjusted, if necessary, so as to project radially of the cylinder 114 and passage 116.

In the preceding description of the production of the smoking article 110, the external support part 126b is coiled prior to confinement of the embedded support part 126a in the mass of smokable material 124. However, it is possible to coil the external support part 126b following such confinement of the embedded support part 126a.

Turning to FIG. 3, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2, plus 100, are used to identify similar elements.

The smoking article 210 of FIG. 3 differs from the smoking article 110 of FIG. 2 primarily in the configuration of the abutment or end structure 228 of the smoking article 210.

The abutment 228, which is again integral with the support 226, comprises two lobes 228a and 228b which project radially of the embedded part 226a of the support 226 to two diametrically opposite sides of the embedded part 226a. As shown, the lobes 228a,228b can also project radially of the cylinder 214 and passage 216 to two diametrically opposite sides of the cylinder 214 and passage 216. The lobes 228a,228b adjoin the longitudinal end 218a of the cylinder 214 and passage 216, and the lobes 228a,228b advantageously abut the longitudinal end 218a thereby enabling the lobes 228a,228b to confine and maintain an ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 214.

The lobes 228a,228b can be produced by bending and/or twisting the external or projecting support part 226b appropriately. The embedded support part 226a can be adjusted to smoking products 212 of different length by increasing or decreasing the sizes of the lobes 228a,228b.

The smoking article 210 of FIG. 3 can be made in a manner similar to that described for the smoking article 110 of FIG. 2. However, the manufacture of the smoking article 210 differs from the manufacture of the smoking article 110 in that the external support part 226b of the smoking article 210 will be bent and/or twisted rather than coiled like the external support part 126b of the smoking article 110.

In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3, plus 100, signify similar elements.

The smoking article 310 of FIG. 4 differs from the smoking article 210 of FIG. 3 mainly in the configuration of the external or projecting support part 326b of the smoking article 310 and the configuration of the abutment or end structure 328 of the smoking article 310.

The external or projecting support part 326b is a straight extension of the embedded support part 326a, and the end of the external support part 326b remote from the longitudinal end 318a of the cylinder 314 and passage 316 can be rounded or pointed. The abutment 328 includes a flat plate 330 arranged normal to the embedded support part 326a, and the plate has a central opening which extends through the plate 330. The external support part 326b passes through the opening in the flat plate 330, and the plate 330 is a friction fit on the external support part 326b. The flat plate 330 is advantageously made of a heat-resistant insulating material.

The flat plate 330 is located adjacent to the longitudinal end 318a of the cylinder 314 and passage 316, and the flat plate 330 favorably abuts the longitudinal 318a so as to permit the flat plate 330 to confine and maintain an ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 324. The flat plate 330 projects radially of the embedded support part 326a to all sides of the embedded support part 326a and is sufficiently large to cover the longitudinal end 318a of the cylinder 314 and passage 316. The flat plate 330 may, but need not, project radially of the cylinder 314 and passage 316 as shown.

The flat plate 330 has a major surface which faces away from the longitudinal end 318a of the cylinder 314 and passage 316, and a pair of lobes 332a and 332b is bonded to such major surface of the plate 330. The flat plate 330 and lobes 332a,332b resemble the mounting used to support the ornamental part of an earring. A curved plate 334 constituting a segment of a cylinder of circular cross section is mounted on the lobes 332a,332b. The curved plate 334 has a concave major surface and a convex major surface, and the lobes 332a,332b are bonded to the concave major surface of the curved plate 334. The lobes 332a,332b and the curved plate 334 can be metallic.

The curved plate 334 can project radially of the cylinder 314 and passage 316 to two diametrically opposite sides of the cylinder 314 and passage 316 as shown. The embedded support part 326a may be adjusted to smoking products 312 of different length by shifting the abutment 328 along the support 326.

The smoking article 310 of FIG. 4 can be made in a manner similar to that described for the smoking article 110 of FIG. 2. However, the manufacture of the smoking article 310 differs from that of the smoking article 110 in that the smoking article 110 is provided with the abutment 128 by shaping the external support part 126b of the smoking article 110 while the smoking article 310 is provided with the abutment 328 by sliding the latter onto the external support part 326b of the smoking article 310. The abutment 328 of the smoking article 310 can be slid onto the external support 326b before or after the embedded support part 326a of the smoking article 310 is confined in the mass of smokable material 324.

Referring to FIG. 5, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4, plus 100, designate similar elements.

The smoking article 410 of FIG. 5 differs from the smoking article 310 of FIG. 4 primarily in the design of the abutment or end structure 428 of the smoking article 410. The abutment 428 includes a block or body 430 which is favorably made of a heat-resistant insulating material. The block 430 has a surface which faces the longitudinal end 418a of the cylinder 414 and passage 416, and a channel located centrally of the block 430 extends from such surface into and partway through the block 430. The channel receives the straight external support part 426b, and the block 430 is a friction fit on the external support part 426b.

The block 430 is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal end 418a of the cylinder 414 and passage 416, and the block 430 preferably abuts the longitudinal end 418a to thereby allow the block 430 to confine and maintain an ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 424. The block 430 projects radially of the embedded support part 426a in all directions and is sufficiently large to cover the longitudinal end 418a of the cylinder 414 and passage 416. As illustrated, the block 430 may also project radially of the cylinder 414 and passage 416 to two diametrically opposite sides of the cylinder 414 and passage 416.

The abutment 428 further includes a U-shaped member 436 having a pair of generally parallel legs 436a and a crosspiece 436b which bridges the legs 436a. The block 430 is designed to be received between the legs 436a of the U-shaped member 436 with a friction fit so that the block 430 can firmly hold the U-shaped member 436.

The crosspiece 436b of the U-shaped member 436 has a surface which faces away from the block 430 when the U-shaped member 436 is mounted on the block 430, and a holder 438 is bonded to such major surface of the crosspiece 436b. The holder 438 can resemble the setting used in a ring to support a gem, and an ornamental stone or gem 440 is mounted in the holder 438. The U-shaped member 436 and the holder 438 can be metallic.

The embedded support part 426a can be adjusted to smoking products 412 of different length by shifting the abutment 428 along the support 426.

The smoking article 410 of FIG. 5 can be made in a manner similar to the smoking article 310 of FIG. 4. However, the production of the smoking article 410 involves an operation not found in the production of the smoking article 310. This is the operation of sliding the U-shaped member 436 onto the block 430. The U-shaped member 436 can be slid onto the block 430 before or after the block 430 is positioned on the external support part 426b of the smoking article 410.

Considering FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 5, plus 100, are used to denote similar elements.

The smoking article 510 of FIG. 6 differs from the smoking article 410 of FIG. 5 mainly in the configuration of the external support part 526b of the smoking article 510 and the configuration of the abutment or end structure 528 of the smoking article 510. The abutment 528 comprises a flat plate 530 which is normal to the embedded support part 526a and has a major surface facing the longitudinal end 518a of the cylinder 514 and passage 516. Two bearing members on opposite sides of the plane of FIG. 6 and not visible in the drawings are mounted on this major surface of the flat plate 530. The bearing members carry a pivot 542, and two jaws 544a and 544b are pivotal between an open position and a closed position on the pivot 542. The jaws 544a,544b are biased towards the closed position by a non-illustrated spring.

The external support part 526b is flat and the jaws 544a,544b clamp the flat external part 526b between them. As shown, the jaws 544a,544b may have flat end surfaces which face the longitudinal end 518a of the cylinder 514 and passage 516, and the flat end surfaces of the jaws 544a,544b preferably abut the longitudinal end 518 so as to allow the jaws 544a,544b to confine and maintain an ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 524.

The flat plate 530 projects radially of the embedded support part 526a and can also project radially of the cylinder 514 and passage 516.

The jaws 544a,544b are advantageously composed of a heat-resistant insulating material. The flat plate 530, the pivot 542 and the bearings which support the pivot 542 can be metallic.

The embedded support part 526a can be adjusted to smoking products 512 of different length by shifting the position of the jaws 544a,544b on the external support part 526b.

The smoking article 510 of FIG. 6 can be made in a manner similar to the smoking article 310 of FIG.4. However, while the abutment 328 of the smoking article 310 of FIG.4 is mounted on the support 326 by sliding the abutment 328 onto the external support part 326b, the abutment 528 of the smoking article 510 of FIG. 6 is mounted on the support 526 by clamping the external support part 526b between the jaws 544a,544b.

Turning to FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 6, plus 100, are used to identify similar elements.

The smoking article 610 of FIG. 7 differs from the smoking article 510 of FIG. 6 mainly in the design of the abutment 628 of the smoking article 610. Furthermore, while the external support part 626b of FIG. 7 could be flat like the external support part 526b of FIG. 6, it need not be.

The abutment 628 of FIG. 7 includes a block or body 630 made of a fire-resistant insulating material. The insulating block 630 has a surface which faces the longitudinal end 618a of the cylinder 614 and passage 616, and a channel located centrally of the insulating block 630 extends from such surface into and partway through the block 630. The channel receives the straight external support part 626b, and the insulating block 630 is a friction fit on the external support part 626b.

The insulating block 630 is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal end 618a of the cylinder 614 and passage 616, and the insulating block 630 preferably abuts the longitudinal end 618 to thereby enable the insulating block 630 to confine and maintain an ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 624. The insulating block 630 projects radially of the embedded part 626a of the support 626 in all directions and is sufficiently large to cover the longitudinal end 618a of the cylinder 614 and passage 616.

The insulating block 630 has a surface which faces away from the longitudinal end 618a of the cylinder 614 and passage 616, and the abutment 628 further includes a block or body 646 of non-insulating material, e.g., metal, which is bonded to such surface of the insulating block 630. Accordingly, when the insulating block 630 abuts the longitudinal end 618a of the cylinder 614 and passage 616, the insulating block 630 is sandwiched between the non-insulating block 646 and the longitudinal end 618a. While the non-insulating block 646 is shown as being the same size as the insulating block 630, the non-insulating block 646 can be smaller or larger than the insulating block 630. The insulating block 630 allows the non-insulating block 646 to remain relatively cool during combustion of the smokable material 624.

It is preferred that at least one of the blocks 630,646 project radially of the cylinder 614 and passage 616. In FIG. 7, both the insulating block 630 and the non-insulating block 646 project radially to two diametrically opposite sides of the cylinder 614 and passage 616.

The embedded support part 626a can be adjusted to smoking products 612 of different length by shifting the abutment 628 along the support 626.

The smoking article 610 of FIG. 7 can be made in a manner similar to the smoking article 310 of FIG. 4.

The curved plate 334 of the abutment 328 forming part of the smoking article 310 of FIG. 4 has a major surface which faces away from the longitudinal end 318a of the cylinder 314 and passage 316. As depicted in FIG. 8, this major surface of the curved plate 334 is provided with a logo.

The flat plate 530 of the abutment 528 constituting part of the smoking article 510 of FIG. 6 likewise has a major surface which faces away from the longitudinal end 518a of the cylinder 514 and passage 516. FIG. 9 shows that such major surface of the flat plate 530 is provided with an i.d.

The non-insulating block 646 of the abutment 628 forming part of the smoking article 610 of FIG. 7 also has a major surface which faces away from the longitudinal end 618a of the cylinder 614 and passage 616. As illustrated in FIG. 10, this major surface of the non-insulating block 646 is provided with a charm.

It will be understood that the curved plate 334 of FIG. 4 could be provided with an i.d. or charm instead of a logo; that the flat plate 530 of FIG. 6 could be provided with a logo or charm instead of an i.d.; and that the non-insulating block 646 of FIG. 7 could be provided with a logo or i.d. instead of a charm. Moreover, the symbols and expressions which can be applied to the curved plate 334, the flat plate 530 and the non-insulating block 646 are not limited to a logo, i.d. or charm.

As was pointed out above, the coil 128 of FIG. 2 can project radially of the cylinder 114 and passage 116; the lobes 228a,228b of FIG. 3 can project radially of the cylinder 214 and passage 216; the curved plate 334 of FIG. 4 can project radially of the cylinder 314 and passage 316; the block 430 of FIG. 5 can project radially of the cylinder 414 and passage 416; the flat plate 530 of FIG. 6 can project radially of the cylinder 514 and passage 516; and one or both of the blocks 630,646 of FIG. 7 can project radially of the cylinder 614 and passage 616. Such radial projection has the advantage of allowing an ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 24,124,224,324,424,524,624 to be maintained out of contact with a surface on which the respective smoking article 10,110,210,310,410,510,610 is placed. This is illustrated in FIG. 11 using the smoking article 310 of FIG. 4 as an example. In FIG. 11, the smoking article 310 has been placed in an ashtray 50 having a bottom 52 as well as a rim 54 which extends upward from the bottom 52 and runs peripherally of the latter. The filter 322 of the smoking article 310 rests on the rim 54 of the ashtray 50 while the curved plate 334 of the smoking article 310 rests on the bottom 52 of the ashtray 50. An ash generated by combustion of the smokable material 324 of the smoking article 310 is thus kept out of contact with the ashtray 50.

The support 26,126,226,326,426,526,626 can consist of wire or wire-like material having a circular cross section or any other cross section. The support 26,126,226,326,426,526, 626 is advantageously fire-resistant and can, for example, be composed of metal or a man-made fiber such as that sold under the trademark Kevlar®. A currently preferred metal for the support 26,126,226,326,426,526,626 is surgical stainless steel. The support 26,126,226,326,426,526,626 favorably has a gauge of about 18 to about 25.

Various modifications are possible within the meaning and range of equivalence of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A smoking article comprising: means defining an elongated passage having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end; a mass of smokable material in said passage; and a support for supporting ash generated by combustion of said smokable material, at least one part of said support being located in said mass.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein said mass and said at least one part of said support extend along at least half of the distance between said first end and said second end.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein said passage has a central longitudinal axis extending in a direction from said first end to said second end, said at least one part of said support being elongated and positioned at least approximately on said central longitudinal axis.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein said at least one part of said support comprises wire or wire-like material.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein said at least one part of said support has a gauge of about 18 to about 25.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein said support has another part located externally of said passage, said another part of said support being provided with an end structure projecting radially of said at least one part of said support.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein said end structure projects radially of said passage so that said end structure is capable of maintaining ash generated by combustion of said smokable material out of contact with a surface on which said smoking article is placed.

8. The article of claim 6, wherein said end structure abuts one of said ends to confine ash generated by combustion of said smokable material.

9. The article of claim 6, wherein said end structure projects radially of said at least one part of said support to two substantially diametrically opposed sides thereof.

10. The article of claim 6, wherein said end structure is provided with at least one symbol.

11. The article of claim 10, wherein said end structure is provided with a logo or an identifier.

12. The article of claim 6, wherein said end structure is provided with a decorative item.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein said decorative item comprises a charm or an ornamental stone.

14. The article of claim 6, wherein said end structure comprises an insulating body.

15. The article of claim 14, wherein said end structure further comprises a non-insulating body arranged so that said insulating body is sandwiched between said non-insulating body and one of said ends.

16. A method for making a smoking article comprising the steps of: forming a product which includes an elongated passage containing a mass of smokable material and having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end; providing a support for ash generated by combustion of said smokable material; and positioning at least one part of said support in said mass during or after the forming step.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the forming step and the positioning step comprise arranging said mass and said at least one part of said support so that said mass and said at least one part of said support extend along at least half of the distance between said first end and said second end.

18. The article of claim 16, wherein said at least one part of said support is elongated and said passage has a central longitudinal axis extending in a direction from said first end to said second end, the positioning step including locating said at least one part of said support at least approximately on said central longitudinal axis.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the positioning step is performed after the forming step and comprises pushing said at least one part of said support into said mass through one of said ends.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of providing another part of said support with an end structure projecting radially of said at least one part of said support, said end structure being located externally of said passage.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of providing another part of said support with an end structure is performed in such a manner that said end structure projects radially of said passage so that said end structure is capable of maintaining ash generated by combustion of said smokable material out of contact with a surface on which said smoking article is placed.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the positioning step comprises abutting said end structure with one of said ends to confine ash generated by combustion of said smokable material.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of providing another part of said support with an end structure is performed in such a manner that said end structure projects radially of said at least one part of said support to two substantially diametrically opposed sides thereof.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of providing said end structure with at least one symbol.

25. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of providing said end structure with a decorative item.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein said end structure comprises an insulating body and a non-insulating body; and further comprising the step of sandwiching said insulating body between said non-insulating body and one of said ends.