SMOKING ARTICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a smoking article. In particular, the invention relates to a smoking article having a first part which is moveable relative to a second part. The smoking article may be extendable.

BACKGROUND

Extendable cigarettes are known, for instance those having a tobacco rod slidable within a tube. The tobacco rod could, for instance, be slid within the tube to vary the length of the cigarette and the size of an internal chamber.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a smoking article comprising a first cylindrical part configured to be moveable relative to a second cylindrical part, the first cylindrical part having a first engaging surface and the second cylindrical part having a second engaging surface, wherein the first engaging surface is engageable with the second engaging surface to limit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second parts and wherein at least one of the first and second engaging surfaces extends around at least part of an inner or outer surface of the respective first or second cylindrical parts and follows a path other than a circular path.

The path can extend in a substantially tangential direction to the inner or outer surface of the respective cylindrical part. The path can extend at least partially along the length of the respective cylindrical part.

The first and/or second engaging surface can be configured to have a radius which is not constant around the circumference of the smoking article.

The first cylindrical part can have a first engaging portion on which the first engaging surface is located and the second cylindrical part can have a second engaging portion on which the second engaging surface is located.

At least one of the first and second engaging portions can further comprise a plurality of teeth, and the respective first and/or second engaging surface can comprise an end and/or side of the plurality of teeth. The sides of the teeth can be formed at an angle, such that the teeth extend at an angle to the circumference of the smoking article. The teeth can have a generally square, rectangular, rhomboidal, trapezoidal or triangular shape.

The first engaging portion can be provided on a sheet of material having a first area being affixed to a core component of the smoking article. The first engaging surface can be longitudinally spaced from the affixed first area of the sheet of material.

The core component can comprise a tobacco rod and a filter section, and the first area can connect the tobacco rod and filter section.

The sheet of material can further comprise a second area being affixed to a core component of the smoking article, the first engaging surface being disposed longitudinally between the first and second areas.

The plurality of teeth can be substantially triangular and extend at an angle radially outwards from the core component.

At least one of the first and second engaging surfaces can be formed by folding a blank of material along at least one line of weakness, wherein the line of weakness extends non-linearly.

At least one of the first and second engaging surfaces can be formed by folding a blank of material along first and second lines of weakness, wherein the first and second lines of weakness each extend non-linearly.

The first and second lines of weakness each extend in an undulating manner.

Each of the first and second engaging surfaces can extend around at least part of an inner or outer surface of the respective first or second cylindrical parts and can follow a path other than a circular path.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is further provided a smoking article comprising a first cylindrical part configured to be moveable relative to a second cylindrical part, the first cylindrical part having a first engaging surface formed by a first sheet material and the second cylindrical part having a second engaging surface formed by a second sheet material, wherein the first engaging surface is engagable with the second engaging surface to limit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second parts and wherein at least one of the first and second engaging surfaces extends around at least part of an inner or outer surface of the respective first or second cylindrical parts and has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the respective first or second sheet material forming the at least one of the first and second engaging surfaces.

At least one of the first and second engaging surfaces can be formed by folding a blank of material along at least one crease.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is further provided a blank of sheet material for use in forming at least one of the first and second engaging surfaces of the smoking article set out above, the blank comprising a plurality of teeth formed in the blank, or at least one line of weakness formed in the blank which extends non-linearly across the blank, wherein the plurality of teeth or at least one line of weakness are arranged such that when the blank is used to form one of the first and second engaging surfaces, the teeth or line of weakness form a surface which extends around at least part of an inner or outer surface of the respective first or second cylindrical parts of the smoking article and follows a path other than a circular path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an extendable smoking article having a sleeve connected to a first filter section, and a tobacco rod connected to a second filter section and slidable within the sleeve;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away side elevation view of the smoking article of FIG. 1 in a retracted state;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away side elevation view of the smoking article of FIG. 1 in an extended state;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of the sleeve of the smoking article of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5(
a) to 5 (h) are plan views of blanks for forming wraps connecting a tobacco rod with a filter section in a smoking article;

FIGS. 6(
a) to 6(f) are plan views of blanks for forming the sleeve of a smoking article;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an extendable smoking article formed using the wrap blank of FIG. 5(a) and the sleeve blank of FIG. 6(a);

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an extendable smoking article formed using the wrap blank of FIG. 5(b) and the sleeve of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a cut away side elevation view of the smoking article of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cut away perspective view of a smoking article formed using the wrap blank of FIG. 5(e) and the sleeve of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an extendable smoking article formed using the wrap blank of FIG. 5(g) and the sleeve blank of FIG. 6(f).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “smoking article” includes smokable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also other non-combustible tobacco or nicotine products such as heat-not-burn products (i.e. products in which flavour is generated from a smoking material by the application of heat without causing combustion of the material).

As used herein, the term “component of a smoking article” includes any component part of a smoking article such as a tobacco rod, filter, filter section or mouthpiece, or a combination of these. One or more components of the smoking article are circumscribed by a wrap. The wrap can have the function of one or more of: connecting two components, providing structural support to one or more components, enabling one or more components to be movable relative to another part of the smoking article to control a property of the smoking article (e.g. ventilation), or any other function.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show an extendable smoking article 10. The extendable smoking article 10 comprises a first component 11 and a second component 12, the first and second components being movable relative to each other. In the present example, the first component 11 comprises a rod of smokable material 13, in this case tobacco, wrapped in a wrapping material 14, such as cigarette paper. A first filter section 15 is wrapped in a first plug wrap (not shown), although could alternatively be a non-wrapped section. The first filter section 15 is connected to the tobacco rod 13 by a tipping material 16, in the present example tipping paper. The second component 12 comprises a sleeve 20 in the form of a cylinder. In the present example, the second component 12 further comprises a second filter section 21 wrapped in a second plug wrap 22. The second filter section 21 is securely attached within the sleeve 20, in the present example at the mouth end of the smoking article 10. The first and/or second filter sections 15, 21 may be made of a cellulose acetate tow.

The sleeve 20 of the second component 12 extends around the circumference of the first component 11. The tobacco rod 13 and first filter section 15 of the first component 11 are dimensioned to slide as a unit longitudinally within the sleeve 20. The tobacco rod 13 and first filter section 15 may be referred to as a tobacco unit, or as a core component of the smoking article.

The tipping paper 16 may be made of a relatively heavy weight paper, for instance 40 to 120 gsm in weight, or 60 to 100 gsm in certain embodiments. The tobacco rod 13, first filter section 15 and tipping paper 16 may be formed in a similar way to a typical cigarette. However, the length of the tobacco rod 13 is, in the present example, 48 mm, which is shorter than the tobacco rod of a typical cigarette. Furthermore, the first and second filter sections 15, 21 may be harder than a typical cigarette filter. In some embodiments, the smoking article 10 includes either a first filter section 15 or any other relatively hard substance at the end of the tobacco rod 13.

The extent to which the first component 11 and second component 12 can move relative to each other is limited in at least one direction by a first engaging surface 17 of the first component 11 which, in use, engages with a second engaging surface 23 of the second component 12.

In the present example, the sheet material 16 which connects the tobacco rod 13 and first filter section 15 defines the first engaging surface 17 of the first component 11. The sheet material 16 has an end surface, in the present example the end furthest from the user's mouth, which forms the first engaging surface 17. The first engaging surface 17 extends radially outwardly from the source of smokable material 13, and faces in an axial direction away from the mouth end of the smoking article 10.

A chamber 24 is defined in the sleeve 20 between the first filter section 15 and second filter section 21. The chamber 24 has a variable length, and hence volume, as the first component 11 slides axially within the cylindrical sleeve 20. The chamber 24 has a length varying from zero to a predetermined maximum length. Relative movement of the first and second components 11, 12, i.e. sleeve 20 and tobacco rod 13 in the present example, beyond the maximum length is prevented by the first and second engaging surfaces 17, 23.

FIG. 2 shows the smoking article 10 in a retracted state, with the tobacco rod 13 and first filter section 15 of the first component 11 moved up to the second filter section 21 of the second component 12. The length of the chamber 24 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 13 has been partially or fully combusted.

FIG. 3 shows the smoking article 10 in an extended state, with the tobacco rod 13 and first filter section 15 of the first component 11 moved as far as possible away from the second filter section 21 of the second component. The length of the chamber 24 has been increased to its maximum. The smoking article 10 is at its longest length, with the first engaging surface 17 of the first component 11 engaged with the second engaging surface 23 of the second component 12 and limiting axial movement of the first and second components 11, 12. The smoking article 10 may be in the extended state during use. The tobacco rod 13 and first filter section 15 of the first component 11 are continuously positionable within the sleeve 20 to be in any partially extended position between the retracted and extended states.

The tobacco rod 13 and attached first filter section 15 of the first component are described as connected by tipping paper 16. The tipping paper 16 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 first filter section 15 to the source of smokable material 13. 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. In other examples, the first component 11 does not include a filter section 15 and the first engaging surface 17 is formed by a wrapper or other material which does not serve to connect the tobacco rod 13 and first filter section 15.

FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view of sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 has a first end 25, in the present example the end furthest from the mouth end of the smoking article, which surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The sleeve 20 has a second end 26, at the mouth end of the smoking article in the present example, for receiving the second filter section 21, and forming a mouthpiece end of the smoking article 10.

The sleeve 20 may be formed from a sheet material, and in particular, a paper material. In particular, the sleeve 20 may be formed of a relatively heavy weight paper and/or multiple layers of paper or another wrapping material, for instance a paper having a weight of 40 to 120 gsm, or 60 to 100 gsm in certain embodiments, formed into one or more layers.

At the first end 25 of the sleeve 20, an engaging portion 27 extends radially inwardly. The engaging portion 27 is formed by folding inwardly the sleeve material at the first end 25 to form an overlap. In particular, the engaging portion 27 is formed by a fold in the material of the sleeve 20, in a radially inward direction, such that the folded sheet material is adjacent to an interior surface of the sleeve 20. The engaging portion 27 may be folded by approximately 180 degrees.

The second engaging surface 23 of the second component 12 is formed on the engaging portion 27. The second engaging surface 23 is the surface extending radially inwardly from the cylindrical sleeve 20, and facing in an axial direction towards the second end 26 of the sleeve 20. The second engaging surface 23 is within the cylindrical sleeve 20.

FIGS. 5(
a) to 5(h) show respective blanks of material, according to various embodiments, prepared to be formed into inner wraps corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10 (or other wrap forming the first engaging surface 17). Each of the blanks of material would be formed into a cylinder around the core component(s) of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10. The core components may include a tobacco rod 13 and a first filter section 15, or any other component of a smoking article. In the present example the core component(s) comprises a tobacco rod 13 longitudinally aligned with a first filter section 15 and the inner wraps are used to connect the tobacco rod 13 and first filter section 15.

FIGS. 6(
a) to 6(f) show respective blanks of material, according to various embodiments, prepared to be formed into sleeves corresponding to the sleeve 20 of the second component 12 of the smoking article 10. Each of the blanks of material is formed into a cylinder around the second filter section 21 and at least part of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10.

FIG. 5(
a) is a plan view of a blank of material 150 for forming an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the smoking article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 150 has a first end 151, in the present example the end which is furthest from the user's mouth in use and which surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The blank 150 has a second end 152, at the end closest to the user's mouth in use, which surrounds the first filter section 15 when assembled. Adhesive 153 can be applied to a portion of the blank of material 150, extending over a region at the second end 152 of the blank in the present example, such that the inner wrap can be adhered to the core components of the first component 11 so as to connect the tobacco rod 13 and the first filter section 15 using the inner wrap.

At the first end 151 of the blank 150, an engaging portion 154 is free of adhesive. When used to form an inner wrap for use as the inner wrap 16 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the engaging portion 154 is not adhered to the first component 11. The engaging portion 154 forms a plurality of teeth 155. In the present example, the teeth 155 are substantially triangular in shape, in particular substantially in the form of isosceles triangles. The side edges 156a, 156b of the triangular teeth 155 at the first end 151 of the blank 150 form a first engaging surface when the blank 150 is formed into a cylinder. The edges 156 extend at an angle to a line extending laterally across the blank of material 150 such that the sum of the lengths of the edges 156, and therefore the first engaging surface, is greater than the lateral width of the blank 150. The edges 156 extend longitudinally away from the first end 151 of the blank 150. The longitudinal extent of the edges 156 is less than the length of the engaging portion 154, such that a supporting section 158 of the engaging portion 154 is left to support the plurality of teeth 155.

The points 157 of the teeth 155 may be spaced from the surface of the tobacco rod 13 when an inner wrap such as the inner wrap 16 of FIGS. 1 to 3 is formed from the blank of material 150. The edges 156a, 156b of the teeth 155 extend from the supporting section 158 of the engaging portion 154 to the points 157 of the teeth 155. In some examples, the first engaging surface formed by the edges 156 therefore extends at an angle, radially outwards from the tobacco rod 13. The radial extent of the first engaging surface is increased over that of the engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16 of FIGS. 1 to 3 by an engaging portion which extends radially outwards from the core components of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10. When the blank 150 is formed around the cylindrical first component 11, the engaging surface formed by the side edges 156 of the triangular teeth 155 extends around an outer surface of the first component 11 and follows a path other than a circular path. In the present case, this is a path which extends at least partially along the length of the first component 11, which can increase the length of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16 of FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 6(
a) is a plan view of a blank of material 160 to be formed into a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20 of the smoking article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 160 is arranged to be formed into a cylinder around the second filter section 21. The blank of material 160 has a first end 161, which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the first component 11 when assembled. The blank 160 has a second end 162, forming the mouth end of the smoking article 10 in the present example, which surrounds the second filter section 21 when assembled. Adhesive 163 can be applied over a portion of the blank 160, extending longitudinally along one edge of the blank 160 in the present example, acting as a lap seam in order to form a cylinder of sheet material to form a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20.

A fold line 169 extending laterally across the blank 160, when the blank 160 is assembled into a sleeve, forms an end of the sleeve corresponding to the first end 25 of the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 4. The folded section forms an engaging portion 164 extending between the fold line 169 and the first end 161 of the blank 160. The engaging portion 164 is folded radially inward of the sleeve 20. In the present example, the engaging portion 164 is folded by approximately 180 degrees.

The engaging portion 164 of the blank 160 forms a plurality of teeth 165. In the present example, the teeth 165 are substantially triangular in shape, in particular substantially in the form of isosceles triangles. The side edges 166a, 166b of the triangular teeth 165 at the first end 161 of the blank 160, in the present embodiment, form a second engaging surface when the blank 160 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the second engaging surface 23 of the sleeve 20. The edges 166 extend at an angle to a line extending laterally across the blank of material 160. The edges 166 extend longitudinally away from the first end 161 of the blank 160. The longitudinal extent of the edges 166 is less than the length of the engaging portion 164, such that a supporting section 168 of the engaging portion 164 may be left to support the plurality of teeth 165.

The points 167 of the teeth 165 may be spaced from the inner surface of the sleeve when a sleeve such as the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 4 is formed from the blank 160. The edges 166 of the teeth 165 extend from the supporting section 168 to the points 167 of the teeth 165. In some examples the second engaging surface formed by the edges 166 therefore extends at an angle, radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 20. The radial extent of the second engaging surface can therefore be increased when compared to the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 4 by an engaging portion which extends radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve. When the blank 160 is formed into the sleeve 20 of the cylindrical second component 12, the engaging surface formed by the side edges 166 of the triangular teeth 165 extends around an inner surface of the second component 12 and follows a path other than a circular path. In the present case, this is a path which extends at least partially along the length of the second component 12, which can increase the length of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 23 of the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an extendable smoking article 170. In this example, the first component 171 of the smoking article 170 comprises a tobacco rod 173, wrapped in a cigarette paper 174, and a first filter section 175. The first filter section 175 is wrapped with a blank of material 150 as described with respect to FIG. 5(a), forming an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of FIG. 1, although having a different first engaging surface. The blank 150 is adhered to the first filter section 175 and the tobacco rod 173, such that the tobacco rod 173 is connected to the first filter section 175 by the blank of material 150. The first end 151 of the blank 150 is the end furthest from the mouth end of the smoking article 170. The engaging portion 154 is not adhered to the tobacco rod 173 and forms a plurality of triangular teeth 155, substantially as described with respect to FIG. 5(a).

The second component 172 of the smoking article 170 comprises a second filter section 181. The second filter section 181 is wrapped with a blank of material 160 as described with respect to FIG. 6(a) forming an outer sleeve corresponding to the outer sleeve 20 of FIG. 1, although having a different second engaging surface. The first end 161 of the sleeve 160, which is the end furthest from the user's mouth, is formed by a fold 169 in the blank of material 160. The engaging portion 164 is folded radially inward of the sleeve 160 and forms a plurality of triangular teeth 165, substantially as described with respect to FIG. 6(a).

The edges 156 of the triangular teeth 155 of the inner wrap 150, forming the first engaging surface of the first component 171, are configured to engage with the edges 166 of the triangular teeth 165 of the outer sleeve 160, forming the second engaging surface of the second component 172. The first and second engaging surfaces engage such that relative movement of the first and second components 171, 172 beyond a maximum length is prevented.

The first engaging surface extends radially outwards from the outer surface of the tobacco rod 173 to the points 157 of the teeth 156. The second engaging surface extends radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 160 to the points 167 of the teeth 166. The radial extents of the first and second engaging surfaces are increased such that there is an increased registry between the first component 171 and the second component 172. Thus, the first and second components 171,172 are more reliably coupled together.

FIG. 7 shows the inner wrap as described with respect to FIG. 5(a), in combination with the sleeve as described with respect to FIG. 6(a). Alternatively, the inner wrap as described with respect to FIG. 5(a) may be used in combination with any other embodiment shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(f) (as described in more detail below) or, optionally, with a sleeve 20, such as that described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4. The sleeve as described with respect to FIG. 6(a) may be used in combination with any other embodiment shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(h) or, optionally, with a inner wrap 16 as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 5(
b) is a plan view of a further blank of material 250 for forming a inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the smoking article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 250 has a first end 251, in the present example the end which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The blank 250 has a second end 252, at the end closest to the user's mouth in the present example, which surrounds the first filter section 15 when assembled. Adhesive 253 is applied to a portion of the blank of material 250, extending over a region at the second end 252 of the blank in the present example, such that the inner wrap is adhered to the core components of the first component 11, such that the tobacco rod 13 is connected to the first filter section 15 by the inner wrap.

At the first end 251 of the blank 250, an engaging portion 254 is free of adhesive, in a similar way to the engaging portion 154 previously described with reference to FIG. 5(a).

The engaging portion 254 has a number of slits formed at the first end 251 which form a plurality of teeth 255. In the present example, the teeth 255 are substantially rhomboidal. The side edges 256 of the teeth at the first end 251 of the blank 250 extend at an angle to the end edges 257 of the teeth 255. The side edges 256 extend longitudinally away from the first end 251 of the blank 250. The longitudinal extent of the side edges 256 is less than the length of the engaging portion 254, such that a supporting section 258 of the engaging portion 254 is left to support the plurality of teeth 255.

The end edges 257 of the teeth 255 form a first engaging surface when the blank 250 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The end edges 257 of the teeth 255 may extend away from the surface of the tobacco rod 13 when the inner wrap is formed from the blank of material 250. The side edges 256 of the teeth 255 extend from the supporting section 258 of the engaging portion 254 to the end edges 257 of the teeth 255. In some examples, the first engaging surface formed by the end edges 257 is extended at an angle, radially outwards from the tobacco rod 13. The radial extent of the first engaging surface is therefore increased by extending radially outwards from the core components of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10. When the blank 250 is formed around the cylindrical first component 11, the engaging surface formed by the end edges 257 of the teeth 255 extends around an outer surface of the first component 11 and follows a path other than a circular path. In the present case, this is a path which extends in a substantially tangential direction to the outer surface of the first component 11, which can increase the radial extent and therefore the ability to engage of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The engaging surface formed by the end edges 257 of the teeth 255 also has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 250.

FIG. 6(
b) is a plan view of a blank of material 260 prepared to be formed into a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank of material 260 has a first end 261, which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the first component 11 when assembled. The blank 260 has a second end 262, forming the mouth end of the smoking article 10 in the present example, which surrounds the second filter section 21 when assembled. Adhesive 263 is applied over a portion of the blank 260, extending longitudinally along one edge of the blank 260 in the present example, acting as a seam in order to form a cylinder of sheet material to form a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20.

A fold line 269 extending laterally across the blank 260, in use, forms a first end of the sleeve corresponding to the first end 25 of the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 4. The folded section forms an engaging portion 264 extending between the fold line 269 and the first end 261 of the blank 260. The engaging portion 264 is folded radially inward of the sleeve when assembled. In the present example, the engaging portion 264 is folded by approximately 180 degrees.

The engaging portion 264 of the blank 260 forms a plurality of teeth 265. In the present example, the teeth 265 are substantially rhomboidal and correspond to the teeth 255 of the blank 250 of FIG. 5(b). The side edges 266 of the teeth at the first end 261 of the blank 260 extend at an angle to the end edges 267 of the teeth 265. The side edges 266 extend longitudinally away from the first end 261 of the blank 260. The longitudinal extent of the side edges 266 is less than the length of the engaging portion 264, such that a supporting section 268 of the engaging portion 264 may be left to support the plurality of teeth 265.

The end edges 267 of the teeth 265 form a second engaging surface when the blank 260 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the second engaging surface 23 of the sleeve 20. The end edges 267 of the teeth 265 may extend away from the inner surface of the sleeve when formed. In the present embodiment, the second engaging surface formed by the end edges 267 can extend at an angle, radially inwards from the inner surface of the assembled sleeve, increasing the radial extent of the second engaging surface when compared to the sleeve 20. When the blank 260 is formed into the cylindrical second component 12, the engaging surface formed by the end edges 267 of the teeth 265 extends around an inner surface of the second component 12 and can follow a path other than a circular path. In the present case, this is a path which extends at least partially in a direction parallel to a tangent to the inner surface of the second component 12, which can increase the radial extent and therefore the ability to engage of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 23 of the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The engaging surface formed by the end edges 267 of the teeth 265 also has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 260.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an extendable smoking article 270 generally similar to the smoking article 170 described with reference to FIG. 7. The first component 271 of the smoking article 270 comprises a tobacco rod 273 wrapped in a cigarette paper 274, and a first filter section 275. The first component 271 is wrapped with a blank of material 250 as described with respect to FIG. 5(b). The blank 250 forms an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of FIG. 1. The blank 250 is adhered to the first filter section 275 and the tobacco rod 273, such that the tobacco rod 273 is connected to the first filter section 275 by the blank of material 250. The first end 251 of the blank 250 is the end furthest from the mouth end of the smoking article 270. The engaging portion 254 is not adhered to the tobacco rod 273 and forms a plurality of rhomboidal teeth 255, substantially as described with respect to FIG. 5(b).

The second component 272 of the smoking article 270 comprises a second filter section 281. The second filter section 281 is wrapped with a blank of material forming an outer sleeve 280 corresponding to the outer sleeve 20 as described with respect to FIG. 4. The first end 285 of the sleeve 280, which is the end furthest from the user's mouth, is formed by a fold line 289 in the blank of material. The engaging portion 287 is folded radially inward of the sleeve 280. The second engaging surface 283 of the second component 272 is formed on the engaging portion 287. The second engaging surface 283 is the surface extending radially inwardly from the cylindrical sleeve 280, and facing in an axial direction towards the second end 272 of the smoking article 270.

The end edges 257 of the teeth 255 of the inner wrap 250, forming the first engaging surface of the first component 271, are configured to engage with the second engaging surface 283 of the second component 272. The first and second engaging surfaces 257, 283 engage such that relative movement of the first and second components 271, 272 beyond a maximum length is prevented.

The first engaging surface 257 extends radially outwards from the outer surface of the tobacco rod 273 to the ends 257 of the teeth 256. The second engaging surface 283 extends radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 280. The radial extent of the first engaging surface 257 is increased such that there is an increased registry between the first component 271 and the second component 272. Thus, the first and second components 271,272 are more reliably coupled together.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example combining the inner wrap as described with respect to FIG. 5(b), with a sleeve 20 as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4. Alternatively, the inner wrap as described with respect to FIG. 5(b) may be used in combination with other sleeves such as any other embodiment of sleeve blank shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(f).

FIG. 5(
c) is a plan view of a blank of material 350 for forming an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 350 has a first end 351, in the present example the end which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The blank 350 has a second end 352, at the end closest to the user's mouth in the present example, which surrounds the first filter section 15 when assembled. Adhesive 353 is applied to a portion of the blank of material 350, extending over a region of the second end 352 of the blank in the present example, such that the inner wrap is adhered to the core components of the first component 11 and in the present case such that the tobacco rod 13 can be connected to the first filter section 15 by the inner wrap.

At the first end 351 of the blank 350, an engaging portion 354 is free of adhesive, in a similar way to the engaging portion 154 previously described with reference to FIG. 5(a).

The engaging portion 354 has a plurality of slits formed therein, forming a plurality of teeth 355. In the present example, the teeth 355 are substantially trapezoidal in shape. The side edges 356 of the teeth 355 at the first end 351 of the blank 350 extend at an angle to the end edges 357 of the teeth 355. The angles at which the first and second side edges 356a and 356b of each tooth 355 extend are equal and opposite in relation to the end edges 357, such that a first set of alternately spaced teeth 355a have an inverted orientation with respect to second set of alternately spaced teeth 355b. The first end edges 357a of the first set of teeth 355a are longer than the second end edges 357b of the second set of teeth 355b. The side edges 356a, 356b extend longitudinally away from the first end 351 of the blank 350. The longitudinal extent of the side edges 356a, 356b is less than the length of the engaging portion 354, such that a supporting section 358 of the engaging portion 354 is left to support the plurality of teeth 355a, 355b.

The first and second end edges 357a and 357b of the teeth 355a, 355b form a first engaging surface when the blank 350 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16. The first and second end edges 357a and 357b of the first and second sets of teeth 355a and 355b may extend away from the surface of the tobacco rod 13 when the inner wrap 16 is formed from the blank of material 350. The first and second side edges 356a and 356b of the teeth 355a, 355b extend from the supporting section 358 of the engaging portion 354 to the first and second end edges 357a and 357b of the teeth 355a, 355b. In some examples, the first engaging surface formed by the end edges 357a, 357b is extended at an angle, radially outwards from the tobacco rod 13. The radial extent of the first engaging surface is increased by extending radially outwards from the core components of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10, compares to the first engaging surface of the inner wrap 16. When the blank 350 is formed around the cylindrical first component 11, the engaging surface formed by the end edges 357 of the teeth 355 extends around an outer surface of the first component 11 and follows a path other than a circular path. In the present case, this is a path which extends in a substantially tangential direction to the outer surface of the first component 11, particularly with respect to alternate first edges 357a, which can increase the radial extent and therefore the ability to engage of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The engaging surface formed by the end edges 357 of the teeth 355 also has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 350.

FIG. 6(
c) is a plan view of a blank of material 360 for forming a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20 of the second component 12 of the smoking article 10. The blank 360 is arranged to be formed into a cylinder around the second filter section 21. The blank of material 360 has a first end 361, which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the first component 11 when assembled. The blank 360 has a second end 362, forming the mouth end of the smoking article 10 in the present example, which surrounds the second filter section 21 when assembled. Adhesive 363 is applied over a portion of the blank 360, extending longitudinally along one edge of the blank 360 in the present example, acting as a seam in order to form a cylinder of sheet material to form a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20.

A first end of the sleeve 20 is formed by a fold line 369 extending laterally across the blank 360, which will extend circumferentially around the sleeve 20 when formed. The folded section forms an engaging portion 364 extending between the fold line 369 and the first end 361 of the blank 360. The engaging portion 364 is folded radially inward of the sleeve 20. In the present example, the engaging portion 364 is folded by approximately 180 degrees.

The engaging portion 364 of the blank 360 has a plurality of slits forming a plurality of teeth 365. In the present example, the teeth 365 are substantially trapezoidal in shape. The side edges 366 of the teeth 365 at the first end 361 of the blank 360 extend at an angle to the end edges 367 of the teeth 365. The angles at which the first and second side edges 366a and 366b of each tooth 365 extend are equal and opposite in relation to the end edges 367, such that a first set of alternately spaced teeth 365a have an inverted orientation with respect to second set of alternately spaced teeth 365b. The first end edges 367a of the first set of teeth 365a are longer than the second end edges 367b of the second set of teeth 365b. The side edges 366a, 366b extend longitudinally away from the first end 351 of the blank 350. The longitudinal extent of the side edges 356a, 356b is less than the length of the engaging portion 354, such that a supporting section 358 of the engaging portion 354 is left to support the plurality of teeth 355a, 355b.

The first and second end edges 367a and 367b of the teeth 365a, 365b form a first engaging surface when the blank 360 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16. The first and second end edges 367a and 367b of the first and second sets of teeth 365a and 365b may extend away from the inner surface of the sleeve 20 when formed. The first and second side edges 366a and 366b of the teeth 365a, 365b extend from the supporting section 368 to the first and second end edges 367a and 367b of the teeth 365a, 365b. In some examples the second engaging surface formed by the end edges 367a, 367b is extended at an angle, radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 20. The radial extent of the second engaging surface is increased by extending radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve, for instance when compared to the second engaging surface of the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 4. When the blank 360 is formed into the cylindrical second component 12, the engaging surface formed by the first and second end edges 367a, 367b of the teeth 365 extends around an inner surface of the second component 12 and can follow a path other than a circular path, particularly in respect of the alternate first end edges 367a. In the present case, this is a path which extends at least partially in a direction parallel to a tangent to the inner surface of the second component 12, which can increase the radial extent and therefore the ability to engage of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 23 of the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The engaging surface formed by the end edges 367a, 367b of the teeth 365a, 365b also has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 360.

FIG. 5(
d) is a plan view of a blank of material 450 for forming an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10. The blank 450 is arranged to be formed into a cylinder around the core components of the first component 11. The blank 450 has a first end 451, in the present example the end which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The blank 450 has a second end 452, at the end closest to the user's mouth in the present example, which surrounds the first filter section 15 when assembled. Adhesive 453 is applied to a portion of the blank of material 450, extending over a region at the second end 452 of the blank in the present example, such that the inner wrap can be adhered to the core components of the first component 11, and in the present case such that the tobacco rod 13 is connected to the first filter section 15 by the inner wrap.

At the first end 451 of the blank 450, an engaging portion 454 is free of adhesive, in a similar way to the engaging portion 154 previously described with reference to FIG. 5(a).

The engaging portion 454 has a plurality of slits therein forming a plurality of teeth 455. In the present example, the teeth 455 are substantially rectangular. The side edges 456 of the teeth at the first end 451 of the blank 450 extend at a right angle to the end edges 457 of the teeth 455. The side edges 456 extend longitudinally away from the first end 451. The longitudinal extent of the side edges 456 is less than the length of the engaging portion 454, such that a supporting section 458 of the engaging portion 454 is left to support the plurality of teeth 455.

The end edges 457 of the teeth 455 form a first engaging surface when the blank 450 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16. The end edges 457 of the teeth 455 may extend away from the surface of the tobacco rod 13 when the inner wrap 16 is formed from the blank of material 450. The side edges 456 of the teeth 455 extend from the supporting section 458 of the engaging portion 454 to the end edges 457 of the teeth 455. In some examples, the first engaging surface formed by the end edges 457 is extended at an angle, radially outwards from the tobacco rod 13. The radial extent of the first engaging surface is increased by extending radially outwards from the core components of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10. When the blank 450 is formed around the cylindrical first component 11, the engaging surface formed by the end edges 457 of the teeth 455 extends around an outer surface of the first component 11 and follows a path other than a circular path. In the present case, this is a path which extends in a substantially tangential direction to the outer surface of the first component 11, which can increase the radial extent and therefore the ability to engage of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The engaging surface formed by the end edges 457 of the teeth 455 also has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 450.

FIG. 6(
d) is a plan view of a blank of material 460 prepared to be formed into a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 460 is arranged to be formed into a cylinder around the second filter section 21. The blank of material 460 has a first end 461, which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the first component 11 when assembled. The blank 460 has a second end 462, forming the mouth end of the smoking article 10 in the present example, which surrounds the second filter section 21 when assembled. Adhesive 463 is applied over a portion of the blank 460, extending longitudinally along one edge of the blank 460 in the present example, acting as a seam in order to form a cylinder of sheet material to form a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20.

A first end of the sleeve is formed by a fold line 469 extending laterally across the blank 460, which will extend circumferentially around the sleeve 20 when formed. The folded section forms an engaging portion 464 extending between the fold line 469 and the first end 461 of the blank 460. The engaging portion 464 is folded radially inward of the sleeve 20. In the present example, the engaging portion 464 is folded by approximately 180 degrees.

The engaging portion 464 of the blank 460 forms a plurality of teeth 465. In the present example, the teeth 465 are substantially rectangular. The side edges 466 of the teeth at the first end 461 of the blank 460 extend at a right angle to the end edges 467 of the teeth 465. The side edges 466 extend longitudinally away from the first end 461. The longitudinal extent of the side edges 466 is less than the length of the engaging portion 464, such that a supporting section 468 of the engaging portion 464 may be left to support the plurality of teeth 465.

The end edges 467 of the teeth 465 form a first engaging surface when the blank 460 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16. The end edges 467 of the teeth 465 may extend away from the inner surface of the sleeve 20 when formed. The side edges 466 of the teeth 465 extend from the supporting section 468 to the end edges 467 of the teeth 465. In some examples the second engaging surface formed by the end edges 467 is extended at an angle, radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 20. The radial extent of the second engaging surface is increased by extending radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 20. When the blank 460 is formed into the cylindrical second component 12, the engaging surface formed by the end edges 467 of the teeth 465 extends around an inner surface of the second component 12 and can follow a path other than a circular path. In the present case, this is a path which extends at least partially in a direction parallel to a tangent to the inner surface of the second component 12, which can increase the radial extent and therefore the ability to engage of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 23 of the sleeve 20 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The engaging surface formed by the end edges 467 of the teeth 465 also has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 450.

FIG. 5(
e) is a plan view of a blank of material 550 for forming an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 550 has a first end 551, in the present example the end which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The blank 550 has a second end 552, at the end closest to the user's mouth in the present example, which surrounds the first filter section 15 when assembled. Adhesive 553 is applied to the blank of material 550. In this example, a first region of adhesive 553a extends over the second end 552 of the blank 550, such that the inner wrap is adhered to the first filter section 15 of the first component 11. A second region of adhesive 553b extends over the first end 551 of the blank 550, such that the inner wrap is adhered to the tobacco rod 13 of the first component 11.

Between the first adhesive 553a and the second adhesive 553b, an engaging portion 554 is free of adhesive. When used to form the inner wrap 16 of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the engaging portion 554 is not adhered to the core components of the first component 11. The engaging portion 554 has slits cut into it forming a plurality of teeth 555. In the present example, the teeth 555 are substantially triangular. End edges 556 of the teeth 555 include an edge portion 557 extending laterally across the blank 550, parallel to the first end 551, and which form a first engaging surface when the blank 550 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16. The lateral edge portions 557 of the teeth 555 may extend away from the surface of the tobacco rod 13 when the inner wrap 16 is formed from the blank of material 550. The side edges 556 of the teeth 555 extend from the engaging portion 554 to the lateral edge portions 557 of the teeth 555.

The first engaging surface formed by the lateral edge portions 557 can extend at an angle, radially outwards from the tobacco rod 13. The radial extent of the first engaging surface is increased by extending radially outwards from the core components of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10. When the blank 550 is formed around the cylindrical first component 11, the engaging surface formed by the lateral edge portions 557 of the teeth 555 extends around an outer surface of the first component 11 and follows a path other than a circular path. In the present case, this is a path which extends in a substantially tangential direction to the outer surface of the first component 11, which can increase the radial extent and therefore the ability to engage of the engaging surface when compared to the engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The engaging surface formed by the lateral edge portions 557 of the teeth 555 also has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 550.

FIG. 9 is a cut away side elevation view of part of an extendable smoking article 570. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the same extendable smoking article 570. In this example, the first component 571 of the smoking article 570 comprises a tobacco rod 573, wrapped in a cigarette paper 574, and a first filter section 575. The first filter section 575 is wrapped with a blank of material 550 as described with reference to FIG. 5(e). The blank 550 forms an inner wrap 576 corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of FIG. 1. The inner wrap 576 is adhered to the first filter section 575 and the tobacco rod 573, such that the tobacco rod 573 is connected to the first filter section 575 by the inner wrap 576. The first end 551 of the inner wrap 576 is the end furthest from the mouth end of the smoking article 570. The engaging portion 554 is not adhered to the first component 571 and forms a plurality of triangular teeth 555, substantially as described with respect to FIG. 5(e).

The second component 572 of the smoking article 570 comprises a second filter section 581. The second filter section 581 is wrapped with a blank of material forming an outer sleeve 580 corresponding to the outer sleeve 20 as described with respect to FIG. 4. The first end 585 of the sleeve 580, which is the end furthest from the user's mouth, is formed by a fold 589 in the blank of material. The engaging portion 587 is folded radially inward of the sleeve 580. The second engaging surface 583 of the second component 572 is formed on the engaging portion 587. The second engaging surface 583 is the surface extending radially inwardly from the cylindrical sleeve 580, and facing in an axial direction towards the second end 572 of the smoking article 570.

The lateral edge portions 557 of the teeth 555 of the inner wrap 576, forming the first engaging surface of the first component 571, are configured to engage with the second engaging surface 583 of the second component 572. The first and second engaging surfaces 577,583 engage such that relative movement of the first and second components 571,572 beyond a maximum length is prevented.

The first engaging surface 577 extends radially outwards from the outer surface of the tobacco rod 573 to the points of the teeth 555. The second engaging surface 583 extends radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 580. The radial extent of the first engaging surface 577 is increased such that there is an increased registry between the first component 571 and the second component 572. Thus, the first and second components 571,572 are more reliably coupled together.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show an example, using the inner wrap 550 as described with respect to FIG. 5(e), in combination with a sleeve 20 as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4. Alternatively, the inner wrap 550 as described with respect to FIG. 5(e) may be used in combination with any other embodiment of sleeve blank shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(f).

FIG. 5(
f) is a plan view of a blank of material 650 for forming an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 650 has a first end 651, in the present example the end which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The blank 650 has a second end 652, at the end closest to the user's mouth in the present example, which surrounds the first filter section 15 when assembled. Adhesive 653 is applied to a portion of the blank of material 650, extending over the second end 652 of the blank in the present example, such that the inner wrap is adhered to the core components of the first component 11, in particular such that the tobacco rod 13 is connected to the first filter section 15 by the inner wrap.

At the first end 651 of the blank 650, an engaging portion 654 is free of adhesive, in a similar way to the engaging portion 154 previously described with reference to FIG. 5(a).

A first engaging portion 654a and a second engaging portion 654b are formed by a fold line 657 extending laterally across the blank 650. In use, the first engaging portion 654a is folded over the second engaging portion 654b along the fold line 657, which becomes a first engaging portion corresponding to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16. The first engaging portion 654a is folded radially outward of the inner wrap in the present example, although can alternatively be folded radially inwardly. In the present example, the second engaging portion 654b is folded by approximately 180 degrees.

The fold line 657 in the engaging portion 654 extends away from the surface of the tobacco rod 13 when the inner wrap 16 is formed from the blank of material 650. The folded first engaging portion 654a increases the thickness of the engaging portion 654. The radial extent of the first engaging surface is increased by the increased thickness of the engaging portion 654, extending radially outwards from the core components of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10. When the blank 650 is formed around the cylindrical first component 11, the engaging surface formed by the edge 657 extends around an outer surface of the first component 11 and has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 650.

FIG. 6(
e) is a plan view of a blank of material 660 prepared to be formed into a sleeve corresponding to the sleeve 20 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 660 is arranged to be formed into a cylinder around the second filter section 21. The blank of material 660 has a first end 661, which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the first component 11 when assembled. The blank 660 has a second end 662, forming the mouth end of the smoking article 10 in the present example, which surrounds the second filter section 21 when assembled. Adhesive 663 is applied over a portion of the blank 660, extending longitudinally along one edge of the blank 660 in the present example, acting as a seam in order to form a cylinder of sheet material to form the sleeve.

A first end of the sleeve is formed by a first fold line 669a extending laterally across the blank 660, which will extend circumferentially around the sleeve 20 when formed. The folded section forms an engaging portion 664 extending between the fold line 669a and the first end 661 of the blank 660. The engaging portion 664 is folded radially inward of the sleeve 20. In the present example, the engaging portion 664 is folded twice, each time by approximately 180 degrees.

A first engaging portion 664a and a second engaging portion 664b are separated by a second fold line 669b extending substantially parallel to the first fold line 669a. The second engaging portion 664b is first folded over the first engaging portion 664a along the second fold line 669b and radially inwardly of the sleeve once formed, and then the blank 660 is folded along the first fold line 669a, again radially inwardly of the sleeve once formed. The second fold line 669b in the engaging portion 664 forms a second engaging surface 667 when the blank 660 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the second to engaging surface 23 of the sleeve 20.

The second fold line 669b may be spaced away from the inner surface of the sleeve when formed. The folded second engaging portion 664b increases the thickness of the engaging portion 664. The radial extent of the second engaging surface is increased by the increased thickness of the engaging portion 664, extending radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve. When the blank 660 is formed into the cylindrical second component 12, the engaging surface formed by the edge 667 extends around an inner surface of the second component 12 and has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 650.

FIG. 5(
g) is a plan view of a blank of material 750 for forming an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank 750 has a first end 751, in the present example the end which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The blank 750 has a second end 752, at the end closest to the user's mouth in the present example, which surrounds the first filter section 15 when assembled. Adhesive 753 is applied to a portion of the blank of material 750, extending over the second end 752 of the blank in the present example, such that the inner wrap is adhered to the core components of the first component 11. In some embodiments, the inner wrap is adhered to the tobacco rod 13 and the first filter section 15 such that the tobacco rod 13 is connected to the first filter section 15 by the inner wrap.

At the first end 751 of the blank 750, an engaging portion 754 is free of adhesive, in a similar way to the engaging portion 154 previously described with reference to FIG. 5(a).

The engaging portion 754 includes first and second non-linear lines of weakness 757a, 757b extending laterally across the blank 750, and separating first and second engaging portion regions 754a, 754b. In the present example, the first and second lines of weakness 757a, 757b extend across the blank 750 in a generally undulating manner. The first line of weakness 757a mirrors the second line of weakness 757b such that a plurality of regions 755 are formed between the first and second lines of weakness 757a, 757b which are generally elliptical in shape. The first and second lines of weakness 757a, 757b are formed as creases in the blank 750 in the present example, although they can be formed in other ways, such as scoring, burning, punching, perforating or partially cutting the blank 750.

In use, the first engaging portion region 754a is folded over the second engaging portion region 754b. The first engaging portion 754a is folded radially outward of the inner wrap, although can alternatively be folded radially inwardly. In the present example, the first engaging portion 754a is folded by approximately 180 degrees. The regions 755 form a first engaging surface when the blank 750 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16.

The regions 755 extend away from the surface of the tobacco rod 13 when the inner wrap 16 is formed from the blank of material 750. In the present example, the first engaging surface formed by the regions 755 is extended radially outwards from the tobacco rod 13. The radial extent of the first engaging surface is increased by extending radially outwards from the core components of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10, compared to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In other embodiments, the regions 755 may have any other general shape which can be formed in the blank of material 750. For example, the regions 755 may be generally rectangular, trapezoid or triangular.

FIG. 6(
f) is a plan view of a blank of material 760 prepared to be formed into a sleeve corresponding the sleeve 20 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The blank of material 760 has a first end 761, which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the first component 11 when assembled. The blank 760 has a second end 762, forming the mouth end of the smoking article 10 in the present example, which surrounds the second filter section 21 when assembled. Adhesive 763 is applied over a portion of the blank 760, extending longitudinally along one edge of the blank 760 in the present example, acting as a seam in order to form a cylinder of sheet material to form the sleeve.

The engaging portion 764 includes first and second non-linear lines of weakness 767a, 767b extending laterally across the blank 760, and separating first and second engaging portion regions 764a, 764b. In the present example, the first and second lines of weakness 767a, 767b extend across the blank 760 in a generally undulating manner. The first line of weakness 767a mirrors the second line of weakness 767b such that a plurality of regions 765 are formed between the first and second lines of weakness 767a, 767b which are generally elliptical in shape. The first and second lines of weakness 767a, 767b are formed as creases in the blank 760 in the present example, although they can be formed in other ways, such as scoring, burning, punching, perforating or partially cutting the blank 760.

In use, the first engaging portion region 764a is folded over the second engaging portion region 764b. The first engaging portion 764a is folded radially inwardly of the sleeve. In the present example, the first engaging portion 764a is folded by approximately 180 degrees. The regions 765 form a first engaging surface when the blank 760 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16.

The regions 765 extend away from the inner surface of the sleeve when formed from the blank of material 760. In the present example, the second engaging surface formed by the regions 765 is extended radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve. The radial extent of the second engaging surface is increased by extending radially inwards from the inner surface of the smoking article 10, compared to the second engaging surface 23 of the sleeve 20 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In other embodiments, the regions 765 may have any other general shape which can be formed in the blank of material 760. For example, the regions 765 may be generally rectangular, trapezoid or triangular.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an extendable smoking article 770 using the inner wrap blank 750 as described with respect to FIG. 5(g), in combination with the sleeve blank 760 as described with respect to FIG. 6(f). In this example, the first component 771 of the smoking article 770 comprises a tobacco rod 773, wrapped in a cigarette paper 774, and a first filter section 775. The first filter section 775 is wrapped with a blank of material 750, substantially as described with respect to FIG. 5(g). The blank 750 forms an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of FIG. 1. The blank 750 is adhered to the first filter section 775 and the tobacco rod 773, such that the tobacco rod 773 is connected to the first filter section 775 by the blank of material 750. The engaging portion 754 is the end furthest from the mouth end of the smoking article 770 is not adhered to the tobacco rod 773 and forms a plurality of regions 755, substantially as described with respect to FIG. 5(g).

The second component 772 of the smoking article 770 comprises a second filter section 781 wrapped in a plug wrap 782, and a blank of material 760 substantially as described with respect to FIG. 6(f). The blank 760 forms an outer sleeve corresponding to the outer sleeve 20 of FIG. 1. The first end 761 of the blank 760, which is the end furthest from the user's mouth, is formed by a fold line 769 in the blank of material 760. The engaging portion 764 is folded radially inward of the sleeve 780 and forms a plurality of regions 765, substantially as described with respect to FIG. 6(f).

The regions 755 of the inner wrap 750 forming the first engaging surface 783 of the first component 771 and are configured to engage with the regions 765 of the outer sleeve 760, which form the second engaging surface 784 of the second component 772. The first and second engaging surfaces 783,784 engage such that relative movement of the first and second components 771, 772 beyond a maximum length is prevented.

The first engaging surface 783 extends radially outwards from the outer surface of the tobacco rod 773. The second engaging surface 784 extends radially inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 760. The radial extents of the first and second engaging surfaces 783, 784 are increased such that there is an increased registry between the first component 771 and the second component 772. Thus, the first and second components 771, 772 are more reliably coupled together.

FIG. 11 shows an example using the inner wrap blank 750 as described with respect to FIG. 5(g), in combination with the sleeve blank 760 as described with respect to FIG. 6(f). Alternatively, the inner wrap blank 750 as described with respect to FIG. 5(g) may be used in combination with any other embodiment shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(f) or, optionally, with a sleeve 20, as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4. The sleeve blank 760 as described with respect to FIG. 6(f) may be used in combination with any other embodiment shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(h) or, optionally, with an inner wrap 16, as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 5(
h) is a plan view of a blank of material 850 for forming an inner wrap corresponding to the inner wrap 16 of the smoking article 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3.

The blank 850 has a first end 851, in the present example the end which is furthest from the user's mouth and surrounds the tobacco rod 13 when assembled. The blank 850 has a second end 852, at the end closest to the user's mouth in the present example, which surrounds the first filter section 15 when assembled.

The blank 850 is arranged to be formed into a cylinder around the core components of the first component 11. However, in the present example, the blank 850 has a length corresponding to approximately twice the circumference of the tobacco rod 13 and first filter 15 of the first component 11. A first half 850a of the blank 850 comprises a first adhesive portion 853a which, in use, is wrapped around the circumference of the tobacco rod 13 and first filter 15 and adheres the tobacco rod 13 to the first filter 15. A second half 850b of the blank 850 comprises a second adhesive portion 853b at the second end 852 to which adhesive is also applied and which, in use, is adhered over the first half 850a of the blank 850. The second half 850b of the blank 850 also includes an engaging portion 854 at the first end 851 of the blank 850, which does not have adhesive applied to it, in a similar way to engaging portions previously described.

The edge of the blank 850 at the first end 851, facing away from the user's mouth in use, forms a first engaging surface 857 when the blank 850 is formed into a cylinder, which corresponds to the first engaging surface 17 of the inner wrap 16. The first adhesive portion 853a adhered to the tobacco rod 13 and about which the engaging portion 854 is wrapped increases the radial extent of the first engaging surface 857, which extends radially outwards from the core components of the first component 11 of the smoking article 10. When the blank 850 is formed around the cylindrical first component 11, the engaging surface 857 extends around an outer surface of the first component 11 and has a radial extent greater than a single thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 850. In the present case, including the thickness of the adhesive portion 853a, the radial extent of the engaging surface is greater than twice the thickness of the sheet material forming the blank 850.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the intention is not limited to these embodiments. For instance, in alternative embodiments, the teeth described herein may have other profiles capable of being formed in the blanks of material. For example, the teeth may be substantially formed in the shape of triangles other than isosceles triangles, for instance equilateral or acute triangular shapes. In some embodiments, the edges of each tooth may extend non-symmetrically away from a line extending laterally across the respective blank in which they are formed. In some examples, the angles at which first and second edges of each tooth extend may be equal and opposite. Alternatively, the teeth may be rectangular, trapezoid, or have edges which are curved in a concave, or optionally convex, manner. Teeth described herein may be formed by punching or cutting the blank of material in which they are formed. The blank of material may be prepared to have lines of weakness, formed by scoring, punching or perforating, which form the side edges of the teeth. The teeth may be encouraged to separate from the core components of the first component 11 or from the surface of the second component 12 by additional folding or embossing of the blank in which they are formed.

The embodiments above have been described as having a second filter section 13 at the second end 27b of the sleeve 20. Alternatively, the sleeve 20 may not contain a second filter section 13. Alternatively, the second filter section 13 may be replaced by a stain binder. The smoking article 10 may not have a first filter section 12. The embodiments described above may have at least one filter section, attached to one or both of the source of smokable material 11 and the second end 27b of the sleeve 20. Alternatively, the smoking article 10 may not include any filter section.

One or more of the first and second filter sections 12,13 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. Alternatively, the filter section may be a single segment incorporating charcoal.

One or more additives or flavourants (where local regulations permit the use of such flavourants) may be present in only one of the first or second filter sections 12,13, or in both first and second filter sections. In particular, the second filter section 13 only may comprise charcoal, and the first filter section 12 may not comprise charcoal. Alternatively, the first filter section 12 only may comprise charcoal, and the second filter section 13 may not comprise charcoal. Alternatively, the sheet material surrounding the tobacco rod 10, first or second filter sections 12,13 may comprise tobacco.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for superior filters, filter production methods, smoking articles and filter production devices. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

SMOKING ARTICLE

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