Additive release component

Abstract

An additive release component ( 14 ) for use in a smoking article is disclosed. The additive release component comprises a rupturable shell containing an additive ( 15 ), wherein the component is configured to eject the additive into the filter of the smoking article in a predetermined direction in response to compression of the component. Filters ( 12 ) and smoking articles ( 10 ) containing the additive release component are also provided.

1 . An additive release component for use in a smoking article having a filter, the component comprising a rupturable shell containing an additive, wherein the component is configured to eject the additive into the filter of the smoking article in a predetermined direction in response to compression of the component. 
     
     
         2 . The component according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell has a three-dimensional shape which causes it to rupture in a predictable and consistent way in response to compression. 
     
     
         3 . The component according to  claim 2 , wherein the three-dimensional shape of the shell concentrates compressive force applied to the additive release component on a limited area of the shell so that the shell ruptures in a predetermined region. 
     
     
         4 . The component according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell has a three-dimensional shape which forces the contained additive in a pre-determined direction at least one of prior to and upon rupture of the shell. 
     
     
         5 . The component according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell has a three-dimensional shape which is not symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article into which it may be incorporated. 
     
     
         6 . The component according to  claim 1 , wherein the additive release component is not spherical. 
     
     
         7 . The component according to  claim 1 , wherein the additive release component is ovoid, conical, hemispherical, trapezoidal, or pyramidal. 
     
     
         8 . The component according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell does not include an area or line of weakness formed by creating a recess, hole or groove in the shell. 
     
     
         9 . A filter for a smoking article comprising an additive release component, the component comprising a rupturable shell containing an additive, wherein the component is configured to eject the additive into the filter of the smoking article in a predetermined direction in response to compression of the component. 
     
     
         10 . The filter according to  claim 9 , further comprising a secondary element. 
     
     
         11 . The filter according to  claim 10 , wherein the secondary element is a support structure within which the additive release component is positioned. 
     
     
         12 . The filter according to  claim 10 , wherein the secondary element comprises a wicking element. 
     
     
         13 . The filter according to  claim 9 , wherein the additive release component is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the filter. 
     
     
         14 . The filter according to  claim 13 , wherein the additive is released from the component in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter. 
     
     
         15 . A smoking article comprising an additive release component, the component comprising a rupturable shell containing an additive, wherein the component is configured to eject the additive into a filter of the smoking article in a predetermined direction in response to compression of the component. 
     
     
         16 . The smoking article according to  claim 15 , wherein the filter comprises the additive release component. 
     
     
         17 . The smoking article according to  claim 16 , further comprising a secondary element, the secondary element comprising a support structure within which the additive release component is positioned. 
     
     
         18 . The smoking article according to  claim 17 , wherein the secondary element comprises a wicking element. 
     
     
         19 . The smoking article according to  claim 16 , wherein the additive release component is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the filter. 
     
     
         20 . The smoking article according to  claim 16 , wherein the additive is released from the component in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter.