Multi-segment filter tube

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter tube, the filter tube comprising an empty paper tube and a filter attached to the empty paper tube, wherein the filter comprises a first filter segment, a second filter segment and a third filter segment, wherein the first filter segment is located at the mouth end of the filter tube, the second filter segment is located upstream of the second filter segment and the third filter segment is located upstream of the second filter segment. The invention further concerns a method of making such a filter tube. The filter tube is suitable for make-your-own cigarettes.

1 . A filter tube comprising an empty paper tube and a filter attached to the empty paper tube, wherein the filter comprises a first filter segment, a second filter segment and a third filter segment, wherein the first filter segment is located at the mouth end of the filter tube, the second filter segment is located upstream of the first filter segment and the third filter segment is located upstream of the second filter segment. 
     
     
         2 . A filter tube according to  claim 1 , wherein the second filter segment comprises at least a first filter component and a second filter component, wherein the first filter component is a filtration material. 
     
     
         3 . A filter tube according to  claim 2 , wherein the second filter component is one of a particulate material, a liquid, a thread or a capsule. 
     
     
         4 . A filter tube according to  claim 3 , wherein the particulate material comprises activated charcoal particles. 
     
     
         5 . A filter tube according to  claim 4 , wherein the carbon loading of the second segment is between about 2 mg/mm and about 7 mg/mm. 
     
     
         6 . A filter tube according to  claim 1 , wherein the second segment has a diameter between about 4 mm and about 10 mm. 
     
     
         7 . A filter tube according to  claim 1 , wherein the second segment has a length between about 4 mm and about 17 mm. 
     
     
         8 . A filter tube according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter comprises at least one layer of plug wrap, wherein the plug wrap joins at least two segments to one another, and wherein the filter tube further comprises a tipping paper that joins the filter to the paper tube. 
     
     
         9 . A filter tube according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter comprises a fourth segment located between the first segment and the third segment. 
     
     
         10 . A smoking article comprising a tobacco rod and a filter tube, wherein the filter tube is a filter tube according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . A container comprising one or more filter tubes according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . A method of making a filter tube comprising the steps of
 providing a first filter segment;   providing a second filter segment;   forming a multi-segment filter with three, four or five segments, wherein the forming step comprises combining the first filter segment and the second filter segment;   wrapping the filter with cigarette paper, thereby creating an empty paper tube.   
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the forming step comprises alternatingly combining first filter segment and second filter segments into a stream of adjacent filter segments. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the forming step further comprises wrapping the stream of adjacent filter segments into plug wrap. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the forming step further comprises severing at least some of the first filter segments such that third filter segments are created. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein providing the second filter segment comprises providing a second filter segment with at least a first filter component and a second filter component, wherein the second filter component is one of a particulate material, a liquid, a thread or a capsule. 
     
     
         17 . A filter tube according to  claim 3 , wherein the empty paper tube defines an empty cavity upstream of the filter. 
     
     
         18 . A filter tube according to  claim 3 , wherein the filter comprises at least one layer of plug wrap, wherein the plug wrap joins at least two segments to one another, and wherein the filter tube further comprises a tipping paper that joins the filter to the paper tube. 
     
     
         19 . A filter tube according to  claim 3 , wherein the empty paper tube extends to one side of the filter and is suitable for housing a column of tobacco. 
     
     
         20 . A smoking article comprising a tobacco rod and a filter tube, wherein the filter tube is a filter tube according to  claim 18 .