Patent Description:
<CIT>) discloses controlled release flowable flavoring powders and processes and apparatus for preparing and using such agents, the processes including: heating a high melting point encapsulating or enrobing material, such as a fat and/or wax and one or more emulsifiers to melt this starting material; mixing one or more water-containing flavor compositions with a texture conditioning agent; mixing the flavor compositions and texture conditioning agent(s) with the molten fat or wax to obtain a homogeneous mixture in the form of an emulsion; and chilling the flavor composition-containing mixture to provide discrete particles of solid encapsulated flavoring agent, together with the products so produced and methods for using same. <CIT>) discloses a method of forming a flavor delivery system for tobacco, including blending a flavor material with a molten first wax material to form a first molten blend and atomizing the first molten blend to form a plurality of core particles. Then the method includes blending the core particles with a molten second wax material to from a second molten blend and atomizing the second molten blend to form a plurality of encapsulated core particles.

According to the invention, there is provided a method of making a tobacco product as defined by independent claim <NUM>. Further advantageous features of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.

Improved delivery through controlled release of the at least one additive material to smoking articles may be achieved through the use of one or more flavorant particles, which are preferably solidified molten chunks or frangible flavored particles, containing the at least one additive material. The flavorant particle(s) or frangible flavored particles can be inserted axially into an opening formed between, for example, a pair of cellulose acetate plugs, and/or within a plug of cellulose acetate. The flavorant particle, when exposed to mainstream smoke and/or released on demand by mechanical interaction by a smoker, releases the additive material.

As shown in <FIG> , a smoking article <NUM>, for example, a cigarette, contains two sections, a tobacco-containing portion sometimes referred to as the tobacco or cigarette rod <NUM>, and a filter portion or filter <NUM>. Tipping paper typically surrounds the filter <NUM>, which forms the mouth end of the cigarette. The tipping paper overlaps with the tobacco rod in order to hold the filter and tobacco rod together. The tobacco rod <NUM>, or tobacco containing element of the cigarette, includes the paper wrapper in which the tobacco is wrapped and the adhesive holding the seams of the paper wrapper together. The tobacco rod <NUM> has a first end, which is integrally attached to the filter, and a second end, which is lit or heated for smoking the tobacco. When the tobacco rod <NUM> is lit or heated for smoking, the smoke travels from the lit end
downstream to the filter end of the tobacco rod and further downstream through the filter.

The filter <NUM> can be used with traditional cigarettes and non-traditional cigarettes. Non-traditional cigarettes include, for example, cigarettes for electrical smoking systems as described in commonly-assigned <CIT> ; <CIT> ; <CIT> ; <CIT> ;<CIT>; <CIT> ; and <CIT>.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a flavored medium, for example, a flavor bead or matrix of beads and/or flavored chunks <NUM> can be placed in a single plug-space-plug configuration ( <FIG> and <FIG> ) or in a multiple plug-space-plug configuration within the filter ( <FIG> ) or evenly distributed in a filter ( <FIG> ) of a smoking article <NUM> that releases flavor by being crushed, rubbed, or by mechanical means. The flavor beads and/or flavored chunks <NUM> may be designed in a way that mechanical interaction with the medium releases the flavor. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, based on the interaction with the flavor beads and/or the flavored chunks <NUM>, the consumer can choose not to add additional flavor by not interacting with the medium, or alternatively, additional flavor can be added based on the amount of interaction with the medium.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavor beads (with or without tobacco or tobacco flavor/extract) or flavor chunks <NUM> can be fabricated by using techniques such as spheronization, spray-chilling, and/or extrusion processes. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavor release profile of the flavor beads or chunks <NUM> can be modified by using a fluidized bed coating and/or a pan coating to produce, for example, beads with a core-shell structure or matrix structure with or without layering. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, depending on the method of manufacturing of the flavored beads and/or flavor chunks <NUM>, the beads and/or chunks <NUM> produced can exhibit various flavor delivery profiles.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, each bead <NUM> can have a core (matrix) and may include one or more layers surrounding the core. The layers can include a coating/binder and may include additional flavor, tobacco/tobacco flavor, and any other additive or combination thereof. For example, the matrix and/or core may include a carbohydrate, a water soluble or insoluble polymer, a flavorant, or a combination thereof. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the core of the flavored bead <NUM> preferably has a diameter of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavored beads <NUM> preferably have a generally round outer diameter.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> can be prepared by solidifying molten food grade wax containing flavor(s) using a spray-chilling process. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the method can include melting a food grade wax and a flavorant into a molten wax, solidifying the molten wax, and grinding the solidified molten wax into a plurality of flavorant particles. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, for example, the molten wax can be sprayed chilled into a chamber of cold air, which hardens or chills the molten wax into solid particles.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, for spray-chilled particles, the particles, preferably have a uniform diameter of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the size of the flavorant particles <NUM> can be controlled by one or more of the following: flow rate of molten wax, nozzle size, pressure, and/or a combination thereof. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, for example, two or more sizes of spray-chilled particles <NUM> can be combined in, for example, a tobacco filter, or a moist smokeless tobacco product.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the molten wax can be injected or sprayed into an air chamber having a temperature of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. For example, for use in a cigarette filter, the molten wax preferably has a melting temperature of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more preferably, a melting temperature of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the melting temperature of the wax is preferably greater than about <NUM> such that during transportation and/or storage of, for example, tobacco products, the wax does not melt from ambient or surrounding temperatures, and is less than about, for example, <NUM>, such that, for example, heat from a filter end of tobacco rod can melt the flavorant particles to release the flavorant.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, for use with moist smokeless tobacco products, the melting temperature of the molten wax can be between, for example, <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more preferably, a melting temperature of about <NUM> to about <NUM> such that the flavorant particles <NUM> can release the flavorant by mechanical interaction rather than exposure to heat.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, for the method, which includes melting a food grade wax and a flavorant into a molten wax, solidifying the molten wax, and grinding the solidified molten wax into a plurality of flavorant particles, each of the plurality of flavorant particles or chunks after grinding of the solidified molten wax can have a diameter (or size) ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more particularly a diameter (or size) ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> preferably has an irregular shape, for example, not round.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the ground flavorant particles can be placed through a sieve such that the flavorant particles have a size ranging from about <NUM> to <NUM>, and more particularly placing the flavorant particles through a sieve such that the flavorant particles have a size ranging from about <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, a sieve such as a No. <NUM> (US) or a <NUM> Mesh (Tyler) having a <NUM> opening to a No. <NUM> (US) or a <NUM> Mesh (Tyler) having a <NUM> opening could be used.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the wax can be, for example, beeswax. In addition, waxes such as shellac, paraffin, carnauba, candelilla, and/or polyethylene waxes can be used. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, two or more different waxes can be combined. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the two or more waxes can be combined to have a melting temperature of between, for example, about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the wax can be Compritol® <NUM>.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of making smoking articles, such as cigarettes includes providing a cut filler to a cigarette-making machine to form a tobacco portion (for example, a tobacco column), placing a paper wrapper around the tobacco column to form a tobacco rod <NUM>, and attaching a filter <NUM> to the tobacco rod to form the cigarette <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the filter <NUM> can include one or more flavorant particles or flavor chunks <NUM>, and more preferably a plurality of flavorant particles or flavor chunks <NUM>. Advantageously, for example, a plurality of flavorant particles or flavor chunks <NUM> can provide more surface area, for example, than a single bead.

The term "mainstream smoke" includes the mixture of gases and/or aerosols passing down a cigarette <NUM>, such as a tobacco rod <NUM>, and issuing from an end, such as through the filter end, for example, the amount of smoke issuing or drawn from the mouth end of a cigarette during smoking of the cigarette <NUM>. The mainstream smoke contains air that is drawn in through the heated region of the cigarette <NUM> and through the paper wrapper.

As shown in <FIG> , the filter <NUM> can include a filter subassembly <NUM> having a first absorbent member <NUM> and a second absorbent member <NUM> with a cavity <NUM> provided between the first and second absorbent members <NUM>, <NUM>. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a third absorbent member <NUM>, for example, in the form of a quantity of activated carbon can be provided on a first side of the filter subassembly <NUM> and a fourth absorbent member <NUM> can be provided on a second side of the filter subassembly <NUM>. The fourth absorbent member <NUM> may also contain a quantity of activated carbon wherein the sorbent articles are distributed in the filamentary tow. In exemplary embodiments, absorbent members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be filter plugs including cellulose acetate plugs.

"Smoking" of a cigarette <NUM> is intended to mean the heating, combusting or otherwise causing a release of certain chemicals from tobacco. Generally, smoking of a cigarette involves lighting one end of the cigarette and drawing the smoke downstream through the mouth end of the cigarette, while the tobacco contained therein undergoes combustion, pyrolysis, or distillation of volatiles. However, the cigarette may also be smoked by other ways. For example, the cigarette may be smoked by heating the cigarette using an electrical heater, as described, for example, in commonly-assigned <CIT>; <CIT> ;<CIT>or<CIT>.

Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, blends thereof, and the like. The tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, tobacco lamina, processed tobacco materials, such as volume expanded or puffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems, such as cut-rolled or cut-puffed stems, reconstituted tobacco materials, blends thereof, and the like. Tobacco substitutes may also be used.

In traditional cigarette manufacture, the tobacco is normally used in the form of cut filler, i.e., in the form of shreds or strands cut into widths ranging from about <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> inch) to about <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> inch) or even about <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> inch). The lengths of the strands range from between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The cigarettes may further comprise one or more flavors, or other suitable additives (e.g., burn additives, combustion modifying agents, coloring agents, binders, etc.).

The filter material of the filter <NUM> may be any of the variety of fibrous materials suitable for use in tobacco smoke filter elements. Typical fibrous materials include cellulose acetate, polypropylene, or paper. Preferably, the absorbent materials (or filter material) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> will be cellulose acetate.

Various cigarette filter constructions may be used, in which one or more flavorant particles may be incorporated. Exemplary filter structures that may be used include, but are not limited to, a mono filter, a dual filter, a triple filter, a single or multi cavity filter, a recessed filter, a free-flow filter, combinations thereof, and the like. Mono filters typically contain cellulose acetate tow or cellulose paper materials. Pure mono cellulose filters or paper filters offer good tar and nicotine retention, and are highly degradable. Dual filters typically comprise a cellulose acetate mouth end and a pure cellulose or cellulose acetate segment. The length and pressure drop of the segments in a dual filter may be adjusted to provide optimal sorption, while maintaining acceptable draw resistance. Triple filters may include mouth side and smoking material or tobacco side segments, and a middle segment comprising paper. Cavity filters include at least two segments, for example, acetate-acetate, acetate-paper, or paper-paper, separated by at least one cavity. Recessed filters include an open cavity on the mouth side. The filters may also be ventilated and/or comprise additional sorbents, catalysts or other additives suitable for use in the cigarette filter.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the filter <NUM> of an exemplary embodiment of a cigarette <NUM> may be constructed with an upstream sorbent and a downstream flavorant particle. A sorbent, for example, activated carbon, can be located in a cavity at a distance from one or more flavorant particles, which can be located in a second section or portion of a filter spaced from the sorbent. Such arrangement would allow for the filtration of the cigarette to be accomplished by the sorbent, and for the flavor to be disposed within the cigarette without the effectiveness of the flavor being affected by absorption or adsorption by the sorbent.

As used herein, the term "sorption" denotes filtration by adsorption and/or absorption. Sorption is intended to encompass interactions on the outer surface of the sorbent, as well as interactions within the pores and channels of the sorbent. In other words, a "sorbent" is a substance that may condense or hold molecules of other substances on its surface, and/or take up other substances, for example, through penetration of the other substances into its inner structure, or into its pores. As used herein, the term "sorbent" refers to an adsorbent, an absorbent, or a substance that may perform both of these functions. As used herein, the term "remove" refers to adsorption and/or absorption of at least some portion of a constituent of mainstream tobacco smoke.

While any suitable material may be used as a sorbent, preferred embodiments can include activated carbon sorbents or microporous materials. The sorbent may be any material, which has the ability to absorb and/or adsorb gas constituents on the surface thereof or to assimilate such constituents into the body thereof. If desired, the sorbent can incorporate catalyst material therein. By way of example, sorbent materials may include, but are not limited to, carbons such as activated carbon, aluminas, silicates, molecular sieves, and zeolites and may be used alone or in combination. In a preferred embodiment, the sorbent material is activated carbon.

Microporous materials (for example, microporous sorbents) such as, for example, an activated carbon can be used to filter out gas constituents from cigarette smoke. The microporous sorbent may have pores with widths or diameters of less than about 20Å. While microporous materials can be useful for filtering cigarette smoke, microporous materials may also hinder a cigarette designer's ability to add volatile flavor components like menthol, for example. In particular, microporous sorbents tend to adsorb and/or absorb the flavor components during the time between cigarette manufacture and use by the consumer, thus reducing the effectiveness of the flavor components in the cigarette.

In addition to the reduction of the effectiveness of the flavor components due to the adsorption/absorption by the microporous sorbents, two additional problems are also encountered when the flavor component migrates to and is adsorbed/absorbed by the sorbent. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavor component may occupy active sites in the sorbent; thereby reducing the sorbent's ability to remove targeted gas phase constituents from smoke. In addition, because the flavor component is often strongly adsorbed/absorbed by the sorbent, the flavor component may not be sufficiently releasable. As such, separation between the microporous materials and the flavor components, or other additives is desired.

The term "additive material" means any material or component, which modifies the characteristics of a cigarette when the cigarette is smoked. Any appropriate additive material or combination of materials may be contained inside the one or more flavorant particles to modify the characteristics of the cigarette <NUM>. Such additive materials can include flavors, neutralizing agents, and other smoke modifiers, such as chemical reagents like <NUM>-aminopropylsilyl (APS). Additionally, the additive materials may also include diluents, solvents or processing aids that may or may not impact the sensorial attributes of the mainstream smoke but aid in processing of an additive and its encapsulation and presentation in a cigarette.

In an exemplary embodiment, the additive materials may include one or more flavors, such as liquid or solid flavors and flavor formulations or flavor-containing materials. The term "flavor" or "tobacco flavor" may include any flavor compound or tobacco extract suitable for being releasably disposed in liquid form within one or more flavorant particles to enhance the taste of mainstream smoke produced, for example, by a cigarette.

Suitable flavors or flavorings can include, but are not limited to, menthol, mint, such as peppermint and spearmint, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath freshener flavors, spice flavors such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavor. Other suitable flavors may include flavor compounds selected from the group consisting of an acid, an alcohol, an ester, an aldehyde, a ketone, a pyrazine, combinations or blends thereof and the like.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, for example, the flavorant particles <NUM> can include about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% flavor or flavoring by weight, and <NUM>% to <NUM>% wax by weight, and more preferably about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% flavor or flavoring by weight, and <NUM>% to <NUM>% wax by weight. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the molten wax includes <NUM>% flavor and <NUM>% wax by weight, for example,.

In one embodiment, the additive material may serve as a chemical reagent for one or more components of mainstream smoke. Such an additive material may include, by way of example, a chemical additive, which interacts with the one or more components in mainstream smoke. For example, see commonly assigned <CIT> and <CIT> , which discuss reagents.

The flavorant particles in the filter arrangement provide advantages particularly for cigarettes containing activated carbon. By placing the flavorant particles in the filter downstream from activated carbon in cigarettes containing activated carbon in the filter, adsorption of released additive material by the activated carbon and consequent deactivation of the carbon is substantially prevented. Thus, where the additive material is a flavor component, flavor adsorption by the activated carbon during storage of cigarettes and during smoking is substantially prevented.

By incorporating the additive material such as solid, vapor, or liquid in one or more flavorant particles in a filter, loss of flavor to side stream smoke is substantially reduced and less or none of the flavor component is pyrolyzed during the smoking of the cigarette. In addition, by positioning the one or more flavorant particles containing the additive material in the filter section, the activated carbon can maintain its ability to modify cigarette smoke, which includes removing volatile organic components, such as <NUM>,<NUM>-butadiene, acrolein and isoprene from mainstream smoke.

The term "releasably disposed" as used herein refers to the containment and release of additive materials in flavorant particles such that the additive materials are sufficiently contained to substantially avoid or minimize unwanted migration, such as, for example, during storage. This term also includes, but is not limited to, the additive materials in the flavorant particle being mobile enough to be released from the flavorant particle when, for example, the flavorant particle is broken or opened by mechanical force. For example, the flavorant particle may be released on demand by mechanical interaction by squeezing a portion of a cigarette filter containing the flavorant particle, thus releasing the additive material from within the flavorant particle.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portion of a cigarette filter <NUM> according to an embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the filter <NUM> includes a first absorbent material <NUM>, a second absorbent material <NUM>, and a cavity <NUM> between the first and second absorbent materials <NUM>, <NUM>. The first absorbent member <NUM> is generally cylindrical in shape and defines a first end surface <NUM>. The first end surface <NUM> of the first absorbent member <NUM> forms a first end <NUM> for the cigarette filter <NUM>. The second absorbent member <NUM> is also generally cylindrical in shape and defines a second end surface <NUM>. The second end surface <NUM> of the second absorbent member <NUM> forms a second end <NUM> of the cigarette filter <NUM>. The first and second absorbent members <NUM>, <NUM> are enclosed about their outer surface by a cover <NUM> in the form of a suitable conventional plug wrap.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> can be provided between the first absorbent member <NUM> and the second absorbent member <NUM>. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> preferably contain a releasable additive, which can be a solid or fluid material, such as a liquid or vapor, for modifying characteristics of tobacco smoke during smoking of the cigarette <NUM>. The flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> release at least a portion of the additive material when the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> are subjected to a mechanical force, such as by squeezing by the smoker. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> preferably have an irregular shape.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the first and second absorbent members <NUM>, <NUM> are comprised of cellulose acetate. In a preferred embodiment, the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> comprise a plurality of flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> provided between the first and second absorbent members <NUM>, <NUM>.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> may be formed in a variety of physical formations including singular part or multipart flavorant particles or chunks <NUM>. The flavorant particles <NUM> may be present in the filter section of a cigarette in a dispersed arrangement if small flavorant particles are provided, or may be present in one or more cavities <NUM>, <NUM> within the filter <NUM>.

When the additive material of the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> of the cigarette <NUM> is released on demand by mechanical interaction, the additive material is released from the flavorant particle. Mainstream smoke can flow from the tobacco rod <NUM> through the second absorbent member <NUM> and then through the first absorbent member <NUM>. Dilution air may flow through the steam-set cellulose acetate annular layer or over wrap. The two flows can be adjusted by adjusting the cellulose acetate filtration efficiency, through the use of dilution holes, etc. The flavorant particle can be suitable for use with cigarettes that include an activated carbon in the filter <NUM>. The flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> may contain flavor components and may also contain components that facilitate selective filtration of the mainstream smoke and which are also released prior to smoking of the cigarette <NUM>.

The first and second absorbent members <NUM>, <NUM> can be adjusted in size, density and composition to achieve different levels of dilution, resistance to flow and delivery.

In order to release the contained additive material from the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM>, an external force, such as a mechanical action, can be applied. One preferable method of applying the external force would be to have a user squeeze or exert an external force on a filter containing the flavorant particle prior to or during the smoking of the cigarette. The squeezing action or application of external force preferably would break the flavorant particle <NUM> or at least partially deform a primary reservoir, which in turn would cause a displacement of mechanically locked or sealed in place internal components of the flavorant particle. This displacement would then create one or more open spaces between internal components through which at least a portion of the additive material may be released from the flavorant particle <NUM>, for example, liquid and/or vapor can be released from the flavorant particle <NUM> to modify the tobacco smoke passing through the filter. The acting force can be in a direction along or across the cigarette axis. Torsion may also be applied. An external device, such as a pinching device, a tube squeezing device, tweezers or any other device for applying torsion or compression forces, may also be used to concentrate the force at a prescribed filter location repeatedly.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavorant particles <NUM> as disclosed herein can be combined with an orally-enjoyed plant material, for example, a moist smokeless tobacco, such as snuff and/or snus. For example, some users of moist smokeless tobacco products such as snuff and/or snus products may notice certain negative flavor characteristics associated with bitterness, astringency, acridness, flavor harshness, and/or aftertaste. Thus, flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> as disclosed herein can be placed in a moist smokeless tobacco or snus product and by mechanical interaction, the flavorants can be released.

A preferred smoking article <NUM>, in the form of a cigarette would include a tobacco rod <NUM> integrally attached to a filter <NUM>, where the filter <NUM> would include at least one flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> containing an additive material for modifying the characteristics of the cigarette smoke.

Preferably, the filter <NUM> is arranged with the one or more flavorant particles <NUM> placed downstream from, for example, a sorbent material with a filter material, for example, a plug of cellulose acetate <NUM>, <NUM> between the one or more flavorant particles <NUM> and the sorbent material or at the mouth end of the filter with one or more flavorant particles <NUM> placed between the mouth end of the filter or between the filter and the mouth end of the filter.

The flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> may be of any size suitable for use in a smoking article, such as a cigarette, or for a moist smokeless tobacco product, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, and <NUM> to more than <NUM>. For traditional cigarettes, each of the plurality of flavorant particles <NUM> preferably has a diameter, for example, of about <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably, for example, about <NUM> to <NUM>.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> may contain flavor cores, which may be hydrophobic such as mint oil, menthol or other additives as mentioned above.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a filter <NUM> having a matrix of flavorant particles <NUM> for a smoking article <NUM> according to an embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the filter includes a first absorbent material <NUM> having a plurality of flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> embedded in the first absorbent material <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a filter <NUM> for a smoking article <NUM> according to an embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the filter <NUM> includes a first absorbent material <NUM>, a second absorbent material <NUM>, a third absorbent material <NUM>, and a cavity (first cavity) <NUM> between the first and second absorbent materials <NUM>, <NUM>, and second cavity <NUM> between the second and third absorbent materials <NUM>, <NUM>. The third absorbent member <NUM> is between the first cavity <NUM> and the second cavity <NUM>. The first, second, and third absorbent members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM> can be enclosed about their outer surface by a cover <NUM> in the form of a suitable conventional plug wrap.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM>, can be at least partially filled with one or more flavorant particles <NUM>. The flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> in the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM> can be the same and/or a different flavorant, can be the same or a different size of flavorant particles, and/or can be a combination thereof.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, each of the flavorant particles (or chunks) <NUM> contains a releasable additive, which can be a solid or fluid material, such as a liquid or vapor, for modifying characteristics of tobacco smoke during smoking of the cigarette <NUM>. The flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> release at least a portion of the additive material when the flavorant particles or chunks <NUM> are subjected to a mechanical force, such as by squeezing by the smoker.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a filter <NUM> for a smoking article <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the filter <NUM> includes a first absorbent material <NUM>, a second absorbent material <NUM>, and a cavity <NUM> between the first and second absorbent materials <NUM>, <NUM>. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cavity <NUM> is filled with a plurality of flavorant particles (or chunks) <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method of making a tobacco product, the method comprising:
melting a food-grade wax and a flavorant into a molten wax, the molten wax having a melting temperature ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>;
preparing solid flavorant particles from the molten wax by one of:
(A) solidifying the molten wax to form a solidified wax, and
grinding the solidified wax into the solid flavorant particles, or
(B) spray-chilling the molten wax into the solid flavorant particles; and
forming the tobacco product including the solid flavorant particles, the solid flavorant particles including the flavorant in an amount ranging from <NUM> weight percent to <NUM> weight percent.