Methods of manufacturing cigarettes and filter subassemblies with squeezable flavor capsule

A method of manufacturing cigarette filter subassemblies comprising the steps of:

• A. providing a filter member comprised of absorbent material surrounded by a cover, the filter member defining a longitudinal center axis;
• B. passing a plunger axially through the absorbent material such that a generally pointed leading end of the plunger displaces the absorbent material radially outwardly, wherein the displaced absorbent material forms a liner along an inside surface of the cover and defines a hollow axial opening within the absorbent material;
• C. axially inserting at least one absorbent member and at least one capsule into the hollow space, the capsule containing a releasable material for modifying characteristics of tobacco smoke during smoking;
• and
• D. providing a coating on an inner surface of the liner which is substantially impermeable to the releasable material in the at least one capsule prior to step C,
• wherein the coating is provided by applying to an outer cylindrical surface of the plunger, a binder material which is transferred to the inner surface of the liner as the liner is being formed.