CA2892039C - Tobacco unit for a smoking article making device - Google Patents
Tobacco unit for a smoking article making device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2892039C CA2892039C CA2892039A CA2892039A CA2892039C CA 2892039 C CA2892039 C CA 2892039C CA 2892039 A CA2892039 A CA 2892039A CA 2892039 A CA2892039 A CA 2892039A CA 2892039 C CA2892039 C CA 2892039C
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- tobacco
- unit
- tobacco unit
- longitudinally extending
- density
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- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 410
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 57
- 244000061176 Nicotiana tabacum Species 0.000 title 1
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 claims abstract description 409
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 45
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 23
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 12
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 10
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- -1 but not limited to Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001328 Polyvinylidene chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000008376 breath freshener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001684 low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004702 low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005026 oriented polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000643 oven drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005033 polyvinylidene chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010186 staining Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
- A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
- A24C5/14—Machines of the continuous-rod type
- A24C5/18—Forming the rod
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
- A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
- A24C5/40—Hand-driven apparatus for making cigarettes
Landscapes
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
- Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
Abstract
There is provided a tobacco unit (200) for use in a making device for smoking articles. The tobacco unit (200) comprises a quantity of shredded tobacco and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco. The quantity of shredded tobacco is suitable for making one smoking article. The tobacco unit (200) is longitudinally extending and has a substantially rectangular cross section. The outer wrapper is open at both ends of the tobacco unit (200). The tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit (200) is between about 5% and about 20% higher than the tobacco density between the ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit (200).
Description
I
TOBACCO UNIT FOR A SMOKING ARTICLE MAKING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tobacco unit for use in a making device for smoking articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a tobacco unit having a preformed substantially rectangular cross section.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a trend among consumers towards roll-your-own and make-your-own smoking articles. Such smoking articles are made using loose, fine-cut tobacco which the consumer rolls into a sheet of paper or inserts into a tube of paper, typically with the aid of a making device. One of the disadvantages of such smoking articles, however, is that smoking articles with variable quality, firmness and resistance to draw are produced, depending on the amount of loose tobacco used by the consumer and the consumer's skill.
Figure 1 schematically shows a making device 100 for smoking articles according to the prior art. The making device 100 includes a base 101 and a lid 103 that is hinged to the base 101 at hinge 105. The base 101 includes a tobacco pressing chamber 107, with an opening 109. The tobacco pressing chamber 107 is for receiving loose tobacco, through opening 109. The end 111 of the lid 103 away from hinge 105 includes an aperture 113. The end 115 of the base 101 away from the hinge also includes an aperture 117. Aperture 117 extends into the tobacco pressing chamber 107. When the lid 103 is closed onto the base 101, aperture 113 in lid 103 aligns with aperture 117 in base 101. The opening 109 of the tobacco pressing chamber 107 is rectangular in shape with a length 119 and a width 121.
During conventional operation, a consumer crumbles loose tobacco into tobacco pressing chamber 107 through opening 109. When the consumer shuts lid 103 on base 101, the tobacco in the tobacco pressing chamber is compressed into a cylinder by compression means (not shown) in the base 101 or in the lid 103 or in both the base 101 and the lid 103. Then, a prefabricated paper tube may be inserted through apertures 113 and 117 and the tobacco cylinder may be pushed into the tube by pushing means (not shown). This produces a smoking article.
EP-A-1,790,240 describes a continuous tobacco slab which may be used in a making device for smoking articles. Although the tobacco slab itself has a substantially uniform composition, a consumer still needs to handle the tobacco slab and select a suitable amount of the slab for use in a making device. In addition, the separation of the tobacco from the tobacco slab might lead to an undesired degradation of some of the tobacco fibres.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It would be desirable to provide an easy to use tobacco material with which a consumer can produce smoking articles in a making device for smoking articles.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a tobacco unit for use in a making device for smoking articles, the tobacco unit comprising: a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit; wherein the tobacco unit is longitudinally extending and has a substantially rectangular cross section.
According to the invention, the tobacco unit may be arranged for use in a making device for smoking articles. The tobacco of the tobacco unit is removed from the outer wrapper and inserted through an opening into a tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. Then the tobacco may be compressed into a cylindrical form, which may then be inserted into a prefabricated paper tube. The prefabricated paper tube may be a filter-tipped paper tube.
According to the invention, the quantity of shredded tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is preferably that quantity needed to fill one prefabricated paper tube. The making device may be any manually operable smoking article making device having a tobacco pressing chamber suitable to receive the tobacco of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit, for example, the "Silver Tip" device manufactured by Gizeh Raucherbedarf GmbH, Germany.
The tobacco unit according to the invention has a number of advantages. The tobacco unit produces a smoking article having a consistent and uniform quality, firmness and resistance to draw. Such consistency and uniformity is difficult to achieve by a consumer
TOBACCO UNIT FOR A SMOKING ARTICLE MAKING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tobacco unit for use in a making device for smoking articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a tobacco unit having a preformed substantially rectangular cross section.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a trend among consumers towards roll-your-own and make-your-own smoking articles. Such smoking articles are made using loose, fine-cut tobacco which the consumer rolls into a sheet of paper or inserts into a tube of paper, typically with the aid of a making device. One of the disadvantages of such smoking articles, however, is that smoking articles with variable quality, firmness and resistance to draw are produced, depending on the amount of loose tobacco used by the consumer and the consumer's skill.
Figure 1 schematically shows a making device 100 for smoking articles according to the prior art. The making device 100 includes a base 101 and a lid 103 that is hinged to the base 101 at hinge 105. The base 101 includes a tobacco pressing chamber 107, with an opening 109. The tobacco pressing chamber 107 is for receiving loose tobacco, through opening 109. The end 111 of the lid 103 away from hinge 105 includes an aperture 113. The end 115 of the base 101 away from the hinge also includes an aperture 117. Aperture 117 extends into the tobacco pressing chamber 107. When the lid 103 is closed onto the base 101, aperture 113 in lid 103 aligns with aperture 117 in base 101. The opening 109 of the tobacco pressing chamber 107 is rectangular in shape with a length 119 and a width 121.
During conventional operation, a consumer crumbles loose tobacco into tobacco pressing chamber 107 through opening 109. When the consumer shuts lid 103 on base 101, the tobacco in the tobacco pressing chamber is compressed into a cylinder by compression means (not shown) in the base 101 or in the lid 103 or in both the base 101 and the lid 103. Then, a prefabricated paper tube may be inserted through apertures 113 and 117 and the tobacco cylinder may be pushed into the tube by pushing means (not shown). This produces a smoking article.
EP-A-1,790,240 describes a continuous tobacco slab which may be used in a making device for smoking articles. Although the tobacco slab itself has a substantially uniform composition, a consumer still needs to handle the tobacco slab and select a suitable amount of the slab for use in a making device. In addition, the separation of the tobacco from the tobacco slab might lead to an undesired degradation of some of the tobacco fibres.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It would be desirable to provide an easy to use tobacco material with which a consumer can produce smoking articles in a making device for smoking articles.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a tobacco unit for use in a making device for smoking articles, the tobacco unit comprising: a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit; wherein the tobacco unit is longitudinally extending and has a substantially rectangular cross section.
According to the invention, the tobacco unit may be arranged for use in a making device for smoking articles. The tobacco of the tobacco unit is removed from the outer wrapper and inserted through an opening into a tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. Then the tobacco may be compressed into a cylindrical form, which may then be inserted into a prefabricated paper tube. The prefabricated paper tube may be a filter-tipped paper tube.
According to the invention, the quantity of shredded tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is preferably that quantity needed to fill one prefabricated paper tube. The making device may be any manually operable smoking article making device having a tobacco pressing chamber suitable to receive the tobacco of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit, for example, the "Silver Tip" device manufactured by Gizeh Raucherbedarf GmbH, Germany.
The tobacco unit according to the invention has a number of advantages. The tobacco unit produces a smoking article having a consistent and uniform quality, firmness and resistance to draw. Such consistency and uniformity is difficult to achieve by a consumer
2 PCT/EP2013/076538 using loose tobacco. The tobacco unit is convenient for a consumer, since the consumer does not need to handle loose tobacco. Also, the substantially rectangular shape of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit advantageously aligns with the opening of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. The substantially rectangular cross section of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit also simplifies the distribution of tobacco in the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device and in a finished smoking article, compared with either loose tobacco or a cylinder, since the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device generally also has a rectangular opening corresponding to the substantially rectangular shape of the tobacco unit.
The term "substantially rectangular cross section" is used throughout the specification to indicate a cross sectional shape comprising two pairs of substantially parallel edges. The corners of the rectangle may be curved. The corners may have a radius, for example a radius with a length of up to 25% of the length of an edge. This may be, for example, due to resetting forces during production. The substantially rectangular cross section is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the tobacco unit.
The outer wrapper is open at both ends of the tobacco unit and this refers to the ends (with a substantially rectangular shape) separated by the longitudinal extent of the tobacco unit.
The longitudinally extending tobacco unit comprises compressed shredded tobacco.
The shredded tobacco may be in cut filler form, for example blended, cased, cut and flavoured tobacco. The strand length and strand width of the shredded tobacco is preferably substantially the same as fine cut used for the manufacture of roll-your-own and make-your-own smoking articles. As used herein, the term "strand" denotes a strip, shred, filament, rod or other elongate element. Processes and apparatus for producing shreds or strands of tobacco material are known in the art. The length of the shreds or strands of tobacco material is preferably about 50 mm or less when uncurled. The width of the shreds or strands of tobacco material may be between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm.
Preferably, the width of the shreds or strands of tobacco material is between 0.4 and about 0.9 mm, more preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 0.7 mm.
The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may comprise tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems. The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may comprise expanded tobacco. Expanded tobacco denotes tobacco that has been treated to increase its bulk volume. The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may comprise reconstituted or homogenised tobacco material. Reconstituted or homogenised tobacco material denotes a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.
The quantity of shredded tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is suitable for making one smoking article. The tobacco unit may comprise any desired quantity of shredded tobacco which is suitable for making one smoking article. The particular quantity
The term "substantially rectangular cross section" is used throughout the specification to indicate a cross sectional shape comprising two pairs of substantially parallel edges. The corners of the rectangle may be curved. The corners may have a radius, for example a radius with a length of up to 25% of the length of an edge. This may be, for example, due to resetting forces during production. The substantially rectangular cross section is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the tobacco unit.
The outer wrapper is open at both ends of the tobacco unit and this refers to the ends (with a substantially rectangular shape) separated by the longitudinal extent of the tobacco unit.
The longitudinally extending tobacco unit comprises compressed shredded tobacco.
The shredded tobacco may be in cut filler form, for example blended, cased, cut and flavoured tobacco. The strand length and strand width of the shredded tobacco is preferably substantially the same as fine cut used for the manufacture of roll-your-own and make-your-own smoking articles. As used herein, the term "strand" denotes a strip, shred, filament, rod or other elongate element. Processes and apparatus for producing shreds or strands of tobacco material are known in the art. The length of the shreds or strands of tobacco material is preferably about 50 mm or less when uncurled. The width of the shreds or strands of tobacco material may be between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm.
Preferably, the width of the shreds or strands of tobacco material is between 0.4 and about 0.9 mm, more preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 0.7 mm.
The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may comprise tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems. The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may comprise expanded tobacco. Expanded tobacco denotes tobacco that has been treated to increase its bulk volume. The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may comprise reconstituted or homogenised tobacco material. Reconstituted or homogenised tobacco material denotes a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.
The quantity of shredded tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is suitable for making one smoking article. The tobacco unit may comprise any desired quantity of shredded tobacco which is suitable for making one smoking article. The particular quantity
3 will depend, for example, on the size of smoking article to be produced from the tobacco unit. This will depend on the size of the making device for use with the tobacco unit.
Preferably, the making device is arranged to be used with prefabricated paper tubes, which may be filter-tipped paper tubes. In this, case the quantity of shredded tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit will depend on the size of the commercially available prefabricated cigarette paper tubes. Preferably, the quantity of tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is that needed to fill a commercially available prefabricated cigarette tube. The particular quantity of shredded tobacco in the tobacco unit will also depend on the desired density of the finished smoking articles. Preferably, each tobacco unit comprises between about 0.3 g and about 1.0 g of shredded tobacco, preferably between about 0.5 g and about 0.8 g of shredded tobacco.
Preferably, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is between about 90 mg/cm3 and about 400 mg/cm3, more preferably between about 90 mg/cm3 and about 300 mg/cm3, even more preferably between about 150 mg/cm3 and about 250 mg/cm3. The term "density" used throughout the specification refers to the tobacco density in the tobacco unit or a continuous tobacco stream. The density can be measured, for example, by the ProScan 2 measuring device available from Hauni, Germany.
The average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is calculated as the weight per unit volume of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the tobacco unit has a density sufficiently high that the shredded tobacco will retain its form (the longitudinally extending shape with a substantially rectangular cross section) when the outer wrapper is removed. As will be understood by the skilled person, the density will be affected by various factors, including but not limited to, the filling capacity of the tobacco in the tobacco unit, the type or types of tobacco in the tobacco unit, the amount of expanded tobacco in the tobacco unit, and the quantity of any other non-tobacco components in the tobacco unit. In addition, the density will be affected by how much the tobacco in the tobacco unit has been compressed or compacted. Preferably, the tobacco unit comprises between about 30% and about 100%
of expanded tobacco, more preferably between about 70% and about 100% of expanded tobacco.
Preferably, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is the same as or slightly less than the average density of the tobacco in an industrially produced cigarette (which is about 240 mg/cm3). For example, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit may be 10% lower than the average density of the tobacco in an industrially produced cigarette. For example, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit may be 20% lower than the average density of the tobacco in an industrially produced cigarette. This is so that, after compression of the tobacco of the tobacco unit, the resulting density is the same as the average density of the tobacco in an
Preferably, the making device is arranged to be used with prefabricated paper tubes, which may be filter-tipped paper tubes. In this, case the quantity of shredded tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit will depend on the size of the commercially available prefabricated cigarette paper tubes. Preferably, the quantity of tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is that needed to fill a commercially available prefabricated cigarette tube. The particular quantity of shredded tobacco in the tobacco unit will also depend on the desired density of the finished smoking articles. Preferably, each tobacco unit comprises between about 0.3 g and about 1.0 g of shredded tobacco, preferably between about 0.5 g and about 0.8 g of shredded tobacco.
Preferably, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is between about 90 mg/cm3 and about 400 mg/cm3, more preferably between about 90 mg/cm3 and about 300 mg/cm3, even more preferably between about 150 mg/cm3 and about 250 mg/cm3. The term "density" used throughout the specification refers to the tobacco density in the tobacco unit or a continuous tobacco stream. The density can be measured, for example, by the ProScan 2 measuring device available from Hauni, Germany.
The average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is calculated as the weight per unit volume of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the tobacco unit has a density sufficiently high that the shredded tobacco will retain its form (the longitudinally extending shape with a substantially rectangular cross section) when the outer wrapper is removed. As will be understood by the skilled person, the density will be affected by various factors, including but not limited to, the filling capacity of the tobacco in the tobacco unit, the type or types of tobacco in the tobacco unit, the amount of expanded tobacco in the tobacco unit, and the quantity of any other non-tobacco components in the tobacco unit. In addition, the density will be affected by how much the tobacco in the tobacco unit has been compressed or compacted. Preferably, the tobacco unit comprises between about 30% and about 100%
of expanded tobacco, more preferably between about 70% and about 100% of expanded tobacco.
Preferably, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is the same as or slightly less than the average density of the tobacco in an industrially produced cigarette (which is about 240 mg/cm3). For example, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit may be 10% lower than the average density of the tobacco in an industrially produced cigarette. For example, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit may be 20% lower than the average density of the tobacco in an industrially produced cigarette. This is so that, after compression of the tobacco of the tobacco unit, the resulting density is the same as the average density of the tobacco in an
4 industrially produced cigarette. For example, when the tobacco unit having a substantially rectangular cross section is compressed into a cylinder in the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device, the resulting density may be substantially the same as the average density of the tobacco of an industrially produced cigarette.
According to the invention, the length in the longitudinal direction of the tobacco unit is greater than the width or height of the tobacco unit. The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may have any desired length but, preferably, the length of the tobacco unit is substantially equal to the length of the filling opening of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. This depends on the desired size of smoking article. In one embodiment in which the making device is arranged to produce conventional sized smoking articles, the length of the tobacco unit is between about 66 mm and about 69 mm. However, for different smoking article lengths, an appropriate length of the tobacco unit may be selected.
Preferably, the smaller dimension of the tobacco unit's substantially rectangular cross section is the width and the larger dimension of the tobacco unit's substantially rectangular cross section is the height. That is, preferably, the height of the tobacco unit is greater than the width of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the ratio of height: width is 2:1 or less. More preferably, the ratio of height: width is between about 1.2:1 and about 1.7:1.
Alternatively, the longitudinally extending tobacco unit may have a substantially square cross section.
The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may have any desired width and height but, preferably, the width of the tobacco unit is substantially equal to the width of the filling opening of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. This depends on the desired size of smoking article. In one embodiment, the width of the tobacco unit is between about
According to the invention, the length in the longitudinal direction of the tobacco unit is greater than the width or height of the tobacco unit. The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may have any desired length but, preferably, the length of the tobacco unit is substantially equal to the length of the filling opening of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. This depends on the desired size of smoking article. In one embodiment in which the making device is arranged to produce conventional sized smoking articles, the length of the tobacco unit is between about 66 mm and about 69 mm. However, for different smoking article lengths, an appropriate length of the tobacco unit may be selected.
Preferably, the smaller dimension of the tobacco unit's substantially rectangular cross section is the width and the larger dimension of the tobacco unit's substantially rectangular cross section is the height. That is, preferably, the height of the tobacco unit is greater than the width of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the ratio of height: width is 2:1 or less. More preferably, the ratio of height: width is between about 1.2:1 and about 1.7:1.
Alternatively, the longitudinally extending tobacco unit may have a substantially square cross section.
The longitudinally extending tobacco unit may have any desired width and height but, preferably, the width of the tobacco unit is substantially equal to the width of the filling opening of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. This depends on the desired size of smoking article. In one embodiment, the width of the tobacco unit is between about
5 mm and about 7 mm, more preferably about 6 mm. Alternatively, the width of the tobacco unit may be up to about 12 mm.
The height of the tobacco unit is not necessarily equal to any dimension of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. Preferably, the height of the tobacco unit is greater than the height of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device.
Depending on the specific design of the making device, this may allow the shredded tobacco to protrude from the top of the tobacco pressing chamber, when the shredded tobacco unit is positioned in the tobacco pressing chamber. A larger amount of tobacco may thus be incorporated when the tobacco is compressed into a cylinder. Since the width of the tobacco pressing chamber is fixed, such an arrangement is not possible with a tobacco unit having a circular cross section, since the height of the cylinder must equal its width. If the height of the tobacco unit is greater than the height of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device, the average density of the tobacco unit may be slightly less than the average density of the tobacco in an industrially produced cigarette.
In one embodiment, the tobacco unit is about 69 mm in length, about 5 mm in width and about 10 mm in height.
The density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit may be substantially uniform along its length. Alternatively, the tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally 5 extending tobacco unit may be higher than the tobacco density between the ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit.
Preferably, the tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is between about 5% and about 20% higher than the tobacco density in the middle of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit. In this way, when the tobacco from the tobacco unit is inserted into a prefabricated paper tube (after being compressed in a tobacco pressing chamber of a making device), the lit end of the smoking article has a higher density than other portions of the smoking article. In addition, the dense ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit reduce the likelihood of loose tobacco shreds dislodging from the tobacco unit, for example during handling and packing of the tobacco unit.
This is advantageous since the outer wrapper is open at both ends of the tobacco unit.
In addition, the dense ends may prevent tobacco shreds from escaping from the smoking article after manufacture.
The moisture content of the tobacco unit may be between about 14% and about 25%
by weight of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the moisture content of the tobacco unit may be between about 16% and 23% by weight of the tobacco unit. Generally, the practical determination of moisture content is the loss in weight of a sample subjected to an oven drying procedure with specific precise definitions.
The outer wrapper may comprise any suitable material or materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paper, plastic, plastic film, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, however, the outer wrapper comprises plastic film or paper. The outer wrapper may be formed from metal foil or metallised paper. The outer wrapper may comprise a transparent polymeric film of, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof. The outer wrapper may be transparent or opaque. The outer wrapper may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans, images, graphics, text and other consumer information and indicia.
The outer wrapper may include a coating. The coating may be on the inner or outer surface of the outer wrapper. The coating may assist in retaining the moisture in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit. The coating may also prevent staining of the outer wrapper.
Preferably, the outer wrapper extends along the entire length of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit. However, the outer wrapper is open at both ends of the tobacco unit.
The height of the tobacco unit is not necessarily equal to any dimension of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. Preferably, the height of the tobacco unit is greater than the height of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device.
Depending on the specific design of the making device, this may allow the shredded tobacco to protrude from the top of the tobacco pressing chamber, when the shredded tobacco unit is positioned in the tobacco pressing chamber. A larger amount of tobacco may thus be incorporated when the tobacco is compressed into a cylinder. Since the width of the tobacco pressing chamber is fixed, such an arrangement is not possible with a tobacco unit having a circular cross section, since the height of the cylinder must equal its width. If the height of the tobacco unit is greater than the height of the tobacco pressing chamber in the making device, the average density of the tobacco unit may be slightly less than the average density of the tobacco in an industrially produced cigarette.
In one embodiment, the tobacco unit is about 69 mm in length, about 5 mm in width and about 10 mm in height.
The density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit may be substantially uniform along its length. Alternatively, the tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally 5 extending tobacco unit may be higher than the tobacco density between the ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit.
Preferably, the tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is between about 5% and about 20% higher than the tobacco density in the middle of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit. In this way, when the tobacco from the tobacco unit is inserted into a prefabricated paper tube (after being compressed in a tobacco pressing chamber of a making device), the lit end of the smoking article has a higher density than other portions of the smoking article. In addition, the dense ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit reduce the likelihood of loose tobacco shreds dislodging from the tobacco unit, for example during handling and packing of the tobacco unit.
This is advantageous since the outer wrapper is open at both ends of the tobacco unit.
In addition, the dense ends may prevent tobacco shreds from escaping from the smoking article after manufacture.
The moisture content of the tobacco unit may be between about 14% and about 25%
by weight of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the moisture content of the tobacco unit may be between about 16% and 23% by weight of the tobacco unit. Generally, the practical determination of moisture content is the loss in weight of a sample subjected to an oven drying procedure with specific precise definitions.
The outer wrapper may comprise any suitable material or materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paper, plastic, plastic film, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, however, the outer wrapper comprises plastic film or paper. The outer wrapper may be formed from metal foil or metallised paper. The outer wrapper may comprise a transparent polymeric film of, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof. The outer wrapper may be transparent or opaque. The outer wrapper may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans, images, graphics, text and other consumer information and indicia.
The outer wrapper may include a coating. The coating may be on the inner or outer surface of the outer wrapper. The coating may assist in retaining the moisture in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit. The coating may also prevent staining of the outer wrapper.
Preferably, the outer wrapper extends along the entire length of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit. However, the outer wrapper is open at both ends of the tobacco unit.
6 PCT/EP2013/076538 In this way, advantageously, tobacco units according to the invention may be manufactured by producing a continuous stream of tobacco, which is wrapped and then cut into suitable length units.
The outer wrapper may include an opening mechanism to assist the consumer to open the outer wrapper.
In one embodiment, the outer wrapper includes a tear tape. The tear tape may be attached to the inner surface of the outer wrapper and may be used to assist the consumer to open the outer wrapper. Preferably, the tear tape extends in the longitudinal direction of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the tear tape extends along one side corresponding to the width of the tobacco unit. This advantageously allows a consumer to grasp the tobacco unit on the two sides corresponding to the height of the tobacco unit, to remove the tear tape and then, while maintaining the substantially rectangular shape of the tobacco unit, to align and release the tobacco into the pressing chamber of a making device.
In one embodiment, the outer wrapper includes perforations. The perforations comprise at least one line of small holes to allow the consumer to tear the outer wrapper along the line. A single row of perforations or a double row of perforations may be provided.
Preferably, the line or lines of perforations extend in the longitudinal direction of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the perforations extend along one side or the edge of one side corresponding to the width of the tobacco unit. This advantageously allows a consumer to grasp the tobacco unit on the two sides corresponding to the height of the tobacco unit, to tear along the perforations and then, while maintaining the substantially rectangular shape of the tobacco unit, to align and release the tobacco into the pressing chamber of a making device.
Other opening mechanisms, for example, a line of weakness on the outer wrapper, may additionally or alternatively be provided.
According to the first aspect of the invention, there is also provided a tobacco unit for use in a making device for smoking articles, the making device having a tobacco pressing chamber for receiving tobacco via an opening in the tobacco pressing chamber, the tobacco unit comprising: a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable, when the tobacco is compressed in the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device into a cylinder for insertion into a prefabricated tube, for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit; wherein the tobacco unit is longitudinally extending and has a substantially rectangular cross section, the length of the tobacco unit being substantially equal to the length of the opening in the tobacco pressing chamber, and one dimension of the substantially rectangular cross section of the tobacco unit being substantially equal to the width of the opening in the tobacco pressing chamber.
The outer wrapper may include an opening mechanism to assist the consumer to open the outer wrapper.
In one embodiment, the outer wrapper includes a tear tape. The tear tape may be attached to the inner surface of the outer wrapper and may be used to assist the consumer to open the outer wrapper. Preferably, the tear tape extends in the longitudinal direction of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the tear tape extends along one side corresponding to the width of the tobacco unit. This advantageously allows a consumer to grasp the tobacco unit on the two sides corresponding to the height of the tobacco unit, to remove the tear tape and then, while maintaining the substantially rectangular shape of the tobacco unit, to align and release the tobacco into the pressing chamber of a making device.
In one embodiment, the outer wrapper includes perforations. The perforations comprise at least one line of small holes to allow the consumer to tear the outer wrapper along the line. A single row of perforations or a double row of perforations may be provided.
Preferably, the line or lines of perforations extend in the longitudinal direction of the tobacco unit. Preferably, the perforations extend along one side or the edge of one side corresponding to the width of the tobacco unit. This advantageously allows a consumer to grasp the tobacco unit on the two sides corresponding to the height of the tobacco unit, to tear along the perforations and then, while maintaining the substantially rectangular shape of the tobacco unit, to align and release the tobacco into the pressing chamber of a making device.
Other opening mechanisms, for example, a line of weakness on the outer wrapper, may additionally or alternatively be provided.
According to the first aspect of the invention, there is also provided a tobacco unit for use in a making device for smoking articles, the making device having a tobacco pressing chamber for receiving tobacco via an opening in the tobacco pressing chamber, the tobacco unit comprising: a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable, when the tobacco is compressed in the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device into a cylinder for insertion into a prefabricated tube, for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit; wherein the tobacco unit is longitudinally extending and has a substantially rectangular cross section, the length of the tobacco unit being substantially equal to the length of the opening in the tobacco pressing chamber, and one dimension of the substantially rectangular cross section of the tobacco unit being substantially equal to the width of the opening in the tobacco pressing chamber.
7 The plurality of tobacco units may be wrapped in a package wrapper. The package wrapper may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, paper, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the package wrapper is formed of metal foil or metallised paper. The package wrapper may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans, images, graphics, text and other consumer information and indicia.
The package may further comprise a container for housing the plurality of tobacco units. The container may take any suitable form for housing consumer goods.
For example, the container may be a hinge-lid container having one or more hinge lids connected to a box housing the tobacco units. Alternatively, the container may be a slide and shell container having an inner slide for housing the tobacco units mounted within an outer shell. Where the container is a slide and shell container, the outer shell or the inner slide may comprise one or more hinge lids.
The container may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the container is formed from one or more folded laminar cardboard blanks. Preferably, the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 g/m2 and about 350 g/m2. The exterior surfaces of the container may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans, images, graphics, text and other consumer information and indicia.
The container may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinal and right-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may comprise .. one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, bevelled longitudinal edges or bevelled transverse edges, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular transversal cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular or hexagonal, or oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular.
Containers may hold tobacco units of the same or different dimensions.
Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the tobacco units, and the collation of the tobacco units. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the package of tobacco units inside the container. The package inside the container may or may not be wrapped in a package wrapper. Advantageously, the tobacco units within the container may be grouped into multiple packages. These packages may be individually wrapped, for example to maintain the moisture of the tobacco. The individual packages may comprise a reclosable feature that allows repeated opening and closing of an individual package.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
The package may further comprise a container for housing the plurality of tobacco units. The container may take any suitable form for housing consumer goods.
For example, the container may be a hinge-lid container having one or more hinge lids connected to a box housing the tobacco units. Alternatively, the container may be a slide and shell container having an inner slide for housing the tobacco units mounted within an outer shell. Where the container is a slide and shell container, the outer shell or the inner slide may comprise one or more hinge lids.
The container may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the container is formed from one or more folded laminar cardboard blanks. Preferably, the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 g/m2 and about 350 g/m2. The exterior surfaces of the container may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans, images, graphics, text and other consumer information and indicia.
The container may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinal and right-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may comprise .. one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, bevelled longitudinal edges or bevelled transverse edges, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular transversal cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular or hexagonal, or oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular.
Containers may hold tobacco units of the same or different dimensions.
Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the tobacco units, and the collation of the tobacco units. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the package of tobacco units inside the container. The package inside the container may or may not be wrapped in a package wrapper. Advantageously, the tobacco units within the container may be grouped into multiple packages. These packages may be individually wrapped, for example to maintain the moisture of the tobacco. The individual packages may comprise a reclosable feature that allows repeated opening and closing of an individual package.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
8 PCT/EP2013/076538 As well as housing a plurality of tobacco units, the container may further comprise other consumer goods, for example matches, filter tubes, lighters, extinguishing means, breath-fresheners or electronics. The other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, contained within the container along with the tobacco units, in a separate compartment of the container or combinations thereof.
A third aspect of the invention is directed to the use of a longitudinally extending tobacco unit having a substantially rectangular cross section to make a single smoking article with a making device, the tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit.
The tobacco unit is arranged for use, for example instead of loose tobacco, in a making device for smoking articles. The tobacco of the tobacco unit may be removed from the outer wrapper and inserted through an opening into a tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. Then the tobacco having a substantially rectangular cross section may be compressed into a cylinder, which may then be inserted into a prefabricated paper tube. The prefabricated paper tube may be a filter-tipped paper tube. The quantity of shredded tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is preferably that quantity needed to fill one prefabricated paper tube. The making device may be any manually operable smoking article making device having a tobacco pressing chamber suitable to receive the tobacco of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for making a single smoking article using a tobacco unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: removing the outer wrapper from the longitudinally extending tobacco unit; inserting the tobacco of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit into a tobacco pressing chamber of a making device for smoking articles;
compressing the tobacco to form a longitudinally extending cylinder; and inserting the longitudinally extending cylinder into a prefabricated tube to thereby create a smoking article.
Preferably, the length of the tobacco unit is substantially equal to the length of a filling opening of the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device. Preferably, one dimension of the substantially rectangular cross section of the tobacco unit is substantially equal to the width of the filling opening of the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device. The prefabricated paper tube may be a filter-tipped paper tube.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing tobacco units according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) producing a continuous tobacco stream; b) providing the continuous tobacco stream with a substantially rectangular cross section; c) wrapping the
A third aspect of the invention is directed to the use of a longitudinally extending tobacco unit having a substantially rectangular cross section to make a single smoking article with a making device, the tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit.
The tobacco unit is arranged for use, for example instead of loose tobacco, in a making device for smoking articles. The tobacco of the tobacco unit may be removed from the outer wrapper and inserted through an opening into a tobacco pressing chamber in the making device. Then the tobacco having a substantially rectangular cross section may be compressed into a cylinder, which may then be inserted into a prefabricated paper tube. The prefabricated paper tube may be a filter-tipped paper tube. The quantity of shredded tobacco in the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is preferably that quantity needed to fill one prefabricated paper tube. The making device may be any manually operable smoking article making device having a tobacco pressing chamber suitable to receive the tobacco of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for making a single smoking article using a tobacco unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: removing the outer wrapper from the longitudinally extending tobacco unit; inserting the tobacco of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit into a tobacco pressing chamber of a making device for smoking articles;
compressing the tobacco to form a longitudinally extending cylinder; and inserting the longitudinally extending cylinder into a prefabricated tube to thereby create a smoking article.
Preferably, the length of the tobacco unit is substantially equal to the length of a filling opening of the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device. Preferably, one dimension of the substantially rectangular cross section of the tobacco unit is substantially equal to the width of the filling opening of the tobacco pressing chamber of the making device. The prefabricated paper tube may be a filter-tipped paper tube.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing tobacco units according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) producing a continuous tobacco stream; b) providing the continuous tobacco stream with a substantially rectangular cross section; c) wrapping the
9 continuous tobacco stream in an outer wrapper; and d) severing the continuous tobacco stream into tobacco units, wherein steps b), c) and d) may be carried out in any order.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method for manufacturing tobacco units for use in a making device for smoking articles, each tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit, the tobacco unit being longitudinally extending and having a substantially rectangular cross section, the method comprising the steps of:
a) producing a continuous tobacco stream; b) providing the continuous tobacco stream with a substantially rectangular cross section; c) wrapping the continuous tobacco stream in an outer wrapper;
and d) severing the continuous tobacco stream into tobacco units, wherein steps b), c) and d) may be carried out in any order.
Preferably, step c) is carried out before step d), in which case the outer wrapper may be severed at the same time as the continuous tobacco stream. This results in the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit.
Preferably, step b) is carried out before step c) so that the outer wrapper provides a snug fit around the continuous tobacco stream.
Preferably, step d) comprises selecting the severing positions such that each tobacco unit has a length substantially equal to the length of a filling opening of a tobacco pressing chamber in a making device.
Preferably, step b) comprises selecting one dimension of the substantially rectangular cross section of the continuous tobacco stream to be substantially equal to the width of a filling opening of a tobacco pressing chamber in a making device.
Preferably, the density of the continuous tobacco stream is higher at the severing positions than the average density of the continuous tobacco stream.
Preferably, step a) comprises providing a continuous tobacco stream having a higher than average density at spaced portions along the length of the stream, and step d) comprises severing the continuous tobacco stream at severing positions aligned with the higher density portions of the continuous tobacco stream.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for packaging tobacco units according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) collating a plurality of the tobacco units; and b) folding at least one packaging blank around the plurality of tobacco units to form a container housing the plurality of tobacco units.
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method for packaging tobacco units for use in a making device for smoking articles, each tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method for manufacturing tobacco units for use in a making device for smoking articles, each tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit, the tobacco unit being longitudinally extending and having a substantially rectangular cross section, the method comprising the steps of:
a) producing a continuous tobacco stream; b) providing the continuous tobacco stream with a substantially rectangular cross section; c) wrapping the continuous tobacco stream in an outer wrapper;
and d) severing the continuous tobacco stream into tobacco units, wherein steps b), c) and d) may be carried out in any order.
Preferably, step c) is carried out before step d), in which case the outer wrapper may be severed at the same time as the continuous tobacco stream. This results in the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit.
Preferably, step b) is carried out before step c) so that the outer wrapper provides a snug fit around the continuous tobacco stream.
Preferably, step d) comprises selecting the severing positions such that each tobacco unit has a length substantially equal to the length of a filling opening of a tobacco pressing chamber in a making device.
Preferably, step b) comprises selecting one dimension of the substantially rectangular cross section of the continuous tobacco stream to be substantially equal to the width of a filling opening of a tobacco pressing chamber in a making device.
Preferably, the density of the continuous tobacco stream is higher at the severing positions than the average density of the continuous tobacco stream.
Preferably, step a) comprises providing a continuous tobacco stream having a higher than average density at spaced portions along the length of the stream, and step d) comprises severing the continuous tobacco stream at severing positions aligned with the higher density portions of the continuous tobacco stream.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for packaging tobacco units according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) collating a plurality of the tobacco units; and b) folding at least one packaging blank around the plurality of tobacco units to form a container housing the plurality of tobacco units.
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method for packaging tobacco units for use in a making device for smoking articles, each tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an
10 outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit, the tobacco unit being longitudinally extending and having a substantially rectangular cross section, the method comprising the steps of: a) collating a plurality of the tobacco units; and b) folding at least one packaging blank around the plurality of tobacco units to form a container housing the plurality of tobacco units.
The method may further comprise, before step b), the step of wrapping the plurality of tobacco units in a package wrapper.
The container may take any suitable form for housing consumer goods, as already described.
Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be applicable to another aspect of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a making device for smoking articles; and Figure 2 shows a tobacco unit according to an embodiment of the invention, for use in the making device of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Figure 2 shows a tobacco unit 200 according to an embodiment of the invention, for use in the making device 100 of Figure 1. The tobacco unit 200 comprises shredded tobacco 201, surrounded by an outer wrapper 203. The tobacco unit 200 has a length 119, a width 121 and a height 123. Outer wrapper 203 surrounds the shredded tobacco 201 along the CA 2892039 2019-10-02 =
The method may further comprise, before step b), the step of wrapping the plurality of tobacco units in a package wrapper.
The container may take any suitable form for housing consumer goods, as already described.
Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be applicable to another aspect of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a making device for smoking articles; and Figure 2 shows a tobacco unit according to an embodiment of the invention, for use in the making device of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Figure 2 shows a tobacco unit 200 according to an embodiment of the invention, for use in the making device 100 of Figure 1. The tobacco unit 200 comprises shredded tobacco 201, surrounded by an outer wrapper 203. The tobacco unit 200 has a length 119, a width 121 and a height 123. Outer wrapper 203 surrounds the shredded tobacco 201 along the CA 2892039 2019-10-02 =
11 PCT/EP2013/076538 entire length 119 of the tobacco unit 200, but the outer wrapper is open at both ends 205 of the tobacco unit 200, thereby exposing the shredded tobacco 201.
When tobacco unit 200 is used in the making device 100 of Figure 1, operation is as follows. A consumer firstly removes the outer wrapper 203 from the shredded tobacco 201.
Then, the consumer inserts shredded tobacco 201 into the tobacco pressing chamber 107 through opening 109. Since the length 119 of the tobacco unit 200 is substantially equal to the length 119 of the opening 109, and the width 121 of the tobacco unit 200 is substantially equal to the width 121 of the opening 109, this allows easy insertion of the shredded tobacco 201 into the chamber 107. When the consumer shuts lid 103 on base 101, the shredded tobacco 201 in the tobacco pressing chamber 107 is compressed into a cylinder by compression means (not shown) in the base 101 or in the lid 103 or in both the base 101 and the lid 103. Then, a prefabricated paper tube may be attached to apertures 113 and 117 and the tobacco cylinder may be pushed into the tube by pushing means (not shown). This produces a smoking article.
Because the consumer does not use loose tobacco in the pressing chamber, the smoking article produced has a consistent and uniform quality, which is difficult to achieve using loose tobacco. The consumer also does not need to handle any loose tobacco. Since the dimensions of the tobacco unit match those of the tobacco pressing chamber opening, it is easy for the consumer to insert the shredded tobacco into the tobacco pressing chamber.
Preferably, the height 123 of the tobacco unit 200 is larger than the height of the tobacco pressing chamber 107. Then, when the consumer inserts the shredded tobacco 201 into the tobacco pressing chamber 107, the shredded tobacco 201 protrudes above the opening 109 until lid 103 is closed onto base 101. Thus, a larger amount of tobacco can be incorporated into a finished smoking article. Since the width of the tobacco pressing chamber is fixed, such an arrangement is not possible with a tobacco cylinder, since the height of the cylinder must match its width. Since the tobacco pressing chamber 107 generally has a rectangular opening, use of a substantially rectangular tobacco unit 200 maximises efficiency of the making device.
Preferably, the average density of the tobacco unit 200 is less than the average density of the tobacco of an industrially produced cigarette. This is so that, after the shredded tobacco 201 has been compressed into a cylinder in the tobacco pressing chamber 107, the resulting density is similar to the average density of the tobacco of an industrially produced cigarette.
When tobacco unit 200 is used in the making device 100 of Figure 1, operation is as follows. A consumer firstly removes the outer wrapper 203 from the shredded tobacco 201.
Then, the consumer inserts shredded tobacco 201 into the tobacco pressing chamber 107 through opening 109. Since the length 119 of the tobacco unit 200 is substantially equal to the length 119 of the opening 109, and the width 121 of the tobacco unit 200 is substantially equal to the width 121 of the opening 109, this allows easy insertion of the shredded tobacco 201 into the chamber 107. When the consumer shuts lid 103 on base 101, the shredded tobacco 201 in the tobacco pressing chamber 107 is compressed into a cylinder by compression means (not shown) in the base 101 or in the lid 103 or in both the base 101 and the lid 103. Then, a prefabricated paper tube may be attached to apertures 113 and 117 and the tobacco cylinder may be pushed into the tube by pushing means (not shown). This produces a smoking article.
Because the consumer does not use loose tobacco in the pressing chamber, the smoking article produced has a consistent and uniform quality, which is difficult to achieve using loose tobacco. The consumer also does not need to handle any loose tobacco. Since the dimensions of the tobacco unit match those of the tobacco pressing chamber opening, it is easy for the consumer to insert the shredded tobacco into the tobacco pressing chamber.
Preferably, the height 123 of the tobacco unit 200 is larger than the height of the tobacco pressing chamber 107. Then, when the consumer inserts the shredded tobacco 201 into the tobacco pressing chamber 107, the shredded tobacco 201 protrudes above the opening 109 until lid 103 is closed onto base 101. Thus, a larger amount of tobacco can be incorporated into a finished smoking article. Since the width of the tobacco pressing chamber is fixed, such an arrangement is not possible with a tobacco cylinder, since the height of the cylinder must match its width. Since the tobacco pressing chamber 107 generally has a rectangular opening, use of a substantially rectangular tobacco unit 200 maximises efficiency of the making device.
Preferably, the average density of the tobacco unit 200 is less than the average density of the tobacco of an industrially produced cigarette. This is so that, after the shredded tobacco 201 has been compressed into a cylinder in the tobacco pressing chamber 107, the resulting density is similar to the average density of the tobacco of an industrially produced cigarette.
Claims (15)
1. A tobacco unit for use in a making device for smoking articles, the tobacco unit comprising:
a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit;
wherein the tobacco unit is longitudinally extending and has a substantially rectangular cross section, the tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 5% and 20% higher than the tobacco density between the ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit, and wherein the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is between 90 mg/cm3 and 192 mg/cm3.
a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit;
wherein the tobacco unit is longitudinally extending and has a substantially rectangular cross section, the tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 5% and 20% higher than the tobacco density between the ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit, and wherein the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit is between 90 mg/cm3 and 192 mg/cm3.
2. A tobacco unit according to claim 1, wherein the moisture content of the tobacco unit is between 14% and 25% by weight of the tobacco unit.
3. A tobacco unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the moisture content of the tobacco unit is between 16% and 23% by weight of the tobacco unit.
4. A tobacco unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cut width of the shredded tobacco is between 0.2 mm and 0.9 mm.
5. A tobacco unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer wrapper comprises plastic film or paper.
6. A tobacco unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer wrapper includes a coating.
7. A tobacco unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer wrapper comprises longitudinal opening means.
8. A tobacco unit according to claim 7, wherein the longitudinal opening means comprise a tear tape or perforations.
9. A package comprising a plurality of tobacco units according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. A package according to claim 9, further comprising a container for housing the plurality of tobacco units.
11. Use of a longitudinally extending tobacco unit having a substantially rectangular cross section to make a single smoking article with a making device, the tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit, the tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 5% and 20% higher than the tobacco density between the ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit, the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 90 mg/cm3 and 192 mg/cm3.
12. A method for manufacturing tobacco units for use in a making device for smoking articles, each tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit, the tobacco unit being longitudinally extending and having a substantially rectangular cross section, the method comprising the steps of:
a) producing a continuous tobacco stream;
b) creating at predetermined locations in the continuous tobacco stream higher-density sections having a tobacco density between 5% and 20% higher than the tobacco density between consecutive sections, and the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 90 mg/cm3 and 192 mg/cm3, c) providing the continuous tobacco stream with a substantially rectangular cross section;
d) wrapping the continuous tobacco stream in an outer wrapper; and e) severing the continuous tobacco stream into tobacco units at positions such that each tobacco unit is provided, at one or both ends, with one of the higher-density sections, wherein steps c), d) and e) are carried out in any order.
a) producing a continuous tobacco stream;
b) creating at predetermined locations in the continuous tobacco stream higher-density sections having a tobacco density between 5% and 20% higher than the tobacco density between consecutive sections, and the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 90 mg/cm3 and 192 mg/cm3, c) providing the continuous tobacco stream with a substantially rectangular cross section;
d) wrapping the continuous tobacco stream in an outer wrapper; and e) severing the continuous tobacco stream into tobacco units at positions such that each tobacco unit is provided, at one or both ends, with one of the higher-density sections, wherein steps c), d) and e) are carried out in any order.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein steps c), d) and e) are carried out in alphabetical order.
14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the density of the continuous tobacco stream is higher at the severing positions than the average density of the continuous tobacco stream.
15. A method for packaging tobacco units for use in a making device for smoking articles, each tobacco unit comprising a quantity of shredded tobacco suitable for making one smoking article; and an outer wrapper enveloping the shredded tobacco, the outer wrapper being open at both ends of the tobacco unit, the tobacco unit being longitudinally extending and having a substantially rectangular cross section, the tobacco density at one or both ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 5% and 20%
higher than the tobacco density between the ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit, and the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 90 mg/cm3 and 192 mg/cm3, the method comprising the steps of:
a) collating a plurality of the tobacco units; and b) folding at least one packaging blank around the plurality of tobacco units to form a container housing the plurality of tobacco units.
higher than the tobacco density between the ends of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit, and the average density of the longitudinally extending tobacco unit being between 90 mg/cm3 and 192 mg/cm3, the method comprising the steps of:
a) collating a plurality of the tobacco units; and b) folding at least one packaging blank around the plurality of tobacco units to form a container housing the plurality of tobacco units.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP12198202.9 | 2012-12-19 | ||
| EP12198202 | 2012-12-19 | ||
| PCT/EP2013/076538 WO2014095629A1 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2013-12-13 | Tobacco unit for a smoking article making device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2892039A1 CA2892039A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
| CA2892039C true CA2892039C (en) | 2021-03-02 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2892039A Active CA2892039C (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2013-12-13 | Tobacco unit for a smoking article making device |
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| Country | Link |
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| EP (1) | EP2934199A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2013363896B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2892039C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2014095629A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA201502619B (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1971869A (en) * | 1932-06-28 | 1934-08-28 | Molins Walter Everett | Cigarette making machine |
| DE8437189U1 (en) * | 1984-12-15 | 1985-05-23 | Eicken, Joh. Wilh. von, 2400 Lübeck | Prefabricated, wrapped, non-smokable tobacco rod in itself |
| CA2133603C (en) * | 1993-10-08 | 2000-08-08 | Heinrich W. Ruppert | Smoking tobacco for user-prepared cigarettes, and a method of production and packaging for same |
| DE19513010B4 (en) * | 1995-04-06 | 2004-04-29 | The House Of Edgeworth Inc. | Tobacco product for the self-manufacture of a cigarette, in particular filter cigarette |
| DE10020146A1 (en) * | 2000-04-12 | 2001-10-25 | Klaus Gaetschmann | Home rolled cigarette and tobacco-plugging appliance, forming appliance for sleeve, filler tube, cutter , base and knife-carriage |
| DE102005048115A1 (en) * | 2005-10-06 | 2007-04-12 | Brinkmann Tabakfabriken Gmbh | Tobacco portion pack |
| US7967018B2 (en) * | 2007-11-01 | 2011-06-28 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Methods for sculpting cigarettes, and associated apparatuses |
-
2013
- 2013-12-13 AU AU2013363896A patent/AU2013363896B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2013-12-13 CA CA2892039A patent/CA2892039C/en active Active
- 2013-12-13 WO PCT/EP2013/076538 patent/WO2014095629A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-12-13 EP EP13818705.9A patent/EP2934199A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2015
- 2015-04-17 ZA ZA2015/02619A patent/ZA201502619B/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2013363896A1 (en) | 2015-06-11 |
| WO2014095629A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
| CA2892039A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
| AU2013363896B2 (en) | 2017-07-20 |
| ZA201502619B (en) | 2016-09-28 |
| EP2934199A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20181113 |