GB528492A - Improvements in or relating to the wrapping or packing of cigarettes or other rod-like articles - Google Patents

Abstract

528,492. Packing cigarettes. HARVEY, V. P., MAPSTONE, H. C., and MOLINS MACHINE CO., Ltd. May 8, 1939, No. 13765. [Class 94 (i)] Relates to a method of wrapping-up a batch containing an odd number of rod-shaped articles, particularly nine cigarettes. According to the invention, a package comprises two side - by - side groups 7, Fig. 13, each consisting of two continuous rows, and a single cigarette disposed between the groups and engaged by the inner cigarettes of each group. The cigarettes fall from a hopper into the spaces between vertical partitions 6, Fig. 3, whence they are fed in two superposed rows by a pusher 2 along a bedplate between vertical guides which squeeze the cigarettes slightly into a batch. For the purpose of the invention, one row contains five cigarettes and the 'other contains four, and this arrangement may be obtained by movable plates 9, 10 which project into one of the spaces in the feeder and are withdrawn alternately to release a single cigarette. Another means consists of a stop fixed in one of the spaces to prevent a cigarette from falling into the bottom row. The batch so fed is carried to a wrapping device; but before a wrapper is applied, the middle cigarette of the row containing five is moved to its final position. This may be done by a member which is moved through a slot in the bed to move the middle cigarette. Alternatively, the batch is moved 'over a wedge-shaped piece which extends lengthwise in the direction of movement of the batch. The middle cigarette also may be positioned in the feeder by making the middle two partitions 6, Fig. 14, shorter than the others, and curving their lower ends 60 inwards to support the cigarette. Also, a projection may be provided on the floor of the feeder to support the middle cigarette.