WO2014064726A1

WO2014064726A1 - Filter for manually making cigarettes and kit for smokers

Info

Publication number: WO2014064726A1
Application number: PCT/IT2013/000296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe MAROTTA
Original assignee: Matmind S.R.L.
Priority date: 2012-10-25
Filing date: 2013-10-24
Publication date: 2014-05-01
Also published as: EP2911535A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter for manual cigarettes consisting of a paperboard foil (2) provided with predefined folding lines (4) or predefined, parallel, perforated lines, which are preferably 2, 3, 4 or also 5 or 6 in number, having the dual function of allowing separation of the filter from the block (1) by means of tearing, so as to choose the preferred length of the filter, and pre-folding in zigzag shape of the filter before rolling it up about a number of parallel perforated lines (4) so that it assumes preferably the form of an S or a Z or an M at the pre-folded front end, and then rolling-up of the rest of the foil as far as the zone which is provided with an adhesive strip (5) for gluing this end onto the rolled-up filter, before moistening the adhesive. The invention also comprises a kit for smokers containing papers for cigarettes made by hand using loose tobacco, filter foils, preferably a lighter and/or filters in tube form, and/or loose filters and/or a packet of tobacco, where the filter foils are preferably those of the invention.

Description

FILTER FOR MANUALLY MAKING CIGARETTES AND KIT FOR SMOKERS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a filter for hand-rolled cigarettes, designed to be rolled up to the desired length with a front end folded in zigzag shape so as to form preferably an S or a Z or an M, and fixed in position once formed.

The invention also relates to a kit for smokers which comprises the aforementioned filter.

Prior Art

Blocks or packages containing paperboard filters to be rolled up and used by adding them to hand-rolled cigarettes are known; these filters generally have a predetermined size and cannot be reliably and stably fixed in their rolled-up position during use, nor it is possible to repeat the operation every time with the same results.

Description of the invention

The object of the invention is to improve the design of filters of known type, allowing some of the drawbacks of filters of the prior art to be overcome.

In particular, an object of the invention is to allow one to choose the preferred size of the filter to be rolled up, also providing the best size for easier and more comfortable gripping.

Another object of the invention is to provide predefined scoring and/or folding lines for facilitating and allowing folding of the foil prior to rolling up, so as to improve the function of the filter with an initial zigzag configuration forming preferably an S or a Z or an M shape.

A further object of the invention is to allow the rolled-up structure obtained to be fixed in a simple and reliable manner.

According to the present invention it is envisaged arranging paperboard elements which constitute the foils for forming the filters grouped together in block form and fixing thereof is preferably performed by means of a non- toxic adhesive cloth tape.

Each paper or paperboard foil which forms the filter, once folded and rolled up according to the invention, is provided, at the end where the foils which form the filters are attached in block form, with predefined folding lines or preferably predefined, parallel, perforated lines, which are preferably in number of 2, 3, 4 or also 5 or 6, having the dual function of allowing separation of the filter from the block by means of tearing, so as to choose the preferred length of the filter, and pre-folding of the filter in zigzag shape, before rolling it up, about a number of scored lines such that it assumes preferably an S or a Z or an M shape at the pre-folded front end, and then rolling-up of the remainder of the paperboard as far as the zone provided with a strip of non-toxic type adhesive, such as natural arabic gum, for gluing this end onto the rolled-up filter, prior to moistening the adhesive.

The number of folding lines need not be binding, however it must be such as to ensure an optimum compromise between easy handling for preparation of the filters and a better drawing action of the cigarette inside which said filter is inserted, maintaining for each hand-made filter the same smoking and gripping characteristics. This uniformity and repeatability is not possible in the case of the filters formed for example in spiral shape because the winding is never constant.

The adhesive provided on one side of the paperboard which forms the filter is deposited so as to form a strip of arabic gum, or other non-toxic adhesive material with similar characteristics, which generally will consist of the same adhesive material used to seal the cigarette papers.

The filter foil or paperboard for filters is made of materials which are known per se, but will preferably consist of paper or paperboard which is obtained from cellulose pulp usually originating from soft woods such as fir or poplar. The filter according to the invention may also be obtained from cotton, linen or hemp fibres and mixtures thereof, as well as recycled paper. The basic weight has a range which may vary between 160 g/m² and 260 g/m² depending on the material used, and is preferably 200 g/m². This foil or paperboard element is of the type which has a porosity such as to allow the arabic gum of the adhesive strip, once spread, to stay in position, without shrinking, remaining adherent without drying and without contracting. On some other types of paperboard, for example of the smooth non-porous Bristol type, when the adhesive has dried, the strip disappears after a few days.

The filter according to the invention may advantageously form part of a kit for smokers who prefer to prepare the cigarettes themselves using cigarette papers and loose tobacco, then hand-rolling these papers, instead of using pre-manufactured industrial cigarettes.

Moreover the kit according to the invention envisages preferably one or more packages containing papers for cigarettes to be rolled up by hand, whereby these papers may be of the type for long cigarettes and/or short cigarettes, which may or may not comprise a strip of adhesive along their entire length, so as to allow sealing thereof.

The kit also includes one or more blocks of foils for forming filters for the hand-rolled cigarettes. Each foil forming a filter is designed to be rolled up with a length as required, depending on the easy tear line provided on the foil itself, with the possibility also of folding a front end in zigzag shape, preferably forming an S or a Z or an M and ensuring the definitive rolled-up configuration by means of activation of a strip of adhesive preferably consisting of natural arabic gum, substantially as described above.

Finally, the kit may include at least one lighter and, together with or instead of the blocks of foils for forming filters, may comprise one or more packets of pre-formed filters in tube or stick form and/or loose filters and/or a packet of tobacco.

The kit according to the invention provides a set of elements for smokers which are combined in a single easy and compact package which comprises papers and filters for making hand-rolled cigarettes using loose tobacco, as well as a lighter, and in some cases a packet of tobacco and/or loose filters and/or filters in tube or stick form.

Brief Description of the Figures

The present invention will now be described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it being understood that constructional variations may be made without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a block of paperboard foils for filter according to the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 show a schematic perspective view of the respective opposite sides of a single foil according to the invention, Figure 2 showing the side without the glue zone, while Figure 3 shows the side with the glue zone;

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show schematic perspective views of a filter foil during subsequent folding steps starting from the configuration shown in Figure 2;

Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a filter foil according to the invention with the part provided with glue ready to be made sticky;

Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a filter ready for use; and

Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a cigarette in which the filter according to Figure 8 has been inserted;

Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a kit for smokers, formed by a box containing for example at least one packet of filters in tube or stick form and/or loose filters and/or a packet of tobacco, at least one packet of papers for making hand-rolled cigarettes, and a lighter;

Figure 11 shows a schematic perspective view of another kit for smokers, formed by a box containing for example at least one packet of filters in block form, as described above, at least one packet of short and/or long papers for making hand-rolled cigarettes, and a lighter;

Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative kit for smokers, formed by a bag of the resealable type containing for example at least one packet of filters in block form, as described above, at least one packet of short and/or long papers for making hand-rolled cigarettes and a lighter and/or filters which are in tube form and/or loose, and/or a packet of tobacco.

Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

With reference to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a general view of the block 1 of filter foils. The block 1 has a front cover 10 and a rear side 12 which are joined together by means of a spine 11. Figures 2 and 3 show, respectively, two sides of a single filter foil 2 detached directly from the spine 11 of the block 1. The end of the foil indicated by 3 is the end attached to the spine 11 of the block 1 by means of a cloth tape or the like (not shown in detail). This filter foil 2 has predefined folding lines or perforated lines 4 which are preferably at least 2, 3, 4 or also 5 or 6 in number, provided on the end part where the various foils are attached inside the block, while an adhesive strip 5 is provided on the opposite side. The choice of material for this adhesive strip is of fundamental importance since it must be able to be easily moistened, it must be able to adhere to the foil which forms the filter, and it must be non-toxic since it must be placed in the mouth. A suitable material for the adhesive is for example natural arabic gum, in particular suitable for gluing sheets or paperboard elements with non-smooth or glossy surfaces, and therefore the foils 2 in this case consist of paper material of the paperboard type, for example which is embossed or has a porosity such as to allow the arabic gum of the adhesive strip, once spread, to stay in position without shrinking, but to remain adherent without drying and without contracting. If other types of paperboard, for example smooth and non-porous Bristol paperboard, is used, once the glue has dried, it has been noticed that, after a few days, the strip of arabic gum contracts until it disappears.

From this point of view, particularly advantageous is a filter consisting of the foil 2 with an overall length of the order of 6 cm where the length A shown in Figure 2 indicates the part without predefined folding lines 4 which is rolled up onto the part folded in an S, Z or M shape, as shown more clearly in Figures 6 to 8. Advantageously also the length A of the paper foil, measured from the innermost folding line thereof, is within the range of 5.4 - 2.5 cm, or 5.2 - 3.0 cm, or 5.0 - 3.5 cm and the number of folding lines 4 is between 2 and 5, and preferably 3 or 4.

Advantageously, the spacing between the folding lines may be in the following ranges: 3-7 mm, 4-6 mm, preferably about 5 mm. These combinations ensure an optimum drawing action for the smoker, uniform repeatability, even in the case where the filters are handmade, owing to the presence of the gluing zone; the glue in fact allows the number of folds to be fixed at the chosen length for the foil.

Preferably, according to the invention, the width of the filter foils is 2.5 cm and the technique of folding the area provided with predefined folding lines or preferably perforated lines 4 allows comfortable gripping of the cigarette and greater solidity thereof and of the filter, and also prevents the tobacco from coming out of the cigarette once rolled up.

Moreover, owing to the specified ratio between the length of the foil and the number of folding lines, it is possible to obtain an optimum drawing action which is prechosen by the smoker and which will remain the same for all the hand-made filters, thus ensuring that uniformity and repeatability which other hand-made filters cannot offer.

The attached arrangement of the filter foils 2, which is achieved using adhesive cloth tape at the end 3 where the predefined folding lines or the predefined perforated pre-scoring lines 4 are formed, allows the foils may be torn off at the desired length.

With reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6, these show a preferred method of performing folding along the predefined folding lines or the predefined perforated lines 4 (Figures 4 and 5) and of rolling up the rest of the foil 2 around the predefined folding lines or the predefined perforated pre-scoring lines 4 which have been duly folded (Figure 6), so as to obtain the rolled-up filter configuration with the sticky portion 5 which is yet to be moistened (Figure 7) and folded over onto the rest of the rolled-up filter, so that it may be fixed in the closed position, as shown in Figure 8.

At this point the filter is placed on the cigarette paper, the tobacco is added and the cigarette is rolled-up in the known manner, as shown in the perspective view of Figure 9. In this way the filter thus obtained forms an integral part of the cigarette and not an additional part separate from the cigarette. A preferably S-shaped fold is visible inside the filter thus formed, this preventing the tobacco from coming out or being sucked in by the smoker during use.

The attached arrangement of the filter foils 2, which is preferably achieved using adhesive cloth tape at the end 3 thereof, allows the foils may be torn off at the desired length along the predefined perforated pre-scoring or pre-folding lines 4.

The kit as shown in Figures 10-12 in an example of embodiment may also be designed so as to contain a packet of loose tobacco for forming hand-rolled cigarettes or may be combined with a packet of loose tobacco.

With reference to the drawings, Figure 10 shows a box 100 which preferably displays the contents consisting, for example, in Figure 10, of a packet 102 of filters in stick form, a packet of cigarette papers 103 and a lighter 104.

With reference to Figure 11, the box displays different contents of the smokers' kit, consisting, alternatively, of a block 105 of filter foils, a packet 103 of papers for hand-rolling long and/or short cigarettes, as well as a lighter 104.

Figure 12 shows, alternatively, a resealable bag 106 which is used as a packaging for the kit instead of the box, while the contents may remain the same as described above.

Claims

1. Filter for hand-rolled cigarettes consisting of a foil (2), generally made of paper or paperboard, provided with predefined folding lines (4) or predefined, parallel, perforated lines having the function of allowing separation, by means of tearing, of the filter from a block (1) to which the foil is attached, said lines (4) being between 2 and 6 in number, and the overall length of the foil (2) being 6 cm, the foil being further provided with an adhesive strip (5) for gluing this end onto the rolled- up filter.

2. Cigarette filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the foil (2) is pre-folded in zigzag shape along the predefined folding lines (4) or along the predefined, parallel, perforated lines, which are preferably 2-5 or 2-4 or 3 or 4 in number, about a number of parallel perforated lines (4), so that it assumes the form of an S or a Z or an M at the pre-folded front end, before rolling up the rest of the foil.

3. Cigarette filter according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the strip of adhesive (5) is a strip of arabic gum.

4. Cigarette filter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the foils (2) which form the filter are made of paper material of the porous or embossed paperboard type having a porosity such as to allow the arabic gum of the adhesive strip (5), once spread, to remain adherent without contracting.

5. Cigarette filter according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the length A of the foil (2), measured from the innermost folding line thereof, is within the range of 5.4 - 2.5 cm, or 5.2 - 3.0 cm, or 5.0 - 3.5 cm, or 5.0 - 3.5 cm, and the number of folding lines (4) is between 2 and 5, and preferably 3 or 4.

6. Cigarette filter according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the spacing between the folding lines (4) varies within the following ranges: 3-7 mm, 4-6 mm, and is preferably about 5 mm.

7. Method for forming the cigarette filter according to any one of claims 1-6, comprising the steps of: pre-folding the foil (2) in zigzag shape along pre-defined folding lines or predefined perforated lines and then rolling up the paper or paperboard foil (2) about these lines along which it has been duly folded, so as to obtain the rolled-up filter configuration with the adhesive portion (5) which is yet to be moistened and then folded over onto the rest of the already rolled-up filter, so that it may be fixed in the closed position.

8. Method according to claim 7, comprising the further step of placing the filter on a cigarette paper, adding a quantity of tobacco and rolling it up so as to form a cigarette.

9. Cigarette comprising the filter according to any one of claims 1- 6.

10. Set of foils for filters according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the various paper or paperboard foils (2) are grouped and attached together so as to form a block (1).

11. Set of foils for filters according to claim 10, characterized in that the various paper or paperboard foils (2) are attached by means of nontoxic adhesive cloth tape in order to form the block (1) and in that the folding lines (4) or perforated lines of the foils (2) are provided on the end part where the foils are attached, while the adhesive strip is provided on the opposite end.

12. Kit for smokers, characterized in that it comprises one or more packets containing papers for cigarettes to be made by hand and one or more packets containing sets of filter foils (2) according to either one of claims 10 and 11.

13. Kit for smokers according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises at least one lighter and/or at least one packet of tobacco.

14. Kit for smokers according to either one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the container of the kit is chosen in the form of a resealable box (101) or a resealable bag (106).