US2584060A - Apparatus for individually wrapping cigarettes - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 29, 1952 C. S. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES 9 Sheets-5heet 1 Original Filed Nov. 29, 1946 Jan. 29, 1952 c. s. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Nov. 29, 1946 Jan. 29, 1952 s. STEPHANO 2,584,060

APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES Original Filed Nov. 29, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jan. 29, 1952 c. s. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES Origirial Filed Nov. 29, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jan. 29, 1952 c s. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Nov. 29, 1946 Jan- 29, 1 c. s. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Nov. 29, 1946 in 227m 6 93s hzmfmm WW Jan. 29, 1952 c. s. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Original Filed Nov. 29, 1946 Ky firs Jan. 29, 1952 c. s. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed Nov. 29, 1946 Jan. 29, 1952 c, s, STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES 9 SheetsSheet 9 Original Filed Nov. 29, 1946 m wiz QN Patented Jan. 29, 1952 APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING CIGARETTES Constantine S. Stephano, Elkins Park, Pa., as-

signor to Stephano Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Original application November 29, 1946, Serial No. 712,956, now Patent No. 2,446,618, dated August 10, 1948. Divided and this application- December 11, 1947, Serial No. 791,002

6 Claims. (CI. 53-85) v This invention relates to new and useful improvements in apparatus for producing wrapped articles and is a division of my copending application Serial No. 712,956, filed November 29, 1946 and issued as Patent No. 2,446,618 on August 10, 1948. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel apparatus for producing individually wrapped cigarettes.

It is well-known to smokers of cigarettes that once the conventional package of cigarettesis opened the tobacco in the cigarettes becomes dry in a relatively short time with resulting deterioration in the smoking qualities of the cigarette. In addition to this, it has not been possible heretofore to vend cigarettes individually, for example, in coin operated machines in railroad terminals, restaurants, and other public places of a similar nature, due to the fact that there has been no provision available for protecting the individual cigarette from the deleterious effect of the surrounding atmosphere or air.

With the foregoing in mind, one object of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus for producing articles of merchandise comprising a single cigarette having an hermetically sealed moisture-proof wrapper thereabout.

Anotherobject of the invention is to provide a novel apparatus for producing articles of merchandise comprising a single cigarette having a thermally sealed moisture-proof wrapper thereabout together with means of opening the wrapper-to permitaccess to the cigarette.

is neatandcompact and which may be packaged in the same machines'as cigarettes devoid of such wrappers without adjusting such machines.

These and other objects of the invention and the various features and details of the construc- -tion and manufacture thereof are hereinafter fully set forth and described with reference 'to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a view in perspective showing an individually wrapped cigarette embodying the pres ent invention.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Figl-showing the wrapped. cigarette after the tear strip portion 2 thereof has been removed by pulling upon the tear tape.

Fig. 3 is aview similar to Figs. Land 2 showing the upper severed section of the wrapper being removed.

Fig-4 1s a view similar to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 showing the smoker removing the cigarette from the lower severed section of the wrapper.

Figs. 5A, 5B and 50, respectively, are diagrammatic views in perspective of successive portions of an apparatus according to. the present invention. which is operable to produce the article of merchandise shown in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view (in perspective) taken on lines 6-B, Fig. 5A.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view taken on line 'l-'l, Fig. 6. 1

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section of the portion of Fig. 7 bounded by dot and dash lines.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective showing a portion of the continuous wrapper web with the tear tapes secured in position thereon.

Fig. 10. is anwenlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line llll II, Fig. 5A.

Fig. .11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line ll-l [,Fig. 5A.

.Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line I 2-42, Fig. 5A.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view partially in section of the portion of the apparatus embraced within the bracket designated by the letter X in Fig. 53.

Fig. 14. is a. sectional view taken on line 14-44, Fig. 13.,

Fig. 15 is a partial sectional view taken on line l5l 5, Fig. 5B.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 16-46, Fig. 5B.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line ll-l I, Fi 53.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line Ill-I8, Fig. 53.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 19-49. Fig. 5B.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of the tubular wrapper and cigarette construction after sealing of the longitudinal wrapper seam and prior to the cutting of the continuous tube into successive sections each containing a single cigarette.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 2l--2l,Fig.20.

- 3. Fig. 22 is a view in perspective of a section cut from the continuous tube construction of Fig. 20. Fig. 23 is a view in perspective from the rear of the portion of the machine shown in Fig. C.

Fig. 24. is an enlarged fragmentary view of that portion of the machine embraced by line 24-44, Fig. 23.

Fig. is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on line 25--25, Fig. 23.

Fig. 26 is a view in perspective of the novel article of merchandise contemplated by the present invention; and l r r Fig. 2'7 is an enlarged end view of the article shown in Fig. 26.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 4 thereof, there is illustrated an article of merchandise which comprises an individual or single cigarette or like article I provided witha wrapper 2 thereabout that is. composed of moisture-proof cellophane or similar flexible material having associated therewith a tear tape or the like 3 which may be used foropening the wrapper preparatory to removing: the

same. r I

As shown in the drawings, the tear tape 3 is arranged 'circumferentially of the cigarette i internally of the wrapper 2 to which it is secured, for example, by heat sealing, and an end portion of the tape 3 extends or projectsfreely outwardly from the lapped longitudinal edge portions of the wrapper so that it may readily be grasped by the fingers of a person desiring to open the wrapper. To facilitate tearing of the wrapper 2 by means of the tear tape 3 the wrapper is provided with relatively short slits or cuts 4 in the exposed longitudinal edge. thereof adjacent opposite sides of the tear tape 3. l

The wrapper 2 is of cylindrical cross-section shape and snugly embraces the cigarette I. The lapped longitudinal'edges. of the wrapper 2- are sealed together, preferably by heat sealing, to

provide an air-tight. seam. 5 lengthwise. of the wrapper 2, and the end portions of the wrapper 2 are tucked anclfolded over the ends of the cigarette as at 6 and likewise sealed to provide a completely moistureandair-tight enclosure for the cigarette I.

Opening of the wrapper 2. to obtain access to the cigarette I may be accomplished'as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawing, for example, by holding the wrapped cigarette. in the fingers. of onehand, grasping the free endofxthe tear tape '3-with theiingers of: the other hand and: drawing it in a direction circun'lferentiallyv of the cigarette counterclockwise with respect to Figs. iv andv 2. Drawing the teal-tape 3 in this manner operates to sever a strip from the wrapper 2 circumferentially of the cigarette substantially. midway between the ends thereof so that the wrapper 2 is divided into sections as. shown in Fig. 2v which may be removed readily and easily from opposite endsofthe cigarette in the mannershown, for example, in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings.

The novel article of merchandise just described comprising a single cigarette contained within a moisture-proof wrapper provided with; a. tear tape for opening the same may be produced, for example, as diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. 5A, 5B and 56 of. the drawings. Thus, in accordance with. the. present invention. and referring. to Fig. 5A of the drawings, a continuous strip or web ID of material having moisture-proof properties is fed froma supply roll; it which is suitably mounted; upon; a. supporting shaft l2.

The width of the web in transversely thereof is such as to permit it to be wrapped circumferentially about a cigarette or similar article with sufficient overlap at its edges to provide 'a longitudinal seam which may be sealed against the penetration of moisture and air. Preferably the web Ii] is composed of moisture-proof cellophane or other similar transparent material having thermoplastic or heat-sealing properties. From the roll II the' web l0 passes about rolls i3 and l4,

. selected speed in theclockwise direction by a gear Simultaneously with the feed of the web I0, a

. narrow tape 19 is fed continuously from a roll 20' over a support 21 arranged transversely of the course of travel of the web Ill and thence onto a drum 22 against which said tape is initially urged by means of a pressure wheel 23 having a rubber or other resilient periphery 24.. Preferably the tape I9 is. composed of cellophane or similar material and it. is generally desirable that it. be of a. contrasting color to the web I0.

-As shown. in. Fig. 6 of the drawings, the drum 22 has av hollow internal chamber 25 therein and communicating from this chamber. outwardly to the periphery of said drum is aplurality of radial ports, or passages 26 arranged. circumferentially of the, drum. Connected to the internal chamber 25. of. the drum 22 through an opening 21 is a suction line28 which, operates through the chamber 25 and radial passages 26 to retain the nanrow tape 19 against the periphery of the drum 22, as itrotates in the counterclockwise direction with respect. to- Figs. 5A and 6. In'orderto prop.-

erly locate the narrow tape ISupon. thedrum withreference to the ports or passages 26 therein the periphery of the drum 22 preferably is providedwithacircumferential groove, for example, as indicated at 29 in Fig. 8. The drum 22 is mounted ona shaft 22a and driven in timed relation tothespeed of travel of the web i0.

Associated with the-drum2 2 isacutting mechanism. 3i which is rotationally driven in timed relation to the drum- 22: by a. gear 32 which is meshed with a. gear 30 on drum shaft-22a. The

cutting mechanism 3| is provided with hardened steel cutting elements 33. arranged to cooperate with hardened steel inserts 34 disposed trans: versely in the peripheral surface of the drum 22 to sever the narrow tape [9- thereon into sue.- cessive tape sections, of predetermined. equal length. In this connection it is to be noted that the radial ports or passagesv 26 in the drum 22 are arranged. circumferentially thereof in groups of four alternately with. the hardened steel inserts. 34: so that there is thus presented to each successive section cut from the tape I9 a: plurality of suction passages 26 for holding each section against the. drumv 2.2 as counterclockwise rotation thereof continues.

It is to be noted with reference to Fig. 6 of. the drawings. that the inner openings of the; ports or passages 26 in the drum 22 areclosed at. their inner ends over about one-half. the-circumference of theinternal chamber 25 by meansxof. ashield or plate 35 which serves to prevent air from being drawn into the drum chamber 25 through the passages 26. as the latter, traverse thatv portion of each revolution of the drum 22 m whichs'aid passages 26; are. notcovered by the. narrowtape ill or the cut sections thereof. In addition; the shield or plate. 35; operatesto break or. interrupt the suction and. thereby releasethe severed. sections of the narrow tape l9 from the drum 22 as said cut tape sections are moved successively into position for transfer to an underlying transfer cylinder 36.

With reference to Fig. '7 of the drawings, there is formed in the transfer cylinder 36 an internal chamber 31 from which an aligned series of ports 38 communicate radially outward and are arranged to underlie the cut sections of the tape I9 that are brought into position by the drum 22 for transfer to the cylinder 36. In this connection and with reference to Fig. 8, it is to be noted that the cylinder 36 is provided with a longitudinally extending shoulder 36a of relatively shallow depth which performs the dual function of picking the tear tape sections from the drum 22 during the transfer operation and of accurately aligning the said sections axially of the cylinder 36 in overlying relation with respect to the suction ports 38. A suction line 39 is connected to the chamber 31 and this suction force is utilized to retain the cut tape sections in position upon the transfer cylinder'36 during transfer movement of the latter. The transfer cylinder 36 is rotationally journaled in a bearing 40 and is driven in timed relation to the drum I6 by means of a gear 4| which is meshed with the gear I8 on the shaft I! of said drum I6.

Referring to Fig. 7 of the drawings, the drum I6 is hollow and rotates about an internal housing 42 that forms, in conjunction with the inner surface of the drum I6, a suction chamber 43 of relatively small arcuate length with respect to the over-all circumference of the drum l6.

' Formed transversely in the drum I6 are groups of a plurality of ports or passages 44 which are arranged circumferentially of the drum I6 at versely thereof in accurate registry with the underlying transverse tear tapes 3. The heating mechanism 46 is fixed upon a shaft 4'! that is rotatably driven by means of a gear 48 from a gear 49 driven from the main drive of themachine. An electric current is supplied to the resistance coils 50 of the heater elements 460. from contact rings 52 by means of conductors 5|, the said rings 52 being rotatable with shaft 41 and engaging a pair of fixed resilient contacts 53.

- Continued rotation of the drum I6 with the web I0 and associated sealing tapes 3 advances the web ID for engagement by a suitable cutting mechanism 54 having diametrically arranged 7 pairs of cutting elements 54a that operate to spaced intervals equal to the circumference of the transfer cylinder 36 so that the series of 'ports 38 in the latter. will register with a suction, arrangement and operation of the drum Z2, transfer cylinder 36 and drum I6 is such that the successive tear tapes 3 will be transferred by the cylinder 36 from the drum 22 to the periphery of the drum I6 in overlying relation with respect to each successive group of the ports or passages 44 therein so that said tear tapes 3 will be held accurately in position transversely upon the drum I6 by the suction force created internally of the chamber 43.

Held upon the drum I6 in the described positions the tear tapes 3 are carried by the drum I6 into underlying association with the continuously advancing web III. In this connection it is to be noted that the tear tapes 3 have a length somewhat greater than the width of the continuous Web ID so that one end portion of the tear tapes 3 projects or extends freely beyond one lateral edge Illa of the web III, for example,

as indicated in Fig. 6.

As clockwise rotation of the drum I6 continues carrying with it the continuous web I0 and associated tear tapes 3, the said tear tapes 3 are secured to the web ID by means of a suitable heat-sealing mechanism 46 having diametrically spaced apart heater elements 46a adapted successively to engage the continuousweb I0 transproduce the relatively short tear slits orcuts 4 inwardly of the edge Illa of the web II) at opposite sidesof each transverse tear tape -3 as shown in Fig. 9 of the drawings. As in the case of the heat sealing mechanism 46, the cutting mechanism 54 is rotatably driven in predetermined timed relation with respect to the drum I6.

Soon after leaving the cutting mechanism 54 the web I0 and associated tear tapes 3 leaves the drum I6, passing about a roll 55' and pursues a horizontal course of travel upon a support or platform 56 against which it is retained by one or more rolls 51, 51a. H

As the web I0 passes about the roll 51a it leaves the support 56 and travels upwardly about a roll 58 and then into overlying contact with a continuous belt 60 in the relation shown. in Fig. 11 just after the belt leaves a roll 6| and prior to entering the horn portion 62 of a web former 63, which operates in the manner hereinafter described to form the web Ill into a tube circumferentially about a series or succession of aligned equally spaced cigarettes I.

The belt 60 and web I 0 traverse the forepart of the former (horn portion 62) beneath the outlet end portion of a guide tube 64 (see Figs. 12 and 13) through which the cigarettes I are conveyed from a feed point by means of an endless chain 65 having projecting dogs 66 thereon at predetermined equally spaced intervals which are adapted to engage behind a cigarette and advance the same from the feed point through the tube 64 to the web former 62.

As shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings, the cigarettes I are fed by gravity singly from an inclined stack 61 thereof to atrough or the like 68 arranged beneath the chain 65 and positioned so that successive cigarettes deposited in the trough are engaged by the dogs 66 on the chain 65 which is driven at the speed of travel of the web Ill. The chain 65 is suitably mounted upon a plurality of sprockets or the like 69 at least one of which may be driven by a gear I0 from a gear II associated with the main drive mechanism of the machine.

With reference more particularly to Fig. 13 of the drawing, it is to be noted that the passage through the horn portion 62 of the former 63 is of relatively shallow U-shape in cross-section at the point where the belt and web enter the same and from that point the cross-sectional shape of the horn changes gradually from said shallow U- shape to a substantially circular cross-sectional shape which forms the web I0 and belt 60 into generally cylindrical tubular cross-section shape snugly surrounding or embracing the cigarettes I, for example, as shown in Fig. 14 of the drawmgs. i

It is to be noted that the outlet end of the tube the said: tube 64 prior to entering the substanv tially circular portion of the former 63. Also, it

. to be noted that the dogs 65 of the chain 65 remain in. engagement with the rearward end of the cigarettes I for a short period after they emerge from. the tube 64 and until the 'forward or leading endof each cigarette has just entered the substantially circular or tubular portion of the former 63, for example, at the section line I 4, H in Fig. 13. At this'time the dogs 66 of the chain 65 move out of engagement with the rear ward and of the cigarettes and the latter and the surrounding tubular web Ill are carried the remainder of the distance through the former 63 bymeans of the encircling belt 60;

Passage of the cigarettes in aligned space relation with the surrounding tubular web HI and embracingv belt 60 through the remainder of the former 63' takes place in the manner shown in Figs lfi to 18 of the drawings and it is to be noted that in the portion of the -former 63 between the stations where Figs. 15 and 16 are taken, the inner-or underlying surface of the free edgeportion of the tubular web Ill receives an application of a suitable. thermoplastic adhesive from a wheel I2 which in turn receives adhesive from a suitable feed or supply wheel I3.

Upon leaving the former 63 the. tubular. web I containing. the cigarettes I at predetermined spaced intervals therein is gradually released fromthe grip of the. belt 66 as the web and cigarettes are. conveyed by the latter and an overlying continuous belt 14 beneath an. elongated electric heating element: I which operates to set the thermoplastic adhesive applied. by the application wheel. 12' and thereby provide a continuous hermetic seal between the lapped edge portions of the tubular web I0 surrounding the cigarettes.

The. belt 14 is mounted on spaced pulleys or the like 1-6, and driven at the speed of linear travel of: the Web ID from themain drive of the machine. Asv the tubular Web ID containing the cigarettes nears the. end of its passage beneath the heater ,15 the belt 69 moves out of supporting contact beneath the web II] and proceeds on its course abouta wheel I1 and rolls l8 and I9 to the roll BI where it again enters the web former 63.

After the lapped longitudinal edges of the tubular Web 'ID are heat-sealed as described by' tions of said tapes 3' projecting outwardly through the web longitudinal seam between the pairs of tearslits or cuts 4' in. the overlapping edge otthe tubular Web ID.

Fromtheheat: sealing element. I5 the continuous tubular web Ill and cigarettes I arranged therein as describedcontinue their travel through the machine to av cut-ofi mechanism of conven tional type comprising a rotary cutting element 80 which is driven and brought into engagement with the traveling tubular web Ill at predetermined equal intervals timed. to sever the continuous web midway of the space provided between adjacent ends of successive cigarettes. r Thus there is severed from the continuous tubular web It successive tube sections each containing a single cigarette 'I of. shorter length than the tube sections so that the ends of the latter project substantially the same distance beyond opposite ends or. the said cigarettes, for example, as shown in Fig. 22 ofv the drawings. I

When out from the continuous tube, these iii-'- dividua-ltube sections are conveyed by relatively.

the speed of rotation of the said cone is such 7 that succeeding passages 84 therein are presented to receive. the successive. individual cigarette tube sections cut from the web I9. 7

The individual cigarette tube sections entering.

the passages 84 of the cone 85 are conveyed by rotation of the latter through substantially 360 during the course of which they are conducted toward the apex of. the cone 85 for discharge by gravity through an opening at the underside of thecone onto a pair of laterally spaced endless chains 88, 89 provided with suitable. recesses 90 to receive. the successive individual cigarette tube sections as they discharge from thecone 85.

The chains 88', 89 are mounted upon suitable sprockets 9i, 92 driven in predetermined timed relation with respect to the other component mechanisms of. the machine, and deposit the successive individual cigarette tube sections in the order received from the cone 875' upon a platform or support 93. During travel of the individual cigarette tube sections upon the chains 88,. 89 from the cone 85 to the platform 93,, a wheel having radialteeth 96 engages'the outwardly facing ends of the cigarettes I and moves them inwardlyot their tube sections. thereby properly. aligning the said cigarettes so that the free ends of the tube sections project an. equal distance from opposite ends of the cigarettes. This aligning and centering operation performed by the. wheel 95 is made necessary by reason of the fact that as the cigarette tube sections slide through the speed reducing cone 85 and impact against the apex end thereof the cigarettes I are caused to slide forwardly within their surrounding tube sections thus making it necessary to recenter the cigarettes with respect to the ends of their tube sections. The wheel 95 may be driven by a chain 91 driven from one or the other of a pair of sprocket wheels 98, 99.

'After being deposited upon the platform 93 by the. chains 88, 89 as described, the cigarette tube sectionsare caused to be rolled successively along said. platform 93 by means of a. pair of laterally spaced apart endless belts or the like I00, IBI: mounted. onrolls I02, I03 and driven approximately at twice the speed of travel of the chains 88, 89. As the cigarette tube sections traverse. the platform 94 the opposite projecting ends of the tubes are engaged by folding members I04 arranged at opposite sides of said platform 9.3. As shown, the folding members Illdare provided with rounded teeth or fingers Hi5, HIS andv Ill! defining rounded. notches or grooves I08, I09 and III} therebetween, the edge III defining the rear of the notch I I0 being bent slightly outwardly; 7

Thus, as the ends of the rotary tubes engage continuous tubular .wrapper to remove the cigarette. v this us protectively sealed from the surrounding the round tooth I of the members I 04 a portion of the tube is folded inwardly as shown in Fig.

24 and the edge of the remaining portion rolls into the notch I08 while another fold is made by .the tooth I06. As the open portion of the tube end rolls into the notch I09 and engages the tooth 101, a third fold is made, and the fourth and final fold is made as the last portion of the tube end is enclosed in the notch III) against the edge II I as shown also in Fig. 24 thus forming a complete fold. With their ends folded as described the tube sections pass between laterally spaced heaters I I3 and I I4 which heat the folded atmosphere and the initial good smoking qualities of the cigarette will be preserved until the wrapper is opened.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described The cigarette herein, it is not intended that the invention be limited to, such disclosures, and, therefore, changes and modifications may be made therein and thereto within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

' 1. In apparatus for individually wrapping cigarettes, means .to advance a continuous web of sheet material, forming means traversed by said web including a tapered portion of relatively large generally semi-circular configuration converging in the direction of web travel and terminating at its other end in a portion of substantially circular cross-sectional shape operable; V

to convert said web from flat sheet form into a continuous cylindrical tube with the opposite side edge portions of the web disposed in lapped relation longitudinally of the tube, a guide member of split tubular construction extending axially disposed in lapped relation longitudinally of the tube, a guide member of split tubular construction extending axially of said forming means and terminating a short distance inwardly of the tapered portion of said forming means at a point spaced from the web forming portion of substantially circular cross-sectional shape a distance greater than the length of a cigarette to be wrapped to discharge cigarettes from the tubular guide member before entering the substantially .circular portion of the forming means, and feed means movable longitudinally of the tubular guide and projecting therein to engage and advance cigarettes successively through said guide member and deposit the same in equally spaced apart end-to-end relation in said web during conversion of the same into said continuous tube.

3. In apparatus for individually wrapping cigarettes, means to advance a continuous web of sheet material, forming means traversed by said web including a tapered portion of relatively large generally semi-circular configuration converging in the direction of web travel and terminating at its other end in a portion of substantially circular cross-sectional shape operable I to convert said web from fiat sheet form into a continuous cylindrical tube with the opposite side edge portions of the web disposed in lapped relation longitudinally of the tube, a guide member of split tubular construction extending axially of said forming means and having its outlet opening a short distance inwardly of the tapered portion of the forming means to discharge cigarettes from the tubular guide onto the web before enarettes, means to advance acontinuous web of of said forming means and terminating a short I distance inwardly of the tapered portion of the forming means to discharge cigarettes from the tubular guide onto said continuous web before entering the substantially circular portion of the forming means, and feed means movable longiable in supporting association with said web du'r-- ing at least a portion of its travel, forming means i traversed by said belt and web and including a tapered portion of relatively large generally semicircular configuration converging in the direction of web travel and terminating at its other end in a portion of substantially circular crosssectional shape operable to convert said web from flat sheet form into a continuous cylindrical tube with the opposite side edge portions of the web" sheet material, forming means traversed by said webincluding a tapered portion of relatively large generally semi-circular configuration converging in the direction of web travel and terminating at its other end in a portion of substantially circular cross-sectional shape operable to convert said web from fiat sheet form into a continuous cylindrical tube with the opposite side edge portions of the web disposed in lapped relation longitudinally of the tube, a guide member of split tubular construction extending axially of said forming means and terminating a short distance inwardly of the tapered portion of the forming means at a point spaced from the web forming portion of substantially circular crosssectional shape a distance greater than the length of a cigarette to be wrapped, a trough arranged axially of said guide member adjacent the other end thereof, means to feed cigarettes individually to said trough, and feed means movable longitudinally of the tube and projecting therein to engage and advance said cigarettes successively from said trough through said guide member and deposit the same in equally spaced apart end-toend relation in said web during conversion of the same into said continuous tube.

5. In apparatus for individually wrapping cigarettes, means to advance a continuous web of sheet material, forming means traversed by said '11 web including a tapered portion of relatively large generally semi circular configuration converging in the direction of web travel and termi nating at its other end in a portion of substantially circular cross-sectional shape operable to convert said web from fiat sheet form into a continuous cylindrical tube with the opposite side edge portions of the web disposed in lapped re- .lation longitudinally of the tube, a guide member ofsplit tubular construction extending axially of said forming means and terminating I a short distance inwardly of the tapered portion 'of said forming means to dischargefcigarettes from the tubular guide onto the web before en-' tering the substantially circular portion of the forming means, feed means movable longitudinally of the tube and projecting therein to engage and advance cigarettes successively through said guide member and deposit the same in equally spaced apart end-to-end relation in said web during conversion of the same into said continuous tube'and before entering 'the substantially circular portion of the forming means, means to seal the lapped longitudinal edge portions of the,

web to provide an air and moisture-proof seal lengthwise of the continuous tube, cutting means operable to sever the continuous tube trans.- versely thereof midway of the spaces between successive cigarettes therein to provide successive tube sections each containing a cigarette of shorter length than its tube section, means for folding the projecting end portions of the tube sections over the opposite ends of the cigarette,

1'2 lation longitudinally of the tube, a guide member of split tubular construction extending axially of said forming means and terminating a short distance inwardly of the tapered portion of said forming means at a point spaced from the web 'forming portion ofsubstantially circular crosssectional shape a distance greater than the length of 'a cigarette to .be wrapped to discharge cigarettes from the guide tube onto the web before entering the substantially circular portion of the forming means, a trough arranged axially of'said guide member adjacent the other end thereof, means to feed cigarettes individually to said trough, feed means movable longitudinally oi the tube and projecting therein to engage and ad- 7 vance said cigarettes successively from said trough through said guide member and deposit .the same in equally spaced apart end-to-end relation in said web during conversion of the same into said continuous web, means to seal the lapped longitudinal edge portions of the web to provide an air and moisture-proof seal length- Wise of the continuous tube, cutting means opand means to seal the said folded over end portions of the tube sections.

6; In apparatus for individually wrapping cigarettes, means to advance a continuous web of sheet material, forming means traversed by said 7 web including a tapered portion of relatively large generally semi-circular configuration converging in the direction of Web travel and termi nating at its other end in 'a portion of substantially circular cross-sectional shape operable to convert said web from flat, sheet form into a continuous cylindrical tube with the opposite side edge portions of the web disposed in lapped re- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Date Number Name 7 7 528,751 Weinman et al. Nov. 6, 1894 1,320,699 vLeurnann Nov. 1919 2,113,078 Campbell Apr. 5, 1938 2,296,142 Campbell Sept. 15, 1942 2,334,029 Ranney et al. Nov. 9, 1943 Campbell Feb. 22, 1949

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