AU2010200516A1 - Improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articles - Google Patents

Description

Australian Patents Act 1990- Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title Improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articles The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: P/00/0 iI 11 (Y) Attonicy D~cket N4o. 132 34-10O7 PATENT' UNITED STATES UTILITY PATENT APPMCATTON for IMPROVED PACKAGING FOR ROLLING PAPERS FOR SMOKING ARTICLES Inventor: Joshua V. Kessehnan 3315 W. Bluckeye Rolad, Sluite B3 Phoenix, Ari7.nna 85S0O9 Assignee: 138K Tobacco & Foods, LLP 3315 W. BuckeyeP Road, Suite B Phoenix, Arizona 85009 Attorney Chris P. Perque USPTO Customer No.: 40184 0'9- 4 ?l 0%~ 1 ppe paper~ wih eTfierwl to, ~u stloobcd or iCAlOOed) is~ heiil tki d via thi, Office electronic fiin systun ill ACC.rclc MIR ; I q~aJ(4) to: COwis~og rb P..teflN P.O. BUA6 1459. A!1&ji~. VA 22f313J45 1 I-lL'STO' ; 10:948.y 3 W. :V2 AV .... LL'.~2 4 Attorney Docket No. 132134-1007 PATENT TITLE OF THE INVFNTION IIMPROVED PACKAGING FOR ROLLING PAPERS FOR SMOKING ARTICLES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION CROSS REFEiRF.NCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 100011 This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 12/196,019, filed on August 21, 2008, entitled IMPROVED PACKAGING FOR SMOKING ARTICLES. FPILD OF THE INVENTION {00021 This invention is related In general to the field of products used by an end user to create their own cigars or cigarettes. More particularly, the invention is related to an improved packaging for rolling papers used ii roll your own smoking articles. DISCUSSION OF TlHI BACKGROUND (00031 Many end usem prefer to roll their own smoking articles, such as cigars, cigarettes or the like. Papers or other sheets of material tsed as the outer wrapper for smoking articles are commonly made from fiom leaves or pulp derived from a variety of sources, such as, wood, rice, celulusu, flax, plant fibers, packed herbs, palm leaf, tobacco, paper or some combination of the foregoing (collectively referred to herein as "rolling paper"). Rolling papers can be used to roll cigarette tobacco. cigar tobacco, pipe tobacco, tobacco substitutes, herbs, and most any other similar material. The papers are distributed and sold in individual packs that include an outer packaging, which typically serves to protect and sometimes preserve the rolling papers therein. That packaging typically maintains the rolling papers in either a basically flat or folded shapc. In some instances, certain types of paper, such as, paper made from reconstituted tobacco, is 2 HOJ3ToTCN IC94S5v 3 ' Attorney Docket No. 132534-1007 PATENFT packaged as a rolled tube of one or more sheets of paper. and in soeic instaices, that tube is wrapped ightly around a plastic straw or other casing as discussed below. 10004] To roll a smoking article, an end user typically removes one or more rolling papers from its packaging, manipulates the one or more rolling papers (as discussed in detail below), places a desired amount of tobacco in the one or morc rolling papers, and rolls the one or morc rolling papers into a tubular shape. The tubular shape is then sealed using adhesive or moisture, and allowed to dry to form a shell, which contains the tobacco product. After drying, the smoking article may be smoked by the end user. [00051 A problem associated with rolling your own smoking articles is that it is often difficult for an end user to actually roll the smoking article. The end aser has to be skillful in carefully adding thu tobacco in tie rolling paper and in rolling the cigarette. When rolling the smoking article lension must be maintained on the paper itself and pressure maintain on the tobacco therein in order to roll a preferred smoking article, where the outer paper is relatively firm and the tobacco therein is sufficiently compressed to prevent air channels through the length thereof. Hence, while rolling the article, the end user must maintain tension on the paper and pressure on the tobacco without tearing or puncturing the paper itself. [00061 Existing packaging for rolling papers, which maintains the rolling papers in either a basically flat shape or a tubular shape, often increases the difficulty in rolling the smoking article. In particular, rolling paper that is contained within packaging having a flat shape requires the end user to manipulate the rolling paper by folding the rolling paper after determining where to fold the rolling paper. The user then inserts the tobacco product, and rolls the rolling paper such that it will hopefully remain in place while rolling a preferred smoking article us discussed above. Paper products that are folded, and typically interleaved, in the 3 WOW.,%~ zO:9.'4F .

Attorney Docket No. 132534-10"07 PATENT packaging present additional problerms. These paper products include a v-fold usually in (he middle of the rolling paper. The end user is required to re-fold the paper, which in some cases is problematic. Also problematic is that the original fold does not fully disappear. In particular. the v-fold often does not allow for efficient rolling and scaling of the paper and may result in undesirable characteristics in the smoking product, such as, smoking atliclcs having undesirable air Channels along the original v-fold in which air may be pulled through. [0007 U.S. Patent No. 6,742,525 discloses the above-mentioned conventional fonn of packaging rolling papers in a tubular shape. It depicts and describes rolling paper tightly wound around a form, which may or may not be included in the rolling paper as it is placed in a resealable packet for sale to end-users. When the end user removes a tube of rolling paper from the scaled packet, the rolling paper generally retains its coiled shape. To create a smoking article, an end user is required to first carefully unroll the coiled paper, and maintain pressure on it so that the paper does not recoil, As such, the rolling paper is difficult to unroll without damaging the paper und unstable for adding tobacco products. Afer unrolling dhe rolling papcr, the end user typically bends and folds the rolling paper as desired, inserts the tobacco product, and rerolls the paper to create a smoking article. Hence, this conventional manner of packaging rolling papers makes it more difficult to create a suitable smoking article and more difficult to do so without damaging the rolling paper. Also, this method of packaging rolling papers is not suitable for many types of paper where the recoil of the paper aftor rolling and packaging would be so strong that it would be difficult to unroll the paper and create a smoking article without damaging the paper. [0008] U.S. Patent No. 6,526.986, also issued to Sinclair, attempts to address the difficulty in making roll your own smoking articles with a cigar shell. That shell is created by 4 11O'.STON 10194M$v.3 Attorney Docket No. 132534-1007 PATFT rolling several sheets of rolling paper or leaves of tobacco around a casing to form an outer cigar shell. Once the cigar shell is fonned in that maner, it is left to dry. Once dried, the casing is removed and the cigar shell is cut longitudinally so that an inner void, once occupied by the casing. within the cigar shlcil can be exposed by the end uscr by prying the sides of the shell apart. That void is then filled with tobacco by the end user, and the edges of the longitudinal cut are moistened so that the cigar shell can be scaled. While this product addresses the difficulty of creating a roll your own smoking article, that solution- has drawbacks. The cigar shell is more expensive to manul'acture than the rolling paper typically used to make a cigar or other smoking article, and the end user must consume the bulky casing along with the tobacco inserted therein. Also, the end user still must struggle with the recoil of the cigar casing when attempting to make the smoking article. 10009] Existing packaging and the rolling paper contained therein is therefore inherently difficult to use and are not conducive to rolling the smoking article. Thus, as noted above, therc currently eximL numerous deficiencies in packaging for smoking articles that are known in the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 100101 Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging for rolling papers used in roll your own smoking articles that includes a pair of substantially parallel members connected together at each end to form a generally open interior. The pair of substantially parallel members. extend along a path between the bonds, The path includes at least one substantially straight planar portion and a semi-cylindrical portion. The pair of substantially parallel members are configured such that a plurality of rolling papers mnay be removably packaged between the pair of substantially parallel members. The one or more -5 H0o:STON IOI')485.3.

Attorney Docket No. 132534-1007 PATENT rolling papers at least initially retains a curved shape, which may be substantially the same as the path between the pair of substantially parallel members, after removal from the improved packaging such that a tobacco product may be placed in the curved portion. 00 I I In another emutbodiment of the Invention, the improved packaging for rolling papers includes a single member folded over towards an inner surface at each end to fon a substantially parallel portion at each end and a generally open interior. *rho unfolded portion of the member extends along a path between the ends. The path includos at least one substantially straight planar portion and a scmi-cylindrical portion. The pair of substantially parallel portions nec configured such that a plurality of rolling papers may be removably packaged between the pair of substantially parallel portions. The open interior allows the end-user to place tobacco in the semi-cylindrical portion so that the tobacco can be fonned and shaped, i.e., pre-formed, by the end-user by compressing the tobacco into a tubular shape using the packaging. To roll the smoking article, the ends of a rolling paper can be removed from under the substantially parallel portions at each cnd of the packaging, and the packaging, which is made of a flexible material, such as, a thin plastic, in this embodiment, can be used to roll the smoking article without removing the paper thorofrom. [0012] Alternately, afler the packaging has been used to pre-form the tobacco, the paper can be removed from the packaging to roll the smoking article. When removed from the packaging, the rolling paper at least initially retains a curved shape, which may be substantially the same as the path of the unfolded portion of the member, thereby retaining the pre-formed tobacco and allowing the cnd-user to create a suitable smoking article without reshaping or folding the rolling paper. Once formed, the end user may place the smoking article in the curved portion of the packaging. and manipulate the packaging so that the smoking article is rolled 6 tIOUsToN 1C:94M%..

Atomey Docket No. 132534-1007 PATENT repeatedly, back and forth in the curved portion of the packaging, thereby further compressing (he tobacco within the smoking article and further tightening the rolled paper around the tobacco to create a preferred smoking article, having thc characteristics discussed above. 100131 Anothcr aspect of the prenc invention is to provide a method for packaging rolling papers for smoking articles that includes connecting a pair of substantially parallel members together at each end to form a generally open interior there between, arranging the pair of substantially parallel members to extend along a path between the ends, and removably packaging a plurality of rolling papers between the pair of substantially parallel members. The pati includes at least one substantially straight planar portion and a semi-cylindrical portion. The packaging includes a seni-circular or other shaped void on one or both sides of onc end to enhance the ease of removal of an individual sheet of rolling paper by an end-user and includes an obstmction, such as. a fold, notch or adhesive, that prevents the rolling papers from slipping out of the other end of the packaging. [O014J In another embodiment of the invention, the method for packaging rolling papers for smoking articles includes folding each end of a single member having an inner and outer surface folded towards the inner surface to form a substantially parallel portion at each end and a generally open interior, arranging the unfolded portion of the member to extend along a path between the ends, and removably packaging a plurality of rolling papers between the pair of substantially parallel portions. The path includes at least one substantially straight planar portion and a semi-cylindrical or curved portion. The packaging includes a semi-circular or other shaped void on one end to enhance the ense of removal of an individual sheet of rolling paper by an end-user and includes an obstruction, such as, a fold, notch or adhesive, that prevents the rolling papers from slipping out of the other cnd of the packaging. 7 ~i~ousi I10 lO943&.3 Attorney Dockct .No. 132534-1007 PATENT BR IEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 100151 A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 100011 Figure I is a side perspective view of an improved packaging for rolling papers ror smoking articles according to an embodinent of the.present invention; 100021 Figure 2 is a left side view of the improved packaging for rolling papers lor smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention; 10003] Figure 3 is a right side vricw of the improved packaging for rollingl papers for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00041 Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the improved packaging for rolling papcns for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0005J Figure 5 is a rear elevation view of the improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention: [00061 Figure 6 is a top view of the improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0007] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10008] Figure 8 is a side perspective view of an improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0009[ Figure 9 is a flat, side viow of the improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articics according to an embodiment of the present invention; HotTON'.09.

Attorney Docket No, 1.32534-1007 PATENT [0010] Figure 1.0 is a flal, top view of an improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 100111 Figure II is a top view of the improved packaging for rolling papers for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TE PREFERRED EM.BODIMENTS [00121 Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or coresponding parts throughout the several views, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described. f0013J Many end users prefer to roIl their own smoking articles, such as cigars, cigarettes or the like. As discussed abovc, it is often difficult for an end user to roll the smoking article. The end user has to be skillful in carefully adding the tobacco to the rolling paper, and in rolling the paper while applying sufficient pressure and tension to the paper without damaging the paper. Existing packaging for rolling papers, which maintains the rolling papers in either a basically flat shape or a tubular shape, often increases the difficulty in rolling the smoking article. Thc packaging or the present invention not only solves various problems associated with conventionally packaged papers, it also can be used as a platform on which to roll a smoking article or as a tool to improve tie characteristics of a rolled smoking article. [0014] Referring now to Figures 1-7, an improved packaging 10 for rolling papers for smoking articles according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The packaging 10 includes two substantially parallel members 12 and 14 conncctcd together at respective cnd portions, 16 and 18. The packaging 10 may also be forced from a single member having an inner side 14 and an outer side 12. 9 HOU:STON 10:9489V.3 Attomey Dockct No. 132534-1007 PATENT 100151 At last one opening is forced between parallel members 12 and 14. As shown in Figure 1, the at leasr one opening extends from a top portion of members 12 and 14 substantially there through to a bottom portion of members 12 and 14. Optionally, the opening extends from tho top portion of the members 12 and 14 to an opening at the bottor portion of mcmbcrs 12 and 14. [00161 As is shown in Higurc 1, the members 12 and 14 each include a rear planar portion 20, a semi-cylindrical or curved portion 22 and a front planar portion 24. The members 12 and 14 may include any ridged or flexible material, such as plastic, paper, metal, and the like, which may be configured to generally maintain a curved shape. The rear planar portion 20 and the front planar portion 24 are substantially straight. However, as shown in Figures 1, 6 and 7, the rear planar portion 20 and the front planar portion 24 may include a minimal curve. [00171 One or more rolling papers are configured to bc non--permancntly held between members 12 and 14. *rhc pacl(aging 10 is configured such that one or more rolling papers, positioned between members 12 and 14, may be removed by an end user by mean of tho at lcust one opening of the members 12 and 14. The front planar portion of member 12 may optionally include a semi-circular cutout portion 26 configured such that the end user may more easily remove rolling papers from the packaging 10 using preferably the end uscr's finger or thumb. 100181 In an embodiment of the invention, the semi-cylindrical portion 22 has a diameter of approximately 16 millimeters, and members 12 and 14 have a length of approximately 67.5 millimeters and a height of approximately 117.5 millimeters. [0019] In an embodiment of the invention, packaging 10 is packaged within a sealed plastic, paper, or metallic pouch or container in order to provide additional protection to the packaging 10 and the rolling paper contained therein. 10 H1O:STON 10194881.3 Attorney Docltet No. I 132534-1007 PATENT [0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the packaging 10 also includes a re-sealable pouch or container (not shown) that conforms to the opening formed by the interior walls of material 14. The re-sealable pouch or container may be used for storing tobacco or other materials used in smoking articles. [00211 In an embodiment of the invention, an improved packaging 10 for rolling papers for smoking articles is prepared by connecting a pair of substantially parallel members 12 and 14 together at each end portion, 16 and 18, to form a generally open interior there between. The members 12 and 14 are arranged to extend along a path betwcon the ends. The path includes a substantially straight rear planar portion 20, a semi-cylindrical portion 22 and a substantially straight front planar portion 24, A plurality of rolling papers are removably packaged between matierials 12 and 14. The one or more rolling papers at least initially retain a curved shape of the path of the pair of members 12 and 14 after removal from the packaging 10. The packaging 10 may optionally be packaged within a sealed pouch or container in order to provide additional protection to the packaging 10 and the rolling paper contained therein. [0022] Using the present invention, an end user removes one or more rolling papers from an improved packaging 10 for rolling-papers for smoking articles. A user then places a desired amount of a tobacco product in the curved portion of the rolling paper, and rolls the rolling paper into a tubular shape. The curved portion of the rolling paper results from the rolling paper retaining the curved shape of the semi-cylindrical portion 22 of members 12 and 14 after its removal. The tubular shape then is sealed using adhesive or moisture, and allowed to dry to form a shell which contains the tobacco product. After drying, the smoking article may bc smoked by the end user. Because the one or more rolling papers at least initially retain a curved shape after removal from the packaging 10, the rolling paper is more accessible and stable for the 11 HOUSTON IUI94v3 Attorney Docket No. 132534-1007 PATENT addition of thc tobacco product, and an end user is not required to first unroll the rolling paper before adding such tobacco. The present invention also eliminates the possibility of rccoil of the rolling papers and undesirable air channels due to a pre-existing fold though which air may be pulled in the smoking article. l0023] The present invention may also be used as a tool to improve the charactedsics of a rolled smoking article. In this embodiment, the packaging is comprised of a thin plastic or other flexible material. Once the smoking article has been rolled but before it is sealed, the end user places the smoking article on the inner wall J4 of the curved portion 22 of the packaging 10 and rolls the smoking article repeatedly back and forth while maintain pressure on the smoking article and tobacco therein. In this manner, the tobacco is further compressed and the rolling paper is further tightened around the tobacco. The end user continues this process until the smoking article has the desired firmness,. thereby further reducing the likelihood of air channels, as discussed above, and reducing the burn rate of the smoking article when consumed. 100241 Referring now to Figures 8-11, an improved packaging 10 for rolling papers according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The packaging 10 includes a single member having an iiner surface 140 and outer surface 120. The single member is folded over towards the inncr surfaoc 140 at cach end portion, 16 and 18. Optionally, the member may be folded towards the inner surface 140 at only one end portion, 16 or 18. [00251 The folded portions of the member form substantially parallel portions, 30 and 32, at each of the respective end portions, 16 and 18, and a generally open interior there between. As shown in Figure 8, in the folded portions of the member, openings extend from a top portion of cacb of the substantially parallel portions. 30 and 32, Gubstantially thero through to a bottom portion of the respective substantially parallel portions, 30 and 32. In the unfolded portions of 12 HOLSToN !W19488v.3 Attorney Docket No. 132534-1007 PA'LNT the mentber, the opening extends from thc top portion of the member to an opening at the bottom portion of the member. [0026) As shown in Figure 11, the unfolded portion of the member includes a rear planar portion 20, a semi-eylindrical portion 22 and a front planar portion 24. The member may iruhidc any ridged or flexible material, such as plastic, paper, metal, and the like, which may be configured to generally maintain a curved shape. The rear planer portion 20 and front planar portion 24 are substantially straight. However, as shown in Figures 8 and 11. the rear planar portion 20 and front planar portion 24 may include a minimal curve, [00271 One ot uiore rolling papers are configured to be non-pormanently held between the pair of substantially parallel portions, 30 and 32. The packaging 10 is configured such that one or more rolling papurs, positioned between the pair or substantially parallel portions, 30 and 32, may be removed by an end user by means of the at least one opening of [he member. [00281 In an embodiment of the invention, the semi-cylindrical portion 22 of member may optionally include a semi-circular cutout portion 26 at the top edge of the member configured such that the end user may more easily remove rolling papers from the packaging 10 using preferably the end user's finger or thumb, Optionally, the rear planar portion 20 or the front planar portion Z4 may include a semi-circular cutout portion 26 at the top edge of the member configured such the end user may more easily remove the rolling papers. [00291 In an embodiment of the invention, the semi-cylindrical portion 22 of the member may include optionally an obstruc tion, such as, an inwardly folded tuck portion 34, at the bottom edge of the member configured such that the rolling papers are positioned under the scmi circular cutout portion 26. Optionally, the rear planar portion 20 or the front planar portion 24 may include an inwardly folded tuck portion 34 in the bottom edge of the member configured 13 ItoU~ro WI194830.

- w.. *A. *u* Attorny Docket No. 132534-1007 PATENT such that the rolling papers are positioned under the semi-circular cutout portion 26. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, an inwardly folded tuck portion 34 at the bottom edge of the semi cylindrical portion 22 may be con figured opposite to a semi-circular cutout portion 26 at the top edge of a semi-cylindrical portion 22. IIowcver, the inwardly folded luck portion 34 may be at the bottom edge of either the rear planar portion 20 or the front planar portion 24 while the semi circular cutout portion 26 is at the top edge of the semi-cylindrical portion 22, or vise versa. A similar obstruction may be provided by applying a strip or drop of adhesive along the butLom edge or by inwardly folding all or part of that edge. [00301 rn an cnbodiment of the invention, the semi-cylindrical portion 22 has a diameter of approximately I I to 16 millimeters, the unfolded portion 28 of the member has a length of approximately 55 millimeters and a height of approximately 120 millimeters, and the folded portions of the member have a length of approximately 10 to 20 millimnuLers and a height of approximately 120 millimeters. The folded portions form the pair of substantially parallci portions, 30 and 32, at the respective end portions, 16 and 18. For ca.umple, one folded portion may havo a length of approximately 10 millimeters, and the other folded portion may have a length of approximately 20 millimeters. [00311 Tn an embodiment of the invention. the semi-cylindrical portion 22 has a diarrmeter of approximately II to 16 millimeters, the unfolded portion 28 of the member has a length of approximately 67.5 millimeters and a height of approximately 108 nillimeters, and the folded portion has a length of approximately 10 to 20 millimeters and a height of approximately 108 millimeters. For example, one folded portion may have a length of approximately 10 millimeters, and the other folded portion may have a length of approximately 20 millimeters. 11(ot:sTO ;O!r44S.3 Attorney Docket No. 1 325.34-1007 PATENT [00321 In one optional cmbodiient of the invention, packaging 10 is packaged within a sealed plastic, paper, or metallic pouch or container in order to provide additional protection to the packaging 10 and the rolling paper contained therein. 100331 rn an embodiment of the. invention, the packaging 10 also includes a re-sealable pouch or container (not shown) that conforms to the opening formed by the inner surface 140 of the member. The re-sealable pouch or container may be used for storing tobacco or other mateials used in smoking articles. [00341 in an embodiment of the invention, an improved packaging 10 for rolling papers ror smoking articles is prcparcd by folding each end, 16 and 18, of a single member having an inner surface 140 and outer surface 120 towards the inner surface 140 to form substantially parallel portions, 30 and 32, at each respective end, 16 and 18, and a generally open iulerior. arranging the unfolded portion 28 of the member to extend along a path between the ends, 16 and 18, and removably packaging a plurality of rolling papers between the pair of substantially parall[ portions, 30 and 32. The unfolded portion 28 of the member extends along a path between the ends, 16 and 18. The path includes a substantially straight rear planar portion 20, a semi-cylindrical portion 22 and a substantially straight front planar portion 24. A plurality of rolling papers are removably packaged between the pair of substantially parallel portions, 30 and 32. The one or more rolling papers at least initially retain a curved shape aftcr removal from the packaging 10. The packaging 10 may optionally be packaged within a sealed pouch or container in order to provide additional protection to the packaging 10 and the rolling paper contained therein. [00351 Using the present invention, an end user places a desired amount of tobacco on the exposed sheet of rolling paper corresponding to the inner surface 140 of the improved HousmiOv ~lomsv.) 15 :-.'$ f .. ' - . PVA V t. P -:P - I . Attorney Docket No. 132534-1007 PATENT packaging 10. The end user may manipulate the packaging 10 to compress and tbrr, i.e., pre fonn, the tobacco into a tubular shape before the paper is rolled to create a smoking article. To roll the smoking article. the ends of a rolling paper can be removed from under the substantially parallel portions 30 and 32, and the packaging 10, which is made of a flexible material, such as. a thin plastic, in this embodiment. can be used to roll the smoking article without rcnioving the paper therefrom. (00361 Alternately, after the packaging 10 has been used to pre-form the tobacco, the paper and tobacco can be removed from the packaging 10 to roll a smoking article. Whcn removed from the improved packaging 10, the rolling paper at least initially retains a curved shape, which may be substantially the same as the path of the curved portion 22 of the member, thereby retaining the pre-fbrmed tobacco and allowing the cnd-user to create a suitable smoking article without reshaping or folding the rolling paper. Once fonned, the end user may place the smoking article on the inner surface 140 of the curved portion 22 of the improved packaging 10, and manipulate the packaging so that the smoking article is rolled repeatedly, exerting pressure as the smoking article is rolled fonvard and releasing the pressure when the cigarette is returned to its original position within the curved portion 22 of the packaging 10, thereby further compressing the tobacco within the smoking article and further tightening the rolled paper around the tobacco to create an improved smoking article, having the preferred characteristics discussed above. Once the desired characteristics are ubLained, the exposcd cnd of the paper is scaled to the smoking article by applying moisture or using various adhesives iowii in the art. The present invention eliminates the problems associated with the recoil of the rolling papers and the undesirable air channels in the smoking article more common with conventionally packaged rolling papers. The improved packaging 10 also supports the rolling paper as the end user pre 16 IIoLS'loN 3019488v; .

C \NRPorblDCC\KMKI2714577_ I DOC.-A)212010 forms the tobacco before the paper is removed from the packaging, thereby making it easier to create the roll your own smoking article once the paper is removed from the packaging and lessening the likelihood that the paper will be damaged when the smoking article is created. Further, the improved packaging 10 can be used by an end user as a tool 5 that makes it easier to roll the smoking article, once the tobacco is pre-formed, and also as a tool to improve the characteristics of a smoking article rolled any an end-user without using the improved packaging 10. 100371 Obviously, many other modifications and variations of the present invention are 10 possible in light of the above teachings. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the disclosed concept, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 15 100381 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 20 100391 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or 25 steps. - 17-

Claims (23)

1. An improved packaging for rolling papers for roll your own smoking articles, compnsing: a single member having an inner and outer surface, the member being folded over towards the inner surface at each end to fonn a substantially parallel portion at each end and a .generally open interior there between, the unfolded portion of the member extcnding along a path between the ends, the path including at least one substantially planar portion and a semi cylindrical portion, the pair of substantially parallel portions being configured such that a plurality of rolling papers may be removably packaged between the pair of substantially parallel portions.

2. The improved packaging of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rolling papers at least initially retains u curved shapu after removal from the improved packaging such that a tobacco product may be stained in the curved portion.

3. The improved packaging of claim 1, wherein the substantially planar portions include a minimal curve.

4. The improved packaging of claim 1, wherein the semi-cylindrical portion includes a cutout portion at the opening configured to allow a user to remove one or more of the plurality of rolling papers.

5. The improved packaging of claim 4, wherein the substantially planar portion includes a cutout portion at the opening configured to allow a user to remove one or more of the plurality of rolling papers.

6. The improved packaging of claim 4. wherein the semi-cylindrical portion includes an obstruction at the opening configured to position one or more of the plurality of rolling papers under the cutout portion.

7. The improved packaging of claim 6, wherein the obstruction that is comprised of an inwardly folded tuck portion a[ the opening configured to position one or more of the plurality of rolling papers under the cutout portion. 18 HOts foN I0 9438v 3 AV. .~L Attonmy Docket No. l32514-1007 PATENT

8. The improved packaging of claim 1. wherein the single member is substantially ridged.

9. The improved packaging of claim 1, wherein the single meinber comprises a flexible plastic,

10. The improved packaging of claim I, wherein the single member comprises paper

11. The improved packaging of claim 1, wherein the path includes two substantially straight planar portions, wherein the semi-cylindrical portion is arranged between the two substantially straight planar portions.

12. The improved packaging of claim 11, wherein the semi-cylindrical portion has a diameter or at least I I millimeters.

13. The improved packaging of claim I 1, wherein the path has a length of at least 55 millimeters.

14, The improved packaging of claim 11, wherein the substantially parallel members have a length of at least 10 mrillirneters and a height of at least 108 millimeters.

15. The improved packaging of claim I1, wherein one of the two substantially straight planar portions Is longer than the other substantially straight planar portion.

16. The improved packaging of claims 3, wherein tobacco may be placed within one or more of the plurality of rolling papers without requiring a user to first uroll the one or more rolling papers.

17. An improved packaging for rolling papers for roll your own smoking articles, comprising: a single member having an inner and outer surface, the member folded over towards the inner surface to form a substantially parallel portion at each end and a generally open interior there between, the unfolded portion of the member extending along a path between the ends, the path including at least one substantially straight planar portion and a semi-cylindrical portion, the 19 HO*::Sro'.%:1U>-4&Sa Attorney Docket Nio. 132534-1007 PATENT pair of substantially parallel portions being configured such that one or more rolling papers may be removably packaged betiveen the pairs of substantially parallel portions, wherein the one or more rolling papers at least initially retains a curved shape after removal from the improved packaging such that a tobacco product may be retained in the curved portion.

18. The improved packaging of claim 17, the one or more rolling papers comprises reconstituted tobacco sheets.

I A method for packaging rolling papers for roll your own smoking articles, WIIIaLiig. folding each end of a single member having an inner and outer surface towards the inner surface to form a substantially parallel portion at each end and a generally open interior there between: arranging the unfolded portion of the member to extend along a path between the ends, wherein the path includes at least one substantially straight planar portion and a semi-cylindrical portion; and removably packaging a plurality of rolling papers between the pairs of substantially parallel portions.

20. A method of claim 19, wherein the one or more rolling papers at least initially retains a curved shape after removal from the improved packaging.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one of the pair of substantially straight planar portions includes a cutout portion at the opening configured to allow a user to remove one or more of the plurality of rolling papers. 20 ROIISTON '10;4 C \NRPotblDCC\KMH\2714377_I DOC-9A)2/2010

22. An improved packaging for rolling papers for roll your own smoking articles, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A method for packaging rolling papers for roll your own smoking articles, 5 substantially as herein described. -21 -