BRPI0718775A2 - "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A SMOKING ARTICLE, AND A SMOKING ARTICLE" - Google Patents

Description

"METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A SMOKING ARTICLE, AND SMOKING ARTICLE" BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to smoking articles having closed ends and methods and apparatus for making smoking articles having closed ends.

Manufactured smoking articles such as cigarettes conventionally comprise a tobacco rod having a cigarette paper wrapper and a filter attached to the tobacco rod by a tip paper, although full cigarettes without a filter are also available. In either case, the end of the cigarette that is designed to be lit is often closed so that tobacco inside the cigarette paper is exposed. This allows tobacco to leak or spill from the cigarette and also to contaminants and foreign bodies to enter the tobacco.

It has previously been proposed to close one or both ends of a cigarette by bending or otherwise manipulating a portion of the cigarette paper extending beyond the tobacco rod. For example, US 1,164,118 describes a cigarette making machine that forms a cigarette paper tube, closes one end of the tobacco-filled tube and then closes the other end. Both closures are achieved by components that pick up the ends of the tube and rotate to twist the paper while the tube is kept stationary. US 501,498 describes a machine that wraps cigarette paper around tobacco, compresses the tobacco from both ends to make excess folding paper, and then closes each end of the paper using two folders that push the paper over a head. taper that is inserted into the closed end of the cigarette and rotated to force the paper in and smooth it out. The cigarette is kept still while the closure components move. US 903,101 describes a machine that forms a cigarette paper tube and closes one end before filling the tube with tobacco. Closure is effected by means of a notched plate that slides over the end of the pipe and back again while both the pipe and the plate are moving along the longitudinal direction of the pipe. US 3,208,458 describes a machine wrapping cigarette papers around tobacco, papers having jagged edges. The cigarette is then held still while a series of three 120 ° spaced apart blades move in and out against the ends of the cigarette to bend the separate tabs of the cut edges of the paper. GB 278,534 discloses a cigarette with the cigarette paper folded inwardly over the end of the wrapped tobacco to form a tubular extension into the tobacco that partially covers the tobacco.

However, these various approaches to closing the end of a cigarette are nothing new and hence not well suited for modern cigarette manufacturing techniques. The present invention wishes to provide closed end cigarettes using methods and apparatus which are most compatible with current cigarette manufacturing equipment. Summary of the invention

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a smoking article comprising: providing a fully manufactured or partially manufactured smoking article comprising at least one tobacco rod wrapped in cigarette paper ; adhering a folding paper to the cigarette paper such that the folding paper surrounds the tobacco rod and exceeds the cigarette paper at one end of the tobacco rod that is designed to be lit; and folding the excess folding paper to substantially cover the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. The folding paper may be adhered to the outside of the cigarette paper.

It has been found that closing the end of a smoking article by folding a separately applied outer layer of paper has an advantage over methods that rely on folding an extension of the cigarette paper itself. For example, it is possible to obtain an extended portion of the cigarette paper by tapping the smoking article or by standing it over its filter end on a vibrating table to cause the tobacco to sink further down into the cigarette paper. However, tobacco (smoking material) is of a non-uniform nature, hence different components will deposit at different levels, and provide an inconsistency for smoking quality. Alternatively, the tobacco may be compressed down into the cigarette paper, but this provides a non-uniform density that again results in inconsistent smoking quality. Wrapping a separate folding paper around the cigarette paper removes any need to redistribute or otherwise manipulate the tobacco once the smoking article has been assembled so that quality can be maintained. Also, keeping the tobacco rod in the structure in which it is initially manufactured keeps the flat cutting end of the tobacco clean, which offers a much better surface against which the folding paper work can be achieved by tapping, vibrating or compression, which tend to modify the tobacco surface is to make it less flat and robust. Hence, folding can be more easily and efficiently performed and the resulting folded end may have a cleaner appearance. Any paper that can be folded to close the paper

The end of the tobacco rod may be used, for example, standard cigarette paper as used to wrap the tobacco and form the tobacco rod. However, a porous paper is beneficial as it makes it possible for the smoker to swallow the cigarette when lighting it, as more air can flow through the paper. Also, porous paper is typically thinner and lighter than standard cigarette paper, so that it can be folded more easily and cleanly, providing a more compact folded end. Therefore, in some configurations, folding paper is lighter weight paper than cigarette paper. For example, folding paper may have a porosity greater than 3000 CU, or greater than 6000 CU, or greater than 12,000 CU, or greater than 24,000 CU. In some embodiments the folding paper may be porous buffer wrapping paper. It is particularly thin and light with wide porosity, so as not to prevent swallowing and is still readily available in the tobacco industry.

Folding paper may be embossed with one or more wrinkle lines along which excess folding paper is folded. Providing such wrinkle lines facilitates paper folding as folding becomes easier and less force is required to fold the paper, and folds form more easily in the projected positions. This provides a more consistent appearance to the bent end. Folding paper can be supplied pre-embossed. Alternatively, the method may further comprise prior to adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper, embossing the folding paper with one or more wrinkle lines along which the excess folding paper is to be folded.

The folding paper surrounding the tobacco rod may extend over only part of the length of the tobacco rod or alternatively the folding paper surrounding the tobacco rod may extend over substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod. The previous arrangement allows a minimal amount of paper to be used, thus saving materials and reducing costs. The latter arrangement, if applied to a partially completed unfiltered smoking article, allows the edge of the folding paper away from the excess portion to be covered with a tip paper when the filter is attached to the tobacco rod. This provides a clean appearance to the smoking article and also removes an exposed edge that could otherwise become caught or torn during further handling of the smoking article.

In some embodiments, adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper comprises: applying adhesive to the folding paper; bringing the smoking article into contact with the folding paper such that an edge of the folding paper adheres to the cigarette paper; and loading the smoking article into a vacuum chute on the outer surface of a rotating drum, the smoking article arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum so as to bring the smoking article into contact with a plate. bent static separated away from the drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis, so that it rolls over the plate when the drum rotates, scrolling causing the folding paper to wrap around the smoking article. Since this technique relies on individual pieces, folding paper applied to individual smoking articles, it is suitable for folding paper that extends over any length of the tobacco rod. It is only necessary to use a properly sized folding paper at the beginning of the process. Vacuum chute rotary drums are widely used in the manufacture of smoking articles, so an existing production line can be easily adapted to include apparatus for carrying out this method of applying folding paper.

In addition, for configurations in which the folding paper is applied as a single piece, the folding paper may be shaped along an edge such that the excess folding paper has an edge profile providing a reduced amount of overlapping paper. after folding compared to a straight edge. This can be used to provide a cleaner look to the folded end, and can also provide a folding arrangement that better maintains its folded position with less tendency for the folds to bounce apart after folding.

In other embodiments, adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper comprises: arranging the smoking article in a sequence of end-to-end but spaced smoking articles spaced by a distance equal to the desired length of the excess folding paper; feeding the sequence of smoking articles onto a continuous length of foldable paper, the foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the tobacco rod; wrapping the folding paper around the smoking articles to surround the tobacco rods; and stick it in place; and cutting through the folding paper flush with one end of each smoking article to separate the smoking articles and forming the excess folding paper. Alternatively, adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper may comprise: arranging the smoking article in a sequence of paired end-to-end smoking articles, where the articles in each pair meet at their adjacent ends, and the pairs are spaced apart. separated by a distance equal to twice the desired length of the excess folding paper; feeding the sequence of smoking articles over a continuous length of a folding paper, the folding paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the smoking articles; wrapping the folding paper around the smoking articles to surround the tobacco rods and sticking them in place, and cutting through the folding paper where the smoking articles in each pair meet and also at the midpoint of the spaces between the pairs, to separate the smoking articles and form the excess folding paper. These techniques provide a folding paper that extends over the entire length of the tobacco rod. The techniques can be implemented by adapting to pairs currently used to apply a second layer of paper to double wrap tobacco rods.

In various embodiments, folding over the folding paper may comprise loading a smoking article into a vacuum chute on the outer surface of one or more rotating drums so as to bring the folding over paper into contact with one or more folding devices folding the paper. surplus paper folding in over the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. As mentioned above, vacuum chute rotating drums are already commonly used in the production of smoking articles, so that their application to the methods of the present invention allows the invention to be conveniently implemented without extensive investment in new and complex apparatus.

A variety of folding devices can be employed to achieve different folding effects and number of folds. For example, the one or more folding devices may comprise an alternate bender less than the diameter of the smoking article that partially extends over the end of the tobacco rod flush with the tobacco therein, to create a first bend. and then retracts a fixed pusher of a width less than the diameter of the tobacco rod and a surface that is flush with the tobacco against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a second fold opposite the first fold. , and a pair of static benders that provide tobacco-level surfaces and have oppositely positioned converging edges against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to form opposite third and third folds and orthogonal to the first and Second folds. This provides a four way wrap style fold.

Alternatively, the one or more folding devices may comprise a spaced bent static plate separated from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contacting the plate causing the smoking article to rotate around its longitudinal axis itself so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a plow-type folder is fixed to the plate and comprises a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod which has an edge that converges towards the drum. in the direction of rotation of the drum such that when the smoking article rolls over the plate, the end of the tobacco rod passes against the surface and the excess folding paper is engaged by the converging edge and is gradually folded inwardly over the tobacco. in a continuous fold.

In another alternative, the one or more folding devices may comprise a bent static plate spaced apart from the rotary tube by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contacting the plate causing the smoking article to rotate around of its own longitudinal axis, so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a sequence of teeth extending from the plate towards the drum, and having their surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth engaging a portion of the excess folding paper and creating a fold as the smoking article rolls over the plate, each fold overlapping the previous fold. This produces a shutter style (iris) fold where the number of individual overlapping folds is determined by the number of teeth. Hence the number of teeth can be selected to achieve a particular appearance of the shutter fold.

In another alternate, the one or more folding devices may comprise a bent static plate spaced apart from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contacting the plate causing the smoking article to rotate around. of its own longitudinal axis, so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a rotating cam associated with each vacuum chute on the rotating drum, each cam having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod is configured. to sweep through the end of the tobacco rod as the smoking article rolls over the plate, the edge of the cam pushing against the excess folding paper to fold it in over the tobacco. In this context, the cam may have a smooth edge that creates a continuous bend or alternatively the cam may have a jagged edge that creates a series of overlapping bends. This last option provides a shutter fold in which the number of folds corresponds to the number of teeth.

In yet another alternative, the one or more folding devices may comprise a pair of rotatable surfaces adjacent flush with the end of the tobacco rod that sweeps out over the end of the tobacco rod from the rear of the smoking article when it is carried by the rotary drum to create adjacent first and second folds, and a static bender having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a third fold. This provides a three way bend.

In another embodiment, the one or more folding devices may comprise a spaced bent static plate separated from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contacting the plate causing the smoking article to rotate around of its own longitudinal axis, so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a rotary threaded screw positioned with its axis of rotation orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotary drum and substantially tangential to the perimeter of the drum, and the threaded surface. flush with the end of the tobacco rod such that the screw thread engages with the excess folding paper as the smoking article rolls through the plate and the rotation of the screw bends the paper inwardly over the tobacco. A number of individual overlapping folds are produced by providing a shutter style fold. The screw thread pitch determines the number of bends.

In another embodiment, the one or more folding devices may comprise a protrusion in a vacuum chute of a first rotating drum that pushes part of the excess folding paper in over the tobacco as the smoking article enters the vacuum chute to create a first fold, another protrusion in a vacuum chute of a second rotating drum adjacent to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the other protrusion pushing part of the excess folding paper in over the tobacco when the article stops. smoking enters the chute to create a second bend opposite the first bend and a pair of static plow benders that provide surfaces which are oppositely flush with the end of the tobacco rod and have converging edges against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create third and fourth folds opposite each other, and orthogonal to the first and second folds. This produces a four-way wrap fold. In an alternating configuration, one or more

The folding may comprise a protrusion in a vacuum chute of a first rotating drum that pushes part of the excess folding paper inwardly on tobacco as the smoking article enters the vacuum chute to create a first fold, another protrusion in a vacuum chute. of an adjacent second rotary drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the other protrusion pushing part of the excess folding paper in over the tobacco as the smoking article enters the chute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of reciprocating folders that sweep inwardly over the end of the tobacco rod and then retract to create opposing third and fourth folds and orthogonal to the first and second folds. Again, a four-way wrap fold is produced.

Alternatively, the one or more folding devices may comprise a protrusion in a vacuum chute of a first rotary drum that pushes part of the excess folding paper in over the tobacco as the smoking article enters the vacuum chute to create a first fold. , another protrusion in a vacuum chute of an adjacent second rotary drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the other protrusion pushing part of the excess folding paper in over the tobacco as the smoking article enters in the chute to create a second bend opposite the first bend, a fixed pusher placed on the side of a vacuum chute of an adjacent third rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the second drum engaging with excess folding paper. when the smoking article enters the vacuum chute and pushes the paper in over the tobacco to create a third orthogonal fold first and second folds, and another fixed pusher placed on the side of a vacuum chute of an adjacent fourth rotating drum, to which the smoking article is transferred from the third drum which engages with the excess folding paper when the article for smoking enters the vacuum chute and pushes the paper in over the tobacco to create a fourth fold opposite the third fold. This is another alternate way to produce a four-way wrap fold.

In any of the above methods which include vacuum rail protrusions, one or both of said protrusions and the other protrusion may be configured to move between an extended position to effect the first or second fold when the smoking article enters the vacuum trough. , and a retracted position after the fold is made, in which the protrusion does not protrude into the gutter. Retracting protrusion after folding allows for additional movement of the smoking article to proceed with less hindrance, providing a smoother production process. Also the gradual folding movement of a movable boss can produce a better quality fold than a steeper impact between a smoking article and a fixed boss.

In another embodiment, the one or more folding devices may comprise a first pair of longitudinally aligned tweezers with a vacuum chute of a first rotary drum, and moved in an open position to accommodate the excess folding paper of a smoking article in the chute. vacuum, the tweezers operable to close over the received excess folding paper and push opposite portions of the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create first and second opposing folds and a second pair of longitudinally aligned tweezers with a vacuum chute of a second rotating drum , and displaced in an open position to accommodate the excess folding paper of the smoking article when transferred to the vacuum chute after folding into the vacuum chute of the first rotating drum, the grippers operable to close over the remaining excess folding paper and pushing the opposing parts of the paper inward over the tobacco to create opposing third and fourth folds orthogonal at first is second fold.

Alternatively, the one or more folding devices may comprise a first pair of tongs aligned longitudinally with a vacuum chute of a first rotary drum, and moved in an open position to accommodate the excess folding paper of a smoking article on the vacuum chute. , the tweezers operable to close over the received excess folding paper and to push opposing portions of the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create opposite first and second folds and one or more additional folding devices associated with a second rotary drum arranged to accommodate the article for smoking after folding with the first drum, and operable to fold the remaining opposing portions of the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create opposing third and fourth folds, orthogonal to the first and second folds.

According to other embodiments, adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper may comprise: applying adhesive to the folding paper, bringing the smoking article into contact with the folding paper such that an edge of the folding paper adheres to the cigarette paper, and introducing the smoking article on a lower surface which is spaced apart from an upper surface by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, the upper surface moving relative to the lower surface along a direction parallel to the surfaces and orthogonal to the surface. longitudinal axis of the smoking article such that contact with the surfaces causes the smoking article to rotate about its longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the lower surface when the upper surface moves, the roll causing the smoking article to Folding paper wrap around the smoking article. The upper surface may comprise a rotating endless belt around a pair of rollers.

In addition, folding the excess paper may then comprise utilizing scrolling of the smoking article over the bottom surface to bring the excess folding paper into contact with one or more folding devices which fold the excess folding paper in over the tobacco at the end. tobacco rod. The one or more folding devices may comprise a series of teeth extending from the bottom surface towards the top surface and having surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth engaging a portion of the excess folding paper and creating a fold when the smoking article rolls over the bottom surface, each fold overlapping the previous fold. However, other folding devices may be used alternately. Folding over the folding paper may comprise pushing part of the paper inward to create a first fold, pushing another part of the paper inwardly to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and trimming something or any remaining unfolded paper. This reduces the amount of overlapping paper at the folded end making the smoking article easier to light.

The method may further comprise, after folding the excess folding paper, pushing against the end of the tobacco rod with a pin having a width less than the diameter of the smoking article to compress the folded paper and make it hold better. your folded position. This is a simple way to overcome any tendency of the folded paper to pop out slightly from its folded position, and it is preferable to use adhesive to hold the folded end in place.

In some configurations folding paper is provided with

Adhesive on all or part of the inner surface of the excess portion and the method further comprises, after folding the excess paper and compressing against the end of the tobacco rod, to cause the folded paper to become adhered in its folded position. The adhesive may be heat activated and compressing against the end of the tobacco rod may include applying heat to the end of the tobacco rod.

Also the method may further comprise, in the case where the smoking article is a partially manufactured smoking article, attaching a filter unit to the end of the tobacco rod opposite the end designed to be lit. To speed up production, the filter unit may be attached to the end of the tobacco rod simultaneously with the sticking and / or folding of the folding paper.

In another embodiment the method may further comprise, after folding the excess paper, inspecting the folded excess paper for defects and rejecting a found smoking article having a defective folded paper. The inspection may comprise capturing one or more images of overfolded folded paper and comparing one or more images with one or more stored images of a non-defective overfolded paper. The captured images comprise, for example, an extreme view of the folded over paper and / or a side view of the folded over paper.

A second aspect of the present invention is apparatus oriented configured to perform a method for making a smoking article according to any configuration of the first aspect.

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a smoking article comprising: a tobacco rod wrapped in cigarette paper; and a folding paper adhered to the cigarette paper such that the folding paper surrounds the tobacco rod and exceeds the cigarette paper at one end of the tobacco rod that is designed to be lit, the excess foldable paper folded to cover it tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod is substantial. The folding paper may be adhered to the outside of the cigarette paper.

The folding paper may be a porous paper, such as porous buffer wrapping paper. Folding paper can have a porosity greater than 3000 CU, or greater than 6000 CU, or greater than 12000 CU, or greater than 24,000 CU. In addition, the folding paper may be embossed with one or more wrinkle lines along which the excess folding paper is folded. The folded paper surrounding the tobacco rod may extend about only part of the length of the tobacco rod or about substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod.

The folding paper may be shaped along one edge such that the excess folding paper has an edge profile providing a reduced amount of overlapping paper after folding compared to a straight edge.

Excess folding paper may be folded with a first fold, a second fold opposite the first fold, and a third orthogonal fold to the first and second fold, and a fourth fold opposite the third fold. Alternatively, the excess folding paper may be folded with a plurality of folds, each fold overlapping the adjacent fold.

The smoking article may further comprise a filter unit attached to the end of the tobacco rod opposite the end designed to be lit.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article comprising: a first sub-apparatus operable to accommodate a fully or partially manufactured smoking article comprising at least one tobacco rod wrapped in cigarette paper and adhering to it. a paper foldable to the cigarette paper such that the foldable paper surrounds the tobacco rod and exceeds the cigarette paper at one end of the tobacco rod that is designed to be lit; and a second sub-apparatus operable for accommodating a smoking article with a surplus foldable paper produced by the first sub-apparatus and for folding the surplus foldable paper to substantially cover the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod.

The first sub-device and the second sub-device can be configured according to a range of different settings. Additionally the apparatus may further comprise a third sub-apparatus operable for accommodating a smoking article with a folded over folding paper from the second apparatus and for pushing a pin having a width less than the diameter of the smoking article against the paper. over folding fold, to compress the folded paper and make it better hold its folded position and / or apply pressure and / or heat to the folded over folding paper to activate adhesive over the over folding paper and make it become stuck in its folded position. In addition, the apparatus may also comprise a fourth operable sub-apparatus for attaching a filter unit to the end of a tobacco rod of a partially manufactured smoking article opposite the designed end to be lit. Also an inspection system may be included, operable to inspect the folded over paper for defects and discard a smoking article found to have a defective folded over paper.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how it can be realized, reference is now made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures IA and IB show sectional side views.

cross-sectional view of the end of a smoking article provided with a folding paper for closing the lighting end of the smoking article with the folding paper respectively in non-folded and folded positions, according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a

first embodiment of a process for applying a folding paper to a smoking article;

Figures 3A and 3B show schematic representations of examples of a second embodiment of a process for applying a folding paper to a smoking article;

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a first configuration of excess folding paper folding apparatus applied to a smoking article;

Figures 5A and 5B show a sequence of extreme views of a smoking article having a surplus folding paper applied which is successively folded using four folds;

Figure 6 shows a schematic side representation of a second configuration of excess folding paper folding apparatus applied to a smoking article;

Figure 7 shows a schematic side representation of a third configuration of excess folding paper folding apparatus applied to a smoking article;

Figure 8 shows an extreme view of a smoking article having an applied folding paper folded into a shutter style fold, such as by means of the apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a schematic side representation of a fourth embodiment of the excess folding paper folding apparatus applied to a smoking article; Figure 10 shows a schematic side representation of

a fifth embodiment of the excess folding paper folding apparatus applied to a smoking article;

Figure 11 shows a schematic side representation of a sixth configuration of excess folding paper folding apparatus applied to a smoking article;

Figure 11A shows an extreme view of a smoking article having a folded folded paper applied to a three-way fold, such as by using the apparatus of Figure 11;

Figure 12 shows a perspective schematic representation of a first embodiment of apparatus for applying a folding paper to a smoking article and folding the paper;

Figures 13A and 13B show cross-sectional side views of a smoking article having first and second folds made for its excess folding paper using the apparatus of Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective representation of a second embodiment of apparatus for applying a folding paper to a smoking article and folding the paper;

Figure 15 shows a perspective schematic representation of a third embodiment of apparatus for applying a folding paper to a smoking article and folding the paper;

Figures 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D show varied perspective and side views of another embodiment of excess folding paper folding apparatus applied to a smoking article;

Figure 17 shows a schematic side representation of

an alternate apparatus arrangement for applying a folding paper to a smoking article and folding the paper;

Figures 18A, 18B and 18C show extreme views of smoking article having folded folding papers according to three

other settings;

Figures 19A and 19B show schematic side representations of two apparatus configurations for compressing a previously folded paper pin of a smoking article to improve closure;

Figure 20 shows a schematic side representation of

a smoking article having a compression pin applied to its folded paper such as with the apparatus of figures 19A or 19B.

Figure 21 shows three examples of shaped edge folding paper which may be used in embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 22 shows a plan view of a folding paper

with adhesive applied in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 23 shows a plan view from above of an inspection system taken as an example for detecting defective folded-end smoking articles according to another embodiment. Detailed Description

The present invention proposes closing the end of a smoking article by providing an extra portion of paper at the tobacco rod end of the smoking article that is designed to be lit so that the paper exceeds the rod end, and then folding the end of the smoking rod. surplus paper inside to cover exposed tobacco. A tobacco rod comprises a tobacco cylinder wrapped in cigarette paper with the tobacco end substantially flush with the paper end. According to the invention, an additional piece of folding paper is fixed with adhesive around the outside of the cigarette paper after the tobacco rod is formed, so that the folding paper surrounds the tobacco rod and extends beyond the end. of the tobacco rod by an amount that is sufficient to substantially surround the tobacco when the excess paper is folded inwardly. Figure IA shows a cross-sectional view.

longitudinally through the end of a tobacco rod having a foldable paper surplus according to one embodiment of the invention. The tobacco rod 10 comprises tobacco 12 wrapped in a cigarette paper 14 in the conventional manner, with the addition of a folding paper portion 16 which is adhered around the circumference of the extreme portion of the cigarette paper 14. A paper length 18 fold 16 extends beyond the tobacco end 12 and cigarette paper 14 to form a surplus.

Figure IB shows the same view of the tobacco rod 10 after folding the folding paper 14. The excess portion 18 of the folding paper 14 is folded inwardly against the extreme surface of the tobacco 12 to close the opposite end of the tobacco rod. and covering tobacco that could otherwise be exposed on the end of the tobacco rod that is designed to be lit.

The term "tobacco" as used herein is intended to include tobacco material (such as a stem, blade, tobacco dust, cut tobacco, expanded tobacco), reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco substitute materials.

The collapsible paper can be any paper that can be conveniently folded in the required manner. A piece of regular cigarette paper, the same as tobacco rod cigarette paper, may be used. However, it has been found that a more satisfactory result can be achieved if a lighter weight paper than cigarette paper is used. A lighter paper is thinner, and hence more easily folded. Also a lighter paper has higher porosity, which makes it easier for the smoker to swallow the smoking article when lighting it, so ease of lighting is less impaired by the presence of the folded paper. For example, porous plug wrapping paper of the type generally used to wrap around the acetate beam core of a cigarette filter unit may be used. This is a thin paper with a high porosity, and is also conveniently readily available in the industry because it is already used in cigarette manufacturing. More generally, paper with a porosity greater than 3,000 in CORESTA (CU) units or greater than 6,000 CU, or greater than 12,000 CU, or greater than 24,000 CU is recommended, although papers with other porosity values are not. excluded.

Figures IA and IB show a configuration in which the folding paper is relatively short compared to the overall length of the tobacco rod, so that the folding paper extends only a short distance along the length of the cigarette paper. For example, the length of folding paper overlapping the cigarette paper may be substantially equal to the length exceeding the end of the tobacco rod. The length can be selected according to how much paper it is desired to use (a short length obviously using less paper and hence being less expensive), and how large an overlapping area is required to provide a secure adhesion of the folding paper to the cigarette paper. Although a short length is economical, long lengths may be used instead and include a folding paper length extending over substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod. This latter example has the advantage that the end of the folding paper opposite the folded end can be hidden under a tip paper used to attach a filter unit to the tobacco edge, providing a smooth outer surface for the smoking article tobacco rod. completed. This provides an improved aesthetic appearance for the smoking article, and also protects the edge of the folding paper and prevents it from becoming caught and possibly twisted during subsequent processing and handling of the smoking article.

For folding paper applied over the length of the tobacco rod it is convenient to apply the folding paper to the tobacco rod before the tobacco rod is mounted with a filter unit to form a completed smoking article so that the edge of the folding paper Can be wrapped under the tip paper as mentioned above. However, for configurations using a shorter length of foldable paper, the foldable paper may be applied to the tobacco rod at any stage in the smoking article manufacture, including before or after a filter unit is attached to the tobacco rod. Hence, methods of the invention are applicable to both wholly or partially manufactured smoking articles, where it is only required that a tobacco rod be provided for adhering the folding paper to its cigarette paper. If the smoking article is only partially manufactured, and comprises a tobacco rod without a filter at the time of applying the folding paper, a filter unit may then be added to form a filter smoking article. Alternatively, the smoking article may be designed as a full cigarette, so that none is added to the tobacco rod. Accordingly, in the following description and appended claims, the term "smoking article" is designed to cover at the same time substantially completed smoking articles and partially completed smoking articles, which may comprise only one tobacco rod. Furthermore, if the smoking article is only partially manufactured, a filter unit may be added simultaneously with the application and folding of the folding paper. This combines two stages of manipulation into one, thereby reducing production time for smoking articles. Simultaneous processing in this manner is facilitated by the fact that the application and folding of a folding paper can be performed using the conventional smoking article making apparatus as employed for filter binding, with only minor modifications, so that the additional processes can be easily integrated into existing production lines.

According to one embodiment it is proposed that the folding paper be provided as individual pieces of glue which are applied to individual smoking articles and then wrapped around the tobacco rods, so that the glue adheres to the cigarette paper and holds the paper. folding in place.

A convenient way to handle smoking articles during this process is to load them onto the surface of one or more rotating drums as is commonly done in existing smoking article manufacturing processes. A rotary tube mounted on a spindle and driven by a motor at a suitable rotational speed to synchronize with related equipment has a plurality of longitudinal grooves or rails on its outer surface around its circumference, each rail arranged parallel to the axis of rotation. of the drum and sized to accommodate a smoking article. Each chute has one or more holes in its surface, which are connected to a vacuum pump so that a smoking article can be kept in the chute by suction. Smoking articles may thereby be accommodated on a drum or discharged from a drum, including being passed from one drum to an adjacent drum, turning the vacuum on and off at appropriate times. One or more drums may be used to load smoking articles after a variety of processing devices that perform different steps of manufacturing the smoking articles.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the

use of rotating drums to apply a folding paper to a smoking article, shown as a view along the axis of rotation of the drums. In this example, the folding paper is provided as a pre-rolled roll 20 of suitable paper 22, such as a porous cap wrapper, the paper on the roll 20 having a width that is the required width of the folding paper when it is wrapped around it. around a tobacco rod (i.e. the length of the excess plus the length of the portion extending over the cigarette paper along all or part of the tobacco rod. The paper 22 is unrolled from the roll 20 and passed through of a pair of embossing rollers 23 embossing the paper with one or more wrinkle lines corresponding to the lines along which the paper should be folded to close the end of the smoking article. later folding of the folding paper, but need not be included, so that the embossing rollers 23 may be missing from the apparatus Alternatively, the folding paper 22 may be provided pre-g embossed on the roll 20. The foldable paper then travels after a glue application device 26 which applies adhesive 24 to one side of the paper 22. Any suitable glue application device can be used, such as a roller system or a glue spray unit. After adhesion, paper 22 from roll 20 is then cut to the correct length using a cutter 28. The correct length is a sufficient length to completely surround the smoking article, optionally with an overlapping edge. In this example the cutting device 28 is a vacuum cutting drum 23. This is a drum with a plurality of cutting blades 29 spaced around its circumference. Rotation of drum 28 brings the blades in turn into contact with paper 22, and each blade cuts a correct length 30 of paper 22. The surface of drum 28 is also provided with suction holes through which a vacuum is applied to maintain the individual folding papers 30 against the drum 28 as it rotates.

The now adhered foldable paper 30 is loaded by rotating the vacuum cutter drum 28 to a position in which its front edge extends into the path of a smoking article 32 being loaded onto the surface of the vacuum. a first rotating drum 34. The smoking article 32 is distributed to the drum 34 from an adjacent hopper or drum and is withdrawn by a rail over the surface of the drum 34. When the drum 34 rotates the smoking article 32 contact with the front edge of the folding paper 30 and the folding paper 30 sticks to the cigarette paper of the smoking article 32 due to the previously applied adhesive. This clinging action pulls the folding paper 30 out of the vacuum cutting drum 28, so that the folding paper is now loaded by the smoking article 32. The vacuum cutting drum 28 and the rotating drum 34 are positioned relative to each other. the other along the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 32 so as to provide the required excess length when paper 30 is adhered to the smoking article 32.

The first rotary drum 34 rotates further carrying the smoking article 32 and folding paper 30 attached thereto. A second rotating drum 36 is positioned adjacent to the first drum 34 and rotating in an opposite direction about a parallel axis. Rotation of the drums 34, 36 brings the smoking article 32 to a chute on the second drum 36 and appropriate vacuum suction switching on the two rails transfers the smoking article to the second drum 36.

A scroll plate 38 is positioned adjacent to the second

drum 36. The scroll plate 38 is a static plate having a curved surface 40 with a profile that corresponds to the outer circumference of the drum 36. The plate 38 is located such that the curved surface 40 is spaced from the surface of the drum 36 slightly less than the amount by which the smoking article 32 protrudes from the surface of the drum 36. When the drum 36 rotates, it brings the smoking article 32 into the space between the drum 36 and the scroll plate surface 40. 38, but in an interference fit due to spacing. This interference fit causes the smoking article 32 to rotate about its own longitudinal axis within the chute, in a direction opposite to that of drum rotation when the smoking article is carried through space by the drum 36, so that the smoking article 32 effectively rolls over the curved surface 40 of the scroll plate 38. This bearing also causes the smoking article 32 to roll over its attached folding paper 30, so that the folding paper 30 sticks directly around the circumference of the tobacco rod and forms a tube extending beyond the end of the tobacco rod. When the smoking article 32 is loaded after the scroll plate 38, it is ready for folding over the folding paper.

The application of the folding paper according to the configuration of figure 2 may be used for any length of folding paper and for fully assembled or partially assembled smoking articles.

A potential problem that may arise from the use of a scroll plate to apply the folding paper is that of drop ends, in which pieces of tobacco on the open end of a tobacco rod may become loose and may then be lost. . In the present case this may be caused by the pressure exerted on the end of the article to film by the scroll plate. This can be addressed by appropriately configuring the rolling plate and rotary drum combination to reduce the pressure applied to the smoking article and / or to shift positions along the length of the smoking article to which pressure is applied.

An alternate approach is to pre-adhere the cigarette paper prior to manufacturing the smoking article. One or more lines or points of adhesive may be applied to the inner surface of the cigarette paper before it is wrapped around the tobacco, the lines or points positioned to coincide with the end of each smoking article. The extreme portion of the tobacco is thereby secured within cigarette paper, and is less likely to be loosened during application of the folding paper. Figure 3A shows a schematic representation of a

technique for applying a folding paper extending over the full length of the tobacco rod of the smoking article. In this case, a continuous length of folding paper 42 is fed from a roll (not shown), and arranged in the horizontal direction. The paper has a width that is at least the circumference of the smoking article so that it can completely surround the tobacco rod when wrapped around the smoking article. Possibly the width of the folding paper is greater than the circumference of the article to be fi nished, so that there is overlap when the folding paper is wrapped around the tobacco rod, which may assist with adhesion, for example. Adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the folding paper at least along one edge. The amount of adhesive deposition may be selected as desired, depending on how much of the surface of the folding paper it is desired to adhere to the cigarette paper, and whether an overlay is used. A continuous stream of smoking article 44 is distributed over the upper surface of the folding paper 42 as indicated in section A of the figure. The smoking articles have no filters and may comprise only a tobacco-shaped tobacco rod 46 wrapped in cigarette paper 48.

The smoking articles 44 are arranged end to end in a line, and positioned along the length of the folding paper 42. However, the smoking articles are spaced apart along the line by a distance d that is equal to the desired length of the excess. of folding paper.

Smoking articles 44 and folding paper 42 are moved

together as shown by the arrow in the figure, and fed into a tube (not shown) that has an inside diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the smoking article 44. As shown in section B of the figure, the wall of the guide tube folding paper 42 around smoking articles 44, and the adhesive causes folding paper 42 to adhere in place to surround the cigarette papers 48 of smoking article 44. This results in a continuous folding paper tube 42 with smoking articles 44 spaced apart in a row within the tube.

Finally, the continuous tube is cut into sections as shown in section C of the figure. A cutting device 50, such as a blade, is arranged to cut through the folding paper tube 42 at intervals corresponding to the length of the smoking article 44, plus excess folding paper. The cuts are positioned to be flush with one end of the rod of each tobacco rod. This divides the continuous tube into individual smoking articles 44, each comprising a tobacco rod with a folding paper wrapped around it, extending over the entire length of the tobacco rod and further extending beyond one end of the tobacco rod. tobacco to provide the desired excess 18 for folding. Alternatively, the smoking article stream 44 may be distributed over the folding paper 42 in pairs, with the two articles in each pair being substantially touching or meeting at their adjacent ends, and the pairs being spaced apart by a distance 2d, which is equal to twice the desired length of the excess folding paper. Once wrapped in the continuous folding paper tube 42, the smoking articles 44 are then separated by the tube being cut at the midpoint of each space between pairs of smoking articles, and also at the point where the articles 44 in each pair meet. find. Figure 3B shows a schematic representation of this

arrangement using the same reference numerals as Figure 2A. A second cutting blade 50 'is shown invisibly to indicate together with the first cutting blade 50 the two cutting points relative to each pair of smoking articles 44. In fact, the cuts can all be made by a single cutter. cutting device if preferred.

An advantage of these methods of applying folding paper to smoking articles is that they can be easily adapted from known cigarette making apparatus with a double wrap tobacco rod. Such cigarettes have an outer layer of paper overlapping the cigarette paper, and the tobacco rods for these cigarettes may be made by distributing a continuous stream of single wrap tobacco rods arranged end to end over a length without spaces over a length with outer wrapping glue which is then wrapped around the tobacco rods. The resulting continuous tube is then cut at each break between the single wrap rods. Adjusting the supply of tobacco rods to provide the necessary spacing between the rods, and using a cutting device that can cut through the folding paper tube without crushing or deforming the excess, the embodiments of the present invention as shown in the figures. 3Α and 3Β can be implemented.

The present invention further proposes a number of techniques for folding excess folding paper to cover the exposed end of the tobacco rod. It is proposed that these techniques be implemented by loading the smoking articles already provided with the excess folding paper onto the one or more rotating drums such as those described above with respect to Figure 2, which bring the excess folding paper into contact with one or more. folding devices that engage the paper to push it in over the tobacco. Different devices can be employed to achieve different folding effects, with varying number of folding arrangements.

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a first example of a folding arrangement comprising four folding devices arranged next to a rotating drum. The drum 52 carries smoking articles 54 in vacuum rails on its outer surface as described above, the smoking articles having been distributed to it from a hopper or other rotating drum. When the drum rotates, it loads the smoking articles after four folding devices at a time. Each folding device comprises a substantially flat surface arranged orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the drum 52 and hence also to the longitudinal axes of the smoking articles 54. In addition, the surfaces of the folding devices are located in a plane that is substantially level with each other. with the extreme tobacco surfaces on the tobacco rods of the smoking articles 54 as they are carried by the drum 52.

The first folding device 56 comprises an alternating pusher in the form of a surface having a width that is smaller than the diameter of the smoking articles. It has a fixed location relative to drum 52, but can move back and forth along a direction perpendicular to its width which is also substantially parallel to a tangent of drum 52, as shown by the arrow in the figure. In an initial position the alternating pusher occupies a retracted position from the drum, which allows a smoking article to pass untouched. When a smoking article 54 reaches position 54a, after the alternating pusher 56, the pusher moves forward so that its surface partially slides over the end of the tobacco rod onto the rear side, pushing part of the excess folding paper. before it until the paper is pushed in and over the tobacco. The pusher 56 is then retracted before it reaches the excess folding paper opposite the smoking article 54. A first fold is formed with this.

The second folding device 58 comprises a static pusher again in the form of a surface having a width smaller than the diameter of the smoking article. It occupies a fixed position with respect to drum 52 arranged with its width substantially perpendicular to another tangent of drum 52. It is located such that the smoking article carried by the rotating drum and already having a first fold passes behind the pusher. 58 with respect to the viewing direction of figure 4, with the tobacco surface flush with the pusher surface 58. The front edge of the pusher pushes against the excess folding paper as the smoking article moves to the pusher and folds it against tobacco to create a second fold opposite the first fold. The presence of the first fold on the back side of the smoking article means that the smoking article is free to pass under the static pusher once the front side of the paper has been folded as the second fold. The positions of the first folding device 56 and the second folding device 58 and the movement of the first folding device relative to the speed of the drum 52 are arranged so that the first pusher 56 bends just before the smoking article begins to rise. be bent by the second pusher 58. Upon completion of the second pusher the first pusher 56 retracts to allow the next smoking article to pass before the first pusher moves forward again to create a first ply on the rear side.

The third folding device 60 comprises a static plow type folder. This has a surface with a tilt profile arranged to provide a front side edge that enters the smoking article starting at one end of the smoking article (relative to the walking direction of the smoking article) and converges at the direction of the midline of the end of the smoking article as it proceeds the walking path of the smoking article. Thus when the smoking article is loaded past the bender, the edge engages the excess paper on the smoking article side and gradually pushes it in and over against the end of the tobacco rod as this end passes against the surface of the bender. This creates a third fold that is substantially at right angles to the first and second folds.

Finally, the fourth folding device 62 comprises another plow type static folder. This has the same structure as but opposite configuration to the third folding device 60, so that the converging edge is positioned on the other side of the smoking article. Therefore, walking the smoking article past this plow-type bender engages the opposite excess paper, and folds it inwardly against the end of the tobacco rod to create a fourth fold opposite the third fold. For reasons of space the fourth folding device 62 will probably need to be positioned downstream of the third folding device 60 so that each of the surfaces may extend far enough apart through the end of the tobacco rod to fully fold the excess folding paper. The folding devices of FIG. 4 create a wrapping fold comprising two opposite folds overlapped by two other opposing folds that are orthogonal to the first opposite folds.

Figures 5A and 5D show schematic representations of the extreme view of a smoking article which is provided with a wrap-around fold such as by using the apparatus of figure 4. A first fold 64 is followed by a second fold 66 on the opposite side of the smoking article, a third fold 68 at right angles to the first and second folds, and a fourth fold 70 opposite the third fold. The exposed tobacco 72 at the end of the tobacco rod is gradually covered.

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of another example of folding apparatus. A rotary drum 74 that carries smoking articles 54 in vacuum rails on its surface, as before, is used in conjunction with a static scroll plate 76 as the scroll plate 38 described with reference to figure 2. As before, the adjustment of interference of the smoking article 54 between the surface of the rotating drum 54 and the curved surface of the scroll plate 76 causes the smoking article 54 to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the surface of the rotating drum 54. plate 76. In this example, the scroll plate 76 is provided with a plow type bender 78. The plow type folder 78 is fixed to the scroll plate 76 and comprises a surface extending from the curved surface of the scroll plate 76. which is in the plane of the ends of the tobacco rods of the smoking article 54, so that the ends of the rods pass against the surface when the smoking article 54 rolls over the scroll plate 76. The surface The plunger bender 78 has an edge beginning at the surface of the scroll plate and converging towards the surface of the drum so that the far end of the plow bender extends at least midway through the space between the plate. 76 and the drum 74. When a smoking article is loaded onto the scroll plate 78 by rotating the drum 74, the front end of the plow type folder 78 engages with the excess folding paper at the end of the tobacco rod and gradually pushes it over and in against the extreme surface of the tobacco. As the smoking article 54 rolls over the scroll plate 79, the edge of the plow type folder 78 continuously engages with a new portion of the excess folding paper and folds it over and against the tobacco. As the smoking article 54 progresses through the plow-type bender 78 the converging edge gradually extends further over the end of the smoking article 54, thereby redoubling the excess paper over its full length. In this way a continuous fold is formed around the entire circumference of the tobacco rod, and the excess paper is brought flat against the tobacco end in the tobacco rod. When the smoking article 54 emerges from the end of the plow type folder 78, its end is completely covered by folded paper, provided the original excess is of sufficient length.

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of another example of a folding apparatus. This is similar to that of Fig. 6 in that it uses a rotating drum 74 to roll smoking articles 54 on the surface of a static scroll plate 76. In this example, however, the plow type bender is replaced by a series of teeth 80 Like the plow-type bender, the teeth 80 extend inwardly from the surface of the scroll plate 76 and have surfaces on a flat level with the tobacco end on the tobacco rods of the smoking article 54. Each tooth 80 has an edge starting at the surface of the scroll plate 76 and converging towards the surface of the drum, so that the distal end of each tooth 80 extends at least midway through the space between the scroll plate 76 and the drum 74. Thus, each tooth 80 can be imagined as an individual plow type bender. However, the length of each tooth in the walking direction of the smoking articles is less than the circumference of the smoking articles, so that each tooth 80 can only bend a portion of the excess folding paper. The next tooth 80 engages the excess where the preceding tooth has stopped bending, and makes a new, separate bend that overlaps the previous bend. Thus there should then be sufficient teeth to bend all excess paper, so that the total length of the teeth must be at least the circumference of the smoking article 54. This provides a shutter style (iris) fold comprising the same number of folds how many teeth 80 are on the scroll plate 76.

Figure 8 shows a schematic end view of a smoking article having its end closed with a plug-like fold. The five overlapping folds were formed in the order of a to and, for example, using the five teeth 80 on the scroll plate 76 shown in figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of yet another example of a folding apparatus using a rotary drum 74 and a static scroll plate 76. In this example, each vacuum chute for loading a smoking article 54 has an associated cam bender. 82. For each rail, the cam bender 82 comprises a cam that is rotatably mounted on the extreme face of the drum 74 in line with the rail, such that the cam provides a surface extending beyond the edge of the face. end of the drum on the smoking article 54 in the chute, the surface being flush with the end of the tobacco rod of the smoking article 54. The axis of rotation of the cam is parallel to that of the drum 74 and, being a cam, the surface has an edge that is eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation. Thus, when the cam rotates, the edge of the surface gradually extends further and further over the end of the tobacco rod. The maximum length should be at least halfway across the width of the smoking article.

When a smoking article 54 enters a chute on the drum 74, the associated cam is in a position in which the surface of the cam does not protrude beyond the edge of the drum 74. When the smoking article reaches the scroll plate 76 o cam bender is turned on and the cam surface begins to rotate. As the edge begins to protrude past the edge of the drum 74, the edge engages with the excess folding paper and pushes it against the tobacco end on the tobacco rod. At the same time, the smoking article 54 is rolling over the scroll plate 76, so that when the cam edge extends further over the end of the tobacco rod, a new portion of the excess is brought into engagement with the edge. of the cam to be pushed in over the tobacco. The rotation of the cam is synchronized such that when the smoking article 54 rotates once through the scroll plate 76, the cam also rotates once so that the edge swings outwardly over the end of the tobacco rod and then gradually recedes when the cam eccentricity moves again closer to the axis of rotation. These movements combine to produce a continuous fold in the excess folding paper around the circumference of the smoking article. The rotary cam works in a similar manner to the smooth-edge plow bender of Figure 6, providing a sloping edge that gradually extends further and further across the extreme surface of the tobacco rod as the smoking article rolls around. to produce a single continuous fold.

The folding effect of the tooth style bender of figure 7 can also be replicated using cam benders. This can be accomplished by providing cam with stepped edges rather than the smooth profile shown in figure 9. Each edge step produces a separate fold of only part of the successive folding overlapping paper overlapping to produce a final shutter fold. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of yet another folding apparatus using a rotating drum 74 in combination with a scroll plate 76. In this example the scroll plate 76 operates in conjunction with a rotary threaded screw 84 to engage and fold the paper. surplus. The threaded screw 84 is motor driven 86 and arranged with its longitudinal axis, and hence also its axis of rotation, substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the drum 74 and the longitudinal axes of the smoking articles 54 carried by the drum. The threaded screw 84 is further positioned so that it extends broadly along the extension of the rolling plate bearing surface, and with the threaded surface in the same plane as the ends of the tobacco rods of the loaded smoking articles. In this way the threaded surface forms a flush surface with the ends of the tobacco rods on which the tobacco surface can be moved to fold the excess paper as against the flush surfaces in the preceding configurations. To achieve folding, the threaded screw 84 is rotated at the same time as the smoking article 54 rolls over the surface of the scroll plate 76. The screw threads there contact successive portions of the excess folding paper and engage with it. and bend each part inwardly against the end of the tobacco rod. By matching the speed of rotation of the threaded screw with the rolling speed of the smoking article, or by adjusting the speeds to be a ratio, the folds may be neatly adjoined overlapping to form a tight plug-like fold. The screw thread pitch determines the number of bends.

Figure 11 shows another example of a folding apparatus according to the invention using a rotating drum 74 for loading smoking articles 54 after three folding devices to create three folds. Two of the folding devices are a pair of rotary benders 88 which have a fixed location relative to the drum 74 and are arranged side by side substantially along a radius of the drum but beyond the edge of the drum 74 to provide two surfaces on each other. tobacco rod 54. The surfaces rotate around axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the barrel and have shaped edges such that rotation brings the surfaces in and out of the path of the smoking articles. 54 when drum rotates. For example, the surfaces may be cam, so that the cam rotation eccentricity provides a surface that in some positions extends over part of the end of a smoking article and in some positions not, as the edge is closer of the cam rotation axis. Alternatively, the surfaces may be centrally mounted circular surfaces with a missing sector, such as a quarter, as shown in the figure. Thus, in some positions of rotation the surface partially extends over the end of the tobacco rod and in other positions the missing sector coincides with the tobacco rod, so that the surface does not extend over the end of the tobacco rod. The two rotary surfaces of the rotary folders are arranged to rotate in opposite directions and, in any of the above surface shape examples the effect is to provide two surfaces with the front edges that engage with adjacent portions of the excess folding paper when the surfaces rotate, rotation. of the surfaces causing the surfaces to sweep over the end of the tobacco rod and fold the folding paper to form first and second folds. The folds are substantially along both sides of the smoking article relative to its direction of travel, but also adjacent in a substantially V-shaped formation.

The positions of rotation, directions of rotation and speeds of rotation of the two rotary benders 88 are chosen such that a smoking article can initially pass between them without folding (the surfaces are in positions where they do not extend over the ends of the tobacco rods). At a particular point, when the smoking article 54 is within reach of the folding surfaces, when they are rotated into position (approximately 54a in figure 11), the folders 88 rotate, the front edges of the surfaces engage with the back of the paper. fold over and the surfaces sweep forward through the end of the tobacco rod to bend both sides of the excess paper, flat against tobacco. The surfaces must be rotating faster than the drum to achieve this, so that the smoking article 54 does not move out of reach of the rotary benders 88 before folding is complete. Alternatively, the rotary drum 74 may be stopped while the rotary benders 88 rotate.

The two rotary folders 88 may be arranged as a pair, as in Fig. 11, so that the first and second folds are formed simultaneously. This is advantageous if the rotary drum is stopped for folding as less time is required to make these two folds. However, the same folding effect can be achieved by positioning the rotary benders 88 at different points around the drum 74.

The apparatus of figure 11 further comprises a third

bender 90 which is a static bender as the second folding device 58 in figure 4. The third bender provides a fixed surface with respect to the drum, and as with previously described surfaces arranged in the same plane as the tobacco end on the tobacco rods . As the smoking article having first and second folds approaches the third folder 90, the edge of the surface engages the front edge of the surplus folding paper and the flat tobacco fold as the smoking article passes under the surface of the folder 90 to create a third fold. Alternatively, another rotary bender may be used to make the third fold, having a surface with an edge shaped to suitably sweep over the appropriate portion of the excess folding paper when the smoking article is loaded thereafter.

Figure 11A shows an extreme view of a smoking article with its end closed with a three-way fold, as can be formed with the apparatus of figure 11, for example.

Figure 12 shows a simplified schematic perspective view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention using a series of five rotating drums to apply a folding paper to the end of the smoking article, and then folding the excess folding paper into a wrapping fold. four way.

Rotary drums 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108 are shown with dotted lines for clarity purposes only. The drums are arranged in sequence from right to left and positioned adjacent to each other, so that the smoking articles 54 loaded thereon can be transferred from one rail over one drum to one rail in the next drum by synchronized switching of proper way of vacuum aspiration. The first and second drums 100 and 102 are used to apply a folding paper 110 to the end of each smoking article 54 in the same manner as described with reference to figure 2. The first drum 100 carries the smoking articles 54 after a supply of glue folding papers 110, so that each smoking article 54 picks up a folding paper 110. The second drum 102 carries the film items 54 on a scroll plate (not shown) so that the resulting rolling motion causes folding paper 110 is wrapped around the tobacco rod and attached to the cigarette paper (smoking article 54b).

After the folding paper 110 is applied, the smoking article is transferred from its rail over the second drum 102 to a rail over the third drum 104 (smoking article 54c). Each chute on the third drum is provided with a chute conformer which is a protrusion extending outwardly from the chute surface pushing against the excess folding paper 110 when the smoking article enters the chute and thereafter folds the folding paper. 110 flush against the end of the tobacco rod when the smoking article moves completely into its seat within the gutter if the smoking article is properly positioned relative to the protrusion.

Figure 13A illustrates a side view of the smoking article 54c as it is beginning to enter a rail 112 over the third drum 104 (the smoking article 54c moving into the rail 112 in the direction of the arrow). The protrusion 114 pushes the excess folding paper 110 over and into a folded position when the end of the tobacco rod 116 slides over the protrusion 114. This creates a first fold in the folding paper 110.

The smoking article 54 which has a first fold in its folding paper 110 is then transferred to a rail in the fourth drum 106. The rails on the fourth drum 106 are provided with trough conformers or protrusions that act to create a second fold in the paper. 110 when the smoking article 54d enters the rail in the same manner as for the third drum 104. Since the first fold is made on the side of the smoking article 54 closest to the center of the third drum 104 when the smoking article 54 enters in the chute on the third drum 104, the second bend is made opposite the first bend, since the smoking article side 54 furthest from the center of the third drum 104 is the smoking article side 54 which enters the chute over the fourth drum 106.

Figure 13B shows a side view of the smoking article 54b as it is beginning to enter a chute 112 over the fourth drum 106. The protrusion 114 pushes excess folding paper 110 to a folded position when the end of the tobacco rod 116 slides over protrusion 114 to create a second fold opposite the first fold.

The fourth drum is also provided with a static scroll plate (not shown) which operates to rotate the film articles approximately 90 ° within the rails (smoking articles 54e). This action brings the smoking articles into a position in which the unfolded portions of the excess folding paper are arranged along the radius of the fourth drum 106. To facilitate rotation with the scroll plate, it may be necessary to arrange more protrusions 114 on top. the fourth drum 106 to be retractable to a position where they do not extend into the rails, and hence do not become trapped on the unfolded folding paper when the smoking articles 54 rotate within the rails.

More generally, the protrusions on both the third drum and the fourth drum may be movable between an extended position in which they act to bend overlapping paper when the smoking article enters the chute, and a retracted position in which they do not protrude into the gutter and hence do not prevent future movement of the smoking article, including rotation within the gutter and gutter transfer. Movement between the two positions can be timed to synchronize with the rotation of the various drums to achieve smooth and continuous passage of the filming articles through the drum sequence. Alternatively, protrusions over one or both of the third and fourth drums may be static.

Finally, the articles 54 are transferred to a fifth drum 108 which carries the smoking articles 54f after a pair of plow benders 118 operating as the plow benders described with respect to figure 4 for folding the two portions. remaining surplus of the folding paper 110 to create opposite third and fourth folds and orthogonal to the first and second folds. Figure 14 shows a simplified schematic perspective view of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, which also utilizes a series of five rotating drums to apply a folding paper to the end of the smoking article and then fold the excess folding paper into a fold. Four-way wrap. In this example, the first, second, third and fourth drums 100, 102, 104, 106 operate in the same manner as for the configuration of Figure 12, to apply a folding paper 110 to each smoking article 54 and to create the first and second folds of surplus folding paper 110 using projections in the rails of the third and fourth drums 104, 106. Again, the fourth drum 106 has a fixed rolling plate that rotates the smoking articles 90 degrees before they are transferred to the fifth drum 108

The configuration of FIG. 14 differs from that of FIG. 12 in that the plow type benders 118 of FIG. 12 are replaced by a pair of alternating benders 120. These benders are two folding surfaces in the end plane of the tobacco rods carried by the article to smoking 54 in the fifth drum 108, which may pivot between a first position where they are both out of the path of the smoking article 54, so that a smoking article may pass between them without contact with the excess folding paper, and a second position wherein they lie in the path of the smoking article 54 so that the ends of the tobacco rods are flush with the folding surfaces. As the folders 120 move from the first position to the second position, the edges of the folding surfaces sweep across the end of the tobacco rod pushing the remaining two parts of the excess folding paper inward to create the third and fourth folds.

Figure 15 shows a simplified schematic perspective view of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention using a series of six rotary drums to apply a folding paper to the end of the smoking article and then fold the excess folding paper into a wrap fold. four way. Once again, the first, second, third and fourth drums 100, 102, 104 and 106 operate in the same manner as for the embodiment of Figure 12 for applying a folding paper 110 to each smoking article 54 and for creating first and second folds in the excess folding paper 100 using projections in the rails of the third and fourth drums 104, 106. However, in this example, there is no scroll plate associated with the fourth drum 106, so that the smoking articles are not rotated in their rails before entering the fifth drum rails 122.

Each chute of the fifth drum 122 is provided with a shaped static bender 126 which is attached to the extreme surface of drum 122 (only one shown). As with previously described folders, each static folder offers a surface on the end plane of the smoking rods of the smoking articles held on the associated drum against which the end of the tobacco rod slides, with the result that part of the excess folding paper is pushed over and folded flat against the end of the tobacco rod. In the present example, after the first and second folds are formed, the remaining two remaining portions of the folding paper 110 are located on the smoking article side with respect to the direction in which the smoking article enters the rails of the fifth drum 122 (due to lack of a scroll plate for rotating smoking articles on the fourth drum 106). Hence, the static folders 126 are located to exceed one side of each rail, to fold to the corresponding side of the surplus folding paper 110. The static folders 126 are shaped so that they have an edge to the incoming smoking article which begins towards the outside of the smoking article and converges towards the center of the end of the smoking article when the smoking article enters the gutter. Hence the static folders operate in a manner similar to plow type folders and fold into a portion of the excess folding paper 110 that is on the edge of the smoking article relative to the forward direction of movement of the smoking article when the smoking article enters and moves into the gutter. A third fold is created with this, which is orthogonal to the first and second folds.

Similarly, the sixth drum 124 also has static folders 128 associated with each chute. The static folders 128 are located relative to the rails to fold the remaining portion of the excess folding paper thereby creating a fourth fold opposite the third fold.

In the embodiment of figures 14 and 15, the projections on the third and fourth drums may be static or movable, as described with reference to figure 13.

Figure 16A shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the folding paper folding apparatus. The apparatus 150 comprises a shaft 152 by which the apparatus may be mounted on a rotating drum and a collet mechanism 154 mounted on one end of the axis 150. The collet mechanism 154 is mounted such that it can move along direction defined by the length of the shaft 150. The forceps mechanism 154 comprises a cylindrical housing 156 sized to accommodate the end of a smoking article and a pair of forceps 158 mounted on opposite sides of the housing 156. Each forceps 158 is formed of a L-shaped member which is piercingly mounted on the housing 158 with an angle between the two arms of the L-shaped member. Each clip 158 is mounted such that an arm 160 of the L-shaped member forms a collet arm. which extends generally longitudinally and terminates in an inwardly facing jaw 162. The other arm 164 of the L-shaped element forms a generally extending connecting arm outwardly and terminates at a connection point 166 whereby arm 164 is connected to one end of a longitudinally extending spring 168. The other end of spring 168 is connected to a sliding collar 170 which surrounds the housing 158 and may slide longitudinally over part of the housing 156. The sliding collar 170 generally occupies a retracted position as shown in Figure 16A, into which it is brought. back away from the collet jaws 162. In this position the spring tension 168 pulls on the connection arms 164 of the collet 158 by rotating the collets around the pivot assembly so that the jaws 162 are open.

Figure 16B shows a plurality of collet apparatus 150 mounted on a rotating drum 172. Each apparatus 150 is longitudinally aligned with a vacuum rail 174 on drum 172 and positioned at the end of vacuum rail 174 so that apparatus 150 can operate. over a smoking article held in the vacuum chute 174. In use, therefore, various smoking articles are transferred to the vacuum chutes 174 of drum 172 so that folding paper folding can be performed over all smoking articles in set.

Figure 16C shows a side view of apparatus 150 in use in a first folding step. After a smoking article 54 is transferred to a vacuum chute on the rotating drum, the gripper mechanism 154 moves forward in the direction of the smoking article 54 as shown by the arrow until the excess folding paper 110 is accommodated in. of the jaws 162 of the tongs 158. The edge of the jaws 168 is aligned with the tobacco end in the smoking article 54.

Figure 16D shows a side view of apparatus 150 in use in a second folding step. After aligning the smoking article 54 and the tongs 158 as shown in Fig. 16C, the sliding collar 160 moves forward on the exterior of the housing 156 towards the tongs 158. This releases tension on the springs 168 so that the tongs 158 are free to pivot around the pivoting assemblies. At the same time the edge of the sliding collar 70 contacts the connection arms 164 of the calipers 158 and pushes against them, which has the effect of pivoting the calipers 158 so that the jaws 162 close together as shown in figure 16D. The jaws 162 push opposite sides of the excess folding paper 110 inwards over the tobacco in the smoking article 54, thereby creating the first and second opposite folds of a wrapping fold. After folding the sliding collar 170 retracts allowing the springs 168 to pull open the jaws 158. Then the collet mechanism 154 also retracts away from the smoking article to release it for further processing.

After this folding stage, the smoking articles may be transferred from the rotary drum to apparatus to form the third and fourth folds. For example, a second rotary drum having another collet apparatus 150 may be provided with an intermediate stage such as a scroll plate for rotating the smoking articles so that they are transferred onto the second drum with excess folding paper in the correct orientation for folding with a tweezer. Alternatively, the other forceps could be mounted with the forceps in an orthogonal position to those of the first rotary drum, so that there is no need to rotate the smoking articles. Otherwise, any other folding apparatus may be used to create opposing third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds to provide a wrap fold.

Figure 17 shows a schematic side representation of another embodiment of apparatus for applying the folding paper to the smoking article, and also for folding the excess folding paper. The apparatus does not include any of the rotary drums described above. Instead, the apparatus comprises a lower horizontal surface 140 and an upper horizontal surface 143 spaced above the lower surface 140 by an amount slightly less than the width of the smoking article 54, so that a smoking article 54 is introduced into the space. experiences an interference fit. The upper surface comprises a worm belt 143 which rotates around two horizontally arranged rollers 144. A smoking article 44 carrying a glue-folding paper 110 adhered on its front edge only to the smoking article cigarette paper 54 , is introduced into the space between upper surface 142 and lower surface 143. Folding paper 110 may have been prepared and applied to smoking article 54 by any convenient method, including the vacuum cutter drum and associated equipment described with respect to When the smoking article 54 enters the space between the upper surface 142 and the lower surface 140, the movement of the belt 143 forming the surface 142 together with the interference fit causes the smoking article 54 to be rolled over the bottom surface 140. This scrolling movement in turn causes the smoking article 54 to roll over the folding paper 110 it is carrying which is thereafter wrapped around the outside of the smoking article 54 and adheres to the cigarette paper due to the glue applied to it. In this way the smoking article is endowed with its own over folding paper.

The bottom surface 140 at a point downstream from which the smoking article 54 enters the space between the surfaces 140, 142 sufficient to allow the folding paper 110 to be wrapped around the smoking article 54, is provided with a series of vertical teeth. 146. Each tooth 146 provides a surface flush with the tobacco rod end of the smoking article 54. As the smoking article 54 continues to roll over the bottom surface 140, the teeth 146 in turn engage a portion of the folding paper. and push it back over the end of the tobacco rod and create a bend in a manner similar to the folding teeth described with respect to figure 7. Each tooth creates a bend to provide an overlapped shutter style bend.

Teeth 146 may be omitted from the apparatus so that

it only provides the function of wrapping the glue-folding paper 110 around the smoking article 54. Also the lower surface 140 may be a fixed surface, or it may comprise a rotating endless belt 146 similar to that of the upper surface 142 which it rotates at a different speed or direction than the upper surface belt 143 so as to provide the required rolling of the smoking article 54. In addition, the movable upper surface may be provided with alternating components up to a rotating endless belt. rollers. Any combination of suitable top and bottom spaced surfaces that reproduces the relative movement required to roll the smoking article may be employed. Additionally, the rolling cam may be used to load the smoking article after the different tooth folding devices 146, for example a plow type bender similar to that in figure 6 may be used.

Other folding configurations may be employed by adapting any of the apparatuses described above or utilizing a completely different apparatus for folding the folding paper unlike an enveloping fold, a shutter fold, or a three-way fold.

Figure 18A shows an extreme view of a smoking article having folding paper that has been closed over the tobacco by the simple technique of crushing the folding paper inwards without making separate individual folds. A suitably configured apparatus can crush the paper such that an embossed pattern or design is applied to the edge of the paper.

Figure 18B shows an extreme view of a smoking article in which the folding paper has been folded using a twist and twist, in this case tri-fold. The excess folding paper is squeezed to a point with a plurality of folds, three in this example. The folds are then twisted around to remain flat against the extreme surface of the smoking article.

Figure 18C shows an extreme view of a smoking article with a folding paper that has been folded using a two-way fold with excess wing trimming. Two opposite sides of the folded paper are folded inward as for the initial two folds of a wrap fold. The remaining two parts of the paper are then folded out to the position shown by the dotted lines, rather than inwardly as a wrapping fold, before being trimmed. This provides a clean line appearance to the end of the smoking article.

If desired, another processing step may be added to any technique used to fold over the folding paper, including all the above techniques. It can be found that after folding the folding paper jumps slightly open away from the level folded position in which the folds lie flat against the end of the tobacco rod. This can be met by slightly inwardly compressing the bent end with a pin or rod having a diameter smaller than that of the smoking article. The pin is moved inward toward the end of the smoking article along the longitudinal axis direction of the smoking article, and inwardly compressing the folded paper is compressed beyond the level folded position (as the underlying tobacco will flow out). under pin pressure) and inverted and crushed by a small amount. This inversion has been found to be sufficient to hold the various folds in place better than folding which is not followed by pin compression. This is preferable for holding the folds in place with adhesive since it is desirable to minimize the amount of adhesive used in a smoking article. Also, compressing the end of the smoking article with a pin is likely to be a simpler process than applying adhesive to the various folds or portions of excess paper at relevant times, and also does not require any supplies of materials in operation.

Any practical method and apparatus can be employed to achieve compression. For example, a simple toggle pin mounted on a mechanism that can move it outward again could be used, with each smoking article held steady while the pin moves. However, this will be a relatively slow step in a process that can otherwise be implemented with continuous movement of the smoking articles, such as with the apparatus of figure 12, for example. It is therefore proposed that the compression pin be movable along the walking path of the smoking articles so that compression can be performed without stopping the smoking articles.

One way to accomplish this is to use a swing plate, which is a known apparatus for use with rotating drums for carrying smoking articles. The oscillating plate comprises a disc in the form of a circular rim portion having a flat face, the rim being connected to a central hub by a plurality of springs arranged like the spokes of a wheel. The oscillating plate is rotatably mounted with its axis of rotation coincident with the axis of rotation of a rotary drum and its flat face substantially parallel to the extreme face of the drum. In use, the oscillating plate is advanced towards the drum as they both rotate in the same direction, and the flat face pushes against the ends of the drum-loaded smoking articles to bring them all for alignment in the longitudinal direction, so that the ends are all positioned on a chosen plane. The elastic assembly of the ring allows any initial inequality in alignment of the smoking articles to be accommodated without any individual smoking article receiving significantly greater pressure than the others; This reduces damage to smoking articles. In addition, rotating the oscillating plate in time with that of the drum avoids lateral forces (drag) on smoking articles which could also cause damage.

In order to implement compression for the folded end of paper with a pin in accordance with the present embodiment, it is proposed that an oscillating plate be provided with a plurality of pins, one pin aligned with each rail in the associated rotary drum in an appropriate position to compress to the center of the end smoking article is kept in the gutter. The swinging plate is moved inwardly towards the rotary drum by a sufficient distance to compress the pins into the folded paper by the required amount and the swinging of the swinging plate and its elastic mounting allows the pins to be brought to rest on the articles. for smoking without side drag or uneven pressure between smoking articles.

Figure 19A shows a schematic representation of a side view of a rotary drum with an associated pin bearing oscillating plate. The drum 130 carries a plurality of smoking articles on the rails around its circumference, and the oscillating plate 132 is mounted to rotate about the same axis as the drum at the same speed. A plurality of pins 134, aligned with the rails and smoking articles 54, are arranged on the flat surface of the oscillating plate 132 extending from the flat face towards the extreme surface of the drum 130. The drum 130 and the oscillating plate 134 rotate together as indicated by the curved arrows in Fig. 19A, and the swinging plate 134 moves inwardly towards the drum by the action of a bearing 133 which moves the plate 134 towards the drumming 130 as indicated by the straight arrow. The pins 134 compress into the ends of the smoking articles 54 and when they have protruded into the smoking articles 54 sufficiently to reverse the folded paper by the amount required to inhibit unfolding, the swing plate 132 is retracted. away from the drum 130.

Figure 19B shows a schematic representation of a

alternating apparatus for compressing pins into the folded paper. The apparatus comprises a rotary drum 130 carrying a plurality of smoking articles 54 in rails around its circumference as in figure 18B. In this example, however, the pins 134 extend radially outwardly from the surface of a second rotating drum or disc 135 which is arranged with its orthogonal axis of rotation to that of the rotating drum 130 carrying smoking articles 54. The pins 134 lie in a plane tangential to the rotating drum 130, so that the rotation of the disc 135 along with the rotation of the drum 130 brings each pin 134 in turn into contact with the end of a smoking article 54, the pin spacing 134 and smoking article 54 and the rotational speed of drum 130 and disc 135 being selected accordingly. Disc 54 is spaced from drum 130 by a distance to allow each pin 134 to protrude slightly into the folded paper to produce the required compressive effect before being removed when the rotations move the pin and smoking article apart. . The relative rotational movement of drum 132 and disc 135 brings pins 134 to rest on smoking articles 54 with little or no sideways dragging.

Figure 20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the end of a smoking article 54 with a pin 134 on an oscillating plate 132 or disc / drum 135 resting on the folded paper 110 covering the tobacco end in the smoking article. 54 so as to slightly compress and invert the folded paper 110.

Where it is acceptable to use adhesive to hold the folded end folds in place, the folding paper may have a self-adhesive shape. One or more areas of self-adhesive glue may be provided over the excess portion of the folding paper, preferably before it is applied to the smoking article. Depending on the type of adhesive, the folding act may be sufficient to make the folding paper stick to itself. Otherwise, an adhesive requiring heat and / or pressure may be used. After folding the folds can be pinched using any of the pin arrangements described above. The pins may be heated if the adhesive is heat activated, for example by using electrical heating elements within the pins. If the folds are not required to be pinched inwardly, the ends of the smoking articles may be contacted with a heated plate or flat plates, such as a heated oscillating plate to cure the adhesive.

The various folding techniques discussed above can

be implemented using a folding paper surplus having a straight edge, that is, before folding the folding paper extends beyond the end of the tobacco rod by the same amount at all points around the circumference of the smoking article. In many cases this will provide an acceptable appearance to the finished folded end. Optionally, however, the edge of the folding paper may be shaped. This can be used to reduce the amount of paper that must be folded over the end of the tobacco rod by removing paper in those areas where two or more layers of paper could otherwise overlap. The resulting folded end may be easier to light due to the reduced amount of paper covering tobacco and may have an improved appearance or a particular desired appearance.

A folding paper with a shaped edge can be more easily implemented with techniques that apply folding paper to smoking articles by wrapping individual pieces of folding paper around individual smoking articles as in Figure 2, for example. The process of applying the folding paper described in relation to FIG. 3 may also be used to provide a shaped edge, but two cutting stages 5 will probably be required, one using a shaped blade to provide the shaped edge to the excess folding paper and one using a straight blade to provide a straight edge to the folding paper at the opposite end to the tobacco rod.

Figure 21 shows some useful shapes for shaped edge folding papers 10: A: jagged edge; B: Beaded Edge: C: Bead with protruding segment shapes curved to match the curvature of the end of the smoking article. The number of cutouts, segments etc. will depend on the number of folds to be used. Borders with other shapes can also be used.

Figure 22 shows a plan view of an example of

a folding paper 110 to which adhesive has been applied, for example, by the apparatus of figure 2. Folding paper 110 is sized to extend a short distance along the length of a tobacco rod. Its shorter sides are the dimension extending along the tobacco rod and beyond its end to form the surplus, and its longer sides are the dimension surrounding the tobacco rod. The adhesive is applied in all three areas. Area A extends across the full width of the paper 110 in the surrounding direction and about halfway to the length of the paper 110. This is the area that contacts the tobacco rod cigarette paper so that the folding paper will adhere to the cigarette paper around its entire circumference without adhesive from this area being over the excess folding paper. Area B is a narrow strip of adhesive that runs along an edge length of paper 110. This corresponds to the overlapping area when paper 110 is wrapped around a tobacco rod, and glues the edges of the paper together. overlap to form a hollow tube extending beyond the end of the tobacco rod. Area C is a narrow strip of adhesive that runs across the width of the paper near the edge that will be taken away from the excess. This glues the various folds in place when they are created by the folding devices. The adhesive in area C may be omitted if the folds remain in place sufficiently without it, or being compressed into folded paper, for example with a pin as in Figures 19A, 19B and 20 provides adequate support. Similarly, areas AeB may have adhesive applied to 10 other distributions such as dots or strips instead of the continuous distribution of Figure 22.

Alternatively, the folds can be held in place using adhesive that is applied during the folding process. For example, for a wrap fold as shown in Figure 5B, the first 15 folds may be made, following which adhesive is applied to the opposite two remaining unfolded portions of the excess paper before they are refolded. The adhesive then holds these two outer folds in place, thereby holding the bent end like a tube. However, for any folding arrangement, adhesive may be applied to either or 20 to all flaps or unfolded portions before they are folded. To achieve this, a grip unit may be positioned adjacent to the apparatus carrying the smoking articles during the folding process. For example, the tack unit may include one or more glue guns operable to apply a small amount of adhesive to each flap 25 prior to folding. Adhesive can be applied to two or more tabs or portions simultaneously. In the above wrap fold example, two glue guns can simultaneously apply glue to the two opposite unfolded parts. As another example, the grip unit may comprise an engraving style ironer timed to operate in sync with the operation of the folding apparatus.

Once the folded end of the smoking article has been completed, possibly including adherence and / or compression of the inward folds as described above, it may be desirable to check the quality of the folded end so that the folded smoking article which substandard, may be rejected from the production line. Quality checking can be achieved by including an inspection system at the end of the folding apparatus; This could be, for example, a camera based inspection system. One or more cameras 10 may image each bent end and provide a signal to the apparatus to reject the smoking article if a defective fold is detected. Detection may be, for example, by means of pattern recognition or an image comparison technique, in which captured images are compared with images stored from non-defective folded ends. If there is an insufficient match between the captured and stored images, a rejection signal is generated and sent to the apparatus to reject the relevant smoking article. Any rejection system may be used depending on the manner in which smoking articles are loaded after the inspection system. For example, if the smoking articles are loaded into the rails of a vacuum or rotary drum, the vacuum in a rail carrying a defective smoking article may be turned off, thereby allowing the smoking article to fall away from the drum. .

Figure 23 shows a simplified schematic view of an inspection system viewed from above. In this example, a rotating drum 200 carries a plurality of folded-end smoking articles 202 after an inspection system 203. Inspection system 203 comprises a first chamber 206 and a second chamber 208 arranged next to drum 200, and both connected. to a control unit 210. The first camera 206 is positioned to record an end view of the folded end of each smoking article 202 when smoking articles 202 are loaded after chamber 206 by rotating the drum 200. The second camera 208 is positioned to record a side view 5 of each folded end. In this way, a large number of defects in the folded end can be caught, including defects in binding excess paper to the smoking article. However, the inspection system may include only a camera arranged to capture an extreme view, or a side view, or an intermediate view, between the side and the end.

Images from first chamber 206 and second chamber 208 are sent to control unit 210 for processing, such as by comparison with stored images of non-defective folded ends. In the event that processing detects a defect, control unit 210 generates a reject signal, which is sent by a control line 212 to a rotary drum controller 204 to cause operation of a reject reject mechanism. defective smoking article. Images should be captured in a timed manner with respect to drum rotation, so that the rejection mechanism operates on the correct smoking article.

Any of the techniques described herein for providing a smoking article with a surplus folding paper may be combined with any of the techniques described herein for folding the surplus folding paper. In addition, any of the described techniques may be combined with techniques similar to those described to achieve the described end result of a smoking article having an excess folding paper that is refolded to cover the tobacco. In addition, techniques similar to those described may be used to achieve the described end result. In addition, the techniques described herein for folding the excess folding paper may alternatively be used to fold the excess paper which is not a separately applied folding paper, such as that described herein, but is instead an extending portion of the folding paper. cigarette paper wrapping tobacco from the tobacco rod.

When considering the various device configurations described

here, components for adhering the folding paper to smoking articles may be thought of as a first sub-apparatus, components for folding the excess folding paper may be imagined as a second sub-apparatus, components for compressing pins into the folded paper 10. to enhance the folding effect can be imagined as a third sub-appliance, and any other components employed to attach filter units to any smoking articles that are only partially complete when the folding paper is adhered to can be imagined as a fourth sub-appliance. -device. To increase the production speed the number of first and / or second sub-devices in the devices as a whole can be increased. For example, two-folding apparatus or two apparatus for adhering the folding paper may be arranged in parallel to provide twice the amount of smoking articles to the downstream parts of the apparatus.

Preferences

1.US 1,164,118

2. US 501,498

3. US 903,101

4. US 3,208,458 5. GB 278,534

Claims (96)

A method for manufacturing a smoking article, comprising: providing a partially or completely manufactured smoking article, comprising at least one tobacco rod, tobacco wrapped in cigarette paper; adhering a folding paper to the cigarette paper such that the folding paper surrounds the tobacco rod and exceeds the cigarette paper at one end of the tobacco rod that is designed to be lit; and folding the excess folding paper to substantially cover the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the folding paper is adhered to the outside of the cigarette paper. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the folding paper is a porous paper. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the folding paper has a porosity greater than 3000 CU, or greater than 6000 CU, or greater than 12000 CU or greater than 24000 CU. Method according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the folding paper is porous buffer wrapping paper. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the folding paper is embossed with one or more wrinkle lines along which the excess folding paper is folded. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises, prior to adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper, embossing the folding paper as one or more wrinkle lines along which the Excess folding paper should be folded. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the folding paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over only part of the length of the tobacco rod. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the folding paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper comprises: applying adhesive to the folding paper, bringing the smoking article into contact with the folding paper such that a edge of folding paper adheres to cigarette paper; and loading the smoking article into a vacuum chute on the outer surface of a rotating drum, the smoking article arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum so as to bring the smoking article into contact with a plate. bent static spaced from the drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate when the drum rotates rolling causing the folding paper to wrap around the smoking article. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the folding paper is shaped along one edge such that the excess folding paper has an edge profile which provides a reduced amount of overlapping paper after folding compared to a straight edge. A method according to claim 9, wherein adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper comprises: arranging the smoking article in a sequence of smoking articles arranged end to end but spaced apart by a distance equal to the length desired from over folding paper; feeding the sequence of smoking articles over a continuous length of a folding paper, the folding paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the smoking articles; wrap the folding paper around the smoking article to surround the tobacco rods and stick it in place; and cutting the folding paper flush with one end of each smoking article to separate the tobacco rods and forming the excess folding paper. The method of claim 9, wherein adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper comprises: arranging the smoking article in a sequence of paired end-to-end smoking articles, where the articles in each pair fall into place. meet at their adjacent ends and the pairs are spaced apart by a distance of twice the desired length of the excess folding paper; feeding the sequence of smoking articles over a continuous length of a folding paper, the folding paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the smoking articles; wrap the folding paper around the smoking article to surround the tobacco rods and stick it in place; and cutting the folding paper where the smoking articles in each pair meet and also at the intermediate point of the spaces between the pairs to separate the smoking articles and forming the excess folding paper. A method according to any preceding claim, characterized in that folding over the folding paper comprises: loading the smoking article into a vacuum chute on the axis of the outer surface of one or more rotating drums so as to bring over the folding paper for contacting one or more folding devices that fold the excess folding paper inwardly over the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise altemante benders smaller than the diameter of the smoking article, which partially extends over the end of the tobacco rod in level. with the tobacco therein, to create a first fold and then retract, a fixed pusher less than the diameter of the tobacco rod and a surface that is flush with the tobacco against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a second bend opposite the first bend, and a pair of static plow-type benders that provide tobacco-level surfaces and have oppositely positioned converging edges against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to form third and fourth folds opposite each other, and orthogonal to the first and second folds. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a bent static plate spaced apart from the rotary drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contacting the plate causing that the smoking article rotates about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a plow-type folder attached to the plate comprising a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod which has an edge that converges towards the drum in the direction of rotation of the drum, such that when a smoking article rolls over the plate the end of the tobacco rod passes against the surface and the excess folding paper is engaged by the converging edge. and is gradually folded in over the tobacco in a continuous fold. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a bent static plate spaced apart from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contacting the plate causing that the smoking article rotates about its own longitudinal axis, so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a sequence of teeth extending from the plate towards the drum and having surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth engaging a portion of the excess foldable paper and creating a fold as the smoking article rolls over the plate, each fold overlapping the previous fold. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a bent static plate spaced apart from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contacting the plate causing that the smoking article rotates about its own longitudinal axis, so that it rolls over the plate when the drum rotates, and a rotating cam associated with each vacuum chute on the rotating drum, each cam having a level surface with The end of the tobacco rod is configured to sweep through the end of the tobacco rod as the smoking article rolls over the plate, the edge of the cam pushing against the excess folding paper to fold it inwards over the tobacco. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the cam has a smooth edge that creates a continuous bend. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the cam has a jagged edge that creates a series of overlapping folds. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a pair of rotating surfaces adjacent flush with the end of the tobacco rod that sweeps out over the end of the tobacco rod from from the rear of the smoking article as it is loaded by the rotary drum to create adjacent first and second folds, and a static pusher having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a third fold. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a bent static plate spaced apart from the rotating drum by a distance smaller than the diameter of the smoking article, contacting the plate causing that the smoking article rotates about its own longitudinal axis, so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a rotary threaded screw positioned with its axis of rotation orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotary drum and substantially tangential to the perimeter of the drum, and the surface threaded flush with the end of the tobacco rod such that the screw thread engages with the excess folding paper as the smoking article rolls through the plate and the rotation of the screw bends the paper inwardly. about tobacco. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a protrusion in a vacuum chute of a first rotating drum that pushes part of the excess folding paper in over the tobacco when the article stops. smoking enters the vacuum chute to create a first fold, another protrusion on a vacuum chute of an adjacent second rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the other protrusion pushing part of the excess folding paper inwardly over the tobacco as the smoking article enters the chute to create a second bend opposite the first bend, and a pair of static plow-type benders that provide surfaces placed oppositely flush with the end of the tobacco rod and which have converging edges against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create te third and fourth folds opposite each other and orthogonal to the first and second folds. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a protrusion in a vacuum chute of a first rotating drum that pushes part of the excess folding paper in over the tobacco when the article stops. smoking enters the vacuum chute to create a first fold, another protrusion on a vacuum chute of an adjacent second rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the other protrusion pushing part of the excess folding paper inwardly over the tobacco as the smoking article enters the chute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of alternating folders that sweep inwardly over the end of the tobacco rod and then retract to create opposite third and fourth folds. each other and orthogonal to the first and second folds. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a protrusion in a vacuum chute of a first rotating drum that pushes part of the excess folding paper in over the tobacco when the article stops. smoking enters the vacuum chute to create a first fold, another protrusion on a vacuum chute of an adjacent second rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the other protrusion pushing part of the excess folding paper Inwardly over the tobacco when the smoking article enters the chute to create a second bend opposite the first bend, a fixed pusher is placed next to the vacuum chute of an adjacent third rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from second drum, which engages with over folding paper when the item stops. sea enters the vacuum chute and pushes the paper in over the tobacco to create a third orthogonal fold at the first and second folds and another fixed pusher placed on the side of a vacuum chute of an adjacent fourth rotary drum for which the article The smoking article is transferred from the third drum, which engages with the excess folding paper as the smoking article enters the vacuum chute and pushes the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create a fourth fold opposite the third fold. Method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that one or both of said projections and the other projection are configured to move between an extended position to effect the first or second fold when the smoking article enters the vacuum chute, and a retracted position after the bend is made, in which the protrusion does not protrude into the chute. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a first pair of tongs aligned longitudinally with a vacuum chute of a first rotating drum, and moved in an open position to accommodate the paper. folding over a smoking article in the vacuum chute, the tweezers operable to close over the received folding over paper and push opposite portions of the paper in over the tobacco to create first and second opposite folds, and a second pair of longitudinally aligned tweezers with a vacuum chute of a second rotary drum and moved in an open position to accommodate the excess folding paper of the smoking article when transferred to the vacuum chute after folding in the vacuum chute of the first rotary drum, the tweezers operable to close over folding paper exceed remaining part and push the opposite parts of the paper away over the tobacco to create third and fourth to opposite folds, orthogonal to the first and second folds. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a first pair of tongs aligned longitudinally with a vacuum chute of a first rotating drum, and displaced in an open position to accommodate the surplus folding paper from a smoking article in the vacuum chute, the tweezers operable to close over the received surplus folding paper and push opposite portions of the paper in over the tobacco to create opposite first and second folds, and one or more devices of 10 additional folding associated with a second rotary drum arranged to accommodate the smoking article after folding with the first drum, and operable to fold the remaining opposing portions of the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create third and fourth folds, orthogonal to the first and second folds. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that adhering the folding paper to the cigarette paper comprises: applying adhesive to the folding paper; bringing the smoking article into contact with the folding paper such that an edge of the folding paper adheres to the cigarette paper; and introducing the smoking article onto a lower surface which is spaced apart from an upper surface by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, the upper moving surface relative to the lower surface along a direction parallel to the orthogonal surfaces at the same time. longitudinal axis of the smoking article such that contact with the surfaces causes the smoking article to rotate about its longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the lower surface when the upper surface moves, the bearing causing the Folding paper wrap around the smoking article. Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the upper surface comprises a worm belt rotating around a pair of rollers. Method according to claim 29 or claim 30, characterized in that folding the excess paper comprises using rolling the smoking article over the bottom surface to bring the excess folding paper into contact with one or more folding folding devices. the excess paper folds in over the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. Method according to claim 31, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a series of teeth extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface and having surfaces flush with the end of the shank. tobacco, each tooth engaging a portion of the excess folding paper and creating a fold as the smoking article rolls over the bottom surface, each fold overlapping the previous fold. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that folding the excess folding paper comprises pushing part of the paper inwardly to create a first fold, pushing another part of the paper inwardly to create a second opposite folding. first fold, and trim some or all of the remaining unfolded paper. A method according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises after folding the excess folding paper, pushing against the end of the tobacco rod with a pin having a width less than the diameter of the smoking article to compress the folded paper and make it better hold its folded position. A method according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the folding paper is provided with adhesive on all or part of the inner surface of the excess portion, and the method further comprises, after folding the excess paper, compressing against the end of the blank. tobacco rod to make the folded paper stick in its folded position. A method according to claim 35, characterized in that the adhesive is heat activated and compressing against the end of the tobacco rod includes applying heat to the end of the tobacco rod. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising, in case the smoking article is a partially manufactured smoking article, connecting a filter unit to the end of the tobacco rod opposite the end designed to be lit. Method according to claim 37, characterized in that the filter unit is attached to the end of the tobacco rod simultaneously with the adhesion and / or folding of the folding paper. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising after folding the excess paper: inspecting the folded excess paper for defects; and rejecting a smoking article discovered to have a defective folded over paper. A method according to claim 39, characterized in that the inspection comprises: capturing one or more images of the folded over paper; and comparing one or more captured images with one or more stored images of defective folded over paper. Method according to claim 40, characterized in that the one or more captured images comprise at least one of an extreme view of the folded over paper and a side view of the folded over paper. Apparatus characterized in that it is configured to carry out a method for manufacturing a smoking article as defined in any one of claims 1 to 41. 43. A smoking article comprising: a tobacco rod, wrapped in cigarette paper; and a folding paper adhered to the cigarette paper, such that the folding paper surrounds the tobacco rod and exceeds the cigarette paper on one end of the tobacco rod that is designed to be lit, the excess foldable paper folded to cover substantially the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. Smoking article according to claim 43, characterized in that the folding paper is adhered to the outside of the cigarette paper. Smoking article according to claim 43 or claim 44, characterized in that the folding paper is a porous paper. Smoking article according to claim 45, characterized in that the folding paper has a porosity greater than 3000 CU, or greater than 6000 CU, or greater than 12000 CU or greater than 24000 CU. A smoking article according to claim 45 or claim 46, characterized in that the folding paper is porous plug wrapping paper. Smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 47, characterized in that the folding paper is embossed with one or more wrinkle lines along which the excess folding paper is folded. Smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 48, characterized in that the folding paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over only part of the length of the tobacco rod. Smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 48, characterized in that the folding paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod. Smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 50, characterized in that the folding paper is formed along an edge such that the excess folding paper has an edge profile providing a reduced amount of paper. superimposed after folding compared to a straight edge. Smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 51, characterized in that the excess folding paper is folded with a first fold, a second fold opposite the first fold, a third orthogonal fold to the first and second folds, and a fourth fold opposite the third fold. Smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 51, characterized in that the excess folding paper is folded with a plurality of folds, each fold overlapping the adjacent fold. A smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 53, characterized in that it further comprises a filter unit attached to the end of the tobacco rod opposite the end designed to be lit. 55. Apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article comprising: a first sub-apparatus operable to accommodate a fully or partially manufactured smoking article comprising at least one tobacco rod wrapped in cigarette paper and adhering a paper. folding to the cigarette paper such that the folding paper surrounds the tobacco rod and exceeds the cigarette paper at one end of the tobacco rod that is designed to be lit; and a second sub-apparatus operable for accommodating a smoking article with a surplus foldable paper produced by the first apparatus and for folding the surplus foldable paper to substantially cover the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. Apparatus according to claim 55, characterized in that the first sub-apparatus is operable to adhere the folding paper to the outside of the cigarette paper. Apparatus according to claim 55 or claim 56, further comprising one or more embossing devices through which folding paper is passed before being supplied to the first sub-apparatus, one or more. operable embossing devices for embossing folding paper with one or more wrinkle lines along which excess folding paper is to be folded by the second sub-apparatus. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 57, characterized in that the first sub-apparatus is configured to adhere the folding paper to the cigarette paper such that the folding paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over only part of the length of the tobacco rod. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 57, characterized in that the first sub-apparatus is configured to adhere the folding paper to the cigarette paper such that the folding paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 59, characterized in that the first sub-apparatus comprises: a dispenser for dispensing folding paper from a continuous roll; an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the folding paper distributed from a roll, the adhesive suitably distributed to secure the folding paper to a cigarette paper such that it surrounds a tobacco rod; a vacuum cutting drum, rotatable about a first axis of rotation and having a plurality of radially extending blades from its circumference, rotation of the vacuum cutting drum engaging the shifts in turns with the folding paper to which adhesive has been applied to cut the distributed folding paper into individual folding papers, the vacuum cutter drum still having suction holes through which a vacuum is applied to hold the individual folding papers on the surface of the cutter drum. vacuum with the adhesive facing outward; a first rotary drum, rotatable about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and having around its circumference a plurality of vacuum rails to accommodate the smoking article with its longitudinal axes parallel to the second axis of rotation. , the first rotating drum positioned relative to the vacuum cutting drum such that a smoking article loaded on a rail of the first rotating drum contacts an individual folding paper over the vacuum cutting drum such that an edge of the paper folding adheres to the article for filing; a second rotary drum, rotatable about a third axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and having about its circumference a plurality of vacuum rails to accommodate the smoking article with its longitudinal axes parallel to the third axis of rotation. , the second rotary drum is positioned relative to the first rotary drum such that a smoking article with an attached folding paper loaded on a rail of the first rotary drum may be passed to a rail on the second rotary drum; and a bent static plate spaced apart from the second rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, such that rotation of the second rotating drum brings a smoking article with an attached folded paper loaded in a second rail. Rotary drum for contact with the bent static plate, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate around its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate when the drum rotates, the roll causing the paper to fold wrap around the smoking article. Apparatus according to claim 59, characterized in that the first sub-apparatus comprises: a dispenser for distributing folding paper from a continuous roll, folding paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of a smoking article. ; an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the folded paper distributed from the roll, the adhesive suitably distributed to secure the folding paper to a cigarette paper such that it surrounds a tobacco rod; a smoking article feeder operable to feed on a continuous length of foldable paper distributed from the roll a sequence of smoking articles arranged end to end but spaced apart by a distance equal to the desired length of the excess folding paper; a tube into which the folding paper is dispensed with adhesive applied, and the sequence of smoking articles thereon can be fed, the tube causing the folding paper to wrap around the smoking articles to surround the tobacco rods and adhere in place; and a cutter arranged after the tube and operable to cut the folding paper as it emerges from the tube, in positions flush with one end of each smoking article, to separate the smoking article and form the excess folding paper. Apparatus according to claim 59, characterized in that the first sub-apparatus comprises: a dispenser for distributing folding paper from a continuous roll, folding paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of a smoking article. ; an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the folded paper distributed from the roll, the adhesive suitably distributed to secure the folding paper to a cigarette paper such that it surrounds a tobacco rod; a smoking article feeder operable to feed on a continuous length of foldable paper distributed from the roll a sequence of smoking articles arranged end to end in pairs, such that the articles in each pair are at their adjacent ends and the pairs are spaced apart by a distance equal to twice the desired length of the excess folding paper; a tube into which the folding paper is dispensed with adhesive applied, and the sequence of smoking articles thereon can be fed, the tube causing the folding paper to wrap around the smoking articles to surround the tobacco rods and adhere in place; and a cutter arranged after the tube and operable to cut the folding paper as it emerges from the tube, in positions at positions where the smoking articles in each pair meet and also at the midpoint of the spaces between the pairs to separate the smoking articles. and forming over folding paper. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 62, characterized in that the second sub-apparatus comprises: one or more adjacent rotating drums which are rotatable about the parallel axis of rotation, each drum having around its circumference. a plurality of vacuum rails for accommodating smoking articles with their longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum; and one or more folding devices for folding over folding paper, positioned such that excess folding paper from a smoking article loaded into a vacuum chute of one or more drums may be brought into contact with one or more devices. folding paper to fold the excess folding paper in over the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise an altemant pusher of a width less than the diameter of the smoking article extending partially over the end of the leveled tobacco rod. with the tobacco there to create a first fold and then retract, the fixed pusher of a width less than the diameter of the tobacco rod, and a surface that is flush with the tobacco against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a second bend opposite the first bend, and a pair of static plow-type benders that provide tobacco-level surfaces and have oppositely positioned converging edges against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to form a third. and fourth folds opposite each other, and orthogonal to the first and second folds. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a spaced bent static plate separated from one of one or more rotating drums by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact. with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates; and a plow-type folder attached to the plate and comprising a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod having an edge that converges towards the drum in the direction of rotation of the drum, such that when the smoking article rolls over above the plate, the end of the tobacco rod passes against the surface and the excess folding paper is engaged by the converging edge and is gradually folded inwardly over the tobacco in a continuous fold. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a spaced bent static plate separated from one of one or more rotating drums by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact. with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a sequence of teeth extending from the plate towards the drum and having surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth engaging a portion of the excess folding paper and creating a fold as the smoking article rolls over the plate, each fold overlapping the previous fold. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a spaced bent static plate separated from one of one or more rotating drums by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact. with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate when the drum rotates, and a rotary cam associated with each vacuum chute on the rotary drum, each cam having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod and configured to sweep through the end of the tobacco rod as the smoking article rolls over the plate, the edge of the cam pushing against the excess folding paper to fold it in over the tobacco . Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that the cam has a smooth edge creating a continuous bend. Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that the cam has a jagged edge creating a series of overlapping folds. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a pair of rotatable surfaces adjacent flush with the end of the tobacco rod that sweeps outwardly over the end of the tobacco rod from the rear of the smoking article as it is loaded by the rotary drum to create adjacent first and second folds, and a static pusher having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a third fold. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a spaced bent static plate separated from one of the one or more rotating drums by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact. with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a rotary threaded screw positioned with its axis of rotation orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotary drum. and substantially tangential to the perimeter of the drum and the surface threaded flush with the end of the tobacco rod, such that the screw thread engages with excess folding paper as the smoking article rolls through the plate and the screw rotation bends the paper inside about the tobacco. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise protrusions in the vacuum rails of a first rotary drum that push part of the excess folding paper inwardly into the tobacco when a smoking article enters in the vacuum chute to create a first fold, other projections in the vacuum chutes of an adjacent second rotating drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the first drum, the other projections pushing part of the excess folding paper inwardly over tobacco when a smoking article enters the chute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of static plow benders associated with an adjacent third rotary drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the second drum, plow type benders providing surfaces placed opposite of the tobacco rod and having converging edges against which the end of a tobacco rod of a smoking article carried by the third drum passes to create opposing third and fourth folds and orthogonal to the first and second folds. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise protrusions in the vacuum rails of a first rotating drum which push part of the excess folding paper inwardly into the tobacco when a smoking article enters in the vacuum chute to create a first fold, other projections in the vacuum chutes of an adjacent second rotating drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the first drum, the other projections pushing part of the excess folding paper inwardly over tobacco when a smoking article enters the gutter to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of altemante benders associated with an adjacent third rotary drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the second drum; operable folders to sweep in over the ext of a tobacco rod from a smoking article carried by the third drum and then retracts to create opposing third and fourth folds and orthogonal to the first and second folds. Apparatus according to claim 72 or claim 73, further comprising a spaced bent static plate 10 separated from the second rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of a smoking article, contacting the plate causing that a smoking article carried by the second drum rotates about its own longitudinal axis by substantially 90 degrees before being transferred to the third rotary drum. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise protrusions in the vacuum rails of a first rotary drum which push part of the excess folding paper inwardly into the tobacco when a smoking article enters in the vacuum chute to create a first fold, other projections in the vacuum chutes of an adjacent second rotating drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the first drum, the other projections pushing part of the excess folding paper inwardly over tobacco when a smoking article enters the chute to create a second bend opposite the first bend, fixed benders placed on the side of each vacuum chute of an adjacent third rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the second drum engage with over folding paper when an article The smoking pipe enters the vacuum chute and pushes the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create a third orthogonal fold to the first and second folds, as well as fixed bends placed on the side of each vacuum chute of an adjacent fourth rotating drum for The smoking article may be transferred from the third drum engaging with the excess folding paper as the smoking article enters the vacuum chute and pushes the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create a fourth fold opposite the third fold. Apparatus according to any one of claims 72 to 75, characterized in that said protrusions and / or other protrusions are configured to move between an extended position to effect the first or second fold when a smoking article enters the vacuum chute. , and a retracted position after the fold is made, in which the protrusion does not protrude into the gutter. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise first pairs of longitudinally aligned tongs with each vacuum chute of a first rotating drum, each first pair of tongs being moved in an open position to each other. accommodating the surplus folding paper of an article to be attached to its associated vacuum chute, the grippers operable to close over the received surplus folding paper and pushing opposite portions of the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create opposite first and second folds, and second pairs of longitudinally aligned tweezers with each vacuum chute of a second rotating drum, each second pair of tweezers moved in an open position to accommodate the excess folding paper of a smoking article when transferred to its associated vacuum chute after folding into a chute. prime vacuum In the rotary drum, the forceps are operable to close over the remaining excess folding paper and push the opposing portions of the paper inwardly over the tobacco to create orthogonal opposing third and fourth folds at the first and second folds. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise first pairs of longitudinally aligned tongs with each vacuum chute of a first rotating drum, each first pair of tongs being moved in an open position to each other. accommodating the excess folding paper of a smoking article in its associated vacuum chute, the grippers operable to close over the received excess folding paper and pushing opposite portions of the paper in over the tobacco to create opposite first and second folds, and one or additional supplementary folding devices associated with a second rotary drum arranged to accommodate the smoking article after folding with the first rotary drum, and operable to fold the remaining opposing portions of the excess folding paper inwardly over the tobacco to create third and fourth folds. opposite ort angles at the first and second folds. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 59, characterized in that the first sub-apparatus comprises: a dispenser for dispensing folding paper; an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the distributed folding paper, the adhesive suitably distributed to secure the folding paper to a cigarette paper such that it surrounds a tobacco rod; a smoking article carrier for bringing a smoking article into contact with the folding paper such that an edge of the folding paper adheres to the cigarette paper; a lower surface; and a spaced upper surface separated from the lower surface by a distance less than the diameter of a smoking article, the upper movable surface relative to the lower surface along a direction parallel to the surfaces; wherein a smoking article with an attached folding paper may be introduced onto the lower surface with its orthogonal longitudinal axis in the direction along which the upper surface moves, such that contact with the surfaces causes the smoking article rotate around its longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the bottom surface as the top surface moves, scrolling causing the folding paper to wrap around the smoking article. Apparatus according to claim 79, characterized in that the upper surface comprises a rotating endless belt around a pair of rollers. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 62, claim 79 or claim 80, characterized in that the second sub-apparatus comprises: a lower surface; and a spaced upper surface separated from the lower surface by a distance less than the diameter of a smoking article, the movable upper surface with respect to the lower surface along a direction parallel to the surfaces, on which a smoking article with a paper The fold-over portion may be introduced over the lower surface with its longitudinal axis orthogonal to the direction along which the upper surface moves, such that contact with the surfaces causes the smoking article to rotate about its longitudinal axis in such a manner so that it rolls over the bottom surface when the top surface moves; and one or more folding devices that fold the excess folding paper inwardly over the tobacco at the tobacco rod end of a smoking article, the two folding devices positioned such that the rolling of a smoking article over the surface Bottom paper brings over folding paper for contact with one or more folding devices. Apparatus according to claim 81, characterized in that the one or more folding devices comprise a series of teeth extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface and having surfaces flush with the end of the shank. tobacco, each tooth engaging a portion of the excess foldable paper and creating a fold when a smoking article rolls over the bottom surface, each fold overlapping the previous fold. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 82, characterized in that it further comprises a third operable sub-apparatus for accommodating a smoking article with an excess folding paper folded from the second sub-apparatus for pushing a pin which It has a width smaller than the diameter of the smoking article against the folded over folding paper, to compress the folded paper and make it better maintain its folded position. Apparatus according to claim 83, characterized in that the third sub-apparatus comprises: a rotary drum, rotatable about an axis of rotation and having around its circumference a plurality of vacuum rails for accommodating articles. for smoking with its longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of rotation; a rotating plate adjacent the drum and rotatable about said axis of rotation and having on its surface a plurality of pins and equal number of vacuum rails, the pins extending towards the rotating drum and having a corresponding spatial distribution. that of the vacuum rails, the rotating drum and plate in the same direction and at the same speed; and a bearing operable to move the plate towards the drum when both are rotating by a distance that causes the pins to compress into the folded paper at the ends of smoking articles loaded in the vacuum rails and then retract the plate from the drum. Apparatus according to claim 84, characterized in that the rotating plate comprises an oscillating plate. Apparatus according to any one of claims 83 to 85, characterized in that the or each pin is heated to activate a heat-activated adhesive on the excess folding paper when the folded over folding paper is compressed. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 82, characterized in that it further comprises a third operable sub-apparatus for accommodating a smoking article with an excess folding paper folded from the second sub-apparatus and for applying pressure and / or heat the folded over folding paper, to activate adhesive on the over folding paper and cause it to stick in its folded position. Apparatus according to claim 83, characterized in that the third sub-apparatus comprises: a rotary drum, rotatable about a first axis of rotation and having around its circumference a plurality of vacuum rails to accommodate smoking articles with their longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of rotation; and a rotating disc adjacent the drum and rotatable about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first axis of rotation and having around its edge a plurality of spaced apart pins extending radially outwardly by a distance such that a pin is directed. towards the drum may compress to the folded paper of a smoking article loaded in a vacuum chute, the pin spacing and the rotational speed of the drum and disc being such to bring consecutive pins for compression contact with consecutive smoking articles loaded into the vacuum rails. An apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 88, further comprising a fourth operable sub-apparatus for attaching a filter unit to the end of a tobacco rod of a partially manufactured smoking article opposite the end. designed to be lit. Apparatus according to claim 89, characterized in that the fourth sub-apparatus is operable to connect the filter unit to the smoking article simultaneously with the first sub-apparatus by gluing a folding paper to the smoking article and / or with the second apparatus is folding over the folding paper of the smoking article. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 90, characterized in that it further comprises an operable inspection system for inspecting the folded excess paper for defects, and rejecting a smoking article found to have a defective folded excess paper. Apparatus according to claim 91, characterized in that the inspection system comprises: one or more cameras operable to capture one or more images of folded over paper; a control system operable to compare one or more images captured with one or more stored images of defective folded excess paper, and to generate a rejection signal if a defective folded excess paper is encountered; and a rejection mechanism operable for receiving the rejection signal from the control system and removing from the apparatus the smoking article having the defective folded over paper. Apparatus according to claim 92, characterized in that the one or more chambers comprise at least one of a first chamber arranged to capture an extreme view of the folded over paper and a second chamber arranged to capture a side view of the excess paper. folded up. 94. A method of making a smoking article, characterized in that it is substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 95. Apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article, characterized in that it is substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 96. Smoking article, characterized in that it is substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.