EP1742547A1

EP1742547A1 - Pack with a partial quantity of fine cut and method for manufacturing packs with a partial quantity of fine cut

Info

Publication number: EP1742547A1
Application number: EP05744901A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Udo Demmer; Henning Seidel; Birte Schulte; Gerald Reiniger
Original assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH; HF and PhF Reemtsma GmbH and Co
Current assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH; HF and PhF Reemtsma GmbH and Co
Priority date: 2004-04-29
Filing date: 2005-04-29
Publication date: 2007-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 2025-04-29
Also published as: EP1742547B1; PL1742547T3; PT1742547E; US20110180085A1; ATE500755T1; DK1742547T3; ES2359834T3; AU2005237248B2; CA2563986A1; US20080216847A1; WO2005104881A1; SI1742547T1; CA2563986C; AU2005237248A1; DE102004021114A1; DE502005011086D1

Abstract

A fine-cut-tobacco portion pack (50) for use in making home-made cigarettes contains a wrapper (52) which encloses on all sides a fine-cut-tobacco filling with at least one separated tobacco portion for making a cigarette. The wrapper (52) is preferably provided with an opening device (58) for opening the wrapper (52).

Description

Fine-cut partial quantity packing and method for producing fine-cut partial quantity packages

The invention relates to a fine-cut partial quantity pack for use in the self-production of cigarettes and to a method for producing such fine-cut Teilmengenpa- kungen.

For self-production of cigarettes, there is the possibility of "turning", in which the consumer takes fine-cut tobacco from a larger supply pack and surrounds it with a cigarette paper, if appropriate using a filter. In a similar method, the consumer fills loose fine cut tobacco into a stuffing device and with its help presses the tobacco into a prefabricated cigarette tube. In both cases, the consumer can estimate the size of the tobacco portion intended for the cigarette, so that the amount of tobacco varies from cigarette to cigarette sometimes quite strongly. When removing tobacco from the supply pack and portioning it comes easily to contamination of the environment, as smaller pieces of tobacco fall off. Furthermore, the tobacco from the fingers of the Consumers are polluted. Overall, this type of self-production of cigarettes is quite cumbersome, regardless of whether the cigarette paper is wound around the tobacco portion manually or by means of a mechanical device or whether a stuffing device and prefabricated cigarette paper sleeves are used.

EP 1 347 690 B1 discloses a fine-cut partial-quantity packaging for the self-production of cigarettes, in which a fine-cut tobacco inlay is surrounded by a tubular casing which is open at both ends and is made of non-consumable material. This wrapper is pushed into a prefabricated cigarette tube, and then the tobacco ^'is with the aid of a stuffing device into the cigarette-paper tube leads exceeded, while the sheath is withdrawn. This fine cut bulk package is part of a system that also requires pre-made cigarette paper tubes and is therefore not aimed at consumers who prefer to "spin" cigarettes.

It is an object of the invention to find a way to facilitate the self-production of cigarettes, in particular the "turning" of cigarettes or the aforementioned stopper with the help of a Stopf orrichtung for loose tobacco.

This object is achieved by a fine-cut Teilmengenpa- kung with the features of claim 1, a system with a number of such fine-cut Teilmengenpackungen according to claim 15 and by a method for producing such fine-cut Teilmengenpackungen with the features of claim 17. Advantageous embodiments The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The fine-cut Teilmengenpackuήg invention ^■ is suitable for use in the self-production of cigarettes and has a wrap around a fine-cut tobacco inlay on all sides. Preferably, the fine cut tobacco inlay has a tobacco portion for making a single cigarette; This tobacco portion is separated per se, as there is no further tobacco portion. Alternatively, the wrapper may contain a fine cut tobacco inlay with a plurality of tobacco portions separated from each other, allowing the manufacture of multiple cigarettes. Here and below, a "tobacco portion" is understood to mean the amount of fine-cut tobacco required for a (number "1") cigarette.

The fine-cut partial quantity packing according to the invention provides the consumer with a tobacco portion for the production of a cigarette after the envelope has been opened, without first having to remove and portion the tobacco from a larger supply pack in a rather cumbersome manner. As a result, contamination of the environment as well as contamination of the tobacco are prevented or at least considerably reduced. The self-production of cigarettes, in particular by "turning" or by plugging with the aid of a stuffing device for loose tobacco, is substantially facilitated by the fine-cut partial package according to the invention. If the wrapper is dense, it also keeps the moisture in the tobacco and preserves the freshness and aroma of the fine cut tobacco inlay, resulting in a significant quality improvement.

When the fine cut tobacco inlay has tobacco portions for making a plurality of cigarettes, e.g. of two cigarettes, of a few cigarettes or of a larger number of cigarettes, these tobacco portions are separated, ie pre-portioned, so that the aforementioned advantages are also achieved.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the casing is provided with an opening device for opening the casing. hen. Such an opening means makes it easier to open the wrapper, in particular if no auxiliary means to be verwen- ^• det. In addition, however, it is also conceivable to equip a device by means of which a fine-cut tobacco insert contained in the casing is wrapped in cigarette paper or to be introduced into a prefabricated cigarette paper tube, with an additional device, upon actuation of which the casing is opened.

If the envelope has an elongated basic shape, so that a longitudinal direction is predetermined, come as opening means, for example, a longitudinal perforation of the envelope or a selectively bonded longitudinal seam of the envelope, but also one or more transverse perforations into consideration, eg circumferential transverse perforations at both ends of the envelope. Such opening means are weakenings in the wrapper where the user can tear the wrapper in a defined manner. Another. Option is able to engage a longitudinal slot in the enclosure, in the _consumer, so the enclosure to separate completely from the tobacco charge.

If the wrapper is to be tight, eg a tear strip or a tear thread is suitable as the opening device, as they are known as such. Further examples are a notch on the edge of the wrapper, which helps to tear the wrapper, a torsion area on the wrapper, ie a region (preferably at the end of the wrapper) in which the wrapper is twisted, or cords or threads, with which the wrapping is tied (eg in a torsion area). Further, as a means of opening a lid is conceivable, for example, in the design of the envelope as a cardboard tube ^' a removable lid' on one of the end faces. The opening devices referred to in this paragraph do not require wrapping with predetermined longitudinal Accordingly, they are also suitable for wrappings that do not have an elongated basic shape.

As the material for the wrapper, for example paper suitable, niumfolie aluminum, metal foils in general, plastic films, aluminum-laminated papers, plastic ^'laminated papers, laminates or nonwovens, also perforated material. Preferably, the wrapper is not consumable. Other possibilities for the material of the envelope are cardboard and aluminum-coated papers.

The fine cut tobacco inlay is preferably adapted in shape to a finished cigarette. In this case, the consumer does not need to shape the tobacco liner after removal from the enclosure or only to a small extent. An example of a suitable casing is a casing with a cylindrical basic shape, which is attached to both ends at one end. flat, transverse seam zone is sealed (that is, for example glued or welded) or which is twisted at both ends and / or bound (for example, with a cord wrapped, even without knot forming) is. Preferably, this wrapper is not formed from two plies which are sealed at two opposite longitudinal sides of the wrapper at outwardly projecting seam zones.

The at least one tobacco portion may also be compact, e.g. ta- bletted, shaped. If the wrapper is designed as a blister pack, such a compact shape is particularly advantageous since the tobacco portion (or a preselected tobacco portion in the case of several tobacco portions in a common wrapper) can be forced out of the wrapper much like a tablet.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one

Tobacco serving a cylinder-like shape and is within the

Envelope surrounded by a sleeve-like jacket, preferably made of paper. In this case, to achieve a compact shape the diameter of the cylinder-like shape should be at least as long as its length. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when there are several tobacco portions in a common enclosure, since the jacket envelopes ensure a separation of the tobacco portions.

In order to facilitate consumer handling, a number of fine cut partial load packages may be juxtaposed, with the fine cut partial load packs being interconnected with a fastener. For this, e.g. serve at least one strip of material, preferably made of paper, on which the fine-cut Teilmengenpackungen are fixed.

In the method according to the invention for producing fine-cut partial quantity packages, a continuous linear arrangement of fine-cut tobacco is produced on an endless strand machine and portioned into individual portions (which are preferably elongate but can also have a compact shape). These individual portions are then wrapped with the casings of the fine-cut partial-quantity packs, although some of the process steps required for this can also be done before the portioning. In this case, a single serving comprises a tobacco portion for producing a (number "1") cigarette. It is possible to incorporate each individual portion in a separate wrapper or to bring in each case a plurality of separated individual portions in a common wrapper.

In carrying out the method according to the invention, a conventional continuous strand machine can be used, which has the advantage of a very high operating speed. As a ^'single intervention in the existing extrusion process has the fine-cut tobacco in Einzelpörtionen portioned; for this, some possibilities are given below. Once the individual portions have been prepared, they can be conventional procedural steps are wrapped. As already indicated, it is also possible to carry out a part of the coating steps already in the strand process (see below). The method according to the invention thus operates quickly and, since it is based essentially on the existing technology, is cost-effective.

One way to portion the fine-cut tobacco is to interrupt the continuous linear arrangement of the fine-cut tobacco at regular intervals, so that between the interruptions the desired portions arise. The interruption may e.g. be carried out by means of two trimming discs. The tobacco runs over two rotating trimming disks whose axes are aligned parallel to one another and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tobacco tobacco. The surfaces of the trimming disks are shaped to engage the tobacco stream at least once each revolution of the trimming disks, thereby shifting the particles of fine-cut tobacco so that an interruption, i. a tobacco-free zone arises.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the fine-cut tobacco for portioning on a conventional cigarette machine for each individual portion is surrounded by a jacket which is open at both ends. The jacket preferably has paper. This refinement of the method has the advantage that a conventional production line with a continuous strand machine, on which conventional cigarettes can be produced with a wrapper made of cigarette paper, does not have to be changed practically in order to cover individual portions for fine cut tobacco inlays surrounded by a jacket envelope according to the invention to produce. The only difference is that, for the sake of cost savings, preferably no cigarette paper is used for the casing, but very cheap paper is used. The jacket covers have namely only the task of keeping the individual portions together so that they can be handled and transported well. Accordingly, the individual portions can be produced at high speed on a system actually set up for the production of conventional cigarettes strands and automatically portioned with the aid of the jacket envelopes, whereby this refinement of the method is particularly advantageous. The jacket sheaths of the individual portions are removed in a preferred embodiment before the individual portions are surrounded by the sheaths of the fine-cut partial quantity packages.

In order to remove the jacket sheaths, a respective single portion with jacket sheath can be inserted into a receiving space, eg a bore serving as a recess, and held therein, preferably by means of a negative pressure, wherein the single portion is ejected from the sheath, preferably pneumatically. The respective individual portions are preferably ejected onto a transport device, for example a conveyor belt, in which each individual portion is received in a depression. In this process step, a rotating turret is se vorzugswei- ^• used, a number, comprises of receptacles for insertion of a respective individual portion with casing shell, wherein the turret delivers the ejected from the respective liner shell individual portions in a guide plane of the input various transport level. From there, the individual portions with a conveyor, such as the already mentioned conveyor belt, are transported to a station, where they are wrapped with the sheaths of the fine-cut Teilmengenpackungen.

It may also be advantageous if the jacket envelopes of the individual portions are not removed before wrapping the individual portions. This can save costs on the one hand. On the other hand, such an embodiment is particularly practical when a plurality of separated tobacco portions are combined with one another. surrounded by the wrapping, because then the sheaths keep the individual portions separated. In these cases, the consumer removed the sheaths, which can be facilitated by a device on a stuffing device, for example.

In another embodiment of the method according to the invention the Feinschnitttabäk is dimensionally stabilized before portioning. Thus, it is conceivable to use the fine-cut tobacco, e.g. Deep freeze with the help of liquid nitrogen and cut before thawing into the desired individual portions. In another type of shape stabilization, the individual portions are dimensionally stabilized after portioning, so that they can be easily further processed or transported away easier. Again, again, e.g. liquid nitrogen, or e.g. uses the respective individual portions surrounding networks, which are preferably removed in a later step, similar to the jacket sleeves again. Another way of stabilizing the shape is to glue the fine cut tobacco or individual portions, e.g. with the help of sugar solution or starch.

In the method according to the invention for producing fine-cut partial-quantity packages, the respective covers can be designed as transverse sections of an endless tubular bag which are located next to one another and are separated by sealed seams. From such an endless tubular bag can be made by cuts that run longitudinally through the sealed seams while leaving a respective seal on both sides of the cutting line intact, individual fine cut partial quantities. These partial packages can then be packaged in a larger unit and delivered to the consumer in this form.

It is also conceivable for the consumer to use a larger section of the endless tubular bag with a number of fine-cut tubular bags. To provide partial quantity packages. In this case, perforation lines preferably run longitudinally through the sealed seams, so that the consumer can easily separate a single fine-cut partial-quantity pack at the end of a tubular-bag section.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the fine-cut tobacco is surrounded on a conventional cigarette machine with a continuous wrapping and cut the wrapped strand for portioning at predetermined intervals, so that enveloped individual portions arise, each for the preparation of a single cigarette. The respective sheaths are then closed at their two end sides. For this purpose, the fine cut tobacco contained in the casing can be pressed into the inside of the casing at the end sides (eg with the help of rammers) and the casing can then be flattened and sealed flat at both ends (eg by sealing such as gluing or welding or by mechanical bonding such as Pressing, punching or holding). In this variant of the method, most of the steps can be carried out in the context of a conventional extrusion process, including portioning and a substantial portion of the wrapping; only the last steps of the wrapping (closing the end sides of a respective wrapping) must be carried out separately.

In the following the invention will be further explained by means of exemplary embodiments. The drawings show in

1 shows a view of a first embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package,

2 shows a view of a further embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package, 3 shows a view of a further embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package,

4 shows a view of a further embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package,

5 shows a view of a further embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package,

FIG. 6 is a view of another embodiment of a fine cut partial load package; FIG.

7 shows a view of a further embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package,

8 is a view of a portion of a tubular bag with four fine-cut Teilmengenpackungen according to another embodiment,

9 is a plan view of a detached from the portion of FIG. 8 fine cut partial quantity pack,

10 shows a perspective view of an outer packaging box with fine-cut partial-quantity packages therein,

11 shows a schematic view of a process stage in the production of fine-cut partial quantity packages,

12 shows a schematic view of a method stage in another exemplary embodiment of a method for producing fine-cut partial-quantity packages, 13 shows a longitudinal section through the tobacco arrangement according to FIG. 12, wherein the longitudinal section runs through a trim disk, FIG.

14 shows a view of a further embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package,

15 shows a view of an embodiment of a fine-cut partial pack with a plurality of separated tobacco pores,

16 shows a view of a further embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity pack with a plurality of separated tobacco portions,

17 shows views of a further embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package with a plurality of separated tobacco portions, in part (a) in plan view, in part (b) as a side view with a view of the narrow side, in part (c) as a side view with a view on the long side, in part (d) as a three-dimensional view obliquely from above and in part (e) as a three-dimensional view obliquely from below,

18 is schematic views of process steps in a further embodiment of a method for producing fine-cut Teilmengenpackungen and

19 shows a view of a system with a number of fine-cut partial-quantity packages arranged side by side on a strip of material.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a fine-cut partial quantity package (hereinafter referred to as partial quantity package), which is provided with the reference numeral 10. The partial quantity package 10 has an envelope 12 which surrounds a fine-cut tobacco insert located on the inside of the envelope 12 and not separately drawn in FIG. 1 on all sides. In the exemplary embodiment, the fine-cut tobacco inlay corresponds to a tobacco portion for making a single cigarette. In the exemplary embodiment, the envelope 12 is closed. The wrapping 12 has a cylindrical basic shape, so that the fine cut tobacco inlay located in the casing 12 has a similar shape to a cigarette. At both ends, the wrapper 12 is sealed to a flat, transverse seam zone 14 and 15, respectively. The envelope 12 thus has the shape of a cylinder with flattened ends. The term "sealing" is to be understood broadly. This includes, for example, gluing or welding, wherein the respective possible sealing techniques depend on the material of the casing 12.

In the exemplary embodiment, the envelope 12 consists of aluminum-laminated paper. Other wrapping materials are also possible, e.g. aluminum-coated paper, aluminum foil or other types of metal foil, plastic film or paper only. If only paper is used, it may be provided with perforations to preclude the partial quantity package 10 from being smoked like a cigarette without first completely removing the paper.

The partial quantity package 10 is closed on all sides, even on a longitudinal seam not shown in FIG. Therefore, the wrapper 12 forms a crisp wrap for the fine cut tobacco therein.

When the consumer wants to make a cigarette, he takes the partial package 10 and tears open the envelope 12. In order to facilitate the opening process, a notch 16 is arranged in the seam zone 15, at the position of which the sheath 12 can be torn relatively easily. From the opened subsets Packing 10, the fine cut can be precisely portioned on a cigarette paper pour, so that the consumer can turn a cigarette manually without much difficulty. Alternatively, he may use a device to do so after having filled the fine cut tobacco from the subsupply pack 10 there. This device may also be provided with opening means which facilitate the consumer opening the partial quantity pack 10.

In FIG. 2, as a further embodiment, a partial charge pack 20 is shown, which has a similar structure to the partial charge pack 10 and contains two flat seam zones 24 and 25 at the ends of a sheath 22. In order to facilitate the opening process, the enclosure 22 has a circumferential transverse perforation 26. By means of the transverse perforation 26, the casing 22 can easily be torn so that the fine-cut tobacco contained therein can be spread out from both halves of the casing 22.

In FIG. 3, as a further embodiment, a partial charge pack 30 is shown, which is designed similarly to the partial charge packs 10 and 20 and which has a sheath 32 with two flat seam zones 34 and 35 at the ends. As opening means this time a longitudinal perforation 38 is provided, along which the envelope 32 can be easily opened to pour out the tobacco therein.

The embodiment of a partial quantity package 40 shown in FIG. 4 in turn is similar in its basic form to the previously explained embodiments and has a cylindrical enclosure 42 with two flat seam zones 44 and 45 at the ends. As opening means serve two over the circumference of the sheath 42 extending transverse perforations 46 and 47 in the vicinity of the ends. To open the envelope 42, the two end pieces at the transverse perforations 46 and 47 are demolished. The consumer then receives a cylindrical sleeve of fine cut tobacco which is open at both ends. This sleeve can serve to stuff the tobacco into a filter cigarette tube.

However, if the fractional pack 40 is to be used to conventionally rotate a cigarette, it is more convenient if the wrapper 42 is easy to open along a longitudinal seam (not shown in Figure 4).

FIG. 5 shows, as a further embodiment, a partial packing 50 with a sheath 52 of cylindrical basic shape and two flat seam zones 54 and 55 at the ends, similar to the previous one. The envelope 52 can be easily opened with a tear strip 58. The tear strip 58 is located within the enclosure 52 and is led outwardly at the end of the seam zone 54 so that its end 59 is accessible for the consumer to grasp the tear strip 58.

The illustrated in Fig. 6 embodiment of a partial package 60 in turn has a sheath 62 of cylindrical basic shape with two flat seam zones 64 and 65 at the ends. The sheath 62 is closed longitudinally along a longitudinal seam zone 66 at which the material of the sheath 62 overlaps to form two layers which are joined together by means of three adhesive dots 67. FIG. 6 shows a state at the beginning of opening the sheath 62 when the outer layer of the longitudinal seam zone 66 designated 68 is folded up and the adhesive dots 67 are loosened. By pulling on the folded-up outer layer 68, the wrapper 62 can then be completely opened.

As an additional embodiment, FIG. 7 shows an elongated partial pack 70 in which a sheath 72 is attached to the end 74 and 75 is twisted together. In the exemplary embodiment, the envelope 72 is additionally held together at the ends 74 and 75 with cords 76 and 77, respectively. A longitudinal seam is - as in most of the previous embodiments - not drawn. If the longitudinal seam of the wrapper 72 is not sealed, the wrapper 72 is easier to open. In contrast, the envelope 72 with a sealed longitudinal seam better maintains the aroma of the fine-cut tobacco inlay.

In Fig. 8, a longer portion of an endless tubular bag 80 is shown, which is closed at its two longitudinal sides and is divided by transverse sealing seams 82 lying parallel to each other in sections. Each of these sections forms a partial package 84, which is provided with a casing 83 and which is filled with fine-cut tobacco. In the middle of the sealing seams 82 each have a perforation. Because of these perforations, the individual partial sets 84 can be easily detached from the remaining portion of the tubular bag 80.

FIG. 9 shows such a partial pack 84 in an enlarged view. Two relatively wide, flat seam zones 86 and 87 at the two ends, which originate from the longitudinal sides of the tubular bag 80, and the parts 88 and 89 of the corresponding sealed seams 82 remaining on the partial packing 84 under consideration can be seen.

In the embodiment, the tubular bag is made of plastic film, and the sealing seams 82 and the seam zones 86 and 87 are created by welding. Other materials are also conceivable, although other sealing techniques can be used.

10 shows a box-shaped outer package 90 with a hinged lid 92, in which a number of subsets 94th is included. Such a carton ^'is particularly suitable for portion packs in the manner of the embodiments explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, but also for a tubular bag 80 with a number of interconnected or else separate portion packs 84 or for dimensionally stabilized subsets.

In an alternative embodiment likewise explained with reference to FIG. 10, 94 does not designate individual enveloped subset packages, but individual tobacco portions, each for the production of a cigarette, which do not have its own envelope but are separated from one another by the compartment division shown in FIG are. In this case, the box 90 takes over the function of the enclosure, and the hinged lid 92 is an opening means for the enclosure.

An embodiment of a method for producing fine-cut partial quantity packages will be explained below. In Fig. 11- is schematically illustrated a process step thereof.

In the method for producing the partial quantity packages, a continuous linear arrangement of fine-cut tobacco is first of all manufactured in a known manner on an endless strand machine, surrounded with a casing and portioned into individual portions. If these process steps were carried out completely conventionally, they provided as product individual (filterless) cigarettes which are each surrounded by cigarette paper. In the present process, however, a simpler paper material is used instead of the cigarette paper; this is the only difference to the conventional method. The product therefore does not consist of finished cigarettes, but of individual portions 100 of fine-cut tobacco, which are each surrounded by a casing envelope 102 of plain paper. For the jacket, other materials may be used. used, eg film or nonwoven; Preferably, the material of the jacket is inexpensive and / or recyclable.

FIG. 11 illustrates how the jacket envelopes 102 which are useful for the portioning process but are no longer required thereafter can be removed again.

This is done with the aid of a rotating turret 110, which has a number of mutually parallel holes 111. Below the turret 110, a conveyor belt 112 moves with recesses 113.

At an insertion point 114, a single portion 100 with sheath 102 is inserted into one of the holes 111. Within the bore 111, the jacket 102 is held by means of a negative pressure which is applied via openings on the inner wall of the bore 111. Meanwhile, the turret 110 rotates to an ejection point 115 where the single portion 100 of fine cut tobacco is blown out of the bore 111 by means of compressed air and enters a recess 113 of the conveyor belt 112.

The turret 110 transports the remaining jacket 102 to an ejection point 116 where the jacket 102 is ejected after the vacuum is shut off by means of compressed air. The jacket 102 can then be disposed of or recycled.

The conveyor belt 112 has in the meantime run to a feed point 117, where the individual portion 100 is moved away from the conveyor belt 112 and fed to a conventional packaging device. In the exemplary embodiment, the single portion 100 is a tobacco portion for making a portioned cigarettes. In the packaging device, the single portion 100 is surrounded by an all-round wrapping.

Process stages of another embodiment of a method for producing fine-cut partial quantity packages are illustrated with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

In this embodiment, a linear array of fine cut tobacco is made on a continuous rod machine and fed as a continuous stream of tobacco 120 (without wrapper) to a portioning device which divides the fine cut tobacco into elongated single portions.

The portioning device has two trimming disks 122, 123, which rotate in opposite directions and close to one another about mutually parallel axes, see FIG. 12. The axes of rotation are aligned perpendicular to the transport direction of the tobacco 120. The trimming disks 122, 123 are arranged so that the tobacco 120 fed at 124 passes substantially onto the upper sides of the trimming disks 122, 123. Along their periphery, the trimming disks 122, 123 are respectively provided with protrusions 126, 127 projecting upwardly, the protrusions 126 of one trimming disk 122 being aligned with the protrusions 127 of the other trimming disk 123. In the exemplary embodiment, six projections 126 and 127 are distributed uniformly over the circumference of the trimming disks 122, 123.

When fine-cut particles of the tobacco stream 120 reach the region of two projections 126 and 127, they are displaced from the tray 120, see FIGS. 12 and 13, so that an interruption 128 arises in the tobacco stream 120. As a result, the tobacco 120 is divided into individual portions 130. Trimming discs of the type described are also used in conventional cigarette systems, but are then installed in the opposite direction (upper side downwards), so that tobacco particles in the now accumulate forming "protrusions", resulting in a zonal compression of the tobacco (head reinforcement in the tobacco-made cigarettes).

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 12, in the further course of the method, the individual portions 130 behind the trimming disks 122, 123 are picked up by a material band 132, which also serves as a transport means, from which a portion is laid longitudinally over the individual portions 130 at 134 .

10 so that the individual portions 130 are enclosed between two layers which in this embodiment are formed by the one material band 132. These two layers are joined together along a longitudinal seam and thus initially form a continuous envelope for the individual portions

130 130. At a station 136, this wrapper is flattened and sealed or cut and intersected at the points of interruptions 128 between the individual portions 130, resulting in finished fine cut partial load packages 138. The enclosure 140 of a partial package 138 will be on this

20 way formed from the formerly continuous wrapping. At the flattened locations 142, respective seam zones are formed at the ends of the subset packages 138.

The method described before the explanation of FIG. 11 can also be carried out without the jacket sheaths being removed again. It contains in a simple manner and by means of a conventional strand process individual tobacco portions, which are each surrounded by an open at both end sides of the jacket. In further procedural steps, this jacket envelope is provided with an (additional) all-round envelope.

FIG. 14 shows a partial quantity package 150 as an exemplary embodiment of the product of such a method.

35 gene pack 150 has a sheath 152 (with a film 154) on, which is provided with a jacket 158 and here compactly shaped tobacco portion 156 (in the embodiment of about 15 mm in length and about 15 mm in diameter) surrounds. The transparent film 154 in the exemplary embodiment is folded over at a fold line 155, and the two film layers formed thereby are sealed together in an edge zone 159 extending over three sides. After opening the enclosure 152, the user may remove the jacket 158. However, the jacket 158 can also serve to hold the tobacco portion 156 together when inserted into a suitable apparatus for the self-processing of cigarettes, the jacket being optionally removed from this apparatus.

FIG. 15 shows a similar embodiment, but this time for a plurality of separated tobacco portions. The subset pack, designated 160 here, has a wrap 162 having a first foil 164 and a second foil 165 which are sealed together in a peripheral edge zone. The envelope 162 surrounds a number of tobacco portions 166, each having its own jacket 168. By the jacket envelopes 168, the tobacco portions 166 are separated and pre-portioned and can therefore be handled easily after opening the enclosure 162.

FIG. 16 also shows a partial quantity package for several separated tobacco portions. Here, the partial quantity package denoted by 170 contains an envelope 172 in the form of a cardboard sleeve 174 with a bottom and a reclosable lid 175. Each of the individual tobacco portions 176 is located in a jacket 178 and thereby becomes separated from the remaining tobacco portions 176. Instead of a cardboard tube and a metal sleeve or a plastic sleeve can be used.

In FIG. 17 with the parts (a) to (e), a partial quantity package 180 designed as a blister pack is shown in different views. illustrated. In this case, a sheath 182 has a blister part 184 (in the exemplary embodiment made of polyester), which is closed with a flat foil 185 (for example made of plastic or aluminum). The film 185 is connected in its edge region with the blister part 184, for example by gluing or sealing. Instead of the film 185, a paper layer is also conceivable. In the formed in the blister part 184 subspaces 186 is in each case a tobacco portion for self-production of a cigarette. These tobacco portions can each be surrounded by a jacket shell as before. However, it is also conceivable to fill the subspaces 186 of the blister part 184 directly with fine-cut tobacco before applying the film 185.

The partial quantity package 180 can be handled analogously to a conventional tablet package by destroying the film 185 over a partial space 186 by pressing on the blister part 184, so that the fine-cut tobacco contained in the partial space 186 can e.g. can be issued in an opening on a device for self-production of cigarettes.

In a variant of this embodiment, the film 185 may be easily peeled off of the blister portion 184 (eg, by means of a tab or from an edge location that is not or only slightly adhesively bonded to the blister portion 184) so that the subspaces 186 become accessible with the tobacco portions ,

Furthermore, it is conceivable to subdivide the partial quantity package 180 by perforation lines in such a way that individual subspaces 186 or groups of subspaces 186 can be separated from the remaining subset package 180 by breaking up the perforation lines. Optionally, each of the subspaces or each of the separable groups of subspaces may be provided with one of the means of opening mentioned in the previous paragraph. A further embodiment of a method for producing fine-cut partial quantity packages is explained with reference to FIG. In this case, initially in a continuous process, as described above, a continuous linear arrangement of fine-cut tobacco is produced, which is surrounded on a continuous strand machine (in particular a cigarette machine) with a continuous casing. This wrapping, however, is - unlike before - this time already from the material of wrapping finished Teilmengenpackungen. For portioning, the wrapped strand is cut at predetermined intervals, so that enveloped individual portions are formed, which are each intended for the manufacture of a cigarette, but whose wraps are not initially closed.

Figure 18 illustrates schematically how these wrapped individual portions are further processed to close the wrappings. The steps carried out in this case can be carried out in a station on a modified cigarette machine or a modified filter batching machine. First, an elongate tobacco portion 190 is surrounded by a casing 192 which is open at both end sides 193, and the fine-cut tobacco reaches up to the end sides 193.

In Fig. 18 (a), two plungers 194 are moved to the end faces 193 and pushed into the envelopes 192 as shown in Fig. 18 (b) so that the fine cut tobacco is compacted there and, after the plungers 194 are retracted as shown in Fig. 18 (c ) Cavities 195 remain. Sliders, cams or mandrels could be used instead of the plungers 194. These devices are preferably mounted on and / or driven by one or more drums.

In the next step, the covering 192 is flattened in its two end regions by means of presses 196 and as illustrated in Figure 18 (d) and Figure 18 (e). This can be done, for example, with the help of drums, pressing belts or printing plates. For closing, purely mechanical techniques such as pressing, punching and / or trapping are suitable, which in the exemplary embodiment are preferably carried out in one operation with the movement of the presses 196. Alternatively or additionally, techniques such as welding, gluing and / or sealing may be used, for which purpose an additive (eg adhesive) may have to be added.

FIG. 18 (f) shows the completed partial package, here designated 200, which is shaped like the embodiment according to FIG. 2. If required, a notch can be punched in the movement of the presses 196 into one of the seam zones 198, 199 , similar to notch 16 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 shows a system in which a number of partial quantity packages 200 are arranged side by side on a strip of material 202. This can facilitate handling by the consumer. In the exemplary embodiment, a strip of material 202 made of paper is provided on which the Teilmengenpak- packs 200 are glued. Other materials (e.g., plastic) or other number of strips of material are also conceivable.

Claims

claims

A fine cut partial load package (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70; 84; 94; 138; 150; 160; 170; 180; 200) for use in the self-production of cigarettes, comprising a wrap (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 83; 90; 140; 152; 162; 172; 182; 192) having a fine cut tobacco inlay (100; 130) with at least one separated tobacco portion (94; 100; 130 ; 156; 166; 176; 190) for producing a cigarette on all sides.

A fine cut bulk package according to claim 1, characterized in that the wrapper (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 83; 140; 152; 192) comprises a fine cut tobacco inlay (100; 130) with a tobacco portion (100; 130; 156; 190) for making a single cigarette on all sides.

3. Fine-cut partial quantity pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the wrapping (90; 162; 172; 182) surrounds a fine-cut tobacco inlay with a plurality of tobacco portions (94; 166; 176) which are separated on all sides for producing a plurality of cigarettes.

The fine cut partial quantity package according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the envelope (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 90; 172) is provided with opening means (16; 26; 38; 46; 47; 58; 66, 67, 68; 76, 77; 92; 175) for opening the enclosure (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 90; 172).

5. The fine-cut part-quantity package according to claim 4, characterized in that the envelope (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 90; 172) has an elongate basic shape and in that the opening means (16; 26; 38 ; 46, 47; 58; 66, 67, 68; 76, 77; 92; 175) at least one of the following selected devices: tear strip (58), tear thread, longitudinal perforation (38) of the wrapper (32), longitudinal slot in the wrapper, selectively bonded longitudinal seam (66, 67) of the wrapper (62), transverse perforation (26) of the wrapper (22), circumferential transverse perforation (46, 47) at both ends of the sheath (42), notch (16), torsion region (76, 77) on the sheath (72), thread, cord, cover (92, 175).

A fine cut bulk package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the envelope (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 83; 90; 140; 152; 162; 172; 182; 192) one of the materials selected from the following list: paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, metal foil, plastic foil, aluminum-clad papers, aluminum-coated papers, plastic-laminated papers, laminates, non-wovens, perforated material, non-smokable material.

7. fine-cut partial quantity pack according to one of claims 4 to 6 in conjunction with claim 2, characterized in that the fine-cut tobacco inlay (100; 130) is adapted in shape to a finished cigarette.

8. The fine-cut partial-load package according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheath (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 140; 192) has a cylindrical basic shape and at both ends on a flat, transversely running seam zone (12). 14, 15, 24, 25, 34, 35, 44, 45, 54, 55, 64, 65, 198, 199).

Fine cut partial quantity pack according to claim 7, characterized in that the envelope (72) has a cylindrical basic shape and is twisted and / or tied at both ends (74, 75).

10. fine-cut partial packing according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheath (83) at both ends to a flat, transverse seam zone (86, 87) is sealed and on both longitudinal sides seals (88, 89).

11. Fine-cut partial quantity pack according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one tobacco portion (156; 166; -176) is compact, preferably of a tablet-like nature.

12. A fine cut partial load package according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one tobacco portion (156; 166; 176) has a cylinder-like shape and within the envelope (152; 162; 172) of a sleeve-like jacket shell (158; 168; 178), preferably of paper.

13. fine-cut partial quantity pack according to claim 12, characterized in that the diameter of the cylinder-like shape is at least as large as its length.

14. Fine-cut partial quantity pack according to one of claims 1 to 7 or 11 to 13, characterized in that the envelope (182) is designed as a blister pack.

15. System comprising a number of fine-cut partial quantities packages according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the fine-cut partial quantity packages (200) are arranged side by side and are connected to each other with a fastening device (202).

16. System according to claim 15, characterized in that the fastening device at least one strip of material (202), preferably of paper, on which the fine-cut partial quantities packages (200) are fixed.

17. A method for producing fine-cut bulk packs intended for use in the cigarettes self-manufacture, wherein a fine-cut bulk pack (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70; 84; 94; 138; 150; 160; 170; 200) has a sheath (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 83; 140; 152; 162; 172; 192) which has a fine-cut characteristic.

10 bakeinlage (100; 130) on all sides, comprising the steps of: - producing a continuous linear arrangement of fine-cut tobacco (120) on an endless-strand machine, - portioning the fine-cut tobacco (120) into individual portions (100; 130; 156; 166; 176; 190 )

15 - wrapping the individual portions (100; 130; 156; 166; 176; 190) with the casings (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 83; 140; 152; 162; 172; 192) the fine cut Partial quantity packages (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70; 84; 94; 138; 150; 160; 170; 200).

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the fine-cut tobacco is portioned into elongate individual portions (100; 130; 190).

19. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the fine-cut tobacco (120) is interrupted for portioning at regular intervals, preferably by means of two trimming discs (122, 123).

20. Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the fine-cut tobacco for portioning on a conventional cigarette machine is provided for each individual portion (100; 156; 166; 176) with a casing (102; 158; 168; 178) open at both ends. surrounded by the preferential

Has 35 wise paper.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the jacket envelopes (102) of the individual portions (100) are removed before enveloping the individual portions (100). 5 22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that for removing the jacket sheaths (102), a respective single portion (100) with jacket sheath (102) in a receiving space, preferably a bore (111), introduced and fixed therein

10 is maintained, preferably by means of a negative pressure, wherein the single portion (100) from the jacket shell (102) is ejected, preferably pneumatically.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the respective individual portions (100) are ejected onto a transport device (112), preferably a conveyor belt (112), in which each individual portion (100) is received in a recess (113).

24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that a rotating turret (110) has a number of receptacles, preferably bores (111), for inserting in each case a single portion (100) with jacket (102) and that the revolver (110) from the respective

25 sheath (102) emits ejected individual portions (100) in a different transport plane from the introduction level.

25. A method according to claim 20, characterized in that

30, the jacket sheaths (158; 168; 178) of the individual portions (156; 166; 176) are not removed before covering the individual portions (156; 166; 176).

26. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the fine-cut tobacco before the portioning or the individual portions are dimensionally stabilized after the portioning.

27. Method according to one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that each individual portion (100; 130; 156; 190) is placed in a separate envelope (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 83; 140; 152) 192), wherein a single portion (100; 130; 156; 190) has a tobacco portion for making a single cigarette.

28. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that in each case a plurality of separated individual portions (94; 166; 176) are introduced into a common enclosure (90; 162; 172; 182).

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the respective sheaths as transverse, juxtaposed and by sealing seams (82) separate sections (84) of an endless tubular bag (80) are configured.

30. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the fine-cut tobacco is surrounded on a cigarette machine with a continuous wrapping and the coated strand is cut for portioning at predetermined intervals, so that enveloped individual portions (190) arise, - in each case for the preparation of a single cigarette, and that the respective sheaths (192) are then closed at their two end faces (193).

31. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that for sealing the end sides (193) of a respective casing (192), the fine cut tobacco contained in the casing (192) at the end sides (193) into the interior of the wrapping (192). (192) is pressed and that the sheath (192) is then flattened and sealed at both ends.