EP3468393A1 - Process and apparatus for making a half-finished tipping paper blank - Google Patents

Process and apparatus for making a half-finished tipping paper blank

Info

Publication number
EP3468393A1
EP3468393A1 EP17728555.8A EP17728555A EP3468393A1 EP 3468393 A1 EP3468393 A1 EP 3468393A1 EP 17728555 A EP17728555 A EP 17728555A EP 3468393 A1 EP3468393 A1 EP 3468393A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tipping paper
cutting
perforation
transverse
tab
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP17728555.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3468393B1 (en
Inventor
Robert Emmett
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Priority to PL17728555T priority Critical patent/PL3468393T3/en
Publication of EP3468393A1 publication Critical patent/EP3468393A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3468393B1 publication Critical patent/EP3468393B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/47—Attaching filters or mouthpieces to cigars or cigarettes, e.g. inserting filters into cigarettes or their mouthpieces
    • A24C5/471—Attaching filters or mouthpieces to cigars or cigarettes, e.g. inserting filters into cigarettes or their mouthpieces by means of a connecting band
    • A24C5/473—Cutting the connecting band
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/47—Attaching filters or mouthpieces to cigars or cigarettes, e.g. inserting filters into cigarettes or their mouthpieces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/02—Cigars; Cigarettes with special covers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/02—Cigars; Cigarettes with special covers
    • A24D1/025—Cigars; Cigarettes with special covers the covers having material applied to defined areas, e.g. bands for reducing the ignition propensity

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for producing a half-finished tipping paper blank for making tipping paper for rod-shaped articles, a method of manufacturing tipping paper for rod- shaped articles using the half-finished tipping paper blanks, apparatus for carrying out these methods and rod-shaped articles tipped with tipping paper.
  • Smoking articles such as cigarettes, typically come into direct contact with the lips of the consumer. It is therefore preferred that this part of the smoking article remains as hygienic as possible.
  • a method for producing a half-finished tipping paper blank for making tipping paper for rod-shaped articles comprising the steps of providing a continuous strip of tipping paper extending in a longitudinal direction, the strip having two opposed longitudinal edges and cutting the continuous strip along a plurality of transverse cut lines spaced from one another along the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip to form the plurality of half-finished tipping paper blanks.
  • Each transverse cut line comprises a straight transverse portion extending transversely from each longitudinal edge to intersect an arcuate central portion.
  • the arcuate central portion forms a tab which projects into a recess in the next adjacent half-finished tipping paper blank, such that each half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a transverse tab edge and an opposed transverse recess edge.
  • each "half-finished” tipping paper blank comprises tipping papers for two rod- shaped.
  • the tab is cut to form pull-tabs which facilitate removal of the tipping paper.
  • making the tab of one half-finished tipping paper blank from material from the next adjacent tipping paper blank leaves a recess in the next adjacent tipping paper blank. This means that no additional material is needed to make the pull-tabs. This reduces or avoids tipping paper waste. As explained below, the recess is not visible to the consumer of the final article.
  • the method of the first aspect of the invention may comprise the additional step of providing the continuous strip of tipping paper with two continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines, one disposed on each side between the longitudinal edge and the arcuate central portions.
  • the longitudinally extending perforation lines intersecting the transverse cut lines. _ -
  • the method according to this embodiment may advantageously comprise the further step of providing pairs of opposed diagonal perforation lines between every pair of transverse cut lines.
  • a diagonal perforation line extends from each longitudinally extending perforation line and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line. Both opposed diagonal perforation lines terminating adjacent to the arcuate central portion.
  • the opposed diagonal perforation lines terminate between the two points of intersect of the two straight transverse portions with the arcuate central portion.
  • the method according to the first aspect of the invention additionally comprises the step of separating adjacent, identically-shaped, half-finished tipping paper blanks from one another in the longitudinal direction of the strip.
  • a half-finished tipping paper blank for making tipping paper for rod-shaped articles comprising a strip of tipping paper extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the strip comprises two opposed longitudinal edges.
  • a transverse tab edge comprising a straight transverse portion extends transversely from each longitudinal edge to intersect an arcuate central portion forming a tab projecting from the half- finished tipping paper blank.
  • An opposed transverse recess edge comprising a straight transverse portion extending transversely from each longitudinal edge to intersect an arcuate central portion forming a recess cut out of the half-finished tipping paper blank.
  • the half-finished tipping paper blank additionally comprises two continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines, one disposed on each side between the longitudinal edge and the arcuate central portions.
  • the half-finished tipping paper blank additionally comprises a pair of opposed diagonal perforation lines, a diagonal perforation line extending from and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line. Both opposed diagonal perforation lines terminate adjacent to the tab. Preferably, the opposed diagonal perforation lines terminate between the points of intersect of the two straight transverse portions with the tab.
  • a method of manufacturing tipping paper for rod-shaped articles comprising the steps of providing a half-finished tipping paper blank according to any embodiment of the tipping paper as described above.
  • adhesive is applied to the blank in longitudinal zones located adjacent to each longitudinal edge and in transverse zones located adjacent to the transverse recess edge and adjacent to the transverse tab edge, but not to the tab itself.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing two rod-shaped articles, each having a longitudinally extending end portion and locating the longitudinally extending end portions of the two rod-shaped articles contiguously, end-to-end.
  • the transverse recess edge of the blank are adhered to the contiguous end portions of the two rod-shaped articles, such that the transverse recess edge extends longitudinally along the end portions of both contiguous rod-shaped articles.
  • the blank is wrapped around the two contiguous ends, such that the longitudinal extent of the blank extends around and is adhered to the end portions of the two rod-shaped articles, ending with the transverse tab edge. Finally, the blank is cut between the two rod-shaped articles to provide two rod-shaped articles, each comprising an end portion covered with tipping paper formed of half of the blank and having an exposed pull-tab, formed from the cut remainder of the tab.
  • the recess edge of the blank By adhering the transverse recess edge of the blank to the contiguous end portions of the two rod-shaped articles and wrapping the blank around the two contiguous ends, the recess edge is hidden beneath the wrapped blank and is therefore invisible to the consumer.
  • each longitudinal zone extends longitudinally up to the entire length of each longitudinal edge, but does not extend laterally as far as the longitudinal perforation.
  • the traverse zones are located either side of the recess on the traverse recess edge and either side of the tab on the traverse tab edge.
  • a rod-shaped article having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising a longitudinally extending end portion at the proximal end which extends part of the way along the rod-shaped article, the end portion being covered with tipping paper, the tipping paper comprising a pull-tab for removing the tipping paper.
  • the pull- tab is located adjacent to the proximal end.
  • the rod-shaped article additionally comprises a perforation line extending circumferentially around the tipping paper.
  • the circumferential perforation line is connected to the pull-tab by a diagonal perforation line.
  • the pull-tab is operable on application of a pulling force to tear the tipping paper along the diagonal perforation line, then along the circumferential perforation line, to facilitate removal of the tipping paper.
  • the diagonal perforation line extends from the circumferential perforation line at an acute angle to the circumferential perforation line.
  • the rod-shaped article of the third aspect of the invention is advantageously a smoking article, such as a cigarette, filter cigarette, cigar, or component for smoking devices.
  • Components for smoking devices may be longitudinally extending smoking material rods, which are inserted into a heating device, such as an electrical or carbonaceous heating device, and which are heated but not burned during consumption.
  • an apparatus for making a half- finished tipping paper blank from a continuous strip of tipping paper, the apparatus being operable to convey the continuous strip in a conveyance direction.
  • the apparatus comprises a cutting and perforation assembly with a cutting and perforation die roller.
  • the cutting and perforation die roller defines a circumferential surface with a plurality of regularly spaced, arcuate cutting blades positioned to extend partially across the circumferential surface on either . .
  • the cutting blades are configured to effect cutting of the continuous strip along a plurality of centrally positioned, arcuate cut lines spaced from one another in the conveyance direction of the continuous strip, such that each arcuate cut line forms a tab which projects into a recess.
  • the apparatus further comprises a cutting drum located after the cutting and perforation die in the conveyance direction.
  • the cutting drum comprises transverse cutting means configured to provide transverse cut lines, one across the continuous strip either side of each arcuate cut line, to sever half-finished tipping paper blanks from the continuous strip, such that each half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a tab and a recess.
  • the cutting and perforation assembly additionally comprises a counter roller configured to bring the continuous strip into cutting and perforation contact with the circumferential surface of the cutting and perforation die roller.
  • the cutting and perforation die roller additionally comprises longitudinal perforating means configured to provide the continuous strip with two continuous perforation lines parallel to the central circumferential line, one continuous perforation line disposed to each side of the arcuate cutting lines.
  • the cutting and perforation die roller additionally comprising diagonal perforating means disposed between the longitudinal perforating means and configured to provide each half-finished tipping paper blank with a pair of opposed diagonal perforation lines.
  • the diagonal perforation line extends from each longitudinally extending perforation line and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line, both opposed diagonal perforation lines terminating adjacent to the tab.
  • the transverse cutting means comprises a plurality of cutting blades, each cutting blade having a cutting edge with a central discontinuity configured to coincide with the arcuate cut lines formed on the half-finished continuous strip or a plurality of cutting blade pairs spaced from one another, wherein the gap between the cutting blades of each blade pair coincides with the arcuate cut lines formed on the continuous strip.
  • the central discontinuity or the gap is configured not to cut across the arcuate cut lines that is not to cut the tab.
  • the apparatus comprises an additional roller located after the cutting and perforation die and before the cutting drum in the conveyance direction and positioned adjacent to the counter roller for the continuous strip to be conveyed between the counter roller and the additional roller, the additional roller being movable around the circumference of the counter roller to vary the length of the pull tab. . .
  • Figure 1 shows a continuous strip of tipping paper comprising cut and perforation lines according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a half-finished tipping paper blank to which an adhesive pattern has been applied.
  • Figure 3 illustrates two rod-shaped articles which have been placed end to end, a half- finished tipping paper blank 5 having been wrapped around and adhered to the abutting ends.
  • Figure 4 which illustrates a rod-shaped article tipped with tipping paper.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus which is suitable for making a half- finished tipping paper blank according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a continuous strip of tipping paper 1 having cut and perforation lines according to the invention. Specifically, transverse cut lines are shown, each transverse cut line comprising a pair of straight transverse portions 2 extending inwards from the longitudinal edges, both of which intersect an arcuate central portion 3, which is disposed, within production tolerances, symmetrically about the nominal central longitudinal axis 4 of the continuous strip.
  • Each half-finished tipping paper blank 5 is the portion of the strip of continuous tipping paper 1 which extends between two consecutive transverse cut lines and each arcuate central portion 3 forms a tab which projects into a recess in the next adjacent half-finished tipping paper blank 5.
  • the continuous strip 1 shown in Figure 1 additionally comprises two continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines 6, one disposed on each side between the longitudinal edge and the arcuate central portions 3 of the transverse cut lines. As can be seen, the continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines 6 intersect the straight transverse portions 2 of the transverse cut lines.
  • the continuous strip shown in Figure 1 additionally comprises pairs of opposed diagonal perforation lines 7 between every pair of transverse cut lines, a diagonal perforation line 7 extending from each longitudinally extending perforation line 6 and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line 6, both opposed diagonal perforation lines 7 terminating adjacent to the arcuate central portion 3.
  • FIG 2 shows a half-finished tipping paper blank 5, which has been severed from the continuous strip of tipping paper 1 shown in Figure 1 .
  • the half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a tab 8 and recess 9 and adhesive has been applied in longitudinal zones 10 located adjacent to each longitudinal edge and in transverse zones 1 1 located adjacent to the transverse recess edge and adjacent to the transverse tab edge, but not to the tab itself.
  • each longitudinal zone 10 extends longitudinally along each longitudinal edge, but does not extend laterally as far as the longitudinal perforation.
  • the traverse zones 1 1 are located either side of the recess 9 on the traverse recess edge and either side of the tab 8 on the traverse tab edge. . .
  • Figure 3 illustrates two rod-shaped articles 12 which have been placed end to end, a half- finished tipping paper blank 5 having been wrapped around and adhered to the abutting ends by means of the adhesive, so that the tab 8, which is not adhered, projects away from the tipping paper.
  • Tab 8 which is connected to circumferential perforation lines 13 (corresponding to the longitudinally extending perforation lines 6 of Figures 1 and 2) by means of diagonal perforation lines 14 (corresponding to opposed diagonal perforation lines 7 of Figures 1 and 2).
  • the half- finished tipping paper blank 5 is cut and severed down the middle between the two rod-shaped articles and through the middle of tab 8 to provide two separated rod-shaped articles, each tipped with tipping paper.
  • This arrangement is shown in Figure 4, which illustrates a rod-shaped article 12 tipped with tipping paper 15 comprising a pull-tab 16.
  • the tipping paper has a circumferential perforation line 13 which is connected to the pull-tab 16 via diagonal perforation line 14, so that, in use, on pulling the pull-tab 16, the tipping paper severs along diagonal perforation line 13, then along connected circumferential perforation line 13, to facilitate removal of the tipping paper.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus which is suitable for making a half- finished tipping paper blank according to the invention. It shows a continuous strip of tipping paper 17 which is fed in a conveyance direction shown by the arrows into a cutting and perforation assembly 18.
  • the cutting and perforation assembly 18 comprises a cutting and perforation die roller 19 defining a circumferential surface having a plurality of regularly spaced, arcuate cutting blades (not shown) which are configured to effect cutting of the continuous strip along a plurality of centrally positioned, arcuate cut lines spaced from one another in the conveyance direction of the continuous strip, such that each arcuate cut line forms a tab which projects into a recess.
  • a cutting drum 20 is located after the cutting and perforation die roller 19 in the conveyance direction, the cutting drum 20 having transverse cutting means (not shown) configured to provide transverse cut lines, one across the continuous strip either side of each arcuate cut line so as not to cut the tabs, to sever half-finished tipping paper blanks from the continuous strip, wherein each half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a tab and a recess.
  • the cutting and perforation assembly 18 additionally comprises a counter roller 21 , configured to bring the continuous strip 17 into cutting and perforation contact with the circumferential surface of the cutting and perforation die roller 19, although alternative methods of achieving this objective are known to the skilled person.
  • the cutting and perforation assembly according to the embodiment shown in Figure 5 comprises an additional roller 22 located after the cutting and perforation die roller 19 and before the cutting drum 20 in the conveyance direction and positioned adjacent to the counter roller 21 for the continuous strip 17 to be conveyed between the counter roller and the additional roller.
  • the additional roller 22 is movable (using means not shown) around the circumference of the counter roller 21 . By doing this, the length of tab 8 of the half-finished tipping paper blank may be varied. , .
  • the half-finished tipping paper blank 5 is cut and severed down the middle between the two rod-shaped articles and through the middle of tab 8 to provide two separated rod-shaped articles 12, each tipped with tipping paper.

Abstract

A method is provided for producing a half-finished tipping paper blank (5) for making tipping paper (15) for rod-shaped articles (12), the method comprising the steps of: providing a continuous strip of tipping paper (1,17) extending in a longitudinal direction, the strip having two opposed longitudinal edges; and cutting the continuous strip along a plurality of transverse cut lines spaced from one another along the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip to form the plurality of half-finished tipping paper blanks (5). Each transverse cut line comprises a straight transverse portion (2) extending transversely from each longitudinal edge to intersect an arcuate central portion (3), the arcuate central portion (3) forming a tab (8) which projects into a recess (9) in the next adjacent half-finished tipping paper blank (5), such that each half-finished tipping paper blank (5) comprises a transverse tab edge and an opposed transverse recess edge.

Description

_ _
PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A HALF-FINISHED TIPPING PAPER BLANK
The present invention relates to a method for producing a half-finished tipping paper blank for making tipping paper for rod-shaped articles, a method of manufacturing tipping paper for rod- shaped articles using the half-finished tipping paper blanks, apparatus for carrying out these methods and rod-shaped articles tipped with tipping paper.
Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, typically come into direct contact with the lips of the consumer. It is therefore preferred that this part of the smoking article remains as hygienic as possible.
It is an object of the invention to provide tipping paper to keep the end of the rod-shaped article clean and hygienic.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for producing a half-finished tipping paper blank for making tipping paper for rod-shaped articles is provided. The method comprising the steps of providing a continuous strip of tipping paper extending in a longitudinal direction, the strip having two opposed longitudinal edges and cutting the continuous strip along a plurality of transverse cut lines spaced from one another along the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip to form the plurality of half-finished tipping paper blanks. Each transverse cut line comprises a straight transverse portion extending transversely from each longitudinal edge to intersect an arcuate central portion. The arcuate central portion forms a tab which projects into a recess in the next adjacent half-finished tipping paper blank, such that each half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a transverse tab edge and an opposed transverse recess edge.
As used herein, the term "half-finished" refers to tipping paper material that has been cut from a reel but requires further steps for converting the half-finished tipping paper material into the final tipping paper that is wrapped around a finished smoking article. In the present case, as will be described, each "half-finished" tipping paper blank comprises tipping papers for two rod- shaped.
As will also be described, when the half-finished tipping paper blank is further processed to manufacture tipping paper for rod-shaped articles, the tab is cut to form pull-tabs which facilitate removal of the tipping paper. Advantageously, making the tab of one half-finished tipping paper blank from material from the next adjacent tipping paper blank leaves a recess in the next adjacent tipping paper blank. This means that no additional material is needed to make the pull-tabs. This reduces or avoids tipping paper waste. As explained below, the recess is not visible to the consumer of the final article.
According to one embodiment, the method of the first aspect of the invention may comprise the additional step of providing the continuous strip of tipping paper with two continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines, one disposed on each side between the longitudinal edge and the arcuate central portions. The longitudinally extending perforation lines intersecting the transverse cut lines. _ -
The method according to this embodiment may advantageously comprise the further step of providing pairs of opposed diagonal perforation lines between every pair of transverse cut lines. A diagonal perforation line extends from each longitudinally extending perforation line and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line. Both opposed diagonal perforation lines terminating adjacent to the arcuate central portion. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the opposed diagonal perforation lines terminate between the two points of intersect of the two straight transverse portions with the arcuate central portion.
Advantageously, the method according to the first aspect of the invention additionally comprises the step of separating adjacent, identically-shaped, half-finished tipping paper blanks from one another in the longitudinal direction of the strip.
According to an embodiment of the invention, a half-finished tipping paper blank for making tipping paper for rod-shaped articles is provided, comprising a strip of tipping paper extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the strip comprises two opposed longitudinal edges. A transverse tab edge comprising a straight transverse portion extends transversely from each longitudinal edge to intersect an arcuate central portion forming a tab projecting from the half- finished tipping paper blank. An opposed transverse recess edge comprising a straight transverse portion extending transversely from each longitudinal edge to intersect an arcuate central portion forming a recess cut out of the half-finished tipping paper blank.
According to one advantageous embodiment, the half-finished tipping paper blank additionally comprises two continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines, one disposed on each side between the longitudinal edge and the arcuate central portions.
According to another advantageous embodiment, the half-finished tipping paper blank additionally comprises a pair of opposed diagonal perforation lines, a diagonal perforation line extending from and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line. Both opposed diagonal perforation lines terminate adjacent to the tab. Preferably, the opposed diagonal perforation lines terminate between the points of intersect of the two straight transverse portions with the tab.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing tipping paper for rod-shaped articles is provided, comprising the steps of providing a half-finished tipping paper blank according to any embodiment of the tipping paper as described above. In a further step of the method adhesive is applied to the blank in longitudinal zones located adjacent to each longitudinal edge and in transverse zones located adjacent to the transverse recess edge and adjacent to the transverse tab edge, but not to the tab itself. Further, the method comprises the steps of providing two rod-shaped articles, each having a longitudinally extending end portion and locating the longitudinally extending end portions of the two rod-shaped articles contiguously, end-to-end. Then, the transverse recess edge of the blank are adhered to the contiguous end portions of the two rod-shaped articles, such that the transverse recess edge extends longitudinally along the end portions of both contiguous rod-shaped articles. In another step, the . .
blank is wrapped around the two contiguous ends, such that the longitudinal extent of the blank extends around and is adhered to the end portions of the two rod-shaped articles, ending with the transverse tab edge. Finally, the blank is cut between the two rod-shaped articles to provide two rod-shaped articles, each comprising an end portion covered with tipping paper formed of half of the blank and having an exposed pull-tab, formed from the cut remainder of the tab.
By adhering the transverse recess edge of the blank to the contiguous end portions of the two rod-shaped articles and wrapping the blank around the two contiguous ends, the recess edge is hidden beneath the wrapped blank and is therefore invisible to the consumer.
According to one advantageous embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, each longitudinal zone extends longitudinally up to the entire length of each longitudinal edge, but does not extend laterally as far as the longitudinal perforation.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the traverse zones are located either side of the recess on the traverse recess edge and either side of the tab on the traverse tab edge.
According to a third aspect of the invention, a rod-shaped article is provided, having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising a longitudinally extending end portion at the proximal end which extends part of the way along the rod-shaped article, the end portion being covered with tipping paper, the tipping paper comprising a pull-tab for removing the tipping paper.
According to one advantageous embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the pull- tab is located adjacent to the proximal end.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the rod-shaped article additionally comprises a perforation line extending circumferentially around the tipping paper. Accordingly, the circumferential perforation line is connected to the pull-tab by a diagonal perforation line. The pull-tab is operable on application of a pulling force to tear the tipping paper along the diagonal perforation line, then along the circumferential perforation line, to facilitate removal of the tipping paper. The diagonal perforation line extends from the circumferential perforation line at an acute angle to the circumferential perforation line.
The rod-shaped article of the third aspect of the invention is advantageously a smoking article, such as a cigarette, filter cigarette, cigar, or component for smoking devices. Components for smoking devices may be longitudinally extending smoking material rods, which are inserted into a heating device, such as an electrical or carbonaceous heating device, and which are heated but not burned during consumption.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for making a half- finished tipping paper blank from a continuous strip of tipping paper, the apparatus being operable to convey the continuous strip in a conveyance direction. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a cutting and perforation assembly with a cutting and perforation die roller. The cutting and perforation die roller defines a circumferential surface with a plurality of regularly spaced, arcuate cutting blades positioned to extend partially across the circumferential surface on either . .
side of a central circumferential line. The cutting blades are configured to effect cutting of the continuous strip along a plurality of centrally positioned, arcuate cut lines spaced from one another in the conveyance direction of the continuous strip, such that each arcuate cut line forms a tab which projects into a recess. The apparatus further comprises a cutting drum located after the cutting and perforation die in the conveyance direction. The cutting drum comprises transverse cutting means configured to provide transverse cut lines, one across the continuous strip either side of each arcuate cut line, to sever half-finished tipping paper blanks from the continuous strip, such that each half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a tab and a recess.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, the cutting and perforation assembly additionally comprises a counter roller configured to bring the continuous strip into cutting and perforation contact with the circumferential surface of the cutting and perforation die roller.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, the cutting and perforation die roller additionally comprises longitudinal perforating means configured to provide the continuous strip with two continuous perforation lines parallel to the central circumferential line, one continuous perforation line disposed to each side of the arcuate cutting lines.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, the cutting and perforation die roller additionally comprising diagonal perforating means disposed between the longitudinal perforating means and configured to provide each half-finished tipping paper blank with a pair of opposed diagonal perforation lines. The diagonal perforation line extends from each longitudinally extending perforation line and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line, both opposed diagonal perforation lines terminating adjacent to the tab.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, the transverse cutting means comprises a plurality of cutting blades, each cutting blade having a cutting edge with a central discontinuity configured to coincide with the arcuate cut lines formed on the half-finished continuous strip or a plurality of cutting blade pairs spaced from one another, wherein the gap between the cutting blades of each blade pair coincides with the arcuate cut lines formed on the continuous strip.
In both cases, the central discontinuity or the gap is configured not to cut across the arcuate cut lines that is not to cut the tab.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises an additional roller located after the cutting and perforation die and before the cutting drum in the conveyance direction and positioned adjacent to the counter roller for the continuous strip to be conveyed between the counter roller and the additional roller, the additional roller being movable around the circumference of the counter roller to vary the length of the pull tab. . .
One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a continuous strip of tipping paper comprising cut and perforation lines according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows a half-finished tipping paper blank to which an adhesive pattern has been applied.
Figure 3 illustrates two rod-shaped articles which have been placed end to end, a half- finished tipping paper blank 5 having been wrapped around and adhered to the abutting ends.
Figure 4, which illustrates a rod-shaped article tipped with tipping paper.
Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus which is suitable for making a half- finished tipping paper blank according to the invention.
Figure 1 shows a continuous strip of tipping paper 1 having cut and perforation lines according to the invention. Specifically, transverse cut lines are shown, each transverse cut line comprising a pair of straight transverse portions 2 extending inwards from the longitudinal edges, both of which intersect an arcuate central portion 3, which is disposed, within production tolerances, symmetrically about the nominal central longitudinal axis 4 of the continuous strip. Each half-finished tipping paper blank 5 is the portion of the strip of continuous tipping paper 1 which extends between two consecutive transverse cut lines and each arcuate central portion 3 forms a tab which projects into a recess in the next adjacent half-finished tipping paper blank 5.
The continuous strip 1 shown in Figure 1 additionally comprises two continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines 6, one disposed on each side between the longitudinal edge and the arcuate central portions 3 of the transverse cut lines. As can be seen, the continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines 6 intersect the straight transverse portions 2 of the transverse cut lines.
The continuous strip shown in Figure 1 additionally comprises pairs of opposed diagonal perforation lines 7 between every pair of transverse cut lines, a diagonal perforation line 7 extending from each longitudinally extending perforation line 6 and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line 6, both opposed diagonal perforation lines 7 terminating adjacent to the arcuate central portion 3.
Figure 2 shows a half-finished tipping paper blank 5, which has been severed from the continuous strip of tipping paper 1 shown in Figure 1 . The half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a tab 8 and recess 9 and adhesive has been applied in longitudinal zones 10 located adjacent to each longitudinal edge and in transverse zones 1 1 located adjacent to the transverse recess edge and adjacent to the transverse tab edge, but not to the tab itself. As can be seen from the figure, each longitudinal zone 10 extends longitudinally along each longitudinal edge, but does not extend laterally as far as the longitudinal perforation. Furthermore, the traverse zones 1 1 are located either side of the recess 9 on the traverse recess edge and either side of the tab 8 on the traverse tab edge. . .
Figure 3 illustrates two rod-shaped articles 12 which have been placed end to end, a half- finished tipping paper blank 5 having been wrapped around and adhered to the abutting ends by means of the adhesive, so that the tab 8, which is not adhered, projects away from the tipping paper. Tab 8, which is connected to circumferential perforation lines 13 (corresponding to the longitudinally extending perforation lines 6 of Figures 1 and 2) by means of diagonal perforation lines 14 (corresponding to opposed diagonal perforation lines 7 of Figures 1 and 2).
In a subsequent process step, not shown, applied to the arrangement of Figure 3, the half- finished tipping paper blank 5 is cut and severed down the middle between the two rod-shaped articles and through the middle of tab 8 to provide two separated rod-shaped articles, each tipped with tipping paper. This arrangement is shown in Figure 4, which illustrates a rod-shaped article 12 tipped with tipping paper 15 comprising a pull-tab 16. The tipping paper has a circumferential perforation line 13 which is connected to the pull-tab 16 via diagonal perforation line 14, so that, in use, on pulling the pull-tab 16, the tipping paper severs along diagonal perforation line 13, then along connected circumferential perforation line 13, to facilitate removal of the tipping paper.
Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus which is suitable for making a half- finished tipping paper blank according to the invention. It shows a continuous strip of tipping paper 17 which is fed in a conveyance direction shown by the arrows into a cutting and perforation assembly 18. The cutting and perforation assembly 18 comprises a cutting and perforation die roller 19 defining a circumferential surface having a plurality of regularly spaced, arcuate cutting blades (not shown) which are configured to effect cutting of the continuous strip along a plurality of centrally positioned, arcuate cut lines spaced from one another in the conveyance direction of the continuous strip, such that each arcuate cut line forms a tab which projects into a recess. A cutting drum 20 is located after the cutting and perforation die roller 19 in the conveyance direction, the cutting drum 20 having transverse cutting means (not shown) configured to provide transverse cut lines, one across the continuous strip either side of each arcuate cut line so as not to cut the tabs, to sever half-finished tipping paper blanks from the continuous strip, wherein each half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a tab and a recess.
In this embodiment, the cutting and perforation assembly 18 additionally comprises a counter roller 21 , configured to bring the continuous strip 17 into cutting and perforation contact with the circumferential surface of the cutting and perforation die roller 19, although alternative methods of achieving this objective are known to the skilled person.
The cutting and perforation assembly according to the embodiment shown in Figure 5 comprises an additional roller 22 located after the cutting and perforation die roller 19 and before the cutting drum 20 in the conveyance direction and positioned adjacent to the counter roller 21 for the continuous strip 17 to be conveyed between the counter roller and the additional roller. The additional roller 22 is movable (using means not shown) around the circumference of the counter roller 21 . By doing this, the length of tab 8 of the half-finished tipping paper blank may be varied. , .
In subsequent process steps not shown in Figure 5:
- adhesive is applied to the severed half-finished tipping paper blank 5 in a manner such as that illustrated in Figure 2;
- the half-finished tipping paper blank 5 is wrapped around and adhered to pairs of rod- shaped articles 12, in a manner such as that shown in Figure 3;
- the half-finished tipping paper blank 5 is cut and severed down the middle between the two rod-shaped articles and through the middle of tab 8 to provide two separated rod-shaped articles 12, each tipped with tipping paper.

Claims

1 . A method for producing a half-finished tipping paper blank for making tipping paper for rod-shaped articles, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a continuous strip of tipping paper extending in a longitudinal direction, the strip having two opposed longitudinal edges;
cutting the continuous strip along a plurality of transverse cut lines spaced from one another along the longitudinal direction of the continuous strip to form the plurality of half-finished tipping paper blanks;
wherein each transverse cut line comprises a straight transverse portion extending transversely from each longitudinal edge to intersect an arcuate central portion, the arcuate central portion forming a tab which projects into a recess in the next adjacent half-finished tipping paper blank, such that each half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a transverse tab edge and an opposed transverse recess edge.
2. The method of claim 1 , comprising the additional step of providing the continuous strip of tipping paper with two continuous, longitudinally extending perforation lines, one disposed on each side between the longitudinal edge and the arcuate central portions, the longitudinally extending perforation lines intersecting the transverse cut lines.
3. The method of claim 2, comprising the additional step of providing pairs of opposed diagonal perforation lines between every pair of transverse cut lines, a diagonal perforation line extending from each longitudinally extending perforation line and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line, both opposed diagonal perforation lines terminating adjacent to the arcuate central portion.
4. A method of manufacturing tipping paper for rod-shaped articles comprising the steps of: providing a half-finished tipping paper blank produced according to the method of any preceding claim;
applying adhesive to the blank in longitudinal zones located adjacent to each longitudinal edge and in transverse zones located adjacent to the transverse recess edge and adjacent to the transverse tab edge, but not to the tab itself;
providing two rod-shaped articles, each having a longitudinally extending end portion; locating the longitudinally extending end portions of the two rod-shaped articles contiguously, end-to-end;
adhering the transverse recess edge of the blank to the contiguous end portions of the two rod-shaped articles, such that the transverse recess edge extends longitudinally along the end portions of both contiguous rod-shaped articles; WO 2017/211943 .g. PCT/EP2017/063946 wrapping the blank around the two contiguous ends, such that the longitudinal extent of the blank extends around and is adhered to the end portions of the two rod-shaped articles, ending with the transverse tab edge;
cutting the blank between the two rod-shaped articles to provide two rod-shaped articles, each comprising an end portion covered with tipping paper formed of half of the blank and having an exposed pull-tab, formed from the cut remainder of the tab.
5. A rod-shaped article having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising a longitudinally extending end portion at the proximal end which extends part of the way along the rod-shaped article, the end portion being covered with tipping paper produced according to the method of claim 4, the tipping paper comprising a pull-tab for removing the tipping paper, wherein the rod-shaped article additionally comprises a perforation line extending circumferentially around the tipping paper, the circumferential perforation line being connected to the pull-tab by a diagonal perforation line, the pull-tab being operable on application of a pulling force to tear the tipping paper along the diagonal perforation line, then along the circumferential perforation line, to facilitate removal of the tipping paper.
6. The rod-shaped article of claim 5, wherein the pull-tab is located adjacent to the proximal end.
7. The rod-shaped article of claim 5 or 6, comprising a smoking article, such as a cigarette.
8. Apparatus for making a half-finished tipping paper blank from a continuous strip of tipping paper according to the method of claim 1 , the apparatus being operable to convey the continuous strip in a conveyance direction and comprising:
a cutting and perforation assembly comprising a cutting and perforation die roller defining a circumferential surface with a plurality of regularly spaced, arcuate cutting blades positioned to extend partially across the circumferential surface on either side of a central circumferential line and configured to effect cutting of the continuous strip along a plurality of centrally positioned, arcuate cut lines spaced from one another in the conveyance direction of the continuous strip, such that each arcuate cut line forms a tab which projects into a recess, the cutting and perforation die roller additionally comprising:
longitudinal perforating means configured to provide the continuous strip with two continuous perforation lines parallel to the central circumferential line, one continuous perforation line disposed to each side of the arcuate cutting lines; and
diagonal perforating means disposed between the longitudinal perforating means and configured to provide each half-finished tipping paper blank with a pair of opposed diagonal perforation lines, wherein a diagonal perforation line extends from each longitudinally extending perforation line and at an acute angle to each longitudinally extending perforation line, both opposed diagonal perforation lines terminating adjacent to the tab; and
a cutting drum located after the cutting and perforation die roller in the conveyance direction, the cutting drum comprising transverse cutting means configured to provide transverse cut lines, one across the continuous strip either side of each arcuate cut line, to sever half-finished tipping paper blanks from the continuous strip, such that each half-finished tipping paper blank comprises a tab and a recess.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cutting and perforation assembly additionally comprises a counter roller configured to bring the continuous strip into cutting and perforation contact with the circumferential surface of the cutting and perforation die roller.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the transverse cutting means comprises a plurality of cutting blades, each cutting blade having a cutting edge with a central discontinuity configured to coincide with the arcuate cut lines formed on the half-finished continuous strip.
1 1 . The apparatus of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the transverse cutting means comprises a plurality of cutting blade pairs spaced from one another, wherein the gap between the cutting blades of each blade pair coincides with the arcuate cut lines formed on the continuous strip.
12. The apparatus of any of claims 8 to 1 1 comprising an additional roller located after the cutting and perforation die roller and before the cutting drum in the conveyance direction and positioned adjacent to the counter roller for the continuous strip to be conveyed between the counter roller and the additional roller, the additional roller being movable around the circumference of the counter roller to vary the length of the tab of the half-finished tipping paper blank.
EP17728555.8A 2016-06-09 2017-06-08 Process and apparatus for making a half-finished tipping paper blank Active EP3468393B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL17728555T PL3468393T3 (en) 2016-06-09 2017-06-08 Process and apparatus for making a half-finished tipping paper blank

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16173775 2016-06-09
PCT/EP2017/063946 WO2017211943A1 (en) 2016-06-09 2017-06-08 Process and apparatus for making a half-finished tipping paper blank

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EP3468393A1 true EP3468393A1 (en) 2019-04-17
EP3468393B1 EP3468393B1 (en) 2020-04-22

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EP (1) EP3468393B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7080830B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102496177B1 (en)
CN (1) CN109843090B (en)
BR (1) BR112018073024B1 (en)
PL (1) PL3468393T3 (en)
RU (1) RU2732099C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2017211943A1 (en)

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EP4245159A1 (en) * 2022-03-18 2023-09-20 JT International S.A. Tobacco article comprising a special plug wrap

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3468393B1 (en) 2020-04-22
PL3468393T3 (en) 2020-11-02
CN109843090A (en) 2019-06-04
KR102496177B1 (en) 2023-02-06
BR112018073024B1 (en) 2022-12-20
RU2018145744A3 (en) 2020-07-16
JP7080830B2 (en) 2022-06-06
CN109843090B (en) 2022-01-04
KR20190017745A (en) 2019-02-20
BR112018073024A2 (en) 2019-02-26
RU2732099C2 (en) 2020-09-11
WO2017211943A1 (en) 2017-12-14
RU2018145744A (en) 2020-07-10
JP2019525734A (en) 2019-09-12

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