Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
A COMBINER FOR INSERTING A PREFORMED
TOBACCO ROD IN A CIGARETTE TUBE
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
A very popular type of cigarette m~king requires the insertion of a
~rero~ ed rod of tobacco into an empty cigarette tube which preferably has a
cigarette filter tip. A variety of combiners are available and which may be
commonly supplied such as that described in applicant's C~n~ n Patent
1,284,925 to assist in the insertion of the preformed non-smokeable rod of
10 tobacco into the empty cigarette tube. The combination of the rod of tobacco
and the cigarette tube become a smokeable cigarette. Many of the readily
available combiners are designed for extended use in assembling thousands of
cigarettes, hence the combiners are normally of rigid substantial structure.
Although these combiners function reasonably well to assist insertion of the
15 preformed rod of tobacco into the cigarette tube, they sometimes do not work
that well when there is a variation in the degree of roundness of the tobacco
rod, the roundness of the cigarette tube end and the overall condition of the
cigarette tube.
The combiner of this invention ensures a consistent, easy, reproducible
20 manner for inserting preformed rods of tobacco into empty cigarette tubes
without having to taper the end of the tobacco rod or overly concern oneself
with the condition of the cigarette tube end. The combiner comprises a
cigarette tube receiver with an insertion guide of film having radial slits
which terminate beyond cigarette tube outside surface. Each slit is of a
25 length which permits bending of the flaps to within a cigarette tube end by
pressing a tobacco rod end against the film to guide insertion of a tobacco rod
into such cigarette tube.
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
B A C K G R OlJr~l) O F T13]E IN~llE N TI O N
C~n~ n Patent 1,235,039 describes a preformed tobacco rod for
insertion into a machine made cigarette tube which preferably includes a filter
tip. The preformed rod of tobacco is inherently dimensionally and physically
5 stable and is made of smokeable materials surrounded by an air permeable
outer wrap. The permeability of the outer wrap is such to render the
preformed tobacco rod as unsmokeable. However, after the preformed
tobacco rod is inserted in the cigarette tube, having normal cigarette paper
porosity, the assembled unit becomes smokeable with normal taste, flavour
10 and draw resistance. Applicant's C~n~ n Patent 1,284,925 describes a
combiner which may be used to facilitate insertion of the preformed tobacco
rod into the cigarette tube. The combiner preferably involves a two-step
process of tapering the end of the tobacco rod before insertion of the tobacco
rod into a cigarette tube.
C~n~ n Patent 1,249,197 and its counterpart U.S. Patent 5,133,366
describe the tapering of the tobacco rod before insertion in the cigarette tube
by way of a tapering device positioned on the front of the cigarette package.
The aforementioned C~n~ n Patent 1,235,039 and its counterpart
U.S. Patent 5,267,241 describe the use of an inserting funnel which assists in
20 the insertion of the preformed tobacco rod into the cigarette tube. Optionally,
the end of the tobacco rod may be pretapered to facilitate such insertion.
A hand-held cigarette m ~kin~ m ~chin~ is described in U.S. Patent
2,625,937 where fingers are attached to a nozzle and which are allowed to
open and hold a cigarette tube firmly in place during the pushing of packed
25 tobacco into the cigarette tube. As described in U.S. Patent 4,572,216, a
cigarette m ~king m ~çhin~ is equipped with elastic tongues which open
outwardly to within a cigarette paper shell to facilitate insertion of a tobaccocharge by the cigarette filling machine into the cigarette paper shell.
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
U.S. Patent 3,822,710 and its divisional patent 3,927,681 and its
C~n~di~n counterpart 980,653 describe the insertion of a preformed tobacco
rod encased in a non-smokeable sheath. The sheath is prerelably of low-
friction plastic material to facilitate insertion of the sheath to within a
cigarette tube. The apparatus also includes a device for extracting the plastic
sheath from the cigarette tube to leave the tobacco charge within the cigarette
tube. The plastic sheath may be accurately formed so as to have a high
degree of roundness and low co-efficient of friction. The apparatus includes a
thin, tough, flexible, springy membrane having a plurality of cuts r~di~tin~
10 from a central point where the length of each cut is at least equal to the radius
of the bore for receiving the cigarette tube. The tough, flexible, springy
membrane is clamped between two hollow components, one of which
receives the cigarette tube at its end portion and the other one guides the
insertion of the tobacco rod. The clamping of the membrane defines slit ends
15 which are at the outside surface of the cigarette tube, hence, straight linesextending between slit ends lie well within the outside surface of the tobacco
rod. When the tobacco rod is inserted through the membrane, the leaves
must buckle between the slits as the rod is inserted. Such buckling of the
leaves can resist rod insertion and deform the tobacco rod exterior.
It is an object of an aspect of this invention to provide a combiner
which facilitates insertion of the preformed rod of tobacco into the empty
cigarette tube on a consistent reliable basis regardless of the surface finish of
the tobacco rod, its co-efficient of friction, its degree of roundness and as
well the condition of the cigarette tube.
25 SUl\~MARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of this invention, the combiner for use in
assisting insertion of a preformed rod of tobacco into an empty cigarette tube
formed from cigarette paper, comprises:
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
i) an elongate cigarette tube receiver having interior dimensions to
support substantially all of a cigarette tube when inserted in the receiver;
ii) the receiver having an open end to permit insertion of a
cigarette tube therein;
iii) the receiver having a tobacco rod insertion guide provided at an
end of the receiver opposite the open end;
iv) the insertion guide comprises a film covering the opposite end
with a plurality of radial slits, said slits tear at their ends during insertion of
one or more tobacco rods through said insertion guide, each slit having a
10 length where a straight line between torn slit ends is tangential to at least an
outside surface of a tobacco rod; and
v) whereby pressing of a tobacco rod end against the film bends
flaps of film defined by the slits to within a cigarette tube end and guides
insertion of a tobacco rod into such cigarette tube.
According to another aspect of the invention, a cigarette package for
cont~ining a multiple of tobacco rods for insertion in corresponding cigarette
tubes having filter tips and a combiner for use in assisting insertion of the
preformed rod of tobacco into an empty cigarette tube where the combiner
encases a cigarette tube including its tip. The combiner is connected to the
package by a tearaway strip, the tearaway strip being positioned on the
package to permit use of the combiner until all of the tobacco rods for at leastthat package are made into cigarettes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
P~erell~d embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings
wherein:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the insertion of an
empty cigarette tube into a combiner in accordance with aspect of this
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
invention where a preformed tobacco rod is to be inserted through the
insertion guide of the combiner;
Figure 2 is the view of Figure 1 showing the cigarette tube in place
within the combiner and the insertion of the tobacco rod through the insertion
guide;
Figure 3 is a section through the empty cigarette tube within the
combiner;
Figure 4 is a section through an assembled cigarette;
Figure 5 shows the bending of the flaps of the insertion guide during
10 insertion of the tobacco into the empty cigarette tube;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the combiner;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the end of the combiner with four
slits;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the end of the combiner with an
15 alternative embodiment for four slits;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the insertion of the tobacco rod
through the insertion guide;
Figure 10 is an end view of the combiner of Figure 8 showing a
tearing of the slit ends;
Figure 11 of an end view of the combiner of Figure 7 showing the
positioning of the slit ends;
Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 are end view of various geometries for
radial slit designs;
Figure 16 is an exploded view of the receiver for the combiner and the
25 attachment of the film to the end of the combiner;
Figure 17 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment for the film
structure with slits therein;
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
Figures 18 and 19 are respectively plan views and perspective views of
the film having four slits extending to the diametrically opposed corners;
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a container for cigarette tubes with
the combiner either secured to a flap of the container or to the underside of
5 the top of the container;
Figure 21 is a section through a shell and slide cigarette package with a
combiner provided therein;
Figure 22 is the package of Figure 21 opened to expose and allow use
of the combiner;
Figure 23 is a perspective view of the use of the combiner;
Figure 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for the
combiner; and
Figure 25 is an exploded view showing the removal of the combiner to
allow closure of the shell and slide over assembled cigarettes.
15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The combiner in accordance with this invention provides many
advantages and features for the user who prefels to assemble his or her own
cigarettes by inserting a preformed tobacco rod into an empty cigarette tube.
It is understood that the cigarette tubes normally carry a filter tip, however,
20 the combiner is equally useful with cigarette tubes without a filter tip. Theadvantage in providing a filter tip on the cigarette tube is that it inherently
adds structure to the tube to facilitate h~n~ing as well as providing all of theusual advantages and features of a filter. The problem associated with the
assembly of preformed tobacco rods and empty cigarette tubes is the
25 condition of the cigarette tube end as well as the degree of roundness and the
degree of friction between the wrapper for the preformed tobacco rod and the
interior of the cigarette tube. The problem has been overcome by the
combiner of this invention which facilitates insertion of the tobacco into the
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
cigarette tube regardless of the condition of the end, that is, it may be
crimped, out of round or perhaps even slightly torn. Secondly, the combiner
eases and reduces friction at the point of insertion of the tobacco rod end of
the tube to minimi7.e thereby force generated along the tube length during
5 insertion. Such minimi7~tion of the force on the cigarette tube inherently
reduces the chances of the cigarette tube being crimped at some point along
its length during tobacco rod insertion. In accordance with an aspect of the
invention, these features and advantages of the invention are attained by the
provision of flaps on the insertion guide which are not constrained or clamped
10 and are free to move in whatever direction is required to accommodate out of
roundness of the tobacco rod and whatever condition of the tube end. The
features of and advantages are further enhanced by the choice of materials for
the film and the cutting of slits to extend beyond the cigarette tube where a
straight line between slit ends is tangential to at least an outside surface of the
15 tobacco rod.
With r~rerence to Figure 1, an embodiment for the combiner 10 is
shown. The combiner 10 has a receiver 12 with an open end 14 to permit
insertion of an open end 16 of an empty cigarette tube 18 into the receiver.
The receiver has positioned at its other end 20 a tobacco rod insertion guide
20 22 which comprises a film 24 covering the end 20 of the receiver 12. The
film 24 has a plurality of radial slits 26 formed therein which in accordance
with this particular embodiment is 8. Each slit has a length where a straight
line between slit ends is tangential to at least the outside surface of a tobacco
rod which feature will be described in more detail with respect to the
25 subsequent Figures. The tobacco rod 28 is moved towards the combiner 10
in the direction of arrow 30, as shown in Figure 2. The end 32 of the
tobacco rod is pushed against the insertion guide to bend the flaps 27 defined
between the radial slits 26. As will be described, the flaps bend around and
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
under the open tube end 16. By steadying the combiner 10 and preventing
movement of the cigarette tube 18 out of the receiver 12, the tobacco rod 28
can be advanced to within the cigarette tube 18. Ideally, slight pressure is
applied at the filter tip 34 to prevent it moving out of the receiver 12 as the
5 tobacco rod is inserted therein. Various alternatives for steadying the
combiner 10 will be described with respect to the subsequent Figures.
Alternatively, one may hold the combiner and with a free finger of that hand,
gently touch the end of the filter tip 34 to resist movement out the receiver
12. The free hand is then used to slip the tobacco rod through the insertion
10 guide and into the cigarette tube 18.
As shown in Figure 3, the open end 16 of the cigarette tube 18 is
inserted in the receiver 12. The receiver 12 is dimensioned internally to
receive and support the cigarette tube 18. The receiver, normally in the form
of a square or rectangular tube, snugly receives the cigarette tube, yet allows
15 ready insertion. Preferably, the receiver 12 is multi-sided rather than
circular. The multi-sided nature of the receiver facilitates construction of thereceiver and as well facilitates assembly of the insertion guide onto the end 20of the receiver. Ideally, the receiver is four-sided where spacing between
opposing sides is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cigarette
20 tube 18. The square nature of the receiver facilitates insertion of an out ofround cigarette tube end because it can be fitted in the wider region defined
by opposing corners of the square rather than opposing sides. The tube is
inserted until it abuts the interior face 36 of the film 24. The tobacco rod 28
is then inserted into the cigarette tube 18 by pressing it against the face of the
25 film 24 and deflecting the flaps 27 to within the open end 16 of the cigarette
tube. As shown in Figure 3, the tobacco rod 28 comprises a preformed
portion of tobacco 38 which is encased in a wrapper 40. The construction of
this tobacco rod may be as defined in the aforementioned C~n~ n Patent
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
1,235,039. It is appreciated that when the wrapper 40 for the tobacco rod is
of the porous material which renders the rod unsmokeable until inserted in the
cigarette tube; the dimensioning of the rod may be slightly out of round and
furthermore, the surface of the wrapper may be rough. Although the degree
5 of out of roundness for the tobacco rod is controlled, there is some variationwhich in the past was accommodated by attempting to taper the end 32 of the
tobacco rod.
As shown in Figure 4, the assembled cigarette 42 has the usual filter
tip 34 with the empty tube portion 44 housing the tobacco rod 28. The
10 porosity of the paper for the tube 44 is of normal porosity which now rendersthe tobacco rod smokeable to provide normal smoking sensation in terms of
flavour, taste, draw resistance and the like. The rod 28 is inserted in the tube44 until the end 32 abuts the end 46 of the filter tip 34. If a filter tip is not
provided in the tube it is apparent that the rod would be inserted only until the
15 end 32 was even with the open end of the cigarette tube 44.
As demonstrated in the enlarged view of Figure 5, the function of the
flaps 27 is more clearly shown in respect of acting as the insertion guide.
The receiver 12 has the film 24 attached to the receiver outer surface 48 by
integral strips or sleeve portions 50. As the end 32 of the tobacco rod is
20 pushed against the film 24, the slits 26 allow the flaps 27 to bend in region52. The flaps 27 bend underneath the inside surface 54 of the cigarette tube
44 at the open end 16. Such movement of the flaps 27 to within the open end
of the cigarette tube ensures that the cigarette tube end is spread to receive the
end 32 of the tobacco rod. The thickness of film 24 is selected to be
25 sufficiently thin, to avoid overspreading of the open end 16 and inducing
significant tears. As shown in Figure 5, the film 27 is prefelably thicker than
the cigarette paper 53, although it is understood that the film may be thinner
than the cigarette paper if it has the necess~ry mechanical properties.
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2
-10-
Considering the difference between tobacco rod OD and tube ID, the radial
thickness of the ~nmll~r space 57 between the rod 28 OD and tube 44 ID is in
the range of 0.025 to 0.150 mm. The film thickness is then typically from
0.020 to 0.150 mm so as to tuck within the ~nmll~r space 57 during rod
5 insertion. It has been found that the most preferred film thickness is in the
range of 0.05 to 0.11 mm. The rod 28 is slid in the direction of arrow 30
until it abuts the end 46 of the filter tip or is even with the opposite open end
of the cigarette tube. As shown in Figure 2, the region 52 as it folds freely topermit the individual flap 27 to tuck within the cigarette tube open end 16,
10 assumes a somewhat straight line position, to define an octagon. The purpose
of such folding will be described in more detail with respect to the subsequent
Figures.
Figures 6 and 7 show two alternatives in respect of the slit design in
providing the flaps for the insertion guide. In Figure 6, six radial slits 26
15 define six flaps 27. The slits 26 are all of equal length and radiate from
central area 56. As will be discussed with respect to the following Figures,
the straight line shown in dot at 58, which extends between adjacent slit ends
60 and 62, is tangential to at least an outside surface of the tobacco rod. In
respect of the terminology used, the inside diameter, means the diameter
20 measured at the inside surface 54 of the cigarette tube if it were round. We
have found that the flaps provide a smoother insertion if the straight line 58 is
tangential to the outside surface of the cigarette tube. As shown in Figure 5,
the outside diameter is measured at the outer surface 55 of the cigarette tube,
assuming the tube to be round. The outside diameter of the tobacco rod is
25 measured at its outer surface 29 assuming a slight variation due to
manufacturing tolerances.
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
With rererellce to Figure 7, an alternative design for the slits 26 is
shown. There are four radial slits which radiate from central area 56. The
ends 60 and 62 of the slits 26 extend towards the respective corners of film
24 and beyond the cigarette tube OD 55 of Figure 5. The straight line 58
5 between the ends 60 and 62 is tangential to the outside surface at 29 of
tobacco rod 28. To prevent tearing of the slit ends, as shown at 60 and 62,
small circular openings 61 are cut out at the slit ends.
As shown in Figure 8, the slits 26 radiate from 56 where the slit ends
60 and 62 termin~te at about the inside or outside diameter of the cigarette
10 tube end 16. The slits 60 and 62 do not include cutouts so that they can be
torn beyond their ~reÇolmed condition, as will be described with respect to
Figure 10.
As shown in Figure 9, with the embodiment of Figure 6, the slits
terminate at 60 and 62 where the slits may be either torn to assume the
15 position shown in Figure 9 or the may be intentionally cut to assume that
position. In either situation, the flaps 27 fold within the cigarette tube 44
along the respective six fold regions 52. Such folds in essence define a
hexagon shape. By virtue of the slit ends 60 and 62, the flaps are not
constrained to fold in any particular region. The flaps may fold as needed to
20 conform to the outside surface of the tobacco rod 28. As shown in Figure 9,
the fold region 52 extends between the slit ends 60 and 62 and tucks neatly
beneath the cigarette tube at region 64. This folding accommodates the outer
surface of the tobacco rod 28 while at the same time allows flap folding
within the cigarette tube 44. It has been found that the freedom in allowing
25 the flaps to fold along regions 52 as needed, greatly facilitates and eases
insertion of the end 32 of the tobacco rod 28 to within the open end 16 of the
cigarette tube. Such freedom in flap folding is brought about by not
constraining the slit ends. That is the slit ends are not defined by clamping
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
-12-
the film between discrete components. Such slit ends arrangement allows
folding along regions 52 in any needed way to conform to tobacco rod OD.
The flaps ensure that the end 32 of the tobacco rod does not engage the
free end 66 of the cigarette tube as shown in Figure 1. By avoiding the rod
5 end 32 catching the end 66 of the cigarette tube, and by virtue of allowing the
flaps to fold where needed to accommodate the size of the tobacco rod 28, a
smooth insertion is assured.
Turning to Figures 10 and 11, a comparison is made of the slits which
are ripped or torn to assume the proper position versus those die cut to the
10 desired location. In Figure 10, the slits 26 are as per Figure 8. The slit ends
60 and 62 have been torn by the insertion of the tobacco rod 28 to provide in
essence new slit end positions 60A and 62A. These slit ends 60A and 62A
define a straight line 58 which, in accordance with this particular preferred
embodiment, is tangential to the outer diameter for the outer surface 68 of the
15 cigarette tube as compared to the inner diameter of the inner surface 70.
Usually, the tear lines 72 move towards the corner 74 of the receiver body 12
but it is understood that the tear line may go in whatever direction it wishes
depending upon the tear resistance of the film 24.
Ideally however, the slits 26 are cut, as shown in Figure 11, to define
20 slit ends 60 and 62 which in turn define a straight line 58 which in accordance
with this particular embodiment, is tangential to the outside diameter of the
outer surface 68 of the cigarette tube. This arrangement preferably allows the
individual flaps 27 to bend along a fold line 52 to accommodate out of
roundness of the tobacco rod as well as variation in the diameter of the
25 tobacco rod. By not constraining the flaps, greater flexibility is then provided
in accommodating this tolerance in the tobacco rod dimensions.
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
As shown in Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 the geometrical layout of
various slit embodiments is schematically represented. As shown in Figure
12, six slits 26 intersect at 56 where the adjacent slit ends 60 and 62 define astraight line 58 which is either tangential to the outer surface of the tobacco
5 rod or with this particular embodiment the upper and lower straight lines 58a
can be tangential to cigarette tube outer surface. This particular geometry
accommodates a receiver tube which is rectangular in cross section. As a
result, slits 2~a and 26b are longer than slit 26c. With rererellce to Figure
13, eight slits 26 intersect at 56 to define slit ends 60 and 62 which in turn
10 define a straight line 58. The straight line 58 is preferably tangential to the
outside surface of the tobacco rod. A greater number of flaps is provided
with the embodiment of Figure 13, hence, the selection of material in
accommodating a higher number of flaps, must have sufficient resiliency
therein to urge the flaps toward their normal position.
The embodiment of Figure 14 is similar to the embodiment of Figure
12, only the radial slits 26 are all of equal length and radiate from area 56.
The receiver has a square cross-section on the interior 69. The adjacent slit
ends 60 and 62 define a straight line 58 which is tangential to the outer
circumference of the tobacco rod. Due to the slits all being of equal radial
20 length, the straight lines 58 are all essentially tangential within m~mlf~cturing
tolerance, to the tobacco rod outer surface.
For purposes of comparison, a triangular receiver may be provided to
support a cigarette tube. The insertion guide is secured or formed integral
with an end of the receiver. As shown in Figure 15, the triangular shaped
25 inserting guide 22 has six slits 26 cut therein. Each slit extends from central
region 56 towards sidewalls 77 of the receiver which intersect at apexes 79.
The slit ends 81 and 83 are positioned by die cutting so that a straight line 58between adjacent slit ends is tangential to at least the outside surface of the
CA 022ll~7l l997-07-2
-14-
outer surface 29 of tobacco rod 28. The cross-sectional distance between
opposing sides 77 accommodates the outside surface of the cigarette tube 18.
For example, the distance between slit ends 81 and 83 is sufficient to
accommodate the width of the cigarette tube 18 in that region.
The flaps are free to bend as needed to accommodate the size of the
individual tobacco rod 28 and as well, move or m~int~in the interior of the
cigarette tube end to or in a somewhat round position, to receive the end 32
of the tobacco rod. The film 24 is preferably sufficiently resilient that
regardless of the number of flaps, after the assembled cigarette is removed
10 from the combiner, the flaps 27 are by the nature of the material's physical
properties, urged towards their normal position. This resiliency in the flaps
is ~refe~led to ensure that one or more of the flaps is not caught up on the
free end 16 of the next cigarette tube to be inserted in the receiver. The flapsneed to move back towards their normal position a sufficient amount such that
15 the inside surface of the cigarette tube overlaps and encompasses the ends orapexes 76 of the respective flaps. This will ensure a smooth operation for the
next insertion of the tobacco rod. In order to achieve the various properties
of the flaps, the preferred flap materials are plastic film, paper sheet, coatedpaper sheet, thin paper card or sheets of resin interconnected resilient fibres.20 The preferred materials of this group are plastic film and coated paper.
The construction details of the combiner are described in respect of
Figures 16 through 19. Although it is understood that the combiner may be
made from a single piece of material such as injection molded plastic and the
slits subsequently cut in the film at end of the receiver, it is ~reÇerable from a
25 cost standpoint to assemble the receiver 12 from card stock and connect or
secure the insertion guide 22 to the receiver 12. Preferably the receiver 12 is
made from card 78 which is folded about fold lines 80 to define an enclosure
of the appropriate dimension to receive and support the cigarette tube. The
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
overlaying flaps 83 and 85 are then glued together. The insertion guide 22
may have outwardly extending strips 50 which are either glued or in some
other way fastened to the exterior 48 at the perimeter 82. As shown in
Figure 17, there are six slits 26 which are readily accommodated within the
5 perimeter 82a of the face of the insertion guide 22. The strips 50 are cut outso that they may be attached to the end portion of the assembled receiver 12.
In order to accommodate the thickness of extra flap 78 of the receiver end,
strip 50a is made wider than strip 50b. All strips are of equal length from the
fold line 82a.
With the embodiment of Figure 18, the slits 26 extend to the corners
84 of the edges 82a of the face of the insertion guide 22. To accommodate
this arrangement, the insertion guide 84 is made from an eight-sided section
of the film where segments 86 are folded onto themselves in the manner
shown in Figure 19 along fold lines 88. This provides the necessary material
15 at slit ends 60 and 62 to ensure that the integrity of the segments 86 are
folded underneath the strips 50 and the entire unit is then adhesively secured
to the end of the receiver 12. Preferably, the slit ends 60 and 62 have
enlarged circular openings to prevent any tearing of the film at the slit ends.
Figure 20 illustrates a container 87 which contains a multiple of empty
20 cigarette tubes 18 equipped with filter tips 34. The container 87 has a flap lid
89. The combiner 10 may be releasably secured to the underside of the flap
89 and simply pulled off in the direction of arrow 91 for use in inserting
tobacco rods into the cigarette tubes. Alternatively, the combiner 10 may be
mounted on the flap lip 90 which tucks behind the face 92 of the container.
25 The combiner 10 may remain on the lip 90 so that it is not lost during use in assembling all of the cigarettes from the empty cigarette tubes 18.
Alternatively, it may be removed from the lid 86 by way of tearing the lip
away along perforated line 94.
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
-16-
Figures 21 through 25 demonstrate various aspects of the invention as
it is applied to a normal package of twenty-five tobacco rods. As shown in
Figure 21, a slide 96 is housed within a shell 98. The slide 96 has a bottom
100 and a top 102. The bottom is provided by folding the slide to define
5 bottom portion 104 and inner front portion 106. The top is provided by folds
which define top portion 108, inner front portion 110 and depending internal
portion 112. The depending inwardly folded portion 112 provides a cavity
114 in which the tobacco rods 28 are housed in view of their being shorter
than the assembled cigarette. The depending flap 112 ensures that the
10 tobacco rods do not tumble around within the package during transport. To
facilitate assembly of the cigarettes, the combiner 10 may be mounted on the
inner face 116 of the depending flap portion 112. As shown in Figure 22, the
combiner 10 is secured such as by adhesive to the portion 112. As
positioned, this allows one to insert a cigarette tube 18 in the direction of
15 arrow 116 into the receiver 12. From the opposite side, one can then readily
insert a tobacco rod 28 as withdrawn from the open cavity 114. As shown in
more detail in Figure 23, the combiner 10, which in this embodiment is in the
reverse orientation, receives the cigarette tube 18 in the receiver 12 to abut
the inside of the film of the insertion guide 22. The tobacco rod 28 is then
20 inserted through the insertion guide and into the empty cigarette tube 18. Analternative embodiment is shown in Figure 24 whereby the combiner 10 has a
substantially longer receiver 12. The receiver 12 corresponds to the length of
the cigarette tube 18 including the filter tip 34. This arrangement prevents
crushing of the empty cigarette tube 44 during insertion of the tobacco rod 28
25 through the insertion guide 22. The end portion 122 is essentially aligned
with the end 124 of the filter tip to prevent additional pressure exerted on theend of the empty cigarette tube from crushing the open end 16 against the
film of the insert guide 22. After the tobacco rod 28 is inserted in the
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
cigarette tube, the combiner may be tapped or inclined to cause the cigarette
to move slightly out of the receiver to facilitate grasping the filter tip portion
34 and removing the assembled cigarette from the combiner 10. It is
understood that other embodiments are contemplated to facilitate removal of
- 5 the cigarette from the full length receiver.
As shown in Figure 25, a significant feature in the use of the combiner
10 is demonstrated. As previously noted, the combiner 10 may be made of
recyclable materials such as recyclable plastics, paper, card and the like. The
combiner 10 is secured to the flap portion 112. As shown in Figure 22, the
10 flap 112 may be connected to the rem~in~ler of the flap by way of perforation126. This permits tearing of the flap portion 112 away from the rem~in~er of
the flap and discarding for recycle. The assembled cigarettes 42 may be
placed back in the slide 96 and shell 98 package. The assembled cigarettes
42 are of the standard size which now fit between the bottom flap 104 and the
15 top flap 108. The inner front flap 110 tucks inside the face 126 of the shell98. A complete package of cigarettes is now provided where the disposable
combiner 10 which was previously stored in the package is removed to permit
insertion of normal size cigarettes. It has also been found that the securing ofthe combiner 10 to the flap of the cigarette package stabilizes the combiner to
20 facilitate its use in assembling complete cigarettes from the tobacco rods and
empty cigarette tubes. Depending upon whether the person is right h~nrle~ or
left handed, the package bottom either faces the user or extends away from
the user so that the system is universal in terms of use. The flap portion 112
provides a rest for the cigarette tube 18 as it is guided into the receiver 12 of
25 the combiner 10.
CA 02211~71 1997-07-2~
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described
herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations
may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the
scope of the appended claims.
