WO2006102763A1 - Apparatus for inserting tobacco into a cigarette tube - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an apparatus for inserting tobacco into an empty cigarette tube. The apparatus comprises a sleeve (15) designed to be inserted into the empty cigarette tube (63); means for retaining the empty cigarette tube (63) in place; a fixed blade (19) and a removable blade (18) facing each other and defining a uniform cavity to receive the tobacco. The removable blade (18) is adapted to be moved towards the fixed blade (19) to compress and cut the tobacco so as to form a uniform tobacco rod. The apparatus further comprises a pin (7) adapted to be inserted into the cavity defined by the fixed (19) and removable (18) blades to push the tobacco rod into the empty cigarette tube (63).

Description

 APPARATUS FOR INSERTING TOBACCO IN A CIGARETTE TUBE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improvement to an apparatus for inserting tobacco into a cigarette tube at a time.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Several apparatus for rolling a cigarette or inserting tobacco into an empty cigarette tube are known in the art. For example, US Patent No. 4,534,367 (NEWSOME) discloses a portable device that allows to insert tobacco in an empty cigarette tube with a rod that a user pushes manually. A chamber containing the tobacco is closed with doors that compress the tobacco a little before it is pushed into the cigarette tube. However, the tobacco which is thus compressed is not uniformly and the formed tobacco rod can therefore deform the tube of cigarette or can even tear it.

There is therefore a need in this field for an apparatus for relatively simple insertion of tobacco into a cigarette tube without deforming or tearing it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for inserting tobacco into an empty cigarette tube, comprising: a socket for insertion of the empty cigarette tube; retaining means for holding the empty cigarette tube in place; a fixed knife and a removable knife facing each other and defining a uniform cavity for receiving the tobacco, the removable knife being adapted to approach the fixed knife to compress and cut the tobacco to form a uniform tobacco rod; and a rod adapted to be inserted into the cavity defined by the fixed and removable knives to push the tobacco rod into the empty cigarette tube. The invention as well as its many advantages will be better understood by the following non restrictive description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inserting tobacco into a cigarette tube, but without its lid, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, with its cover, in an initial operating position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 2, in a final operating position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4 and 10 are side views of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in the operation positions respectively corresponding to Figures 2 and 3.

Figures 5 and 11 are front views of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in the operation positions corresponding respectively to Figures 2 and 3.

Figures 6 and 12 are rear views of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in the operating positions respectively corresponding to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 7 and 13 are sectional views taken from the BB line shown in Figures 4 and 10.

Figures 8 and 14 are partial views of a portion identified by the circle C shown in Figures 7 and 13.

Figures 9 and 15 are partial views of a portion identified by the circle D shown in Figures 4 and 10.

Figure 16 is a partial perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in the initial operating position shown in Figure 2.

Figure 17 is a front view of the apparatus portion shown in Figure 16. Figure 18 is a side view of the portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 16. Figure 19 is a sectional view taken from line BB shown in F ^: igure 16.

Figure 20 is a partial view of a portion identified by the circle C shown in Figure 19. Figure 21 is a sectional view taken from the line A-A shown in Figure 18.

Figure 22 is a partial view of a position identified by the circle D shown in Figure 21.

Figures 23 and 29 are partial and perspective views of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in the operation positions corresponding respectively to Figures 2 and 3.

Figures 24 and 30 are front views of the portion of the apparatus shown in Figures 23 and 29.

Figures 25 and 31 are perspective views of the portion of the apparatus shown in Figures 23 and 29.

Figures 26 and 32 are sectional views taken from the line B-B shown in Figures 28 and 34.

Figures 27 and 33 are partial top views of the portion of the apparatus shown in Figures 23 and 29. Figures 28 and 34 are partial side views of the portion of the apparatus shown in Figures 27 and 33.

Figure 35 is an overview, in perspective and exploded components including the cover of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figures 36 to 39 are front views of different pairs of knives that can be used in an apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 40 to 44 are sectional views of different types of alignments that may be used with a slide in an apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 45 and 46 are side views of two possible pull mechanisms of the rod for pushing tobacco. Figures 47 to 49 are side views of three rod drive mechanisms for pushing tobacco.

Figures 50 and 51 are perspective views of a fully manual apparatus, in initial and final operation positions respectively, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 52 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 51, but with the cigarette removed.

Figures 53 and 54 are rear and front perspective views of the apparatus shown in Figure 50, but without a cover. Figures 55 and 56 are side and front views respectively of the apparatus shown in Figure 50.

Figures 57 and 58 are rear and front perspective views of the apparatus shown in Figure 51, but without a cover.

Figures 59 and 62 are rear perspective and partially exploded views of the apparatus shown in Figure 53.

Figures 60 and 61 are front perspective and partially exploded views of the apparatus shown in Figure 54.

INDEX OF NUMBERING

I. Tube clamping segment; 2. Lever to operate the slide mechanism;

3. Electrical connector;

4. Load connector;

5. DC motor with reduction gear;

6. Electric switch; 7. Tobacco push rod;

8. Traction roller;

9. Clamping screw;

10. Clamping screw;

I I. Ball bearing; 12. Engine support;

13. AC adapter 12Volts

14. Pin;

15. Sleeve for insertion of the cigarette tube;

16. Movement handle of the slide 31; 17. Part used to adjust the tightness of the tube; 18. Removable knife for cutting tobacco; 19. Fixed knife for cutting tobacco;

20. Needle bearing;

21. Pin supporting the lever;

22. Pin support and rotation of the handle 16;

23. Clamping screw;

24. Balls for aligning and moving slide 31;

25. Support of the electrical switches 6 and alignment of the rod 7;

26. Guide support 31;

27. Base of mechanical and electrical components;

28. Protective cover;

29. Battery 12 volts;

30. Clamping screw;

31. Slide;

32. Stability cushions

33. Compression support;

34. Lock washer;

35. 6-pole switch;

36. On / Off switch

37. Tension spring;

38. Compression support;

39. Clamping screw;

40. Clamping screw;

41. Lock washer;

42. Clamping screw;

43. Lock washer;

44. Clamping screw;

45. Shoulder screw;

46. Lock washer;

47. Nut;

48. Clamping screw;

63. Cigarette tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus for inserting tobacco into a cigarette tube, but without its lid, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus is preferably personal application and is semi-automatic. The apparatus comprises a base 27 for supporting the modules, namely the main mechanical and electrical components that govern its operation. The apparatus comprises a guide support 26 which serves to support the pin 22 of the action arm 16 and guide to the slide 31 on which is incorporated the tightening of the tube. The support of the slide 26 also serves as a guide to the push rod tobacco 7. The rod 7 may be square or round, rigid or flexible. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown the apparatus with a lid 28 and its reservoir for receiving a limited amount of tobacco for the manufacture of some cigarettes, and also for electrical and mechanical safety.

FIG. 4 shows the apparatus in an initial operating position in which the action arm 16 is oriented vertically and where the empty cigarette tube is introduced onto the socket 15. It can also be seen that the rod 7 used for pushing tobacco is in a position of maximum extension directed towards the outside of the apparatus.

Figure 10 shows the apparatus in a final operating position in which the action arm 16 is oriented horizontally and where the cigarette tube has been filled with tobacco. It is also seen that the rod 7 for pushing the tobacco has been moved to the inside of the apparatus and served to fill the tobacco tube thus forming the cigarette.

MOVING THE SLIDER ON ITS GUIDE BASE Referring to FIGS. 16 to 22, the slide 31 and its guiding support 26 are shown. The slide 31 is designed to fit easily into its guiding support 26. This is attached to the base 27 which allows it a perfect parallel alignment. The movement of the slide 31 is performed by a system of four balls 24 which ensures a very smooth movement. The slots at right angles to the slide 31 are designed to receive the balls 24. This same angle is repeated on its guide support 26 to also receive the balls 24 of the slide 31 thus ensuring the slide 31 a stability and a race movement of extreme precision. In this way, the horizontal movement due to its parallelism and the encircling of the balls 24 on its guide support 26 provides stability which allows the knives 18 and 19 a perfect approximation and cutting the tobacco. In addition, the slide 31 serves as a base (bottom) to the insertion of tobacco in its cavity defined by the knives 18 and 19 having an asymmetrical radius. The tobacco moves with the slide 31 which is new of its kind. This design makes its operation of great accuracy and ease of movement unique. Referring to Figures 40-44, different types of alignments of the slide 31 that can be used are shown. Figure 40 shows round ribs on the base. Figure 41 shows an example without beads with angled edges. Figure 42 shows round or beveled ribs on the side of the slide. Figure 43 shows a ball or needle bearing on each side of the slide. Figure 44 shows a sliding mounted on the slide.

INSERTING ON TOBACCO - MOVING KNIVES

Referring to Figures 23 to 28, it is shown that the knives 18 and 19 are in the open position. The insertion of the tobacco between the knives 18 and 19 is posed manually. The knives 18 and 19 define the filling cavity. The removable knife 18 fixed on the slide 31 is straight. The fixed knife 19 angle is screwed on its guide support 26. The knife 19 is designed for better cutting tobacco. The bottom base of the tobacco rests on the slide 31, as best illustrated in Figures 25 and 26. The action arm 16 is in the upright position. Its slide 31 is in the filling position. The removable knife 18 is remote from the fixed knife 19. These knives are of a radius and a length suitable for the manufacture of the cigarette, regular "king size". These knives by their angles are unique.

Referring to Figures 29-34, it is shown that the knives 18 and 19 are in the closed position. The removable knife 18 screwed on the slide 31 has moved closer to the knife 19 screwed on its guide support in the compression position. The action arm 16 has been moved vertically, thus activating the slide 31. The knives 18 and 19 being brought together have cut the tobacco and have given it a circular and uniform bead by their radius, as illustrated in FIGS. 32. The tobacco was compressed ready for injection into the socket 15 to fill the tube.

Referring to Figures 23 to 34, it is shown that the slide 31 serves as the base of the tobacco. It exceeds by its bottom the radius of the knife 19. It serves both the removable knife 18 to move towards the fixed knife 19. So, it serves to move the tobacco. This design greatly facilitates the cutting and formation of tobacco rod. AUTOMATED MECHANISM

Referring to Figures 10 to 15, there is shown a representation of the rod 7 and its automated assembly. Before the insertion of the tobacco into the tube, the action arm 16 is lowered, the stop of the slide 31 touches and actuates the switches of polarity 35 "micro-switch" which gives the contact to activate the motor 5 and by the even makes the roller 8 which drives the square rod 7 to push the tobacco into the tube. A "micro-switch" switch 6 will determine the end of the stroke of the push rod 7. An extension spring 37 makes it possible to choose the necessary pressure of the traction roller 8. The roller 8 is mounted on the motor 5 which is It is screwed on its plate 12 attached to the base 27. This automated configuration is new and unique. This rod 7 of square shape is really different from other designs, since it does not enter the tube to allow the tobacco to fill it. To compress the rod 7 on the traction roller 8 a ball bearing 11 is incorporated between two arms 33 and 38 made movable by the mounting of the shoulder screw 45 screwed to the base 12 of the engine 5. Thus, the bearing ball 11 can compress the rod 7 on the traction roller 8. The compression remains present regardless of the movement of the rod.

Referring to Figures 4 and 9, there is shown a representation of the rod 7 and its assembly after the rise of the action arm 16 following the insertion of tobacco in the tube. The stop of the slide 31 has released the polarity switch 35 "micro-switch" which has changed the polarity of the motor 5. By the same, return of the traction roller 8 and the rod 7. This returns to its starting position. One of the switches 6 "micro-switch" will determine its end of race. The pressure setting of the traction roller 8 remains the same as explained with reference to Figures 10 to 15.

Referring to Figures 45 and 46, two possible pulling mechanisms of the rod 7 are shown. Figure 45 shows the use of a small fixed or removable roll for compression of the rod 7 juxtaposed with a larger fixed roll. or removable for pressing the rod 7. Figure 46 shows the use of two identical compression rollers on the rod 7. Referring to Figures 47-49, three drive mechanisms are shown which can be used to move the rod 7 for pushing the tobacco. Figure 47 shows a rod 7 moving on an axis of a roll which is off-center with respect to its rotation. Figure 48 shows a rod 7 moving by movement on rotation key. Figure 49 shows a rod 7 moving with a worm.

TIGHTENING OF THE TUBE

Referring to Figures 11 to 14, there is shown a representation of the clamping mechanism 1 of the tube and its operation. It is shown that the action arm 16 is in the closed position for holding the tube on the sleeve 15. This position will remain closed throughout the filling of the tube. A piece made of flexible and compressible material 1 and a metal part 17 serve to adjust the pressure of the tube on the sleeve 15. These parts are incorporated and fixed on the slide 31. The clamping segment 1 makes it possible to hold the tube on approximately half of the circumference of the sleeve 15. A screw 10 makes it possible to adjust the position of the segment on the tube.

With reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, a representation of the tightening of the tube and its operation is shown. The action arm 16 is in the open position for the insertion of the tube on the sleeve 15. This position will remain open throughout the filling of the tobacco. The slide 31 is recessed by the same clearance of the clamping segment and the metal part 17 which is fixed directly on the slide 31. The choice of the shape and dimensions of the clamping segment 1 may vary.

OPERATION OF THE APPARATUS AND ITS DIFFERENCES For the filling function of the tube, the system according to the present invention is very different from other machines on the market. Most others use an open half-round stem that enters the tube with the tobacco, which sometimes causes problems as tobacco is often missing from the filter and the stem often comes in too deep, which has the effect of to take off the filter paper and moreover the cigarette becomes oval because of the rod that enters the tube. The process according to the present invention is very different. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a square rod 7 is used, which consists of pushing the compressed tobacco by the two knives in the tube and the rod does not enter the tube. It only pushes the compressed tobacco until the lube is fully filled and then the tube will disengage itself. The action of the filling is done with ease and without manual effort for the thrust of tobacco in the tube since it is done automatically with the aid of an electric motor 5. The current source of the motor 12 volts being either generated by a rechargeable battery or directly by DC voltage transformer.

Unlike other machines that need some manual force to push the tobacco into the tube, they have to hold the machine with one hand and push the tobacco with the other hand, which is not always easy. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, two knives are used. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fixed knife 19 angle and a removable knife 18 at right angles mounted on its slide ball. The purpose of these two knives is to cut the tobacco with ease, and to compress it into a pudding which will then be pushed by the rod into the tube.

Referring to Figures 36 to 39, the different forms of knife pairs at the tobacco cutting point which can be used in an apparatus according to the invention are shown: right-right, right-angle, right-concave, right-convex . Of course, other shapes may be used depending on the applications.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus shown in Figure 1 is custom, semi-automatic and has been designed and designed to facilitate its function and handling. Its cover 28 screwed to its base 27 envelops any mechanism and any electrical function, which makes this unit safe to handle. In addition, by its shape, it eventually serves as a reservoir for a certain amount of tobacco to make some cigarette tubes.

Its action arm 16 of a vertical movement towards the center of the machine ensures a very good stability. Its movement perpendicular to it prevents the machine from moving during cutting, the compression of the tobacco and the release of the action arm 16.

The slide allows easy movement and perfect alignment on its 3 axes.

This new concept of knives is used for a better cut of tobacco. These knives 18,19 also ensure, by the movement of the slide 31 serving to the basic law of tobacco bottom approaching, a perfectly round and uniform tobacco rod.

The tube clamping is new since the compression is maintained even after the fall of the cigarette after injection of the tobacco. It ensures a well filled tube, uniform and round. Tightening makes it possible to firmly hold the tube on the socket and therefore no tearing of paper is possible.

The tobacco push rod does not fit into the tube at any time during filling.

Its automated traction roller makes it easy to move the rod 7 through the knives 18 and 19 and the socket 15 for injecting tobacco into the tube. This action whose inertia is internal to the machine does not require any manual maintenance of the machine. This machine can be used safely and fully, requiring no maintenance during its filling, cutting, compression and injection of tobacco in the tube. In addition, it can be moved anywhere, since a rechargeable battery ensures its autonomous automated operation.

Its safety, its mode of operation, its efficiency and its ease make it a distinctive machine. No adjustment is necessary for tube filling for sizes from regular to "king size". In addition, this machine does not require the addition of lubricant to the mechanical components.

MANUAL APPARATUS

Referring to Figs. 50 to 62, there is shown another apparatus model similar to the first shown in Fig. 1, but which is not equipped with a motor 5 for automatically move the rod 7. The rod 7 must be pushed manually.

Although the present invention has been explained above by preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without depart from the scope or spirit of the invention. In addition, this application incorporates by reference all that is disclosed in the Canadian application number 2,502,150 (BAJOUET).

Claims

An apparatus for inserting tobacco into an empty cigarette tube, comprising: a socket (15) for insertion of the empty cigarette tube (63); retaining means for holding the empty cigarette tube (63) in place; a fixed knife (19) and a removable knife (18) facing each other and defining a uniform cavity for receiving the tobacco, the removable knife (18) being adapted to move closer to the fixed knife (19) to compress and cut the tobacco so as to to form a uniform tobacco pudding; and a rod (7) adapted to be inserted into the cavity defined by the fixed knives (19) and removable (18) for pushing the tobacco rod into the empty cigarette tube (63). The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises a clamping mechanism (1) for holding the cigarette tube (63) clamped against the socket (15) until the tobacco rod is pushed into the cigarette tube by the rod (7). 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removable knife (18) is attached to a slide (31) mounted on a guide support (26), the removable knife (18) being operatively connected to a lever (16). ), so that a movement of the lever (16) in a first direction allows to bring the removable knife (18) to the fixed knife (19) and a movement of the lever (16) in a second direction allows to move the knife removable (18) of the fixed knife (19). 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an electric motor (5) operatively connected to the rod (7) for automatically pushing the rod (7) against the tobacco rod. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the motor (5) is connected to a first switch (35) to activate the motor (5), the switch (35) being activated by contact with the slide (31) during a movement of the lever (16) to the first position. (3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removable knife (18) has a straight-shaped cutting portion. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fixed knife (19) has a straight-shaped cutting portion. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the stationary knife (19) has a concave shaped section portion. 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fixed knife (19) has a convexly shaped cutting portion. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the knives (18,19) define a round cavity and the pull rod is square or round.