Patent ID: 6601369
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A method of closing the ends of tubular wrappings enclosing respective groups of cigarettes, each tubular wrapping (5) including a first major wall and a second major wall (6), a first minor wall and a second minor wall (7) perpendicular to said major walls (6), and at least one substantially rectangular-section tubular end portion (8) projecting axially with respect to the relative said group (3), the tubular end portion (8) including two short sides (9) coplanar with respective said minor walls (7), and two long sides (10) coplanar with respective said major walls (6), the method comprising:folding the short sides (9) of each tubular wrapping (5) onto the relative said group (3) to define on the relative said long sides (10) a first tab and a second tab (22) coplanar with said first major wall and said second major wall (6) respectively; folding the tabs (22) successively onto the relative said group (3), the tabs being folded towards each other such that when folding each said tab (22), the major wall (6) that is coplanar with tab (22) being folded is maintained parallel to and contacting a respective flat supporting wall (16, 60); maintaining a first said supporting wall (16) in contact with said first major wall (6); and moving a second said supporting wall (60) between a contact position contacting said second major wall (6) and a rest position.