Abstract:
The invention regards an implemental stuffing tool ( 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″ ) for a final processing of self-rolled cigarettes in the area of the cigarette endings. It is characterized by the fact that the implemental stuffing tool ( 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″ ) comprises one stuffing element ( 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″, 3, 7 ) that is suitable for compressing tobacco particles in the area of cigarette endings.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field Of The Invention  
         [0002]     The invention concerns the area of implemental tools for the self-making of cigarettes.  
         [0003]     2. Description Of The Related Art  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     Making self-rolled cigarettes differentiates itself from the manufacture of industrial produced cigarettes and cannot be compared.  
         [0005]     The making of cigarettes by the consumer in different manufacturing processes has been known for centuries. The individual consumer&#39;s making of self-rolled cigarettes by hand, using tobacco and an industrial prefabricated portioned tobacco strand or a patron (respectively DE 34 07 461.9 or DE 34 10 039) and cigarette rolling-paper furnished with a conventional rubber coating, preferably adhesive, at the edge, requires manual dexterity, practice, and a certain expenditure of time. Cigarette rolling-paper containers for sole distribution and storage are available in different sizes, ranging from 50 to 300 papers (EP 09 01 971 A1, DE 29 50 20 62, EP 00 64 132). Self-rolled cigarettes vary—even for practiced self-rollers—from the length of the cigarette and, especially, at the cigarette endings regarding size, firmness and filling level. It requires a high level of skill and a well-versed rolling technique in order to transform cigarette endings, in particular, into a smokable and comfortable state.  
         [0006]     The process of cigarette making can be facilitated by acquiring and learning the handling of implemental tools for self-made cigarettes. These can be termed, according to classification, as pocket tools for stuffing and rolling cigarettes, stuffing equipment, and other implemental tools.  
         [0007]     Two techniques can generally be distinguished in making cigarettes with the help of implemental tools. You can distinguish between self-rolling and self-stuffing with or without the use of a filter.  
         [0008]     The mechanical self-rolling process supports the self-making of a cigarette, but nevertheless requires a manual skillfulness in order to provide the desired thickness, packing density, and filling level. There is a variation of rolling machines of different sizes, and which can be more or less comfortable. According to DE 23 52 211, DE 25 46 206, and DE 29 15 042, such manual appliances for rolling cigarettes with a diameter, which can be chosen, are available. The making of a cigarette with defined criterions/qualities is described in DE 39 02 577. A special flat and so-called “unnoticeable” model is known with DE 25 46 206. All tools summed up under the characterizing clause for pocket tools for rolling cigarettes try to make a cigarette with a high practical value using technology. Using common forms, the firmness of a cigarette in its entire length, thereby, is achieved by a rolling process with a subjective optimal filling. A possibility for determining the smoking characteristics of self-rolled cigarettes is the use of tobacco patrons (DE 34 07 461.9 or DE 34 10 039). A processing of cigarette endings to improve the smoking characteristics is not carried out, although it is a fact that the cigarette endings, in particular, are rolled badly and that the tobacco threads loll.  
         [0009]     The second processing uses loose tobacco or a ready-made tobacco thread and using cigarette shells, so-called rolls, and can be described as self-stuffing. Self-stuffing is only reasonably possible if the actual stuffing process is more or less supported mechanically. Systems of this kind are available in different models (e.g. AT 14 62 13, FR 42 75 82, US 63 89 04, DE 33 43 407, DE 43 39 038). These are all exclusively designed for the use of cigarette shells with a filter. The filling of the compression chamber and the spreading of tobacco, which is not irrelevant for the quality when using loose tobacco regarding the firmness and the smoking characteristics of the cigarette, can be optimized by a stuffing skewer (G 85 07 100). Practically, manual stuffing tools stood the test, but because they have the disadvantage of their relative size, they are only useful for making a supply instead of spontaneously rolling a cigarette as you go. Corresponding appliances for self-stuffing with minor technical expenditure are available. In DE 94 83 99 or DE 29 71 77 70, tobacco particles are compressed into the cigarette shell by means of a stuffer and a shell. These forms are suitable for shells with filters. Self-stuffing is inevitably connected to a careful handling of the cigarette shells, since any mechanical force leads to a deformation of the cigarette, making it unusable. These appliances require as well a certain manual skillfulness handling the stuffing tool and the smoking utensils.  
         [0010]     For using rolls without a filter, a post-processing of the endings is necessary, which has not been supported in any way so far. The quality of the cigarette has depended so far on how evenly the tobacco is spread.  
         [0011]     Following the mechanical and manual rolling process with a filter, the cigarette endings standing out have to be removed in order to give the cigarette a ready-made characteristic. This process depends in all manufacturing types on the smoker&#39;s manual skillfulness. It is neither supported mechanically by a known form or made unnecessary nor supported by using an external third implemental tool. Some variations of a possibility to improve the quality of the cigarette endings are the models of the “Mouthpiece for Cigarettes” US 18 17 546, US 18 59 395 and US 18 21 160. But these are unsuitable for self-made cigarettes since they serve a standardized cigarette diameter and primarily need tightly stuffed cigarette endings for a safe embedding. A possibility of causatively avoiding lolled tobacco crumbs is the use of inlay filters and, respectively, the combination of rolls with filters.  
         [0012]     Although the self-making of cigarettes by the consumer is in many different ways deficient, it has consistently increased over the last years. Here a certain trend (nostalgic wave), which ritualizes the making of the self-rolled and which gives some leeway to the individual affinity to smoking, might be essential. Furthermore, the consumer&#39;s financial consideration and saving intention are also significant. In general, it can consequently be counted on an existing and increasing need of the consumer for a way of cheap and simple cigarette making.  
         [0013]     In spite of the mechanical implemental tools, the self-making of cigarettes always depends on the smoker&#39;s manual skillfulness. Therefore, self-rolled cigarettes contain the following defects. Firstly, excessive tobacco remnants stand out from the cigarette endings. The remaining tobacco remnants would stick to the lips during smoking and have to be spit out or removed otherwise. Therefore, tobacco remnants are nipped off or torn off with fingernails. As a rule tobacco threads are pulled out, which again stand out from the endings. Secondly, through this process with regard to the entire cigarette, the cigarette endings are thinned out. It results in bad cigarette endings, affecting the smoking pleasure. This leads to a considerable discomfort when smoking. Thirdly, manipulating the cigarette endings inevitably results in a crumbling of tobacco remnants and an accumulation of small tobacco particles, which are only usable in a difficult manner. Fourthly, using mechanical implemental tools contains an additional effort of asset cost, and its constant carrying along is inconvenient and impractical.  
         [0014]     The present invention eliminates the task of removing the above-mentioned defects in production through a simple, reasonably cheap mean, which is also suitable for at least most forms of self-making.  
         [0015]     The implemental stuffing tool, as the invention shows, distinguishes itself by the fact that the implemental tool includes a stuffing element, which is suitable for compressing tobacco particles in the area of the cigarette endings.  
         [0016]     By compressing the cigarette endings with the invented implemental stuffing tool, firmly stuffed cigarette endings are created, according to the diameter of the entire cigarette, with a good smoking comfort. The bothersome spitting out of tobacco remnants is avoided. Tearing off tobacco particles is omitted by reducing the accumulation of badly usable small tobacco particles towards the end of the package.  
         [0017]     This invention can universally be used in all those areas of self-making cigarettes. It is particularly useful when filters are not used. According to the following models, the implemental tool can directly be made from the packaging of cigarette rolling-papers or by using adhesive or mechanical components of smoking utensils (tobacco supply container, cigarette lighter, match packages, cigarette rolling-paper book, pocket cigarette stuffer, pocket cigarette roller, cigarette stuffing machines etc.) or by attaching other tools or by adding the corresponding models. This use of the invention is uncomplicated, because the model does not necessarily apply the use of an additional tool for manipulating at the cigarette endings. The process covers only a short period of time compressing the cigarette endings in relation to the entire expenditure of time for the self-making and essentially increases the smoking comfort in relation to expenditure and use.  
         [0018]     In a preferred model form of this invention, the implemental stuffing tool is part of a package for tobacco, rolling-papers, or smoking utensils such as match books, pocket cigarette stuffers, pocket cigarette rollers, pocket cigarette stuffing machines or lighters. The implemental tool is particularly preferred as being part of a cigarette rolling-paper booklet—preferably in the area of its cover. The advantage of this model is the double usage of the cigarette rolling-paper booklet as a possibility of storing the rolling-papers and the implemental stuffing tool. It is not necessary to carry and safely store an additional tool. The stuffing element can in this case, for example, be formed by punching from the cover. The latter mentioned model represents the most cost-effective version, which does without any additional use of material.  
         [0019]     It is also quite possible to subsequently add the implemental stuffing tools in a loose state or to attach them reversibly or irreversibly to the smoking utensils (soft or hard tobacco containers, cigarette rolling-paper booklets, lighters, match packages, pocket cigarette stuffers, pocket cigarette rollers, cigarette stuffing machines etc.).  
         [0020]     Attaching the implemental stuffing tool to the smoking utensils can be done by sticking, pasting and the like, but also by using differently designed connecting pieces. As connecting pieces one could, for example, use a small chain or a thread. These model forms make it possible to freely create the implemental stuffing tool in its forms. Flat, round, or square forms are, for example, here quite possible. Furthermore, a skewer form with a round or squared diameter can be chosen. There are, for example, also models in sculpture form possible, which express the affinity of individual self-rolling and could be regarded as collector&#39;s pieces. In order to avoid a loss or search, the implemental stuffing tool is already attached to the smoking utensil with the mentioned connecting piece. In the case of the implemental stuffing tool being a separate tool, one can use it over a longer period of time provided that its components are correspondingly used in an appropriate manner. The separate models of the implemental stuffing tools, according to invention, can additionally be used as advertising mediums.  
         [0021]     The stuffing element preferably consists of a material that is suitable for compressing the tobacco particles at the cigarette endings. Under this special suitability, one can understand that the material does not lose its integrity after only a short-term use and thus become unusable for stuffing cigarette endings. Besides any interactions with the tobacco itself, namely the sticking of tobacco particles to the stuffing element or vice versa, degradation can be avoided by choosing a suitable material. Strong paper, cardboard, wood, metal, plastics or a compound material from those materials mentioned are particularly suitable according to the invention.  
         [0022]     Regarding the contour, the stuffing element can be rectangular, triangular, polygonal, oval, or round in diameter, according to the individual&#39;s preference. It has a width and a diameter ranging from 1 to 10 mm respectively, especially in the area ranging from 2 to 7 mm. For the purpose of use, a useful length of the stuffing element is preferably in the area ranging from 1 to 10 mm, especially in the area ranging from 2 to 7 mm. The stuffing element can especially be cylindrical, conical or stamp-shaped. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]     In the following, the invention will be illustrated in some models. It shows:  
         [0024]      FIG. 1 : top view of a first model form of the implemental stuffing tool according to the invention.  
         [0025]      FIGS. 2 and 2   a : top and side view of a second model form of the implemental stuffing tool according to the invention.  
         [0026]      FIGS. 3 and 3   a : top and side view of a third model form of the implemental stuffing tool according to the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4 : top view of a fourth model form of the implemental stuffing model according to the invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5 : top view with a part elevation of a fifth model form of the implemental stuffing tool according to the invention 
     
    
       [0029]     In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or term similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection, but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a top view of an open cigarette rolling-paper booklet  8 , whose folding cover  4  was reshaped to an implemental stuffing tool  1  through a mechanically carried out redesign—here in the area of intersecting sides  5 , but also alternatively or additionally in the area of the longest side  6 . The implemental stuffing tool  1  is, therefore, a part of the cigarette rolling-paper booklet  8 . At the intersecting side  5  of the cover  4 , more punches  9  are integrated in a punching process so that tongue-shaped stuffing elements  2 ,  3  and  7  are created. Consequently, the stuffing element  2  shows the smallest width (about 3 mm), the stuffing element  7  a medium-sized one (about 5 mm), and the stuffing element  3  the biggest one (about 7 mm). The width of the tongue-shaped stuffing elements  2 ,  3  and  7  should always be smaller than the diameter of a cigarette and is, therefore, generally in the area ranging from 1 to 10 mm, especially in the area ranging from 2 to 7 mm. The different widths correspond to the variations of the cigarette diameters of self-rolled cigarettes.  
         [0031]     The possible low-cut depths of the punches can vary and are finally limited by the firmness of the material. In the present case, the length of the tongue-shaped stuffing elements  2 ,  3  and  7  is about 5 mm. For the purpose of use, a useful length of the stuffing elements  2 ,  3 , and  7  is usually in the area ranging from 1 to 10 mm, especially in the area ranging from 2 to 7 mm. The punches  9  can show the circular contour illustrated here, but they can also take, for example, the form of a triangle, a rectangle or an oval.  
         [0032]     It is recommended to adjust the cover  4  to its contours so that if the cigarette rolling-paper booklet  8  is closed none of the stuffing elements  2 ,  3  and  7  stand out from the basic hull of the package in order to avoid a mechanical attrition of the tongue-shaped stuffing elements  2 ,  3  and  7 .  
         [0033]      FIGS. 2 and 2   a  show a top and a side view of a cover  4  of wider opened cigarette rolling-paper booklet  8 ′ with an alternatively designed implemental stuffing tool  1 ′. The cover  4 , which was lengthened in cut, producing it in longitudinal direction, illustrates several fold edges  11  and was redesigned to a rectangular-flat guiding device  12  by pasting it to a surface  13 . In this guiding device a plastic-formed component of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ′ is movably stored carried by the stuffing element  2 ′. The ending  14  of the movable component of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ′, which is placed opposite the stuffing elements  2 ′, lies in the area of an arched section  22  of the guiding device  12 . It is freely placed to be able to push out the stuffing elements  2 ′ by a simple finger push. Naturally, a different way of designing the guiding device  12  and its fitting component of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ′ carrying the stuffing elements  2 ′ is quite possible, which, for example, is fixed to the normal cover  4 ′ by pasting it. Such variations are familiar to the specialist in the field of packaging techniques. It is merely necessary to record that a movable component carrying one or more stuffing elements has to be available. The movable component of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ′ placed in the guiding device  12  can also be provided with stuffing elements in different dimensions at the end  14 .  
         [0034]      FIGS. 3 and 3   a  show a top and a side view of an opened cigarette rolling-paper booklet  8 ″ in a third model form of the invention. The implemental stuffing tool  1 ″ folding is attached to the cover  4 ″. This results from the fact that a first section  16  of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ″ up to a fold edge  14  is fixed to the cover  4 ″ by sticking it on. A second section  20  carrying the stuffing elements  2 ″ at its longest side is designed in its dimensions, so that after folding the second section  20  along the fold edge  15 , it stands out from the cover  4 ″ to the sides (this is indicated through a dotted contour in  FIG. 3 ). The implemental stuffing tool  1 ″ can, for instance, be formed out of firm paper or cardboard.  
         [0035]      FIG. 3   a  shows a side view with the folding and working implemental stuffing tool  1 ″. It is more functional to close the cover  4 ″ for a safe stuffing handling. Sticking on the implemental stuffing tool  1 ″ can also subsequently take place. In this case, a suitable glue is placed on the bottom  21  of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ″.  
         [0036]      FIG. 4  describes the function of a further alternative implemental stuffing tool  1 ′″, which folds from the cover  4 ′″ of a cigarette rolling-paper booklet. A component of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ′″ carrying the stuffing elements  2 ′″ is located at a pivot  17  in a movable state. This at the same time secures its fixing to the cigarette rolling-paper booklet  8 ′″. The component of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ′″ is turned so far until it stands out from one of the edges of the cover  4 ′″ and is adjacently fixed through finger pressure in the place, which is suitable for the stuffing process. Following the component of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ′″ can be turned back and is, then, safely stored. The rotating component of the implemental stuffing tool  1 ′″ can consist of plastic.  
         [0037]     In the variations mentioned before, the size and form of the implemental stuffing tool can, in general, be chosen differently but they should not exceed the size of the cover. Width, depth and arrangement of one or more stuffing elements can be varied, which means that an implemental stuffing tool can have a multitude of different stuffing elements.  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows a further alternative model form of the invention. According to the model form, the implemental stuffing tool  1 ″″ is independent, which means that it is not developed with a smoking utensil or some other connecting product. The implemental stuffing tool  1 ″″ comprises a flat, rectangular protective cover  18 , in which a movable disc  22  with a rivet  23  is integrated. The disc  22 , which, for explanation, is made visible in a part elevation of the protective cover  18 , holds at its edge tongue-shaped stuffing elements  2 ″″. The stuffing elements  2 ″″ preferably have different widths so that cigarettes of different diameters can be made. The protective cover  18  has a part left out  19 , which is designed in its dimensions so that different stuffing elements  2 ″″ are made accessible. The implemental stuffing tool  1 ″″ is adjusted in its size to the prevailing smoking utensil so that a safe and comfortable storage is secured. As long as the implemental stuffing tool  1 ″″ works, different packaging can be used. The disc  22  in this model form is made of stable plastic. The implemental stuffing tool  1 ″″ has a side length of about 5 cm, and has a width of about 4 to 5 cm.  
         [0039]     While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the following claims.