Improvements in the Manufacture of Paper Tubes or Wrappers for Cigarettes, and Apparatus to be used therein.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 31st May, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 25th Feb., 1898-Accepted, 30th Apr., 1898
Improvements in the Manufacture of Paper Tubes or Wrappers for
Cigarettes, and Apparatus to be used therein.
We, W. D. & H. O. WILLS LIMITED, of Bedminster, in the City and County of
Bristol, and of 53, 54 and 55, Holborn Viaduct, in the City of London, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention (a communication from the Bonsack Machine
Company, of Salem, Virginia, in the United States of America), to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to the manufacture of paper tubes for cigarette wrappers,
and has for its object to provide an improved method and improved mechanism for
forming such tubes.
Referring first to the process or method of forming the cigarette tubes. The
cigarette tube is formed by folding one or both of the opposite edges of a paper
strip (which may be of indefinite length) upon itself independently of each other,
bringing such edges into lapping contact with each other to form a seam of three,
or more, plies or, thicknesses, of paper, arranged with respect to each other in any
convenient way and then crimping the said overlapped edges together to make the
seam permanent.
Preferably, the opposite edges of the paper strip, are folded and lapped as
follows: The first step consists in folding-in one edge of the paper and preferably
at the same time forming at the other edge of the paper, a similar fold but
of greater width. The next step consists in folding outward the edge of the last
named fold. The paper strip is then folded or bent into tubular form and the
single folded edge is inserted between the folds formed upon the opposite edge, and
the combined edges are then united or secured together by crimping to form a
permanent seam, which is firm and compact and well adapted for use in cigarette
tubes.
Referring now to the mechanism or apparatus:-From the frame of the
machine, extend upward standards, which support a grooved guide plate, in the
groove or channel of which lies a flat former plate, which is held in place longi-
tudinally by means of an upwardly bent end engaging a cross-bar on the grooved
guide plate. The upper portion of the plate towards its forward end is cut away or
recessed to provide means for appling a device for folding the edges of the paper
strip. This folding device consists of side plates which are secured to an interven-
ing plate secured to the grooved guide plate. The side plates are provided with
inwardly extending devices such as flanges or fingers for folding upward and
inward the opposite edges of the paper strip the said devices extending over the
edges of the former plate. The upper surface of the side plates which lies between
the flanges or fingers is in substantially the same plane as the bottom of the groove
or channel in the grooved guide plate and in connection with the overhanging
folding flanges forms the continuation of the channel in which lies the former
plute and through which the paper strip is drawn. This channel, as well as the

page_text: former plate, is gradually narrowed from the point where the flanges commence,
so that the edges of the paper will be forced against these flanges and folded
upwardly and inwardly. One of these flanges is inclined toward the centre of the
channel slightly more than the opposite flanges, in order to turn or fold this edge
of the paper strip more rapidly and form a wider fold as this edge is to be turned
back upon itself to form the second fold and it follows that the former plate is
tapered or narrowed slightly more upon this edge in order to fit the groove or
channel.
For the purpose of forming this double fold upon one edge of the paper strip, n
device is provided, which is conveniently secured to the edge of the former plute
near its forward end and is constructed and arranged to turn the edge of the paper
strip (after it has been folded over upon itself) upwardly and back over the adjacent
flange,
Immediately in front of, or at the delivery end of, the devices hereto-
fore described which fold up the edges of the paper strip are situated
pressing rolls which are supported on standards, the lower roll being
supported on the conical ends of adjustable screws and the upper roll
resting in bearings at the top of the standards. These rolls are preferably driven
by the friction produced by the passage of the paper strip between them and in
order to reduce the inertia and enable the rolls to run easily, the lower roll is cut
away at its middle part (or formed as two rollers) so that it bears upon the paper
strip only at its ends, but sufficiently to press down any laps or folds which have
been formed upon its edges.
The paper strip is fed into the grooved guide plate and passes beneath the former
plate, until it enters the tapered groove or channel in the side plates and by the
action of this groove, and the flanges, the edges of the paper are thrown up above
the top of the former plate and are folded over upon its face, thus forming the first
folds the one fold being about double the width of the other fold and extending
in toward the centre of the former plate beyond the edge of the folder.
paper advances this projecting edge of the wider fold is engaged by the further
folder which turns it upward and outward over the edge of its adjacent flange
to form the second fold. The paper then leaves the former plate and passes
between the presser rolls which press the various folds.
As the
When the paper strip is drawn through the edge-folding mechanism, the
former plate rests with its weight upon the paper strip, for the purpose of keeping
it in place and forcing its edges against the fingers or Hanges to be folded into
the desired laps. As the paper generally used for cigarette tubes or wrappers,
especially that known as rice paper, frequently contains little bunches or lumps
which, though scarcely perceptible to the eye or touch, are often several times the
thickness of the main body of the paper, it has been found that, when this paper
is drawn between two unyielding surfaces under pressure, it is liable to be torn,
especially at the points where the pressure is exerted upon the bunches or lumps.
To remedy this defect, it is preferred to cover or line the groove or channel
through which the paper strip is drawn with some soft material which will yield
in the path of any protuberance or increased thickness of the paper. This not
only prevents the paper from being torn, but in effect equalizes the pressure upon
the strip to keep it in its proper position. Any soft, smooth yielding material
which can be readily secured in place will answer the purpose.
A ribbon or strip
of silk is conveniently applied and is effective to remedy the defect referred to
and can be secured in place by the use of any suitable adhesive material.
It is preferred that this lining shall extend throughout the entire length of the
channel or groove through which the paper strip is drawn.
Instead of applying lining to the bottom of the groove, it may be applied with
substantially the same effect to the under surface of the former plate.
A paper strip with its edges folded and creased as above described is next to

page_text: be formed into a tube, and for this purpose it is carried along beneath a taper
mandrel around which it is folded or bent until its edges are brought to a suffi-
cient lap to be combined into the desired seam. This is accomplished by leading
or drawing the paper through a device by which it can be folded or bent around
the mandrel, such device, being a conical ring, placed around the mandrel and
supported on an arm secured to some fixed part of the machine such as by a two-
part stud extending out from and secured to a standard which is secured to the
frame of the machine. This arm can be clamped by a screw which passes through
a projection from the standard.
In order to insure that the singly folded edge of the paper strip shall enter
between the double folds or plies on the opposite edge of the paper strip, a light
finger is provided to lie or rest in the fold between the plies or of the double fold
laps, causing it to slightly gap open so that the opposite edge will pass into it.
The finger can be secured to a collar which is journalled on the part to which the
conical ring is secured and is adjustable thereto by a set screw. After the opposite
edges of the paper strip have been brought together as described to form a
temporary seam they are passed through a crimping device which effectually binds
or seals them together to form a permanent seam.
A suitable crimping device consists mainly of a wheel secured to a shaft
jourualled in the aforesaid standard and provided with fast and loose pulleys or
any convenient form of gearing or other means for rotating the shaft. The wheel
is arranged to cooperate with a small wheel journalled in a mortice or slot near
the free end of the mandrel and preferably having its periphery notched or serrated.
If desired, the periphery of the other wheel may be also notched or serrated to
correspond.
It is desirable to provide means for producing the necessary pressure between
the peripheries of the crimping wheels and for regulating such pressure. The
following construction is suitable for this purpose. The mandrel is pivotally sup-
ported at its rear end in a standard fixed to the frame of the machine, and for
this purpose is provided with a T-like head having trunnions supported in lugs
extending out from the standard. From the central branch of this head rises an
arm the upper end of which rests against an adjusting screw working in the top of
standard by means of which the mandrel can be rocked upon its trunnions with
the effect of raising or lowering its free end and consequently pressing as desired
the periphery of the one crimping wheel with greater or less force against that
of the other crimping wheel.
It is preferred to feed or draw the strip of paper from which the tube is to be
formed through the machine or apparatus by the operation of the crimping wheels
and without the application of other devices, and the requisite pressure to properly
crimp the seam of the tube between the moving peripheries of the crimping wheels
will draw the strip forward in its course.
The side plates of the folding mechanism need not be secured to the intervening
plate, they may be secured directly to the grooved guide plate, the edges of such
plate being properly recessed, and in such case the intervening plate can be omitted.
The length of the flanges in proportion to the width of the former plate may be
varied and the taper of the plate may be more or less prolonged to fit between the
flanges.
The side plates may be in a single plate or piece, but it is preferred to use two
plates. Means of adjusting these plates to slightly increase or diminish the width
of the channel between the flanges are easily provided by enlarging the holes in
these plates through which the securing screws pass, turning the edges of these
plates down over the edges of the intervening plate and having adjusting screws
passing through the turned down edges to take against the edges of the intervening
plate.
The invention is not limited to folding the edges in the exact manner and to
make the number of laps or plies described, nor to the use of the machine or

page_text: apparatus herein described as this is only one of many forms of apparatus which
can be employed for this purpose; nor is the invention limited so far as it relates
to the apparatus, to the specific form of construction of the parts or devices herein
described, as many changes can be made therein without materially departing
from the principles of their construction and operation.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Paper Tubes or Wrappers for 1
Cigarettes, and Apparatus to be used therein.
We, W. D. & H. O. WILS LIMITED, of Bedminster, in the City and County of
Bristol, and of 53, 54 and 55, Holborn Viaduct, in the City of London, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention (which has been communicated to us from
abroad by the Bonsack Machine Company, of Salem, Virginia, in the United States 1
of America), and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to the manufacture of paper tubes for cigarette wrappers,
and has for its object to provide an improved method and improved mechanism
for forming such tubes. The nature of the improvements will be readily under-
stood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings
in which
Figure 1 is an elevation and
Figure 2 a plan of the tube forming portion of a cigarette machine constructed
in accordance with this invention.
Figure 3 is a plan drawn to a larger scale of a portion of the apparatus.
Figure 4 a longitudinal section on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a cross-section on the line 1-1 of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a cross-section on the line 3-3 of Figure 3.
Figure 7 is a cross-section on the line 2-2 of Figure 3.
of
4-1
Figure 8 is a cross section on a somewhat larger scale taken on the line 4-
Figure 3.
Figure 9 is an elevation of the pressing rolls used in connection with the
apparatus.
Figure 10 is an elevation, partly in section on the line 6-6 of Figure 2.
Figure 11 is a cross section on the line 8-8 of Figure 2.
Figures 12, 13 and 14 illustrate the effect of different parts of the mechanism
upon the paper strip, and also the steps of the improved mothod, or process; and
Figure 15 shews a simpler form of seam.
2
3
According to this invention the cigarette tube is formed by folding one, or both, 4
of the opposite edges of a paper strip (which may be of indefinite length) upon
itself, independently of each other, bringing such edges into lapping contact with
each other to form a seam of three, or more, plies, or thicknesses, of paper,
arranged with respect to each other in any convenient way, and then crimping the
said overlapped edges together to make the seam permanent.
Preferably, the opposite edges of the paper strip are folded and lapped in a
peculiar way which is illustrated in the drawings, in which U indicates the paper
strip upon which the various operations are performed. The first step consists in
folding-in one edge of the paper as indicated at u and preferably at the same time
4

page_text: forming a similar fold at the other edge of the paper, but of a width greater
than that of the fold u. The next step consists in folding outward the edge of the
fold as indicated at in Figures 8 and 12. The paper strip is then folded, or
bent, into tubular form as shewn in Figures 13 and 14 and the single folded edge u
is inserted between the folds and formed upon the opposite edge, and the com-
bined edges are then united, or secured, together by crimping to form a permanent
seam as indicated at V in Figure 14 which scam is firm and compact, and well
adapted for cigarette tubes.
Referring now to the mechanism or apparatus by which the aforesaid operations
can be performed. In the drawings: A indicates the frame of the machine, from
which extend upward standards BB which support a grooved guide plate C, in
the groove or channel of which lies a flat former plate D, which is held in place
longitudinally by means of an upwardly bent end D engaging a cross-bar Con
the plate C. The upper portion of the plate C towards its forward end, is cut
away, or recessed to provide means for applying a device for folding the edges of
the paper strip as shewn in Figures 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8. This folding device consists
of plates C which as shewn are secured to an intervening plate C3 by screws
the plate being secured to the plate C by screws c¹. The plates Care provided
with inwardly extending devices such as the flanges or fingers C C for folding
upward, and inward, the opposite edges of the paper strip which devices extend
over the edges of the former plate D as shewn in Figures 3, 6, 7 and 8. The upper
surface of the plates which lies between the Hanges or fingers C'C', is in
practically the same plane as the bottom of the groove or channel in the plate C
as shewn in Figure 4 and in connection with the overhanging folding flanges CC
forms the continuation of the channel in which lies the former plate D and through
which the paper strip is drawn. This channel, as well as the plate D is gradually
narrowed from the point where the flanges C C₁ commence, so that the edges of
the paper will be forced against these flanges, and folded upwardly and inwardly.
One of these flanges C is inclined toward the centre of the channel, slightly more
than the opposite flanges, in order to turn, or fold this edge of the paper strip more
rapidly and form a wider fold ', as this edge is to be turned back upon itself to
form the fold as shown in Figures 8 and 12, and it follows that the plate ]) is
tapered, or narrowed slightly more upon this edge in order to fit the groove, or
channel.
For the purpose of forming this double fold upon one edge of the paper strip, a
device E is provided, which is conveniently secured to the edge of the plate I)
near its forward end, and is constructed and arranged to turn the edge of the
paper strip (after it has been folded over upon itself) upwardly and back over the
adjacent flange as shewn in Figure 8.
Immediately in front of, or at, the delivery end of the devices herein before
described, which fold up the edges of the paper strip are situated pressing rolls Fl
and G (as shewn in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 9) which are supported on standards F F,
the lower roll G¹ being supported on the conical ends of adjustable screws G G and
the upper roll F¹ resting in bearings at the top of the standards F. The said rolls
are preferably driven by the friction produced by the passage of the paper strip
between them, and in order to reduce the inertia, and enable the rolls to run easily
the roll G is cut away at its middle part (or formed as two rollers) so that it bears
upon the paper strip only at its ends, but sufficiently to press down any laps, or
folds, which have been formed upon its edges.
The paper strip is fed into the grooved guide plate C and passes beneath the
former plate D until it enters the tapered groove or channel in the plates C and
by the action of this groove and the flanges C¹C, the edges of the paper are
thrown up above the top of the former plate D and are folded over upon its face,
thus forming the folds and ', the fold u' being about double the width of the
fold and extending in toward the centre of the plate D beyond the edge of the
folder C. As the paper advances this projecting edge of the fold u¹ is engaged

page_text: by the folder E which turns it upward and outward over the edge of its adjacent
flange C¹, to form the fold as shewn in Figure 8. The paper then leaves the
plate and passes between the presser rolls F and G which press the various
folds formed as hereinbefore described and bring the paper to the form and con-
dition shewn in Figure 12.
When the paper strip is drawn through the edge-folding mechanism, the plate D
rests with its weight upon the paper strip, for the purpose of keeping it in place
and forcing its edges against the fingers or flanges C C to be folded into the
desired laps. As the paper generally used for cigarette tubes or wrappers,
especially that known as rice paper, frequently contains little bunches, or lumps,
which though scarcely perceptible to the eye or touch, are often several times the
thickness of the main body of the paper, it has been found that, when this paper
is drawn between two unyielding surfaces under pressure, it is liable to be torn,
especially at the points where the pressure is exerted upon the bunches, or lumps.
To remedy this defect it is preferred to cover, or line the groove, or channel, through
which the paper strip is drawn, with some soft material which will yield in the
path of any protuberance or increased thickness of the paper. This not only
prevents the paper from being torn, but in effect equalises the pressure upon the
strip to keep it in its proper position. Any soft, smooth yielding material which
can be readily secured in place, will answer the purpose. For instance a ribbon
or strip of silk is suitable and can be secured in place by any suitable adhesive
material. Figure 5 shews the bottom of the groove, or channel, in the plate C
as lined with a silk ribbon, or similar material marked H. It is preferred that
this lining shall extend throughout the entire length of the channel, or groove,
through which he paper strip is drawn. Although it is shown in the drawing as
only applied to the bottom of the channel formed in the plate C, it extends through
the channel in the plates C between the flanges C.
Instead of applying the silk ribbon, or other lining to the bottom of the groove,
it may be applied with practically the same effect to the under surface of the
former plate as shewn in Figure 5.
A paper strip with its edges folded and creased as hereinbefore described is
next to be formed into a tube, and for this purpose it is carried along beneath a
mandrel J (see Figures 1 and 2) around which it is folded, or bent, until its edges
are brought to a sufficient lap to be combined into the desired seam. This is
accomplished by leading, or drawing the paper through a device by which it can
be folded, or bent, around the mandrel, a suitable device being a conical ring N,
placed around the mandrel J, and supported on an arm N1 secured to some fixed
part of the machine such as by a two-part stud 2 extending out from, and
secured to the standard P which is secured to the frame of the machine. The
arm N¹ can be clamped against the end of part 13 by a screw which passes through
the part P and enters the standard P.
In order to insure that the edge u of the paper strip shall enter between the
folds, or plies and u¹ on the opposite edge of the paper strip, a light finger T
is provided to lie, or rest in the fold between the plies, or laps u' and 3 causing
it to slightly gap open so that the opposite edge u will pass into it as shewn at
Figure 11. The finger T can be secured to a collar O' (see Figures 2 and 11)
which is journalled on the part P³ and is adjustable and fixable thereto by a set
screw o. After the opposite edges of the paper strip have been brought together,
as described, to form a temporary seam, they are passed through a crimping device
which effectually secures them together to make a permanent seam. A suitable
crimping device for this purpose as shewn in the drawings, consists mainly of a
wheel S secured to a shaft Q, journalled in the standard P and provided with fast
and loose pulleys R and R', or any convenient gearing, or other means for rotating
the shaft. The wheel S is arranged to cooperate with a small wheel Js, journalled
in a mortise, or slot, near the free end of the mandrel J and preferably having its
periphery notched, or serrated. If desired, the periphery of the wheel S may be
also notched, or serrated, to correspond with the wheel J.

page_text: It is desirable to provide means for producing the necessary pressure between
the peripheries of the wheels S and J, and for regulating such pressure. Tho
following construction is suitable for this purpose. The mandrel J is pivotally
supported, at its rear end, in a standard M, fixed to the frame of the machine, and
for this purpose is provided with a T-like head I. having trunnions L' L', sup-
ported in lugs M' extending out from the standard M. From the central branch
of the head L rises an arm L³ the upper end of which rests against an adjusting
screw L working in the top of the standard M by means of which the mandrel J
can be rocked upon its trunnions L', with the effect of raising, or lowering its free
end and consequently pressing as desired the periphery of the wheel J with
greater or less force against that of the wheel S.
It is preferred to feed, or draw, the strip of paper from which the tube is to be
formed, through the machine or apparatus by the operation of the crimping
wheels S and J and without the use of other devices, and the requisite pressure
to properly crimp the seam of the tube between the moving peripheries of the
crimping wheels, will draw the strip forward in its course.
The plates need not be secured to the plate C³ as shown they may be secured
directly to the plate C, the edges of the said plate being properly recessed, and then
the plate C3 can be omitted. The length of the flanges C' C¹ relatively to the
width of the former plate 1 may be varied and the taper of the plate D may be
more or less prolonged to fit between the flanges.
The plates CC may be in a single plate or piece but it is preferred to use two
plates as shewn. Means of adjusting these plates to slightly increase, or diminish,
the width of the channel between the flanges C C are easily provided by enlarging
the holes in these plates through which the screws c pass, turning the edges of
these plates down over the edges of the plate and screwing adjusting screws
through the turned down edges to take against the edges of plate C³.
The invention is not limited to folding the edges in the exact manner, and
to make the number of laps, or plies, shewn in the drawings, nor to the use of the
machine, or apparatus, herein described and illustrated in the drawings, as this
is only one of many forms of apparatus which can be employed for this purpose;
nor is the invention limited so far as it relates to the apparatus, to the specific
form of construction of the parts, or devices, hereinbefore described and illustrated
in the drawings, as many changes can be made therein without departing from
the nature of the invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is:-
1st. The hereinbefore described method of making cigarette tubes, consisting in
forming folds along the opposite edges of a paper strip, bringing the strip into
tubular form, inserting one of the folded edges into a fold, or between the piles,
of the opposite edges, to form a seam, and securing the inserted edges together by
a crimping operation.
2nd. The hereinbefore described method of forming cigarette tubes, which con-
sists in folding one or both edges of a paper strip over upon itself, bringing the
opposite folded edges into lapping engagement with each other to form a seam of
three, or more, plies, or thicknesses, of paper and crimping the said seam to make
it permanent.
3rd. The herein before described method of forming cigarette tubes, which con-
sists in folding one edge of a paper strip first inward and then outward, then
bringing the paper strip into tubular form, inserting the opposite edge of the strip
into the outermost fold of the folded edge to form a scam, and then crimping the
seam thus formed to make it permanent.
4th. The herein before described method of forming cigarette tubes, which con-
sists in folding one edge of the paper strip inward, and folding the other edge first

page_text: inward and then outward, then bringing the paper strip into a tubular form,
inserting the fold of the first edge into the outermost fold of the second edge and
finally crimping the seam formed by the two folded edges, to make it permanent.
5th. In a machine for folding the edges of paper strips for cigarette tubes, a
channel or groove, through which the paper strips are drawn, the said channel or 5
⚫groove, being provided with a strip or ribbon of silk or other yielding lining for
the purpose described.
6th. The combination, in a machine for making cigarette tubes, of a channel, or
groove, provided with a yielding lining through which a paper wrapper strip can
be drawn, a former or thin plate, adapted to rest upon the paper strip when it is
passing through the said channel and devices for folding the opposite edges of the
paper strip over upon themselves, and means for feeding, or drawing, the paper
strip through the channel, or groove.
7th. The combination in a machine for making cigarette tubes, of a channel, or
groove through which the paper strip can be fed, or drawn, a former D arranged 1
to press by its weight on the paper strip as it is fed through the channel, and
devices on each edge of the channel for folding over the opposite edges of the
paper strip.
8th. The combination, in a machine for making cigarette tubes, of a channel, or
groove a former D, a lining applied to the said channel or the under side of the ;
said former, flanges, or folding fingers Carranged at the opposite edges of the
said channel, devices for feeding or drawing the paper strip through the said
channel, and devices for creasing, or pressing together the folded edges of the strip
substantially as hereinbefore described.
9th. The combination, in a machine for making cigarette tubes, of paper folding:
mechanism operating to independently fold the edges of a strip of paper over upon
themselves, mechanism for bringing the paper strip into tubular shape and lapping
the opposite folded edges to form a seam, and crimping mechanism arranged to
permanently secure the seam.
10th. The combination in a machine for making cigarette tubes, of a groove,
or channel, a former 1) forming the upper wall of said channel, and provided upon
its under side with a yielding lining, a folding flange, or finger, arranged on
one side of, and extending over, the edge of the former 1), and an outwardly
extending folder E to form a double fold on one edge of the paper strip.
11th. The combination, in a machine for making cigarette tubes, of a groove,
or channel, a former D, forming the upper wall of said channel, a folding flange or
finger C, arranged on one side of, and extending over the edge of the former 1),
an outwardly extending folder E to form a double fold on one edge of the paper
strip, a mandrel, means for lapping the opposite edges of the paper strip thereon,
and a crimping device arranged to act on the seam formed by the lapped edges.
12th. The combination in a machine for making cigarette tubes, of a mandrel
and means for folding a paper strip into tubular form around the same, a fold-
opener T to open out a fold on one edge of the paper strip and situated at or near
the point on the mandrel where the edges of the paper strip lap, and crimping
mechanism arranged to act on the seam formed by the lapping edges.
13th. The combination in a machine for making cigarette tubes, of a crimping
wheel S, a mandrel J provided with a crimping wheel adapted to coact with
wheel S, a collar placed around the mandrel, a support for the said collar
independent of the mandrel, and a fold opener T situated in advance of the
crimping wheels,
1
0541 Jaw of Tahmany 1898
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.