Abstract: [en] the present invention provides a portable water-pipe (1) for smoking a substance, such as tobacco or the like, comprising: a housing (2) having a mount (3) for holding the substance to be smoked and a chamber (7) for holding water (w), wherein the chamber (7) is connected in fluid communication with the mount via a first fluid connection (8, 9); and a mouth-piece (10) attached to the housing (2) and connected in fluid communication with the chamber (7) for drawing smoke through the chamber (7) from the substance held by the mount (3). the first fluid connection (8, 9) is configured to inhibit egress of water from the chamber (7) irrespective of an orientation of the housing (2).

[en] claims: a portable water-pipe (1) for smoking a substance, such as tobacco or the like, comprising: a housing (2) having a mount (3) for holding the substance to be smoked and a chamber (7) for holding water (w), wherein the chamber (7) is connected in fluid communication with the mount (3) via a first fluid connection (8, 9); and a mouth-piece (10) attached to the housing (2) and connected in fluid communication with the chamber (7) for drawing smoke (s) through the chamber (7) from the substance held by the mount (3); wherein the first fluid connection (8, 9) is configured to inhibit egress of water from the chamber (7) irrespective of an orientation of the housing (2).
a water-pipe (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid connection (8, 9) defines a convoluted or tortuous fluid path between the mount (3) and a lower or bottom region (b) of the chamber (7).
a water-pipe (1) according to claim 2, wherein the fluid path of the first fluid connection (8, 9) constricts or narrows between a smoke outlet opening (20) thereof, located adjacent the bottom region (b) of the chamber, and the mount (3).
a water-pipe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a first valve mechanism (14) to substantially close or seal said first fluid connection (8, 9) against fluid flow.
5. a water-pipe (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first valve mechanism (14) is selectively movable from an open position which permits fluid flow to a closed position which inhibits fluid flow.
6. a water-pipe according to claim 5, wherein the first valve mechanism (14) includes an actuating member which is movable, preferably slidable or rotatable, to move the valve mechanism (14) between the open position and the closed position, the actuating member preferably being arranged on or adjacent to the mount (3).
7. a water-pipe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mouth-piece (10) is connected in fluid communication with the chamber (7) via a second fluid connection (16), and wherein the second fluid connection (16) is configured to inhibit egress of water (w) from the chamber (7) irrespective of an orientation of the housing (2).
8. a water-pipe (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second fluid connection (16) defines a convoluted or tortuous fluid path between the mouth-piece (10) and an upper or top region (t) of the chamber (7).
9. a water-pipe (1) according to claim 8, wherein the fluid path of the second fluid connection (16) constricts or narrows between a smoke inlet opening (21) thereof adjacent the top region (t) of the chamber (7) and the mouth-piece (10).
10. a water-pipe (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, including a second valve mechanism (15) to substantially close or seal the second fluid connection (16) against fluid flow.
a water-pipe (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second valve mechanism (15) is selectively movable from an open position which permits fluid flow to a closed position which inhibits fluid flow.
a water-pipe (1) according to claim 11, wherein the second valve mechanism (15) includes an actuating member which is movable, preferably slidable or rotatable, to move the second valve mechanism (15) between the open position and the closed position, the actuating member preferably being part of or adjacent to the mouth-piece (10).
a water-pipe (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, comprising one or more partition or baffle member (18) which at least partially separates the chamber (7) from the mouth-piece.
a water-pipe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the housing (2) has an elongate upper surface (4) upon which at least one of the mount (3) for holding the substance to be smoked and the mouth-piece (10) are arranged or attached.
15. a water-pipe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to wherein the mount (3) is configured for insertion < cigarette.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating article (10) comprises a rod of aerosol generating material (11) and a filter (12) attached at an end thereof. the filter comprises a filter plug (13) and a plug wrap (14) continuously wound around at least part of the filter plug such that the plug wrap encircles the filter plug more than once. the plug wrap has a first end attached to the filter plug, and a second end secured to a junction end (21) of the rod of aerosol generating material. the filter is extendable from a first configuration, in which the filter plug is arranged at the junction end of the rod of aerosol generating material, to a second configuration, in which the filter plug is separated therefrom, by moving the filter plug away from junction end in a longitudinal direction such that a wound portion of the plug wrap is exposed between said filter plug and said junction end.

[en]     claims   1. an aerosol generating article comprising a rod of aerosol generating material and a filter attached at an end thereof, wherein, the filter comprises: a filter plug;   a plug wrap continuously wound around at least part of the filter plug such that the plug wrap encircles the filter plug more than once, said plug wrap having a first end attached to the filter plug, and a second end secured to a junction end of the rod of aerosol generating material,   wherein the filter is extendable from a first configuration, in which the filter plug is arranged at the junction end of the rod of aerosol generating material, to a second configuration, in which the filter plug is separated therefrom, by moving the filter plug away from junction end in a longitudinal direction such that a wound portion of the plug wrap is exposed between said filter plug and said junction end.
2. the aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the plug wrap is at least partially unravelled when the filter plug is moved away from the junction end of the rod of aerosol generating material.
3. the aerosol generating article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter plug extends at least the length of the portion of plug wrap exposed when the filter is in the second configuration.
4. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the filter plug comprises a base section permanently attached to the junction end of the rod of aerosol generating material and the second end of the plug wrap, and a mouth section that is separable from the base section and attached to the first end of the plug wrap.
5. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the base section of the filter plug is longer than the mouth section.
6. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the base section and mouth section of the filter plug are not connected.
7. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the plug wrap is wound around the filter plug such that the first end of the plug wrap is innermost and the second end of the plug wrap is outermost.
8. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the plug wrap is continuously wound around the filter plug such that it encircles the filter plug a plurality of times, for example at least two, and preferably at least three, times.
9. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the filter is extendable from the first configuration to the second configuration such that a maximum length of the filter in the second configuration is about 30 mm, preferably between about 20 mm and about 25 mm, and more preferably about 23 mm.
10. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the plug wrap comprises any of a cellulosic material or a synthetic material, preferably a polymer material, or a combination thereof.
11. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein a base wrap is wrapped around at least part of said mouth section and/or base section of the filter plug underneath the plug wrap.
12. the aerosol generating article of any preceding claim, wherein a tipping paper is wrapped around the filter plug, the plug wrap and said junction end of the rod of aerosol generating article, said tipping paper being attached only to the filter plug such that in the first configuration the plug wrap and junction end are contained within a foremost tubular section of the tipping paper.
13. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the rod of aerosol generating material comprises tobacco.


Abstract: [en] a smoke guard 7 for a smoking article 1 is provided. the smoke guard 7 comprises a barrier member 7 having a deformable aperture 9. the deformable aperture 9 is configured to deform and thereby receive a smoking article 1 therein such that part of the smoking article 1 extends through the aperture 9. the barrier member 7 inhibits the passage of smoke along the exterior length of the smoking article 1.

[en] 1. a smoke guard for a smoking article, comprising a barrier member having a deformable aperture configured to deform and thereby receive a smoking article therein such that part of the smoking article extends through the aperture whereby the barrier member inhibits the passage of smoke along the exterior length of the smoking article.
2. the smoke guard of claim 1, wherein the aperture is resiliently deformable.
3. the smoke guard of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aperture comprises at least one slit.
4. the smoke guard of claim 3, wherein said at least one slit is a plurality of slits that extend radially from a point in the barrier member, the slits defining deformable sectors of the barrier member, wherein the deformable sectors are arranged to deform around a smoking article received through the slits to retain the smoking article therein.
5. the smoke guard of claim 4, wherein said point is a hole having a radius less than the radius of a smoking article.
6. the smoke guard of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said point is substantially central to the barrier member.
7. the smoke guard of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier member is substantially planar.
8. the smoke guard of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier member has opposing first and second sides, wherein at least a portion of at least one of said first and second sides is convexly curved.
9. the smoke guard of any preceding claim, wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the aperture is approximately equal to a cross-sectional dimension of a smoking article to be received through the aperture.
10. the smoke guard of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier member has a cross-sectional dimension, extending from an edge of the aperture to an edge of the barrier member, that is at least equal to a cross-sectional dimension of a smoking article to be received through the aperture.
11. the smoke guard of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier member comprises paper, cardboard, moulded paper foam, a natural or synthetic polymer or a combination thereof.
12. the smoke guard of any preceding claim, wherein at least one side of the barrier member is provided with a scented and/or flavoured coating.
13. a kit of parts comprising: a plurality of smoking articles;one or more smoke guards according to any preceding claim; anda container arranged to contain said plurality of smoking articles and said one or more smoke guards.
14. the kit of parts of claim 13, wherein the container is configured such that two or more smoke guards are stacked together inside the container and are arranged adjacent the smoking articles.
15. the kit of parts of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the number of smoking articles is equal to the number of smoke guards.


Abstract: [en] an extendable filter for an aerosol generating article is described, where the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating device. the filter comprises a filter plug core having a mouth end and an attachment end, the attachment end being attachable to an aerosol delivery end of the aerosol generating device. the filter further includes a tubular outer sleeve arranged to slide over the filter plug core and the aerosol generating device when attached, the tubular outer sleeve comprising a tubular filter plug. sliding of the outer sleeve in a longitudinal direction away from the attached aerosol generating device provides an increasing extension of the outer sleeve beyond the mouth end of the filter plug core, extending the length of the extendable filter. the extendable filter thereby allows the aerosol generating article to be held further away from the aerosol generating end, thus reducing unwanted effects of the aerosol coming into contact with a user's hands.

[en]     claims   1. an extendable filter for an aerosol generating article which comprises an aerosol generating device, the filter comprising:   a filter plug core having a mouth end and an attachment end, the attachment end comprising a collar of increased diameter and being attachable to an aerosol delivery end of the aerosol generating device; and   a tubular outer sleeve arranged to slide over the filter plug core and the aerosol generating device when attached, the tubular outer sleeve comprising a tubular filter plug; wherein   sliding of the outer sleeve in a longitudinal direction away from the attached aerosol generating device provides an increasing extension of the outer sleeve beyond the mouth end of the filter plug core, extending the length of the extendable filter.
2. the extendable filter of claim 1 wherein the tubular outer sleeve further comprises:   a rigid plug wrap.
3. the extendable filter of claim 2 wherein:   the tubular filter plug is arranged to slide over the inner filter plug core; and the rigid plug wrap is attached around the circumference of the tubular filter plug and extends longitudinally from one end of the tubular filter plug to form a tubular extension which slides over the attached aerosol generating device during longitudinal movement of the outer sleeve.
4. the extendable filter of claim 3 wherein   the internal diameter of the tubular filter plug is less than the outer diameter of the collar such that longitudinal movement of the outer sleeve towards the aerosol generating device is limited by contact between the tubular filter plug and the collar.
5. the extendable filter of claim 4 wherein the length of the filter plug core from the mouth end to the collar is equal to the length of the tubular filter plug such that, when the tubular filter plug contacts the collar, the mouth end of the filter plug core is flush with a mouth end of the tubular outer sleeve.
6. the extendable filter of any preceding claim wherein the tubular outer sleeve comprises a mechanical stop arranged to meet an opposing mechanical stop on the filter plug core such that longitudinal movement of the sleeve away from the attached aerosol generating device is limited by contact between the opposing mechanical stops.
7. the extendable filter of claim 6 wherein the tubular outer sleeve comprises a rigid plug wrap arranged to slide over the aerosol generating device when attached and the mechanical stop on the outer sleeve is provided by the end of the rigid plug wrap being folded inwards to provide a return edge which meets the mechanical stop on the filter plug core.
8. the extendable filter of claim 6 or 7 wherein the mechanical stop on the inner filter plug core is provided by a region of increased diameter near the attachment end.
9. the extendable filter of any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the mechanical stops are arranged such that the maximum extension of the filter is approximately 20mm.
10. the extendable filter of any of claims 2 to 9 wherein the rigid plug wrap comprises one or more of a cellulosic material, a natural or synthetic polymer material or a combination thereof.
11. an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating device and an extendable filter according to any preceding claim attached to an aerosol delivery end of the aerosol generating device.
12. the aerosol generating article of claim 11 wherein the collar of the filter plug core is attached to the aerosol generating device.
13. an aerosol generating article according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a charge of an aerosol generating material, preferably in a fluid, a pulverulent, a solid form or a combination thereof.
14. an aerosol generating article according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises tobacco.


Abstract: [en] a cigarette pack formed by a box having top and bottom faces and a plurality of longitudinal faces connecting the top face to the bottom face. the longitudinal faces include a front face, a first bevel situated on one side of the front face and being attached to the front face by a first longitudinal fold line and a second bevel situated on the other side of the front face and being attached to the front face by a second longitudinal fold line. the first and second fold lines are curved away from the centre of the front face such that the front face is at least partially concavely bowed in a longitudinal direction. the circumference of the top face of the pack includes at least one concavely curved segment situated along the edge of the top face and at least one of the front face and rear face.

[en] 1. a cigarette pack comprising: a box having a top face, a bottom face, and a plurality of longitudinal faces connecting the top face to the bottom face, the longitudinal faces including: a front face; a first bevel situated on one side of the front face and being attached to the front face by a first longitudinal fold line; and a second bevel situated on the other side of the front face and being attached to the front face by a second longitudinal fold line, wherein the first and second fold lines are curved away from the centre of the front face such that the front face is at least partially concavely bowed in a longitudinal direction.
2. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first and second fold lines are curved away from the centre of the front face such that the front face is concavely bowed in a lateral direction.
3. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 2, further comprising: a straight rear face, and wherein the plurality of longitudinal faces further includes: a first plurality of side bevels arranged to connect the first bevel to the straight rear face; and a second plurality of side bevels arranged to connect the first bevel to the straight rear face.
4. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 3, wherein the front face is concavely bowed in a longitudinal direction from a location substantially adjacent the top face to an area substantially adjacent the bottom face.
5. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 4, the box further comprising: a top face positioned at a top of the pack, a bottom face positioned at a bottom of the pack, and a plurality of longitudinal faces connecting the top face to the bottom face, one of the longitudinal faces of the pack being a front face of the pack and another of the longitudinal faces being a rear face of the pack, wherein the circumference of the top face of the pack comprises at least one concavely curved segment situated along the edge of the top face and at least one of the front face and rear face, the at least one concavely curved segment being arranged to cause the at least one of the front face and rear face to bow inwardly towards the top of the pack.
6. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: a lid, hingedly connected to at least one of the longitudinal faces of the box.
7. a blank for making the cigarette pack of claim 6.
8. a cigarette pack comprising: a box having a top face positioned at a top of the pack, a bottom face positioned at a bottom of the pack, and a plurality of longitudinal faces connecting the top face to the bottom face, one of the longitudinal faces of the pack being a front face of the pack and another of the longitudinal faces being a rear face of the pack, wherein the circumference of the top face of the pack comprises at least one concavely curved segment situated along the edge of the top face and at least one of the front face and rear face, the at least one concavely curved segment being arranged to cause the at least one of the front face and rear face to bow inwardly towards the top of the pack.
9. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 8, the cigarette pack having a first concavely curved segment situated along the edge of the top face and the front face of the box, and a second concavely curved segment situated along the edge of the top face and the rear face of the box, the first and second concavely curved segments being arranged to cause the front face and the rear face to bow inwardly towards the top of the pack, respectively.
10. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 9, wherein the concavely curved segments are of equal dimensions.
11. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 10, further comprising: a lid, hingedly connected to at least one of the longitudinal faces of the box.
12. a blank for making the cigarette pack of claim 10.
13. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a straight rear face, and wherein the plurality of longitudinal faces further includes: a first plurality of side bevels arranged to connect the first bevel to the straight rear face; and a second plurality of side bevels arranged to connect the first bevel to the straight rear face.
14. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 1, wherein the front face is concavely bowed in a longitudinal direction from a location substantially adjacent the top face to an area substantially adjacent the bottom face.
15. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 1, the box further comprising: a top face positioned at a top of the pack, a bottom face positioned at a bottom of the pack, and a plurality of longitudinal faces connecting the top face to the bottom face, one of the longitudinal faces of the pack being a front face of the pack and another of the longitudinal faces being a rear face of the pack, wherein the circumference of the top face of the pack comprises at least one concavely curved segment situated along the edge of the top face and at least one of the front face and rear face, the at least one concavely curved segment being arranged to cause the at least one of the front face and rear face to bow inwardly towards the top of the pack.
16. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 2, wherein the front face is concavely bowed in a longitudinal direction from a location substantially adjacent the top face to an area substantially adjacent the bottom face.
17. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 2, the box further comprising: a top face positioned at a top of the pack, a bottom face positioned at a bottom of the pack, and a plurality of longitudinal faces connecting the top face to the bottom face, one of the longitudinal faces of the pack being a front face of the pack and another of the longitudinal faces being a rear face of the pack, wherein the circumference of the top face of the pack comprises at least one concavely curved segment situated along the edge of the top face and at least one of the front face and rear face, the at least one concavely curved segment being arranged to cause the at least one of the front face and rear face to bow inwardly towards the top of the pack.
18. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 3, the box further comprising: a top face positioned at a top of the pack, a bottom face positioned at a bottom of the pack, and a plurality of longitudinal faces connecting the top face to the bottom face, one of the longitudinal faces of the pack being a front face of the pack and another of the longitudinal faces being a rear face of the pack, wherein the circumference of the top face of the pack comprises at least one concavely curved segment situated along the edge of the top face and at least one of the front face and rear face, the at least one concavely curved segment being arranged to cause the at least one of the front face and rear face to bow inwardly towards the top of the pack.
19. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 8, wherein the concavely curved segments are of equal dimensions.
20. a cigarette pack in accordance with claim 8, further comprising: a lid, hingedly connected to at least one of the longitudinal faces of the box.


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to a cigarette packaging (100) for housing a charge of smoking articles (1), comprising an outer packaging (1a) and an inner packaging (2a) for housing the charge of smoking articles, comprising a top opening for accessing the charge of smoking articles contained therein, wherein the inner packaging is at least partially positioned inside an inner volume of the outer packaging so that the outer packaging is at least partially housing the inner packaging, the inner packaging having a closing flap (20a) overlapping the top opening and being movable between a closed position, wherein in the closed position the lid of the outer packaging, overlaps at least partially the closing flap of the inner packaging to prevent movement thereof from its closed to its open position, wherein the closing flap of the inner packaging comprises a tamper evident tear tape (21a), which has a prolonged ending (22a) being accessible from outside of packaging and arranged under the lid (10a) of the outer packaging before first opening the packaging, such that the first opening of both the lid and closure flap is only permitted by breaking the tear tape.

[en]       packaging comprising tamper evidencing opening means   claims   1. cigarette packaging (100) for housing a charge of smoking articles (1), compris ing   - an outer packaging (1a), in particular a cardboard box, made of a first packag ing material, the outer packaging (1a) having a lid (10a) movable between a closed position into which an inner volume (10b) of the outer packaging (1a) is inaccessible and an open position into which the inner volume (10b) of the outer packaging (1a) is accessible,   - an inner packaging (2a) for housing the charge of smoking articles (1), made of a second packaging material, and comprising a top opening for accessing the charge of smoking articles (1) contained therein, wherein   - the inner packaging (2a) is at least partially positioned inside an inner volume (10b) of the outer packaging (1a) so that the outer packaging (1a) is at least partially housing the inner packaging (2a),   - the inner packaging (2a) having a closing flap (20a) overlapping the top open ing and being movable between a closed position, wherein the closing flap (20a) fully covers the top opening of the inner packaging (2a) to prevent ac cess to the charge of smoking articles (1) and an open position wherein the closing flap (20a) is at least partially removed from the top opening to grant access to the charge of smoking articles (1) through the top opening, wherein   - in the closed position the lid (10a) of the outer packaging (1a), overlaps at least partially the closing flap (20a) of the inner packaging (2a) to prevent movement thereof from its closed to its open position,   c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t   - the closing flap (20a) of the inner packaging (2a) comprises a tamper evident tear tape (21 a), which has a prolonged ending (22k) being accessible from outside of packaging (100) and arranged under the lid (10a) of the outer packaging (1a) before first opening the packaging (100), such that the first opening of both the lid (10a) and closuring flap (20a) is only permitted by breaking the tear tape (21a).
2. packaging (100) according to claim 1,   characterized in that   a free end (210a) of the tear tape (21a) is graspable by a user so that by gripping the free end (210a) of the tear tape (21a) and tearing it away, the lid (10a) is lift ed to open up the lid of the outer packaging (1a) while releasing the closing flap (20a) to an openable state.
3. packaging (100) according to claim 2,   characterized in that   the free end (210a) extends over an outside surface (1a1) of the outer packaging (1a).
4. packaging (100) according to claim 2 or 3,   characterized in that   the free end (210a) is releasably adhered onto the outer packaging surface (1a1), said free end (210a) being releasable from the outer packaging surface (1a1) by using mechanical pulling force, in particular by the user’s hand, so that the free end (210a) is graspable by the user’s hand.
5. packaging (100) according to at least one of the claims 2 to 4,   characterized in that   an adhesive is arranged onto the free end (210a) and/or onto the outside surface (1a1) of the outer packaging to maintain the free end (210a) onto the outer packaging surface (1a1) before first opening of the packaging, said adhesive be ing configured for the free end (210a) to be detachable manually by a user.
6. packaging (100) according to at least one of the claims 2 to 5,   characterized in that   the outer packaging (1a) has at least one opening (23a) in one of its walls through which the free end (210a) is protruding outwards to the outside of the packaging (100).
7. packaging (100) according to claim 6,   characterized in that the opening is being a slit or a hole within a bottom part (1a2), and in particular within a side wall of the bottom part (1a2), of the outer packaging (1 a).
8. packaging (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the tear tape (21a) is arranged within an opening end of the closing flap (20a) at tached to a front surface of the inner packaging (2a) and is detachable from said opening end of the closing flap (20a) along a first and a second perforation line extending over a full width of the opening end of the closing flap (20a).
9. packaging (100) according to claim 8,   characterized in that   the tear tape is arranged within a portion of the opening end that is not attached to the front surface of the inner packaging (2a) such that upon tearing of the tear tape (21 a) a free opening tab of the closing flap (20a) is formed that can be grasped by a user to move the closing flap (20a) from the closed to the open po sition thereof.
10. packaging (100) according to any preceding claim,   characterized in that   the closing flap (20a) comprises a resealable adhesive arranged on an inner sur face of the closing flap (20a) facing a surface of the inner packaging so as to al low a resealable closure of the closing flap (20a) about the top opening.
11. packaging (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the tear tape (21a) reaches under the split between the bottom part (1 a2) and a top part (1a3), in particular the top part (1a3) being the flap lock (10a).
12. packaging (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the closing flap (20a) comprises a metalized foil material.
13. packaging (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that   the inner packaging (2a) is made of a foil-type material.
14. packaging (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the outer packaging (1a) is made of a carton-type, paper-type and/or cardboard- type material.


Abstract: [en] the invention relates to a packaging for housing a product with a container and a lid via which an inner volume of the packaging is accessible. the lid is hingedly connected to the container about a hinge line, which is arranged between a container rear wall and a lid rear wall, wherein a container side wall and a lid side wall as well as a container front wall and a lid front wall are separated from each other by a split. a strip is arranged inside the packaging on a surface of the container and a surface of the lid partially covering the split.

[en]       claims   1. packaging (10) for housing a product with a container (20) and a lid (30) via which an inner volume of the packaging is accessible, the lid (30) being hingedly connected to the container (20) about a hinge line (40), which is arranged between a container rear wall (21) and a lid rear wall (31), wherein a container side wall (22a, 22b) and a lid side wall (32a, 32b) as well as a container front wall (23) and a lid front wall (33) are separated from each other by a split (50),   characterized in that   a strip (60) is arranged inside the packaging (10) on an inner surface (161) of the container side wall (22a, 22b) and an inner surface (171) of the lid side wall (32a, 32b) partially covering the split (50).
2. packaging (10) according to claim 1,   characterized in that   an inner frame (25) is arranged, preferably glued, at least partially on an inner surface (191) of the container front wall (23) and the inner surface (161) of the container side walls (22a, 22b), covering an inner surface (201) of the lid front wall (33) and the inner surface (171) of the lid side walls (32a, 32b) in a closed state of the packaging (10) at least partially, wherein the strip (60) is arranged between an outer surface (210) of the inner frame (25) and the inner surface (161) of the container side wall (22a, 22b).
3. packaging (10) according to claim 1 or 2,   characterized in that   a lid side flap (70) is at least partially arranged on the inner surface (171) of the lid side wall (32a, 32b), wherein the strip (60) is arranged between the inner surface (171) of the lid side wall (32) and an outer surface (150) of the lid side flap (70) or the strip (60) is arranged on an inner surface (151) of the lid side flap (70).
4. packaging (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the strip (60) is connected to the container (20) and the lid (30) by a glueing connection (61).
5. packaging (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the strip (60) comprises a perforation (80), wherein the perforation (80) is a perforation line dividing the strip (60) at least partially.
6. packaging (10) according to the preceding claim,   characterized in that   the perforation (80) and the covered split (50) are at least in sections parallel to each other.
7. packaging (10) according to claim 5 or 6,   characterized in that   the perforation (80) is positioned under or adjacent to the split (50).
8. packaging (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the strip (60) is completely breakable along the perforation (80) before or upon opening the packaging (10), in particular by mechanical force.
9. packaging (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the strip (60) is rectangular-, square-, ellipse- or circle-shaped.
10. packaging (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   a pre-cut (90) is provided on the container side wall (22a, 22b)or the lid side wall (32a, 32b), wherein the pre-cut (90) is positioned adjacent to the perforation (80) of the strip (60).
11. packaging (10) according to the preceding claim,   characterized in that the pre-cut (90) is at least partially moveable in the width direction (wd) or the heigth direction (ld) of the packaging (10) by using mechanical force, in particular by the user’s finger.
12. packaging (10) according to claim 10 or 11,   characterized in that   the pre-cut (90) is at least in sections parallel to the split (50) and/or the perforation (80).
13. packaging (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   an indication (100) is printed or arranged on an outer surface (160) of the container side wall (22a, 22b) and/or an outer surface (170) of the lid side wall (32a, 32b) or an outer surface (190) of the container front wall (23) and/or an outer surface (200) of the lid front wall (33) so that the indication (100) shows the position of the strip (60) and/or the perforation (80).
14. packaging (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the strip (60) has a thickness in a range between 0.01 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.


Abstract: [en] described herein is packaging (1000, 3000) for smoking articles (1100), the packaging (1000, 3000) being configured to transform between a flat configuration and a box configuration; wherein: the box configuration comprises a front wall (1120), a back wall (1130), a top wall (1140), a bottom wall (1150), a left side wall (1160) and a right side wall (1170), each wall being formed of at least one panel; and the left and right side walls (1160, 1170) are respectively formed of left and right side panels (1060, 1070) which overlie respective left and right edge portions (2031, 2032) of a back panel (1030) in the flat configuration, the left and right side panels (1060, 1070) configured to be pivoted inwards respectively from left and right edges (1033, 1034) of said back panel (1030) as part of a transformation from the flat configuration to the box configuration.

[en]       claims   1. packaging (1000, 3000) for smoking articles (1 100), the packaging (1000, 3000) being configured to transform between a flat configuration and a box configuration; wherein:   the box configuration comprises a front wall (1 120), a back wall (1 130), a top wall (1 140), a bottom wall (1 150), a left side wall (1 160) and a right side wall (1170), each wall being formed of at least one panel; and   the left and right side walls (1 160, 1170) are respectively formed of left and right side panels (1060, 1070) which overlie respective left and right edge portions (2031, 2032) of a back panel (1030) in the flat configuration, the left and right side panels (1060, 1070) configured to be pivoted inwards respectively from left and right edges (1033, 1034) of said back panel (1030) as part of a transformation from the flat configuration to the box configuration.
2. the packaging (1000, 3000) of claim 1, wherein, in the box configuration, the left and right side walls (1160, 1 170) are inwardly spaced from respective left and right edges (1 123, 1 124, 1 133, 1 134, 1 143, 1 144, 1153, 1154) of each of the front, back, top and bottom walls (1120, 1130, 1 140, 1 150).
3. the packaging (1000, 3000) of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the front wall (1120) is formed of two overlapping front panels (1021, 1022).
4. the packaging (1000, 3000) of claim 3, wherein the two overlapping front panels (1021, 1022) comprise securing means (2081, 2082) configured to hold the packaging closed in the box configuration.
5. the packaging (1000, 3000) of claim 4, wherein the securing means (2081, 2082) comprise magnets.
6. the packaging (1000, 3000) of any preceding claim, formed of card.
7. a method (4000) of packaging smoking articles, the method (4000) comprising: with the packaging (1000, 3000) of any preceding claim in the flat configuration, placing (4100) smoking articles (1 100) on a medial portion (1035, 3035) of the back panel (1030) intermediate the left and right edge portions (2031, 2032); and   transforming (4200) the packaging (1000, 3000) into the box configuration by pivoting (4210) the left and right side panels (1060, 1070) inwards towards the smoking articles (1 100) and wrapping (4220) the bottom, top and front panels (3050, 3040, 1021, 1022, 3021, 3022) around the smoking articles (1 100) such that they are enclosed by the front, back, top, bottom, left side and right side walls (1 120, 1 130, 1 140, 1 150, 1160, 1 170).
8. a blank (2000) for forming the packaging (1000, 3000) of any of claims 1 to 6, the blank (2000) comprising a top front panel (2021), a back panel (2030), a top panel (2040), a bottom panel (2050), a left side panel (2060), a right side panel (2070), a left back flap (2061) and a right back flap (2071); wherein:   the top front panel (2021) is articulated along a first fold line (2201) to the top panel (2040), the top panel (2040) is articulated along a second fold line (2202) to the back panel (2030), the back panel (2030) is articulated along a third fold line (2203) to the bottom panel (2050) and the first to third fold lines (2201, 2202, 2203) are all parallel to one another;   the left side panel (2060) is articulated along a fourth fold line (2204) to the left back flap (2061), the left back flap (2061) is articulated along a fifth fold line (2205) to the back panel (2030), the back panel (2030) is articulated along a sixth fold line (2206) to the right back flap (2071), the right side panel (2070) is articulated along a seventh fold line (2207) to the right back flap (2071) and the fourth to seventh fold lines (2204, 2205, 2206, 2207) are all parallel to one another and perpendicular to the first fold line (2201).
9. the blank (2000) of claim 8, further comprising a left top flap (2062), a left top tab (2063), a left bottom flap (2064), a left bottom tab (2065), a right top flap (2072), a right top tab (2073), a right bottom flap (2074) and a right bottom tab (2075); wherein:   the left top tab (2063) is articulated along an eight fold line (2208) to the left top flap (2062), the left top flap (2062) is articulated along a ninth fold line (2209) to the left side panel (2060), the left side panel (2060) is articulated along a tenth fold line (2210) to the left bottom flap (2064), the left bottom flap (2064) is articulated along an eleventh fold line (221 1) to the left bottom tab (2065) and the ninth and tenth fold lines (2209, 2210) are both parallel to the first fold line (2201);   the right top tab (2073) is articulated along a twelfth fold line (2212) to the right top flap (2072), the right top flap (2072) is articulated along a thirteenth fold line (2213) to the right side panel (2070), the right side panel (2070) is articulated along a fourteenth fold line (2214) to the right bottom flap (2074), the right bottom flap (2074) is articulated along a fifteenth fold line (2215) to the right bottom tab (2075) and the thirteenth and fourteenth fold lines (2213, 2214) are both parallel to the first fold line (2201);   the eighth fold line (2208) is at an acute angle to the ninth fold line (2209) and parallel to the fifteenth fold line (2215); and   the eleventh fold line (2211) is at an acute angle to the tenth fold line (2210) and parallel to the twelfth fold line (2212).
10. the blank (2000) of either of claims 8 or 9, further comprising a bottom front panel (2022) articulated along a sixteenth fold line (2216) to the bottom panel (2050), the sixteenth fold line (2216) being parallel to the first fold line (2201).
11. the blank (2000) of any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a top front flap (2023) articulated along a seventeenth fold line (2217) to the top front panel (2021), the seventeenth fold line (2217) being parallel to the first fold line (2201).
12. the blank (2000) of claim 10, or claim 11 as dependent thereon, further comprising a bottom front flap (2024) articulated along an eighteenth fold line (2218) to the bottom front panel (2022), the eighteenth fold line (2218) being parallel to the first fold line (2201).
13. the blank (2000) of claim 12, as dependent on claim 1 1, as indirectly dependent on claim 5, wherein: the top front flap (2023) or top front panel (2021) comprise one or more top magnets (2081);   the bottom front flap (2022) or bottom front panel (2022) comprise one or more bottom magnets (2082); and   the top and bottom magnets (2081, 2082) are arranged such that they cooperate with one another to hold the packaging (1000, 3000) closed when the blank (2000) is formed into the packaging (1000, 3000) in its box configuration.
14. the blank of any of claims 8 to 13, further comprising:   a left side flap (2066) articulated along a nineteenth fold line (2219) to the left side panel (2060); and   a right side flap (2076) articulated along a twentieth fold line (2220) to the right side panel (2070);   the nineteenth and twentieth fold lines (2219, 2220) both being perpendicular to the first fold line (2201).
15. a method (5000) of making the packaging (1000, 3000) of any of claims 1 to 6, the method (5000) comprising folding (5300) the blank (2000) of any of claims 8 to 14.


Abstract: [en] a holder 8 is disclosed comprising a mouthpiece end 10 and an aerosol generating device end 12 for accommodating an aerosol generating device 2, such as a smoking article. the holder 8 has a longitudinal fold line 14 about which first and second holder portions 18, 20 of the holder can be folded between an unassembled configuration and an assembled configuration. in the assembled configuration longitudinal free edges 19, 21 of the first and second holder portions are joined together to accommodate the aerosol generating device 2 and to provide an airflow channel that extends from the mouthpiece end 10 to the aerosol generating device end 12.

[en] 1. a holder for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a first holder portion and a second holder portion pivotally arranged about a fold line;each of the first and second holder portions extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the fold line and comprising a mouthpiece end, an aerosol generating device end and a longitudinal free edge;wherein the holder can be folded about the fold line between an unassembled configuration and an assembled configuration, wherein in the assembled configuration the longitudinal free edges of the first and second holder portions are joined together to accommodate the aerosol generating device and to provide an airflow channel that extends from the mouthpiece end to the aerosol generating device end.
2. the holder of claim 1, wherein the fold line is provided centrally between the first and second holder portions.
3. the holder of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the holder is made of a paper material.
4. the holder of claim 3, wherein the holder is injection moulded.
5. the holder of any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the mouthpiece end has a non-circular cross-sectional shape with a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the major axis is longer than the minor axis.
6. the holder of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance from the mouthpiece end to the aerosol generating device end is at least 20mm, and preferably at least 25mm.
7. the holder of any of the preceding claims wherein a connection mechanism is provided on each longitudinal free edge so that the longitudinal free edges can be joined together in the assembled configuration.
8. the holder of claim 7, wherein the connection mechanism comprises a flap or a hook.
9. a plurality of the holders of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of smoking article holders are nested together in their unassembled configurations.
10. a container comprising: a first compartment for accommodating a plurality of aerosol generating devices; anda second compartment for accommodating the holder or any of claims 1 to 8.


Abstract: [en] smoking article (10) with a filter segment (2) and an aerosol generating segment (4) contain-ing tobacco. according to the invention the smoking article (10) comprises an electronic flavor releaser (6), which allows the release of flavors, wherein the electronic flavor releaser (6) also allows the passage of a main stream smoke arising from the aerosol generating segment (4) and wherein the flavor releaser (6) is inserted inside the filter section (2) or adjacent to the filter section (2).

[en]       smoking article with electronic flavor releaser   patent claims   1. a smoking article (10) with a filter segment (2) and an aerosol generating segment (4) aerosol generating material, preferably comprising tobacco,   characterized in that   the smoking article (10) comprises an electronic flavor releaser (6), which allows the release of flavors, wherein the electronic flavor releaser (6) also allows the passage of an aerosol arising from the aerosol generating segment (4) and wherein the flavor releaser (6) is inserted inside the filter segment (2) or adjacent to the filter segment (2).
2. smoking article (10) according to claim 1,   characterized in that   the flavor releaser comprises an activator (62) that allows a user to activate and/or deactivate the flavor releaser (6).
3. smoking article (10) according to the claim 1 or 2,   characterized in that   the activator comprises a switch, which can be manually actuated, wherein this switch is arranged on an outer circumference of the smoking article (10)
4. smoking article (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the flavor releaser comprises a first atomizer (64) and especially an electrically pow ered atomizer (64).
5. smoking article (10) according to the preceding claim,   characterized in that   the flavor releaser comprises an energy storage and especially a battery (32).
6. smoking article (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the smoking article comprises a flow sensor (66).
7. smoking article (10) according to the preceding claim   characterized in that   the atomizer (64) is controlled by the flow sensor.
8. smoking article (10) according to claim 4,   characterized in that   the flavor releaser (6) comprises a second atomizer (68).
9. smoking article (10) according to the preceding claim,   characterized in that   the first atomizer (64) and the second atomizer (68) can be selectively activated.
10. smoking article (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the smoking article (10) comprises at least one indicator (8) to indicate a state of the releaser (6).
11. smoking article according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the filter segment comprises filter material arranged at least at a mouth end, the elec tronic flavor releaser being arranged between said aerosol generating segment and said mouth end section.
12. smoking article according to claim 1 1,   characterized in that   said filter material at the mouth end has a tubular shape.
13. smoking article (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the smoking article (10) comprises two protection elements (36, 38) wherein the fla vor releaser is located between these two protection elements.
14. smoking article (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that   the flavor releaser has a cylindrical shape and especially a regular cylindrical shape.
15. electronic flavor releaser for a smoking article, configured to allow the release of fla vors within an aerosol stream circulated from an inlet of the electronic flavor releaser to an outlet thereof,   characterized in that   the flavor releaser comprises an activator that allows a user to activate and/or deacti vate the flavor releaser, wherein the activator comprises a switch which can be manu ally actuated.


Abstract: [en] a hygiene sleeve (8) for a mouthpiece (6) of an aerosol generating device (2), wherein said sleeve (8) extends along a longitudinal direction and is foldable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration in a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction, the sleeve (8) comprising: a first sleeve end (12) for receiving the mouthpiece (6); a second sleeve end (10), which is a mouth end; a single projection (22) that extends, in both collapsed and extended configuration from an internal surface of the sleeve (8) to an opposite surface thereof and wherein the projection comprises a first projection end (24) which is spaced away from the sleeve end (12) by a predetermined distance to allow insertion of said mouthpiece (6) into the sleeve (8) at the first end (12) by the predetermined distance whereupon it abuts the projection (22), and wherein the projection (22) extends from the first projection end (24) to a second projection end (26) along a length of the sleeve (8), the distance between said first and second projection ends (24, 26) being at least 20mm.

[en]       claims   1. a hygiene sleeve (8) for a mouthpiece (6) of an aerosol generating device (2), wherein said sleeve (8) extends along a longitudinal direction and is foldable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration in a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction,   characterized in that the sleeve (8) comprises:   a first sleeve end (12) for receiving the mouthpiece (6);   a second sleeve end (10), which is a mouth end;   a single projection (22) that extends, in both collapsed and extended configuration from an internal surface of the sleeve (8) to an opposite surface thereof and   in that the projection comprises a first projection end (24) which is spaced away from the sleeve end (12) by a predetermined distance to allow insertion of said mouthpiece (6) into the sleeve (8) at the first end (12) by the predetermined distance whereupon it abuts the projection (22), and in that the projection (22) extends from the first projection end (24) to a second projection end (26) along a length of the sleeve (8), the distance between said first and second projection ends (24, 26) being at least 20mm.
2. the sleeve of claim 1, comprising two longitudinal fold lines (14, 16) which are diametrically opposed to one another to allow the sleeve (8) to be folded from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration.
3. the sleeve of claim 2, wherein the projection (22) extends substantially from one fold line towards the other in the extended configuration.
4. the sleeve of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the projection (22) is attached to the inner surface substantially at the location of one of the fold lines.
5. the sleeve of any of the preceding claims, wherein the second projection end (26) is arranged substantially in the same plane as the mouthpiece end of the sleeve (12).
6. the sleeve of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the projection (22) has a width of at least half a width of the sleeve (8) between the longitudinal fold lines (14, 16).
7. the sleeve of any of the preceding claims, comprising card, moulded paper foam or a combination thereof.
8. the sleeve of any of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (22) comprises a rigid paper or card material.
9. the sleeve of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (8) is made from a single blank.
10. the sleeve of any of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (22) comprises a first projection panel (32) and a second projection panel (34) glued together.
 1 1. the sleeve of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (8) is provided with a scented and/or flavoured coating.
12. a pair of hygiene sleeves, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the pair of sleeves are joined by a line of weakening (42) and can be separated from one another along that line of weakening.
13. a blank for making a hygiene sleeve, the blank comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising:   a first side panel (18) having a first edge along a first fold line (14) and a second edge along a second fold line (16);   a second side panel (20) having a first edge along the second fold line (16) and a second edge along a third fold line (14);   a first projection panel (32) arranged along a first portion of the first edge of the first side panel (18) on the other side of the first fold line (14) from the first side panel (18); and   a second projection panel (34) arranged along a first portion of the second edge of the second side panel (20) on the other side of the third fold line (14) from the second side panel (20), wherein the first projection panel (32) and the second projection panel (34) are configured to be joined together in order to form an internal projection (22) in the hygiene sleeve (8), where the internal projection (22) is spaced away from an end (12) of the hygiene sleeve (8) by a predetermined distance to allow insertion of a mouthpiece (6) of an aerosol generating device (2) into the hygiene sleeve (8) at the end by the predetermined distance whereupon it abuts the internal projection (22).
14. the blank of claim 13 further comprising an additional panel (36) axially displaced from the first projection panel (32), the additional panel (36) providing a means for joining a second portion of the first edge of the first side panel (18) and a second portion of the second edge of the second side panel (20).


Abstract: [en] the present invention pertains to a handheld printer (10) comprising a housing body (1)a feed channel (3) formed within the housing body (1), the feed channel (3) having an inlet opening (3a) in a side wall of the housing body (1) for inserting an object (p) to be imprinted into the feed channel (3), and at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) arranged within a first inner wall of the feed channel (3) in the housing body (1) and having a printhead configured to print onto an object (p) to be imprinted fed to the feed channel (3). the handheld printer (10) further includes a spitting and wiping unit (30) having at least one spittoon (31) configured to collect spat out ink from the printhead and at least one wiping blade (35) configured to wipe the printhead, the at least one spittoon (31) and the at least one wiping blade (35) being mounted on a supporting rack (32), the supporting rack (32) being movable along two rack guiding rails (37) underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).

[en]       claims   1. a handheld printer (10), comprising:   a housing body (1);   a feed channel (3) formed within the housing body (1), the feed channel (3) having an inlet opening (3a) in a side wall of the housing body (1) for inserting an object (p) to be imprinted into the feed channel (3);   at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) arranged within a first inner wall of the feed channel (3) in the housing body (1) and having a printhead configured to print onto an object (p) to be imprinted fed to the feed channel (3),   the handheld printer (10) being characterized by   a spitting and wiping unit (30) having at least one spittoon (31) configured to collect spat out ink from the printhead and at least one wiping blade (35) configured to wipe the printhead, the at least one spittoon (31) and the at least one wiping blade (35) being mounted on a supporting rack (32), the supporting rack (32) being movable along two rack guiding rails (37) underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
2. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one conveying device (9) arranged in the feed channel (3) and configured to convey an object (p) to be imprinted by the handheld printer (10) within the feed channel (3) from the inlet opening (3a) to a position underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
3. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one conveying device (9) comprises a resiliently biased pressure roller configured to press against the object (p) to be imprinted fed through the feed channel (3).
4. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one conveying device (9) comprises a sliding carriage configured to receive the object (p) to be imprinted, the sliding carriage being guided along carriage guiding rails (9a) running within and parallel to the feed channel (3).
5. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 4, wherein the carriage guiding rails (9a) are running perpendicular to the rack guiding rails (37).
6. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, comprising a plurality of stationary first inkjet printing devices (6a), the plurality of stationary first inkjet printing devices (6a) being arranged in series within the first inner wall of the feed channel (3) in the housing body (1) and having printheads configured to print onto an object (p) to be imprinted fed to the feed channel (3) with staggered offsets along the extension of the feed channel (3).
7. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, further comprising a printer controller (7a) arranged within the housing body (1) coupled to the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a), the printer controller (7a) being configured to output printing control signals to the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
8. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one registration sensor configured to register a position of the object (p) to be imprinted within the feed channel (3).
9. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 8, when referring back to claim 7, wherein the printer controller (7a) is coupled to the at least one registration sensor and configured to control the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) on the basis of sensor signals generated by the at least one registration sensor.
10. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, further comprising a supporting rack drive having a rack drive motor (39a) coupled to a rack drive belt (38) via a rack drive shaft (39b), the rack drive belt (38) frictionally engaging with the supporting rack (32).
 1 1. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the supporting rack (32) includes two hanger brackets (33) having channels (34) formed therethrough, the two rack guiding rails (37) being in sliding engagement with the channels (34) of the two hanger brackets (33).
12. the handheld printer (10) according to claims 10 and 1 1, wherein at least one of the two hanger brackets (33) includes an angled belt clamping member (36), the angled belt clamping member (36) frictionally engaging with the rack drive belt (38).
13. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one wiping blade (35) is an elastomeric wiper configured to slidingly engage and wipe an ink nozzle orifice of the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) in order to remove accumulated dust, debris and ink residues.
14. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one spittoon (31) includes an ink storage reservoir configured to be coupled to vacuum pump, the vacuum pump being configured to remove ink out of the ink storage reservoir by means of negative pressure applied to the ink storage reservoir.
15. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 14, further comprising a capping unit (20) having at least one protective cover (22) configured to sealingly enclose a printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) during non-use, the at least one protective cover (22) being mounted on a capping unit supporting rack (23) which is movable towards and away from the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
16. a handheld printer (10), comprising:   a housing body (1);   a feed channel (3) formed within the housing body (1), the feed channel (3) having an inlet opening (3a) in a side wall of the housing body (1) for inserting an object (p) to be imprinted into the feed channel (3);   at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) arranged within a first inner wall of the feed channel (3) in the housing body (1) and having a printhead configured to print onto an object (p) to be imprinted fed to the feed channel (3),   the handheld printer (10) being characterized by a capping unit (20) having at least one protective cover (22) configured to sealingly enclose a printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) during non-use, the at least one protective cover (22) being mounted on a supporting rack (23) which is movable towards and away from the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
17. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 16, further comprising at least one conveying device (9) arranged in the feed channel (3) and configured to convey an object (p) to be imprinted by the handheld printer (10) within the feed channel (3) from the inlet opening (3a) to a position underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
18. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 17, wherein the at least one conveying device (9) comprises a resiliently biased pressure roller configured to press against the object (p) to be imprinted fed within the feed channel (3).
19. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 17, wherein the at least one conveying device (9) comprises a sliding carriage configured to receive the object (p) to be imprinted, the sliding carriage being guided along carriage guiding rails (9a) running within and parallel to the feed channel (3).
20. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 19, wherein the carriage guiding rails (9a) are running perpendicular to direction of movement of the supporting rack (23).
21. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 16 to 20, comprising a plurality of stationary first inkjet printing devices (6a), the plurality of stationary first inkjet printing devices (6a) being arranged in series within the first inner wall of the feed channel (3) in the housing body (1) and having printheads configured to print onto an object (p) to be imprinted fed to the feed channel (3) with staggered offsets along the extension of the feed channel (3).
22. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 16 to 21, further comprising a printer controller (7a) arranged within the housing body (1) coupled to the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a), the printer controller (7a) being configured to output printing control signals to the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
23. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 16 to 22, further comprising at least one registration sensor configured to register a position of the object (p) to be imprinted within the feed channel (3).
24. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 23, when referring back to claim 22, wherein the printer controller (7a) is coupled to the at least one registration sensor and configured to control the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) on the basis of sensor signals generated by the at least one registration sensor.
25. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 16 to 24, further comprising a scissor lift (21), the supporting rack (23) forming the scissor lift table.
26. the handheld printer (10) according to claim 25, further comprising a lift drive having a lift drive stepper motor (24) coupled to at least one scissor arm of the scissor lift (21) via a lift drive shaft (25), the scissor lift (21) being configured to move the supporting rack (23) towards and away from the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
27. the handheld printer (10) according to one of the claims 16 to 26, further comprising a spitting and wiping unit (30) having at least one spittoon (31) configured to collect spat out ink from the printhead and at least one wiping blade (35) configured to wipe the printhead, the at least one spittoon (31) and the at least one wiping blade (35) being mounted on a spitting and wiping unit supporting rack (32), the spitting and wiping unit supporting rack (32) being movable along two rack guiding rails (37) underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
28. a method (m) of obtaining a personalised consumer goods package (p), comprising the steps of: inserting (m1) a consumer goods package (p) to be imprinted into an inlet of a feed channel (3) formed within a housing body (1) of a handheld printer (10), the handheld printer (10) having at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) with a printhead arranged within a first inner wall of the feed channel (3) in the housing body (1);   moving (m2) a capping unit (20) having at least one protective cover (22) sealingly enclosing the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) away from the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a); moving (m3) a spitting and wiping unit (30) mounted on a supporting rack (32) along two rack guiding rails (37) underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a);   wiping (m4) the printhead using at least one wiping blade (35) of the spitting and wiping unit (30);   collecting (m5) spat out ink from the printhead using at least one spittoon (31) of the spitting and wiping unit (30);   moving (m6) the spitting and wiping unit (30) away from underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a);   conveying (m7) the consumer goods package (p) to be imprinted by the handheld printer (10) within the feed channel (3) from the inlet opening (3a) to a position underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a); and   imprinting (m8) at least one surface of the consumer goods package (p) with the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a).
29. the method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of:   conveying (m9) the imprinted consumer goods package (p) within the feed channel (3) from the position underneath the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) back to the inlet opening (3a); and   retrieving (m10) the imprinted consumer goods package (p) from the inlet opening of the feed channel (3).
30. the method of claim 29, further comprising the step of: moving (m1 1) the capping unit (20) towards the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) and having the at least one protective cover (22) sealingly enclose the printhead of the at least one stationary first inkjet printing device (6a) again.


Abstract: [en] the invention relates to moisture adjusting device (1), wherein the moisture adjusting device comprises at least one liquid (2), at least one liquid storage (4), in which the liquid (2) is storable, and at least one liquid diffusor (6), which releases the liquid (2) at a controllable rate into the surrounding (8) of the moisture adjusting device (1), wherein the liquid (2) is transferrable from the liquid storage (4) to the liquid diffusor (6), wherein the moisture adjusting device (1) is replaceably insertable into a smoking articles package containing at least one smoking article (12). t he moisture adjusting device (1) has a cylindrical shape of a smoking article (12). the invention also relates to a method for diffusing a liquid (2) in a smoking articles package with a moisture adjusting device (1).

[en]       claims   1. moisture adjusting device (1), comprising at least one liquid storage (4), in which at least one liquid (2), is stored, and at least one liquid diffusor (6), which releases the liquid (2) at a controllable rate into the surrounding (8) of the moisture adjusting device (1), wherein the liquid (2) is transferrable from the liquid storage (4) to the liquid diffusor (6) upon pressurization of the liquid storage (4) by application of a force (18) directed to the inner volume (13) of the liquid storage (4), wherein the moisture adjusting device (1) is replaceably insertable into a smoking articles package (10) containing at least one smoking article (12) characterized in that,   the liquid storage (4) has a cylindrical shape having opposite base areas (16) and com prises at least one outlet (14) located on one of the cylinder’s base areas (16), through which the liquid (2) is releasable from the inside of the liquid storage (4) to its outside and in that   the liquid diffusor (6) is positioned directly next to the outlet (14) of the liquid storage (4), wherein the liquid (2) is absorbable into the liquid diffusor (6) when exiting the liquid storage (4).
2. moisture adjusting device (1) according to claim 1,   characterized in that,   the moisture adjusting device (1) and/or liquid storage (4) and/or liquid diffusor (6) con sist of a natural material.
3. moisture adjusting device (1) according to claim 1,   characterized in that,   the at least one outlet (14) is constructed as a valve, through which the liquid (2) is releasable from the inside of the liquid storage (4) to its outside.
4. moisture adjusting device (1) according to any of claims 1-3,   characterized in that,   the liquid storage (4) is a squeezable capsule.
5. moisture adjusting device (1) according to any preceding claim,   characterized in that,   the moisture adjusting device (1) comprises two or more liquid storages (4) each con taining a liquid (2) wherein the liquids (2) are individually releasable into the at least one diffusor (6).
6. moisture adjusting device (1) according to any preceding claim,   characterized in that,   the moisture adjusting device (1) further comprises a wrapping (7), which is at least in part permeable for the liquid (2).
7. moisture adjusting device (1) according to any preceding claim,   characterized in that,   the liquid storages (4) and the liquid diffusors (6) are arranged alternately after one another along the longitudinal cylindrical axis (l) of the moisture adjusting device (1).
8. moisture adjusting device (1) according to any preceding claim,   characterized in that,   the liquid (2) is a moisturizing liquid and/or a liquid flavor.
9. moisture adjusting device (1) according to any preceding claim,   characterized in that,   the liquid diffusor (6) consists of a porous material.
10. moisture adjusting device according to any preceding claim,   characterized in that,   the liquid diffusor (6) is a cigarette filter rod part.
11. moisture adjusting device according to any preceding claim,   characterized in that,   the wrapping (7) comprises printed indications (20).
12. moisture adjusting device according to any preceding claims,   characterized in that,   it has a cylindrical shape of a smoking article.
13. method for diffusing a liquid (2) in a smoking articles package (10) with a moisture adjusting device (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the moisture adjust ing device (1) is replaceably insertable into a smoking articles package (10) containing at least one smoking article (12) and has a cylindrical shape of a smoking article (12), comprising the steps:   (a) applying a force (18) on the liquid storage (4) directed to the inner volume (13) of the liquid storage (4), which releases the liquid (2) from the liquid storage (4) and transfers it to the liquid diffusor (6);   (b) inserting the moisture adjusting device (1) into a smoking articles package (10);   (c) releasing the liquid (2) from the liquid diffusor (6) into the surrounding (8) of the moisture adjusting device (1).


Abstract: [en] packaging (1) is provided which comprises an inner packet part (150, 250) and an outer packet part (100, 200) which are movable relative to each other. the inner packet part can be moved from a closed position to an open position by a user. a locking element and an engagement portion are provided, which provide resistance to this movement, thereby ensuring that the packaging (1) does not open accidentally. furthermore, the locking element may provide a noise as it is received in one or both of the closed position and the open position.

[en]   claims   1. packaging, comprising: an outer packet part; an inner packet part disposed within the outer packet part, the inner packet part being movable relative to the outer packet part between a first position and a second position; and at least one locking mechanism comprising a locking element and an engagement portion, wherein the locking element projects from the inner packet part and the engagement portion protrudes from an internal surface of the outer packet part facing the inner packet part, wherein the locking element and the engagement portion are arranged such that movement of the inner packet part between the first position and the second position is effective to engage the locking element and the engagement portion at a first edge of the engagement portion and to subsequently disengage the locking element and the engagement portion at a second edge of the engagement portion.
2. packaging according to claim 1, wherein the locking element is concealed by the outer packet part in one or both of the first position and the second position.
3. packaging according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said locking element and said engagement portion are configured such that at least disengagement of said locking element and engagement portion generates a sound.
 4 packaging according to claim 3, wherein sound is generated by elastic release of said locking element from said engagement portion.
5. packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion comprises at least one engagement flap folded in position above an inner face of the outer packet part to form a raised portion on said inner surface, wherein a first edge of the engagement portion is formed by a fold of said engagement flap and a second edge is formed by a distal end of said engagement flap.
6. packaging according claim 5, further comprising a debossed region adjacent to said distal end of said engagement flap.
7. packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said locking element is cut from a corner portion of the inner packet part such that its distal edge projects from the inner packet part.
8. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second locking mechanism, wherein the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are disposed respectively on opposing sides of the packaging with regard to a median plane of said packaging.
9. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a restraining mechanism comprising a first restraining element and a second restraining element provided on opposing faces of the inner packet part and the outer packet part, wherein engagement of the first and second elements is effective to limit movement of the inner packet part relative to the outer packet part.
10. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer packet part comprises at least one opening or recess through which one can push or pull the inner packet part to initiate movement of the inner packet part relative to the outer packet part.   1 1.
 11.packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein longitudinal edges of the packaging when the inner packet part is in a closed position have a curved profile.
12. a blank for forming the inner packet part of any one of the preceding claims.
13. a blank for forming the outer packet part of any one of claims 1 to 1 1.
14. a method of forming a packaging according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: forming an inner packet part by folding the blank of claim 12, and forming an outer packet part by folding the blank of claim 13 around said inner packet part such that said inner part is in said first position when packaging is complete.


Abstract: [en] packaging (1) for smoking articles. the packaging comprises an outer packet (2) comprising a front wall (21) and a back wall (22) connected by at least a top wall (23), a bottom wall (24) and a side wall (25) to form a sleeve with at least one side-opening (26) opposite the side wall (25). an inner packet part (3) comprises a front wall (31) and a back wall (32) connected to each other by at least a bottom wall (33) and two opposite substantially parallel side walls (34, 35) to define an enclosure for housing a bundle of smoking articles (b), said enclosure having at least one top opening between said front, back and side walls, the inner packet part (3) being housed within the outer packet part (2) and being movable relative to the outer packet part through the at least one side-opening between a closed position, in which the inner packet part (3) is fully inserted in the outer packet part (2), and an open position, in which the inner packet part (3) is at least partly extracted from the outer packet part (2). the inner packet part (3) further comprises reinforcement means (4) configured to increase resistance of at least one of its front and back walls (31, 32) to compression forces (fc) having at least one component exerted perpendicularly towards said front and/or back walls (31, 32).

[en]   claims:   1. packaging (1) for smoking articles the packaging comprising: an outer packet part (2) comprising a front wall (21) and a back wall (22) connected by at least a top wall (23), a bottom wall (24) and a side wall (25) to form a sleeve with at least one side- opening (26) opposite the side wall (25); an inner packet part (3) comprising a front wall (31) and a back wall (32) connected to each other by at least a bottom wall (33) and two opposite substantially parallel side walls (34, 35) to define an enclosure for housing a bundle of smoking articles (b), said enclosure having at least one top opening between said front, back and side walls, the inner packet part (3) being housed within the outer packet part (2) and being movable relative to the outer packet part through the at least one side-opening between a closed position, in which the inner packet part (3) is fully inserted in the outer packet part (2), and an open position, in which the inner packet part (3) is at least partly extracted from the outer packet part (2), wherein the inner packet part (3) further comprises reinforcement means (4) configured to increase resistance of at least one of its front and back walls (31, 32) to compression forces (fc) having at least one component exerted perpendicularly towards said front and/or back walls (31, 32).
2. packaging according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement means (4) comprises at least one reinforcement plate abutting at least one of said front and back walls (31, 32).
3. packaging according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the reinforcement means (4) is applied inside the inner packet part against one of said front and back walls (31, 32) at least.
4. packaging according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcement means (4) is applied against a top part of one of said front and back walls (31, 32) at least.
5. packaging according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcement means (4) is further configured to improve resistance to compression forces (fc) at least one of the corners between at least one of said front and back walls (31, 32) and at least one of said side walls of the inner packet part.
6. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement means (4) extends against at least one of said side walls of the inner packet part.
7. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement means (4) is attached against one of said front and back walls (31, 32) at least.
8. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement means (4) comprises at least one counter panel folded against at least one of said front and back walls (31, 32) along a hinge line at a top end thereof, said hinge line forming, at least partly, a side of said top opening.
9. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement means (4) is positioned against both of said front and back walls (31, 32) and further against at least one of said side wall and is attached thereto.
10. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement means (4) is made of a same material as the inner packet part, preferably of cardboard.
 1 1. a method for making a packaging according to any of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the steps of: forming an inner packet part comprising front and back walls (31, 32) connected in a spaced relationship by at least a bottom wall (33) and two opposite side walls (34, 35) by folding and gluing of a first blank comprising: first and second main panels for forming said front and back walls, a connection panel attached along folding lines to a bottom side of said first and second main panels to form said bottom wall, side counter-panels attached along folding lines on longitudinal sides of the first and second main panels, side counter-panels of the first and second main panels being superimposed and glued to form the side walls of the inner packet part and define an enclosure having at least one top opening (o) for housing a smoking article bundle (b); forming an outer packet part (2) comprising front and back walls (21, 22) connected by at least top and bottom walls (23, 24) by folding and gluing of a second blank comprising: first and second main panels for forming said front and back walls (21, 22), a connection panel attached along folding lines to a longitudinal side of said first and second main panels to form said side wall (25), top counter-panels attached along folding lines on top sides of the first and second main panels, bottom counter-panels attached along folding lines on bottom sides of the first and second main panels, top and bottom counter-panels of the first and second main panels being respectively superimposed and glued to each other form the top and bottom walls of the outer packet part and form a sleeve with at least one side-opening (26) opposite the side wall (25); inserting the inner packet part in the outer packet part such that it is movable relative to the outer packet part through the at least one side- opening between a closed position and an open position, wherein the method further comprises the step of: providing reinforcement means (4) for the inner packet part, the reinforcement means being configured to increase resistance of at least one of the inner packet part front and back walls (31, 32) to compression forces (fc) having at least one component exerted perpendicularly towards said front and/or back walls (31, 32).
12. method according to claim 1 1, wherein the step of providing the reinforcing part comprises attaching at least one reinforcement plate to one of said front and back walls (31, 32) at least.
13. method according to claims 1 1 or 12, wherein before or during the step of forming the inner packet part the method comprises the step of attaching the reinforcement means to at least one of the first and second main panels of the first blank.
14. method according to any of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the step of forming the inner packet part comprises folding and gluing said first blank about a wrapped smoking article bundle to house said bundle in the enclosure of said inner packet part and wherein the step of providing the reinforcing part comprises positioning, and attaching, said reinforcement means to the wrapped smoking article bundle before the step of forming the inner packet part.
15. method according to claim 14, wherein the steps of forming the outer packet part and inserting the inner packet part are simultaneous by folding and gluing said second blank about the inner packet part containing the wrapped smoking articles bundle formed in the inner packet part forming step.


Abstract: [en] a method of drying cigars during their manufacture comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of tobacco rods; arranging the plurality of tobacco rods in a continuous layer; and applying a radio frequency, rf, radiation to the plurality of arranged tobacco rods having a first moisture level to thereby heat the tobacco rods at a temperature within the range of 190 degrees - 212 degrees fahrenheit and reduce the first moisture level.

[en] 1. a method of drying cigars during their manufacture, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of tobacco rods;arranging the plurality of tobacco rods in a continuous layer; andapplying a radio frequency, rf, radiation to the plurality of arranged tobacco rods having a first moisture level to thereby heat the tobacco rods at a temperature within the range of 190 degrees - 212 degrees fahrenheit and reduce the first moisture level.
2. a method of drying cigars during their manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the rf radiation has a frequency range of 30 khz to 0.3 ghz, preferably 13 to 40 mhz.
3. a method of drying cigars during their manufacture according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the layer is a stack comprising at least one row of parallel tobacco rods, preferably up to five rows of parallel tobacco rods.
4. a method of drying cigars during their manufacture according to claim 1 to claim 3, further comprising, before the step of arranging the plurality of tobacco rods in a continuous layer, the step of wrapping each tobacco rod in tobacco leaf.
5. a method of drying cigars during their manufacture according to claim 1 to claim 3, further comprising the step of wrapping each tobacco rod in tobacco leaf.
6. a method of drying cigars during their manufacture according to claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising the step of pressing the wrapped tobacco rods to thereby obtain cigars.
7. a method of drying cigars during their manufacture according to claim 6, further comprising the step of cutting the cigars to a predetermined length.
8. a method of drying cigars during their manufacture according to claim 7, further comprising the step of applying a rf radiation to the cigars having a second moisture level to thereby reduce the second moisture level.
9. a method according to claim 8, wherein the second moisture level is between 14 and 18 percent by weight moisture, and wherein the second moisture level is reduced to approximately 12 to 13 percent by weight moisture, preferably to 12.5 percent by weight moisture.
10. a method according to any preceding claim, wherein the tobacco rods are heated at a temperature of 212 degrees fahrenheit
11. a method according to any preceding claim, wherein the rf radiation is applied at a power less than 25 kw, preferably between 4 and 25 kw.
12. a method according to any preceding claim, wherein the tobacco rods are heated in a time between 20 and 120 seconds.
13. a system for of drying cigars during their manufacture, the system comprising: means for providing a plurality of tobacco rods;means for arranging the plurality of tobacco rods in a continuous layer; anda rf dryer adapted, in use, to apply radiation to the plurality of arranged tobacco rods having a first moisture level to thereby heat the tobacco rods at a temperature within the range of 190 degrees -212 degrees fahrenheit and reduce the first moisture level.


Abstract: [en] a heating system for an inhaler device, such as an e-cigarette or a personal vaporizer, for generating an aerosol and/or a vapor from a substance to be heated includes at least one supply channel for conveying a substance to be heated, especially a liquid solution or a gel, from a supply reservoir by or under capillary action or surface tension forces, and a heater configured to heat the substance as it is conveyed through the at least one channel.

[en] 1. a heating system for an inhaler device for generating an aerosol and/or a vapor from a substance to be heated, the system comprising: at least one supply channel for conveying a substance to be heated from a supply reservoir under capillary action or surface tension forces within the at least one channel; andheating means configured to heat the substance as it is conveyed through the at least one channel.
2. the heating system of claim 1, wherein the heating means comprises at least one first heating element provided within the supply channel, the first heating element preferably extending along a length of the supply channel.
3. the heating system of claim 2, wherein the at least one first heating element includes one or more of an electrically conductive wire, strip, foil, or conductive coating in the at least one supply channel; the foil or conductive coating preferably forming a layer or coating on an inner surface of the at least one supply channel.
4. the heating system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of supply channels for conveying the substance to be heated under capillary action or surface tension forces; wherein the heating means is configured to heat the substance as it is conveyed through each supply channel; and wherein the plurality of supply channels and the heating means together define a first heating zone for the substance to be heated.
5. the heating system of claim 1, wherein the at least one supply channel is formed in a periphery of, and/or through, a body member which separates the supply reservoir from a vapor chamber from which the aerosol and/or vapor is inhaled.
6. the heating system of claim 5, wherein the heating elements are interconnected by electrically conductive bridge elements provided in or on the said body member.
7. the heating system of claim 5, wherein the body member separates the supply reservoir from a second heating zone for vaporization of the substance; wherein the at least one supply channel is configured to convey the substance to the second heating zone and preferably extends axially of the body member.
8. the heating system of claim 7, wherein the second heating zone includes one or more second heating cavity, and wherein at least one of the supply channels is in fluid communication with a respective second heating cavity.
9. the heating system of claim 1, wherein the at least one supply channel has a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm.
10. the heating system of claim 1, further comprising a housing that accommodates the supply reservoir for the substance to be heated, and a body member that separates the supply reservoir from a second heating zone and provides fluid communication there-between via the at least one supply channel.
11. the heating system of claim 1, further comprising a feed mechanism configured to deliver the substance to be heated from the supply reservoir; wherein the feed mechanism preferably generates fluid pressure in the supply reservoir.
12. an inhaler device, such as an electronic cigarette or a personal vaporizer, for producing aerosol and/or vapor from a substance to be heated, especially a liquid or a gel, wherein the inhaler device includes a heating system, the heating system comprising: at least one supply channel for conveying a substance to be heated from a supply reservoir under capillary action or surface tension forces within the at least one channel; andheating means configured to heat the substance as it is conveyed through the at least one channel.
13. a method of heating a substance, especially a liquid or gel, in an inhaler device, such as an e-cigarette or a personal vaporizer, the method comprising: conveying the substance to be heated from a supply reservoir through at least one supply channel by capillary action or surface tension forces;heating the substance in the at least one supply channel as the substance is conveyed there-through.
14. the method of claim 13, wherein the step of heating the substance is performed by one or more electrical heating element provided in each supply channel.
15. the method of claim 13, wherein the step of heating the substance in the at least one supply channel is carried out on a periodical or intermittent basis, desirably in a pulsed or alternating manner.