[en] packaging (1) is provided which comprises an inner packet part (150) and an outer packet part (100) which are movable relative to each other. the inner packet part (150) can be moved from a closed position to an open position by a user. a locking tab 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 tab 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 a locking mechanism comprising a locking tab and an engagement portion provided on opposing faces of the inner packet part and the outer packet part, wherein the locking tab and the engagement portion are arranged such that movement of the inner packet part from the first position to the second position is effective to rotate the at least one locking tab around a hinge from a first orientation to a second orientation through a perpendicular orientation in which the locking tab extends perpendicularly to the opposing faces.
2. packaging according to claim 1, wherein the locking tab 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, further comprising a second engagement portion arranged to engage with the at least one locking tab during movement of the inner packet part from the second position to the first position such that the locking tab is rotated around said hinge from the second orientation to the first orientation through the perpendicular orientation.
4. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking tab is arranged to generate a sound when the inner packet part reaches the first position or when the inner packet part reaches the second position.
5 packaging according to claim 4, wherein the locking tab is arranged to generate the sound by striking against one of the opposing faces of the inner packet part of the outer packet part.
6. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second locking mechanism, wherein the first locking mechanism is disposed on a first side of the packaging and the second locking mechanism is disposed on a second side of the packaging.
7. packaging according to claim 6, wherein the first and second sides of the packaging are opposing sides of the packaging.
8. packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a restraining mechanism arranged to limit movement of the inner packet part relative to the outer packet part.
9. packaging according to claim 8, wherein the restraining means comprises 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 through which one can push the inner packet part to initiate movement of the inner packet part relative to the outer packet part.
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 11.
14. a method of forming an inner packet part, comprising folding the blank of claim 12. a method of forming an outer packet part, comprising folding the blank of3.


[en] product for holding a tobacco material or substitute thereof including a body defining a storage environment, and an electronic device 100. the electronic device has input means 120 to generate an input signal from an external stimulus and output means 130 to generate an output signal in response to the input signal. at least the output means is arranged on a substrate 160, and a protective layer 400 is arranged to cover the substrate and output means, so as to prevent egression of compounds into the tobacco or substitute material, and yet allow transmission of the output signal. the package may further include a barrier layer 500 to cover the input means to prevent compounds escaping to the material, yet allow interaction with external stimulus to generate the input signal. the barrier may allow the passage of electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined frequency range therethrough. the electronic device may also include a power source 110. the holding product may be a pouch (figs 2/3). [en]   claims 1. a product for holding a tobacco material or a tobacco substitute material comprising a body defining a storage environment for holding a tobacco material or a tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device with: an input means to generate an input signal from an external stimulus; an output means to generate an output signal in response to the input signal; wherein at least the output means is arranged on a substrate; and wherein a protective layer is arranged to at least cover the substrate and the output means so as to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of the output signal.
2. product according to claim 1, further comprising a barrier layer arranged to cover the input means so as to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment, the barrier layer adapted to allow interaction of the input means with the external stimulus to generate the input signal.
3. product according to claim 2, wherein the barrier layer comprises at least one cut or opening.
4. product according to claim 3, wherein the barrier layer comprises a deformable region, the product further comprising an activation means adapted to cause deformation of the deformable region so as to selectively broaden the at least one cut or opening such that the input means are directly exposed to the external stimulus for a predefined time period, the cut or opening otherwise remaining closed so as to prevent direct exposure of the input means to the storage environment.
5. product according to claim 4, wherein the activation means is at least one of a piezoelectric element and a substantially flexible region of the substrate.
6. product according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the activation means include a user-actuatable switch.
7. product according to claim 2, wherein the barrier layer is a selective barrier. 20
8. product according to claim 7, wherein the selective barrier is configured to allow air through.
9. product according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the selective barrier is configured to prevent the passage of select compounds through the selective barrier into the storage environment.
10. product according to any of claims 7-9, wherein the selective barrier is configured to allow the passage of electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined frequency range.
11. product according to any of claims 2-10, wherein the barrier layer is a part of, integrally formed with or attached to the protective layer.
12. product according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the protective layer and the barrier layer is made of printable material.
13. product according to any preceding claim, wherein the input means comprises at least one of a wireless signal receiver and a sensor.
14. product according to any preceding claim, wherein the input means are arranged on the substrate.
15. product according to any preceding claim, wherein the substrate is substantially flexible.
16. product according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic device is an integrated electronic device.
17. product according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the input means and the output means is printed on the substrate.
18. product according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the protective layer and the barrier layer is laminated.
19. product according to any of claims 1-17, wherein at least one of the protective layer and the barrier layer is a varnish.
20. product according to any of claims 1-17, wherein the protective layer is a film sleeve material arranged to encapsulate at least the substrate and the output means.
21. product according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic device further comprises: a power source; digital processing means to process the input signal and deliver a command signal to the output means based at least in part on processing of the input signal; and circuitry connecting the power source, the input means, the output means and the digital processing means; wherein at least the power source, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry are arranged on the substrate; and wherein the protective layer is arranged to at least cover the substrate, the power source, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry so as to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of the output signal.
22. product according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the power source, the input means, the output means and the digital processing means is printed on the substrate.
23. product according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the protective layer is a film sleeve material arranged to encapsulate at least the substrate, the power source, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry.
24. a product for holding a tobacco material or a tobacco substitute material comprising a body defining a storage environment for holding a tobacco material or a tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device with: a power source; an input means to generate an input signal from an external stimulus; an output means to generate an output signal; digital processing means to process the input signal and deliver a command signal to the output means based at least in part on processing of the input signal; and circuitry connecting the power source, the input means, the output means and the digital processing means; wherein at least the power source, the input means, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry are arranged on a substrate; and wherein a protective layer is arranged to at least cover the substrate, the power source, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry so as to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of the output signal.
25. a product for holding a tobacco material or a tobacco substitute material comprising a body defining a storage environment for holding a tobacco material or a tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device with: a power source; an input means to generate an input signal from an external stimulus; an output means to generate an output signal; digital processing means to process the input signal and deliver a command signal to the output means based at least in part on processing of the input signal; and circuitry connecting the power source, the input means, the output means and the digital processing means; wherein at least the power source, the input means, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry are arranged on a substrate; and wherein a protective layer is arranged to at least cover the substrate, the power source, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry so as to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of the output signal; and wherein a barrier layer is arranged to cover the input means so as to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment, the barrier layer adapted to allow interaction of the input means with the external stimulus to generate the input signal.
26. a product for holding a tobacco material or a tobacco substitute material comprising a body defining a storage environment for holding a tobacco material or a tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device with: a power source; an input means to generate an input signal from an external stimulus; an output means to generate an output signal; digital processing means to process the input signal and deliver a command signal to the output means based at least in part on processing of the input signal; and circuitry connecting the power source, the input means, the output means and the digital processing means; wherein at least the power source, the input means, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry are arranged on a substrate; and wherein a protective layer is arranged to at least cover the substrate, the power source, the output means, the digital processing means and the circuitry so as to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of the output signal; and wherein a barrier layer is arranged to cover the input means so as to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment, the barrier layer adapted to allow interaction of the input means with the external stimulus to generate the input signal, the barrier layer comprising at least one cut or opening.


[en] there is provided a device for filling a tube for a smoking article with tobacco, the device comprising a hollow sheath and a screw-threaded tobacco driving mechanism, wherein the driving mechanism is arranged to draw, upon rotation in a first direction, tobacco in to the sheath, and wherein the sheath is arranged to fit within the mouth of a tube for a smoking article and the driving mechanism is further arranged to drive tobacco from the sheath in to the mouth of the tube in use when rotated in a second direction. [en] 1. a device for filling a tube for a smoking article with tobacco, the device comprising a hollow sheath and a screw-threaded tobacco driving mechanism, wherein the driving mechanism is arranged to draw, upon rotation in a first direction, tobacco in to the sheath, and wherein the sheath is arranged to fit within the mouth of a tube for a smoking article and the driving mechanism is further arranged to drive tobacco from the sheath in to the mouth of the tube in use when rotated in a second direction.
2. a device according to claim 1 wherein the sheath is cylindrical.
3. a device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the driving mechanism is removable from the sheath.
4. a device according to any of preceding claim wherein the driving mechanism has a handle which can be rotated to drive the driving mechanism in either of the first or second directions.
5. a device according to any preceding claim wherein the pitch and/or angle of inclination of the screw in the screw-threaded tobacco driving mechanism varies along the length of the screw-threaded tobacco driving mechanism in an axial direction.
6. a device according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the sheath can be varied.


[en] the invention provides a pack (12) for at least one consumer article, especially at least one electronic cigarette cartridge (14). the pack (12) comprises a container component (16) for accommodating a consumer article, a lid component (22) configured for assembly with the container component (16) for covering or closing an open side of the container component (16), and a latching mechanism for holding the lid component (22) in a latched state fixed on the container component (16). the latching mechanism includes first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) provided at opposite end regions or opposite side walls (20) of the container component (16) for resiliently engaging with complementary first latching elements (30a, 30b) provided on the lid component (22), wherein the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) are configured to be pressed towards one another to disengage the complementary first latching elements (30a, 30b) and release the latching mechanism in order to remove the lid component (22). [en] 1. a pack (12) for at least one consumer article, especially for at least one electronic cigarette cartridge (14), the pack (12) comprising: a container component (16) having a base (18) and one or more side walls (20), which together at least partially delimit at least one compartment for accommodating a consumer article;a lid component (22) configured for assembly with the container component (16) for covering or closing an open side of the container component (16); anda latching mechanism for holding the lid component (22) in a latched state fixed on the container component (16),wherein the latching mechanism comprises first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) provided at opposite end regions or opposite side walls of the container component (16) for resiliently engaging with complementary first latching elements (30a, 30b) provided on the lid component (22), wherein the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) are configured to be pressed towards one another to disengage the complementary first latching elements (30a, 30b) and release the latching mechanism in order to remove the lid component (22).
2. a pack (12) according to claim 1, wherein the first latching elements (30a, 30b) comprise openings or recesses formed in the lid component (22) into which the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) engage for holding the lid component (22) fixed covering the open side on the container component (16), and wherein the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) are retracted from the openings or recesses when the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) are pressed together.
3. a pack (12) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) comprise first resiliently flexible tongues or flaps which are formed in or cut out of the one or more side walls (20c, 20d) of the container component (16) at opposite sides or end regions thereof.
4. a pack (12) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) are cantilevered members fixed to or integrally formed with the one or more side walls (20) of the container component (16), or wherein the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) are slidable members displaceable with respect to the base (189 and/or one or more side walls (20) of the container component (16).
5. a pack (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a predefined portion of an outer surface of the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) is configured as a pressure region (34a, 34b) for pressing the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) together, and/or wherein a projecting element (36a, 36b) of each first resilient latching member (28a, 28b) is preferably configured to resiliently engage with the opening or recess of the respective complementary first latching element (30a, 30b) formed in the lid component (22) in the latched state.
6. a pack (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching mechanism includes second resilient latching members (42a, 42b) provided on the lid component (22) for resiliently engaging with complementary second latching elements (44a, 44b) provided on the container component (16), wherein the second resilient latching members (42a, 42b) are configured to be pressed towards one another to disengage the complementary second latching elements (44a, 44b) and release the latching mechanism in order to remove the lid component (22).
7. a pack (12) according to claim 6, wherein the second latching elements (44a, 44b) comprise openings or recesses formed in the container component (16) into which the second resilient latching members (42a, 42b) engage for holding the lid component (22) fixed covering the open side on the container component (16), and wherein the second resilient latching members (42a, 422b) are retracted from said openings or recesses when the second resilient latching members (42a, 42b) are pressed together.
8. a pack (12) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein each of the second resilient latching members (42a, 42b) comprise second resiliently flexible tongues or flaps which are formed in or cut from opposite side walls (26) of the lid component (22) or opposite end regions of its one or more side walls.
9. a pack (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between the first resilient latching members (28a, 28b) is in a range of 100 mm to 200 mm.
10. a pack (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container component (16) and the lid component (22) are sealed together hermetically before the container component (16) and the lid component (22) are disassembled for the first time.
11. a pack (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container component (16) is made of at least one material selected from a group consisting of: plastic, an elastic material, and cardboard.
12. a pack (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid component (22) is made of at least one material selected from a group consisting of: plastic, an elastic material, and cardboard.
13. an electronic cigarette cartridge product (10), comprising: a pack (12) according to any of the preceding claims; andat least one electronic cigarette cartridge (14) contained in at least one compartment of the pack (12).
14. an electronic cigarette cartridge product (10) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one electronic cigarette cartridge (14) is held in a mount within the at least one compartment.
15. an electronic cigarette cartridge product (10) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the pack (12) comprises at least two compartments, wherein an electronic cigarette cartridge (14) is contained within each respective compartment.


[en] the present invention provides a pack (12) for at least one consumer article, such as an electronic cigarette cartridge (16), the pack (10) comprising a base (18) and one or more side walls (20), which together at least partially delimit at least one compartment (14) for accommodating the consumer article, wherein a top side of the compartment (14) opposite to the base (18) is covered or sealed by a foil (22) which inhibits access to the compartment (14), and wherein the foil (22) comprises at least one predefined area (24) in which the foil (22) is configured to be broken to access the compartment (14) through an opening formed through the broken predefined area (24) of the foil (22). moreover, the present invention also relates to an electronic cigarette cartridge product (10) and to a method of packaging at least one consumer article, especially at least one electronic cigarette cartridge (16). [en] 1. a pack (12) for at least one consumer article (16), especially for at least one electronic cigarette cartridge, the pack (10) comprising: a base (18) and one or more side walls (20), which together at least partially delimit at least one compartment (14) for accommodating a consumer article (16),wherein a top side of the compartment (14) opposite to the base (18) is covered or sealed by a foil (22) which inhibits access to the compartment (14), andwherein the foil (22) comprises at least one predefined area (24) in which the foil (22) is configured to be broken, especially pierced or torn, to access the compartment (14) through an opening formed through the pierced or torn predefined area (24) of the foil (22).
2. a pack (12) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one predefined area (24) of the foil (22) is configured to be broken by a connector part (36), especially a screw thread (36), of an electronic cigarette (38), wherein the compartment (14) is configured to receive the connector part (36) of the electronic cigarette (38) into the compartment (14) inserted through the opening formed through the broken predefined area (24) of the foil (22) for connection with the consumer article (16), especially an electronic cigarette cartridge, accommodated in the compartment (14).
3. a pack (12) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one predefined area (24) of the foil is delimited by one or more line of weakness formed in the foil, and/or is marked by at least one marker (30, 40) on an outer surface of the foil (22).
4. a pack (12) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one marker (30, 40) comprises at least one raised portion (40), at least one recess and/or at least one perforation (30) formed in or on the outer surface of the foil (22).
5. a pack (12) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the at least one marker (30, 40) comprises at least one line and/or at least one symbol printed on the outer surface of the foil (22).
6. a pack (12) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one marker (30, 40) corresponds to a contact region for the connector part (36) of the electronic cigarette (38) to be pressed against the predefined area (24) of the foil (22) for piercing or tearing the predefined area (24).
7. a pack (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foil (22) is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: plastic, aluminium and cardboard.
8. a pack (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the foil (22) is a multilayer foil comprising at least two different layers, wherein the at least two different layers preferably have different coefficients of tensile strength.
9. a pack (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, the pack (12) having a cuboid shape comprising a base wall (18) from which extend a first side wall (20a), a second side wall (20b) opposite to the first side wall (20a), a third side wall (20c), and a forth side wall (20d) opposite to the third side wall (20c), wherein the cuboid shaped pack (12) encloses a cavity or space which comprises the at least one compartment (14), and preferably a plurality of compartments (14), each of which is configured to for accommodate a respective consumer article (16) and each of which is covered or sealed by a respective foil (22) which inhibits access to that compartment (14).
10. an electronic cigarette cartridge product (10), comprising: a pack (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; andan electronic cigarette cartridge (16) in each compartment (14) within the pack (12).
11. an electronic cigarette cartridge product (10) according to claim 10, wherein the electronic cigarette cartridge (16) in each compartment (14) is arranged is such a way that a connector part (34) of the cartridge (16) is directed towards the predefined area (24) of the foil (22) to engage with a connector part (36) of the electronic cigarette (38) inserted into the compartment (14) through the opening formed through the predefined area (24) to connect the cartridge (16) to the electronic cigarette (38), especially by screwing a screw thread (34) of the cartridge (16) and a screw thread (36) of the electronic cigarette (38) together.
12. an electronic cigarette cartridge product (10) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the pack (12) comprises at least two compartments (14), and wherein a cartridge (16) is packed in each respective compartment (14).
13. a method of packaging at least one consumer article (16), especially at least one electronic cigarette cartridge, comprising the steps of: arranging the at least one consumer article within a compartment (14) of a pack (12) at least partially delimited by a base (18) and one or more side walls (20a to 20d);providing a foil (22) for covering a top side of the compartment (14) opposite the base (18) to inhibit access to the compartment (14), wherein the foil (22) is provided with at least one frangible predefined area (24) which is configured to be broken to provide access to the compartment (14) through an opening formed through the broken predefined area (24); andcovering the top side of the compartment (14) with the foil (22) to seal the compartment (14) and inhibit access to the consumer article (16).
14. a method according to claim 13, wherein at least one marker (30, 40) is printed or formed in or on an outer surface of the foil (22) to mark or indicate the at least one predefined area (24).
15. a method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein an electronic cigarette cartridge (16) is arranged in each compartment (14) such that a connector part (34) of the cartridge (16) is directed towards the frangible predefined area (24) of the foil (22) covering the top side of the compartment (14).


[en] the invention provides a consumable cartridge (1) for an inhaler device (10), such as a personal vaporizer or electronic smoking article. the cartridge (1) comprises a casing (2) defining a cavity (c) that holds a volume of liquid (l) to be vaporized. the casing (2) includes at least one opening (5) for insertion of a piercing member (15) through the opening (5) into the cavity (c), and a sealing membrane (3) which is configured to be pierced or ruptured by the piercing member (15) when inserted through the opening (5) to release the liquid (l) held in the cavity (c) for vaporization. the present invention also provides an inhaler device (10), such as an electronic smoking article, for generating vapour (v) for inhalation. the inhaler device (10) comprises a body portion (11) configured to receive a consumable cartridge (1) according to the invention; and a mouthpiece (14) provided on the body portion (11) for conveying or delivering vapour (v) generated from the liquid (l) to a user, wherein the device (10) includes a piercing member (15) configured for insertion into and/or through the at least one opening (5) to pierce or rupture the sealing membrane (3) to access the liquid (l) for vaporization. [en] 1. a consumable cartridge (1) for an inhaler device (10), such as a personal vaporizer or an electronic smoking article, the cartridge (1) comprising: a casing (2) defining a cavity (c) which holds a volume of a liquid (l) to be vaporized,wherein the casing (2) includes at least one opening (5) for insertion of a piercing member (15) through the opening (5) into the cavity (c), and a sealing membrane (3) which is configured to be pierced or ruptured by the piercing member (15) when inserted through the opening (5) to release the liquid (l) held in the cavity (c) for vaporization.
2. a consumable cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (5) is formed in a wall of the casing (2) and has a diameter larger than a diameter of the piercing member (15) configured to be inserted through it, wherein the opening (5) is preferably sized to substantially correspond to a diameter of the piercing member (15).
3. a consumable cartridge (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sealing membrane (3) covers or extends over the at least one opening (5).
4. a consumable cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing membrane (3) surrounds and/or encloses the liquid (l) to form a capsule which is housed within the cavity (c) of the casing (2).
5. a consumable cartridge (1) according to claim 4, wherein the sealing membrane (3) forming the capsule holding the liquid (l) within the cavity (c) is accessible by the piercing member (15) inserted via the opening (5) in the casing (2).
6. a consumable cartridge (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the sealing membrane (3) is configured to rupture when pierced by the piercing member (15).
7. a consumable cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the casing (2) includes a second opening (7) opposite to and substantially aligned with the first opening (5), the piercing member (15) preferably being configured to pass out of the cavity (c) through the second opening (8).
8. a consumable cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing membrane (3, 3') covers or extends over each opening (5, 7).
9. a consumable cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the casing (2) is substantially cylindrical and the at least one opening (5, 7) is provided in a respective end region of the casing (2).
10. an inhaler device (10), such as an electronic smoking article, for generating vapour (v) for inhalation, the device (10) comprising: a body portion (11) configured to receive a consumable cartridge (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9; anda mouthpiece (14) provided on the body portion (11) for conveying or delivering vapour (v) generated from the liquid (l) to a user;wherein the device (10) includes a piercing member (15) configured for insertion into and/or through the at least one opening (5) to pierce or rupture the sealing membrane (3) to access the liquid (l) for vaporization.
11. an inhaler device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the piercing member (15) includes a tip portion (16) configured to pierce or cut the membrane (3) and a liquid conveying portion (17) configured to convey the liquid (l) from the cartridge (1) to an aerosol generating means (18) in the device (10) for vaporizing the substance (3).
12. an inhaler device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the liquid conveying portion (17) is configured to convey the liquid (l) to the aerosol generating means (18) by capillary action, the liquid conveying portion (17) preferably comprising at least one of a fibrous material or wicking material and a tube for convey the liquid (l) to the aerosol generating means (18).
13. an inhaler device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the tube of the liquid conveying portion (17) includes a plurality of laterally formed apertures (23) for admitting liquid (l) into the tube.
14. an inhaler device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the aerosol generating means (18) comprises a heater, especially a heating coil, provided on an end region of the liquid conveying portion (17), preferably located within the mouthpiece (14).
15. an inhaler device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the piercing member (17) is configured to be inserted through substantially a full length of the casing (2).


[en] the present invention is directed to a cutter knife body having a grip portion, wherein the grip portion comprises a trigger lever, a cutting blade provided on an end of the cutter knife body, a pin rotatably supporting the cutting blade in the cutter knife body, a locking member placed in an opening formed in the cutter knife body, and a pair of cutting blade protector flanges, each protector flange being disposed on a side of the cutting blade, wherein each of said pair of cutting blade protector flanges has an outward protrusion from a surface of the flange, the grip type cutter knife characterized by further comprising: a pair of springs located between the pin and each of the outward protrusion. from the flange surface, wherein the pair of flanges is slidably supported in the cutter knife body by the pin and the pair of springs. [en] 1. a grip type cutter knife, comprising: a cutter knife body having a grip portion, wherein the grip portion comprises a trigger lever, a cutting blade provided on an end of the cutter knife body, a pin rotatably supporting the cutting blade in the cutter knife body, a locking member placed in an opening formed in the cutter knife body and a pair of cutting blade protector flanges, each protector flange being disposed on a side of the cutting blade, wherein each of said pair of cutting blade protector flanges has an outward protrusion from a surface of the flange, the grip type cutter knife further comprising: a pair of springs located between the pin and each of the outward protrusion from the flange surface, wherein the pair of flanges is slidably supported in the cutter knife body by the pin and the pair of springs.
2. the grip type cutter knife according to claim 1, wherein each of said pair of flanges has a flat bottomed shape.
3. the grip type cutter knife according to claim 1, wherein the cutter knife body comprises a platform, wherein the cutting blade and the pair of cutting blade protector flanges are disposed on said platform.
4. the grip type cutter knife according to claim 3, wherein said platform comprises an elongated circular opening for allowing the cutting blade and the cutting blade protector flanges to slide outwards from the cutter knife body.
5. the grip type cutter knife according to claim 1, wherein each of said outward protrusions supports a first extremity of each of said pair of springs.
6. the grip type cutter knife according to claim 1, wherein a second extremity of each of said pair of springs impinges upon said pin.
7. the grip cutter knife according to claim 1, wherein the cutter knife body has a guiding cavity with an opening in towards said platform, wherein each of said pair of cutting blade protector flanges has a guiding pin extending out in said cavity, and wherein each of the guiding pins of the cutting blade protector flanges is capable of translational movement within said guiding cavity.
8. the grip knife according to claim 1, further comprising: a closing plate having a sliding channel, wherein a first extremity of said pin is capable of executing a translational sliding motion in said sliding channel.
9. the grip knife according to claim 1, further comprising a clip and washer assembly to secure to the grip knife a second extremity of said pin.
10. the grip knife according to claim 1, wherein a circumference of the cutting blade is smaller than a circumference of each cutting blade protector flange.
11. the grip knife according to claim 1, wherein the shape of each of said pair of flanges is consistently circular, with a flat bottom shape in the portion of the flange that comes in contact with a material to be cut, and a flat vertical shape in a portion comprised between the portion of the flange that is in contact with the material to be cut and the consistently circular portion, wherein the flat bottom shape of the flange and the flat vertical shape of the flange form a 90 degrees angle.


[en] a tobacco package is disclosed for use in a cigarette making machine, the package comprising a cover and a retainer. the retainer is arranged to receive a plurality of tobacco portions, and is moveable relative to the cover between a first position, in which the tobacco portions are concealed by at least the cover to prevent the machine from accessing the tobacco portions, and a second position, in which at least one of the tobacco portions is accessible. [en]   claims   1. a tobacco package for use in a cigarette making machine, the package comprising: a cover; and a retainer, arranged to receive a plurality of tobacco portions, and being movable relative to the cover between a first position, in which the tobacco portions are concealed by at least the cover to prevent the machine from accessing the tobacco portions, and a second position, in which at least one of the tobacco portions is accessible.
2. a tobacco package according to claim 1, wherein the cover is an outer cover and the retainer is moveable within the outer cover.
3. a tobacco package according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the retainer is configured such that the tobacco portions may be extracted from the cover sequentially, optionally one by one.
4. a tobacco package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retainer is provided with a plurality of dividers forming a plurality of chambers, each chamber arranged to receive a tobacco portion, such that each chamber is located between two neighbouring dividers.
5. a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco portion has a tobacco portion sleeve and a wall of the chamber comprises at least one gripping portion for releasably retaining the tobacco portion sleeve in the chamber receiving the tobacco portion.
6. a tobacco package according to claim 5, wherein the tobacco portion sleeve has an adaptor for engaging with the cigarette making machine and wherein the at least one chamber comprises an opening arranged to allow engagement with the adaptor to thereby pull out the tobacco portion of a side of the chamber.
7. a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco portion is extracted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the retainer.
8. a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package comprises engaging means for engaging with the cigarette making machine, the engaging means optionally comprising a step, a ridge or a recess on the package.
9. a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer comprises a machine engagement portion, arranged to be engageable by the cigarette making machine to displace the retainer relative to the cover.
10. a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package comprises locking means for locking the package in the first position, and the locking means are arranged to be actuated by a release mechanism of the cigarette making machine to open the package.   1 1.
 11.a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco portion is a tobacco portion suitable for making a single cigarette.
12. a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims, the package comprising at least one tobacco portion received in the retainer and wherein the at least one tobacco portion has a tobacco portion sleeve.
13. a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover comprises additional walls to provide the tobacco package with a profiled shape for allowing insertion of the package in the cigarette making machine only in a correct orientation.
14. a system comprising a make-your-own, myo, cigarette making machine arranged to actuate the retainer of a tobacco package according to any one of the preceding claims to extract a tobacco portion therefrom.
15. a method for making cigarettes comprising the steps of: inserting a tobacco package according to any one of claims 1 to 13 into the cigarette making machine; and actuating the retainer of the tobacco package to extract a tobacco portion therefrom for use in a cigarette.


[en] the present invention provides a device and a method, wherein the process conditions can be kept constant in a device for processing tobacco. the device comprises a combining device for combining the tobacco to be processed and a process gas and which is connected to a discharge device for discharging a first quantity of the process gas and a supply device for supplying a second quantity of the process gas; the device having at least one control device for controlling the first quantity of the discharged process gas and/or the second quantity of the supplied process gas. [en] 1. device for processing tobacco, comprising: a combining device for combining the tobacco to be processed and a process gas, such as superheated water vapour and/or ambient air, and which is connected to a discharge device for discharging a first quantity of process gas and a supply device for supplying a second quantity of process gas; wherein the device has at least one control device for controlling the first quantity of discharged process gas and the second quantity of supplied process gas in such a manner that the total quantity of process gas discharged from the device is equal to the total quantity of process gas supplied to the device.
2. device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a tobacco supply device for supplying the tobacco to the combining device, a separating device for separating the tobacco from the process gas and a tobacco discharge device for discharging the tobacco from the separating device.
3. device according to claim 1, wherein the process gas flows through a circuit connected to the combining device and in that the discharge device for discharging the first quantity of process gas from the combining device and the supply device for supplying the second quantity of process gas are connected to the circuit.
4. device according to claim 3, wherein there are arranged in the circuit a heating element for heating the process gas and a flow generating device for generating a flow of the process gas in the circuit.
5. device according to claim 4, wherein the discharge device is arranged downstream of the flow generating device in the direction of flow of the process gas and the supply device is arranged downstream of the discharge device in the direction of flow of the process gas in the circuit.
6. device according to claim 1, wherein the device has an air inlet device for supplying ambient air to the circuit is arranged upstream of the flow generating device in the direction of flow of the process gas.
7. device according to claim 6, wherein the control device is connected to a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the process gas, at least one flow sensor for establishing the flow quantity of the process gas arranged in the circuit and particularly in the discharge device, an oxygen sensor for measuring the oxygen content of the process gas, a moisture sensor for establishing the moisture content of the tobacco supplied to and/or tobacco discharged from the device, a temperature sensor for establishing the temperature of the process gas, the tobacco supply device, the heating element, the air inlet device, the flow generating device, the supply device for supplying process gas and/or the discharge device for discharging the process gas and controls and/or adjusts the pressure of the process gas, the tobacco quantity which is supplied to the device by means of the tobacco supply device, the mass flow of process gas through the circuit, the oxygen content of the process gas, the speed of the process gas flow through the combining device, the temperature of the process gas, the mass flow of process gas through the discharge device and/or the moisture of the tobacco supplied to and discharged from the device.
8. method for processing tobacco, having the following method steps: combining the tobacco to be processed and a process gas in a combining device; discharging a first quantity of process gas from the combining device by means of a discharge device; supplying a second quantity of process gas to the combining device by means of a supply device; and controlling the first quantity of discharged process gas and the second quantity of supplied process gas by means of at least one control device in such a manner that the total quantity of process gas discharged from the device is equal to the total quantity of process gas supplied to the device.
9. method according to claim 8, wherein the process gas quantity discharged from the combining device by the discharge device is between 0 percent and 50 percent of the process gas in the device and is continuously adjustable.
10. method according to claim 8, wherein the method further has the following method steps: generating a flow of the process gas by means of a flow generating device in a circuit which is connected to the combining device; heating the process gas by means of a heating element; supplying the tobacco to the combining device by means of a tobacco supply device; drying the tobacco by means of the process gas; separating the tobacco from the process gas by means of a separating device; discharging the tobacco from the separating device; and supplying ambient air to the circuit by means of an air inlet device.
11. method according to claim 10, wherein the method further has the following method steps: measuring the mass flow of the process gas through the circuit by means of a flow sensor; increasing the mass flow of process gas by means of the flow generating device in the event that the mass flow of the process gas through the circuit is too small; or reducing the mass flow of process gas by means of the flow generating device in the event that the mass flow of the process gas through the circuit is too great.
12. method according to claim 8, wherein the method further has the following method steps: measuring the mass flow through the discharge device by means of a flow sensor; increasing the second quantity of process gas supplied to the device by means of the supply device in the event that the quantity of process gas discharged from the device is too small; or reducing the second quantity of process gas supplied to the device by means of the supply device in the event that the quantity of process gas discharged from the device is too great.
13. method according to claim 8, wherein the method further has the following method steps: measuring the oxygen content of the process gas in the device by means of at least one oxygen sensor; supplying ambient air by means of an air inlet device in the event that the oxygen content of the process gas is too low; or supplying process gas to the device by means of the supply device and/or reducing the quantity of ambient air supplied by means of the air inlet device in the event that the oxygen content of the process gas is too high.
14. method according to claim 10, wherein the method further has the following method steps: measuring the pressure of the process gas in the device by means of at least one pressure sensor; increasing the first quantity of process gas discharged from the device by means of the discharge device in the event that the pressure in the device is too high; or reducing the first quantity of process gas discharged from the device by means of the discharge device in the event that the pressure in the device is too low.
15. method according to claim 12, wherein the method further has the following method steps: calculating the second quantity of process gas which is supplied to the combining device by the supply device in accordance with: the loss of the quantity of process gas by the tobacco supply device and the tobacco discharge device, the previously established first quantity of process gas which is discharged from the circuit by means of the discharge device, the quantity of process gas which is vaporised by the tobacco and supplied to the circuit, and the quantity of ambient air supplied by the air inlet device.


[en] a smoking article is provided comprising a rod of aerosol generating material (3) and a filter element (5) attached to an end of the rod of aerosol generating material (3) by means of a tipping paper (7) such that the rod and filter element extend along a longitudinal axis. the filter element comprises a cavity (9) containing an additive (11) and is at least partially surrounded by substantially transparent or semi-transparent wrapper (13) such that the additive in the cavity is visible through the wrapper (13). the tipping paper (7) comprises at least two cut-out windows (15) arranged to allow light to enter the cavity (9) in the filter element from at least two different directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. the additive (11) fills between about 10 to about 60 percent of the cavity. [en] 1. a smoking article comprising a rod of aerosol generating material and a filter element attached to an end of the rod of aerosol generating material by means of a tipping paper such that the rod and filter element extend along a longitudinal axis, the filter element comprising a cavity containing an additive and being at least partially surrounded by a substantially transparent or semi-transparent wrapper such that the additive in the cavity is visible through the wrapper and the tipping paper comprising at least two cut-out windows arranged to allow light to enter the cavity in the filter element from at least two different directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the additive fills between about 10 to about 60 percent of the cavity.
2. a smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the cut-out windows are arranged around the circumference of the wrapper with an angular separation about the longitudinal axis of at least 90 degrees.
3. a smoking article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the additive fills between about 20 to about 50 percent of the cavity.
4. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the additive comprises a smoke-altering substance.
5. a smoking article according to claim 4, wherein the additive comprises at least one of a breakable flavour capsule, a breakable water capsule, a particulate adsorbent or a natural flavourant in particulate or bulk form.
6. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the additive is coloured.
7. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the additive comprises luminescent material, in particular photoluminescent material.
8. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two cut outs have a regular shape.
9. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the cut-outs has rotational or reflectional symmetry.
10. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two cut outs have the same shape.
11. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface area of each of the cut outs is between about 10 to 80 mm2.
12. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cut outs have a same surface area.
13. a smoking article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cut outs are located in symmetrical positions with respect to the longitudinal axis.
14. a smoking article according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cut-out windows are pre-cut in the tipping paper and closed by removable panels before use of the smoking article.
15. a smoking article according to claim 14, wherein the removable panels are formed of tearable parts of the tipping paper delimited therein over the cavity by a line of perforations.


[en] this invention provides a packaging assembly (1) for articles to be packaged, and especially for consumer articles, such as cigarette packs or the like, the packaging assembly (1) comprising: a container (2) assembled from a blank, especially a substantially flat blank (a, d), the container (2) comprising a first compartment (3) for receiving and accommodating one or more articles to be packaged and a second compartment (4) for separately housing an electronic device; and a cover or lid (5) provided on the container (1) and movable between an open position (x) for permitting access to the first compartment (3) and a closed position to prevent access to the first compartment (3); wherein the container (2) and/or the cover (5) includes output means (6) printed thereon for connection with the electronic device for generating visible and/or audible output. the present invention also provides a packaging blank (a, d) for such a packaging assembly (1). [en] 1. a packaging assembly (1) for articles to be packaged, especially consumer articles, such as packs of cigarettes or the like, or other consumables, the packaging assembly (1) comprising: a container (2) assembled from a blank, especially a substantially flat blank (a, d), wherein the container (2) comprises a first compartment (3) for receiving and accommodating one or more articles to be packaged and a second compartment (4) for housing an electronic device; anda cover (5) provided on the container (1) and movable between an open position (x) to permit access to the first compartment (3) and a closed position to prevent access to the first compartment (3);wherein the container (2) and/or the cover (5) includes output means (6) printed thereon for connection with the electronic device for generating visible and/or audible output.
2. a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a power source and/or a signal processor for electrical connection with the printed output means (6), wherein the electronic device is preferably provided in the second compartment (4).
3. a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising input means (8) electrically connected with or comprised in the electronic device for activating the output means (6), wherein the input means (8) preferably comprises at least one of: a light sensor, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, a microphone and a switch.
4. a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the input means (8) is configured and arranged to activate the output means (6) on movement of the cover (5), preferably upon movement of the cover (5) from the closed position to the open position (x) and/or vice versa; and/or wherein the input means (8) comprises a touch sensor or switch printed on the container (2) and/or on the cover (5) for activating the output means (6).
5. a packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printed output means (6) comprises at least one lighting element (7) and/or acoustic transducer element, each lighting element (7) preferably including electro-luminescent ink; wherein each lighting element (7) is preferably printed on material of the container (2) and/or of the cover (5), on an external surface and/or an internal surface thereof, and is connected to the electronic device and/or to the input means (8) by means of a printed electrical connector (7').
6. a packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container (2) comprises a front panel (f), a base panel (b), a rear panel (r), and side panels (s) extending between the front and rear panels (f, r) to delimit an internal space (c) that is accessible through a top opening (o) opposite the base panel (b), wherein the internal space (c) is divided into the first and second compartments (3, 4) by at least one internal panel (ip) which extends between the front and rear panels (f, r) or between the side panels (s).
7. a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one internal panel (ip) is in hinged connection with one of the front panel (f), the rear panel (r), or the side panels (s), and includes two internal panels (ip1, ip2) connected to one another along a fold line, wherein at least one of said two internal panels (ip1, ip2) preferably has an area substantially equal to a transverse or longitudinal cross-section of the internal space (c) in the container (2).
8. a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the input means (8) is provided on one of the panels (f, b, r, s, ip) that forms or delimits the second compartment (4) or, alternatively, extends through or is accessible through an aperture (h) in one of the panels (f, b, r, s, ip) that forms or delimits the second compartment (4), preferably one of the internal panels (ip1, ip2).
9. a packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover (5) is pivotally movable between the open position (x) and the closed position, wherein the cover (5) is preferably configured as a lid and attached to the container (2) via a hinge connection, preferably formed by a line of weakness or a fold line (l1) in the packaging material.
10. a packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container (2) and the cover (5) are assembled from a single foldable blank (a), especially a substantially flat blank, preferably of a cardboard or plastic material.
11. a packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover (5) is assembled from an individual foldable blank (e), preferably of cardboard or plastic material, and is provided on or attached to the container (2) after folding thereof.
12. a packaging blank (a) for a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 10, the packaging blank (a) comprising: a container forming section (a1); anda lid forming section (a2);wherein the lid forming section (a2) comprises a cover panel (cp) connected to the container forming section (a1) along a lid fold line (l1) and a closure tab (ct) connected to the cover panel (cp) along a closure tab fold line (l2); andwherein the container forming section (a1) comprises at least a front panel (f), a base panel (b), and a rear panel (r) arranged in series and extending from the lid fold line (l1), wherein the front panel (f), the base panel (b), and the rear panel (r) are interconnected via fold lines (l3, l4) that are substantially parallel to the lid fold line (l1); the container forming section (a1) further comprising side panels (s) at opposite ends of one of the front panel (f), the base panel (b), and rear panel (r) connected along respective fold lines (l5, l6);wherein the container forming section (a1) includes an internal panel section (ips) which extends from and is connected to one of the side panels (s) via a partition fold line (lp), said internal panel section (ips) comprising at least one internal panel (ip), and preferably two internal panels (ip1, ip2) connected to each other along a second partition fold line (lp2), for dividing an internal space (c) of the container (2) into a first compartment (3) and a second compartment (4) upon folding the blank (a) to form the packaging assembly (1);wherein one or more of the panels (f, b, r, s, cp) of the blank include(s) output means (6) printed thereon for electrical connection with a power source for generating visible and/or audible output.
13. a packaging blank (a) according to claim 12, further comprising one or more holding tabs (t1, t2, t3, t4) which extend from the side panels (s) themselves, and/or from opposite ends of those two of the front, base and rear panels (f, b, r) from which the side panels (s) do not extend, wherein the holding tabs (t1, t2, t3, t4) are configured for interconnecting the side panels (s) with either or both of those two of the front, base and rear panels (f, b, r) from which the side panels (s) do not extend.
14. a packaging blank (d) for a container (2) of a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 11, the packaging blank (d) comprising: at least first and second main panels (f, r) arranged in series and alternately with first and second side panels (s1, s2), each of the side panels (s1, s2) being connected along a respective longitudinal edge of the first and second main panels (f, r) via substantially parallel longitudinal fold lines (l1, l2, l3),a base panel (b) connected along a fold line (l5) to a base end of the first main panel (f), a base closing tab (bt) extending from the base panel (b) opposite the first main panel (f), andan internal panel section (ips) which extends from a base end of the second main panel (r) and is connected thereto along a fold line (l9), said internal panel section (ips) comprising at least one internal panel (ip), and preferably two or more internal panels (ip1,ip2) connected to each other along one or more fold lines (lp, lp2, lp3), to divide an internal space (c) of the container (2) into first and second compartments (3, 4) upon folding the blank (d) to form the packaging assembly (1),wherein one or more of the panels (f, b, r, s) of the blank include(s) output means (6) printed thereon for electrical connection with a power source for generating visible and/or audible output.
15. a packaging blank (d) according to claim 14, wherein one of the first and second main panels (f, r) or one of the first and second side panels (s1, s2) includes an attachment tab (at) connected thereto via a longitudinal fold line (l4) along a longitudinal edge thereof not connected to the other side panel or the other main panel; and/or wherein the packaging blank (d) further comprises one or more closing tabs (t5, t6) connected along fold lines (l7, l8) at a base end of each of the side panels (s1, s2) configured for supporting closure of the base panel (b).


[en] a device (1) for removing air from a container, the container comprising a base and at least one wall (7) extending there from to define an enclosure (9) with an opening opposite the base, the device comprising: a support element (2) configured to allow a user to hold and move the device (1) within the enclosure (9) in a push/pull movement; a flexible airtight sealing element (3) attached to or part of the support element and projecting from the edges of the support element (2) so that the sealing element (3) is in continuous sealing contact with an inner surface of the at least one wall (7) when the device is within the enclosure (9) and generally perpendicular to the wall (7) and a valve mechanism arranged such that air can pass through and/or around the device (1) and the device can be put in motion within the enclosure (9) only when actuated by a user. [en] claims 1. a device for removing air from a container, the container comprising a base and at least one wall extending there from to define an enclosure with an opening opposite the base, the device comprising: a support element configured to allow a user to hold and move the device within the enclosure in a push/pull movement; a flexible airtight sealing element attached to or part of the support element and projecting from the edges of the support element so that the sealing element is in continuous sealing contact with an inner surface of the at least one wall when the device is within the enclosure and generally perpendicular to the wall; and a valve mechanism arranged such that air can pass through and/or around the device and the device can be put in motion within the enclosure only when actuated by a user.
2. a device according to claim 1, characterized in that upon actuation of the valve mechanism, a partial vacuum created in the enclosure during the push movement of the device can be released when the device is moved away from the base toward removal from the container.
3. a device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support element is arranged such that it exerts a radial force on the sealing material projecting from its edges towards the inner surface of the wall when the device extends generally perpendicular to the wall.
4. a device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the valve mechanism comprises a valve within the support element and/or sealing element.
5. device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the valve mechanism comprises valve apertures or slots arranged within the support element and/or sealing element.
6. device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the valve mechanism is provided by a bending capacity in the support element and sealing element about at least one median axis under a compression force applied on said axis or a traction force applied to the support element at a position offset from said axis.
7. a device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a handle to hold and move the device within a container in a push/pull movement.
8. a device according to claim 7, characterized in that the handle is foldable flat onto the support element.
9. a device according to claim 8, wherein the valve mechanism comprises valve apertures arranged within the support element and/or sealing element and the handle is formed from foldable wings which define the handle in their open position, the wings exposing the apertures in their open position, but covering the apertures in their closed flat position.
10. a device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in it comprises a pull-tab attached to the support element, and offset from the center of the device to induce tilting of the device in the container when the user pulls on the tab, thereby releasing the valve mechanism.
11. a container comprising a base and wall extending there from to define an enclosure with an opening opposite the base, and a device according to any preceding claim positioned within the enclosure.
12. a container according to claim 11, further comprising a seal covering the opening, the seal be arranged to be removed by a user to gain access to the enclosure; and a lid positioned over the seal.
13. a container according to claim 12, wherein the device is positioned between the lid and the seal.


[en] a container (1) is disclosed, comprising: an inner pack, comprising: a bottom face (104), an open top face (103), a plurality of inner pack side walls of an inner pack (102), extending longitudinally between the top and bottom faces and a lid (111) hingedly connected to one of the inner pack side walls; an outer pack (101) comprising a plurality of longitudinal outer pack side walls (105) defining an interior of the outer pack, the inner pack being receivable within the interior of the outer pack, the outer pack being arranged to allow relative longitudinal movement of the inner pack with respect to the outer pack, between first and second positions; and a lid actuating link (116), being integrally formed with and extending from an edge of a side wall of the outer pack at a first end and connected to the lid of the inner pack at a second end, the lid and lid actuating link being arranged such that sliding the inner pack between the first position and the second position causes the lid to move between an open position and a closed position. [en] claims a container, comprising: an inner pack, comprising: a bottom face, an open top face, a plurality of inner pack side walls extending longitudinally between the top and bottom faces and a lid hingedly connected to one of the inner pack side walls; an outer pack comprising a plurality of longitudinal outer pack side walls defining an interior of the outer pack, the inner pack being receivable within the interior of the outer pack, the outer pack being arranged to allow relative longitudinal movement of the inner pack with respect to the outer pack, between first and second positions; and a lid actuating link, being integrally formed with and extending from an edge of a side wall of the outer pack at a first end and connected to the lid of the inner pack at a second end, the lid and lid actuating link being arranged such that sliding the inner pack between the first position and the second position causes the lid to move between an open position and a closed position; wherein during movement between the first and second positions, the lid actuating link rotates about the first end, from a first orientation, in which the lid actuating link is located between a side wall of the outer pack and the inner pack, to a second orientation, in which the lid actuating link extends from the first end away from the interior of the outer pack, and wherein the inner pack comprises a recess to accommodate at least a part of the thickness of the lid actuating link when the lid is in the closed position.
a container according to claim 1, wherein the recess is provided in the lid.
a container according to claim 2, wherein the lid comprises a lid wall and the recess is provided by providing at least one cut in the lid wall, or a pair of cuts in the lid wall. a container according to claim 2, wherein the lid comprises an upper end face, arranged substantially perpendicular to the lid wall and connected to the lid wall by a fold line and wherein the recess is formed by a first portion of the fold line, which is off-set relative to a second portion of the fold line.
a container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width and length of the lid actuating link, and the dimensions of the side walls of the outer pack, are selected such that the side walls of the outer pack are deformable to allow the link to remain substantially rigid and to rotate from its first orientation, when the pack is closed, to its second orientation when the pack is open.
a container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer pack further comprises an opening in at least one of the side walls, to allow a user to access a side wall of the inner pack through the side wall of the outer pack, to slide the inner pack between the first and second positions.
a container according to claim 6, wherein the opening is a single opening extending into at least two side walls of the outer pack, such that the user may reach the inner pack to open the container from a variety of angles.
a container according to claim 7, wherein the opening is a single opening extending into at least three side walls of the outer pack.
a container according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the opening extends into side walls arranged at angles of greater than zero degrees and less than around 90 degrees to one another.
10. a container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the opening extends around side walls arranged substantially perpendicular to one another.
11. a container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the opening extends around side walls arranged at angles of greater than 90 degrees to one another.
12. a container according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the side walls of the outer pack are formed from a blank comprising: a first major side panel having side wall tabs arranged on each of two sides of the first major side panel; a second major side panel, having side wall section panels arranged on each of two sides of the second major side panel; at least one of the side wall section panels comprising two parts, separated by the opening, and a secondary tab arranged on an opposite side of the side wall section panel parts to the major wall section.
13. a container according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: wherein the outer pack comprises an outer pack part and a slider element, the slider element being connected to the outer pack part by frangible links and fastened to the inner pack, such that when the frangible links are broken, the slider element remains fastened to the inner pack.
14. a container according to claim 13, arranged such that the frangible links are broken on a first opening of the container.
15. a container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the inner pack and the outer pack comprises at least one rounded corner connecting a pair of adjacent side walls. a container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a side wall of the container comprises a secondary layer of material, provided by a secondary side wall portion, connected to the edge of the side wall by a fold line. a blank suitable for forming the inner pack of any one of claims 1 to
16. a blank suitable for forming the outer pack of any one of claims 1 to 16. a method of forming a container, comprising, in no particular order, the steps of: forming an inner pack, comprising: a bottom face, an open top face, a plurality of inner pack side walls extending longitudinally between the top and bottom faces and a lid hingedly connected to one of the inner pack side walls; forming an outer pack comprising a plurality of longitudinal outer pack side walls defining an interior of the outer pack, the inner pack being receivable within the interior of the outer pack, the outer pack being arranged to allow relative longitudinal movement of the inner pack with respect to the outer pack, between first and second positions; and forming a lid actuating link, connected to the lid of the inner pack at a first end, the lid and lid actuating link being arranged such that sliding the inner pack between the first position and the second position causes the lid to move between an open position and a closed position; and arranging the inner pack and the outer pack such that during movement between the first and second positions, the lid actuating link rotates about the first end, from a first orientation, in which the lid actuating link is located between a side wall of the outer pack and the inner pack, to a second orientation, in which the lid actuating link extends from the first end away from the interior of the outer pack, and forming a recess in the inner pack to accommodate at least of the thickness of the lid actuating link when the lid is in the position.


[en] a container for smoking apparatus is provided comprising a first component defining a first compartment and a second component defining a second compartment. the first component is pivotally mounted with respect to the second component and is moveable relative to the second component between a first position and a second position, wherein the first component closes the second compartment at the first position and wherein the second compartment is open at the second position. the first and second compartments each comprise a respective base extending in a respective plane. said planes remain parallel during movement between said first and second positions. [en] 1. a container for smoking apparatus comprising: a first component defining a first compartment and a second component defining a second compartment, wherein the first component is pivotally mounted with respect to the second component and is moveable relative to the second component between a first position and a second position;wherein the first component closes the second compartment at the first position and wherein the second compartment is open at the second position;wherein the first and second compartments each comprise a respective base extending in a respective plane; andwherein during movement between said first and second positions, said planes remain parallel.
2. a container according to claim 1, wherein at the first position, the first component is vertically aligned with the second component and wherein at the second position, the first component is laterally offset from the second component.
3. a container according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the first and second components are moveable about a pivot that extends in a direction perpendicular to a plane extending through either of said bases.
5. a container according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an inner lid mounted to the first component, wherein said inner lid is configured to open and close said first compartment.
6. a container according to claim 5, wherein said inner lid is pivotally mounted to said first component.
7. a container according to claim 6, wherein said inner lid is moveable about a pivot that extends in a direction parallel to a plane extending through the base of the first compartment.
8. a container according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an outer lid configured to cover the first and second components when said first and second components are arranged at the first position.
9. a container according to claim 8, wherein said outer lid is pivotally mounted to the second component.
10. a container according to claim 9, wherein said outer lid is moveable about a pivot that extends in a direction parallel to a plane extending through either of said bases.
11. a container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first component and the second component are biased towards the second position.
12. a container according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to hold the first and second components at the first position.
13. a container according to claim 10, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a protruding member which is mounted to the second component and is configured to engage with a recess provided on an outer surface of the first component.
14. a container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the first or second compartment comprises a ridged surface configured to hold smoking apparatus such as filters, rolling paper or a lighter.
15. a container according to any of the preceding claims, the base of the first or second compartment comprises a flat surface configured to hold a container of rolling tobacco.


[en] a hinged-lid packet or box 10 comprises an inner container 20. the inner container comprises an upper take-out opening 24 as well as a bottom wall 12, two opposite side walls 13 and a back wall 15. further, a front cover panel 16 is hinged at a side wall and is adapted to be moved between an abutment position at a front wall of the inner container and an opened position remote from said abutment position. the hinged-lid packet further comprises a top lid hinged at the upper portion of the back wall, the top lid being configured to swing about the lid hinge between an opened position and a closed position covering over a top portion of both the front portion of the inner container and the front panel when the front panel is in the abutment position. the front panel comprises a recessed cut-away portion which allows for access from outside the hinged-lid packet to the upper take-out opening when the front panel is in the abutment position. [en]   claims   1. a hinged-lid packet (10) made of a folded blank of pliable material, in particular for cigarettes, comprising: an inner container (20) comprising an upper take-out opening (24) as well as a bottom wall (12), two opposite side walls (13) a front wall (21) and a back wall  (15); a front panel (16) which is hinged at a hinge edge (25) of a side wall (13) of the inner container (20) and is adapted to be moved between an abutment position at a front wall (21) of the inner container (20) and an opened position remote from said abutment position; a top lid (17) hinged at the upper portion of the back wall (15), the top lid (17) being configured to swing about the lid hinge between an opened position and a closed position covering over a top portion of both the front wall (21) of the inner container (20) and the front cover panel (16) when the front cover panel  (16) is in the abutment position, characterized in that the front cover panel (16) comprises a recessed cut-away portion (16c) which allows for access from outside the hinged-lid packet (10) to the upper take-out opening (24) when the front cover panel (16) is in the abutment position.
2. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cut-away portion (16c) is formed on a side of the front cover panel (16) opposite the hinge (25) of the front cover panel (16).
3. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to claim 2, wherein the cut-away portion (16c) is formed at a corner of the front cover panel (16) opposite the hinge (25) of the front cover panel (16).
4. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to claim 2, wherein the cut-away portion (16c) is formed in a top edge of the front cover panel (16) opposite the hinge (25) of the front cover panel (16).
5. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the height of the hinge (25) of the front cover panel (16) is smaller than the height of the side walls (13) of the inner container (20).
6. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the hinge (25) of the front cover panel (16) is formed by a crease line in the blank of pliable material.
7. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner container (20) and the top lid (17) are formed from a single integral blank of pliable material.
8. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the pliable material comprises thin cardboard.
9. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the front cover panel (16) is double-walled.
10. the hinged-lid packet (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the take-out opening (24) of the inner container (20) is enlarged in the upper portion of the front wall (21) and a side wall which is opposite to the side wall with the hinge (25), said enlarged take-out opening (24) being also covered in the closed position of the lid (17).


[en] a method for manufacturing smoking articles (8) is provided wherein glue is applied to a web of wrapping material (1), said web of wrapping material comprising a plurality of segments for receiving glue, each segment corresponding to a respective portion of wrapping material in which an individual smoking article is to be wrapped. at least three glue free regions (2) are formed on a first surface of each region, said glue free regions having a combined surface area of at least 45 percent of the first surface, glue being applied to the remainder of the first surface. [en] 1. a method for manufacturing smoking articles comprising: applying glue to a web of wrapping material, wherein said web of wrapping material comprises a plurality of segments for receiving glue, each segment corresponding to a respective portion of wrapping material in which an individual smoking article is to be wrapped;wherein at least three glue free regions are formed on a first surface of each segment, said glue free regions having a combined surface area of at least 45 percent of the first surface, glue being applied to the remainder of the first surface.
2. a method according to claim 1, wherein the glue free regions are separate from one another.
3. a method according to claim 1, wherein the glue free regions are interconnected.
4. a method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein more than three glue free regions are formed on the first surface.
5. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the combined surface area of the glue free regions is more than 50 percent of the first surface.
6. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each glue free region has a different width, shape or surface area.
7. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of inclined glue free regions extend at an acute angle with respect to a seam line of the segment, said seam line being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the smoking article to be wrapped.
8. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the glue free regions extend from one side of the first surface, fully across the first surface to an opposite side, said sides being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the smoking article to be wrapped.
9. a method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: cutting said web into one or two segments; andwrapping said segments around a cylindrical filter component of a smoking article so that the first surface adheres to the filter component.
10. a method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising applying a plurality of perforations to the glue free regions.
11. a method according to claim 10, as dependent on claim 9, wherein said perforations are applied after wrapping said segments around a filter component.
12. a method according to claims 10 or 11, wherein said perforations are applied using a laser.
13. a method according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein said perforations extend into the filter component.
14. a method according to any of claims 9 to 13, further comprising cutting said filter component in half, as defined in a longitudinal axis of the filter component.
15. wrapping material for smoking articles comprising: a plurality of segments, wherein each segment corresponds to a respective portion of wrapping material in which an individual smoking article is to be wrapped;wherein at least three glue free regions are formed on a first surface of each segment, said glue free regions having a combined surface area of at least 45 percent of the first surface, glue being applied to the remainder of the first surface.


[en] the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating product (1), especially a smoking article, the method comprising the steps of: providing an elongate element (2) of aerosol generating material (3), especially a rod element of smoking material, such as tobacco; providing an elongate element (7) of filter material (8); assembling the elongate element (2) of aerosol generating material (3) with the elongate element (7) of filter material (8) to form or produce the aerosol generating product (1); wherein the method includes forming perforations or holes (17) in the element (7) of filter material (8) before the assembling step. [en] 1.  claims:   a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating product (l), especially a smoking article, the method comprising the steps: providing an elongate element (2) of aerosol generating material (3), especially a rod element of smoking material, such as tobacco; providing an elongate element (7) of filter material (8); assembling the said elongate element (2) of aerosol generating material (3) with the elongate element (7) of filter material (8) to provide the aerosol generating product (1); wherein the method includes forming perforations or holes (17) in the element (7) of filter material (8) before the assembling step.
 2.a method according to claim 1, wherein the elongate element (7) of filter material (8) comprises the filter material (8) wrapped or enclosed by at least one layer (9) of sheet material, and wherein the step of forming perforations or holes (17) in the filter rod element (7) comprises forming perforations or holes (17) in the at least one layer of sheet material (9).
3. a method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the perforations or holes (17) are formed randomly in the element (7) of filter material.
4. a method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the perforations or holes (17) are formed regularly in the element (7) of filter material. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations or holes (17) are formed around a circumference of the element (7) of filter material.   a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations or holes (17) are arranged or formed longitudinally in the element (7) of filter material.  0    a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming perforations or holes (17) in the element (7) of filter material includes moving the element (7) of filter material (8) relative to a perforating device or hole forming device (40), and preferably rotating the element (7) of filter material about a longitudinal axis thereof.   a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming the perforations or holes (17) in the element (7) of filter material (8) includes irradiating the filter element (7), and particularly a plurality of filter elements (7) comprised in a filter rod member (20), with at least one laser beam, whereby the perforations or holes (17) are formed by means of at least one laser beam.   a method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one laser beam is movable with respect to the element (7) or rod member (20) of filter material, preferably movable along a longitudinal direction and/or in a transverse direction with respect to the elongate element of filter material, wherein the at least one laser beam is either a continuous or a pulsed laser source.   a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembling step comprises arranging an end (12} of the elongate element (2) of aerosol generating material (3) adjacent to or in abutment with an end (13) of the elongate element (7) of filter material (8) and joining or fastening the said elements (2, 7) together via at least one layer (14) of sheet material or wrapper that covers or wraps the said elements (2, 7) at least in a region of their ends (12, 13).   11. a method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one5 layer (14) of sheet material or wrapper that covers or wraps said elements (2, 7) in the assembling step is a non-porous material.   a method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: forming perforations or holes (18), before or after the assembling step, in the at least one layer (14) of sheet material or wrapper which covers or wraps said elements (2, 7) in the assembling step.   a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate element (7) of filter material (8) is a rod element comprising cellulose acetate tow that is wrapped or enclosed by at least one layer of paper. 14. an aerosol generating product, and especially a smoking article, manufactured or obtained by a method according to any one of the preceding claims.


[en] a filter cigarette (1) comprises a rod (2) of smokable material, and a mouth piece (3) attached to the rod, the mouth piece (3) comprising an element (5) rotatable with respect to the rest of the filter cigarette about the longitudinal axis thereof such that a user can vary the ventilation of the filter cigarette and a fixed element that (6) is fixed relative to the rod (2). there is also a strength indicator comprising a scale (21) extending circumferentially around at least one of the periphery of the rotatable element (5) or the periphery of a part of the cigarette that is fixed relative to the rod (2) of smokable material, and a cursor element (40) on the other of the periphery of the rotatable element (5) or the periphery of a part of the cigarette that is fixed relative to the rod (2) of smokable material to the scale, wherein the scale (21) comprises at least two linear colour shaded sections (211, 212) arranged such that the lightest shades of the at least two sections are positioned at a distance that is closer to one another than the distance between the darkest shades. [en]   claims   1. a filter cigarette comprising: a rod of smokable material; a mouth piece attached to the rod, the mouth piece comprising an element rotatable with respect to the rest of the filter cigarette about the longitudinal axis thereof such that a user can vary the ventilation of the filter cigarette, and a fixed element that is fixed relative to the rod; and a strength indicator comprising: a scale extending circumferentially around at least one of the periphery of the rotatable element or the periphery of a part of the cigarette that is fixed relative to the rod of smokable material, and a cursor element on the other of the periphery of the rotatable element or the periphery of a part of the cigarette that is fixed relative to the rod of smokable material to the scale, wherein the scale comprises at least two linear colour shaded sections arranged such that the lightest shades of the at least two sections are positioned at a distance that is closer to one another than the distance between the darkest shades.
2. a filter cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the lighter shades of at least one of the sections is substantially longitudinally aligned with the cursor element when the strength indicator is arranged in a position representing a minimum level of strength.
3. a filter cigarette according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the darker shades of at least one of the sections is substantially longitudinally aligned with the cursor element when the strength indicator is arranged in a position representing a maximum level of strength.
4. a filter cigarette according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least two sections are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the cigarette.
5. a filter cigarette according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least two sections are offset from one another along the longitudinal axis of the cigarette.
6. a filter cigarette according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least two sections are colour shaded bands.
7. a filter cigarette according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the at least two sections comprise shades of a single colour.
8. a filter cigarette according to claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more of the at least two sections comprise shades of more than one colour.
9. a filter cigarette according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the at least two sections comprise the same shades of colour(s).
10. a filter cigarette according to any of claim 1 to 8, wherein each of the at least two sections comprise different shades of colours.   1 1.
 11.a filter cigarette according to any preceding claim, wherein the shades of the at least two sections have different dimensions in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cigarette.
12. a filter cigarette according to any preceding claim, wherein the shades of the at least two sections are of the same dimensions in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cigarette.