[en] the present invention relates to a pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) comprising an outer envelope (3) with a front wall (10) that opposes a back wall (20) and is affixed to the back wall alongside of at least three outer edges (3a, 3b, 3c) of the envelope. a lid (4) is covering at least a portion of the front wall and an opening at an area between non-fixed edges of the front and the back wall and a first storage compartment (6) defined by the front and the back wall. a second compartment (7) is arranged in the first compartment and contains at least one tobacco sheet (8). the invention also relates to a method of integrating a tobacco sheet into a pouch for housing loose articles, comprising the steps of: a) providing a second compartment, which is arranged in the first storage compartment and b) filling the second compartment with at least one tobacco sheet. [en] 1. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) comprising an outer envelope (3) with a front wall (10) that opposes a back wall (20) and is affixed to the back wall (20) alongside of at least three outer edges (3a, 3b, 3c) of the envelope (3), a lid (4) covering at least a portion of the front wall (10) and an opening (5) at an area between non-fixed edges (15, 25) of the front (10) and the back wall (20) and a first storage compartment (6) defined by the front (10) and the back (20) wall,characterized by a second compartment (7), which is arranged in the first compartment (6) and contains at least one tobacco sheet (8).
2. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (3) according to claim 1,characterized in that the tobacco sheet (8) is/or comprises reconstituted tobacco binder.
3. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that the second compartment (7) is closed.
4. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that the outer envelope (3) of the pouch (1) consists of or comprises one coherent piece comprising the lid (4), the back (20) wall and the front (10) wall, and preferably an intermediate wall (30).
5. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that the second compartment (7) is defined by the front (10) or the back (20) wall and an intermediate wall (30), which is arranged between the front (10) and the back (20) wall and is affixed to at least two inner edges (11, 12, 21, 22) of the front (10) or the back (20) wall.
6. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of claims 1-3,characterized in that the second compartment (7) is defined by an inner pocket (40) comprising at least an inner front (41) panel and an inner back (42) panel that are affixed alongside of at least two edges (40a, 40b) of the inner pocket (40).
7. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to claim 6,characterized in that the inner pocket is affixed to the front (10) wall or the back (20) wall or to a fixation area of the front (10) and the back (20) wall.
8. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that an inner (14, 24) surface of the front wall (14), the back wall (24) and/or the lid (4a) is laminated with a first lamination material.
9. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that an inner (41a, 42a) and/or outer (41b, 42b) surface of the inner front (41) and/or back (42) panel is laminated with a first lamination material or an inner (31) and/or outer (32) surface of the intermediate wall (30) is laminated with a first lamination material.
10. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that the lamination material is aluminum.
11. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that the intermediate wall (30) or the inner front (41) and back panel (42) is/are made of a material impermeable to moisture.
12. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that the intermediate wall (30) and/or the inner front (41) panel and/or the inner back (42) panel is/are perforated.
13. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that the intermediate wall (30) or the inner front (41) panel and/or the inner back (42) panel is/are transparent.
14. pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) according to any of previous claims,characterized in that the intermediate wall (30) or the inner front (41) panel and/or the inner back (42) panel is/are opaque.
15. method of integrating a tobacco sheet (8) into a pouch (1) for housing loose articles (2) comprising an outer envelope (3) with a front (10) wall that opposes a back (20) wall and is affixed to the back (20) wall alongside of at least three outer edges (3a, 3b, 3c) of the envelope (3), a lid (4) covering at least a portion of the front (10) wall and an opening (5) at an area between non-fixed edges (15, 25) of the front (10) and the back (20) wall and a first storage compartment (6) defined by the front (10) and the back (20) wall, comprising the steps of: a. providing a second compartment (7), which is arranged in the first storage compartment (6),b. filling the second compartment (7) with at least one tobacco sheet (8).


[en] an inhaler (10) is disclosed comprising an air flow channel (18) extending between an air inlet (12) and an air outlet (16), a fluid oscillation circuit (28) and a liquid injection mechanism (24). the fluid oscillation circuit (28) is configured to oscillate air flow in the air flow channel (18) by diverging and returning a portion of the air from and to the air flow channel (18). in use liquid is injected into the air flow channel (18) using the liquid injection mechanism (24) which is dispersed into droplets by an oscillating air flow in the air flow channel (18) and delivered to a user via the air outlet (16). [en]     claims   1. an inhaler including an aerosol generating system, the inhaler comprising: an air flow channel extending between an air inlet and an air outlet in a mouthpiece for supporting an air flow; a fluid oscillation circuit configured to diverge a portion of air from the air flow channel and return said portion back to the air flow channel such that the air flow in the airflow channel is oscillated; and a liquid injection mechanism configured to inject liquid into the air flow path so that it is vaporised by the oscillation in the air flow channel.
2. the inhaler of claim 1, wherein the fluid oscillation circuit is arranged laterally of the airflow channel.
3. the inhaler of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fluid oscillation circuit comprises at least one feedback channel configured to diverge and return the portion of the air flow from and to the air flow channel respectively to cause the airflow to oscillate between a first pattern and a second pattern.
4. the inhaler of claim 3, comprising a single feedback channel, wherein airflow in the single feedback channel is in a first direction in the first pattern and in a second direction in the second pattern, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction.
5. the inhaler of claim 3, comprising first and second feedback channels, wherein the air flow that diverges from the air flow channel is substantially in the first feedback channel in the first pattern, and substantially in the second feedback channel in the second pattern.
6. the inhaler of claim 3, wherein the liquid injection mechanism includes a liquid outlet positioned in the fluid oscillation circuit at a position where the air flow in the air flow channel is against a first side of the air flow channel in the first pattern and against a second side of the air flow channel in the second pattern.
7. the inhaler of any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid injection mechanism is configured to inject liquid at a position in the air flow channel which is upstream of the position at which the at least one feedback channel returns the diverging airflow to the airflow channel.
8. the inhaler of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a liquid reservoir configured to supply liquid to the liquid injection mechanism.
9. the inhaler of claim 8, further comprising a pump configured to pump liquid from the liquid reservoir to the liquid injection mechanism.
10. the inhaler of any of the preceding claims, wherein a constriction is provided in the air flow channel between the fluid oscillation circuit and the air inlet to facilitate a turbulent air flow in the fluid oscillation circuit.
11. the inhaler of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a heater configured to heat air in the air flow channel.
12. the inhaler of claim 11, wherein the heater is provided in the fluid oscillation circuit or between the fluid oscillation circuit and the air outlet.
13. the inhaler of claim 11 or 12, further comprising an electrical battery configured to supply electrical power to the heater.
14. an electronic cigarette comprising the inhaler of any of the preceding claims and one or more electrical components.
15. a method of generating an aerosol in an inhaler comprising the steps of: providing an air flow in an air flow channel that extends between an air inlet and an air outlet in a mouthpiece; oscillating the air flow in the air flow channel by using a fluid oscillation circuit configured to diverge a portion of air from the air flow channel and return said portion back to the airflow channel; and injecting liquid into the air flow path so that it is vaporised by the oscillation of the air flow in the fluid oscillation circuit.


[en] a cartridge (12) for an electronic cigarette (1) comprises a housing (22) configured to contain a vapor generating liquid and a connecting portion (24) configured to mechanically connect to a cartridge seating (10) of the electronic cigarette (1) and to fluidically connect to a vaporizing unit (16) of the electronic cigarette (1). the housing (22) is collapsible and is configured to deform from an initial shape in response to an increasing negative pressure as liquid is depleted from the cartridge (12) and to at least partly return to its initial shape such that liquid present in a heating block of the vaporizing unit (16) can flow back into the cartridge (12). [en]       claims   1. a cartridge (12) for an electronic cigarette (1), the cartridge (12) comprising a housing (22) configured to contain a vapor generating liquid and a connecting portion (24) configured to mechanically connect to a cartridge seating (10) of the electronic cigarette (1) and to fluidically connect to a vaporizing unit (16) of the electronic cigarette (1), wherein the housing (22) is collapsible and configured to deform from an initial shape in response to an increasing negative pressure as liquid is depleted from the cartridge (12), and wherein the housing (22) is configured to at least partly return to its initial shape.
2. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the housing (22) is deformable in a radial direction.
3. the cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing (22) is deformable in an axial direction, such that it shortens in length.
4. the cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing (22) comprises bellows.
5. the cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing (22) is provided with a shape memory, wherein the shape memory is configured to expel liquid from the housing (22).
6. the cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting portion (24) is sealed by a membrane (26).
7. the cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the membrane (26) is positioned inside the connecting portion (24).
8. the cartridge according to the claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the membrane (26) is resealable.
9. the cartridge according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the membrane (26) comprises a flexible material such as silicone or rubber.
10. the cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (12) further comprises a peel-off tab.
11. the cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion (24) further comprises a second connector, configured to hermetically seal against the inner surface of a cartridge seating (10).
12. the cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge (12) comprises a sealing groove (66), configured to receive a mating annular seal (68) located in the cartridge seating (10) of the electronic cigarette (1).
13. the cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge comprises an annular seal, configured to be received in a mating sealing groove in the cartridge seating (10) of the electronic cigarette (1).
14. the cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion (24) is configured to attach to the cartridge seating (10) of the electronic cigarette (1) in a screwed or bayonet connection.
15. an electronic cigarette (1) comprising a cartridge (12) according to any one of the preceding claims and a main body (4), wherein the main body (4) comprises a micro-electro-mechanical-systems (mems) vaporizing unit (16).
16. the electronic cigarette according to claim 15, further comprising a biasing member (32) configured to compress the collapsible housing (22) to expel liquid therefrom.


[en] an electronic cigarette is disclosed comprising a housing sleeve (42) and an insert. the housing sleeve comprises an opening (50) along a length of the housing sleeve for receiving the insert, which comprises an electronic component (12). t he insert further comprises a lid (48) sized and shaped to match the opening, and the lid comprises a display. [en]       claims   1. an electronic cigarette, comprising: an insert comprising at least one electronic component; a housing sleeve comprising a body with a first end and a second end, wherein the housing sleeve comprises an opening along a length of the body between the first end and the second end, and wherein the opening is arranged to receive the insert within the housing sleeve, wherein the insert further comprises a lid sized and shaped to match the opening, and wherein the lid comprises a display.
2. the electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic component comprises one or more of: a battery, a printed circuit board, pcb, and a sensor.
3. the electronic cigarette of claim 2, wherein the at least one electronic component is an airflow sensor.
4. the electronic cigarette of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lid comprises a material of higher flexibility than the housing sleeve.
5. the electronic cigarette of any claims 1 to 4, wherein the display has a connection rim, preferably in metal.
6. the electronic cigarette of claim 4, wherein the insert comprises a wireless antenna positioned below the lid and that is arranged to communicate data therethrough.
7. the electronic cigarette of claim 6, wherein the housing sleeve comprises a metallic material.
8. the electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing sleeve has a closed end and an open end.
9. the electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is located at a major surface or at a side of the housing sleeve.
10. the electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims further comprising a closing element at the first end.
11. the electronic cigarette of claim 10, wherein the closing element comprises a port, the port configured to provide electrical or data communication access to the at least one electronic component.
12. the electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims further comprising a cartridge seating or a liquid store at the second end.
13. a method of manufacturing the electronic cigarette according any of the preceding claims, comprising: providing an insert comprising at least one electronic component; providing a housing sleeve comprising a body with a first end and a second end, wherein the housing sleeve comprises an opening along a length of the body between the first end and the second end, and wherein the opening is arranged to receive the insert within the housing sleeve; and mounting the insert within the housing sleeve via the opening.


[en] the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article (100) comprising a container formed of reconstituted tobacco material, wherein the reconstituted tobacco comprises up to 5 percent dry weight of non-tobacco materials out of the total dry weight materials of the container. the invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the container of such aerosol-generating article (100). the method comprises the steps of a) preparing a suspension of tobacco material and a solvent to form a pulp of tobacco material, b) separating the solvent from the pulp of tobacco material, for example by pressing, c) introducing the pulp of tobacco material in a mould and d) drying the pulp of tobacco material to form a container of reconstituted tobacco comprising up to 5 percent dry weight of non-tobacco material out of the total dry weight materials of the container. [en]     claims   1. an aerosol-generating article (100) comprising a container for containing aerosol-generating material, wherein the container is made of reconstituted tobacco material comprising up to 5 percent dry weight of non-tobacco materials out of the total dry weight materials for forming the container.
2. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to claim 1, wherein said container is made of a single shaped part component or an assembly of a plurality of component parts or panels.
3. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises only biodegradable materials.
4. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container comprises up to 1 percent by weight of humectants of the total dry weight of the reconstituted tobacco material forming the container.
5. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the container forms a cavity, said cavity being filled with a charge of aerosol-generating material.
6. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to any preceding claims, wherein the reconstituted tobacco is selected from the list consisting of tobacco dust, stalk, stem and root.
7. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises tobacco material.
8. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein a protective layer of substantially impervious material is provided to a surface of the aerosol-generating article.
9. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-tobacco materials in the reconstituted tobacco material forming the container of the aerosol-generating article further comprises a binder and/or cellulose or a cellulose- based compound.
10. the aerosol-generating article (100) according to any preceding claims, further comprising a lid for closing the cavity of the container, said lid preferably being made of the same material as the container.
11. a method of manufacturing a container for containing aerosol generating material, comprising the steps of a. preparing a suspension of tobacco material and a solvent to form a pulp of tobacco material; b. separating the solvent from the pulp of tobacco material; c. introducing the pulp of tobacco material into a mould and apply pressure thereto to press form the pulp of tobacco material; d. drying the moulded pulp of tobacco material to form a container of reconstituted tobacco comprising up to 5 percent dry weight of non-tobacco material out of the total dry weight materials of the container.
12. the method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of finishing the moulded container by removing excess material or applying a coating or anti-molding composition to at least a surface of said component.
13. the method of any of claims 11 or 12, further comprising a step of assembling a plurality of moulded components together to form said container, comprising a plurality of components made of reconstituted tobacco material.
14. the method of any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the moulded container comprising a cavity and the method further comprises any of the following steps: a. providing an aerosol-generating material in the cavity the container; b. providing a lid for closing, sealing and/or overwrapping of the cavity of the container.
15. the method of any one of the claims 11-13, comprising the steps of: a. providing a container formed of reconstituted tobacco according to any one of the claims 1 -10; b. filling a charge of aerosol-generating material into the cavity of the container; c. closing the cavity of the container with a lid of same material as the container, d. sealing the lid to the container to form said aerosol generating article, comprising the charge of aerosol-generating material in a sealed container, and e. storing the aerosol-generating article thus obtained.


[en] a valve for an electronic cigarette includes a valve having a first body, a second body, and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force between the first body and the second body. the valve can be operated between an open position and a closed position in response to the relative angular position of the first body in relation to the second body.
the valve further includes an actuator, which is configured to create a force counter-acting against the biasing force from the biasing member, wherein the position of the valve is changed when the force from the actuator exceeds the biasing force. [en] 1. a valve for an electronic cigarette, the valve comprising a first body, a second body and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force between the first body and the second body, the first body and the second body being rotatably connected to each other about a rotation axis such that the valve can be operated in an open position and a closed position based on an angular position of the first body in relation to the second body,wherein the valve further comprises a variable length actuator comprising a shape memory alloy configured to change its length under the influence of heat, and which is configured to apply an actuator force which acts counter to the biasing force, wherein the actuator force is applied at a radial distance from the rotation axis, and wherein the valve is changed from the closed position to the open position when the actuator force exceeds the biasing force.
2. the valve according to claim 1, wherein the variable length actuator has a first portion connected to the first body and a second portion connected to the second body.
3. the valve according to claim 1, wherein the variable length actuator is a wire.
4. the valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve has a cylindrical outer surface, and wherein the variable length actuator at least partially encircles the outer surface of the valve.
5. the valve according to claim 4, wherein the valve has a groove or a channel configured to accommodate the variable length actuator.
6. the valve according to claim 5, wherein the groove is located on an outer periphery on the cylindrical outer surface.
7. the valve according to claim 1, wherein the radial distance at which the actuator force is applied substantially corresponds to a radius of the valve.
8. the valve according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is configured to bias the valve towards the closed position.
9. the valve according to any of the preceding claims 1, wherein the first body comprises a first closing surface and the second body comprises a second closing surface, wherein the variable length actuator is configured to change a distance between the first closing surface and the second closing surface.
10. a fluid supply system for an electronic cigarette comprising the valve according to claim 1, and wherein the fluid supply system further comprises a fluid supply conduit configured to transport fluid from a liquid store, wherein the valve is configured to compress the fluid supply conduit in response to a relative angular position between the first valve body and the second valve body, such that a flow rate of liquid from the liquid store can be regulated.
11. a consumable for an electronic cigarette, the consumable comprising: a vaporizing unit,a liquid store, anda valve member in the form of a first body which is moveable relative to a second body between a first position and a second position, such that when the first body is in the first position the first body is sealed against the second body such that liquid flow from the liquid store to the vaporizing unit is closed, and when the first body is in the second position the liquid flow from the liquid store to the vaporizing unit is opened,wherein the first body is operably connected to a biasing member and an actuator, wherein the biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to bias the first member towards one of the first and second positions and the actuator is configured to apply an actuator force which acts counter to the biasing force, whereby the first member is movable from the first position towards the second position when the actuator force exceeds the biasing force.
12. the consumable according to claim 11, wherein the first body is configured as a cylindrical member configured to be rotated around an axis and is located within the liquid store.
13. the consumable according to claim 11, wherein the first body is removably connected to a rotor and wherein the rotor is operatively connected to the actuator and the biasing member.
14. the consumable according to claim 13, wherein the rotor and the first body comprise corresponding engagement structures.
15. the consumable according to claim 13, wherein the consumable can only be connected and disconnected from the rotor when the first body is in the first position and the liquid flow from the liquid store to the vaporizing unit is closed.
16. the consumable according to claim 11, wherein the first body comprises at least one liquid channel having a liquid inlet and wherein the second body comprises at least one liquid channel from the liquid store to an outlet, and wherein the valve member is closed when the liquid inlet of the first body is misaligned with the outlet in the second body.


[en] packaging comprising a container for holding one or more consumer goods, a lid hingedly connected to the container, and a flap hingedly connected to the container, the flap comprising a holding portion for holding one or more items. blank system for forming the packaging and method of forming the packaging. [en]       claims:   1. packaging comprising:   a container for holding one or more consumer goods, the container comprising a container opening for accessing the one or more consumer goods; a lid hingedly connected to the container and moveable between an open position in which the container opening is revealed and a closed position in which the container opening is at least partially occluded by the lid; and   a flap hingedly connected to the container and moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein when the flap is in its open position the lid is moveable between its open and closed positions and when the flap is in its closed position the flap prevents the lid from moving between its open and closed positions, the flap comprising a holding portion for holding one or more items;   the packaging being configured such that, when both the lid and the flap are in their respective closed positions, the holding portion overlies a portion of the lid.
2. the packaging of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a front panel, which is comprised in the portion of the lid that the holding portion overlies when both the lid and the flap are in their respective closed positions.
3. the packaging of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein a front face of the container comprises the container opening and a container front wall which at least partially bounds the container opening.
4. the packaging of claim 3, wherein a top face of the container comprises the container opening.
5. the packaging of either of claims 3 or 4, wherein the container opening extends from a top edge of the front face of the container at least halfway towards a bottom edge of the front face of the container.
6. the packaging of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein, when in the closed position, the lid extends over the front face of the container from a top edge of the front face of the container at least halfway towards a bottom edge of the front face of the container.
7. the packaging of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the container further comprises a lid securing feature on the container front wall for maintaining the lid in its closed position.
8. the packaging of claim 7, wherein the lid securing feature is located closer to a bottom edge of the container front face than the container opening.
9. the packaging of either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the lid securing feature is configured to secure to the container front wall a portion of the lid distal from its hinged connection to the container.
10. the packaging of claim 9, wherein the lid securing feature comprises a lid receiving slit or lid receiving aperture in the container front wall and the portion of the lid distal from its hinged connection to the container is a lid tongue portion configured to be received by and engage with the lid receiving slit or lid receiving aperture.
11. the packaging of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the lid securing feature is located on the container front wall such that, when the flap is in the closed position and the lid is in the open position, the holding portion overlies the lid securing feature.
12. the packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the flap comprises:   a flap panel; and   a holding panel hingedly connected to the flap panel and moveable between an open position in which the one or more items are accessible and a closed position in which the one or more items are held against the flap panel.
13. the packaging of claim 12, wherein the holding panel is hingedly connected to the flap panel along a bottom edge of the flap panel.
14. the packaging of either of claims 12 or 13, further comprising the one or more items affixed to the holding panel.
15. the packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the flap comprises:   a flap panel; and   a pocket affixed to the flap panel and configured to receive the one or more items.
16. the packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a flap securing feature for maintaining the flap in its closed position.
17. the packaging of claim 16, wherein the flap securing feature comprises a flap receiving slit or flap receiving aperture in the container and the flap comprises a flap tongue portion configured to be received by and engage with the flap receiving slit or flap receiving aperture.
18. the packaging of claim 17, wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the container along a first container side wall and the flap receiving slit or flap receiving aperture is provided along a second container side wall, opposite to the first container side wall.
19. the packaging of any preceding claim, wherein a hinge connecting the flap to the container is perpendicular to a hinge connecting the lid to the container.
20. the packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more items are configured to be used together with the one or more consumer goods.
21. a blank system comprising one or more blanks for forming the packaging of any preceding claim, the blank system comprising:   a container portion comprising at least two container panels for forming the container, including a container rear panel; a lid portion articulated along a fold line to the container portion, the lid portion comprising at least one lid panel for forming the lid, including a lid front panel;   a flap portion comprising at least one flap panel; and   a holding portion comprising at least one holding portion panel, including a holding portion front panel;   wherein the difference between the lengths of the container rear panel and the shortest part of the lid front panel is less than the length of the holding portion front panel.
22. the blank system of claim 21, wherein the difference between the lengths of the container rear panel and the shortest part of the lid front panel is less than 80 percent of the length of the holding portion front panel.
23. the blank system of either of claims 21 or 22, wherein the flap portion is articulated along a fold line to the container portion.
24. the blank system of claim 23, wherein the articulation of the lid portion to the container portion is perpendicular to the articulation of the flap portion to the container portion.
25. the blank system of either of claims 23 or 24, wherein the lid portion and the flap portion are articulated to the same container panel.
26. the blank system of any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the holding portion is articulated along a fold line to the flap portion.
27. the blank system of claim 26, wherein the articulation of the holding portion to the flap portion is perpendicular to the articulation of the flap portion to the container portion.
28. the blank system of any of claims 21 to 27, wherein the container portion comprises a container front panel that comprises a shaped edge configured to partially bound the container opening when the packaging is assembled.
29. the blank system of claim 28, wherein the shortest length of the container front panel from an edge opposite the shaped edge to the shaped edge is greater than or equal to the length of the holding portion front panel.
30. the blank system of any of claims 21 to 29, wherein the lid front panel comprises a lid tongue portion and the container portion comprises a lid receiving slit or aperture configured to receive and engage with the lid tongue portion.
31. the blank system of claim 30 as dependent on claim 28, wherein the container front panel comprises the lid receiving slit or aperture, and the length of the part of the container front panel from the edge opposite the shaped edge to the lid receiving slit or aperture is shorter than the length of the holding portion front panel.
32. the blank system of claim 31, wherein the length of the part of the container front panel from the edge opposite the shaped edge to the lid receiving slit or aperture is less than 60 percent of the length of the holding portion front panel.
33. the blank system of any of claims 21 to 32, wherein the container portion, the lid portion, the flap portion and the holding portion are formed in one blank.
34. the blank system of any of claims 21 to 33, wherein the length of the shortest part of the lid front panel is greater than or equal to 70 percent of the length of the container rear panel.
35. a method of making packaging according to any of claims 1 to 20, comprising folding the one or more blanks according to any of claims 21 to 34.


[en] the present invention provides a method of forming a filter rod (r) of separated fibres and/or randomly oriented filter material fibres (f) for the tobacco processing industry, the method comprising: supplying separated filter material fibres (f) to an inlet (i) of a conveyor device (2), conveying the separated filter material fibres (f) along a process path (p) in a conveying direction (d) from the inlet (i) to an outlet (o) of the conveyor device (2), whereby a strand (4) of the filter material fibres (f) is formed along the process path (p), introducing at least one additive (a), especially a binder, to the strand (4) of filter material fibres (f) on the process path (p) in the conveyor device (2) at a position that is closer to the outlet (o) than the inlet (i), and consolidating the filter material fibres (f) into a filter rod (r) by wrapping the strand (4) of filter material fibres (f) with a wrapper material (6) after the strand (4) exits the outlet (o) of the conveyor device (2) in the conveying direction (d). desirably, the at least one additive (a) is introduced or applied to the strand (4) of filter material fibres (f) proximate or adjacent to the outlet (o) of the conveyor device (2). the invention also provides an apparatus (1) for forming such a filter rod (r) of separated and/or randomly oriented filter material fibres (f). [en] 1. a method of forming a filter rod of separated filter material fibres for the tobacco processing industry, the method comprising: supplying separated filter material fibres to an inlet of a conveyor device,conveying the filter material fibres along a process path in a conveying direction from the inlet to an outlet of the conveyor device, whereby a strand of the filter material fibres is formed along the process path,introducing at least one additive to the strand of filter material fibres on the process path in the conveyor device at a position closer to the outlet than to the inlet, andconsolidating the filter material fibres into a filter rod by wrapping the strand of filter material fibres with a wrapper material after the strand exits the outlet of the conveyor device in the conveying direction.
2. a method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one additive is applied to the strand of filter material fibres at or proximate to the outlet of the conveyor device.
3. a method according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor device is a suction conveyor device comprising one or more suction members along the process path, wherein the step of introducing the at least one additive to the strand includes applying the additive to the strand of filter material fibres on the suction conveyor device.
4. a method according to any of claim 1, wherein the step of introducing at least one additive is carried out within a final one-third of the process path defined by the conveyor device before the strand of filter material fibres exits the conveyor device.
5. a method according to any of claim 1, wherein: the step of introducing at least one additive comprises applying the additive in a substantially fluid or liquid form by spraying, onto the strand of filter material fibres on the process path; andwherein the additive is sprayed onto the strand at an angle of between 0 degrees and 90 degrees to the conveying direction.
6. a method according to any of claim 1, further comprising locally moderating or reducing a vacuum or an under-pressure applied to the strand of filter material fibres in the conveyor device at or immediately prior to introducing the at least one additive thereto.
7. a method according to claim 1, further comprising heating the additive before and/or during the step of introducing the at least one additive.
8. a method according to any of claim 1, wherein the at least one additive comprises one or more of: an aqueous composition, a flavouring composition, a binder composition, a plasticizer, and an encapsulated compound or material.
9. a method according to any of claim 1, wherein the step of introducing at least one additive comprises applying or delivering the additive to the strand of filter material fibres via a gaseous carrier, preferably compressed air or steam.
10. a method according to any of claim 1, wherein the step of supplying the separated filter material fibres to the inlet of the conveyor device includes delivering a mixture of (e.g. different) loose, randomly oriented filter material fibres and optionally at least one particulate material to the inlet.
11. an apparatus for forming a filter rod from separated filter material fibres for the tobacco processing industry, comprising: a conveyor device having a conveyor member for conveying separated filter material fibres along a process path in a conveying direction from an inlet to an outlet of the conveyor device, wherein the conveyor member is configured to create a continuous strand of filter material fibres from the separated filter material fibres supplied to the inlet;a wrapping device for wrapping the continuous strand of filter material fibres in a wrapper material after the strand exits or emerges from an outlet of the conveyor device thereby to form a filter rod having a core of filter material fibres surrounded by the wrapper material; andan additive application system comprising at least one applicator device, such as a nozzle, configured and arranged to apply an additive, especially a binder, to the strand of fibres at a position on the process path in the conveyor device closer to the outlet than the inlet.
12. an apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: the at least one applicator device is configured and arranged to apply the additive by spraying at a position proximate or adjacent to the outlet of the conveyor device; and/orwherein the conveyor device is a suction conveyor device and the conveyor member is a suction belt, wherein the filter material fibres are supplied to the inlet by an under-pressure or vacuum created by and/or in the suction conveyor device.
13. an apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: the at least one applicator device includes a nozzle arranged or oriented at an angle of between 0 degrees and 90 degrees to the direction of the conveyor device; and/orthe nozzle is directed or extends substantially parallel to the direction of the conveyor member, preferably within a substantially horizontal plane; and/orthe nozzle is directed or extends substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction.
14. an apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the additive application system comprises at least one supply or reservoir for each additive and optionally a carrier source, wherein each carrier source and each supply or reservoir is connected to said at least one applicator device, and preferably to each nozzle.
15. an apparatus according to any of claim 10, further comprising one or more plate member in the conveyor device for locally moderating or reducing a vacuum or an under-pressure applied to the strand of filter material fibres at or immediately upstream of the at least one applicator device or nozzle; and/or wherein the additive application system comprises heating means for heating the additive before or during application in the conveyor device.
16. the method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one suction device includes a suction belt.
17. the method according to claim 4, wherein the step of introducing at least one additive is carried out within a final one-fifth of the process path.
18. the method according to claim 17, wherein the step of introducing at least one additive is carried out within a final one-tenth of the process path.


[en] a container for consumer goods, such as smoking articles, has an outer housing with a hinged lid that houses an inner package of consumer goods. the inner package has an access opening that is covered by a reclosable flap, which is attached to a first lid panel that is relatively movable to a second lid panel throughout rotation of the lid between lid open and closed positions. the hinged lid is connected to the reclosable flap. the reclosable flap moves relative to the access opening during movement of the hinged lid. the reclosable flap carries an indicium such that the indicium is not visible when the lid is in the closed position and such that the indicium becomes visible during movement of the hinged lid from the closed position towards the open position at an intermediate position in which the reclosable flap covers the entire periphery of the access opening. [en] 1. a container for consumer goods, comprising: an outer housing comprising a hinged lid rotatable between open and closed positions;an inner package of consumer goods within the outer housing comprising an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed;a reclosable flap arranged to cover the access opening and attached to the hinged lid whereby the reclosable flap moves relative to the access opening during movement of the hinged lid;wherein the reclosable flap carries an indicium in a manner such that the indicium is not visible when the lid is in the closed position and such that the indicium becomes visible during movement of the hinged lid from the closed position towards the open position at an intermediate position in which the reclosable flap covers an entire periphery of the access opening.
2. the container of claim 1, wherein the indicium is embedded in the reclosable flap.
3. the container of claim 1, wherein the indicium is provided on an inner surface of the reclosable flap.
4. the container of claim 1, wherein the indicium is provided on an outer surface of the reclosable flap.
5. the container of claim 1, wherein the reclosable flap is attached to the hinged lid such that a portion of the reclosable flap is substantially coplanar with a planar wall of the hinged lid when the hinged lid moves between the open and closed positions.
6. the container of claim 5, wherein the coplanar portion of the reclosable flap includes at least a portion of the indicium.
7. the container of claim 5, wherein the hinged lid comprises a first lid panel which is movable relative to a second lid panel during movement of the hinged lid between the open and closed positions, and wherein the planar wall of the hinged lid is provided by the first lid panel.
8. the container of claim 7, wherein the reclosable flap is attached to the first lid panel.
9. the container of claim 1, wherein the indicium is provided by a printing medium, by one or more protrusions, by one or more depressions, or a combination thereof.
10. the container of claim 9, wherein the indicium is provided by a printing medium, and further comprising a protective layer arranged to cover the printing medium to prevent egression of compounds therefrom to the consumer goods through the access opening.
11. the container of claim 9, wherein the indicium is provided by a printing medium provided at a position on the reclosable flap that is offset from the access opening when the hinged lid is in the closed position.
12. the container of claim 1, wherein the indicium is text, a symbol, an image, a pattern, or a combination thereof.
13. a method of forming a container for consumer goods, comprising the steps of: providing an inner package of consumer goods comprising an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed;providing a reclosable flap with an indicium and arranging the reclosable flap to cover the access opening of the inner package;folding a blank about the inner package to form an outer housing with a hinged lid; andattaching the reclosable flap to the hinged lid so that the indicium is not visible when the lid is in the closed position and that the indicium becomes visible during movement of the hinged lid from the closed position towards the open position at an intermediate position in which the reclosable flap covers an entire periphery of the access opening.
14. the method of claim 13, comprising the additional step of: positioning the reclosable flap on the inner package with respect to the access opening such that at least a portion of the indicium is outside the periphery of the access opening.


[en] the invention provides a humidifying device for increasing the moisture content of tobacco, wherein the device comprises a porous wrapper arranged to form a pocket, wherein multiple water-evaporating pieces are located within said pocket, and wherein the porous wrapper allows for water retention within the pocket and fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the pocket. [en]       claims   1. a humidifying device for increasing the moisture content of tobacco, wherein the device comprises a porous wrapper arranged to form a pocket, wherein multiple water-evaporating pieces are located within said pocket, and wherein the porous wrapper allows for water retention within the pocket and fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the pocket.
2. a device according to claim 1, wherein the water-evaporating pieces and the porous wrapper are re-fillable with water.
3. a device according to claim 2, wherein the water-evaporating pieces are re-fillable through the porous wrapper.
4. a device according to any preceding claim, wherein the porous wrapper adsorbs and evaporates water.
5. a device according to any preceding claim, wherein the porous wrapper has a water capacity of at least 0.10 gsm, preferably at least 0.16 gsm.
6. a device according to any preceding claim, wherein the water- evaporating piece has a water capacity of at least 0.25 gsm, preferably at least 0.32 gsm.
7. a device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device has a water release rate of around 0.2gms over a period of 4 hours.
8. a device according to any preceding claim, wherein the water- evaporating piece is a granule.
9. a device according to any preceding claim, wherein the water- evaporating piece is made from natural and/or synthetic materials.
10. a device according to any preceding claim, wherein the pocket contains at least 10 water-evaporating pieces, and preferably at least 20 water- evaporating pieces.
 1 1. a pouch comprising tobacco and a humidifying device according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein, in use, the humidifying device increases the moisture content of the tobacco.
12. a pouch according to claim 1 1, wherein at least 55 percent of the water content of the device is transferred to the tobacco over a period of one hour.
13. a pouch according to claims 1 1 or 12, wherein the moisture content of the tobacco is increased by 1.2 percent to 1.4 percent over a period of 24 hours.
14. a pouch according to any of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the tobacco is a low- or mid-moisture blend.


[en] a package for smoking articles, a blank for forming a collar part and a lid part of the package and a method of forming the package from such a blank is provided. the package (100) comprises: a packet part (110) for storing smoking articles; a collar part (120); and a lid part (130); wherein: the packet part is made of a substantially flexible material; the collar part and the lid part are made of a substantially rigid material; the collar part is attached to the packet part and partially overwraps the packet part; and the lid part is arranged such that it may move relative to the collar part and the packet part between a closed position, in which the lid part restricts access to any smoking articles contained in the packet part, and an open position, in which the lid part does not restrict access to any smoking articles contained in the packet part. [en]       claims   1. a package (100) for smoking articles, the package comprising: a packet part (1 10) for storing smoking articles; a collar part (120); and a lid part (130); wherein: the packet part is made of a substantially flexible material whereby the package is partially deformable; the collar part and the lid part are made of a substantially rigid material; the collar part is attached to the packet part and partially overwraps the packet part; and the lid part is arranged such that it may move relative to the collar part and the packet part between a closed position, in which the lid part restricts access to any smoking articles contained in the packet part, and an open position, in which the lid part does not restrict access to any smoking articles contained in the packet part.
2. a package according to claim 1, wherein the packet part comprises an opening (140) at a longitudinal end of the packet part for allowing access to any smoking articles contained in the packet part wherein, when the lid part is in the closed position, the lid part at least partly overlies the opening.
3. a package according to claim 2, wherein the opening is delimited by a pre-cut openable portion in the packet part.
4. a package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substantially flexible material comprises a heat-sealable foil.
5. a package according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid part is hingeably connected to the collar part.
6. a package according to claim 5, wherein the lid part comprises a front panel which overlies a panel of the packet part and extends to cover the panel of the packet part by more than either: (a) 20 percent; or (b) 40 percent; or (c) 50 percent; in a longitudinal direction.
7. a package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part and/or the collar part comprises cardboard.
8. a package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar part forms a sleeve encircling at least part of the packet part in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, wherein preferably the collar part is formed towards a longitudinal end of the packet part in which an opening may be formed.
9. a blank (200) for forming the collar part and the lid part of the package according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the blank comprises: a plurality of panels (160, 205, 210, 215, 220, 250, 255, 260, 265); a plurality of construction tabs (225, 230, 235, 240, 270); and a plurality of fold lines; wherein: each panel is connected at least one other panel and/or to at least one construction tab along a fold line; each construction tab is connected to at least one other construction tab and/or to at least one panel, along a fold line; and each construction tab is positioned such that when the blank is folded along the fold lines, said construction tab will be aligned with a face one of the panels and/or with a face of one of the construction tabs to which said construction tab is to be attached, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a plurality of panels which forms the collar part and a plurality of panels which forms the lid part, and wherein one of the panels which forms the collar part is connected to one of the panels which forms the lid part by a crease line (280).
10. the blank according to claim 9, wherein: the plurality of panels for forming the lid part comprises: a front lid panel (160) a top lid panel (205) connected to the front lid panel by a fold line; a back lid panel (210) connected to the top lid panel by a fold line on a side of the top lid panel which opposes the fold line connecting the top lid panel to the front lid panel; a side lid panel (215) connected to the front lid panel by a fold line; and another side lid panel (220) connected to the front lid panel by a fold line located on a side of the front lid panel which opposes the fold line connecting the side lid panel to the front lid panel; and the plurality of construction tabs for forming the lid part comprises: a side lid construction tab (235) connected to the back lid panel by a fold line; another side lid construction tab (240) connected to the back lid panel by a fold line located on a side of the back lid panel which opposes the fold line connecting the side lid construction tab to the back lid panel; a lid top construction tab (225) connected to the side lid construction tab by a fold line; and another lid top construction tab (230) connected to the another side lid construction tab by a fold line;
 1 1. the blank according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of panels for forming the collar part comprises: a front collar panel (250); a side collar panel (260) connected to the front collar panel by a fold line; a back collar panel (255) connected to the side collar panel by a fold line located on a side of the side collar panel which opposes the fold line connecting the side collar panel to the front collar panel; and another side collar panel (265) connected to the back collar panel by a fold line located on a side of the back collar panel which opposes the fold line connecting the back collar panel to the side collar panel; and the plurality of construction tabs comprises: a collar construction tab (270) connected to the front collar panel by a fold line of the plurality of fold lines.
12. a method of forming a package (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising: forming a packet part (1 10) containing articles; forming a collar part (120) and a lid part (130) by folding a blank (200) according to either one of claims 9 to 1 1; and attaching the collar part to the packet part.
13. the method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises forming the packet part by forming the substantially flexible material of the packet part over a plurality of smoking articles and sealing and trimming a top end, a bottom end and a longitudinal seam of the substantially flexible material thereby sealing the smoking articles in the packet part.
14. the method of either one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the collar part is formed around the packet part.
15. the method of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the blank is made of cardboard and the packet part is made of heat-sealable foil.


[en] the invention relates to a method of preparing a wrapped smokeless tobacco product comprising a wrapping material and a moist smokeless tobacco material with improved seal strength of the final product by dyeing the wrapping material before sealing it, a portioned smokeless tobacco product obtained by the method and a box comprising the portioned smokeless tobacco product. [en] 1. a method of preparing a wrapped smokeless tobacco product comprising a wrapping material and a moist smokeless tobacco material, wherein said method comprises the steps of: a) providing the wrapping material with a colorant-containing solution,b) providing the moist smokeless tobacco material,c) wrapping the moist smokeless tobacco material with the coloured wrapping material,d) sealing the coloured wrapping material around the moist smokeless tobacco material, ande) obtaining a portioned smokeless tobacco having a seal strength comprised between 5 and 15 n/50mm.
2. the method according to claim 1, wherein the obtained seal strength of the portioned smokeless tobacco is reduced by less than 30 percent, preferably less than 20 percent compared to that of the seal strength of the wrapping material before being exposed to step a).
3. the method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of drying the coloured wrapping material at least in the sealing region before step c).
4. the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the colorant-containing solution comprises a colorant selected from the group consisting of e102, e120, e153, e150a - 150d, e151, e154, e155 and natural colorants.
5. the method according to claim 4, wherein the colorant is present in the solution in a concentration between 1 and 10 percent by weight.
6. the method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the colorant is caramel, a tobacco extract or an edible brown colorant.
7. the method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the colorant-containing solution comprises water.
8. the method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the colorant-containing solution comprises glycerol.
9. the method according to claim 8, wherein glycerol is present in the solution in a concentration between 5 and 15 percent by weight.
10. the method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the method does not comprise after step d) a further step requiring the addition of water.
11. a portioned smokeless tobacco product obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. the portioned smokeless tobacco product according to claim 11, wherein the wrapping material comprises a concentration of colorant between 0.1 and 10 percent by weight.
13. the portioned smokeless tobacco product according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the moist smokeless tobacco material has a moisture content between 25 and 60 percent by weight.
14. a box comprising the portioned smokeless tobacco product according to any one of claims 11 to 13.


[en] the invention provides a blank (1) for forming a container having a curved or rounded edge, and comprises: a plurality of substantially linear grooves (5) formed in a region (2) of the blank (1) intended to form the rounded edge, the grooves (5) extending substantially parallel to one another and being debossed into a first surface or face (6) of the blank (1) that forms an inner surface of the rounded edge. furthermore, an opposite or reverse surface or face (7) of the blank (1) in this region (2) is substantially smooth. the invention also provides a method and apparatus for forming a curved or rounded edge in a container made from a flat blank. [en]   claims:   1. a method of forming a rounded edge in a container made from a substantially flat blank, comprising the steps: forming a plurality of substantially linear grooves in a region of the blank intended to form said rounded edge, said grooves extending substantially parallel to an axis defining a center of curvature for the rounded edge; and bending the grooved region of the blank about said axis such that a substantially rounded edge is obtained by virtue of bending deflection distributed over the plurality of grooves; wherein the step of forming said grooves comprises debossing a first surface or face of the blank.
2. a method according to claim 1, wherein debossing the first surface or face of the blank comprises pressing at least one substantially linear tool element into said first surface or face of the blank, while an opposite or reverse surface or face of the blank is supported on or against a flat or smooth counter surface.
3. a method according to claim 2, wherein the substantially linear tool element comprises a raised or projecting ridge element to deboss a corresponding groove into the first surface of the blank.
4. a method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of substantially linear tool elements are simultaneously or consecutively pressed into said first surface or face of the blank to deboss the plurality of substantially linear grooves in the blank.
5. a method according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of tool elements is provided on a debossing tool configured as a linear stamp or punch.
6. a method according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of tool elements is provided on a debossing tool configured as a rotary stamp or punch.
7. a method according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the counter surface comprises a substantially planar outer surface of a plate member; or alternatively, wherein the counter surface comprises a substantially smooth surface of a cylindrical roller or drum member.
8. a method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the grooved region in the first surface or face of the blank forms an inner surface of the rounded edge and the opposite or reverse surface or face of the blank forms a substantially smooth outer surface of the rounded edge.
9. a method according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the number of grooves in said region of the blank intended to form the rounded edge is in the range of 3 to 20, preferably in the range of 5 to 15 and more preferably in the range of 6 to 12; and/or wherein a spacing or a pitch of the grooves is in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm; and/or wherein a depth of the grooves is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.
10. a method according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the grooves has a transverse cross-section that tapers towards a base of the groove, each linear tool element preferably having a corresponding frusto-conical transverse cross-section.
11. apparatus for making a blank for a container having at least one rounded edge, comprising a first tool having one or more substantially linear tool element to impress or deboss a plurality of substantially linear grooves into a first surface of the blank.
12. apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first tool has a plurality of parallel raised or projecting linear tool elements, such as ridge elements, for debossing the plurality of laterally spaced linear grooves into said first surface of the blank, the first tool preferably being configured either as a linear stamp or punch, or as a rotary stamp or punch.
13. apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a second tool with a flat or smooth surface for supporting the blank as a counter surface during the pressing or debossing of the grooves into the first surface of the blank with the first tool.
14. a blank for forming a container having a rounded edge, comprising: a plurality of substantially linear grooves in a region of the blank intended to form said rounded edge, said grooves extending substantially parallel to one another, wherein said grooves are debossed into a first surface or face of the blank that forms an inner surface of the rounded edge.   a blank according to claim 14, wherein an opposite or reverse surface or face of the blank in said region is substantially smooth to form an outer surface of the rounded edge.


[en] the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a filter element (7) for an aerosol generating product (1), and especially a filter plug element (7) for a smoking article, comprising the steps: processing bulk filter material (8) to provide or form a substantially continuous strand (d) of the filter material (8); covering or wrapping the substantially continuous strand (d) of the filter material (8) with at least one layer (9) of sheet material to form a continuous filter rod (r), and forming perforations or holes (17) in the layer (9) of sheet material which covers the continuous filter rod (r) before and/or after the covering or wrapping step. [en] 1. a method of manufacturing filter elements (7) for an aerosol generating product (1), especially filter plug elements (7) for a smoking article, comprising: processing bulk filter material (8) to provide or form a substantially continuous strand (d) of the filter material (8); covering the substantially continuous strand (d) of filter material (8) with at least one layer (9) of sheet material to form an elongate filter member (r, 20); and forming perforations or holes (17) in the elongate filter member (r, 20) before and/or after the step of covering the strand (d) of filter material (8).
2. a method according to claim 1, wherein the step of forming the perforations or holes (17) comprises forming those perforations or holes (17) in the at least one layer (9) of sheet material that covers or wraps the elongate filter member (r, 20).
3. a method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sheet material (37) of the layer (9) is pre-perforated before covering the substantially continuous strand (d) of the filter material (8) therewith.
4. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming the perforations or holes (17) is performed after the step of covering or wrapping the strand (d) of filter material (8) with the at least one layer (9) of sheet material, with the perforations or holes (17) preferably being formed not only in the layer (9) of sheet material, but also in or through the filter material (8) covered or wrapped by the at least one layer (9) of sheet material.
5. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate filter member (r, 20) comprises a substantially continuous filter rod (r) or a filter rod member (20) of predetermined length, and wherein the method comprises: cutting the continuous filter rod (r) or the filter rod member (20) of predetermined length into a plurality of discrete or individual filter elements (7), each of which is configured to be assembled with a respective rod element (2) of aerosol generating material (3), such as tobacco, to form a smoking article (1), wherein the step of forming the perforations or holes (17) in the layer (9) of sheet material is carried out before the cutting step.
6. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate filter member (r, 20) comprises a continuous filter rod (r), wherein the method comprises: cutting the continuous filter rod (r) into a plurality of elongate rod members (20) of predetermined length, wherein the step of forming perforations or holes (17) in the layer (9) of sheet material is carried out or performed on the elongate rod members (20).
7. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations or holes (17) are formed or arranged randomly in the layer (9) of sheet material, and/or wherein the perforations or holes (17) are formed or arranged evenly or regularly in said layer (9).
8. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforations or holes (17) are arranged or formed around a circumference of the continuous filter rod (r) or the elongate rod members (20), and/or wherein the perforations or holes (17) are arranged or formed longitudinally of the continuous filter rod (r) or the elongate rod members (20).
9. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming perforations or holes (17) in the layer (9) of sheet material includes moving the continuous filter rod (r) or the elongate rod members (20) relative to a perforating device or a hole forming device (40), preferably rotating the filter rod (r) or the elongate rod members (20) about a longitudinal axis thereof.
10. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming perforations or holes (17) includes irradiating the layer (9) of sheet material, especially after it covers or wraps the filter material (8) of the filter rod (r), with at least one laser beam, whereby the perforations or holes (17) are formed by means of the at least one laser beam.
11. a method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one laser beam is movable with respect to the filter rod (r) or filter rod members (20), preferably movable along a longitudinal direction and/or in a transverse direction with respect thereto.
12. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a perforating device or hole forming device (40) comprises a laser source, a beam splitter arrangement for generating multiple laser beams from said laser source, a plurality of optical fibres for conveying and directing a respective laser beam towards the filter rod (r) or the filter rod members (20), and an optical fibre support configured to receive and hold a free end of each of the optical fibres in such a way that the laser beams from each individual optical fibre are arranged adjacent and directed towards the layer (9) of sheet material which covers the filter rod (r) or the filter rod members (20).
13. a method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of: cutting the elongate filter member (r, 20) into a plurality of discrete or individual filter elements (7), each of which is configured for assembly with an element (2) of aerosol generating material (3), especially a rod element of tobacco; wherein the filter material (8) comprises cellulose acetate tow and wherein the layer (9) of sheet material is porous or non-porous, preferably comprising paper.
14. a filter element (7) for an aerosol generating product (1), and especially a filter plug element for a smoking article, manufactured or obtained by a method according to any one of the preceding claims.
15. an aerosol generating product (1), especially a smoking article, comprising: an elongate element (2) of aerosol generating material (3), such as tobacco, assembled with a filter element (7) according to claim 14.


[en] a door unit for a display cabinet. the door unit comprises frame for holding, in use, at least an upper and a lower sliding door, and linking means for selectively linking the two doors such that when a first one of the doors is opened the linking means engages with the second one of the doors to pull it open also and when the second one of the doors is opened the linking means disengages such that the first door remains closed. the linking means is configured to be concealed from a user. [en]   claims   1. a door unit for a display cabinet, the door unit comprising: a frame for holding, in use, at least an upper and a lower sliding door; and linking means for selectively linking the two doors such that when a first one of the doors is opened the linking means engages with the second one of the doors to pull it open also and when the second one of the doors is opened the linking means disengages such that the first door remains closed, wherein the linking means is configured to be concealed from a user.
2. the unit of claim 1 wherein the doors are arranged such that they slide in the same direction.
3. the unit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least the upper and lower sliding doors are configured to slide within the same vertical plane.
4. the unit of claim 3, wherein the linking means also engages in the same vertical plane as the sliding plane of the doors.
5. the unit of any preceding claim, wherein the linking means is mounted to a back side or fixed into a longitudinal cross section of the upper and lower sliding doors respectively such that they are concealed from a user when the door unit is mounted onto a cabinet.
6. the unit of any preceding claim, wherein the linking means comprise abutting members configured to engage in abutment with each other when the first one of the sliding doors is opened to open the second one of the sliding doors simultaneously and not to engage when the second one of the sliding doors is opened to leave the first one of the sliding doors closed..
7. the unit of claim 6, wherein the abutting members are integral with at least a first runner unit attached to the first one of the sliding doors and slidably mounted to the frame and at least a second runner unit attached to the second one of the sliding doors and slidably mounted to the frame.
8. the unit of claim 7, wherein the runner units comprise rollers or wheels mounted to a common rail in the frame, preferably located between the upper and lower doors.
9. the unit of claim 8, wherein the rollers or wheels of each of the runner units are mounted into a same track of the rail, the rail preferably having a substantially c-shaped cross-section.
10. the unit of claim 9, wherein the rail is provided within a transverse rail member of the frame located between the at least upper and lower sliding doors and within the same vertical sliding plane as the two sliding doors.
 1 1. the unit of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the abutting members of the linking means comprise dampening means to absorb shocks and noise upon engagement.
12. the unit of claim 1 1, wherein the dampening means preferably comprise rubber or silicon gaskets, pieces or sleeves or any other soft plastic element.
13. the unit of any preceding claim, wherein the frame is arranged such that it can be retro-fitted over a standard display cabinet.
14. the unit of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more door closing mechanisms to enable automatic closing of one or more of the doors.
15. a display cabinet comprising a housing containing one or more shelves and further comprising a unit of any preceding claim retained on the housing.


[en] a packaging apparatus, in particular for packaging smoking articles, includes a wrapping device for wrapping a barrier film around an item to be packaged, such as a pack of smoking articles; and at least one sealing head having a contact surface for contacting the barrier film wrapped around the item and sealing the barrier film along a seam to form a protective enclosure around the item. the contact surface of the sealing head is at least partially discontinuous to provide a non-sealing region in the sealing head. in this way, the non-sealing region can be positioned to at least partially, and preferably wholly, overlie a frangible part or strip provided in the barrier film. [en] 1. a packaging apparatus comprising: a wrapping device for wrapping a barrier film around an item to be packaged; and at least one sealing head having a contact surface for contacting the barrier film wrapped around the item and sealing the barrier film along a seam to form a protective enclosure around the item, wherein the contact surface of the sealing head is at least partially discontinuous to provide a non-sealing region in the sealing head and wherein a breadth of the non-sealing region varies across a width of the sealing head.
2. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing head includes a heater for heating the contact surface to effect sealing of the barrier film along the seam by heat bonding or fusion, whereby the non-sealing region has substantially no contact with the barrier film.
3. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing head is elongate and the non-sealing region is an intermediate region transverse to a longitudinal extent of the sealing head.
4. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-sealing region extends across at least 50 percent of a full width of the sealing head.
5. the apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the non-sealing region extends across a full width of the sealing head.
6. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the breadth of the non-sealing region varies linearly or in stepped fashion, across a width of the sealing head.
7. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-sealing region is formed by a recess or cavity in the sealing head, wherein a height or depth of the recess or cavity normal to the contact surface may vary across a width of the sealing head.
8. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wrapping device comprises a carousel for holding a plurality of items to be packaged and for transporting the items wrapped with the barrier film to the sealing head by rotating the carousel about its axis, wherein the sealing head is movable in a radial direction relative to the carousel to contact the barrier film wrapped around a respective item and to seal the barrier film along the seam.
9. the apparatus according to claim 1, including at least two sealing heads, each of which is configured to form a portion of the seam in the barrier film wrapped around the item, wherein the sealing heads are configured to engage the item separately and consecutively.
10. the apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the two sealing heads are arranged spaced apart from one another around a periphery of the carousel to engage each item separately and consecutively, wherein each of the sealing heads has a non-sealing region, the non-sealing regions having different shapes or configurations.
11. a method of packaging an item, such as a pack of smoking articles, comprising: providing a barrier film for wrapping around an item to be packaged, the barrier film including a frangible part or strip; wrapping the barrier film around the item to be packaged; providing at least one sealing head which has a contact surface for sealing the barrier film, wherein the contact surface is at least partially discontinuous to provide a non-sealing region in the sealing head having a breadth that varies across a width of the sealing head; and contacting the barrier film wrapped around the item with the sealing head to seal the barrier film along a seam, whereby the non-sealing region is positioned to at least partially overlie the frangible part or strip.
12. the method according to claim 11, including the step of heating the contact surface of the sealing head to effect sealing of the barrier film along the seam by heat bonding or fusion.
13. the method according to claim 11, wherein the frangible part or strip in the flexible barrier film comprises one or more lines of weakening, and a tab for activating the frangible part or strip, wherein the non-sealing region is positioned to at least partially overlie the tab.
14. a packaged item produced by a packaging apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a wrapping device for wrapping a barrier film around the item to be packaged; and at least one sealing head having a contact surface for contacting the barrier film wrapped around the item and sealing the barrier film along a seam to form a protective enclosure around the item, wherein the contact surface of the sealing head is at least partially discontinuous to provide a non-sealing region in the sealing head and wherein a breadth of the non-sealing region varies across a width of the sealing head.
15. a packaged item produced by a method, the method comprising: providing a barrier film for wrapping around the item to be packaged, the barrier film including a frangible part or strip; wrapping the barrier film around the item to be packaged; providing at least one sealing head which has a contact surface for sealing the barrier film, wherein the contact surface is at least partially discontinuous to provide a non-sealing region in the sealing head having a breadth that varies across a width of the sealing head; and contacting the barrier film wrapped around the item with the sealing head to seal the barrier film along a seam, whereby the non-sealing region is positioned to at least partially overlie the frangible part or strip.
16. the packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the item to be packaged comprises a pack of smoking articles.
17. the packaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the non-sealing region extends across at least 75 percent of the full width of the sealing head.
18. the packaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the non-sealing region extends across at least 90 percent of the full width of the sealing head.
19. the method according to claim 13, wherein the frangible part or strip in the flexible barrier film comprises a score line or line of perforations.
20. the method according to claim 13, wherein the non-sealing region is positioned to substantially fully overlie the tab.


[en] a filter for a smoking article comprises at least one plug of filter material surrounded by a plug wrap. the plug of filter material comprises at least two segments being longitudinally aligned and rotatably mounted about a common longitudinal axis, at least one of the segments comprising at least one perforation formed in the plug wrap to allow air intake into the filter in use. a tipping paper surrounds the plug wrap. the tipping paper comprises a first part attached to a first of the two segments of the filter plug and a second part attached to the second segment of the plug wrap and comprising at least one aperture formed therein, the tipping paper parts and filter plug segments are arranged such that the respective aperture and perforation of the tipping paper and the filter plug can be superimposed upon rotation of one of the filter plug segments about its longitudinal axis to vary the filter ventilation: at least one frangible capsule in the plug of filter material is provided, said capsule containing a substance for altering the characteristics of an air stream passing though the filter in use, wherein the at least one frangible capsule and the perforation and aperture in the filter plug and tipping paper are offset from each other longitudinally in the filter. [en]   claims   1. a filter for a smoking article, the filter comprising: at least one plug of filter material surrounded by a plug wrap, wherein the plug of filter material comprises at least two segments being longitudinally aligned and rotatably mounted about a common longitudinal axis, at least one of the segments comprising at least one perforation formed in the plug wrap to allow air intake into the filter in use; a tipping paper surrounding the plug wrap, said tipping paper comprising a first part attached to a first of the two segments of the filter plug and a second part attached to the second segment of the plug wrap and comprising at least one aperture formed therein, the tipping paper parts and filter plug segments being arranged such that the respective aperture and perforation of the tipping paper and the filter plug can be superimposed upon rotation of one of the filter plug segments about its longitudinal axis to vary the filter ventilation; and at least one frangible capsule in the plug of filter material, said capsule containing a substance for altering the characteristics of an air stream passing though the filter in use, wherein the at least one frangible capsule and the perforation and aperture in the filter plug and tipping paper are offset from each other longitudinally in the filter.
2. a filter according to claim 1, wherein the frangible capsule is located in a filter plug segment which has no perforations formed therein.
3. a filter according to claim 1, wherein the frangible capsule is located in a filter plug segment which has perforations formed therein.
4. a filter according to claim 1, wherein the frangible capsule is located in a substantially central position within the filter plug on the longitundinal axis thereof.
5. a smoking article comprising a filter according to any of claims 1 to 3 and a tobacco rod connected to an end of the filter by said tipping paper overlapping said end of the filter and one end of the tobacco rod.
6. a smoking article according to claim 4, wherein the frangible capsule is located in the segment of the filter plug connected to the tobacco rod, the other segment of the filter being rotatable with regard to the capsule-containing segment and tobacco rod about the longitudinal axis of the filter.
7. a smoking article according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second part of the tipping paper part comprising the aperture surrounds a filter plug segment including the perforation and at least part of a plug segment free from perforation.
8. a smoking article according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second tipping paper parts are separated by a circumferential slit around the filter plug.


[en] a method for manufacturing a smoking article is provided comprising providing a filter component comprising first and second sections that are rotatable relative to one another between two extreme positions. a first section of wrapping material covers the first segment and partially covers the second segment within an overlap region. a second section of wrapping material covers the remainder of the second segment. the first and second sections are adhered to the first and second segments respectively. the first section is not adhered to the plug at the overlap region however. the first section and the filter material are perforated at the overlap region, when the first segment is rotated to the first extreme position so as to form a ventilation orifice configured to provide maximum ventilation at the first extreme position and minimum ventilation at the second extreme position. [en]   claims   1. a method for manufacturing a smoking article comprising: providing a filter component having a plug of filter material having first and second segments, wherein said segments are aligned along a common longitudinal axis and wherein the first segment is rotatable relative to the second segment about said longitudinal axis between two extreme positions, attaching an end of the filter component to a rod of smoking material with a wrapping material comprising first and second sections that are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the filter component, wherein the first section covers the first segment and wherein the first section partially covers the second segment within an overlap region, the second section covering the remainder of the second segment, wherein the first and second sections are adhered to the first and second segments respectively, and wherein the first section is not adhered to the plug at the overlap region; rotating the first segment and first section relative to the second segment and second section to the first extreme position; and perforating the first section and the filter material at the overlap region, when the first segment is rotated to the first extreme position so as to form a ventilation orifice configured to provide maximum ventilation at the first extreme position and minimum ventilation at the second extreme position.
2. a method according to claim 1, further comprising marking the outside of the wrapping material with a strength indicator.
3. a method according to claim 2, wherein the strength indicator indicates minimum taste intensity when the first and second segments are orientated at the first extreme position and a maximum taste intensity when the first and second segments are orientated at the second extreme position.
4. a method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the strength indicator comprises a scale and a corresponding pointer formed on opposing sections of wrapping paper, wherein rotation of the first segment relative to the second segment between the two extreme positions moves the pointer across the entire length of the scale.
5. a method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising rotating the first segment and first section relative to the second segment and second section to the second extreme position after forming the ventilation orifice.
6. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the angle of rotation between the two extreme positions is between 40 and 100 degrees, preferably between 50 and 80 degrees.
7. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation orifice is a slit.
8. a method according to claim 9, wherein said slit has a length of 2 to 6 mm.
9. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug of filter material comprises an outer layer of plug wrap and wherein the ventilation orifice comprises a perforation of said plug wrap.
10. a method according to claim 1 1, wherein the plug wrap is either a porous or a non-porous plug wrap.
 1 1. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug of filter material comprises cellulose acetate and/or paper.
12. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two, preferably three, ventilation orifices are formed, each ventilation orifice being configured to provide maximum ventilation at the first extreme position and minimum ventilation at the second extreme position.
13. a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein providing a filter component comprises: partially cutting a cylindrical plug of filter material transversally to a longitudinal axis thereof so as to form first and second segments that are rotatable relative to one another about a common core extending along the longitudinal axis between the first and second segments; and wherein attaching the filter component comprises covering the plug in wrapping material and cutting said wrapping material circumferentially so as to form first and second sections of wrapping material.
14. a smoking article comprising: a rod of smoking material attached to a filter component by wrapping material; the filter component having a plug of filter material having first and second segments, wherein said segments are aligned along a common longitudinal axis and wherein the first segment is rotatable relative to the second segment about said longitudinal axis between two extreme positions, the filter component further comprising wrapping material comprising first and second sections that are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the filter component, wherein the first section covers the first segment and wherein the first section partially covers the second segment within an overlap region, the second section covering the remainder of the second segment, wherein the first and second sections are adhered to the first and second segments respectively, and wherein the first section is not adhered to the plug at the overlap region; wherein the filter component further comprises a ventilation orifice configured to provide maximum ventilation at the first extreme position and minimum ventilation at the second extreme position.
15. a smoking article according to claim 14, further comprising a strength indicator formed on the outside of the wrapping material, wherein the strength indicator indicates a minimum taste intensity state when the first and second segments are orientated at the first extreme position and a maximum taste intensity state when the first and second segments are orientated at the second extreme position.


[en] present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a 3-dimensional aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate (100), comprising the steps of: (a) providing tobacco material(s); (b) comminuting the tobacco material(s) into tobacco particles having an average particle size of less than (100) micrometres; (c) collecting the tobacco particles having an average particle size of less than (100) micrometres, preferably between (30) micrometres and (90) micrometres; (d) mixing the tobacco particles with at least one aerosol-generating agent, thereby forming an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing amorphous solid feedstock; (e) dispensing the aerosol-generating tobacco-containing amorphous solid feedstock through a nozzle to form said 3-dimensional tobacco-containing substrate (100), wherein the nozzle is heated at a temperature of at least 50 degrees centigrade and less than 100 degrees centigrade during dispensing. a 3d tobacco-containing substrate (100) obtained by the method according to the present invention is also described. [en]       claims   1. a method of manufacturing a 3-dimensional aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate (100), comprising the steps of: a. providing tobacco material(s); b. comminuting the tobacco material(s) into tobacco particles having an average particle size of less than 100 micrometres; c. collecting the tobacco particles having an average particle size of less than 100 micrometres, preferably between 30 micrometres and 90 micrometres; d. mixing the tobacco particles with at least one aerosol-generating agent, thereby forming an aerosol-generating tobacco- containing amorphous solid feedstock; e. dispensing the tobacco-containing amorphous solid feedstock through a nozzle to form said 3-dimensional aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate, wherein the nozzle is heated at a temperature of at least 50 degrees centigrade and less than 100 degrees centigrade during dispensing.
2. the method according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco material is selected from the group consisting of tobacco fines, tobacco dust, tobacco laminae, tobacco cut filler, volume expanded tobacco, scrap tobacco which is recovered from various processing stages and cigarette manufacture stages, tobacco stems and stalks, scraps and/or sheets of reconstituted tobacco material, rolled tobacco stems, tobacco in whole leaf form, and the combination thereof.
3. the method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tobacco material(s) is comminuted into tobacco-containing particles through milling, grinding, mulling, pulverizing, pounding, crushing and/or powdering.
4. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing step comprises one or more of the following conditions: a. subjecting the mixture with a constant or an increasing pressure; b. subjecting the mixture with a constant or an increasing temperature; c. subjecting the mixture with a constant or an increasing flow rate or feed rate; d. subjecting the mixture with a constant or an increasing mechanical or shear force.
5. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises a step of homogenising the mixture, wherein the mixture is subjected to intense mixing for dispersion and homogenization of ingredients such as conveying, mixing, shearing, heating, cooling, shaping or encapsulation.
6. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating agent in the feedstock mixture comprises at least one of a humectant, a foam stabilizing agent, or a foam forming agent or a combination thereof, wherein the aerosol-forming agent preferably has a weight of 10 - 80 wt.
7. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco-containing particles having an average particle size of less than 80 micrometres, preferably less than 70, 60, 50 or 40 micrometres are being filtered and collected.
8. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feedstock has a moisture content before dispensing, of less than about 80 weight percent, preferably less than 70 weight percent, 60 weight percent, 50 weight percent, 40 weight percent, 35 weight percent, 30 weight percent, 25 weight percent, 20 weight percent or 15 weight percent based on the total weight of feedstock.
9. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing comprises extruding the feedstock through the nozzle, preferably with a screw or piston extruder.
10. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle has a dispensing aperture having, in a cross section perpendicular to feedstock dispensing direction, a smallest dimension of more than 1 mm and a largest dimension of less than 2 cm.
11. the method according to claim 11, wherein the aperture forms a die of a determined, regular or irregular, shape.
12. the method according to any preceding claim, further comprising a step of portioning the 3-dimensional tobacco-containing substrate (100) upon or after dispensing.
13. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of curing the formed 3-dimensional aerosol- generating tobacco-containing substrate (100).
14. a 3-dimensional tobacco-containing substrate (100) obtained by the method of any preceding claims.