Method for forming a pair of packages

Abstract

A method for forming pack pairs includes providing a supply of individual packs (100), placing a first pack on a vertical transport device (40), and placing a second pack on the vertical transport device (40), thereby placing the second pack on the vertical transport device (40) vertically spaced apart from the first pack. The method includes vertically transporting the first and second packs on the vertical transport device, and then simultaneously pushing the first and second packs as a pack pair from the vertical transport device into a receiving device (50), where the first and second packs are transferred to the receiving device vertically spaced apart as a pack pair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of forming pairs of packs. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a method of forming pairs of packs in preparation for collation of packs for tax stamp application.

Background Art

[0002] The application of tax stamps to standard cigarette packs in paper wrappers is an automated process. The position of the tax stamp on the pack is defined and frequently specified by national regulations. Therefore, there are tax stamp application machines that can reliably apply the tax stamp to a specific position. Thus, such machines cannot apply the correct position of the tax stamp to non-standard packs, such as packs that deviate from the standard size without some mechanical adaptation. However, since these machines are typically used remotely near the POS, it is difficult to adapt all machines to a new format. For example, more recent products in the tobacco industry used in electronic aerosol generators have different sizes than conventional cigarettes in paper wrappers. Therefore, the packs composed of these products also have different sizes. Therefore, known machines for the automated application of tax stamps may not be suitable for the rapid application of tax stamps to packs having sizes different from the standard size.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a method to reduce the manual handling of packs of different sizes in the tax stamp application process. There is also a need for a method to make the conventional tax application process available for various pack sizes.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for forming pairs of packs is provided. The method comprises providing a supply of individual packs, placing a first pack on a vertical transport device, Place a second pack on the vertical transport device, thereby placing a second pack vertically spaced from the first pack on the vertical transport device, and vertically transport the first and second packs within the vertical transport device, and then simultaneously push the first and second packs as a pair of packs from the vertical transport device into the horizontal transport device, including that the first and second packs are transferred to the receiving device vertically spaced as a pair of packs.

[0005] The vertical spacing arrangement of the first and second packs in the vertical transport device enables the packs to be transported and supplied upward or downward. The vertical transport device also enables the two packs to be vertically arranged relative to each other, especially regardless of the depth of the packs. Therefore, the vertical spacing of the packs can be adjusted according to the depth of the packs. The vertical spacing can be adjusted especially so that the center of the first pack has the same distance from the center of the second pack regardless of the depth of the pack. For example, a pack with a larger depth dimension may be vertically spaced further apart from a pack with a smaller depth dimension in order to maintain a constant center-to-center distance between the first pack and the second pack. Of course, the vertical spacing between the two packs may be adjusted with respect to other reference points or lines. For example, the center of the first pack and the upper or lower side of the second pack may be kept constant.

[0006] It is understood herein that the center of the pack defines the geometric center of the pack. The center of the pack is typically understood as the long central axis of the pack or as the intersection of the front face of the pack and the central axis. The front face of the pack is defined herein as the side of the pack to which the tax stamp is applied.

[0007] By simultaneously pressing pairs of vertically spaced packs and maintaining the vertical spacing of the pairs of packs in a receiving device, the pairs of packs can be provided in the arrangements required in conventional pack assemblies. This can be achieved particularly for packs with a smaller depth dimension, since the vertical spacing may compensate for differences in the depth of conventional packs.

[0008] For example, in a box containing cartons of cigarettes, typically ten cigarette packs are assembled as five pairs adjacent to each other. In a conventional tax stamp application, two cigarette packs of a pair of cigarette packs overlap each other, with the large sides of each pack in contact with each other. A tax stamp is provided for each pack. The position of the tax stamp on the pack is predefined, and the position of the pack in the tax stamp application device is standardized for the correct stamp position on the pack.

[0009] By pressing pairs of packs simultaneously or in pairs, the tax stamp positioning requirements for the necessary vertical distance between packs for a conventional tax stamp application process can be met for the dimensions of various pack sizes, particularly for the depths of various packs. More specifically, packs with a smaller depth dimension may be arranged so that a tax stamp is provided in a conventional tax stamp application device.

[0010] Preferably, the method includes vertically transporting a first pack within a vertical transport device before placing a second pack in the vertical transport device. The first pack is preferably transported upward within the vertical transport device, and the second pack is then supplied to the vertical transport device below the first pack. By vertically transporting the already supplied pack, the supply position of the second or further packs can remain the same. This can simplify the process of pack supply and the process of the pack supply device.

[0011] The first pack and the second pack are preferably arranged at a vertical distance of 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters, more preferably 4 millimeters to 8 millimeters, for example 6 millimeters, in a vertical transport device. The vertical distance within these size ranges can compensate for the difference between the depth of a conventional cigarette pack and the depth size of a pack with a smaller depth dimension. Packs with a smaller depth dimension include, in particular, aerosol articles for use in an electronic aerosol generating device, such as cigarettes containing an aerosol article.

[0012] Preferably, the method includes a clocked, preferably continuous supply of individual packs to the vertical transport device. By the continuous supply of packs, the arrangement of packs in pairs can be achieved within the vertical transport device. This also allows pairs of packs to be periodically pushed from the vertical transport device to a receiving device. The method may then further include arranging the packs in a vertically spaced-apart manner in the vertical transport device. Preferably, the method then includes arranging the first, second, and further packs vertically spaced apart from each other, preferably in pairs in the vertical transport device.

[0013] The packs can perform continuous or discontinuous vertical movement in the vertical transport device. It is preferable for the packs to perform discontinuous vertical movement. Preferably, the packs are transported vertically in steps. During a break, the next pack may be supplied to the vertical transport device. The break can also push a pair of packs out of the vertical transport device while the pair of packs is stationary in the vertical transport device.

[0014] Preferably, the method then includes pushing, preferably discontinuously, a pair of packs from the vertical transport device to a receiving device. Subsequently, when the pair is pushed out, a continuous supply of the pair of packs to the receiving device becomes possible.

[0015] Preferably, the method includes pushing a pair of packs horizontally from the vertical transport device to a receiving device. The horizontal movement of the pair of packs can minimize the inclination or jamming of the packs in the vertical transport device.

[0016] The vertical spacing between the first pack and the second pack may be the same, or may be different between the vertical transport device and the receiving device. The vertical spacing between the first pack and the second pack is preferably maintained during pack handling, i.e., in the vertical transfer device, during transfer to the receiving device, and not only within the receiving device but also in further pack handling steps. The vertical spacing need not be constant between each transfer step or within each device. The vertical spacing once defined in the vertical transfer device is preferably maintained throughout the handling of the pack. Preferably, the vertical spacing of the first and second packs in the vertical transport device corresponds to the final vertical spacing of the pack pair for tax stamp application or the final vertical spacing within the package. Thus, the method preferably includes placing the first and second packs of the pack pair within the receiving device at the same vertical distance as in the vertical transport device. The vertical spacing between the first pack and the second pack is preferably maintained at the same magnitude when the pack pair is pushed out from the vertical transport device into the receiving device. This can be advantageous since the transfer of the packs can be done at the same level.

[0017] The vertical transport device may include two treadle belt conveyors arranged in parallel. The packs transported in the vertical direction are held between the two belt conveyors supported by the treadles of the respective belt conveyors. Preferably, thereafter, the height of the treadles of the depressed belt conveyor defines a minimum vertical spacing between the first pack and the second pack. Belt conveyors, particularly closed-loop conveyors, are known for reliable continuous product transport. The treadle belt conveyor makes it possible to define the minimum distance between the individual transported packs by the size or height of the treadles. Different sized packs are transported in the vertical transport device, which can be easily achieved by changing the belt conveyor. It is also possible to provide belt conveyors with different sized treadles.

[0018] Pairs of packs may be pushed out of the vertical transport device by a pair of pushers. The pair of pushers may be in the form of pistons that push the pairs of packs. The pair of pushers preferably acts in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the packs within the vertical transport device. If the vertical transport device includes two tread belt conveyors, the pushing out of the pairs of packs may be achieved by inserting a pair of pushers between the two tread belt conveyors to push the pairs of packs out of the vertical transport device.

[0019] It is preferable that a gap is provided between the pairs of packs in the vertical transport device, and this gap is larger than the vertical spacing between the packs in the pairs of packs. Preferably, the gap corresponds to an empty pack compartment within the vertical transport device.

[0020] The belt conveyors of the vertical transport device preferably move at two different speeds. The first speed moves the belt to a certain position according to the distance between the pack compartments so that the next empty pack compartment can be provided with the next pack. The second faster speed moves the belt by the distance between the filled and empty pack compartments following the pairs of packs within the vertical transport device. Due to the faster speed, a gap is formed after two consecutive filled pack compartments.

[0021] The empty pack compartment can retract the pair of pushers after pushing the pairs of packs out of the vertical transport device.

[0022] The speed of the pair of pushers may be different when pushing the pairs of packs and when retracting. Preferably, the speed of the pair of pushers is slower when pushing and faster when retracting. Since there is no interaction with the packs when retracting the pair of pushers, a higher retraction speed is possible.

[0023] Vertical conveying devices, in particular two treadle belt conveyors for transporting packs, can have a capacity for even or odd numbers of packs. Preferably, the capacity includes even numbers of packs, for example, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 packs. The pack capacity can directly correspond to several pack compartments. Preferably, the capacity also includes empty pack compartments if they exist to achieve the preferred capacity of the packs.

[0024] Preferably, the receiving device is a further conveying device for further transporting pairs of packs, for example, to a packaging or tax stamp applying device. Preferably, the receiving device is a horizontal conveying device for horizontally transporting pairs of packs.

[0025] In the receiving device, the packs in the vertical spacing of the pair of packs are maintained in a vertical spacing pattern. Preferably, the method includes vertically spacing the first and second packs in the receiving device from each other by partition elements of the receiving device. The partition element may be a simple means located between the packs in the receiving device. The partition element may be, for example, a spacer plate, a spacer pin, or a partition plate. The partition element may be a single element that vertically separates a pair of packs or several pairs of packs. Preferably, the partition element extends over several pairs of packs, for example, a group of pairs of packs.

[0026] The thickness of the partition element in combination with the depth of the first pack or the second pack is preferably equal to the depth of a standard pack of 22.5 millimeters. Preferably, the thickness of the partition element compensates for the difference between the depth of the standard pack and the reduced depth of packs with smaller depth dimensions being processed in the method of the present invention. The reference position on the pack is the future position of the tax stamp and is the center of the pack. The partition element placed between two packs typically occupies only half of the difference between the depth of the pack and the standard pack, but for each of the two packs, the partition element is placed between them.

[0027] The method may include a pack supply device that supplies individual packs to a vertical transport device. The pack supply device may comprise a supply wheel. The method may include providing the supply of individual packs from the supply wheel to the vertical transport device. The supply wheel comprises pockets arranged in a circumferential direction, each pocket being provided for receiving an individual pack. The supply wheel is a preferred supply device because of the simple movement of the wheel. The adaptation of the rotational speed and the supply speed can be easily varied by the supply wheel. Further, the supply wheel enables loading and unloading onto the supply wheel at different locations. During the journey from the loading location to the unloading location, the packs on the supply wheel may pass through a control station.

[0028] The method may further include controlling individual packs on the supply wheel and not supplying the individual packs to the vertical transport device if they do not conform to the controlled individual packs. Thus, if a pack does not conform to a pack having reference data, the pack may be rejected instead of being supplied to the vertical transport device. Such control enables defective individual packs to be detected and removed. The individual packs can be removed even before packs, including pairs or groups of packs with defective packs that need to be excluded, are formed. This can reduce waste of materials. Perhaps, interruption of the pack handling process at a later stage can also be limited or avoided.

[0029] For example, the method may include controlling a barcode or dot code on an individual pack and checking the accuracy of the controlled barcode or dot code. The method may further include rejecting a controlled individual pack if there is a defect in the controlled barcode or dot code on the individual pack. Different or additional features may be controlled. Such features are, for example, a torn pack, a deformed pack, or a misalignment of the marks on the pack.

[0030] The method described herein is preferably used for preparing the collation of packs for the application of tax stamps. Preferably, the pack is a pack used in the tobacco industry. Preferably, the pack contains articles of the tobacco industry. Such articles may be, for example, aerosol-generating articles, preferably tobacco containing aerosol-generating articles. Such articles are used in an electronic aerosol-generating device, where the articles may be heated, for example, for aerosol generation.

[0031] The method may include placing a first pair of packs on a horizontal transport device, transporting the first pair of packs in a horizontal direction, and placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device, and for each of the first and second pairs of packs, spacing the first pack of the pair of packs and the second pack of the pair of packs vertically apart from each other and spacing the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs horizontally further apart from each other on the horizontal transport device.

[0032] This enables the packs to be placed and transported on the horizontal transport device such that all packs are vertically and horizontally separated from each other. The vertical and horizontal spacing can be determined such that the individual packs are positioned to be processed by a conventional tax stamp application device. The packs are preferably spaced vertically and horizontally within the horizontal transport device such that the position of the center of the pack is predefined and fixed regardless of the size of the pack. The position of the center of the pack is preferably independent of the depth and width of the pack, particularly predefined and fixed to the horizontal transport device.

[0033] The method may further include removing a partition element provided between two packs of a pair of packs in the horizontal transport device when pushing a group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device into a package, thereby pushing the group of pairs of packs into the package.

[0034] Preferably, by pushing the group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device into the package, the vertical spacing between the two packs of a pair of packs and the horizontal spacing between pairs of packs are maintained. The vertical and horizontal spacings are preferably constant.

[0035] The packs in the group of pairs of packs are preferably vertically separated within the horizontal transport device by partition elements. The partition elements are removed when the group of pairs of packs is transferred. The method preferably includes removing the partition elements provided between the two packs of a pair of packs in the horizontal transport device when pushing the group of pairs of packs into the package. Preferably, the partition elements are removed from each pair of packs of the group of packs while being pushed into the package.

[0036] The partition elements provided between the two packs of a pair of packs in the horizontal transport device can be replaced, for example, by pack spacers in the package when pushing the group of pairs of packs into the package. The pack spacers preferably maintain the vertical spacing between the packs of each pair of the group of packs in the package.

[0037] The method may further include simultaneously supplying the group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device to the package, vertically spacing the two packs of each pair of the group of packs in the package from each other, and horizontally spacing each pair of packs in the package from each other. The method may further include maintaining a horizontal spacing between each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs while supplying the group of pairs of packs to the package by guiding the pairs of packs of the group of pairs of packs along a space bar provided in the horizontal transport device. The space bar is preferably arranged between adjacent pairs of packs. The vertical and horizontal spacings are preferably constant.

[0038] By filling packages in groups with pairs of packs, highly efficient filling of packages can be achieved. Filling in groups can be automated so that manual handling of the packs can be omitted. The filling speed of the packages can be increased. Furthermore, misalignment during manual insertion of the packs into the packages can be omitted. Further, by filling in groups, in particular when a group of packs is pushed into the package in groups from a horizontal transport device, the risk of individual packs within the group shifting relative to each other during transfer is minimized. It is desirable for the following tax stamp application process to maintain the position of individual packs within the group, in particular to maintain and keep the vertical and horizontal spacing between the packs and pairs of packs within the group. Further, when transferring the packs to the package, the packs are guided along the space bar of the transport device. This further prevents misalignment of the packs. The space bar also defines a horizontal spacing between pairs of packs when transferring the packs to the package. Further, guiding a group of pairs of packs to the space bar also makes it possible to simplify the design of the pushing means for pushing in groups.

[0039] For example, the pushing means may be a block pusher. The block pusher may have the form of a simple plate. For example, plates for individually pushing each of the packs may be provided, or plates may be provided for pushing several packs of the group together. Preferably, the block pusher is in the form of a double plate, and an upper plate may be provided for pushing the upper packs of a group of pairs of packs, and a lower plate may be provided for pushing the lower packs of a group of pairs of packs. The plates, in particular the plates for pushing several packs, may be provided with longitudinal recesses. The space bar may extend into the recess during the time the block pusher pushes the packs out of the horizontal transport device. Also, the vertical distance between the twin plates allows an intervening element to be extended between the plates without impeding the transfer process of the group of packs.

[0040] The vertical and horizontal spacing between individual packs allows the packs within the package to be arranged in predetermined specific positions. The position of the packs within the package can be varied by changing the horizontal or vertical spacing between the packs, or by changing both the horizontal and vertical spacing between the packs. This is particularly advantageous because the position of the packs within the package can be maintained at a predetermined position that is independent of the size of the packs.

[0041] The vertical and horizontal spacing can be defined such that the individual packs are positioned so as to be processed by a conventional tax stamp application device. Preferably, the packs are spaced vertically and horizontally within the package such that the position of the center of the pack is predefined and fixed independent of the size of the pack. The position of the center of the pack is preferably predefined and fixed within the package, particularly independent of the depth and width of the pack.

[0042] The method also enables a group of pairs of packs to be arranged on a horizontal transport device in a horizontal spacing pattern. By arranging the vertical and horizontal spacing of the packs on the horizontal transport device, a group of pairs of packs required in a conventional pack assembly can be provided in a certain arrangement. The vertical and horizontal spacing of the packs can satisfy the tax stamp positioning requirements of the packs in a conventional tax stamp application process for various pack sizes. The dimensions of various pack sizes particularly refer to the depth of the pack and the width of the pack. In particular, packs with smaller width and depth dimensions may be positioned on the horizontal transfer device so as to have an accurate position for providing a tax stamp to a conventional tax stamp application device.

[0043] Preferably, the method includes horizontally spacing a first and a second pair of packs from each other on the horizontal transport device in a range of 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters, more preferably in a range of 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, for example in a range of 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters.

[0044] The horizontal distance within these size ranges can compensate for the difference between the width of a conventional cigarette pack and the width of a smaller pack. The smaller pack is, in particular, a pack containing an aerosol article for use in an electronic aerosol generating device, for example, a cigarette containing an aerosol article.

[0045] The method can include providing a space bar to the horizontal transport device in a pattern of horizontal distances and placing the first or second pack of a pair of packs between the space bars. The space bar is a simple means for defining the distance between packs. By varying the width of the space bar, the distance between adjacent packs can be varied to accommodate different pack widths. Packs of different sizes must be transported by the horizontal transport device, which can be easily achieved by providing different sizes of space bars to the horizontal transport device.

[0046] The space bars may be horizontally spaced from each other in the horizontal transport device in the range of 25 millimeters to 60 millimeters, more preferably in the range of 30 millimeters to 55 millimeters.

[0047] The space bar may have a horizontal extension of at least 1.5 millimeters. Preferably, the space bar has a horizontal extension in the range of 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters, more preferably in the range of 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, for example, in the range of 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters. Thus, by providing the space bar, adjacent packs are horizontally separated from each other by at least 1.5 millimeters within the horizontal transport device. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the space bar in combination with the width of the first or second pack of a pair of packs corresponds to the width of a standard pack of 56 millimeters. Thus, the width of the space bar or the horizontal spacing between a pair of adjacent packs can compensate for the smaller pack width compared to a conventional cigarette pack.

[0048] Preferably, the method includes spacing the first pack and the second pack of the pair of packs vertically apart from each other within the horizontal transport device in the range of 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters, more preferably 4 millimeters to 8 millimeters, for example 6 millimeters.

[0049] The vertical and horizontal spacing between packs and pairs of packs can compensate for a smaller pack size as compared to conventional cigarette packs.

[0050] The vertical spacing between the packs of the pair of packs within the horizontal transport device can be achieved by different means. For example, the method can include clamping the first and second packs of the pair of packs individually to the horizontal transport device. Thereby, the first and second packs are held in their vertical spacing positions. As another method, or additionally, the method can include maintaining the first pack and the second pack of the pair of packs vertically spaced apart from each other within the horizontal transport device by providing a partition element between the first pack and the second pack.

[0051] The clamping can be achieved, for example, by clamping the pack between two adjacent spacer bars provided in the horizontal transport device. However, the clamping can result in deformation of the pack. The partition element can be a simple means located between the packs within the horizontal transport device.

[0052] Thus, the method can include providing a partition element between the first pack and the second pack of several pairs of packs. Preferably, the partition element is provided between three to six pairs of packs, for example, five pairs of packs. Among them, several pairs of packs can form a group.

[0053] Preferably, the partition element allows the pack to slide on or along the partition element. Preferably, the partition element allows the pack to slide along the partition element during the horizontal transport of the pack. The horizontal transport device may comprise two belt conveyors arranged parallel to each other and above each other. The spacer bar may be arranged between the two belt conveyors and perpendicular to the transport direction of the two belt conveyors. The spacer bar is preferably arranged on each of the two belt conveyors on the side faces of the belt conveyors facing each other. Next, the pair of first and second packs may be arranged between the two belt conveyors and between the spacer bars. Thus, the pair of packs may be guided from below and from above by the two belt conveyors, and the packs are arranged and fixed by the spacer bar provided between the belt conveyors.

[0054] The pair of packs may be transported continuously or discontinuously within the horizontal transport device. For the supply of the pair to the device or for the further processing of the group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device, the pair of packs is preferably transported horizontally in a discontinuous manner. The interruption of the transport makes it possible, for example, to load the pair of packs onto the horizontal transport device while the horizontal transport device is stationary. Also, when the horizontal transport device is fixed, the unloading of the pair of packs from the horizontal transport device may be carried out in a well-controlled manner. In particular, a fixed belt conveyor can be used to push the pair of packs in a controlled manner between the spacer bars or to push them out from between the spacer bars.

[0055] The method may further comprise providing several pairs of packs on the horizontal transport device and pushing the group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device into the package.

[0056] The method may comprise a block pusher, and the group of pairs of packs can be simultaneously pushed into the package by the block pusher.

[0057] By pushing a group of packs from a horizontal conveyor, especially by pushing the whole group, all the packs in the group can be transferred simultaneously.

[0058] The group of pairs of packs preferably consists of three to six pairs of packs, for example, five pairs.

[0059] The pairs of packs are preferably transported horizontally step by step on the horizontal conveyor. During a break, the next pair of packs may be supplied to the horizontal conveyor.

[0060] Preferably, a gap is provided between the groups of pairs of packs in the horizontal conveyor, and this gap is larger than the spacer bar arranged between the pairs of packs. Preferably, the gap corresponds to a pair of empty pack compartments in the horizontal conveyor.

[0061] The belt conveyor of the horizontal conveyor preferably moves at two different speeds. The first speed moves the belt by the distance between a pair of pack compartments, and moves to a position where the next pair of empty pack compartments can be provided together with the next pair of packs. The second, faster speed moves the belt by the distance between the group of pairs of packs in the horizontal conveyor, following the pairs of filled packs and the pairs of empty pack compartments. Due to the faster speed, the gap is formed after several subsequent pairs of filled pack compartments that form the group of pairs of packs.

[0062] The pair of empty pack compartments enables the block pusher to be retracted after pushing the group of pairs of packs from the horizontal conveyor into the package.

[0063] The speed of the block pusher may be different when pushing and when retracting the group of pairs of packs. Preferably, the speed of the block pusher is slower when pushing and faster when retracting. Since there is no interaction with the group of packs when retracting the block pusher, a higher retraction speed can be utilized.

[0064] The method may include providing a pack spacer within the package for the vertical spacing between packs and providing a pair spacer within the package for the horizontal spacing between pairs of packs. The pack spacer and the pair spacer may be individual elements of the package. The pack spacer and the pair spacer may be integral with the package.

[0065] The pack spacer may be a single element that vertically separates all pairs of packs in a group of pairs of packs within the package. The pack spacer may include several partial pack spacers, preferably one partial pack spacer for vertically separating each pair of packs.

[0066] The pack spacer preferably extends over the group of pairs of packs.

[0067] The pair spacer may be provided between each of two adjacent pairs of packs. The pair spacer may also be disposed between a pair of packs and an end of the package.

[0068] Preferably, the method includes providing a pair spacer only between pairs of packs and thus not at the ends of the package.

[0069] The pair spacer preferably safely horizontally spaces the upper and lower packs of a pair of packs from the upper and lower packs of adjacent pairs of packs. Thus, the pair spacer is preferably disposed between the upper and lower packs of adjacent pairs of packs.

[0070] The pair spacer is preferably formed by a strip extending within the interior of the package.

[0071] One or more, for example two, strips may extend into the interior of the package from one side or from the opposite side.

[0072] For example, a single strip may extend through the package from one side of the package and form a pair spacer for a pair of two adjacent packs. The strip may extend from two opposite sides of the package and into the interior of the package. Thereby, a strip on one side may form a partial pair spacer for only the upper or lower pack. A strip on one side may also form a pair spacer for a pair of packs, respectively.

[0073] Preferably, the method includes supplying a blank of sheet material and manufacturing pack spacers and pair spacers from the blank of sheet material.

[0074] Preferably, the method includes a continuous supply of blanks of sheet material.

[0075] The blank of sheet material may be, for example, a sheet of paper or cardboard, a sheet of plastic material, or a metal foil.

[0076] A package including pack spacers and pair spacers may be integrally formed from a blank of sheet material. This is advantageous because the folding and processing of the blank of sheet material can be automated. Thus, manual processing of the blank is not required or can be minimized. For example, a cardboard blank is a cost-effective material that can be made from recycled materials or recycled after use.

[0077] Various methods are available for forming pack spacers and pair spacers from a blank of sheet material, together with the blank of sheet material for the package. For example, the spacer may be formed by folding the blank. The spacer may also be folded by a portion of the blank that is displaced from the plane of the blank. For example, the blank may be provided with protrusions or flaps. To form the flaps, the blank may be pre-cut. The pre-cut portion may be extruded from the plane of the blank that forms the flaps.

[0078] Preferably, the method includes providing a strip former and pushing the strip former into the package at the location of a pre-cut strip in a blank of sheet material, thereby forming a pair spacer.

[0079] The strip is in a very simple form and may be pre-cut in the blank and can form a flap. For example, a single strip can be formed from a U-shaped pre-cut in the blank. Two strips can be formed from an H-shaped pre-cut in the blank. The strip may be extruded from the blank by simple means. For example, the strip former may have a simple form and can perform simple movements, such as pure linear motion or pure rotational motion.

[0080] The method can include pushing one or more pre-cut strips of the sheet material blank into the package from one side. The method can include pushing one or more pre-cut strips of the sheet material blank into the package from the opposite side.

[0081] Preferably, the method includes pushing a pre-cut strip of the sheet material blank into the interior of the package from the opposite side. For example, the pre-cut strip is pushed into the package from above and below with respect to a horizontal plane. In these embodiments, the pre-cut strip pushed in from above then preferably forms part of the pair spacer of the upper pack of a pair of two adjacent packs. The pre-cut strip pushed in from below preferably forms part of the pair spacer of the lower pack of the same pair of two adjacent packs.

[0082] Preferably, the method includes forming a plurality of pairs of spacers simultaneously. It is preferred that all pairs of spacers in one package are formed simultaneously. Forming a plurality or all pairs of spacers in a package simultaneously provides a very efficient and time-saving way of forming the pairs of spacers.

[0083] The strip former may be embodied, for example, as a piston-like element, as a lever-like element, or as a wheel including a cam surface. These elements can be moved relative to the folded blank of sheet material to form the pairs of spacers. One or two such elements are provided to process the package from one side or the opposite side.

[0084] Preferably, the strip former includes two counter-rotating levers. The counter-rotating levers rotate relative to each other and can move away from each other. The package may be disposed between the two levers. To form the pairs of spacers, the counter-rotating levers rotate relative to each other. After forming the pairs of spacers, the counter-rotating levers rotate away from each other. Next, the package provided with the pairs of spacers may be transported for further processing.

[0085] Preferably, the strip former includes a series of pusher heads arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other. The pusher heads may be arranged at the ends of piston-like elements or lever-like elements, preferably counter-rotating levers. The pusher heads of the strip former are pushed into the blank to form the pairs of spacers. The series arrangement enables the simultaneous and accurately positioned formation of the pairs of spacers.

[0086] The pusher head is preferably smaller than the width of the pre-cut strip of the blank in order to form the pair spacer taking into account manufacturing tolerances. Using a smaller tool to manufacture the pair spacer can prevent accidental damage to the wrapper outside the pack when inserting the pusher head between the packs. The pusher head can be, for example, 2 millimeters, more preferably 1.5 millimeters, for example 1 millimeter, or 0.5 millimeter, or 0.2 millimeter, or even 0.1 millimeter smaller than the width of the pair spacer.

[0087] The group of pairs of packs may be supplied to the package after the pack spacer has been provided within the package. In particular, the group is supplied to the package after the pack spacer has been formed, for example, after being folded from a blank of sheet material. The pack spacer is manufactured by a horizontally arranged fold of the blank, and the horizontally arranged fold preferably extends in the receiving direction of the group of pairs of packs. Thereby, the vertical spacing of the packs can be ensured during and after supplying the group of pairs of packs to the package.

[0088] The group of pairs of packs may be supplied to the package before or after the pair spacer is provided, in particular, before the pair spacer is formed from a blank of sheet material.

[0089] Preferably, the method includes simultaneously feeding a group of pairs of packs into the package before forming the pair spacers. Feeding a group of packs into the package that do not have pair spacers provided therein can reduce the risk of crushing the packs or the pair spacers. After the group of pairs of packs is fed into the package, the pair spacers are formed. In particular, the pair spacers are located in the horizontal space between adjacent pairs of packs. Next, the pairs of packs are fixed in a horizontal position within the package by the pair spacers. To better fix the packs, the horizontal extension of the pair spacers may be slightly larger than the horizontal space between adjacent pairs of packs to achieve a friction fit between the packs.

[0090] Preferably, the package includes all the spacers and is provided together with the group of pairs of packs.

[0091] Preferably, the package forms an insert for a carton. The insert preferably includes pair spacers and pack spacers within the carton. The insert is preferably made from a blank of sheet material. The package may then be inserted into the carton as the insert. Thereby, the carton can have a size corresponding to the size of a conventional box for conventional cigarette packs. The package forming the insert compensates for any differences in the sizes of the individual packs compared to the pack size of conventional cigarette packs, and it is preferred that the package and the packs fill the carton.

[0092] The thickness of the pack spacer in combination with the depth of one pack of a pair of packs preferably corresponds to the depth of a standard pack of 22 millimeters. Preferably, the thickness of the pack spacer compensates for the difference between the depth of the standard pack and the reduced depth of packs with a smaller depth dimension handled in the method of the present invention.

[0093] The horizontal spacing is at least 1.5 millimeters, preferably in the range of 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters, more preferably in the range of 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, for example, preferably in the range of 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the pair of spacers in combination with the width of the pair of packs is equivalent to the width of a standard pack of 56 millimeters.

[0094] The horizontal distance within these size ranges can compensate for the difference between the width of a conventional cigarette pack and the width size of a pack with a smaller depth dimension. In particular, the horizontal extension of the pair of spacers, or the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of packs, can compensate for the smaller pack width as compared to a conventional cigarette pack.

[0095] The method may include providing the pair of spacers at a horizontal distance from each other within the range of 25 millimeters to 60 millimeters, more preferably 30 millimeters to 55 millimeters, within the package. Due to the distance of the pair of spacers within these size ranges, various pack sizes within the package can be supplied using a carton of standard box size.

[0096] The pair of spacers has a horizontal extension of at least 1.5 millimeters, preferably in the range of 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters, more preferably in the range of 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, for example, in the range of 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters. By providing the pair of spacers, adjacent packs are horizontally separated from each other by at least 1.5 millimeters within the package. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the pair of spacers in combination with the width of either pack of the pair of packs is equivalent to the width of a standard pack of 56 millimeters. Thus, the width of the pair of spacers or the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of packs can compensate for the smaller pack width as compared to a conventional cigarette pack.

[0097] The horizontal extension of the pair of spacers may be slightly larger than the horizontal spacing in order to create a friction fit with the packs and maintain them in a fixed position. Thus, the horizontal extension of the pair of spacers may be, for example, 0.5 millimeter, 0.7 millimeter, or 1 millimeter larger than the horizontal spacing between pairs of adjacent packs.

[0098] The method may include adapting the horizontal extension of the pair of spacers to maintain a distance of 56 millimeters between the center of the front face of a pack and the center of the front face of an adjacent pack, depending on the size of the pack.

[0099] This can be achieved, for example, with pairs of spacers of different sizes. For example, the strips forming the pairs of spacers may have different horizontal extensions. Wider strips may be provided for smaller packs, and smaller strips may be provided for larger packs. For example, different pre-cuts may be provided on the same blank of sheet material. Depending on the required size of the pair of spacers, different pre-cuts may be used to form the pair of spacers.

[0100] The method may further include transporting the package to a tax stamp application device and providing a tax stamp to the front of each pack in a group of pairs of packs within the package. Generally, filled cartons are closed and further packed into a shipping case, and shipped to a destination, for example, imported into another country. There, the shipping case is opened, tax stamps are pressed onto the packs contained in the cartons, the cartons are closed again, and returned to the pack manufacturer.

[0101] All the packs contained in the carton may be of the same size or of different sizes. For example, a pair of packs may include two packs of different sizes. Or, for example, adjacent pairs may include packs having different sizes.

[0102] It is preferable that all the packs within the carton are of the same size.

[0103] Preferably, simultaneously supplying a group of pairs of packs within the package includes receiving the group of pairs of packs from a horizontal transport device, while maintaining a constant vertical spacing between the two packs of each pair of packs within the horizontal transport device and a constant horizontal spacing between each pair of packs of the horizontal transport device, the group of pairs of packs being supplied from the horizontal transport device to the package. This can be advantageous since the transfer of the packs can be carried out at the same level.

[0104] The pack of the present invention has a box-like shape having two opposing large side faces, two opposing long small side faces, a front face and a bottom face. The distance between the two large side faces defines the depth of the pack. The distance between the two long small side faces defines the width of the pack. The distance between the front face and the bottom face defines the height of the pack.

[0105] In the present application, the side face of the pack intended for the application of the tax stamp is the "front" side. The side face of the pack is defined as the one facing the opening of the carton in which the pack is placed for tax stamp application. In particular, in a conventional hinged lid cigarette pack, the side face of the normal pack with respect to the longitudinal extension of the cigarette is the "front" side. The aerosol generating article may have a length significantly shorter than that of a conventional cigarette, and thus, for example, in a relatively wide hinged lid box having two bundles with 5-5 sticks collated adjacent to each other (or 10-10 collation if only a single bundle is provided), it is often packaged in different packs. Thus, the "front" side of such a pack containing an aerosol generating article may be represented by one of the two opposing long small side faces. In such a pack, the aerosol generating article is arranged perpendicular to the direction of the hinge but parallel to the direction of the "front" side of the pack.

[0106] Unless otherwise specified explicitly, the packs of the present invention are arranged such that one of their major sides faces downward and the opposite major side faces upward. When two packs are arranged one above the other, one major side of the first pack faces one major side of the second pack.

[0107] The total distance within the package includes a tolerance in the range of 0.3 millimeters to 1 millimeter, typically 0.5 millimeters. Thus, referring to the size of the pack and the spacer corresponding to a particular number, this includes a tolerance such that the size of the pack and the size of the spacer can exactly correspond to that number, but generally includes a tolerance within a predetermined range. For example, a pack and a pair spacer, a pack and a package wall, a pack and a pack spacer generally include a gap between two objects in the range of 0.3 millimeters to 1 millimeter, typically 0.5 millimeters.

[0108] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example 1

[0109] A method of forming a pair of packs, - providing a supply of individual packs, - placing a first pack in a vertical transport device, - placing a second pack in the vertical transport device, whereby a second pack vertically spaced from the first pack is placed in the vertical transport device, - vertically transporting the first and second packs within the vertical transport device, and then, - simultaneously pushing the first and second packs as a pair of packs from the vertical transport device into a horizontal transport device, wherein the first and second packs are transferred as a pair of packs vertically spaced to a receiving device.

Example 2

[0110] The method according to Example 1, further comprising vertically transporting the first pack in the vertical transport device before arranging the second pack in the vertical transport device.

Example 3

[0111] The first pack and the second pack are preferably arranged at a vertical distance of 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters, more preferably 4 millimeters to 8 millimeters, for example 6 millimeters, in the vertical transport device, according to any one of Examples 1 to 2.

Example 4

[0112] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, further comprising arranging further packs in a vertically spaced-apart manner in the vertical transport device.

Example 5

[0113] The method according to Example 4, further comprising arranging the first, second, and further packs vertically spaced apart from each other in pairs in the vertical transport device.

Example 6

[0114] The method according to any one of Examples 4 to 5, wherein the pack makes a discontinuous vertical movement in the vertical transport device.

Example 7

[0115] The method according to Examples 4 to 6, further comprising preferably discontinuously pushing the pair of packs from the vertical transport device to the receiving device.

Example 8

[0116] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising horizontally pushing the pair of packs from the vertical transport device to the receiving device.

Example 9

[0117] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, including arranging the first and second packs of the pack pair in the receiving device at the same vertical distance as in the vertical transport device.

Example 10

[0118] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the vertical transport device includes two tread belt conveyors arranged in parallel, and the height of the treads of the tread conveyor belts defines the minimum vertical interval between the first and second packs.

Example 11

[0119] The method according to Example 10, further including inserting a pair pusher between the two tread belt conveyors for pushing out the pack pair from the vertical transport device.

Example 12

[0120] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the receiving device is a horizontal transport device for horizontally transporting the pack pair.

Example 13

[0121] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the first and second packs in the receiving device are vertically spaced apart by a partition element of the receiving device.

Example 14

[0122] The method according to Example 13, wherein the thickness of the partition element, in combination with the depth of the first pack and the second pack, results in a standard pack depth of 22.5 millimeters.

Example 15

[0123] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, further including a supply wheel for supplying individual packs from the supply wheel, wherein the supply wheel includes pockets with each pocket for accommodating an individual pack arranged circumferentially.

Example 16

[0124] - Controlling individual packs on the supply wheel, and - When not in compliance with the controlled individual packs, not supplying the individual packs to the vertical transport device, the method according to Example 15 further comprising.

Example 17

[0125] Controlling barcodes or dot codes on individual packs, and Checking the accuracy of the controlled barcodes or dot codes, and When the controlled barcodes or dot codes on individual packs are defective, rejecting the controlled individual packs, the method according to Example 16.

Example 18

[0126] - Placing a first pair of packs on the horizontal transport device, and - Transporting the first pair of packs horizontally, and - Placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device, further comprising, For each of the first and second pairs of packs, spacing the first pack of the pair of packs and the second pack of the pair of packs vertically apart from each other, and further spacing the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs horizontally apart from each other on the horizontal transport device, the method according to any one of Examples 12 to 17.

Example 19

[0127] Further comprising removing a partition element provided between two packs of the pair of packs in the horizontal transport device when pushing a group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device into the package, thereby pushing the group of pairs of packs into the package, the method according to Example 18.

Example 20

[0128] - Simultaneously supplying a group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device to the package, and - Spacing the two packs of each pair of packs in a group of pairs of packs within the package perpendicularly to each other, - Spacing each pair of packs within the package horizontally from each other, - Maintaining the horizontal spacing between each pair of packs in the group of pairs of packs while supplying the group of pairs of packs to the package by guiding the pairs of packs in the group of pairs of packs along a space bar provided within the horizontal transport device. The method according to Example 19 further includes this.

Example 21

[0129] Use of the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 20 in the preparation of collation of packs for tax stamp application.

[0130] Here, the examples will be further described with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0131]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0132] Figure 1 shows a filled insert 10 configured to be introduced into a carton 23 shown by dotted lines. A carton having a body 24 configured to receive the filled insert 10 containing a group of packs 100. The carton can be closed in a reclosable manner by a lid 25 consisting of two flaps 250, 251 hinged to the body 24.

[0133] The flaps 250, 251 can be opened to access the inside of the carton 23, for example, to collect the packs 100 or to perform one or more processes such as the application of tax stamps to them. Thereafter, the flaps can be closed again to close the carton 23 like a box.

[0134] The filled insert 10 includes an empty insert 11 and a plurality of packs 100 for aerosol generating articles.

[0135] Each pack 100 has a parallelepiped shape and includes two opposing large side walls 101, two opposing long small side walls 102, a lower wall 103, and an upper wall 104. The upper wall forms the front face in the transportation and verification processes, as further described below.

[0136] The size of the pack 100 suitable for being supported by the insert 11 is equal to 15.5 mm × 48 mm, and these values preferably correspond to the width and height of the upper wall 102. The width of the upper wall 102 corresponds to the width of the pack 100. The height of the upper wall 102 corresponds to the depth of the pack 100.

[0137] According to some embodiments described herein, the insert 11 includes two chambers 12 arranged adjacent to each other. Each chamber 12 defines a housing for a corresponding column of packs 100.

[0138] The chamber 12 extends in the longitudinal direction shown by the reference numeral 700 in the figure.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each column includes five packs of the aerosol generating article 100.

[0140] Each chamber 12 includes a bottom wall 14 and a pair of side walls 15 extending from the bottom wall 14. The side walls 15 are adjacent to the bottom wall 14 and are coupled to the bottom wall 14 by folding lines 16. The folding lines 16 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0141] Each wall of the chamber 12, which is the bottom wall 14 and the pair of side walls 15, is configured to contact a respective wall of the pack 100.

[0142] For example, the side walls 15 of the two chambers 12 are disposed inside the insert 11 for the pack spacer 27 and contact the large side wall 101 of the pack 100. The bottom wall 14 contacts the lower wall 103 of the pack. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the pack 100 accommodated in the insert 11 is oriented such that the maximum extension direction of the pack is in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 700. Further, the pack 100 is oriented such that the upper wall 102 is disposed on the opposite side of the bottom wall 14 of the insert 11.

[0143] Chamber 12 includes an access opening 17 through which pack 100 can be introduced, accessed, and withdrawn from insert 11.

[0144] Bottom wall 14 and side walls 15 are arranged such that one is disposed relative to the other, whereby each chamber 12 is U-shaped and the open end of the U defines the access opening 17. Pack 100 is oriented such that upper wall 102 is disposed near access opening 17. In particular, upper wall 102 projects beyond edge 150 of side wall 15 disposed opposite bottom wall 14. In this way, upper wall 102 of pack 100 remains exposed for performing necessary processes such as, for example, the application of tax stamps and is readily accessible. Upper wall 102 of the pack may also be disposed at the same level as edge 105 of insert 11. Thereby, the upper wall side of the pack is also protected by insert 11.

[0145] At least one of side walls 15 comprises a plurality of pair spacers 18 projecting towards the inside of insert 11. Pair spacers 18 are configured to delimit pack compartments 26, and each of the packs 100 is stably disposed and held in a manner defined longitudinally 700 relative to insert 11. Movement of the pack in the longitudinal direction 700 is prevented by pair spacers 18. Movement or displacement in the 701 direction is prevented by side walls 15 and pair spacer 27.

[0146] Pack 100 can be introduced into and withdrawn from pack compartment 26 through access opening 17 described above.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, pair spacers 18 are made as pre-cut fins 19 incorporated into side walls 15.

[0148] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each pair of spacers 18 consists of a pair of fins 19. Each fin 19 is coupled to the sidewall 15 by respective coupling lines 20. The fins are separated from each other by a cutting line 21 (visible in the blanks shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The coupling lines 20 and the cutting line 21 are parallel to each other and also parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0149] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each pair of spacers 18 consists of a single fin 19. In this case, the fin 19 can extend from the coupling line 20 connecting the fin to the sidewall 15 to the edge 150.

[0150] In FIG. 1, each chamber is intended to accommodate five rows of packs 100, and six pairs of spacers 18 are provided. Four pairs of spacers 18 are sandwiched between two adjacent packs 100. The remaining two pairs of spacers 18 are arranged at opposite ends of the sidewall 15 to hold the outermost packs 100 located at the ends of the row. The spacing separating two adjacent packs 100 is defined by the pair of spacers 18. This spacing may be equal to, slightly larger than, or slightly smaller than the width of the fin 19 and is measured parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0151] In a preferred embodiment, the pair of spacers 18 is provided only between the packs. Thus, in these embodiments, the pair of spacers is not provided at the opposite ends of the longitudinal sidewall 15.

[0152] The pair of spacers 18 is not provided on the two inner sidewalls 15 that form the pack spacer 27. The pair of spacers 18 is provided on the sidewall 15 of the chamber 12, which remains visible and accessible from the outside.

[0153] The inner surface of the sidewall 15 facing the inside of the insert 11 is arranged according to a mutually symmetric configuration with respect to the central axis 920 of the bottom wall 14 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0154] In one embodiment, the center distance 910 measured in the transverse direction 701, which is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 700, has a predetermined and constant value. The center distance 910 is defined between the center lines 920 of the bottom wall 14 of the chamber 12. For example, the center distance 920 may be approximately equal to 22.5 mm, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0155] FIG. 2 shows a method of using the empty insert 11 and the filled insert 10 according to the present invention, briefly illustrated with reference to the application step of the tax stamp 110 on the pack 100.

[0156] FIG. 3 shows an ordered group of packs of conventional smoking articles, ordered according to two overlapping rows of five packs each. Adjacent packs are in direct contact with each other.

[0157] FIGS. 2 and 3 enable a comparison of the situation presented (FIG. 3) by using the insert 11, which houses a plurality of non-standard packs 100 having a size smaller than the standard size of a conventional pack, with the repetitive situation in the prior art where a tax stamp 110 needs to be applied to a group of conventional smoking article packs without the insert shown in FIG. 2.

[0158] As can be seen from the comparison of these figures, the outermost profile of the insert 11 delimits an area that is the same as the total area occupied by the group of conventional packs. In other words, when received in the insert 11, the insert 11 is shaped and sized to compensate for the smaller amount occupied by the non-standard packs so as to occupy substantially the same amount as the group of conventional packs.

[0159] Furthermore, in both cases, the position of the tax stamp has not been changed. Due to the presence of the insert 11, the two-dimensional spatial coordinates of the tax stamp 110 applied to the pack 100 in the longitudinal direction 700 and the transverse direction 701 remain the same as the corresponding coordinates of the same type of tax stamp applied to a conventional pack of smoking articles as shown in FIG. 3.

[0160] The tax stamps 110 are sequentially arranged at a stamp distance 900 measured in the longitudinal direction 700. The stamp distance 900 is equal to a predetermined and constant value and is measured between the centers of two adjacent tax stamps 110 applied on two adjacent packs 100 in the direction 700. In a preferred embodiment, the stamp distance 900 is at least greater than the characteristic size of the pack 100 and is preferably defined as the width of the larger side wall 101, upper wall 101, and bottom wall 102. The stamp distance 900 is preferably equal to the width of a standard pack corresponding to 48 millimeters.

[0161] In FIG. 2, the pair spacers 18 are also sequentially arranged at a stamp distance 900. The stamp distance 900 is equal to a predetermined and constant value so as to arrange and hold the packs 100 within each pack compartment 26 at a constant pitch relative to each other correlated with the stamp distance 900.

[0162] The shapes, dimensional values, and thicknesses described herein are merely illustrative, and it is obvious that they can be changed according to the size and shape of the pack of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the insert 11. In particular, the insert 11 has a related size and thickness, and in order to maintain the same total volume of a group of conventional packs and to place the packs in place, the insert 11 specifically complements the size and depth of the pack 100 that it must support, thereby enabling the tax stamp to be applied at the same position (or coordinates) as in the conventional case.

[0163] FIGS. 4 and 5 show two alternative embodiments of a blank of the sheet material 13 for forming the insert 11.

[0164] In FIG. 4, a blank material for forming the insert 11 of FIG. 1 is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the two chambers 12 are incorporated into a single body. The two side walls 15 of the two chambers 12 are joined along a fold line 22 that defines a hinge that allows each chamber 12 to rotate at an angle with respect to the other chamber 12.

[0165] The chamber 12 starts from the sheet material 13 and is made of, for example, paper, cardboard, or paperboard having an appropriate thickness to ensure the required mechanical strength.

[0166] The blank 13 is preferably cardboard having a uniform thickness of about 3 millimeters to about 3.5 millimeters. The blank 13 may also be made of a material other than the above-mentioned materials, such as plastic.

[0167] In FIG. 5, it is shown that the blank 13 and the pair spacer 18 are provided only within the blank such that the pair spacer is disposed only between the packs. The same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements. The exemplary size of the blank 13 is shown as follows. Thickness or width of the pack spacer 920: 5 millimeters Extension of the blank in direction 700 940: 274.6 millimeters Extension of the blank in direction 701 925: 277 millimeters Height of the pack spacer 930 / height of the side wall 15 931: 74.6 millimeters Thickness of the chamber 15 915: 15.9 millimeters Distance between adjacent pair spacers 18 935: 49.5 millimeters Distance between the pair spacer 18 and the end of the blank 936 (in direction 700): 50.05 millimeters Width of the pair spacer 18 937: 5.6 / 6.5 millimeters Pack size: 74.5 x 48.5 x 15.8 millimeters

[0168] Forming the insert 11 from the blank 13 essentially involves the following steps:

[0169] In a first step, two chambers 12 are formed. In this step, the blank 13 is folded in opposite directions along the folding lines 22 and 16. The side walls 15 are folded against the bottom wall 14 along the folding lines 22 and 16 to obtain the shape of two adjacent chambers in the shape of the letter U. The two inner side walls form the pack spacer 27.

[0170] In a second step, the insert 11 is received in the carton 23.

[0171] In a third step, an ordered group of packs 100 is received within the insert.

[0172] In a fourth step, the pair spacer 18 is formed and the pack 100 is fixed to the insert 11 against displacement in the longitudinal direction 700.

[0173] Figure 6 shows a schematic of a system for the supply, collation, and packaging of individual packs 100 in preparation for tax stamp application. The system includes a pack supply 3, various pack collation preparation stations 4, 5, an insert supply 6 and insert formation 7, as well as packaging and transportation during, during, and after pack collation and packaging.

[0174] The supply wheel 30 includes several pockets 31 arranged around the circumference of the supply wheel. The packs 100 are supplied from the pack provider 29 to the pockets 31 at the receiving position of the supply wheel 30. After being received in the pockets 31, the packs are transported to the supply position by the counterclockwise rotation of the supply wheel 30. The supply position is arranged on the opposite side of the receiving position. At the supply position, the packs 100 are supplied from the supply wheel 30 to the vertical transport device 40. Thereby, the packs 100 exit the pockets 31 of the supply wheel 30 and are pushed into the pack space 42 of the vertical transport device 40.

[0175] The control station 28 is provided adjacent to the supply wheel 30 for controlling the pack 100 passing through the control station 28. For example, the pack 100 may be optically inspected for correct code application, damaged wrappers or the like. The control station 28 may detect non-conforming packs 100 and may be connected to the removal mechanism of the supply wheel 30. The removal mechanism inhibits the transfer of non-conforming packs to the vertical transport device 40. Instead, such non-conforming packs may be discharged along a slide 280 disposed under the supply wheel 30.

[0176] The vertical transport device 40 includes two closed-loop conveyor belts 41 arranged perpendicular and parallel to each other. The belts 41 include treads 410 arranged at equal distances. The treads 410 of both conveyor belts 41 are arranged perpendicular to the vertical movement direction of the belts 41. Further, the treads 410 of the belts face each other and are arranged at the same vertical level. The belt 41 having the tread 410 defines an individual pack space 42 for the adjustment of one pack. The drive wheel 411 moves the belts 41 in opposite directions such that the formed pack space 42 is vertically moved upward between the two belts and between two adjacent treads of each belt 41.

[0177] The belt 41 is moved stepwise by the distance of one pack space 42, as a result of which the next pack space is positioned within the supply position supplied by the pack from the supply wheel 30. The two packs 100 supplied to the vertical transport device 40 are vertically separated from each other by at least the height of the tread plate 410 disposed between the packs. When the two packs 100 are supplied to the vertical transport device 40, the drive wheel accelerates so that the belt 41 moves upward by the distance of two pack spaces. Thereby, the pack space 42 remains empty. Each of the two packs 100 is received in the next pack space, forming a pair of packs 200. The packs within the vertical transport device 40 are moved upward until the pair of packs 200 reaches the transfer position 45. The pair 200 at the transfer position 45 is transferred to the horizontal transport device 50. The pair of packs 200 is pushed horizontally by the pair pusher 47 into the space between the two conveyor belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50. Thereby, the packs are guided along the tread plate 410 of the conveyor belt 41 of the vertical transport device 40 and held horizontally sideways by the belt 41. The pair pusher 47 performs a linear movement. The empty pack space 42 of the vertical transport device 40 shrinks without interfering with the belt 41 or the pack 100 so that the pair pusher 47 can return to its initial position as shown in FIG. 1, or serves to decelerate the processing speed of the vertical transport device 40.

[0178] The pair of packs 200 transferred to the horizontal transport device 50 is then moved horizontally (to the left side in FIG. 1) so that the next pair of packs 200 can be transferred from the vertical transport device 40 to the horizontal transport device 50. The pair of packs 200 is horizontally separated by the space bar 510 provided on the belt conveyor 51 of the horizontal transport device 50.

[0179] The transfer of the pair of packs 200 to the horizontal transport device 50 is shown in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0180] When a group 300 of pairs of packs is formed within the horizontal transport device 50, the group is pushed into the insert by the block pusher 57 (not shown in FIG. 1). At this stage, the insert is partially formed from a blank of sheet material 13 having the score lines 22 and the precuts 18 as described above. In the system of FIG. 1, the blank of sheet material 13 is supplied from the right. The blank is folded along the score lines 22 and 16 to form an empty insert having the pack spacer 27. After the group 300 of pairs of packs is pushed into the insert, the pair spacer 18 is formed by the strip former 70 (disposed behind the horizontal transport device 50). The filled insert 10 is then further transported along the carton station where either the filled insert 10 is received in the carton 23 or the carton is folded around the filled insert 10.

[0181] All supply, transfer, transport, and manufacturing steps are synchronized in the system. The drive wheel of the vertical transport device 40 preferably defines the clock of the system.

[0182] In FIGS. 7 and 8, the arrangement of the packs 100 in the vertical transfer device 40, the transfer of the pairs of packs 200, and the arrangement of the pairs of packs in the horizontal transfer device 50 are shown in more detail.

[0183] In the vertical transfer device 40, the packs 100 are arranged in pairs within a pack space 42 formed between two vertical conveyor belts 41 and tread plates 410 that are periodically arranged along the length of the conveyor belts 41. The packs 100 are arranged in two consecutive pack spaces 42, the following pack space 42 remains empty, and the following two pack spaces are provided with empty pack spaces after the packs. When a pair 200 of packs arrives at the transfer position 45 at the upper end of the vertical transport device 40, the conveyor belts 41 stop. The pair pusher 47 simultaneously pushes the two packs 100 of the pack pair 200 out of the pack space 42 and from between the two belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50, as shown in FIG. 8. When the pair 200 is transferred, the vertical transport device 40 is restarted and the next pair of packs is arranged within the transfer position 45. The pair pusher 47 is retracted and the empty pack space 42 passes through the transfer position 45. The pair pusher 47 is preferably retracted at a higher speed when retracting so that it is safely positioned at its starting position again in order to push the next pair 200 of packs onto the horizontal transport device when the aforementioned pair 200 arrives at the transfer position 45.

[0184] The horizontal transport device 50 includes two closed-loop conveyor belts 51 that are arranged horizontally, parallel to each other, and above. The belts 51 include space bars 510 that are arranged at equal distances. The space bars 510 of both conveyor belts 51 are arranged perpendicular to the horizontal movement direction of the belts. Further, the space bars 510 of the belts face each other and are arranged at the same horizontal position. The belts 51 having the space bars 510 define individual pair spaces 52 for the adjustment of a pair 200 of packs. A drive wheel (not shown) moves the belts 52 in opposite directions so that the pair space 52 formed between the two belts 51 moves horizontally to the left in FIG. 7.

[0185] Pairs 200 of packs supplied to the horizontal conveyor device 50 are horizontally separated from each other by the width of the space bar 510 disposed between the pairs 200 of packs. The space bar 510 of the upper conveyor belt 51 maintains the distance between the upper packs 100 of the pairs 200 of packs horizontally, while the space bar 510 of the lower conveyor belt 51 holds the lower packs 100 of the same pairs 200 of packs horizontally at the same distance.

[0186] Partition elements 53 (shown schematically by dashed lines only in FIG. 8) are provided to keep the packs 100 of the pairs 200 of packs vertically spaced within the horizontal conveyor device 50. The partition element 53 is a plate disposed horizontally between the two belts 51 of the horizontal conveyor device 50 and between the two packs 100 of the pairs 200 of packs. The thickness of the partition element 53 is preferably the same as the height of the tread board 410 of the vertical conveyor device 40. Since the pairs 200 of packs are vertically spaced from each other by at least the height of the tread board 410 within the vertical conveyor device, when the pairs of packs are transferred to the horizontal conveyor device 50, the upper packs are disposed above the partition element 53 and the lower packs are disposed below the partition element.

[0187] The belts 51 are moved stepwise by the distance of one pair space 52, such that the next pair space 52 is located within the transfer position 45 for providing pairs 200 of packs from the vertical conveyor device 40. This is repeated until a group 300 of pairs of packs, for example, five pairs of packs, are transferred to the horizontal conveyor device 50 and transferred to the subsequent pair space 52. The partition element 53 is preferably fixedly disposed within the horizontal conveyor device 50. Preferably, the packs 100 slide along the surface of the partition element 53 while being transported horizontally.

[0188] When the group 300 of pairs 200 of packs 100 are transferred to the horizontal conveyor device 50, the drive wheel accelerates such that the belts 51 move horizontally by the distance of two pair spaces 52. Thereby, an empty pair space 52 is created.

[0189] In FIGS. 9 and 10, a group 300 of pairs of packs is formed within the horizontal transport device 50 and transported to the insertion position 75. The block pusher 57 is also disposed within the insertion position 75. The block pusher 57 comprises two identical plates 570 which are disposed above one another and extend over the horizontal extension of the group 300 of pairs of packs. Each plate comprises five pusher ends 571 separated by a longitudinal recess 572. Each of the five upper packs of the group 300 is pushed by one of the five pusher ends 571 of the upper plate 570, and each of the five lower packs of the group 300 is pushed by one of the five pusher ends 571 of the lower plate 570 of the block pusher 57. All ten packs 100 are simultaneously pushed into the previously formed empty insert 11 and positioned within the insertion position 75 on the opposite side of the block pusher 57.

[0190] The block pusher is arranged at horizontal and vertical levels such that the pusher ends 571 each push one pack 100 of the group 300 of pairs of packs. The block pusher 57 is horizontally and linearly movable and performs a pushing operation.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 10, the pusher ends 571 pass adjacent to the spacer bar 510 of the horizontal conveyor belt 51. However, the recess 572 of the plate 570 of the block pusher 57 ensures that the pushing and retracting operations of the block pusher can be carried out without interference with the spacer bar of the block pusher.

[0192] The spacer bar 510 functions as a guiding means for the packs 100 and ensures a horizontal spacing between the packs when transferring the packs to the empty insert 11.

[0193] The vertical distance between the plates of the block spacer 57 enables the spacer bar 510 as well as the partition element 53 to extend between the plates 570 without interfering with the transfer process of the group 300 of pairs of packs.

[0194] The vertical spacing between the pairs 200 of packs 100 of the pack is maintained by the pack spacer 27 of the insert. This can be better seen in the cross-sectional view of the insertion process shown further below in FIG. 11.

[0195] The strip former 70 is arranged opposite the block pusher 57 on the opposite side of the horizontal transport device 50. The strip former 70 includes two counter-rotating levers 71 (only the upper lever is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). Each lever is provided with six pusher heads 710, and the four pusher heads 710 at the center of the lever 71 are used to form the pair spacer 18 of the insert. As can be best seen in FIG. 10, the first and last pusher heads 710 of the strip former 70 are the pusher heads arranged most upstream and most downstream when viewed in the transport direction of the insert, and are arranged next to the insert. Thus, the pusher heads 710 arranged most upstream and most downstream fix the most upstream and most downstream pairs 200 of the group 300 of packs contained in the insert 11 against horizontal displacement while the pair spacer 18 is being formed.

[0196] The insert 11, which is provided with the pack spacer 27 but has no pair spacer which is an insert folded from a blank of sheet material, is guided to the insertion position 75 parallel to the conveyor belt 51 of the horizontal transport device 50. The empty insert 11 at the insertion position 75 is supplied to the group 300 of pairs of packs. The pair spacer 18 is then formed together with the strip former 70 and is shown in more detail with reference to FIG. 11 below. The thus filled insert 10 is then further transported along to a carton station where the filled insert 10 is received in a carton 23.

[0197] In the middle of FIG. 11, the two plates 570 of the block pusher 57 are in a position to push out the pack pair 200 from the conveyor belt 51 of the horizontal transport device 50. As a result, the pair of two packs is guided by the space bar 510. The pack 100 is inserted into the insert 11 and held vertically spaced apart by the pack spacer 27. The pack spacer 27 vertically spaces the pack 100 by approximately the same distance as the previous partition element of the horizontal transport device 50.

[0198] On the left side of FIG. 11, the strip former 70 is shown with the pair spacer 18 formed within the side wall 15 on the opposite side of the insert and the pusher head 710 still in its forming position. In FIG. 12, the pusher head 710 is shown in the retracted position.

[0199] The precut fins 19 of the blank of the sheet material are pushed into the interior of the insert 10 filled from the opposite side of the insert by the pusher head 710. Each two fins form partial pair spacers for the upper and lower packs 100 of the pack pair.

[0200] The counter-rotating lever 71 is rotatable in opposite directions around the two shafts 712. In the forming position, the levers 71 are arranged parallel to each other such that the pusher head 710 performs a symmetric operation with respect to the precut fins 19 of the partial pair spacer. The pusher head 710 is a small plate having a triangular end. The plane of the plate is arranged parallel to the long small side surface 102 of the pack. The form of the triangular end defines the final position of the fins 19 forming the pair spacer 18.

[0201] The thickness of the pusher head 710 is preferably smaller than the width of the precut fin 19 so as to push only the precut fin without contacting the pack 100.

[0202] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., unless otherwise indicated, should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therebetween, whether or not specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 2 percent.

Claims

1. A method of forming a pair of packs, comprising: - providing a supply of individual packs; - placing a first pack within a vertical transport device; - placing a second pack within the vertical transport device such that the second pack is vertically spaced from the first pack with a gap therebetween in the vertical direction; - vertically transporting the first and second packs within the vertical transport device; and then - simultaneously pushing the first and second packs as a pair of packs from the vertical transport device into a receiving device, which is a horizontal transport device for horizontally transporting the pair of packs, wherein the first and second packs are transferred to the receiving device as a pair of packs with a vertical gap therebetween and are disposed within the receiving device with a vertical gap therebetween; The method further comprises: - placing a first pair of packs on the horizontal transport device; - horizontally transporting the first pair of packs; - placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device; For each of the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs, the first pack of the pair of packs and the second pack of the pair of packs are vertically spaced from each other with a first gap therebetween, and the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are further horizontally spaced from each other with a second gap therebetween in the horizontal transport device; The method further comprises: - simultaneously pushing a group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device into a package; - vertically spacing the two packs of each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs within the package with the first gap therebetween; - horizontally spacing the pairs of packs within the package with the second gap therebetween; - maintaining the horizontal spacing and the gaps between the pairs of packs of the group of pairs of packs during the supply of the group of pairs of packs to the package by guiding the pairs of packs of the group of pairs of packs along a space bar provided within the horizontal transport device; A method.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising vertically transporting the first pack within the vertical transport device before placing the second pack within the vertical transport device.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein further packs are arranged in pairs by the vertical transport device at intervals perpendicular to each other.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the packs perform discontinuous vertical movement within the vertical transport device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein then a further pair of packs is pushed from the vertical transport device to the receiving device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pair of packs is pushed horizontally from the vertical transport device to the receiving device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first pack and the second pack of the pair of packs are arranged in the receiving device at the same vertical distance and with the same gap therebetween as in the vertical transport device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vertical transport device comprises two tread belt conveyors arranged in parallel, and the height of the treads of the tread belt conveyors defines the minimum vertical interval and the gap between the first pack and the second pack.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising inserting a pair pusher between the two tread belt conveyors for pushing out the pair of packs from the vertical transport device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a supply wheel for supplying individual packs from the supply wheel, wherein the supply wheel comprises pockets for accommodating the individual packs arranged circumferentially.

11. - Controlling the individual packs on the supply wheel; - Not supplying the individual packs to the vertical transport device if they do not conform to the controlled individual packs. The method according to claim 10.

12. Use of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in preparation for collation of packs for tax stamp application.

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