How to transport a pair of packs

Abstract

A method of transporting pairs of packs (100), comprising placing a first pair of packs on a horizontal transport device (50), transporting the first pair of packs horizontally, and placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device (50), wherein for each of the first and second pairs of packs, the first pack of the pair of packs and the second pack of the pair of packs are vertically spaced apart from one another, and the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are further horizontally spaced apart from one another on the horizontal transport device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a method for transporting pairs of packs, and in particular to a method for transporting pairs of packs in preparation for collating the packs for tax stamp application. [Background technology]

[0002] The application of tax stamps to standard cigarette packs is an automated process. The location of the tax stamp on the pack is defined and frequently specified by national regulations. Therefore, tax stamp application machines exist that can reliably apply the tax stamp in a specific location. Therefore, such machines cannot apply the correct location of the tax stamp on non-standard packs, such as packs that deviate from the standard size, without some mechanical adaptation. However, because these machines are typically used remotely near the point of sale, it is difficult to adapt all machines to the new format. For example, the tobacco industry's more recent products used in electronic aerosol generators have different sizes than traditional cigarettes. Consequently, packs composed of these products also have different sizes. Therefore, known machines for automated tax stamp application may not be suitable for high-speed application of tax stamps to packs with sizes that deviate from the standard size.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a method to reduce the manual handling of different sized packs in the tax stamp application process, and also a method to allow the traditional tax application process to be used for a variety of pack sizes.

[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for transporting pairs of packs, the method including placing a first pair of packs on a horizontal transport device, transporting the first pair of packs horizontally, and placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device, such that for each of the first and second pairs of packs, the first pack of the pair of packs and the second pack of the pair of packs are vertically spaced from one another and the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are further horizontally spaced from one another on the horizontal transport device.

[0005] The method allows packs to be placed and transported on a horizontal transport device such that all packs are vertically and horizontally spaced apart from one another. The vertical and horizontal spacing can be determined so that individual packs are positioned for processing in a conventional tax stamp application device. The packs are preferably vertically and horizontally spaced apart within the horizontal transport device such that the location of the center of the pack is predefined and fixed regardless of pack size. The location of the center of the pack is preferably specifically predefined and fixed to the horizontal transport device, independent of the depth and width of the pack.

[0006] The center of the pack is understood herein to define the geometric center of the pack. The center of the pack is typically understood as the longitudinal central axis of the pack or as the intersection of the front face of the pack with 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] The method also allows groups of pack pairs to be arranged on a horizontal transport device in a horizontally spaced manner. The vertical and horizontal spacing of the packs on the horizontal transport device allows groups of pack pairs to be arranged in a manner required for conventional pack assembly. For example, a cigarette carton typically assembles five pairs of 10 cigarette packs next to each other. In conventional tax stamp application, two cigarette packs of a pair of cigarette packs overlap each other, with the large sides of each pack touching each other. Each pack is provided with a tax stamp. The location 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 location on the pack. The vertical and horizontal spacing of the packs allows the pack tax stamp positioning requirements for the conventional tax stamp application process to be met for various pack size dimensions. The various pack size dimensions refer specifically to the pack depth and pack width. In particular, packs of smaller width and depth dimensions may be positioned on the horizontal transport apparatus so that they have the correct location for providing the tax stamp to a conventional tax stamp application device.

[0008] Preferably, the method comprises spacing the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs horizontally from one another on a horizontal transport device by a distance 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.

[0009] The horizontal distance in these size ranges can compensate for the difference between the width of a conventional cigarette pack and the width of a smaller pack, particularly a pack containing aerosol-generating articles, such as cigarettes, for use in electronic aerosol generating devices.

[0010] The method may include providing a spacer bar on the horizontal transport device in the manner of a horizontal distance and placing a first or second pack of a pair of packs between the spacer bars. The spacer bar is a simple means for defining the distance between the packs. By varying the width of the spacer bar, the distance between adjacent packs can be varied to accommodate different sized pack widths. Packs of different sizes must be transported on the horizontal transport device, which can be easily achieved by providing different sized spacer bars on the horizontal transport device.

[0011] The space bars may be spaced horizontally apart from one another in the horizontal transport device in the range of 25 mm to 60 mm, more preferably 30 mm to 55 mm.

[0012] The spacer bar may have a horizontal extension of at least 1.5 millimeters. Preferably, the spacer 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 spacer bar, adjacent packs are horizontally separated from each other by at least 1.5 millimeters in the horizontal transport device. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the spacer bar combined 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 spacer bar or the horizontal spacing between a pair of adjacent packs can compensate for the smaller width of the pack compared to conventional cigarette packs.

[0013] Preferably, the method comprises vertically spacing the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs from each other on the horizontal transport device by between 2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, for example 6 mm. Vertical distances in these size ranges may compensate for the difference between the depth of a conventional cigarette pack and the depth size of a pack with a smaller depth dimension.

[0014] The vertical and horizontal spacing between pairs of packs can compensate for the smaller pack size compared to conventional cigarette packs. In particular, packs containing aerosol-generating articles for use in electronic aerosol generating devices, such as cigarettes containing aerosol-generating articles, can form packs with smaller depth dimensions.

[0015] The vertical spacing between packs of a pack pair can be achieved by different means. For example, the method can include individually clamping a first and second pack of the pack pair to the horizontal transport device, thereby holding the first and second packs in their vertically spaced apart position. Alternatively, or additionally, the method can include maintaining the first pack in the pack pair and the second pack of the pack pair vertically spaced apart from each other within the horizontal transport device by providing a separator element between the first and second packs.

[0016] Clamping can be achieved, for example, by clamping the packs between two adjacent spacers provided on the horizontal transport device. However, clamping can result in deformation of the packs. The partition element can be a simple means positioned between the packs in the horizontal transport device. The partition element can be, for example, a spacer plate, spacer pin, or partition plate. The partition element can 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, over a group of pairs of packs. Thus, the method can include providing a partition element between a first pack and a 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.

[0017] Preferably, the separator element allows the pack to slide on or along the separator element. Preferably, the separator element allows the pack to slide along the separator element during horizontal transport.

[0018] The thickness of the separator element, combined with the depth of the first or second pack, is preferably equal to the depth of a standard pack of 22.5 millimeters. Preferably, the thickness of the separator element compensates for the difference between the standard pack depth and the reduced depth of the pack having the smaller depth dimension processed in the method of the present invention. The reference position on the pack is the future location of the tax stamp, which is the center of the pack. Separator elements placed between two packs typically occupy only half the difference between the depth of the pack and the standard pack, but for each of the two packs, a separator element is placed between them.

[0019] The horizontal transport device may comprise two belt conveyors arranged parallel to and above each other. A spacer bar may be arranged between the two belt conveyors, 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 sides of the belt conveyors facing each other. The first and second pairs of packs may then be arranged between the two belt conveyors and between the spacer bars. Thus, the pairs of packs may be guided from below and above by the two belt conveyors, and the packs are positioned and fixed by the spacer bar provided between the belt conveyors.

[0020] The pack pairs may be transported continuously or discontinuously within the horizontal transport device. For the supply of pairs to the device or for further processing of a group of pack pairs from the horizontal transport device, the pack pairs are preferably transported horizontally in a discontinuous manner. The interruption of transport allows, for example, the loading of pack pairs onto the horizontal transport device while the horizontal transport device is stationary. Furthermore, if the horizontal transport device is fixed, the unloading of pack pairs 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 pack pairs between or out of the space bars in a controlled manner.

[0021] The method may further include providing several pairs of packs on a horizontal transport device and pushing groups of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device into a package.

[0022] Preferably, the vertical spacing between the two packs in a pack pair and the horizontal spacing between the pack pairs are maintained by forcing the group of pack pairs from the horizontal transport device into the package. Preferably, the vertical spacing and horizontal spacing are constant.

[0023] The method may include a block pusher, whereby groups of pairs of packs can be pushed simultaneously into the package by the block pusher.

[0024] By pushing a group of packs from the horizontal transport device, particularly by pushing the entire group, all packs in the group can be transferred simultaneously. Pushing in groups minimizes the risk of individual packs within the group shifting relative to one another during transfer. Maintaining the position of the individual packs within the group, and particularly maintaining and preserving the vertical and horizontal spacing between packs and pairs of packs within the group, is desirable for the following tax stamp application process. Furthermore, packs are guided along the space bar of the horizontal transport device as they are transferred to the package, which further prevents pack shifting. The space bar also defines the horizontal spacing between pairs of packs as they are transferred to the package. Furthermore, guiding groups of pairs of packs to the space bar also simplifies the design of the pushing means for pushing in groups.

[0025] For example, the pushing means may be a block pusher. The block pusher may have the form of a simple plate. For example, a plate may be provided for pushing each pack individually, or a plate may be provided for pushing several packs of a group together. Preferably, the block pusher is in the form of a twin plate, where an upper plate may be provided for pushing an upper pack of a group of pairs of packs, and a lower plate may be provided for pushing a lower pack of the group of pairs of packs. The plate, in particular the plate pushing several packs, may be provided with a longitudinal recess. A space bar may extend into the recess while the block pusher pushes the packs from the horizontal transport device. Also, the vertical distance between the twin plates allows any spacing element to extend between the plates without interfering with the transfer process of the group of packs.

[0026] The group of pairs of packs preferably consists of three to six pairs of packs, for example, five pairs.

[0027] The pairs of packs are preferably transported horizontally in stages on a horizontal transport device, and during the break the next pair of packs may be fed onto the horizontal transport device.

[0028] Preferably, gaps are provided between groups of pairs of packs in the horizontal transport device, the gaps being larger than the space bars located between the pairs of packs. Preferably, the gaps correspond to pairs of empty pack compartments in the horizontal transport device.

[0029] The belt conveyor of the horizontal transport device preferably moves at two different speeds. A first speed moves the belt the distance of a pair of pack compartments to a position where the next pair of empty pack compartments can be provided with the next pair of packs. A second, faster speed moves the belt the distance of a filled pair of packs and a pair of empty pack compartments following a group of pack pairs in the horizontal transport device. The faster speed causes a gap to be formed after several filled subsequent pairs of pack compartments that form a group of pack pairs.

[0030] The empty pack compartment pairs allow the block pusher to be retracted after pushing the group of pack pairs from the horizontal transport into the package.

[0031] The speed of the block pusher may be different when pushing and retracting the group of pairs of pucks. Preferably, the speed of the block pusher is slower when pushing and faster when retracting. Higher retraction speeds are available because there is no interaction with the group of pucks when the block pusher is retracted.

[0032] The packs in the group of pairs of packs are preferably separated vertically in the horizontal transport device by a partition element, which is removed during transport of the group of pairs of packs. Preferably, the method comprises removing a partition element provided between two packs of the pair of packs in the horizontal transport device when forcing the group of pairs of packs into the package. Preferably, a partition element is removed from each pair of packs of the group during forcing into the package.

[0033] The separation element provided between two packs of a pack pair in the horizontal transport device can be replaced by a pack spacer in the package, for example, when the group of pack pairs is pushed into the package, the pack spacer preferably maintaining the vertical spacing between the packs of the group of pack pairs in the package.

[0034] The method may further include vertically spacing the two packs of each pair of packs in the group of pairs of packs in the package from one another and horizontally spacing each pair of packs in the package from one another. The method may further include maintaining a horizontal spacing between each pair of packs in the group of pairs of packs while feeding the group of pairs of packs into the package by guiding the pair of packs in the group of pairs of packs along a space bar provided on the horizontal transport device. Preferably, one space bar is located between adjacent pairs of packs. Preferably, the vertical spacing and horizontal spacing are constant.

[0035] By group-filling packages in pairs of packs, very efficient filling of packages can be achieved. Group-filling can be automated so that manual handling of packs can be eliminated. Package filling speeds can be increased. Furthermore, misalignment during manual insertion of packs into a package can be eliminated.

[0036] The vertical and horizontal spacing between individual packs allows the packs to be positioned in specific, predetermined locations within the package. The location of the packs within the package can be varied by varying the horizontal or vertical spacing between the packs, or by varying the horizontal and vertical spacing between the packs. This is particularly advantageous because the location of the packs within the package can be maintained in a predetermined location that is independent of the size of the pack.

[0037] The vertical and horizontal spacing may be defined such that individual packs are positioned for processing in a conventional tax stamp application device. Preferably, the packs are vertically and horizontally spaced within the package such that the location of the pack center is predefined and fixed independent of the pack size. Preferably, the location of the pack center is predefined and fixed, particularly within the package, independent of the pack depth and width.

[0038] The method may further include providing a blank of sheet material and fabricating pack spacers for vertical spacing between packs and pair spacers for horizontal spacing between pairs of packs from the blank sheet material.

[0039] Preferably the method includes a continuous supply of blanks of sheet material.

[0040] The sheet material blank may be, for example, a sheet of paper or cardboard, a sheet of plastic material, or a metal foil.

[0041] The package, including the pack spacer and pair spacer, can be integrally formed from a blank of sheet material. This is advantageous because folding and processing of the blank of sheet material can be automated. Thus, manual handling of the blank can be eliminated or minimized. For example, cardboard blanks are cost-effective materials that can be made from recycled materials or recycled after use.

[0042] Various methods are available for forming the sheet material blanks for packaging, as well as pack spacers and pair spacers from the sheet material blanks. For example, the spacers may be formed by folding the blank. The spacers may also be folded by displacing portions of the blank out of the plane of the blank. For example, the blank may be provided with protrusions or flaps. The blank may be pre-cut to form the flaps. The pre-cut portions may be extruded out of the plane of the blank to form the flaps.

[0043] The method of forming the spacing elements from a blank of sheet material is described in further detail below.

[0044] The method is: Providing a supply of individual packs; - placing the first pack on a vertical transport device; - placing a second pack on the vertical transport device, whereby the second pack is placed on the vertical transport device vertically spaced from the first pack; vertically transporting the first and second packs in a vertical transport device; and then - simultaneously pushing the first and second packs as a pair of packs from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device, wherein the first and second packs are transferred as a pair of packs to the horizontal transport device in a vertically spaced relationship.

[0045] The vertical spacing of the first and second packs in the vertical transport device allows the packs to be transported and fed upward or downward. The vertical transport device also allows the two packs to be positioned vertically relative to each other, particularly regardless of the depth of the packs. Thus, the vertical spacing of the packs can be adjusted depending on the depth of the packs. In particular, the vertical spacing can be adjusted so that the center of the first pack is the same distance from the center of the second pack, regardless of the depth of the packs. For example, packs having a larger depth dimension may be spaced vertically farther apart from each other than packs having a smaller depth dimension in order to maintain a constant center-to-center distance between the first and second packs. Of course, the vertical spacing between two packs may also be adjusted relative 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.

[0046] By pushing pairs of vertically spaced packs together and maintaining the vertical spacing of the pairs of packs on the horizontal transport device, the pairs of packs may be provided in the arrangement required for conventional pack assembly. This may be particularly achieved for packs with smaller depth dimensions, as the vertical spacing may compensate for the difference in depth of conventional packs.

[0047] By pressing pairs of packs simultaneously or in pairs, the tax stamp positioning requirements for the required vertical distance of packs from one another for a conventional tax stamp application process can be met for various pack size dimensions, particularly various pack depths. More specifically, packs of smaller depth dimensions may be positioned to provide a tax stamp in a conventional tax stamp application device.

[0048] Preferably, the method includes vertically transporting the first pack in the vertical transport device before placing the second pack in the vertical transport device. Preferably, the first pack is transported upward in the vertical transport device and the second pack is then fed below the first pack. By vertically transporting the already fed pack, the feed position of the second or further pack can remain the same. This can simplify the pack feeding process and the pack feeding device process.

[0049] The first pack and the second pack are preferably arranged in the vertical transport device at a vertical distance of 2 to 10 millimeters, more preferably 4 to 8 millimeters, e.g., 6 millimeters. Vertical distances in these size ranges can compensate for the difference between the depth of a conventional cigarette pack and the depth of a pack with a smaller depth dimension. The pack with a smaller depth dimension particularly contains aerosol-generating articles for use in electronic aerosol generating devices, e.g., cigarettes containing aerosol-generating articles.

[0050] Preferably, the method includes clocked, preferably continuous, feeding of individual packs to a vertical transport device. By continuous, uninterrupted feeding of packs, pairwise placement of packs can be achieved within the vertical transport device. This can also include periodically pushing pairs of packs from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device. The method can then include placing further packs in a vertically spaced-apart manner in the vertical transport device. Preferably, the method then includes placing the first, second, and further packs vertically spaced from one another, preferably pairwise, in the vertical transport device.

[0051] The packs may undergo continuous or discontinuous vertical movement in the vertical transport device. Preferably, the packs undergo discontinuous vertical movement. Preferably, the packs are transported vertically in steps. During the break, the next pack may be fed into the vertical transport device. The break may also push the pair of packs out of the vertical transport device while the pair of packs is stationary on the vertical transport device.

[0052] Preferably, the method then includes pushing, preferably discontinuously, the pairs of packs from the vertical transport device onto the horizontal transport device, with subsequent ejection of the pairs allowing a continuous supply of pairs of packs to the horizontal transport device.

[0053] Preferably, the method includes pushing the pair of packs horizontally from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device. The horizontal movement of the pair of packs may minimize tilting or jamming of the packs in the vertical transport device.

[0054] The vertical spacing between the first and second packs may be the same or different between the vertical transport device and the horizontal transport device. The vertical spacing between the first and second packs is preferably maintained throughout pack handling, i.e., in the vertical transport device, during transfer to the receiving device, and within the horizontal transport device, as well as during further pack handling steps. The vertical spacing does not need to be constant between each transfer step or within each device. The vertical spacing once defined in the vertical transport device is preferably maintained throughout pack handling. Preferably, the vertical spacing between 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 at the same vertical distance in the horizontal transport device as they were in the vertical transport device. The vertical spacing between the first and second packs is preferably maintained the same when the pack pair is ejected from the vertical transport device into the horizontal transport device. This can be advantageous because the packs can be transferred at the same level.

[0055] The vertical transport device may include two parallel-positioned tread belt conveyors. Vertically transported packs are held between the two belt conveyors, supported by the treads of each belt conveyor. Preferably, the height of the treads of the tread belt conveyors then defines a minimum vertical distance between the first pack and the second pack. Belt conveyors, particularly closed-loop conveyors, are known for their reliable, continuous transport of goods. The tread belt conveyor allows the minimum distance between individual transported packs to be defined by the size or height of the treads. Transporting packs of different sizes with the vertical transport device can be easily achieved by replacing the belt conveyors. It is also possible to provide the belt conveyors with treads of different sizes.

[0056] The pair of packs may be pushed out of the vertical transport device by a pair of pushers. The pair pushers may be in the form of pistons that push the pair of packs. The pair pushers preferably act in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the packs in the vertical transport device. If the vertical transport device includes two tread belt conveyors, pushing the pair of packs out of the vertical transport device may be achieved by inserting the pair of pushers between the two tread belt conveyors to push the pair of packs out of the vertical transport device.

[0057] Preferably, a gap is provided between pairs of packs in the vertical transport device, the gap being larger than the vertical spacing between the packs of the pairs of packs. Preferably, the gap corresponds to an empty pack compartment in the vertical transport device.

[0058] The belt conveyor of the vertical transport preferably moves at two different speeds. A first speed moves the belt to a position by the distance of the pack compartment so that the next empty pack compartment can be provided with the next pack. A second, faster speed moves the belt by the distance of the filled and empty pack compartments following a pair of packs in the vertical transport. The faster speed creates a gap after the two following filled pack compartments.

[0059] An empty pack compartment can retract the pair pusher after pushing the pack pair out of the vertical transport device.

[0060] The speed of the pair pusher may be different when pushing and retracting the pair of pucks. Preferably, the pair pusher speed is slower when pushing and faster when retracting. Higher retraction speeds are possible because there is no interaction with the pucks when the pair pusher is retracted.

[0061] The vertical transport device, particularly the two-tread belt conveyor that transports the packs, can have a capacity for an even or odd number of packs. Preferably, the capacity includes an even number of packs, for example, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 packs. The pack capacity can directly correspond to a number of pack compartments. Preferably, the capacity also includes empty space compartments, if present, to achieve the desired pack capacity.

[0062] The method may include a puck supply device that supplies individual pucks to a vertical transport device. The puck supply device may include a supply wheel. The method may include providing a supply of individual pucks to the vertical transport device from the supply wheel. The supply wheel includes circumferentially arranged pockets, each pocket provided to receive an individual puck. A supply wheel is a preferred supply device because the wheel has a simple motion. The rotational speed and supply rate can be easily varied with the supply wheel. Furthermore, the supply wheel allows for loading and unloading at different locations. On the way from the loading location to the unloading location, the pucks on the supply wheel may pass through a control station.

[0063] The method may further include controlling individual packs on the supply wheel, and determining whether or not the individual packs are in compliance with the controlled individual packs. If the pack does not comply with the reference data, the individual pack is not fed to the vertical transport device. Thus, if the pack does not comply with the reference data, the pack can be rejected instead of being fed to the vertical transport device. Such control allows for the detection and removal of defective individual packs. Individual packs can be removed before pairs or even groups of packs containing defective packs that need to be rejected are formed. This reduces material waste. Possibly, interruptions to the pack handling process at a later stage can also be limited or avoided.

[0064] For example, the method may include controlling a bar code or dot code on each pack and checking the accuracy of the controlled bar code or dot code. The method may further include rejecting each controlled pack if the controlled bar code or dot code on the individual pack is defective. Different or additional characteristics may be controlled. Such characteristics may be, for example, torn packs, deformed packs, or misaligned pack marks.

[0065] The method may include providing pack spacers within the package for vertical spacing between packs and providing pair spacers within the package for horizontal spacing between pairs of packs. The pack spacers and pair spacers may be individual elements of the package. The pack spacers and pair spacers may be integral to the package.

[0066] The pack spacer may be a single element that vertically separates all pairs of packs in a group of pack pairs within a package. The pack spacer may comprise several partial pack spacers, preferably one partial pack spacer for vertically separating each pair of packs.

[0067] The pack spacers preferably extend over groups of pairs of packs.

[0068] A pair spacer may be provided between each pair of two adjacent packs. A pair spacer may also be located between the pack pairs and the edge of the package.

[0069] Preferably, the method involves providing pair spacers between pairs of packs only, and therefore not at the ends of the package.

[0070] The pair spacers preferably safely horizontally space the upper and lower packs of a pair of packs from the upper and lower packs of an adjacent pair of packs, and are therefore preferably located between the upper and lower packs of an adjacent pair of packs.

[0071] The pair spacers are preferably formed by strips that extend within the interior of the package.

[0072] One or more strips, for example two strips, may extend into the interior of the package from one side or from opposite sides.

[0073] For example, a single strip may extend from one side of the package through the package to form a pair spacer for two adjacent pairs of packs. The strip may extend from two opposite sides of the package and into the interior of the package. This allows the strip on one side to form a partial pair spacer for only the top or bottom pack. The strip on one side may also form a pair spacer for each pair of packs.

[0074] Preferably, the method includes providing a blank of sheet material and manufacturing pack spacers and pair spacers from the blank of sheet material.

[0075] Preferably, the method includes providing a strip former and forcing 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.

[0076] The strips may be very simple in form and may be pre-cut in the blank to form flaps. For example, a single strip may be formed from a U-shaped pre-cut in the blank. Two strips may be formed from an H-shaped pre-cut in the blank. The strips may be extruded from the blank by simple means. For example, the strip former may have a simple form and perform a simple movement, such as a purely linear movement or a purely rotary movement.

[0077] The method may include pushing one or more pre-cut strips of blank sheet material into the package from one side.The method may include pushing one or more pre-cut strips of blank sheet material into the package from the opposite side.

[0078] Preferably, the method includes pushing pre-cut strips of blank sheet material into the interior of the package from opposite sides. For example, the pre-cut strips are pushed into the package from above and below, relative to a horizontal plane. In these embodiments, the pre-cut strip pushed from above then preferably forms part of the pair spacer of the upper pack of two adjacent packs of a pair. The pre-cut strip pushed from below preferably forms part of the pair spacer of the lower pack of the same pair of two adjacent packs.

[0079] Preferably, the method includes forming multiple paired spacers simultaneously. Preferably, all paired spacers for a package are formed simultaneously. Simultaneous formation of multiple or all paired spacers for a package provides a highly efficient and time-saving method of forming paired spacers.

[0080] The strip former may be embodied, for example, as a piston-like element, a lever-like element, or a wheel including a cam surface. These elements can be moved against the folded blank of sheet material to form pair spacers. One or two such elements may be provided to process the package from one side or the other.

[0081] The strip former preferably includes two counter-rotation levers. The counter-rotation levers can rotate relative to and away from each other. The package may be placed between the two levers. To form the paired spacers, the counter-rotation levers rotate relative to each other. After forming the paired spacers, the counter-rotation levers rotate away from each other. The package provided with the paired spacers may then be transported for further processing.

[0082] Preferably, the strip former includes a series of pusher heads arranged in parallel and spaced apart from one another. The pusher heads may be arranged at the end of a piston-like or lever-like element, preferably a counter-rotation lever. The pusher heads of the strip former are forced into the blank to form paired spacers. The series arrangement allows for simultaneous and securely positioned formation of paired spacers.

[0083] The pusher head is preferably smaller than the width of the pre-cut strip of blank to allow for manufacturing tolerances and form the paired spacers. Using a smaller tool to produce the paired spacers can prevent accidental damage to the outer wrapper of the packs when inserting the pusher head between the packs. The pusher head may be, for example, 2 millimeters, more preferably 1.5 millimeters, e.g., 1 millimeter, or 0.5 millimeters, or 0.2 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters smaller than the width of the paired spacers.

[0084] The groups of pack pairs may be fed into the package after pack spacers have been provided in the package. In particular, the groups are fed into the package after the pack spacers have been formed, for example folded from a blank of sheet material. The pack spacers are preferably produced by horizontally oriented folds in the blank, the horizontally oriented folds extending in the direction of receipt of the groups of pack pairs. This allows the vertical spacing of the packs to be guaranteed during and after feeding the groups of pack pairs into the package.

[0085] The paired groups of packs may be supplied to the package before or after the paired spacers are provided, in particular before the paired spacers are formed from a blank of sheet material.

[0086] Preferably, the method includes simultaneously feeding a group of pairs of packs into a package before forming the pair spacers. Feeding a group of packs into a package without pair spacers provided therein can reduce the risk of crushing the packs or 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 spaces between adjacent pairs of packs. The pairs of packs are then fixed in their horizontal positions within the package by the pair spacers. To better secure the packs, the horizontal extension of the pair spacers may be slightly greater than the horizontal space between adjacent pairs of packs to achieve a friction fit between the packs.

[0087] Preferably, a package contains all the spacers and is provided with the paired group of packs.

[0088] Preferably, the package forms an insert for the 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 an insert, allowing the carton to have a size corresponding to the size of a conventional packet of conventional cigarettes. The package forming insert preferably compensates for any differences in size of the individual packs compared to the size of a conventional cigarette pack, and the package and pack preferably fill the carton.

[0089] The thickness of the pack spacer in combination with the depth of one pack of the pair of packs preferably corresponds to the depth of a standard pack of 22 millimeters. Preferably, the thickness of the pack spacer makes up the difference between the depth of the standard pack and the reduced depth of the pack having the smaller depth dimension that is handled in the method of the present invention.

[0090] The horizontal spacing is at least 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example in the range of 4 mm to 7 mm. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the pair spacers in combination with the width of the pair of packs corresponds to the width of a standard pack of 56 mm.

[0091] The horizontal distance in 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 spacers, or the horizontal spacing between pairs of adjacent packs, can compensate for the smaller width of the pack compared to a conventional cigarette pack.

[0092] The method may include providing paired spacers at horizontal distances from each other within the package ranging from 25 millimeters to 60 millimeters, more preferably from 30 millimeters to 55 millimeters. These size ranges of paired spacer distances allow standard box size cartons to be used to supply a variety of pack sizes within the package.

[0093] The pair spacer 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. The provision of the pair spacer causes adjacent packs to be separated horizontally from one another within the package by at least 1.5 millimeters. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the pair spacer combined with the width of either pack of the pair of packs corresponds to the width of a standard pack of 56 millimeters. Thus, the width of the pair spacer, or the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of packs, can compensate for the smaller width of the pack compared to conventional cigarette packs.

[0094] The horizontal extension of the pair spacers may be slightly greater than the horizontal spacing to create a friction fit with the packs and keep them in place. Thus, the horizontal extension of the pair spacers may be, for example, 0.5 millimeters, 0.7 millimeters, or 1 millimeter greater than the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of packs.

[0095] The method may include adapting the horizontal extension of the paired 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.

[0096] This can be achieved, for example, by pair spacers of different sizes. For example, the strips forming the pair spacers may have different horizontal extensions. Wider strips may be provided for smaller packs and smaller strips for larger packs. For example, different precuts may be provided on the same blank of sheet material. Depending on the size of the pair spacers required, different precuts may be used to form the pair spacers.

[0097] The method may further include transporting the package to a tax stamp application device and applying a tax stamp to the front of each pack of the group of pairs of packs in the package. Typically, the filled carton is closed and several more cartons are packed into a packed shipping case and shipped to a destination, such as import into another country, where the shipping case is opened, the cartoned packs are tax stamped, and the carton is reclosed and returned to the pack manufacturer.

[0098] The packs in a carton may all be the same size or may be different sizes, for example a pair of packs may contain two packs of different sizes, or for example adjacent pairs may contain packs having different sizes.

[0099] Preferably, all packs in a carton are the same size.

[0100] Preferably, simultaneously feeding the group of pairs of packs in the package includes receiving the group of pairs of packs from a horizontal transport device, and the vertical spacing between the two packs of each pair of packs in the horizontal transport device and the horizontal spacing between each pair of packs on the horizontal transport device are kept constant while the group of pairs of packs are fed from the horizontal transport device into the package. This may be advantageous as the transfer of the packs may take place at the same level.

[0101] The method described herein is preferably used to prepare packs for verification for application of a tax stamp. Preferably, the packs are packs used in the tobacco industry. Preferably, the packs contain tobacco industry articles. Such articles may be, for example, aerosol-generating articles, preferably cigarettes containing aerosol-generating articles. Such articles may be used in electronic aerosol-generating devices, where the articles may be heated, for example, for aerosol generation.

[0102] The center of the pack is understood herein to define the geometric center of the pack. The center of the pack is understood as the longitudinal central axis of the pack or as the intersection of the front face of the pack with 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.

[0103] The pack of the present invention has a box-like shape with two opposing major sides, two opposing minor long sides, a front and a bottom. The distance between the two major sides defines the width of the pack. The distance between the two minor long sides defines the width of the pack. The distance between the front and bottom defines the height of the pack.

[0104] In this application, the side of the pack intended for application of the tax stamp is the "front" side. The side of the pack is defined as facing the opening of the carton where the pack is placed for tax stamp application. In particular, in conventional hinged-lid cigarette packs, the side of the pack normal to the longitudinal extension of the cigarettes is the "front" side. Aerosol-generating articles may have a length significantly shorter than conventional cigarettes and are therefore often packaged in separate packs, for example, in a relatively wide hinged-lid box with two bundles of 5-5 sticks next to each other (or 10-10 if only a single bundle is provided). Therefore, the "front" side of such a pack containing the aerosol-generating articles may be represented by one of the two opposing long, smaller sides. In such packs, the aerosol-generating articles are positioned perpendicular to the direction of the hinge but parallel to the direction of the "front" side of the pack.

[0105] Unless expressly specified otherwise, packs of the present invention are oriented with one of their major sides facing downwards and their opposite major side facing upwards. When two packs are positioned above each other, one major side of the first pack faces one major side of the second pack.

[0106] The total distance within the package includes a tolerance ranging from 0.3 millimeters to 1 millimeter, typically 0.5 millimeters. Thus, when referring to a pack size and a spacer corresponding to a particular number, this includes the tolerance so that the pack size and spacer size may correspond exactly to that number, but generally include the tolerance within the specified range. For example, a pack and pair spacer, a pack and package wall, a pack and pack spacer generally include a gap between the two objects ranging from 0.3 millimeters to 1 millimeter, typically 0.5 millimeters.

[0107] 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 features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. Example 1

[0108] 1. A method of transporting a pair of packs, comprising: - placing a first pair of packs on a horizontal transport device; - transporting the first pair of packs horizontally; - placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device; for each of the first and second pairs of packs, vertically spacing the first pack of the pair of packs and the second pack of the pair of packs from one another, and further horizontally spacing the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs from one another on the horizontal transport device. Example 2

[0109] The method of example 1, wherein the first and second pairs of packs are spaced horizontally from one another 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. Example 3

[0110] The method is: -Providing a space bar for horizontal transport in the form of horizontal distance; The method according to any one of examples 1 to 2, wherein the first or second pack of the pair of packs is placed between the space bar. Example 4

[0111] The method of example 3, wherein the space bars are spaced horizontally apart from one another on the horizontal transport device in the range of 25 mm to 60 mm, more preferably 30 mm to 55 mm. Example 5

[0112] 5. The method according to any one of Examples 3 to 4, wherein the space bar 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, 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters. Example 6

[0113] 6. The method of any one of embodiments 3 to 5, wherein the horizontal extension of the space bar combined with the width of the first or second pack results in a standard pack width of 56 millimeters. Example 7

[0114] 7. The method of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the first pack of the pair of packs and the second pack of the pair of packs are spaced apart on the horizontal transport device by a distance ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, for example 6 mm. Example 8

[0115] The method of any one of Examples 1-7, comprising individually clamping a first pack and a second pack of a pair of packs with a horizontal transport device, thereby maintaining the first pack and the second pack vertically spaced apart from each other. Example 9

[0116] The method of any one of Examples 1 to 8, comprising maintaining the first pack of the pair of packs and the second pack of the pair of packs vertically spaced apart from each other by providing a partition element between the first pack and the second pack. Example 10

[0117] 10. The method of example 9, wherein a partition element is provided between a first pack and a second pack of some pairs of packs. Example 11

[0118] 11. The method of any one of Examples 9-10, wherein the thickness of the separator element, combined with the depth of the first pack and the second pack, results in a standard pack depth of 22.5 millimeters. Example 12

[0119] 12. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the horizontal transport device comprises two belt conveyors arranged in parallel and on top of each other, the spacer is arranged on the two belt conveyors and perpendicular to the transport direction of the two belt conveyors, and the pair of first and second packs is arranged between the two belt conveyors. Example 13

[0120] 13. The method of any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the pairs of packs are transported horizontally in a non-continuous manner within a horizontal transfer device. Example 14

[0121] - providing several pairs of packs on a horizontal transport device; - pushing the group of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device into the package. Example 15

[0122] 15. The method of example 14, further comprising providing a block pusher and simultaneously pushing the group of pairs of packs into the package. Example 16

[0123] 16. The method of any one of Examples 14-15, wherein the method comprises removing a partition element provided between two packs of the pack pairs on the horizontal transport device when pushing the group of pack pairs into the package. Example 17

[0124] - spacing the two packs of each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs in the package vertically from each other; - Space each pair of packs horizontally apart from each other within the package; 17. The method of any one of Examples 14-16, further comprising: maintaining horizontal spacing between each pair of packs in the group of pairs of packs while feeding the group of pairs of packs into the package by guiding the pairs of packs in the group of pairs of packs along space bars provided in the horizontal transport device. Example 18

[0125] 18. The method of example 17, further comprising providing a blank of sheet material and fabricating pack spacers for vertical spacing between packs and pair spacers for horizontal spacing between pairs of packs from the blank sheet material. Example 19

[0126] Providing a supply of individual packs; placing a first pack on a vertical transport device and placing a second pack on the vertical transport device, whereby the second pack is placed on the vertical transport device vertically spaced from the first pack; vertically transporting the first and second packs in a vertical transport device; and then 19. The method of any one of Examples 1-18, further comprising simultaneously pushing the first and second packs as a pair of packs from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device, wherein the first and second packs are transferred as a pair of packs to the horizontal transport device in a vertically spaced relationship. Example 20

[0127] 20. Use of the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 19 in preparing a pack collation for tax stamp application.

[0128] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0129] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a package arranged in a carton such as a box. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of a filled package using the method according to the invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a group of packs of smoking articles of a type known in the art. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a design variant of a prepared blank of sheet material for forming a package. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a design variant of a prepared blank of sheet material for forming a package. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pack verification method. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the transfer of a pair of packs from a vertical transport to a horizontal transport. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the transfer of pairs of packs from a vertical transport to a horizontal transport. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates the group-wise insertion of groups of pairs of packs into a package. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates the group-wise insertion of groups of pairs of packs into a package. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cutaway side view of a portion of the insertion process of FIGS. 9 and 10, as well as the pair spacer formation process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a cutaway side view of a portion of the insertion process of FIGS. 9 and 10, as well as the pair spacer formation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0130] 1 shows a filled insert 10 configured to be introduced into a carton 23, shown in dotted lines. The carton has 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.

[0131] 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 applying a tax stamp to them, after which the flaps can be closed again to close the carton 23 like a box.

[0132] The filled insert 10 includes an empty insert 11 and multiple packs 100 for aerosol-generating articles.

[0133] Each pack 100 has a parallelepiped shape and comprises two opposing large side walls 101, two opposing long small side walls 102, a bottom wall 103 and a top wall 104. The top wall forms the front face during the transport and collation process, as will be further explained below.

[0134] The size of the pack 100 suitable to be supported by the insert 11 is preferably equal to 15.5 mm x 48 mm, these values ​​corresponding to the width and height of the top wall 102. The width of the top wall 102 corresponds to the width of the pack 100. The height of the top wall 102 corresponds to the depth of the pack 100.

[0135] According to some embodiments described herein, the insert 11 includes two chambers 12 disposed adjacent to each other, each chamber 12 defining a housing for a corresponding row of packs 100.

[0136] The chamber 12 extends in a longitudinal direction indicated in the figure by the reference numeral 700 .

[0137] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each row contains five packs of aerosol-generating articles 100 .

[0138] 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 joined to the bottom wall 14 by fold lines 16. The fold lines 16 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0139] Each wall of the chamber 12 , the bottom wall 14 and the pair of side walls 15 , is configured to contact a respective wall of the pack 100 .

[0140] For example, the side walls 15 of the two chambers 12 are disposed within 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 Figure 1, the pack 100 contained in the insert 11 is oriented such that the direction of greatest extension of the pack is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 700. Furthermore, the pack 100 is oriented such that the top wall 102 is disposed opposite the bottom wall 14 of the insert 11.

[0141] The chamber 12 includes an access opening 17 through which the puck 100 can be introduced, accessed and extracted from the insert 11 .

[0142] The bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15 are positioned relative to one another, such that each chamber 12 is U-shaped, with the open end of the U defining an access opening 17. The pack 100 is oriented so that the top wall 102 is positioned near the access opening 17. In particular, the top wall 102 protrudes beyond the edge 150 of the side wall 15, which is positioned opposite the bottom wall 14. In this way, the top wall 102 of the pack 100 remains exposed and easily accessible for performing any necessary processes, such as applying a tax stamp. The top wall 102 of the pack may also be positioned at the same level as the edge 105 of the insert 11, such that the top wall side of the pack is also protected by the insert 11.

[0143] At least one of the side walls 15 includes a plurality of pair spacers 18 that protrude toward the inside of the insert 11. The pair spacers 18 are configured to separate the pack compartments 26, and each of the packs 100 is stably positioned and held in a defined manner in the longitudinal direction 700 relative to the insert 11. The pair spacers 18 prevent movement of the packs in the longitudinal direction 700. The side walls 15 and pair spacers 27 prevent movement or displacement in the direction 701.

[0144] The pack 100 can be introduced into and removed from the pack compartment 26 through the access opening 17 previously described.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, pair spacers 18 are fabricated as pre-cut fins 19 integrated into sidewall 15 .

[0146] 1, each pair spacer 18 comprises a pair of fins 19. Each fin 19 is joined to the sidewall 15 by a respective bond line 20. The fins are separated from one another by cut lines 21 (visible in the blank shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The bond lines 20 and cut lines 21 are parallel to one another and to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0147] In an alternative embodiment not shown, each pair spacer 18 consists of a single fin 19. In this case, the fin 19 can extend from the bond line 20 connecting the fin to the sidewall 15 to the edge 150.

[0148] In Figure 1, each chamber is intended to accommodate a row of five packs 100, and six pair spacers 18 are provided. Four pair spacers 18 are sandwiched between two adjacent packs 100. The remaining two pair spacers 18 are located 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 spacers 18. This spacing may be equal to, slightly greater than, or slightly less than the width of the fins 19, measured parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0149] In preferred embodiments, pair spacers 18 are provided only between packs, and therefore, in these embodiments, pair spacers are not provided at opposite ends of the longitudinal side walls 15.

[0150] The two inner side walls 15 forming the pack spacer 27 are not provided with pair spacers 18. Pair spacers 18 are provided on the side walls 15 of the chamber 12, which remain visible and accessible from the outside.

[0151] The inner surfaces of the inwardly facing side walls 15 of the insert 11 are arranged in a mutually symmetrical configuration relative to a centerline axis 920 of the bottom wall 14 that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 700 .

[0152] In one embodiment, the center distance 910, measured in the transverse direction 701, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 700, has a predetermined and constant value. The center distance 910 is defined between centerlines 920 of the bottom walls 14 of the chambers 12. For example, the center distance 920 may be approximately equal to 22.5 mm, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0153] FIG. 2 shows the use of the blank insert 11 and filled insert 10 according to the present invention, briefly illustrated with reference to the step of applying a tax stamp 110 on the pack 100 .

[0154] Figure 3 shows an ordered group of packs of conventional smoking articles ordered according to two overlapping rows of five packs each, with adjacent packs in direct contact with each other.

[0155] Figures 2 and 3 make it possible to compare the situation presented by the use of an insert 11 (Figure 3) to accommodate multiple non-standard packs 100 having a size smaller than the standard size of a conventional pack with the recurring situation in the prior art, where a tax stamp 110 has to be applied to a group of conventional packs of smoking articles without the insert shown in Figure 2.

[0156] As can be seen from a comparison of these figures, the outermost profile of insert 11 defines an area that is identical to the total area occupied by a group of conventional packs. In other words, insert 11 is shaped and sized to compensate for the smaller amount occupied by the non-standard packs, so that when received in insert 11, it occupies substantially the same amount as a group of conventional packs.

[0157] Furthermore, in both cases the location of the tax stamp is unchanged: due to the presence of insert 11, the two-dimensional spatial coordinates in the longitudinal direction 700 and transverse direction 701 of tax stamp 110 applied to pack 100 remain identical to the corresponding coordinates of the same tax stamp applied to a conventional pack of smoking articles such as that shown in Figure 3.

[0158] 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, measured between the centers of two tax stamps 110 applied on two adjacent packs 100 in the direction 700. In a preferred embodiment, the stamp distance 900 is at least equal to the characteristic size of the pack 100, preferably defined as the width of the larger side wall 101 and the top and bottom walls 101, 102. The stamp distance 900 is preferably equal to the width of a standard pack, which corresponds to 48 millimeters.

[0159] 2, the pair spacers 18 are also sequentially arranged at a stamp distance 900. The stamp distance 900 is equal to a predetermined constant value so as to position and hold the packs 100 in the respective pack compartments 26 at a constant pitch relative to one another that correlates to the stamp distance 900.

[0160] It will be appreciated that the shapes, dimensions, and thicknesses described herein are merely exemplary and may vary depending on the size and shape of the pack of aerosol-generating articles to be housed within the insert 11. In particular, the insert 11 has an associated size and thickness that particularly complements the size and depth of the pack 100 that the insert 11 must support in order to maintain the same total volume of a group of conventional packs and to position the packs in place, thereby allowing the tax stamp to be applied at the same position (or coordinates) as conventionally.

[0161] 4 and 5 show two alternative embodiments of a blank of sheet material 13 for forming insert 11. FIG.

[0162] In Figure 4, a blank material is shown for forming the insert 11 of Figure 1. In the embodiment of Figure 4, 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 relative to the other chamber 12 by an angle.

[0163] The chamber 12 begins with a sheet material 13, for example made from paper, cardboard or paperboard, having an appropriate thickness to ensure the necessary mechanical strength.

[0164] The blank 13 is preferably a cardboard having a uniform thickness of about 3 millimeters to about 3.5 millimeters. The blank 13 may also be made of materials other than those mentioned above, such as, for example, plastic.

[0165] In Figure 5, blank 13 is shown where pair spacers 18 are provided only within the blank, such that pair spacers are located only between packs. The same reference numbers are used for the same or similar elements. Exemplary sizes of blank 13 are shown as follows: Pack spacer thickness or width 920: 5 mm Blank extension in direction 700 to 940: 274.6 mm Blank extension in direction 701 925: 277 mm Pack spacer height 930 / sidewall height 931: 74.6 mm Thickness of chamber 15: 15.9 mm Distance between adjacent pairs of spacers 18:935:49.5 mm Distance between pair spacer 18 and the end of blank 936 (direction 700): 50.05 mm Pair of spacers 18 width 937: 5.6 / 6.5mm Pack size: 74.5 x 48.5 x 15.8 mm

[0166] Forming the insert 11 from the blank 13 essentially involves the following steps:

[0167] In a first step, two chambers 12 are formed. In this step, blank 13 is folded in opposite directions along fold lines 22 and 16. Side walls 15 are folded against bottom wall 14 along fold 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 pack spacers 27.

[0168] In a second step, the inserts 11 are placed in cartons 23 .

[0169] In a third step, the ordered group of packs 100 is placed into an insert.

[0170] In a fourth step, pair spacers 18 are formed to secure the pack 100 to the insert 11 against displacement in the longitudinal direction 700 .

[0171] Figure 6 shows a schematic of a system including the supply, collation, and packaging of individual packs 100 in preparation for tax stamp application. The system includes pack supply 3, various pack collation preparation stations 4, 5, insert supply 6 and insert formation 7, as well as packaging and transport during, during, and after pack collation and packaging.

[0172] The feed wheel 30 includes a number of pockets 31 arranged around the periphery of the feed wheel. The packs 100 are fed from the pack provider 29 to the pockets 31 at a receiving position of the feed wheel 30. After being received in the pockets 31, the packs are transported to a feeding position by counterclockwise rotation of the feed wheel 30. The feeding position is located opposite the receiving position. At the feeding position, the packs 100 are fed from the feed wheel 30 to the vertical transport device 40. This pushes the packs 100 out of the pockets 31 of the feed wheel 30 and into the pack space 42 of the vertical transport device 40.

[0173] A control station 28 is provided next to the feed wheel 30 for controlling the packs 100 passing through the control station 28. For example, the packs 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 a removal mechanism of the feed wheel 30. The removal mechanism prevents the transfer of non-conforming packs to the vertical transport device 40. Alternatively, such non-conforming packs may be ejected along a slide 280 located below the feed wheel 30.

[0174] 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 spaced at equal distances. The treads 410 of both conveyor belts 41 are arranged perpendicular to the direction of vertical movement of the belts 41. Furthermore, the treads 410 of the belts face each other and are arranged at the same vertical level. Each belt 41 with its treads 410 defines an individual pack space 42 for the accommodation of one pack. Drive wheels 411 move the belts 41 in opposite directions so that the formed pack spaces 42 are moved vertically upward between the two belts and between two adjacent treads of each belt 41.

[0175] The belt 41 is moved stepwise by the distance of one pack space 42, so that the next pack space is positioned within the supply position supplied by the packs from the supply wheel 30. Two packs 100 supplied to the vertical transport device 40 are vertically separated from each other by at least the height of a step 410 disposed between the packs. When two packs 100 are supplied to the vertical transport device 40, the drive wheel accelerates the belt 41 so that it moves upward by the distance of two pack spaces, thereby leaving the pack space 42 empty. Each of the two packs 100 is received in the next pack space, forming a pack pair 200. The packs in the vertical transport device 40 are moved upward until the pack pair 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 a pair pusher 47 into the space between the two conveyor belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50. This causes the packs to be guided along the treads 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 linear movement. The empty pack space 42 of the vertical transport device 40 serves to retract the pair pusher 47 without interfering with the belt 41 or the packs 100, or to slow down the processing speed of the vertical transport device 40, so that the pair pusher 47 can return to its initial position as shown in FIG. 1.

[0176] The pair of packs 200 transferred to the horizontal transport device 50 is then moved horizontally (to the left 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 pairs of packs 200 are separated horizontally by space bars 510 provided on the belt conveyor 51 of the horizontal transport device 50.

[0177] The transfer of pairs of packs 200 to the horizontal transport device 50 is shown in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0178] As pack pair groups 300 are formed in horizontal transport device 50, they are pushed into inserts by block pusher 57 (not shown in FIG. 1 ). At this stage, the inserts are partially formed from blanks of sheet material 13 with crease lines 22 and precuts 18, as described above. In the system of FIG. 1 , blanks of sheet material 13 are fed from the right. The blanks are folded along crease lines 22 and 16 to form empty inserts with pack spacers 27. After pack pair groups 300 are pushed into the inserts, pair spacers 18 are formed in strip former 70 (located behind horizontal transport device 50). The filled inserts 10 are then transported further along a carton station where the filled inserts 10 are placed into cartons 23 or cartons are folded around the filled inserts 10.

[0179] All supply, transfer, transport and manufacturing steps are synchronized in the system. The drive wheels of the vertical transport device 40 preferably define the clock of the system.

[0180] 7 and 8 show in more detail the arrangement of packs 100 in the vertical transfer device 40, the transfer of pairs of packs 200, and the arrangement of pairs of packs in the horizontal transfer device 50.

[0181] In the vertical transport device 40, packs 100 are placed in pairs within pack spaces 42 formed between two vertical conveyor belts 41 and treads 410 spaced periodically along the length of the conveyor belts 41. Packs 100 are placed in two pack spaces 42 one after the other, leaving the following pack spaces 42 empty and providing empty pack spaces after the following two pack spaces. When a pair of packs 200 arrives at a transfer position 45 at the top of the vertical transport device 40, the conveyor belt 41 stops. A pair pusher 47 simultaneously pushes the two packs 100 of the pack pair 200 out of the pack spaces 42 and between the two belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50, as shown in FIG. 8. When the pair 200 has been transferred, the vertical transport device 40 is activated again, and the next pair of packs is placed in the transfer position 45. The pair pusher 47 retracts, and the empty pack spaces 42 pass through the transfer position 45. The pair pusher 47 is preferably retracted at a higher speed so that when the aforementioned pair 200 arrives at the transfer position 45, it is safely positioned again in its starting position to push the next pair 200 of packs onto the horizontal transport device.

[0182] The horizontal transport device 50 includes two closed-loop conveyor belts 51 arranged horizontally, parallel to, and above each other. The belts 51 include spacers 510 spaced at equal distances. The spacers 510 of both conveyor belts 51 are arranged perpendicular to the horizontal direction of the belts' movement. Furthermore, the spacers 510 of the belts face each other and are arranged at the same horizontal position. The belts 51 with their spacers 510 define individual pair spaces 52 for adjusting pairs of packs 200. A drive wheel (not shown) moves the belts 52 in opposite directions so that the pair spaces 52 formed between the two belts 51 are moved horizontally to the left in FIG. 7 .

[0183] The pairs of packs 200 fed to the horizontal transport device 50 are horizontally separated from one another by the width of space bars 510 placed between the pairs of packs 200. The space bars 510 of the upper conveyor belt 51 maintain the distance between the upper packs 100 of the pairs of packs 200 horizontally, while the space bars 510 of the lower conveyor belt 51 hold the lower packs 100 of the same pairs of packs 200 horizontally by the same distance.

[0184] A partition element 53 (shown only diagrammatically by dotted lines in FIG. 8 ) is provided to keep the packs 100 of the pack pairs 200 vertically spaced apart within the horizontal transport device 50. The partition element 53 is a plate positioned horizontally between the two belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50 and between the two packs 100 of the pack pairs 200. The thickness of the partition element 53 is preferably the same as the height of the treads 410 of the vertical transport device 40. Because the pack pairs 200 are vertically spaced apart from each other by at least the height of the treads 410 in the vertical transport device, when the pack pairs are transferred to the horizontal transport device 50, the upper pack is positioned above the partition element 53 and the lower pack is positioned below the partition element.

[0185] The belt 51 is moved stepwise by the distance of one pair space 52 so that the next pair space 52 is located in the transfer position 45 for providing the pack pairs 200 from the vertical transport device 40. This is repeated until a group 300 of pack pairs, for example five pack pairs, has been transferred to the horizontal transport device 50 and transferred to the subsequent pair space 52. The separating element 53 is preferably arranged fixedly within the horizontal transport device 50. Preferably, the packs 100 glide along the surface of the separating element 53 while being transported horizontally.

[0186] When a group 300 of pairs 200 of packs 100 is transferred to the horizontal transport device 50, the drive wheel accelerates the belt 51 so that it moves horizontally the distance of two pair spaces 52. This creates an empty pair space 52.

[0187] 9 and 10, a group 300 of pack pairs has been formed in the horizontal transport device 50 and transported to the insertion position 75. A block pusher 57 is also positioned in the insertion position 75. The block pusher 57 has two identical plates 570 positioned above each other and extending in the horizontal extension of the group 300 of pack pairs. Each plate has five pusher ends 571 separated by longitudinal recesses 572. The five upper packs of the group 300 are pushed by the five pusher ends 571 of the upper plates 570, respectively, and the five lower packs of the group 300 are pushed by the five pusher ends 571 of the lower plates 570 of the block pusher 57. All ten packs 100 are simultaneously pushed into the previously formed empty inserts 11, which are positioned in the insertion positions 75 on opposite sides of the block pusher 57.

[0188] The block pushers are arranged at horizontal and vertical levels so that the pusher ends 571 each push one pack 100 of the group of pairs of packs 300. The block pushers 57 are horizontally and linearly movable to perform the pushing action.

[0189] 10, the pusher end 571 passes next to the space bar 510 of the horizontal conveyor belt 51. However, the recess 572 in the plate 570 of the block pusher 57 ensures that the pushing and retracting action of the block pusher can be performed without interference with the space bar of the block pusher.

[0190] The space bar 510 acts as a guide for the packs 100 and ensures horizontal spacing between the packs when transferring them into the empty insert 11.

[0191] The vertical distance between the plates of the block spacer 57 allows the space bar 510 as well as the separating element 53 to extend between the plates 570 without interfering with the transport process of the group 300 of pairs of packs.

[0192] The vertical spacing between packs 100 of pack pairs 200 is maintained by pack spacers 27 of the insert, which can be better seen in the cross-sectional view of the insertion process shown further below in FIG.

[0193] The strip former 70 is positioned relative to 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 has six pusher heads 710, the four pusher heads 710 in the center of the lever 71 being used to form the pair spacers 18 of the inserts. As best seen in FIG. 10, the first and last pusher heads 710 of the strip former 70 are the most upstream and most downstream pusher heads when viewed in the direction of transport of the inserts, and are positioned next to the inserts. Thus, the most upstream and most downstream pusher heads 710 secure the most upstream and most downstream pairs 200 of the pack of pairs 300 housed in the inserts 11 against horizontal displacement while the pair spacers 18 are formed.

[0194] Inserts 11, which are provided with pack spacers 27 but without pair spacers, that is, inserts folded from a blank of sheet material, are guided parallel to the conveyor belt 51 of the horizontal transport device 50 to an insertion position 75. The empty inserts 11 at insertion position 75 are fed into pack pair groups 300. Pair spacers 18 are then formed with a strip former 70, shown in more detail with reference to FIG. 11 below. The so-filled inserts 10 are then transported further along a carton station where the filled inserts 10 are placed into cartons 23.

[0195] 11, the two plates 570 of the block pusher 57 are positioned to push the pair of packs 200 off the conveyor belt 51 of the horizontal transport device 50, whereupon the two packs of the pair are guided by the spacer 510. The packs 100 are inserted into the insert 11 and are held vertically spaced apart by the pack spacers 27. The pack spacers 27 space the packs 100 vertically approximately the same distance as the previous separating elements of the horizontal transport device 50.

[0196] On the left side of Figure 11, the strip former 70 is shown with the pair spacers 18 formed in the opposite sidewalls 15 of the insert, with the pusher head 710 still in its forming position. In Figure 12, the pusher head 710 is shown in the retracted position.

[0197] Pre-cut fins 19 of the sheet material blank are pushed into the filled insert 10 from opposite sides of the insert by a pusher head 710. Each two fins form a partial pair spacer for the upper and lower packs 100 of the pack pair.

[0198] Counter-rotating levers 71 are rotatable in opposite directions about two axes 712. In the forming position, levers 71 are positioned parallel to one another so that pusher heads 710 perform symmetrical movements on the pre-cut fins 19 of the partial pair spacers. Pusher heads 710 are small plates with triangular ends. The plane of the plate is positioned parallel to the long minor side 102 of the pack. The configuration of the triangular ends defines the final position of the fins 19 that will form the pair spacers 18.

[0199] The thickness of the pusher head 710 is preferably less than the width of the pre-cut fins 19 so that it only pushes the pre-cut fins without contacting the puck 100 .

[0200] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, quantities, percentages, and the like are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, as well as any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is to be understood as ±2 percent of A.

Claims

1. 1. A method of transporting a pair of packs, comprising: - placing a first pair of packs on a horizontal transport device; - transporting the first pair of packs horizontally in the horizontal transport device; - placing a second pair of packs on said horizontal transport device; - for each of the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs, vertically spacing the first pack of the first and second pair of packs from one another within the horizontal transport device, further spacing the first pair of packs from one another horizontally on the horizontal transport device, and maintaining the first pack and the second pack of the first and second pair of packs vertically spaced apart from one another within the horizontal transport device by providing a partition element between the first pack and the second pack of the first and second pair of packs, the partition element being fixedly arranged within the horizontal transport device; The method comprises: - providing several pairs of packs on said horizontal transport device; - pushing a group of pairs of packs from said horizontal transport device into a package; - vertically spacing the two packs of each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs in the package; - horizontally spacing each pair of packs within said package from each other; - maintaining a horizontal spacing between each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs while feeding the group of pairs of packs into the package by guiding the pairs of packs of the group of pairs of packs along space bars provided in the horizontal transport device; further comprising: method.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are horizontally spaced apart from one another on the horizontal transport device by a distance ranging from 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters.

3. - providing a space bar for said horizontal transport device in the form of horizontal distances, A method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first pack or the second pack of the pair of packs is placed between the space bars.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising clamping the first pack and the second pack of the pair of packs individually with a horizontal transport device, thereby maintaining the first pack and the second pack vertically spaced apart from each other.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising providing a separator element between a first pack and a second pack of some pairs of packs.

6. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the horizontal transport device comprises two belt conveyors arranged in parallel and on top of each other, the space bar is arranged on the two belt conveyors and perpendicular to the transport direction of the two belt conveyors, and the pair of the first pack and the second pack is arranged between the two belt conveyors.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein pairs of packs are transported horizontally in a discontinuous manner in the horizontal transport device.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising providing a block pusher to simultaneously push the groups of pairs of packs into the package.

9. 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising removing a partition element provided between two packs of the pack pairs on the horizontal transport device when pushing the group of pack pairs into a package.

10. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising providing a blank of sheet material and producing pack spacers for vertical spacing between packs and pair spacers for horizontal spacing between pairs of packs from the blank of sheet material.

11. - providing a supply of individual packs; - placing the first pack in a vertical transport device; - placing a second pack in the vertical transport device, thereby vertically spacing the second pack in the vertical transport device from the first pack; vertically transporting the first pack and the second pack into the vertical transport device; and then 11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising simultaneously extruding the first pack and the second pack as a pack pair from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device, wherein the first pack and the second pack are transferred as the pack pair to the horizontal transport device in a vertically spaced apart manner.

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

Images