Abstract: The present invention pertains to hinge lid packages, for example cigarette packages, with features that reduce the force required to open and close the package, keep the lid tightly closed when not in use and/or improve the luxurious feel of the package during opening and closing, in comparison to similar packages that do not include these features.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and method for producing embossed paper or laminated metallic foil sheets (55) comprising means for feeding an elongate strip (20) of paper or laminated metallic foil, a pair of matched embossing rollers (5, 10) disposed to receive such a strip from the feeding means, and means for receiving such a strip from the embossing rollers after being embossed thereby, and for cutting such strip into sheets. The rollers have a plurality of embossing sectors (75) arranged on the surface thereof. At least one of the sectors imparts a first embossing, and at least another of the sectors imparts an alternate embossing different in appearance from the first embossing. The sectors are dimensioned similarly to the foil sheets. At least one group of the sheets carry the first embossing while at least another group of the sheets carry the alternate embossing.

Abstract: Self-made cigarettes, i.e. tobacco products that are supplied in unsmokable condition in the form of a tobacco-bearing component (12) comprising a tobacco rod (14) attached to a porous filter (16) at least part of the surface of which is highly permeable, and an impervious tubular band (10) carried on the component and slidable along it to cover the permeable region. The tubular band can be applied by compressing the tobacco-bearing component to enable the preformed tubular band to be slid onto it. Tubular bands (10) are automatically assembled onto tobacco bearing components by an apparatus that includes a rotary drum (30) around the periphery of which are distributed sets of assembly tools (62) each of which sets comprises a pair of opposed rods (90, 106) which are employed to Introduce the tubular band and the tobacco bearing component into opposite ends of an assembly cylinder (44) wherein the band is slid onto the tobacco component, the assembled product subsequently being ejected.

Abstract: A non-smokable tobacco product comprises a rod-shaped element of cigarette tobacco with a filter element at one end and both enclosed by a tubular wrapper. The product is rendered unsmokable by a perforation extending through the wrapper of the tobacco or the filter element so that when air is drawn through the filter substantially all of the air enters through those perforations, there being insufficient air flow through the tip end to propagate normal cigarette combustion of the tobacco at that location or to permit any appreciable amount of smoke reaching the smoker's mouth. The product is rendered smokable by the user covering the perforated region of the wrapper by means of a strip, a sliding band, or a ring which blocks air flow through the perforations and thus converts the product into a self-made cigarette that can be smoked in the manner of a regular cigarette.