Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the packaging of cigarettes which eliminates interior package edges which interfere with reinsertion into a cigarette package of partially withdrawn cigarettes. The creation of interfering internal edges if avoided by employment of a novel technique for the folding of the package inner wrapper about a block of cigarettes.

Abstract: Cigarettes are grouped into multi-layer blocks for packaging by the serial delivery of the plural cigarettes comprising the individual layers into cells of a conveying system from a magazine having an outlet for each layer. The magazine outlets are offset in the direction of movement of the cells and in a direction transverse thereto. A stationary retaining member, which extends into the cells through slots provided in the cells, contacts and thus holds the uppermost layer of cigarettes transferred from the magazine into the cells, the retaining member being provided with a step and a tongue-like extension at each magazine outlet downstream of the first outlet, the bottom of the stepped portion of the retaining member and the top of the tongue defining a cigarette layer receiving opening.

Abstract: A pattern for a box which may receive a produce such as cigarettes will, when folded, define a box neck inwardly offset relative to the sides of the box, the neck being positioned within a lid when the box is closed. The box neck is formed by a front section, connected to the front wall of the box by an embossed edge, and a pair of oppositely disposed side sections which are partly connected to the side walls of the box adjacent to the front wall, this partial connection being achieved by centrally disposed embossed regions and cuts extending in either direction therefrom. The cuts which extend inwardly from the embossed edge regions terminate at punched-out areas located at either end of the embossed edge between the box neck front section and the box front wall. These punched-out areas have a width which corresponds minimally to the thickness of the material in which the pattern is rendered.

Abstract: The production of blocks of rod-shaped articles such as cigarettes from a single row of such articles comprises forming the single row of articles into groups of articles, and each group of articles into sub-groups of articles. Each sub-group of each group of articles is disposed in a respective horizontal plane and in a stepped relationship, and then the sub-groups in each group is disposed in vertically overlying relationship to form a respective block of each group of articles. The sub-groups in each group may be disposed in vertically overlying relationship by means including a plurality of elements disposed above one another and each provided with a plurality of the apertures to receive the sub-groups. A cam member may be provided which upon rotation thereof causes the elements to dispose the sub-groups into blocks of articles. Instead of using such elements a plurality of conveyor belts each disposed in a respective horizontal plane may be employed.