Apparatus, system, and method for filling of rod-shaped articles in packaging

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method which may facilitate the placing of rod-like articles, such as cigarettes, into waiting packaging, including a space into which articles may be inserted, this space described by a base and a plurality of side walls. A sheet of deformable material may then be secured to the apparatus, such as by vacuum force provided via vacuum openings located in the side walls, to further bound the space and provide support for the articles contained therein while the apparatus is transported or reoriented during the packaging method.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for filling of rod-shaped articles in packaging comprising:
 a bottom member,   a plurality of side walls having a top end and a bottom end and defining a cavity therein, the top end or bottom end pivotally connected to the bottom member, the side walls having an interior side and an exterior side,   a plurality of vacuum openings, which are connectable to a vacuum source and located at the top end and/or exterior side of one or more of the side walls,   a sheet of deformable material located above the bottom part and secured by the plurality of vacuum openings.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom member is comprised of a stationary part and a means for discharging articles contained in the space from the apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the means for discharging is a movable surface which can be actuated such to exert force upon articles contained within the space. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the sheet of deformable material may be discharged from the apparatus in addition to articles contained in the space. 
     
     
         5 . A method for filling of rod-shaped articles in packaging comprising:
 placing at least one rod-shaped article into a tray of a carrier apparatus;   placing a sheet of deformable material over the tray of the carrier apparatus;   securing the sheet of deformable material to the carrier apparatus;   reorienting the carrier apparatus such that the articles contained therein are supported by the sheet of deformable material;   depositing the contents of the carrier apparatus and the sheet of deformable material into a packaging element.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the step of securing the sheet of deformable material comprises applying vacuum suction. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising a step of folding the sheet of deformable material about at least one edge of the carrier apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the carrier apparatus pushes the articles contained in the tray into the packaging element.