U.S. patent application number 11/671892 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-07 for interleaved transparent cellulose paper with opaque adhesive.
Invention is credited to Charles Bachmann, Joshua D. Kesselman.
Application Number | 20080185010 11/671892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39675122 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080185010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kesselman; Joshua D. ; et
al. |
August 7, 2008 |
Interleaved Transparent Cellulose Paper with Opaque Adhesive
Abstract
A method for applying adhesive to highly transparent cellulose
rolling paper for a smoking article is provided, comprising the
steps of holding the cellulose sheet under tension, applying a
cellulose-based adhesive to a selected edge of the cellulose sheet,
and drying the cellulose-based adhesive onto the cellulose sheet.
The cellulose adhesive is comprised of water, cellulose gum and
optionally, flavoring. The step of drying can be performed by air
drying or drying with a shielded heat source. In one embodiment, a
plurality of the cellulose sheets are assembled into an interleaved
stack and enclosed in a suitable package. Optionally, the package
containing the papers includes a magnetic closure and a
tamper-resistant seal.
Inventors: |
Kesselman; Joshua D.;
(Vancouver, CA) ; Bachmann; Charles; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Chris P. Perque;GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL LLP
IP Section, 1000 Louisiana Suite 3400
Houston
TX
77002-5011
US
|
Family ID: |
39675122 |
Appl. No.: |
11/671892 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 17/00 20130101;
A24D 1/022 20130101; A24D 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/105 |
International
Class: |
A24C 5/46 20060101
A24C005/46 |
Claims
1. A method of applying adhesive to a cellophane paper for smoking
articles, comprising the steps of: holding the cellulose sheet
under tension; applying a cellulose-based adhesive to a selected
edge of the cellulose sheet; and drying the cellulose-based
adhesive onto the cellulose sheet.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellulose adhesive is applied
to a long edge of the cellulose sheet.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellulose adhesive comprises
water, cellulose gum, and flavoring.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the cellulose adhesive comprises
about ninety-seven percent water, two percent cellulose gum, and
one percent flavoring.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the cellulose gum comprises
sodium carboxymethylcellulose.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the drying is performed by air
drying.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the drying is performed using a
convection non-blowing heat source.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of assembling
a plurality of the cellulose sheets into an interleaved stack.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of placing
the interleaved stack into a suitable enclosure.
10. A cellulose-based rolling paper produced in accordance with
claim 1.
11. A recloseable package for containing smoking papers to be
dispensed therefrom, the package comprising: a body for holding the
smoking papers, the body having a cover which overlays the body of
the package for closure, wherein the body includes a first magnet
and wherein the cover includes a second magnet, the first and
second magnets being positionally mounted to contact one another
when the cover is folded downwardly over the body of the package
for closure.
12. The package of claim 11, further including a tamper-resistant
seal adhesively applied across said body and said cover.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] I. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an interleaved
cellulose paper of high transparency having a line of opaque
adhesive along an edge to wrap smoking materials.
[0003] II. Background and Prior Art
[0004] Materials or papers used for rolling smoking articles, such
as cigars or cigarettes, may be made from a variety of materials
such as reconstituted tobacco and paper. Typically such papers or
"leaves" absorb saliva or have an edge coated with adhesive for
sealing the rolled smoking article. Another product utilizes highly
transparent cellulose paper, which can be made from cellulose of
wood, cotton, or hemp that is blended with glycerin or a glycerin
alternative, and water. Such cellulose paper, hereinafter
interchangeably used with term cellophane, is appealing because it
has no taste or odor, is highly transparent, and it allows a slower
combustion without changing the characteristics of the smoking
materials. However, the transparent cellulose wrapping papers that
are currently available do not adequately adhere to themselves when
rolled for smoking purposes.
[0005] A further limitation is that cellophane is water-resistant
and is not capable of absorbing liquids. Hence, it does not absorb
saliva and will not stick even when moistened in such a manner.
Furthermore, upon application the standard acacia gum commonly used
with rolling materials simply runs off of the cellophane sheets,
thus impairing the ability to impart a workable adhesive area to
the rolling paper. The characteristic of being non-absorbent
further limits the type of packaging that can be utilized for a
plurality of interleaved sheets. Not only must the adhesive adhere
to each sheet upon application, but the adhesive must also be
retained on each sheet upon removal from the pack for use. In
addition, another deficiency of the prior art is the inadequate
closure of the package or box of papers. The prior art packages
fail to remain closed and with routine use they become worn,
remaining open even more easily. When carrying the pack of papers
in a pocket or purse, the package tends to open allowing the papers
to fall out and become damaged. Furthermore, an open package
exposes the other leaves to the elements, or it causes the pack to
become crushed or deformed if it is quickly inserted into one's
pocket. In other words, the cover can become deformed if the smoker
does not purposefully hold the pack closed during its insertion
into a pocket or case.
[0006] These limitations tend to frustrate the purpose of wrapping
materials, that is, to permit the smoker to individually roll
cigarettes and other smoking articles with a sheet that firmly
adheres when rolled, and to provide the consumer with a convenient
pack that allows each transparent sheet to be easily dispensed in a
rollable condition. Hence, it would be desirable to provide a means
for sealing the edge of a highly transparent cellulose rolling
paper such that the smoking material can be easily rolled, adhered,
and smoked. It would also be desirable to provide a means for
assembling cellulose rolling paper into a convenient interleaved
stack that permits retention of the adhesive on each sheet as it is
removed. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a suitable
package for rolling papers that provides a reliable and secure
closure so that the leaves do not slip out, as well as including a
tamper-resistant seal for ensuring a factory-fresh product.
[0007] The use of adhesive on reconstituted tobacco sheets for
rolling tobacco products is well-known in the art. Tobacco sheets
for rolling tobacco products are disclosed in Garner, U.S. Pat. No.
5,762,074, which provides a reconstituted tobacco sheet with an
adhesive applied along the edge to provide a firm adhesion between
the inner and outer surfaces of the sheet. U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,803
issued to Bregeard discloses a method for gumming a reconstituted
tobacco leaf. Also, a machine for making paper booklets of
interleaved cigarette paper is disclosed by Jones, U.S. Pat. No.
4,775,358. However, none of these references disclose a method for
gumming a transparent cellophane wrapping paper or an adhesive
suitable therefore.
[0008] Because the cellulose paper is nonabsorbent and the adhesive
or standard acacia gum typically used with rolling papers has high
water content, the standard adhesives run off of cellulose paper as
soon as they are applied. Furthermore, applying such adhesive or
gum causes the cellulose sheet to warp and the ends of the
cellulose sheet to curl. A further problem posed by adhesives and
acacia gums is that they are also transparent in appearance. As a
result, the high transparency of the adhesive makes it difficult
for the consumer to determine which edge of the transparent paper
has adhesive applied and thus, which edge should be moistened to
seal the roll of smoking materials.
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for
preparing rolling papers, formed generally of a highly transparent
cellulose material with a suitable adhesive. One feature is that
the addition of adhesive keeps the rolled sheet, with circumscribed
smoking materials, from unrolling. Another feature is that the
composition of the adhesive facilitates its application to the
cellophane sheets. The adhesive is also slightly pigmented to give
it an opaque appearance on an otherwise clear paper. Still another
feature of the present invention is a secure closure for the
packaging which contains the interleaved papers, as well as a
tamper-resistant seal for keeping the papers secure until the
package is opened by the smoker. The present invention also
provides a method that prevents the cellulose paper from warping or
curling when the adhesive is applied and throughout the drying
process. Drying can comprise allowing the sheets to air dry or
using a shielded heat source so as to avoid damaging the delicate
cellulose paper. Another feature of the present invention is that
the cellulose papers are interleaved for convenient removal from
the pack. The adhesive utilized not only successfully adheres to
the sheets but also allows each sheet to be removed from the
booklet without damaging the adhesive, which can be effectively
retained on the sheet. As will be described in further detail
below, such adhesive is preferably cellulose-based, but may
comprise other suitable adhesives which embody the aforementioned
desirable qualities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide
a means for sealing the edge of a highly transparent cellulose
wrapping paper when it is rolled.
[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
means for applying an adhesive to the cellophane and allowing it to
dry without distorting the shape of the wrapping paper.
[0012] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
cellulose wrapping paper with adhesive that can be readily detected
by the consumer.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an adhesive that remains on the nonabsorbent cellulose paper,
facilitating the utilization of an interleaved stack.
[0014] Accordingly, a method for applying adhesive to transparent
cellulose wrapping paper is provided comprising the steps of
holding a cellulose sheet taut, applying a cellulose adhesive to
the cellulose sheet, and drying the cellulose sheet with cellulose
adhesive. In order to prevent the adhesive from running off of the
cellulose sheet, a cellulose based adhesive is used. In one
embodiment, the adhesive comprises water, cellulose gum, and
flavoring. The step of drying is performed with a shielded heat
source. In another embodiment the step of drying is performed by
allowing the sheets to air dry. The cellulose based adhesive
further facilitates the interleaving of the sheets so they can be
placed in a suitable enclosure and conveniently removed
individually.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gummed cellulose
paper.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a package containing
interleaved rolling papers which are individually removable, and
which package includes a magnetic closure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a sectional elevation view of the package of FIG.
2 showing the interleaved papers.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view of a rolled smoking article using the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a package of rolling papers
having a tamper-resistant seal when closed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Turning now to FIG. 1, a highly transparent cellulose paper
1 is shown. Each flat sheet of paper 1 is cut so that it has four
edges 2-5. A strip of adhesive 6 is applied to a top edge 2,
wherein the weight of the adhesive gumline is in the range of
20-110 grams per square meter (gsm). In the preferred embodiment,
the adhesive 6 is cellulose-based, although other adhesives may
also be used which satisfy the requirements of adhering to the
cellulose paper 1, such as a non-standard formulation containing
acacia gum, sugar gum, or animal gum. The cellulose-based adhesive
is preferably comprised of ninety-seven percent water, two percent
cellulose gum, and one percent flavoring. Optionally, a pigment or
food coloring is also added to create an opacity when dry so that
the adhesive line can be seen on the paper 1. The components are
preferably food grade and the amounts may be adjusted accordingly
if it is desired to eliminate the flavoring. The source of the
cellulose gum in the cellulose based adhesive is preferably sodium
carboxymethylcellulose. In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive
strip 6 is opaque so that the smoker can detect which edge of the
highly transparent sheet 1 has adhesive and hence, which edge
should be moistened to seal the smoking article.
[0021] In order to accomplish the goal of maintaining flat
cellulose paper 1 that is not warped and that does not have curled
edges, the sheets 1 are preferably held under tension during the
adhesive application and drying process. In an alternative
embodiment direct pressure is applied to the sheets. Regardless of
whether the cellophane is held taught or placed under direct
pressure, the adhesive 6 on the sheet 1 should preferably be dried
with a shielded heat source, that is, dried with a convection
non-blowing heat source known by those skilled in the art.
Alternatively, the cellophane may be left to air dry.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a plurality of cellulose papers 1 in a suitable
package 7. In the preferred embodiment, the cellulose sheets 1 are
interleaved 8, best shown in FIG. 3, so that the papers can be
individually removed from the package 7 through an open slot 9.
When not in use, package 7 includes a cover 10 which can be closed
to protect the papers 1 contained therein.
[0023] FIG. 2 also shows the package 7 having a secure closure
means comprising a magnet-based closure 11. A first magnet 12 is
located on the inside cover 10 of the package 7. A second magnet 13
is located on the body 14 of package 7. The magnets 12, 13 are
positioned to contact one another when the cover 10 is folded
downwardly to create a secure closure. Although a single magnet
pair 12, 13 is shown in the center of package 7, a plurality of
magnets may also be employed, such as two pairs of magnets, with
each pair at the corners of cover 10 and body 14. Alternate
embodiments may include different fastening means to hold the
package closed, such as a gummed or adhesive strip, a hoof and loop
fastener, or similar closure.
[0024] FIG. 4 depicts a cellulose sheet 1 wrapped around the
desired smoking materials 15, e.g. loose tobacco. The cellulose
sheet 1 is highly transparent so that the smoking materials 15 are
visible through sheet 1. The strip of opaque adhesive 6 allows the
smoker to effectively circumscribe the smoking materials in the
wrapping paper and to seal the article for smoking.
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts a closed package 7 having a tamper-resistant
adhesive seal 20 affixed across the cover 10 when the package 7 is
closed. The seal 20 allows the smoker to know that the package 7 is
"factory fresh", and it can be easily removed to access the papers
1. In a preferred embodiment, the seal 20 may be a foil-type
sticker adhesively applied by the manufacturer.
[0026] As can be seen for the foregoing description of the
preferred and alternate embodiments, the present invention is
intended to provide a highly transparent cellophane wrapping paper
with a suitable adhesive so that it can easily be dispensed and
used to securely wrap smoking materials. Also, a novel means of
securing the closure of the package is provided. Although exemplary
embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described,
many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one
having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *