FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to cigarettes. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for personal production of cigarettes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] People smoking cigarettes either purchase packets of cigarettes ready to be smoked, or alternatively roll their own cigarettes. In order to roll a cigarette, a user typically rolls loose tobacco in dedicated rolling paper, possibly adding a loose filter. While some people prefer the "roll-your- own" cigarette (e.g. due to a preference of a different flavor), the task of rolling the cigarette takes a longer time and effort than simply taking a prepared cigarette from a packet. Moreover, the process of rolling a cigarette requires some accuracy in the amount of tobacco as well as in the sealing of the paper, so some people end up with poorly rolled cigarettes due to less accurate rolling and sealing of the paper.

[003] Some commercially available solutions provide automatic machines for rolling cigarettes, however these solutions are usually cumbersome and cannot provide a simple portable device for accurately rolling a cigarette. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] According to some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a cigarette producing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of paper-sliding cylinders, for being rotated about themselves, for sliding a paper portion thereby, for shaping the paper portion to a half-cylinder containing-paper; and at least one cylindrical object, for dispensing a tobacco dose to the half- cylinder containing-paper, and for guiding an end of the half-cylinder containing-paper to form a closed paper cylinder, wherein the plurality of paper-sliding cylinders and the at least one cylindrical object are disposed forming a cylinder outline in between, for surrounding the closed paper cylinder.

[005] The at least one cylindrical object comprise a cylindrical drum, for containing a tobacco dose, the cylindrical drum comprising: a plurality of guiding tracks, for guiding the end of the half- cylinder containing-paper to form the closed paper cylinder; and a plurality of tobacco openings disposed between the plurality of guiding tracks, the plurality of tobacco openings for dispensing the tobacco dose therethrough into the half-cylinder containing-paper, thereby the cylindrical drum allows dispensing the tobacco dose therefrom and further allows guiding the end of the half -cylinder containing-paper to form the closed paper cylinder containing the tobacco dose. [006] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for producing cigarettes, the method comprising the steps of: rotating a plurality of paper-sliding cylinders, for sliding a paper portion thereby; upon the paper portion sliding, shaping the paper portion to a half-cylinder containing-paper; dispensing a tobacco dose from a tobacco cartridge into the half-cylinder containing-paper; and upon the dispensing into the half-cylinder containing-paper, rotating again the plurality of paper-sliding cylinders, for further sliding the paper portion, while guiding an end of the half-cylinder containing-paper to form a closed paper cylinder.

[007] There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a cigarette producing apparatus, comprising a tobacco compartment, configured to accommodate tobacco, a filter compartment, configured to accommodate cigarette filters, a paper compartment, configured to accommodate cigarette paper, at least two cylinders, capable of rotating and moving a portion of paper from the paper compartment, and a cutting element, configured to cut the a portion of paper to a predetermined size, wherein the at least two cylinders are configured to move a cut portion of paper to automatically envelope a filter and a predetermined amount of tobacco to create a cigarette.

[008] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cigarette producing apparatus further comprises a stamping element configured to allow stamping the filled portion of paper to seal the cigarette.

[009] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cigarette producing apparatus further comprises a tobacco picking element configured to chop the tobacco.

[010] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cigarette producing apparatus further comprises a rotatable cylindrical drum, configured to accommodate tobacco from the tobacco compartment.

[011] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, rotation of a filled rotatable cylindrical drum passes tobacco from the drum and into

[012] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco compartment comprises a spring like mechanism to push tobacco to exit tobacco compartment.

[013] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filter compartment comprises a spring like mechanism to push a filter to exit filter compartment.

[014] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rotation of the at least two cylinders is carried out electrically with a power source. [015] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cigarette producing apparatus further comprises a central gear configured to be rotated by a user and operably coupled to a plurality of gears that consequentially rotate as well.

[016] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central gear further rotates a gear operably coupled to the stamping element.

[017] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cigarette producing apparatus further comprises a filter channel and a filter conveying element, wherein the filter conveying element is configured to allow movement of filters from the filter compartment and towards the at least two cylinders.

[018] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cigarette producing area is created adjacent to the at least two cylinders, and wherein insertion of a filter confines a space within that area for tobacco dispersion.

[019] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cigarette producing apparatus further comprises at least three cylinders, wherein at least two of these cylinders are configured to move apart so as to allow tobacco to pass through an opening created therein.

[020] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for automatically producing cigarettes is provided, the method comprising providing a predetermined amount of tobacco, providing a cigarette filter, rotating a central gear, rotating at least two cylinders operably coupled to the central gear, wherein the rotating of at least two cylinders is configured to allow cutting a portion of paper to a predetermined size, moving the cut portion of paper to envelope the tobacco and filter, and stamping the portion of paper with an adhesive to create a cigarette.

[021] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprising forming a half-cylindrical portion of paper configured to receive the filter and tobacco.

[022] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises an electrical power source capable of rotating the central gear.

[023] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprising moving at least one cylinder away in order to allow tobacco to pass through the opening created thereby.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[024] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[025] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a commercially available personal apparatus for producing a cigarette;

[026] Fig. 2A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a personal apparatus for producing cigarettes, showing the first, second and third steps, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[027] Fig. 2B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the personal cigarette producing apparatus, showing the fourth step, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[028] Fig. 3 illustrates a frontal view of tobacco inserted into paper portion, showing the fourth and sixth steps, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[029] Fig. 4 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 showing the fifth step, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[030] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the shared rotating mechanism 70 of personal cigarette producing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[031] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of personal cigarette producing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[032] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one of the paper-sliding cylinders of the cylindrical drum, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[033] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 with open doors, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[034] Fig. 9 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of personal cigarette producing apparatus having two additional cylinders, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[035] Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[036] Fig. 11 A illustrates a left side view of first cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[037] Fig. 11B illustrates a left side view of second cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[038] Fig. 12A illustrates a right side view of apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[039] Fig. 12B illustrates a cross-sectional right side view of apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [040] Fig. 13A illustrates a left side view of apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[041] Fig. 13B illustrates a cross-sectional left side view of apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[042] Fig. 14A illustrates a partial perspective back view of apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[043] Fig. 14B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[044] Fig. 15A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of tobacco cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[045] Fig. 15B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of filter cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[046] Fig. 15C illustrates a perspective view of a staggered filter cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[047] Fig. 15D illustrates a perspective view of an Archimedes screw type filter cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[048] Fig. 16A illustrates a left side view of the second cover with picking elements in a closed state, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[049] Fig. 16B illustrates a left side view of the second cover with picking elements in an open state, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[050] Fig. 17A illustrates a left side view of an alternative structure for the cutting and stamping mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[051] Fig. 17B illustrates a cross-sectional left side view of an alternative structure for the cutting and stamping mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[052] Fig. 18A illustrates a perspective view of an alternative structure for paper stamping mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[053] Fig. 18B illustrates a perspective view of an alternative structure for paper stamping mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[054] Fig. 18C illustrates a perspective view of an alternative structure for a zig-zag paper feeding mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[055] Fig. 18D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the alternative structure for a zig-zag paper feeding mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[056] It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[057] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments of the invention.

[058] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a commercially available personal apparatus 8 for production of a cigarette. At step A, the user places a sheet of paper 32A on bottom and side paper-sliding cylinders 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D and 52E of the apparatus, for shaping paper sheet 32A to a half-cylinder containing-paper 50.

[059] At step B the user pours a tobacco dose 64A from the open top, into half-cylinder containing- paper 50 formed by paper sheet 32A. At step C, the user closes the cover of the apparatus, including a cylindrical drum 62. At step D, the user rotates paper-sliding cylinders 52A to 52E altogether by a shared rotating mechanism (not shown), for sliding paper sheet 32A between tobacco dose 64A and paper-sliding cylinders 52A to 52E, and thus for further rolling the produced cigarette. At step E, the user finally opens the cover, and removes the rolled paper, being a cigarette (not shown). Typically, the user initially inserts tobacco and a cigarette filter into a dedicated compartment. Once the tobacco is dispersed in that compartment, the user may insert paper into a dedicated slot in order to rotate the paper around the tobacco and filter therein.

[060] However, all of these steps are not too convenient. The problem is that the same surface cannot function both for dispensing the tobacco dose, and for guiding the paper sheet 32A. The solution of the commercially available apparatus 8 is to open the cover for the dispensing of the tobacco, and to close the cover for the guiding of the paper over the tobacco.

[061] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a method and apparatus for producing cigarettes at a click of a button, and for allowing production of a plurality of cigarettes one after the other in a series.

[062] Referring now to Fig. 2A, which illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a personal cigarette producing apparatus, generally designated 10, showing at least the first, second, and third steps according to some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments, the user is prevented access to the contents (e.g. tobacco) of first paper sheet 32 A inside of personal cigarette producing apparatus 10, such that the cigarette production process may be carried out automatically, without manual handling (e.g. of tobacco or paper) by the user. It should be noted that first paper sheet 32A may envelope a first cigarette, as further described hereinafter. Thus, personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 is a closed device that may produce a cigarette, wherein the user may only initiate the production (e.g. with a push of a button), as further described hereinafter.

[063] At the first step, apparatus 10 may rotate paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E altogether by a shared rotating mechanism 70 (for instance as shown in Fig. 5). In some embodiments, the rotating mechanism may be initiated manually by the user, and alternatively the rotating mechanism may be initiated electrically, for instance with an electrical switch or button, coupled to a power supply such as a battery. The rotation of paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E may allow sliding a portion of a paper roll 66 as a first paper portion 32A, starting at a front edge 34A and ending at rear edge 34B of paper portion 32 A, wherein at rear edge 34B the paper may still be connected to paper roll 66, for instance prior to cutting the desired portion from the roll. Rear edge 34B may be defined by a tearing line that indicates the position of tearing paper sheet 32A from paper roll 66. It is appreciated that paper portion 32A, including the area between front edge 34A and rear edge 34B, may be shaped between paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E into paper-containing compartment 50 (e.g. half-cylindrical or open-top tube).

[064] It should be noted that the line of front edge 34A is a line along which paper portion 32A has been torn while producing the previous cigarette, and line of rear edge 34B is a line along which the paper is to be torn while producing the next cigarette. Thus, the line of rear edge 34B for a first cigarette becomes the line of front edge 34A for the subsequent cigarette due to the rolling of paper portion 32A.

[065] In some embodiments, a cylindrical drum 62 may be disposed above paper-containing compartment 50 (opposite of paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E). It is appreciated that the portion of the face of cylindrical drum 62, together with that of paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E which are facing paper-containing compartment 50 may form a paper outline 50B (e.g. cylindrical), configured to allow guiding of paper portion 32A within outline 50B in order to form a closed cylinder of the paper, as further described hereinafter.

[066] At the second step of cigarette production, a predefined amount of tobacco 64, contained in tobacco cartridge 30, may be pressed by plate 69 of tobacco cartridge 30. In some embodiments, plate 69 may be elastically pressed by at least one first spring 67. Tobacco 64 may be pressed out of cartridge 30 and into loading opening 65 formed in cylindrical drum 62. Optionally, cylindrical drum 62 may be configured to rotate about pivot point 74 (for instance rotate with an axle). In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco 64 to be used for the cigarette, for example a user may choose a larger amount.

[067] According to some embodiments, cylindrical drum 62 may comprise a panel 63 coupled to at least one second spring 61 so as to allow elastic movement of panel 63, similarly to elastic movement of plate 69 due to first spring 67. It is appreciated that while a spring is described, any other elastic element may be utilized.

[068] Panel 63 may be pressed towards cartridge 30 due to the elastic force applied by the second spring 61. It should be noted that first spring 67 may be chosen to have a higher elastic constant relative to second spring 61 , such that the elastic force applied onto plate 69 may be higher than elastic force applied onto panel 63. Thus, pressure exerted by first spring 67 may press tobacco 64 into a tobacco dosing compartment within cylindrical drum 62 while simultaneously loading tension to second spring 61, due to the force applied onto the panel 63 with the pressure of the tobacco.

[069] At the third step, apparatus 10 rotates cylindrical drum 62 about its axis and thereby shifts the loading opening 65 of cylindrical drum 62 to be aligned with cigarette tobacco loading opening 76 to the state shown in Fig. 2B. As a result of the rotation of drum 62, opening to tobacco cartridge 30 is blocked by its cylindrical outer face.

[070] Referring now to Fig. 2B, which illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 showing the fourth step, according to some embodiments of the present invention. At the fourth step, tobacco dose 64A, contained in the tobacco dosing compartment within cylindrical drum 62, may be pressed by a plate 63 due to force exerted by the loaded spring 61. The pressing by plate 63 onto tobacco dose 64A may therefore push it out of cylindrical drum 62 and into a paper-containing compartment 50 (e.g. half-cylindrical) that is formed by paper portion 32A.

[071] Referring now to Figs. 3-4, which show personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 showing the fourth, fifth and sixth steps. Fig. 3 illustrates a frontal view of tobacco inserted into paper portion 32A, showing the fourth and sixth steps, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Tobacco dose 64A may exit cylindrical drum 62 through at least one tobacco openings 76, and pass into paper portion 32A (for instance pass into a half cylindrical portion of the paper). In some embodiments, each tobacco opening 76 may be formed by two guiding tracks 60 of cylindrical drum 62. Tracks 60 may allow guiding the end of the paper portion in order to close the open paper cylinder.

[072] Cylindrical drum 62 may correspond in length to paper-containing compartment 50, such that tobacco dose 64A may fill the majority of paper-containing compartment 50. In some embodiments, the remaining space of paper-containing compartment 50, length-wise, may be filled by a filter 86. Optionally, a wall 78 may separate between cylindrical drum 62 and a filter cartridge (or dispenser) 28. It should be noted that users commonly add filters to their cigarettes and therefore it would be advantageous to provide a way for automatically adding such filters. [073] In some embodiments, at the sixth step, a hammer 22 (or similar device) may knock a rear end 88 of closed paper cylinder 50A. It should be noted that Fig. 3 depicts only a half cylinder portion of closed paper cylinder 50A.

[074] Referring now to Fig. 4, which illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 showing the fifth step, according to some embodiments of the present invention. At the fifth step, personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 may rotate paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E altogether again, by the shared rotating mechanism (as described above), in order to take out a second paper portion 32B for the preparation of a sequential second cigarette. Second paper portion 32B may start at rear edge 34B and end at a sequential tearing line edge 34C, whereb y the paper is provided from paper roll 66.

[075] In some embodiments, the rotation of paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E may further roll first paper portion 32A, starting at front edge 34A and ending at rear edge 34B, between paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E and further by guiding tracks 60 of cylindrical drum 62, such that the paper portion may envelope a closed cylindrical shape, thus turning paper-containing compartment 50 to a closed paper cylinder 50A containing tobacco dose 64A and optionally filter 86.

[076] In some embodiments, the knocking of hammer 22 may tear tearing line at rear edge 34B, and thus separate closed paper cylinder 50A, containing tobacco dose 64A and filter 86, from second paper portion 32B. Optionally, hammer 22 may comprise cutting means such as a blade.

[077] Referring now to Fig. 5, which illustrates a perspective view of the shared rotating mechanism 70 of personal cigarette producing apparatus 10, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that the first step of rotating paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E altogether is operated by shared rotating mechanism 70 (as described above). Rotating mechanism 70 may comprise a first motor 44 that is configured to rotate a first transmission 45, and in turn rotate a first mechanism gear 40. Gear 40 may in turn rotate a second mechanism gear 42a meshed thereto, so as to allow rotation of a third mechanism gear 42b. Third mechanism gear 42b may be meshed with each of gears 58A, 58B, 58C, 58D, and 58E, such that rotation of paper-sliding cylinders 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D and 52E (respectively) may be allowed.

[078] In some embodiments, the sixth step may be carried out with an axial through-cavity 56 made within the center of second mechanism gear 42a and also within the center of third mechanism gear 42b, wherein hammer 22 may be configured to enter into axial through-cavity 56.

[079] Since third mechanism gear 42b may be meshed with each of gears 58A-58E, for rotating paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E (respectively), third mechanism gear 42b must be located at their center, i.e., next to the produced cigarette. Thus, hammer 22 must move through third mechanism gear 42b, thereby through axial through-cavity 56 at center of third mechanism gear 42b. [080] It should be noted that each of paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E has a corresponding axle 36A, 36B, 36C about which they may rotate.

[081] Referring now to Fig. 6, which illustrates an exploded perspective view of personal cigarette producing apparatus 10, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that at the third step of rotating (for instance as shown in Fig. 2A), cylindrical drum 62 may be operated by a second motor 38 for rotating a second transmission 80. Second transmission 80 may in turn rotate a first drum gear 72, that in turn may rotate a second drum gear 74 meshed thereto, so as to allow rotation of cylindrical drum 62.

[082] In some embodiments, a solenoid 84 may operate the knocking of hammer 22 into axial through-cavity 56 of third mechanism gear 42a, for the sixth step. It is appreciated that while a solenoid is described herein, any other equivalent elastic means may also be utilized.

[083] It should be noted that the inner mechanism of apparatus 10 may be accommodated within a front casing 12a and a corresponding rear casing 12b, that when combined may form the complete casing of personal cigarette producing apparatus 10.

[084] In some embodiments, personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 may operate electrically (e.g. initiated with an electric switch), and further comprise an inlet 26 that is capable of receiving a cable (not shown) for electrically charging a power storage within apparatus 10, for instance charging a battery 54. Optionally, battery 54 may power at least one of first motor 44, second motor 38, and solenoid 84.

[085] Referring now to Fig. 7, which illustrates a perspective view of one of the paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E of the cylindrical drum 62, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that Fig. 7 also depicts the location of the other paper-sliding cylinders. The fourth step of dispensing tobacco dose 64A from cylindrical drum 62 may be carried out through the plurality of tobacco openings 76 of cylindrical drum 62. As mentioned above, each of tobacco openings 76 is formed by two tracks 60. The fifth step of guiding paper portion 32A may be carried out through guiding tracks 60.

[086] It should be noted that each of paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E has a corresponding aperture 52A', 52B', 52C, 52D' capable of accommodating axles of these paper-sliding cylinders 52A-52E.

[087] Referring now to Fig. 8, which illustrates a perspective view of personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 with open doors, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that in the sixth step hammer 22 may knock into axial through-cavity 56 of second mechanism gear 42a, and may further knock rear end 88 (for instance as shown in Fig. 3) of closed paper cylinder 50A through an outlet 82 of personal cigarette producing apparatus 10.

[088] In some embodiments, tobacco cartridge 30 comprises tobacco 64, and filters cartridge 28 comprises filters 86 (for instance as shown in Fig. 3), in order to allow the step of pressing the dose of tobacco 64 out of tobacco cartridge 30 and into cylindrical drum 62. This may further allow dispensing tobacco dose 64A into paper-containing compartment 50, and thus allowing the step of dispensing at least one filter 86 into paper-containing compartment 50.

[089] It should be noted that filter cartridge 28 may have a filter cartridge cover 14 that may be opened and closed by the user in order to refill the cartridge with filters when required. Similarly, tobacco cartridge 30 may have a tobacco cartridge cover 16 that may be opened and closed by the user in order to refill the cartridge with tobacco when required. Paper roll 66 may be covered by a paper roll cover 18 that may be opened and closed by the user in order to insert new paper roll when required. Optionally, personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 may have at least one leg 24 that is configured to stabilize apparatus 10 when positioned onto a horizontal surface (e.g. a table).

[090] In some embodiments, the operation of personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 may be initiated with a button 20 that is configured to allow execution of the cigarette production procedure, including sliding the paper, dispensing the tobacco, closing the paper, and releasing the cigarette. Thus, in contrast to the commercially available apparatus, personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 only requires initiation by the user (e.g. with press of a button) whereas the remaining procedure may be carried out automatically.

[091] Referring now to Fig. 9, which illustrates a side cross- sectional view of personal cigarette producing apparatus having two additional cylinders, according to some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments, cylindrical drum 62 may be replaced by two additional cylinders, namely 52F and 52G. At the fourth step, tobacco 64 may be poured between additional cylinders 52F and 52G, due to rotation of additional cylinders 52F and 52G, for instance shredding the tobacco. At the fifth step, cylinders 52F and 52G may guide paper-containing compartment 50 to form a closed paper cylinder 50A containing tobacco dose 64A and filter 86. It is appreciated that personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 may be operated with various alignments such that there is no need to maintain the device in a leveled horizontal state, and therefore it may perform the same operation even if held upside-down.

[092] Referring now to Fig. 10, which illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking, generally designated 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Similarly to personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 shown in Figs. 1-9, apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100 may produce a cigarette, wherein the difference may be appreciated from the structure of the apparatus and the handling of the tobacco as further described hereinafter. The user inserts a predetermined amount of tobacco, a filter, and rolling paper such that the wrapping of the cigarette may be carried out automatically and only initiated by the user. [093] Apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking 100 comprises a filter compartment 129 and a tobacco compartment 139, both shown with transparent body. Filter compartment 129 may accommodate a filter cartridge 128, and tobacco compartment 139 may accommodate a tobacco cartridge 130. The user may insert a prearranged cartridge into a corresponding compartment, for example similarly to insertion of a magazine into a firearm. Once there is no more tobacco or filters in apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking 100, the user may insert a cartridge into the corresponding compartment and thus continue producing cigarettes when required. For instance inserting a tobacco cartridge 128 into the corresponding tobacco compartment 129.

[094] Similarly to personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 discussed above, filter compartment 129 and/or tobacco compartment 139 may be equipped with a spring like mechanism that pushes the substance within the cartridge towards the openings due to the spring compression as further described hereinafter, and similarly to spring like mechanism in magazines of firearms. Thus, a filter follower 163 may push filters therein towards a filter channel 127, such that a filter may leave filter compartment 129 and proceed onward via filter channel 127. Similarly, a tobacco follower 169 may push tobacco therein towards a tobacco picking elements 168, such that tobacco may leave tobacco cartridge 130 for processing.

[095] Tobacco compartment 139 may be positioned between a first cover 112a and a second cover 112b, such that first cover 112a may separate tobacco compartment 139 and filter compartment 129.

[096] It is appreciated that apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100 may comprise a plurality of paper- sliding cylinders 152A-152E that are configured to slide a portion of rolling paper into an inner space and form an envelope to serve as the cigarette. The cutting of the paper may be carried out with a cutter, as further described hereinafter. In some embodiments, a stamping segment 190 may stamp the portion of paper (e.g. with an adhesive) in order to seal the cigarette.

[097] In some embodiments, a filter conveying element 125 may slide along filter channel 127 so as to push a filter from filter cartridge 128 and convey the filter into a dedicated filter opening within first cover 112a such that the filter passes into the cigarette producing area, as further described hereinafter.

[098] Optionally, once prepared the cigarette may exit apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100 through the filter opening within first cover 112a. In some embodiments, once prepared the cigarette may exit apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100 through the opposite side, as further described hereinafter.

[099] Referring now to Figs. 11A-11B, these figures illustrate a left side view of first 112a and second 112b covers respectively, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Both first 112a and second 112b covers have a plurality of holes 156 that are configured to accommodate a connecting element (e.g. a bolt) in order to couple with other elements of the apparatus. Specifically, holes 156 at first cover 112a may allow coupling to filter compartment 129 and tobacco compartment 139, while holes 156 at second cover 112b may allow coupling to and tobacco compartment 139.

[100] Furthermore, both first cover 112a and second cover 112b may have a plurality of axle apertures 151 that are capable of coupling to an axle of paper-sliding cylinders 152A-152E. It should be noted that in contrast to personal cigarette producing apparatus 10 (as shown in Figs. 1-9) having a circular structure of rotating paper-sliding cylinders, apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100 has a semicircular structure of axle apertures 151. In order to complete the circle, a first axle slit 153a may be provided. Optionally, multiple axle slits are provided, such as second axle slit 153b. It is appreciated that at the center between axle apertures 151, first axle slit 153a and second axle slit 153b, a central slot 150 may be situated and configured to allow coupling to a central gear capable of rotating gears for other axles, as further described hereinafter.

[101] In some embodiments, axle slit 153a, 153b may be an elongated slit with rounded ends so as to allow movement of an axle therein between two extremum positions at the edges of the slit, the direction of movement is indicated with double headed dashed arrows. Optionally, an axle partially positioned within axle slit 153 may be coupled to support element (further described hereinafter) that moves along in a corresponding direction within first support slit 157a and second support slit 157b. It should be noted that first support slit 157a and second support slit 157b correspond to first axle slit 153a and second axle slit 153b respectively.

[102] In some embodiments, second cover 112b may comprise at least two picking apertures 158 that are configured to couple with axles of picking elements 168.

[103] In some embodiments, second cover 112b may comprise a gap 159 that may accommodate a transparent plate so as to allow the user direct view into the content of tobacco compartment 139.

[104] Referring now to Figs. 12A-12B, these figures illustrate a right side view of apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 12B illustrates a side cross-sectional view, wherein the cross section is carried out at the plane of first cover 112a. It should be noted that first cover 112a may be connected to first bottom segment 122a, wherein similarly second cover 112b may be connected to second bottom segment 122b (for instance as shown in Figs. 13A-13B). The paper rolling and cutting mechanism may be situated between first bottom segment 122a and second bottom segment 122b, such that paper roll 166 may be later fed to paper-sliding cylinders (e.g. paper-sliding cylinder 152D). [105] It is appreciated that second support element 117b may be coupled at one end to axle at second axle slit 153b, and at the other end to second support bracket 118b. Similarly, first support element 117a may be coupled at one end to axle at first axle slit 153 a, and at the other end to first support bracket 118a (for instance as shown in Figs. 13A-13B). Thus, movement of support brackets 118a, 118b may consequentially move axles of corresponding cylinders at first and second axle slits 153a, 153b (and vice versa). Therefore, once a predetermined amount of tobacco is processed with picking elements 168, i.e. the tobacco may be chopped, movable axles at first and second axle slits 153a, 153b may move through the slits away from the tobacco compartment and from each other, so as to allow tobacco to enter through the formed opening. It is appreciated that while movable axles at first and second axle slits 153a, 153b move away from each other they may continue rotating (e.g. towards each other) in order to allow further movement of tobacco into the cigarette forming area. For example, small pieces of tobacco left on an axle may also be pushed towards the tobacco previously passed though the created opening between cylinders.

[106] It should be noted that once the tobacco passes through that opening between cylinders of movable axles, these axles may move back (for instance due to an elastic spring-like mechanism) and enclose again the cigarette forming space. It is appreciated that while movable axles move back, they may similarly continue rotating, this time in the same direction with each other and with the other cigarette forming cylinders, for instance due to rotation of gears coupled thereto. Thus, the paper portion may finally be inserted to envelope and be filled with the predetermined amount of tobacco as well as a filter, which may be pushed by the user using filter convening element 125.

[107] In some embodiments, a cutting element 189 (e.g. having a blade) may be positioned in proximity to paper roll 166, such that upon operating stamping segment 190 by the user, the paper may be pushed towards cutting element 189 and thus cut the paper at an appropriate tearing line. It should be noted that stamping segment 190 may be operated automatically with rotation of the cylinders, causing a paper portion to pass into the cigarette forming space, also moving stamping segment 190. For instance, back and forth movement of stamping segment 190 may be allowed with a dedicated gear rotating with movement of central gear, as further described hereinafter.

[108] In some embodiments, in order to operate stamping segment 190, the user may push it (with moderate force) at a direction indicated by a double headed dashed arrow. Optionally, stamping segment 190 may be coupled to first bottom segment 122a and second bottom segment 122b at an elliptically shaped aperture (similarly to axle slits 153) such that back and forth movement may be allowed. In some embodiment, a paper feeder contra lever 191 may keep paper roll 166 in place.

[109] According to some embodiments, the user may feed paper roll 166. At least one rotating cylinder 186 (e.g. comprising elastic material) may engage the paper and pass it towards cigarette forming section, due to the rotation. At predetermined positions along the paper, tearing lines may be provided to mark where the paper is to be cut in order to remove a portion of paper suitable for a single cigarette. The apparatus may stamp the paper using stamping segment 190 that simultaneously pushes the paper towards cutting element 189 so as to cut at tearing line, as well as stamping the paper in order to produce the cigarette. For example, stamping segment 190 may be applied onto paper provided with a strip of adhesive material near the tearing line such that stamping segment 190 pushed thereon may stamp it to other portion of paper and thus seal the cylindrical cigarette. Optionally, stamping segment 190 may also push a sequential portion of rolling paper into the cigarette production area.

[110] Referring now to Figs. 13A-13B, these figures illustrate a left side view of apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 13B illustrates a side cross-sectional view, wherein the cross section is carried out at the plane of second cover 112b.

[I l l] In some embodiments, all axles at axle apertures 151 (for instance as shown in Figs. 11a- 1 IB) may be coupled to a corresponding gear, wherein all of these gears are in contact with a central gear 180. Central gear 180 may be elongated with a rod to form a first rotatable handle 180. For example, such elongated rod may be rotated similarly to a crank In some embodiments, central gear 180 may also be coupled to stamping segment 190 with a corresponding gear, and operate the stamping and cutting due to rotation of central gear 180.

[112] The user may grip and rotate first rotatable handle 180 in order to rotate the central gear. With rotation of central gear 180 the other gears, coupled thereto, may also rotate and thus operate the inner rotation mechanism. Alternatively, central gear 180 may be operated electrically with a motor powered by a battery.

[113] It is appreciated that rotation of central gear 180 as a result may rotate also gears coupled to axles at axle slits 153a, 153b. In some embodiments, these gears may rotate first and second support elements 117a, 117b and thereby causing them to move, for instance using threaded support elements. Thus, rotation of central gear 180 may cause movement of axles at axle slits 153a, 153b so as to separate corresponding cylinders and allow a predetermined amount of tobacco to pass therein. Optionally, further rotation of central gear 180 may cause these axles to move in opposite direction once they reach the end of the slits and thereby the axles may return to the original position.

[114] It should be noted that rotation of central gear 180 may also rotate gears for picking elements 168, and thereby rotate the picking elements 168.

[115] In some embodiments, axle of one of rotating cylinders 186 (as shown in Fig. 12B) may be elongated with a rod to form a second rotatable handle 199. The user may grip and rotate second rotatable handle 199 in order to rotate the cylinder and thereby pass the paper towards the cigarette producing area.

[116] Referring now to Fig. 14A, which illustrates a partial perspective back view of apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that from this view, the coupling between central gear and remaining gears may be observed.

[117] Referring now to Fig. 14B, which illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus for cigarette production with tobacco picking assembly 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that a cigarette forming area may be formed between paper- sliding cylinders 152A-152E. Initially, the user may slide a filter therein using filter conveying element 125, such that the filter passes along filter channel 127 into the cigarette forming area. It should be noted that the shape of filter conveying element 125 may be configured to prevent dispensing of a second filter while filter conveying element 125 moves a first filter along filter channel 127. Once filter conveying element 125 pushes a first filter into a filter space 145 (indicated with a dashed arrow) within cigarette forming area, and then moved back (e.g. by the user) a second filter may be dispensed from filter cartridge 128 and await on filter channel 127 to be pushed by filter conveying element 125.

[118] In some embodiments, filter may by entered prior to insertion of tobacco such that the space for tobacco dispersing may be confined by the filter in filter space 145, such that tobacco may not be dispersed to undesired locations. Alternatively, tobacco initially passes though opening between cylinders (as described above), such that inserted filter pushes tobacco therein to be in a tighter configuration.

[119] Finally, a paper portion may be fed into the cigarette forming area, for instance with rotation of central gear 180 thereby rotating paper-sliding cylinders 152A-152E to envelope the tobacco and filter by the paper portion. With the cutting and stamping mechanism, the paper portion may be cut to desired size and stamped to form the cigarette.

[120] In some embodiments, the user may remove central gear 180 in order to open a passage for the cigarette to exit the apparatus. Optionally, movement of second filter, e.g. pushed by filter conveying element 125, may push the created cigarette through the passage with the removed central gear 180. After the cigarette is removed, the user may return central gear to place, and the apparatus 100 may be ready for the production of another cigarette having a filter already within cigarette forming area (e.g. in filter space 145).

[121] Referring now to Figs. 15A-15B, these figures illustrate a partial cross-sectional view of tobacco cartridge 130 and filter cartridge 128 respectively, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that the user may insert a filter cartridge 128, wherein filters may be arranged similarly to bullets in a magazine for a firearm. A spring like mechanism may constantly push tobacco follower 169 and filter follower 163 towards the opening, and thus push tobacco towards tobacco picking elements 168 and also similarly push a filter towards filter channel 127.

[122] Referring now to Figs. 15C-15D, these figures illustrate a perspective view of alternative filter cartridges, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 15C illustrates a staggered filter cartridge, and Fig. 15D illustrates an Archimedes screw type filter cartridge. It should be noted that any other method and apparatus capable of automatically supplying individual filters may also apply.

[123] Referring now to Figs. 16A-16B, these figures illustrate a left side view second cover 112b with picking elements 168 in closed an open states respectively, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that many different structures may perform the rolling described above. For example in Fig. 16 A, support elements may be fixed at one and. For example in Fig. 16B, picking elements may be rotated with a different mechanism rather than directly by rotation of central gear. It is appreciated that while cylinders are moved, a space 167 may be formed therebetween so as to enable passage of tobacco.

[124] Referring now to Figs. 17A-17B, these figures illustrate a left side view of alternative structures for cutting and stamping mechanism 175, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that in some embodiments only a single rotating cylinder 186 moves paper portion 176 from the paper roll. In some embodiments, cutting and stamping mechanism 175 may be coupled to the rotating gear such that rotation of the gears may also operate cutting and stamping mechanism 175 to cut a paper portion at predetermined lengths and also stamp the paper (e.g. with an adhesive) to seal the cigarette.

[125] In some embodiments, cutting and stamping mechanism 175 may be operated to engage paper portion 176, for instance at a desired tearing line, so as to move stamping element 178 to engage cutting element 189. Optionally, stamping element 178 may be equipped with an additional blade. Thus, engagement of stamping element 178 with paper portion 176 may simultaneously engage the additional blade and cutting element 189 having paper portion 176 there between (similarly to the operation of scissors using two blades moving towards each other), and also stamp the paper portion 176 with an adhesive.

[126] It should be noted that stamping element 178 may have a shape corresponding to stamping portion 177, such that stamping element 178 may move to tightly engage the surface of stamping portion 177. Thus, movement of stamping element 178 may slightly bend paper portion 176 such that the bent paper portion may be positioned between stamping portion 177 and stamping element 178 during the stamping process. [127] In some embodiments, the paper roll 166 may be provided with a strip of adhesive along each tearing line. In some embodiments, stamping element 178 may engage an adhesive roller that applies a layer of adhesive onto stamping element 178 for each paper portion 176.

[128] It is appreciated that many different structures may perform the cutting and stamping described above. For example in Fig. 17A, cutting element may be positioned adjacent to paper roll such that very slight push of the paper may cut it.

[129] Referring now to Figs. 18A-18B, these figures illustrate a perspective view of alternative structures for the paper stamping mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 18A illustrates a linear paper stamper 181 that may be configured to stamp paper portion 176 without the need for a rotating cylinder. In some embodiments, linear paper stamper 181 may move along rail 182 corresponding to tearing line, such that an adhesive may be applied to paper portion 176.

[130] Fig. 18B illustrates a structure for roller paper wetting, wherein a wetting element 188 (e.g. sponge) may constantly apply adhesive material onto paper portion 176. Optionally, a rotating segment 184 may rotate wetting element 188 in order to apply the adhesive layer.

[131] Referring now to Figs. 18C-18D, these figures illustrate a perspective and cross-sectional views (respectively) of alternative structures for the paper zig-zag feeding mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, a paper cartridge 179 may contain a paper stack 185 that may be fed to rotating cylinders 186 in order to further pass to cigarette production area. If paper within paper cartridge 179 is provided from a zig-zag storage configuration, then cylinders 186 may rotate at opposite directions for each new paper portion. In some embodiments, a zig-zag paper stack 185 may be provided with an adhesive layer on each paper portion (corresponding in size to a cigarette paper) such that rotating cylinders 186 in opposite directions may allow aligning the adhesive layer on the desired position within the stamping mechanism.

[132] Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order in time or chronological sequence. Additionally, some of the described method elements may be skipped, or they may be repeated, during a sequence of operations of a method.

[133] Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein.