APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING CUSTOMISED CONTAINERS OF CIGARETTES

摘要

Cigarettes are stored in one or more reservoirs (6) at a customer location. A computer receives customer orders and transmits them to a dispenser. Upon receipt of a customer order, a pre-selected number of cigarettes are automatically removed from the reservoir(s) by the dispenser and then automatically packed in a container by a packer comprising a collation mandrel (22) which is moveable relative to the dispenser. A preferred type of substantially air-tight, self-sealing container has a lid portion (68), a body portion (50) and a collar (58), which is mounted within the body portion (50). The body portion (50) is provided with one or more upwardly extending protrusions (56) on the upper surface of the base thereof. An air and moisture impermeable membrane (60) is sealed about the upper periphery of the collar (58).