Smoking article with closed end and methods and apparatus for manufacture thereof

Abstract

A method of making a smoking article comprises providing a folly or partially fabricated smoking article comprising at least a tobacco rod of tobacco wrapped in cigarette paper; adhering a foldable paper to the cigarette paper such that the foldable paper encircles the tobacco rod and overhangs the cigarette paper at an end of the tobacco rod that is intended to be lit; and folding the overhanging foldable paper to substantially cover the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. Various techniques can be employed to apply different lengths of foldable paper to the tobacco rod and to achieve different folding patterns. The folded paper may be inverted by pressing inwardly with a pin or rod after folding to produce a more permanent fold.

1 . A method of making a smoking article, comprising:
 providing a fully or partially fabricated smoking article comprising at least a tobacco rod of tobacco wrapped in cigarette paper;   adhering a foldable paper to the cigarette paper such that the foldable paper encircles the tobacco rod and overhangs the cigarette paper at an end of the tobacco rod that is intended to be lit; and   folding the overhanging foldable paper to substantially cover the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the foldable paper is adhered to the outside of the cigarette paper. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the foldable paper is a porous paper. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the foldable paper has a porosity greater than 3,000 CU. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the foldable paper is porous plug wrap paper. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the foldable paper is embossed with one or more crease lines along which the overhanging foldable paper is folded. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising, before adhering the foldable paper to the cigarette paper, embossing the foldable paper with one or more crease lines along which the overhanging foldable paper is to be folded. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the foldable paper encircling the tobacco rod extends over only part of the length of the tobacco rod. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the foldable paper encircling the tobacco rod extends over substantially the whole length of the tobacco rod. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein adhering the foldable paper to the cigarette paper comprises:
 applying adhesive to the foldable paper, bringing the smoking article into contact with the foldable paper such that an edge of the foldable paper adheres to the cigarette paper; and   carrying the smoking article in a vacuum flute on the outer surface of a rotating drum, the smoking article arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to the rotation axis of the drum, so as to bring the smoking article into contact with a curved static plate spaced apart from the drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, the rolling causing the foldable paper to wrap around the smoking article.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the foldable paper is shaped along an edge such that the overhanging foldable paper has an edge profile that gives a reduced amount of overlapped paper after folding compared to a straight edge. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein adhering the foldable paper to the cigarette paper comprises:
 arranging the smoking article in a sequence of smoking articles arranged end to end but spaced apart by a distance equal to the desired length of the overhanging foldable paper;   feeding the sequence of smoking articles onto a continuous length of foldable paper, the foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the smoking articles;   wrapping the foldable paper around the smoking articles to encircle the tobacco rods, and adhering it in place; and   cutting through the foldable paper flush to an end of each smoking article, to separate the tobacco rods and form the overhanging foldable paper.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein adhering the foldable paper to the cigarette paper comprises:
 arranging the smoking article in a sequence of smoking articles arranged end to end in pairs where the articles in each pair abut at their adjacent ends and the pairs are spaced apart by a distance equal to twice the desired length of the overhanging foldable paper;   feeding the sequence of smoking articles onto a continuous length of foldable paper, the foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the smoking articles;   wrapping the foldable paper around the smoking articles to encircle the tobacco rods, and adhering it in place; and   cutting through the foldable paper where the smoking articles in each pair abut and also at the midpoint of the spaces between the pairs, to separate the smoking articles and form the overhanging foldable paper.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein folding the overhanging foldable paper comprises:
 carrying the smoking article in a vacuum flute on the outer surface of one or more rotating drums so as to bring the overhanging foldable paper into contact with one or more folding devices that bend the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a reciprocating tucker with a width less than the diameter of the smoking article that extends partially over the end of the tobacco rod flush with the tobacco therein to create a first fold and then retracts, a fixed tucker with a width less than the diameter of the tobacco rod and a surface that is flush with the tobacco against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of static plough folders providing surfaces flush with the tobacco and having oppositely disposed converging edges, against which the end of tobacco rod passes to form third and fourth folds opposite one another and orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a curved static plate spaced apart from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a plough folder fixed to the plate and comprising a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod that has an edge that converges towards the drum in the direction of rotation of the drum such that as the smoking article rolls over the plate the end of the tobacco rod passes against the surface and the overhanging foldable paper is engaged by the converging edge and is gradually folded inwards over the tobacco in a continuous fold. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a curved static plate spaced apart from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a sequence of teeth extending from the plate towards the drum and having surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth engaging a part of the overhanging foldable paper and creating a fold as the smoking article rolls over the plate, each fold overlapping the previous fold. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a curved static plate spaced apart from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a rotatable cam associated with each vacuum flute on the rotating drum, each cam having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod and configured to sweep across the end of the tobacco rod as the smoking article rolls over the plate, the edge of the cam pushing against the overhanging foldable paper to fold it inwards over the tobacco. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the cam has a smooth edge that creates a continuous fold. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the cam has a toothed edge that creates a series of overlapping folds. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprises a pair of adjacent rotatable surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod that sweep outwardly over the end of the tobacco rod from the rear of the smoking article as it is carried by the rotating-drum to create first and second adjacent folds, and a static tucker having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a third fold. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a curved static plate spaced apart from the rotating drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a rotating threaded screw positioned with its axis of rotation orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating drum and substantially tangential to the perimeter of the drum, and the threaded surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod such that the screw thread engages with the overhanging foldable paper as the smoking article rolls across the plate and the rotation of the screw folds the paper inwards over the tobacco. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a protrusion in a vacuum flute of a first rotating drum that pushes part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when the smoking article enters the vacuum flute to create a first fold, a further protrusion in a vacuum flute of a second, adjacent, rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the further protrusion pushing part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when the smoking article enters the flute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of static plough folders providing oppositely disposed surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod and having converging edges, against which the end of tobacco rod passes to create third and fourth folds opposite one another and orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a protrusion in a vacuum flute of a first rotating drum that pushes part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when the smoking article enters the vacuum flute to create a first fold, a further protrusion in a vacuum flute of a second, adjacent, rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the further protrusion pushing part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when the smoking article enters the flute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of reciprocating folders that sweep inwardly over the end of the tobacco rod and then retract to create third and fourth folds opposite one another and orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a protrusion in a vacuum flute of a first rotating drum that pushes part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when the smoking article enters the vacuum flute to create a first fold, a further protrusion in a vacuum flute of a second, adjacent, rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the first drum, the further protrusion pushing part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when the smoking article enters the flute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, a fixed folder disposed at the side of a vacuum flute of a third, adjacent, rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the second drum which engages with the overhanging foldable paper as the smoking article enters the vacuum flute and pushes the paper inwards over the tobacco to create a third fold orthogonal to the first and second folds, and a further fixed folder disposed at the side of a vacuum flute of a fourth, adjacent, rotating drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the third drum which engages with the overhanging foldable paper as the smoking article enters the vacuum flute and pushes the paper inwards over the tobacco to create a fourth fold opposite to the third fold. 
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein in which one or both of the said protrusion and the further protrusion are configured to move between an extended position for effecting the first or second fold as the smoking article enters the vacuum flute, and a retracted position after the fold is effected in which the protrusion does not protrude into the flute. 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprises a first pair of pincers longitudinally aligned with a vacuum flute of a first rotating drum, and biased in an open position to receive the overhanging foldable paper of a smoking article in the vacuum flute, the pincers operable to close on the received overhanging foldable paper and push opposite parts of the paper inwards over the tobacco to create opposite first and second folds, and a second pair of pincers longitudinally aligned with a vacuum flute of a second rotating drum, and biased in a open position to receive the overhanging foldable paper of the smoking article when transferred to the vacuum flute after folding in the vacuum flute of the first rotating drum, the pincers operable to close on the remaining overhanging foldable paper and push the opposite parts of the paper inwards over the tobacco to create opposite third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprises a first pair of pincers longitudinally aligned with a vacuum flute of a first rotating drum, and biased in an open position to receive the overhanging foldable paper of a smoking article in the vacuum flute, the pincers operable to close on the received overhanging foldable paper and push opposite parts of the paper inwards over the tobacco to create opposite first and second folds, and one or more supplementary folding devices associated with a second rotating drum arranged to receive the smoking article after folding with the first drum, and operable to fold the remaining opposite parts of the paper inwards over the tobacco to create opposite third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein adhering the foldable paper to the cigarette paper comprises:
 applying adhesive to the foldable paper;   bringing the smoking article into contact with the foldable paper such that an edge of the foldable paper adheres to the cigarette paper; and   introducing the smoking article onto a lower surface that is spaced apart from an upper surface by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, the upper surface moving relative to the lower surface along a direction parallel to the surfaces and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the smoking articles such that contact with the surfaces causes the smoking article to rotate about its longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the lower surface as the upper surface moves, the rolling causing the foldable paper to wrap around the smoking article.   
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the upper surface comprises an endless belt rotating around a pair of rollers. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein folding the overhanging paper comprises using the rolling of the smoking article over the lower surface to bring the overhanging foldable paper into contact with one or more folding devices that bend the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 31 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a series of teeth extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface and having surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth engaging a part of the overhanging foldable paper and creating a fold as the smoking article rolls over the lower surface, each fold overlapping the previous fold. 
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein folding the overhanging foldable paper comprises pushing part of the paper inwards to create a first fold, pushing a further part of the paper inwards to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and trimming off some or all of the remaining, unfolded paper. 
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising, after folding the overhanging foldable paper, pushing against the end of the tobacco rod with a pin having a width less than the diameter of the smoking article to depress the folded paper and cause it to better maintain its folded position. 
     
     
         35 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the foldable paper is provided with adhesive on all or part of the inner surface of the overhanging portion, and the method further comprises, after folding the overhanging paper, pressing against the end of the tobacco rod to cause the folded paper to become adhered in its folded position. 
     
     
         36 . The method according to  claim 35 , wherein the adhesive is heat-activated, and pressing against the end of the tobacco rod includes applying heat to the end of the tobacco rod. 
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising, if the smoking article is a partially fabricated smoking article, attaching a filter unit to the end of the tobacco rod opposite to the end intended to be lit. 
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 37 , wherein the filter unit is attached to the end of the tobacco rod simultaneously with the adhering and/or folding of the foldable paper. 
     
     
         39 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising, after folding the overhanging paper:
 inspecting the folded overhanging paper for defects; and   rejecting a smoking article found to have a defective folded overhanging paper.   
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 39 , wherein the inspecting comprises:
 capturing one or more images of the folded overhanging paper; and   comparing the one or more captured images with one or more stored images of non-defective folded overhanging paper.   
     
     
         41 . The method according to  claim 40 , wherein the one or more captured images comprise at least one of an end view of the folded overhanging paper and a side view of the folded overhanging paper. 
     
     
         42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . A smoking article comprising:
 a tobacco rod of tobacco wrapped in cigarette paper; and   a foldable paper adhered to the cigarette paper such that the foldable paper encircles the tobacco rod and overhangs the cigarette paper at an end of the tobacco rod that is intended to be lit, the overhanging foldable paper folded to substantially cover the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod.   
     
     
         44 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , wherein the foldable paper is adhered to the outside of the cigarette paper. 
     
     
         45 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , wherein the foldable paper is a porous paper. 
     
     
         46 . The smoking article according to  claim 45 , wherein the foldable paper has a porosity of greater than 3,000 CU. 
     
     
         47 . The smoking article according to  claim 45 , wherein the foldable paper is porous plug wrap paper. 
     
     
         48 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , wherein the foldable paper is embossed with one or more crease lines along which the overhanging foldable paper is folded. 
     
     
         49 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , wherein the foldable paper encircling the tobacco rod extends over only part of the length of the tobacco rod. 
     
     
         50 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , wherein the foldable paper encircling the tobacco rod extends over substantially the whole length of the tobacco rod. 
     
     
         51 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , wherein the foldable paper is shaped along an edge such that the overhanging foldable paper has an edge profile that gives a reduced amount of overlapped paper after folding compared to a straight edge. 
     
     
         52 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , wherein the overhanging foldable paper is folded with a first fold, a second fold opposite the first fold, a third fold orthogonal to the first and second folds, and a fourth fold opposite the third fold. 
     
     
         53 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , wherein the overhanging foldable paper is folded with a plurality of folds, each fold overlapping the adjacent fold. 
     
     
         54 . The smoking article according to  claim 43 , further comprising a filter unit attached to the end of the tobacco rod opposite to the end intended to be lit. 
     
     
         55 . An apparatus for making a smoking article comprising:
 a first sub-apparatus operable to receive a fully or partially fabricated smoking article comprising at least a rod of tobacco wrapped in cigarette paper and to adhere a foldable paper to the cigarette paper such that the foldable paper encircles the tobacco rod and overhangs the cigarette paper at an end of the tobacco rod that is intended to be lit; and   a second sub-apparatus operable to receive a smoking article with an overhanging foldable paper produced by the first sub-apparatus and to fold the overhanging foldable paper to substantially cover the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod.   
     
     
         56 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , wherein the first sub-apparatus is operable to adhere the foldable paper to the outside of the cigarette paper. 
     
     
         57 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , further comprising one or more embossing devices through which the foldable paper is passed before being supplied to the first sub-apparatus, the one or more embossing devices operable to emboss the foldable paper with one or more crease lines along which the overhanging foldable paper is to be folded by the second sub-apparatus. 
     
     
         58 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , wherein the first sub-apparatus is configured to adhere the foldable paper to the cigarette paper such that the foldable paper encircling the tobacco rod extends over only part of the length of the tobacco rod. 
     
     
         59 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , wherein the first sub-apparatus is configured to adhere the foldable paper to the cigarette paper such that the foldable paper encircling the tobacco rod extends over substantially the whole length of the tobacco rod. 
     
     
         60 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , wherein the first sub-apparatus comprises:
 a dispenser for dispensing foldable paper from a continuous roll;   an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to foldable paper dispensed from the roll, the adhesive distributed appropriately for securing the foldable paper to a cigarette paper such that it encircles a tobacco rod;   a vacuum cutting drum rotatable about a first axis of rotation and having a plurality of blades extending radially from its circumference, rotation of the vacuum cutting drum engaging the blades in turn with the dispensed foldable paper to which adhesive has been applied to cut the dispensed foldable paper into individual foldable papers, the vacuum cutting drum further having suction holes through which a vacuum is applied to hold the individual foldable papers on the surface of the vacuum cutting drum with the adhesive facing outwards;   a first rotatable drum rotatable about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and having around its circumference a plurality of vacuum flutes for receiving smoking articles with their longitudinal axes parallel to the second axis of rotation, the first rotatable drum positioned with respect to the vacuum cutting drum such that a smoking article carried in a flute of the first rotatable drum contacts an individual foldable paper on the vacuum cutting drum such that an edge of the foldable paper adheres to the smoking article;   a second rotatable drum rotatable about a third axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and having around its circumference a plurality of vacuum flutes for receiving smoking articles with their longitudinal axes parallel to the third axis of rotation, the second rotatable drum positioned with respect to the first rotatable drum such that a smoking article with an adhered foldable paper carried in a flute of the first rotatable drum can be passed to a flute on the second rotatable drum; and   a curved static plate spaced apart from the second rotatable drum by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, such that rotation of the second rotatable drum brings a smoking article with an adhered foldable paper carried in a flute of the second rotatable drum into contact with the curved static plate, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, the rolling causing the foldable paper to wrap around the smoking article.   
     
     
         61 . The apparatus according to  claim 59 , wherein the first sub-apparatus comprises:
 a dispenser for dispensing foldable paper from a continuous roll, the foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of a smoking article;   an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to foldable paper dispensed from the roll, the adhesive distributed appropriately for securing the foldable paper to a cigarette paper such that it encircles a tobacco rod;   a smoking article feeder operable to feed onto a continuous length of foldable paper dispensed from the roll a sequence of smoking articles arranged end to end but spaced apart by a distance equal to the desired length of the overhanging foldable paper;   a tube into which the dispensed foldable paper with applied adhesive and the sequence of smoking articles thereon may be fed, the tube causing the foldable paper to wrap around the smoking articles to encircle the tobacco rods and adhere in place; and   a cutter arranged after the tube and operable to cut through the foldable paper as it emerges from the tube at positions flush to an end of each smoking article, to separate the smoking articles and form the overhanging foldable paper.   
     
     
         62 . The apparatus according to  claim 59 , wherein the first sub-apparatus comprises:
 a dispenser for dispensing foldable paper from a continuous roll, the foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of a smoking article;   an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to foldable paper dispensed from the roll, the adhesive distributed appropriately for securing the foldable paper to a cigarette paper such that it encircles a tobacco rod;   a smoking article feeder operable to feed onto a continuous length of foldable paper dispensed from the roll a sequence of smoking articles arranged end to end in pairs such that the articles in each pair abut at their adjacent ends and the pairs are spaced apart by a distance equal to twice the desired length of the overhanging foldable paper;   a tube into which the dispensed foldable paper with applied adhesive and the sequence of smoking-articles thereon may be fed, the tube causing the foldable paper to wrap around the smoking articles to encircle the tobacco rods and adhere in place; and   a cutter arranged after the tube and operable to cut through the foldable paper as it emerges from the tube at positions where the smoking articles in each pair abut and also at the midpoint of the spaces between the pairs, to separate the smoking articles and form the overhanging foldable paper.   
     
     
         63 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , wherein the second sub-apparatus comprises:
 one or more adjacent rotatable drums rotatable about parallel axes of rotation, each drum having around its circumference a plurality of vacuum flutes for receiving smoking articles with their longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum; and   one or more folding devices for folding the overhanging foldable paper, and positioned such that the overhanging foldable paper of a smoking article carried in a vacuum flute of the one or more drums can be brought into contact with the one or more folding devices to bend the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod.   
     
     
         64 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a reciprocating tucker with a width less than the diameter of the smoking article that extends partially over the end of the tobacco rod flush with the tobacco therein to create a first fold and then retracts, a fixed tucker with a width less than the diameter of the tobacco rod and a surface that is flush with the tobacco against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of static plough folders providing surfaces flush with the tobacco and having oppositely disposed converging edges, against which the end of tobacco rod passes to form third and fourth folds opposite one another and orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         65 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a curved static plate, spaced apart from one of the one or more rotatable drums by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a plough folder fixed to the plate and comprising a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod that has an edge that converges towards the drum in the direction of rotation of the drum such that as the smoking article rolls over the plate the end of the tobacco rod passes against the surface and the overhanging foldable paper is engaged by the converging edge and is gradually folded inwards over the tobacco in a continuous fold. 
     
     
         66 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a curved static plate spaced apart from one of the one or more rotatable drums by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a sequence of teeth extending from the plate towards the drum and having surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth engaging a part of the overhanging foldable paper and creating a fold as the smoking article rolls over the plate, each fold overlapping the previous fold. 
     
     
         67 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a curved static plate spaced apart from one of the one or more rotatable drums by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a rotatable cam associated with each vacuum flute on the rotatable drum, each cam having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod and configured to sweep across the end of the tobacco rod as the smoking article rolls over the plate, the edge of the cam pushing against the overhanging foldable paper to fold it inwards over the tobacco. 
     
     
         68 . The apparatus according to  claim 67 , wherein the cam has a smooth edge that creates a continuous fold. 
     
     
         69 . The apparatus according to  claim 67 , wherein the cam has a toothed edge that creates a series of overlapping folds. 
     
     
         70 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a pair of adjacent rotatable surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod that sweep outwardly over the end of the tobacco rod from the rear of the smoking article as it is carried by the rotatable drum to create first and second adjacent folds, and a static tucker having a surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod against which the end of the tobacco rod passes to create a third fold. 
     
     
         71 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a curved static plate spaced apart from one of the one or more rotatable drums by a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article, contact with the plate causing the smoking article to rotate about its own longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the plate as the drum rotates, and a rotatable threaded screw positioned with its axis of rotation orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotatable drum and substantially tangential to the perimeter of the drum, and the threaded surface flush with the end of the tobacco rod such that the screw thread engages with the overhanging foldable paper as the smoking article rolls across the plate and the rotation of the screw folds the paper inwards over the tobacco. 
     
     
         72 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise protrusions in the vacuum flutes of a first rotatable drum that push part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when a smoking article enters the vacuum flute to create a first fold, further protrusions in the vacuum flutes of a second, adjacent, rotatable drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the first drum, the further protrusions pushing part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when a smoking article enters the flute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of static plough folders associated with a third, adjacent, rotatable drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the second drum, the plough folders providing oppositely disposed surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod and having converging edges, against which the end of a tobacco rod of a smoking article carried by the third drum passes to create third and fourth folds opposite one another and orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         73 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise protrusions in a vacuum flutes of a first rotatable drum that pushes part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when the smoking article enters the vacuum flute to create a first fold, further protrusions in the vacuum flutes of a second, adjacent, rotatable drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the first drum, the further protrusions pushing part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when a smoking article enters the flute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, and a pair of reciprocating folders associated with a third, adjacent, rotatable drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the second drum, the folders operable to sweep inwardly over the end of a tobacco rod of a smoking article carried by the third drum and then retract to create third and fourth folds opposite one another and orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         74 . The apparatus according to  claim 72 , further comprising a curved static plate spaced apart from the second rotatable drum by a distance less than the diameter of a smoking article, contact with the plate causing a smoking article carried by the second drum to rotate about its own longitudinal axis by substantially ninety degrees before being transferred to the third rotatable drum. 
     
     
         75 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise protrusions in the vacuum flutes of a first rotatable drum that push part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when a smoking article enters the vacuum flute to create a first fold, further protrusions in the vacuum flutes of a second, adjacent, rotatable drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the first drum, the further protrusions pushing part of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco when a smoking article enters the flute to create a second fold opposite the first fold, fixed folders disposed at the side of each vacuum flute of a third, adjacent, rotatable drum to which the smoking article is transferred from the second drum which engages with the overhanging foldable paper as a smoking article enters the vacuum flute and pushes the paper inwards over the tobacco to create a third fold orthogonal to the first and second folds, and further fixed folders disposed at the side of each vacuum flute of a fourth, adjacent, rotatable drum to which a smoking article may be transferred from the third drum which engages with the overhanging foldable paper as the smoking article enters the vacuum flute and pushes the paper inwards over the tobacco to create a fourth fold opposite to the third fold. 
     
     
         76 . The apparatus according to  claim 72 , wherein the said protrusions and/or the further protrusions are configured to move between an extended position for effecting the first or second fold as a smoking article enters the vacuum flute, and a retracted position after the fold is effected in which the protrusion does not protrude into the flute. 
     
     
         77 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise first pairs of pincers longitudinally aligned with each vacuum flute of a first rotatable drum, each first pair of pincers biased in an open position to receive the overhanging foldable paper of a smoking article in its associated vacuum flute, the pincers operable to close on the received overhanging foldable paper and push opposite parts of the paper inwards over the tobacco to create opposite first and second folds, and second pairs of pincers longitudinally aligned with each vacuum flute of a second rotatable drum, each second pair of pincers biased in an open position to receive the overhanging foldable paper of a smoking article when transferred to its associated vacuum flute after folding in a vacuum flute of the first rotatable drum, the pincers operable to close on the remaining overhanging foldable paper and push the opposite parts of the paper inwards over the tobacco to create opposite third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         78 . The apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise first pairs of pincers longitudinally aligned with each vacuum flute of a first rotatable drum, each first pair of pincers biased in an open position to receive the overhanging foldable paper of a smoking article in its associated vacuum flute, the pincers operable to close on the received overhanging foldable paper and push opposite parts of the paper inwards over the tobacco to create opposite first and second folds, and one or more supplementary folding devices associated with a second rotatable drum arranged to receive smoking article after folding with the first rotatable drum, and operable to fold the remaining opposite parts of the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco to create opposite third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds. 
     
     
         79 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , wherein the first sub-apparatus comprises:
 a dispenser for dispensing foldable paper;   an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the dispensed foldable paper, the adhesive distributed appropriately for securing the foldable paper to a cigarette paper such that it encircles a tobacco rod;   a smoking article carrier for bringing a smoking article in contact with the foldable paper such that an edge of the foldable paper adheres to the cigarette paper;   a lower surface; and   an upper surface spaced apart from the lower surface by a distance less than the diameter of a smoking article, the upper surface movable relative to the lower surface along a direction parallel to the surfaces;   wherein a smoking article with an adhered foldable paper can be introduced onto the lower surface with its longitudinal axis orthogonal to the direction along which the upper surface moves, such that contact with the surfaces causes the smoking article to rotate about its longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the lower surface as the upper surface moves, the rolling causing the foldable paper to wrap around the smoking article.   
     
     
         80 . The apparatus according to  claim 79 , wherein the upper surface comprises an endless belt rotatable around a pair of rollers. 
     
     
         81 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , wherein the second sub-apparatus comprises:
 a lower surface;   an upper surface spaced apart from the lower surface by a distance less than the diameter of a smoking article, the upper surface movable relative to the lower surface along a direction parallel to the surfaces, wherein a smoking article with an overhanging foldable paper can be introduced onto the lower surface with its longitudinal axis orthogonal to the direction along which the upper surface moves, such that contact with the surfaces causes the smoking article to rotate about its longitudinal axis so that it rolls over the lower surface as the upper surface moves; and   one or more folding devices that bend the overhanging foldable paper inwards over the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod of a smoking article, the folding devices positioned such that the rolling of a smoking article over the lower surface brings the overhanging foldable paper into contact with the one or more folding devices.   
     
     
         82 . The apparatus according to  claim 81 , wherein the one or more folding devices comprise a series of teeth extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface and having surfaces flush with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth engaging a part of the overhanging foldable paper and creating a fold as a smoking article rolls over the lower surface, each fold overlapping the previous fold. 
     
     
         83 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , further comprising a third sub-apparatus operable to receive a smoking article with a folded overhanging foldable paper from the second sub-apparatus and to push a pin having a width less than the diameter of the smoking article against the folded overhanging foldable paper to depress the folded paper and cause it to better maintain its folded position. 
     
     
         84 . The apparatus according to  claim 83 , wherein the third sub-apparatus comprises:
 a rotatable drum rotatable about an axis of rotation and having around its circumference a plurality of vacuum flutes for receiving smoking articles with their longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of rotation;   a rotatable plate adjacent to the drum and rotatable about the said axis of rotation, and having on its surface a plurality of pins equal to the number of vacuum flutes, the pins extending towards to the rotatable drum and having a spatial distribution matching that of the vacuum flutes, the drum and the plate rotatable in the same direction at the same speed; and   a bearing operable to move the plate towards the drum when both are rotating by a distance that cause the pins to press into the folded paper at the ends of smoking articles carried in the vacuum flutes, and to then retract the plate from the drum.   
     
     
         85 . The apparatus according to  claim 84 , wherein the rotatable plate comprises a swash plate. 
     
     
         86 . The apparatus according to  claim 83 , wherein the or each pin is heated so as to activate a heat-activated adhesive on the overhanging foldable paper when the folded overhanging foldable paper is depressed. 
     
     
         87 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , further comprising a third sub-apparatus operable to receive a smoking article with a folded overhanging foldable paper from the second sub-apparatus, and to apply pressure and/or heat to the folded overhanging foldable paper to activate adhesive on the overhanging foldable paper and cause it to become adhered in its folded position. 
     
     
         88 . The apparatus according to  claim 83 , wherein the third sub-apparatus comprises:
 a rotatable drum rotatable about a first axis of rotation and having around its circumference a plurality of vacuum flutes for receiving smoking articles with their longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of rotation; and   a rotatable disc adjacent to the drum and rotatable about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first axis of rotation, and having around its edge a plurality of spaced apart pins extending radially outwards by a distance such that a pin directed towards the drum may press into the folded paper of a smoking article carried in a vacuum flute, the spacing of the pins and the speed of rotation of the drum and disc being such as to bring consecutive pins into pressing contact with consecutive smoking articles carried in the vacuum flutes.   
     
     
         89 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , further comprising a fourth sub-apparatus operable to attach a filter unit to the end of a tobacco rod of a partially fabricated smoking article, opposite to the end intended to be lit. 
     
     
         90 . The apparatus according to  claim 89 , wherein the fourth sub-apparatus is operable to attach the filter unit to the smoking article simultaneously with the first sub-apparatus adhering a foldable paper to the smoking article and/or with the second-sub-apparatus folding the overhanging foldable paper of the smoking article. 
     
     
         91 . The apparatus according to  claim 55 , further comprising an inspection system operable to inspect the folded overhanging paper for defects and reject a smoking article found to have a defective folded overhanging paper. 
     
     
         92 . The apparatus according to  claim 91 , wherein the inspection system comprises:
 one or more cameras operable to capture one or more images of the folded overhanging paper;   a control system operable to compare the one or more captured images with one or more stored images of non-defective folded overhanging paper and to generate a rejection signal if a defective folded overhanging paper is found; and   a rejection mechanism operable to receive the signal from the control system and remove the smoking article having the defective folded overhanging paper from the apparatus.   
     
     
         93 . The apparatus according to  claim 92 , wherein the one or more cameras comprise at least one of a first camera arranged to capture an end view of the folded overhanging paper and a second camera arranged to capture a side view of the folded overhanging paper. 
     
     
         94 - 96 . (canceled) 
     
     
         97 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the foldable paper has a porosity greater than 6,000 CU. 
     
     
         98 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the foldable paper has a porosity greater than 12,000 CU. 
     
     
         99 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the foldable paper has a porosity greater than 24,000 CU. 
     
     
         100 . The smoking article of  claim 45 , wherein the foldable paper has a porosity greater than 6,000 CU. 
     
     
         101 . The smoking article of  claim 45 , wherein the foldable paper has a porosity greater than 12,000 CU. 
     
     
         102 . The smoking article of  claim 45 , wherein the foldable paper has a porosity greater than 24,000 CU.