BR112013016257B1 - WRAPPED PACKAGING OF CONSUMER GOODS WITH OPENING FLAP AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND REMOVAL OF THE EXTERNAL WRAPPING - Google Patents

Abstract

Wrapped package with opening flap. The present invention relates to a wrapped package (10) of consumer goods comprising: a filled package (12) containing one or more consumer goods; and an outer shell (14), wrapped around the filled package such that the first (16a) and second (16b) opposite ends of the outer shell overlap each other along an extending longitudinal overlap region (18) all over a first side of the package. the outer casing (14) is provided with an opening cut (22) extending transversely at least part of the distance of the entire longitudinal overlap region (18) to define an opening tab (24) in the outer casing (14) .

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wrapped consumer goods package, comprising an outer casing with an opening flap defined by an opening cutout and a method for producing this a wrapped package. The wrapped package finds particular application as a wrapped package of smoking articles.

[0002] It is known to pack consumer goods in a variety of container types. For example, certain consumer goods are packaged in containers formed from raw laminar parts. For example, elongated smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, are commonly sold in hinge-lid packages that have a box to accommodate the smoking articles and a lid connected to the box over a hinge line that extends across the wall. rear of the container. Other types of consumer goods, in particular fragile and breakable goods, are packaged in rigid containers formed from a molded plastic or metal material. In other cases, consumer goods may be packaged in a purse, tobacco box, or 'flexible' package formed from a more flexible material such as paper or cellophane.

[0003] Conventionally, filled containers of consumer goods such as smoking articles are often wrapped in an outer wrapper of a transparent polymeric film that is provided with a cutting tape in order to facilitate the removal of the outer wrapper from the underlying container. Removing the cutting tape separates the outer casing into two parts, which can then be individually removed from the container. However, since outer wraps of this type are commonly wrapped in shrink film over the container, the film material is tightly wrapped against the container. As a result, even after removing the cutting tape, it can be difficult for the consumer to remove the remainder of the outer casing from the container in order to gain access to the consumer goods.

[0004] The application of cutting tape to the outer casing of a filled container requires the implementation of additional steps and apparatus in the process for producing the wrapped containers. The cutting tape is also typically formed of a material other than the outer wrapper, so additional materials are required in the production of the package. In addition, additional imaging devices may also be required as part of the quality control process in order to detect any defects in the cutting tape that may prevent the effective opening of the outer casing.

[0005] It should be desirable to provide an original means for opening an outer wrapper of a wrapped consumer goods package that facilitates the removal of the outer wrapper by the consumer. It would be particularly desirable if this means for opening can be incorporated into the outer shell without the need for additional or specialized apparatus or techniques.

[0006] According to the invention there is provided a wrapped consumer goods package comprising: a filled package containing one or more consumer goods; and an outer wrapper, wrapped around the filled carton such that opposite first and second ends of the outer wrapper overlap each other along a longitudinal overlap region extending across a first side of the carton. The outer shell is provided with an opening cut which extends transversely over the entire distance from the longitudinal overlap region to define an opening tab in the outer shell. The outer casing can be opened by pulling the opening tab.

[0007] The term 'longitudinal' refers to the direction along the length of the overlap region of the outer shell. The term 'transverse' refers to the direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the region of overlap.

[0008] The wrapped package of the present invention incorporates a novel arrangement of the outer wrapper which allows the outer wrapper to be readily removed from the wrapped wrapper without the provision of a cutting tape. As in a conventional outer wrapper, the first and second ends of the outer wrapper overlap along a longitudinal region extending across one face of the wrapper. In wrapped packages according to the invention, an opening cut is provided throughout the overlap region so that when the opening tab is pulled along the longitudinal region the opening cut propagates towards the longitudinal overlap region, along the ends of the longitudinal region. The ends of the longitudinal overlap region thus effectively provide predetermined separation lines along which the outer shell will be torn when the opening tab is pulled in the longitudinal direction of the overlap region.

[0009] The longitudinal parts of the wrapper forming the un-overlapping region are torn away from the remainder of the outer wrapper, so that a strip of the outer wrapper is removed from the wrapped package. In this way, the package is opened by removing a strip of film material that forms the outer wrapper, but without the need for an additional cutting tape. The remaining parts of the outer wrapping around the package can then readily be removed in order to fully open the package.

[00010] Advantageously, the means for opening the wrapped package according to the invention can be formed without incorporating any additional materials or components to the material of the film forming the outer shell. Furthermore, since existing outer wrappers typically already include an overlap region when folded around a package, advantageously the longitudinal overlap region of wrapped packages according to the invention can be provided using conventional wrapping and sealing techniques and apparatus. , without the need for additional steps or machinery. Preferably, the sheet material to form the outer wrapper may be precut with the opening cut, so that minimal adaptation of existing wrapping apparatus is required. As the use of a cutting tape is no longer necessary, the quality control apparatus to detect defects in the application of the cutting tape can be eliminated from the wrapping line. For all these reasons, the wrapped package of the present invention can be produced more cost-effectively and in a more efficient manner than a conventional wrapped package that incorporates a cutting tape.

[00011] The opening cut defines an opening tab for separating the longitudinal overlap region from the remainder of the outer shell. Therefore the opening cut preferably extends through both layers of the outer shell in the region of overlap. The opening cut extends the entire distance in the overlap region. The opening cut may be provided entirely within the overlap region, or a portion of the opening cut may extend across an end of the overlap region into the region of the outer shell adjacent the overlap region. Preferably, the opening cut extends over the entire width of the overlap region, and a small distance into the adjacent region of the casing on either side of the overlap region. This arrangement makes it easy to remove the entire overlap region.

[00012] The opening cutout can be formed into any suitable shape to define an opening tab to efficiently remove the overlap region. Preferably, the opening cut is a substantially U-shaped cut which may be curved or formed from three or more connected straight lines. The use of a U-shaped opening cut advantageously provides good resistance to forces during handling, so that the outer casing is not inadvertently torn before opening. Other shapes suitable for the aperture cut include, but are not limited to V-shape and S-shape.

[00013] In order for the opening cut to effectively propagate along the ends of the overlap region, preferably at least one end of the opening cut is substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the overlap region. For example, in the case of a U-shaped cut, preferably the opposite ends of the U-shaped cut are substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the overlapping strip.

[00014] The opening cut is preferably formed in the sheet material that forms the outer shell before the outer shell is wrapped around the filled package. In certain embodiments, the entire shape of the opening cutout can be provided at both the first and second end of the outer shell, so that during wrapping the package the opening cutouts at each end have to be aligned in order to precisely cover a to the other. In alternative embodiments, a portion of the opening cut is formed at the first end and a portion of the opening cut is formed at the second end so that when the first and second ends are overlapped the entire opening cut is formed by combining the two parts. separated from the opening cut. Preferably, in this case the alignment and overlapping of the opening cut parts can be facilitated by adapting the shape of the cut so that the overlapping part of the cut is a substantially straight line.

[00015] Preferably, the outer shell is a substantially transparent material so that the underlying package is visible through the outer shell prior to opening. Transparent polymeric films suitable for forming the outer shell include, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the outer shell is formed from oriented polypropylene or polypropylene which can be readily torn along the edges of the longitudinal overlap region.

[00016] Unlike a conventional cutting tape, which is typically formed of an opaque material, the longitudinal overlap region can be substantially transparent. This means that the region of overlap advantageously does not obscure any text or graphics printed on the outer surfaces of the underlying package. Therefore the position of the overlap region with respect to the underlying surfaces is more flexible than where a cutting tape is included.

[00017] The outer wrapping of wrapped packages according to the invention can be printed on some or all of its surfaces. In certain preferred embodiments, the outer casing is advantageously printed in some way to indicate the position of the opening tab. On conventional outer casings that use a perforation line for easy access instead of a cut tape, this print is not always possible close to the perforation line. When printing is applied over the perforations, ink can leak through the outer casing and cause stains on the inner casing. Since none of these perforations are required in order to provide the overlap region on the outer wrapping of packages according to the invention, printing can be done along the overlap region if desired. This allows the wrapped packages of the invention to be provided with a unique appearance.

[00018] Preferably, the outer shell further comprises two additional opposing cuts spaced apart from the ends of the opening cut which forms the opening tab and which forms a continuation of the opening cut. For example, where the opening cut is U-shaped, the two additional opposing cuts are continuations of the two ends of the U-shape. Preferably, the two additional opposing cuts are separated from the ends of the opening cut between approximately 1 mm and approx. 2 mm. The additional cuts further facilitate the removal of the longitudinal overlap region when the opening tab is pulled in the longitudinal direction and ensure that the outer casing tears along the edges of the overlap region.

[00019] Preferably, the two additional opposing cuts extend at an angle of between approximately 0 and approximately 45 degrees, more preferably between approximately 0 and approximately 30 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region and the opposing cuts terminate at the opposite longitudinal ends of the overlap region. Where the opposing cuts extend at an angle of approximately 0 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region, the cuts are substantially parallel to the region. Where the opening tab is provided entirely within the longitudinal overlap region, the opposing cuts may advantageously be positioned in order to connect the ends of the opening cut to the ends of the overlap region in order to facilitate removal of the entire region.

[00020] In addition or alternatively to the two additional opposing cuts, the outer shell comprises an additional cross-section positioned to one side of the opening cut and the longitudinal overlap region and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal overlap region. It has been found that the inclusion of the additional cross-section facilitates the removal of the remainder of the wrapper from the carton once the region of longitudinal overlap has been removed.

[00021] The longitudinal overlap region extends over at least one entire side of the wrapped package. The region of overlap may be provided on either side of the carton, but is preferably provided so that it extends over the entire front wall of the carton, or the top wall. The overlap region may extend in a horizontal direction across the entire package, or in a vertical direction, or at any other angle across an entire face of the package. In preferred embodiments of the invention in which the package is a container in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, the longitudinal overlap region preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the package, which typically will also be the vertical direction.

[00022] The casing is preferably wrapped around the package and folded and sealed at two opposite ends. For example, the casing is preferably folded and sealed at two ends in an envelope-type seal. In certain preferred embodiments, the opening cutout is provided in the overlap region at one of the sealed ends. In other embodiments, an opening cutout is provided in the overlap region at each of the sealed ends.

[00023] Preferably, the opening cut is positioned between approximately 5 percent and approximately 25 percent of the distance along the length of the longitudinal overlap region, from one end of the package. Preferably, the opening cut is oriented so that the opening tab is adapted to be pulled towards the remaining approximately 75 percent to approximately 95 percent of the length of the overlapping strip. In this way, the outer shell is open along at least approximately 75 percent of the length of the overlap region, or at least approximately 75 percent of the length or width of the face of the package through which the region extends. For example, where the opening cut is U-shaped, the opening cut is preferably positioned so that the open end of the U-shape is directed towards the remaining approximately 75 percent to approximately 95 percent of the length of the region. of overlay.

[00024] The transverse width of the overlap region can be varied as desired by and preferably between approximately 3 mm and approximately 10 mm, more preferably between approximately 4 mm and approximately 7 mm. This is significantly larger than the typical width of a cutting tape, which further facilitates the removal of the outer wrapping from packages according to the invention.

[00025] Preferably, the opposite ends of the outer shell are sealed together along the longitudinal overlap region in order to ensure that the outer shell is secured in place around the filled package and that the cuts in the first and second ends that form the opening cut remain correctly aligned.

[00026] The packaging containing consumer goods in wrapped packaging according to the invention can take a wide variety of forms, including, for example, hinge-lid containers comprising a box to accommodate the consumer goods and lid-able containers or with lining and sliding core comprising an inner sliding core to accommodate consumer goods and an outer lining to close the container. The packaging may alternatively be in the form of a 'flexible packaging' in which consumer goods are wrapped in a flexible inner liner without any containers. In this case, the outer shell is applied directly around the inner shell. Alternatively, the packaging may be a molded plastic or metal box or container such as those used to store compact discs (CD) or digital versatile discs (DVD), for example.

[00027] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the wrapped package may contain two or more consumer goods packages, which are separate or separable from each other once the outer wrapper has been removed. For example, the wrapped package can be in the form of a multi-pack of consumer goods in which a group of separately wrapped packages are wrapped together by the outer wrap. Each package can contain a single consumable item, or a group or package of consumables.

[00028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wrapped package contains two or more packages of consumer goods in contact with each other along an interface, in which the region of longitudinal overlap covers the interface between the consumer goods in one end of the package. In this embodiment, preferably, the opening cut is provided across the interface so that the two or more consumer goods packages can be separated from one another as a result of opening the outer shell by removing the longitudinal overlap region. This arrangement makes it easy to unwrap a multiple package of consumer goods, for example, by the seller or consumer. Preferably, the wrapped package comprises 2 to 20 packages of consumer goods, more preferably between approximately 5 and 10, most preferably 10 packages of consumer goods.

[00029] The wrapping package according to the invention may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, cardboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the carton is formed from one or more raw folded laminar boards and preferably, the board has a weight of between approximately 100 grams per square meter and approximately 350 grams per square meter.

[00030] Wrapped packages according to the invention can be in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, with longitudinal ends at right angles and transverse ends at right angles. Alternatively, the wrapped package may comprise one or more rounded longitudinal ends, rounded transverse ends, beveled longitudinal ends or beveled transverse ends, or combinations thereof. For example, the wrapped package according to the invention may comprise, without limitation:- one or two rounded or chamfered longitudinal ends on the front wall, and/or one or two rounded or chamfered longitudinal ends on the rear wall.- one or two ends. rounded or chamfered transverse ends in the front wall, and/or one or two rounded or chamfered transverse ends in the rear wall. - one rounded longitudinal end and one chamfered longitudinal end in the front wall, and/or one rounded transverse end and one chamfered transverse end in the rear wall. - one or two rounded or chamfered transverse ends in the front wall and one or two rounded longitudinal ends or chamfered in the front wall.- two rounded or chamfered longitudinal ends in a first side wall or two rounded or chamfered transverse ends in the second side wall.

[00031] Where the package comprises one or more rounded ends and is made of one or more raw laminars, preferably the raw laminar comprises three, four, five, six or seven marking lines or fold lines to form each rounded end in the assembled packaging. The score lines or fold lines can be either on the inside of the package or on the outside of the package. Preferably, the score lines or fold lines are spaced apart by between approximately 0.3 mm and 4 mm.

[00032] Preferably, the offset of the fold lines or score lines is a function of the thickness of the raw laminar. Preferably, the spacing between the fold lines or score lines is between approximately 0.5 and approximately 4 times greater than the thickness of the raw laminar.

[00033] Where the package comprises one or more bevelled ends, preferably the bevelled ends have a width of between approximately 1 mm and approximately 10 mm, preferably between approximately 2 and approximately 6 mm. Alternatively, the package may comprise a double bevel formed by three parallel fold or score lines which are spaced apart so that two distinct bevels are formed at the end of the container.

[00034] Where the package comprises a chamfered end and is made of one or more raw laminars, the chamfer may be formed by two parallel fold lines or score lines on the raw laminar. The fold lines or score lines may be disposed symmetrically to the ends between a first wall and a second wall. Alternatively, the fold lines or score lines may be arranged asymmetrically at the end between the first wall and the second wall, so that the bevel extends further into the first wall of the carton than the second wall of the carton.

[00035] Alternatively, the package may have a non-rectangular cross-section, for example polygonal such as triangular or hexagonal, or oval, semioval, circular or semicircular.

[00036] Wrapped packages according to the invention can be used for a wide variety of consumer goods, but finds particular application as packages for elongated smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. It will be appreciated that by appropriately choosing their dimensions, the packages according to the invention can be designed for different quantities of cigarettes of conventional size, king size, extra large size (super-king), thin or super thin.

[00037] Through an appropriate choice of dimensions thereof, packages according to the invention can be designed to hold different total amounts of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, by appropriately choosing the dimensions thereof, packages according to the invention can be designed to hold a total of between ten and thirty smoking articles. In other examples, packages according to the invention may be designed to hold multiple packages of smoking articles, each of which is designed to hold between ten and thirty smoking articles.

[00038] The smoking articles in the package can be arranged in different groupings depending on the total amount of smoking articles. For example, smoking articles can be arranged in a single row of six, seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, smoking articles can be arranged in two or more rows. The two or more lines can contain the same amount of smoking articles. For example, smoking articles can be arranged in: two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; three lines of five or seven; or four lines of four, five or six. Alternatively, the two or more lines may include at least two lines containing different amounts of smoking articles for each other. For example, smoking articles can be arranged in: a row of five and a row of six (5-6); a row of six and a row of seven (6-7); a row of seven and a row of eight (7-8); a centerline of five and two outer lines of six (6-5-6); a centerline of five and two outer lines of seven (7-5-7); one centerline of six and two outer lines of five (5-6-5); one centerline of six and two outer lines of seven (7-6-7); one centerline of seven and two outer lines of six (6-7-6); one centerline of nine and two outer rows of eight (8-9-8); or a centerline of six with an outside line of five and an outside line of seven (5-6-7).

[00039] Wrapped packages according to the present invention can hold smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. Additionally, both filterless smoking articles and smoking articles with multiple filter tips can be contained, as well as smoking articles of different length (e.g., between approximately 40 mm and approximately 180 mm), diameter (e.g., between approximately 4mm and approximately 9mm). Additionally, smoking articles may differ in flavor intensity, draw resistance and overall particulate matter distribution. Preferably, the dimensions of the package are adapted to the length of the smoking articles, and the grouping of the smoking articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the package are between approximately 0.5mm to approximately 5mm greater than the dimensions of the package or packages of smoking articles contained within the container.

[00040] The length, width and depth of wrapped packages according to the invention can be such that, in the closed position, the resulting overall dimensions of the wrapped package are similar to the dimensions of a typical twenty cigarette disposable hinge-lid package. In alternative embodiments, the length, width and depth of the wrapped packages according to the invention may be such that, in the closed position, the resulting overall dimensions of the wrapped package are similar to those dimensions of a typical pack of ten hinge-lid containers of twenty cigarettes.

[00041] Preferably, the wrapped packages according to the invention have a height of between approximately 60 mm and approximately 150 mm, more preferably a height of between approximately 70 mm and approximately 125 mm, wherein the height is measured from the top wall to the back wall of the package.

[00042] Preferably, wrapped packages according to the invention have a width of between approximately 12 mm and approximately 150 mm, more preferably a width of between approximately 70 mm and approximately 125 mm, wherein the width is measured from one sidewall to the other side wall of the wrapped package.

[00043] Preferably, wrapped packages according to the invention have a depth of between approximately 6 mm and approximately 100 mm, more preferably a depth of between approximately 12 mm and approximately 25 mm wherein the depth is measured from the front wall to the wall back of the wrapped package (which comprises the articulation between the box and the lid).

[00044] Preferably, the ratio of container height to depth of the wrapped package is between approximately 0.3 to 1 and approximately 10 to 1, more preferably between approximately 2 to 1 and approximately 8 to 1, most preferably between approximately 3 to 1 and 5 to 1.

[00045] Preferably, the ratio of the width of the wrapped package to the depth of the container is between approximately 0.3 to 1 and approximately 10 to 1, more preferably between approximately 2 to 1 and approximately 8 to 1, most preferably between approximately 2 to 1 and 3 to 1.

[00046] As well as accommodating a pack of smoking articles, the wrapped package may additionally comprise other consumer goods, eg matches, lighters, extinguishing media, breath fresheners or electronics. The other consumer good can be attached to the outside of the package, contained within the package together with the smoking articles, in a separate compartment of the package or combinations thereof.

[00047] Preferably, the outer shell is coated with a sealable polyolefin, for example one or a combination of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, an ethylene-propylene copolymer, a propylene-butylene copolymer, a butylene-ethylene copolymer, an ethylene-propylene-butylene terpolymer. Preferably, the coating material of the outer shell is different from any coating on the outside of the package, so that when sealed, the outer shell is not sealed to the package. This allows you to roll up a package of individually wrapped packages. Preferably, through the proper choice of sealing material, the sealing temperature of the outer shell is below the sealing temperature of any shell that is used to wrap the individual packages within the wrapped package. Preferably, the sealing temperature is between approximately 5 percent and approximately 25 percent lower for the outer shell compared to the sealing temperature of any individual packaging shell. Therefore, it is possible to first individually seal the wrapping of packages around each package at a first high temperature and then to seal the outer shell of a package of individually wrapped packages at a lower temperature.

[00048] The outer surfaces of packages according to the invention may be printed, embossed, engraved or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other information for the consumer.

[00049] According to the invention there is also provided a method of producing a wrapped package according to the invention, as described above. The method comprises: providing a filled package containing one or more consumer goods; wrapping an outer shell in one direction around the package and overlapping opposite first and second ends of the outer shell to form a longitudinal overlap region extending throughout a first side of the package; seal the ends of the outer casing; and providing an opening cut in the outer shell that extends transversely at least part of the distance through the entire longitudinal overlap region to define an opening tab.

[00050] After the overlap of the outer shell along the longitudinal overlap region, the outer shell forms an open tube around the filled package. Opposite ends of the outer shell open-end tube are preferably bent and sealed in a conventional manner, using an envelope-type fold. The casing can be sealed by itself using any suitable technique, such as, for example, heat sealing or by applying a suitable adhesive. This process of rolling to form the region of longitudinal overlap and the opposing envelope seals should be well known to the person skilled in the art.

[00051] The outer shell is preferably sealed along at least a part of the longitudinal overlap region, for example using heat sealing as described above, or with a suitable adhesive.

[00052] Preferably, a first part of the opening cut is formed at the first of the opposite ends of the outer shell, a second part of the opening cut is formed at the second of the opposite ends of the outer shell, and the opposite ends of the outer shell are overlapped with a the other so that the first and second parts of the opening cut are registered together to form the complete opening cut, as described above.

[00053] Preferably, this is achieved by providing a plurality of spaced apart opening cuts in a web of sheet material to form the outer shell, wherein the web is cut transversely through the center point of each of the opening cuts to form discrete outer casings.

[00054] Preferably, the opening cuts are formed using a knife having a cutting edge that corresponds in shape to the desired shape of the opening cut. For example, where a U-shaped opening cut is desired, a U-shaped knife or blade is preferably used to form the opening cuts in the sheet material.

[00055] According to the invention there is also provided a method for removing the outer wrapper from a wrapped package according to the invention, as described above, comprising gripping the opening tab formed by the opening cut; pulling the opening tab toward the longitudinal overlap region to tear the longitudinal overlap region away from the remainder of the outer shell; and removing the remainder of the outer shell from the carton once the longitudinal overlap region has been separated from the outer shell.

[00056] The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the attached figures in which:

[00057] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a wrapped package of smoking articles according to the invention;

[00058] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the sheet material used to provide the outer wrapper of the wrapped package of Figure 1; and

[00059] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the opening section of the outer shell of the packaging shell of Figure 1.

[00060] The package 10 shown in Figure 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped and comprises a package 12 containing ten separate hinge-lid containers of twenty smoking articles (not visible) and an outer wrapping 14 wrapped around the package. The pack 12 and the hinge-lid containers contained within the pack are of conventional design and construction, as would be well known to the person skilled in the art.

[00061] The outer shell 14 is formed of a transparent polypropylene film. The wrap 14 has been wrapped around the pack 12 in a longitudinal direction such that the first 16a and second 16b opposite ends of the outer wrap 14 overlap to form a longitudinal overlap region 18. The overlap region 18 extends in a band straight through the entire front wall 20 of the pack, towards one side of the front wall 20 and substantially parallel to the longitudinal ends of the pack. At the ends of the pack 12, the outer shell 14 is folded in the conventional manner and sealed in place.

[00062] At a position of approximately 10% of the distance along the longitudinal overlap region of one end of the front wall 20 of the package, an opening cut 22 is provided that extends transversely across the width of the overlap region 18 and ends on either side of the overlap region. The opening cut 22 is U-shaped, with the open end of the 'U' directed towards the remaining 90% of the length of the overlap region 18. The ends of the U-shaped opening cut 22 are provided on either side of the overlap region 18 and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region. The U-shaped cut defines an opening tab 24.

[00063] As can be seen in the enlarged view of the opening cutout in Figure 2, a number of additional cutouts are also provided in the outer casing close to the U-shaped cutout 22. A pair of opposite straight-line cutouts 26 are provided to a short distance from the ends of the U-shaped opening cut 22 and form a continuation of the U-shaped opening cut. The additional cuts 24 each extend substantially parallel to the adjacent end of the longitudinal overlap region 18. An additional cross-section 28 is provided between the U-shaped opening cut 22 and the longitudinal end closest to the front wall 20. The cut Transverse 28 is formed from a straight-line cut extending away from the U-shaped opening cut 22 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region 18.

[00064] In order to open the wrapped package 10 of Figure 1, the consumer can take the opening flap 24 formed by the U-shaped cut 22 and pull it towards the overlapping longitudinal region 18. U 22 will propagate along the longitudinal ends of the overlap region 18 so that the first 16a and second 16b overlapping ends are removed from the remainder of the outer shell 14. Once the overlap region 18 has been removed, the remainder of the outer shell 14 can readily be torn away from the pack, facilitated by the cross-section 28 in outer shell 14.

[00065] The outer shell 14 of the package 10 shown in Figure 1 is formed from a continuous sheet 114 of transparent polypropylene material that has been cut to form discrete outer shells of an appropriate size for wrapping the pack 12 of smoking articles. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the sheet material 114 to form the outer shell 14, which includes a plurality of spaced apart U-shaped cuts 122. The U-shaped cuts 122 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the web, in the direction of the offset, and the open end of each cut is facing one side of the sheet material.

[00066] The sheet material 114 is cut into discrete outer casings along the dashed lines '101' shown in Figure 3, which extend transversely throughout the sheet material, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the sheet material. leaf. The position of cutting the sheet material is such that the web is cut at approximately the midpoint of the U-shaped cuts 122 so that one half of the U-shaped cut is provided at the first end 16a of the wrapper and the another half is provided at the second 16b opposite end of the casing.

[00067] The outer wrapping 14 is wrapped around the pack 12 in a longitudinal direction by first contacting the first end 16a of the wrapping with the front wall of the pack 12, wrapping the outer wrapping once around the pack 12, overlapping the second end 16b of the outer shell over the first end 16a so that the two halves of the U-shaped cut are aligned and together form the complete U-shaped opening cut 22 in the outer shell 14. The ends of the outer shell 14 are bent together. a conventional way and glued or sealed in place.

[00068] It will be appreciated that a similar form of outer wrapper can be applied to a wide variety of packages of different shapes and sizes by adapting the size and shape of the outer wrapper and the position of the opening cut.

Claims (13)

1. Wrapped package (10) of consumer goods, characterized in that the package (10) comprises: a filled package comprising a container (12) filled with a package of smoking articles; and an outer shell (14), wrapped around the filled carton so that opposite first and second ends (16a, 16b) of the outer shell (14) overlap each other along a longitudinal overlap region (18) which extends across a first side of the carton, wherein the outer shell (14) is provided with an opening cut (22) extending transversely over the entire length of the longitudinal overlap region (18) to define an opening tab (24) in the outer shell (14), and wherein the outer shell (14) further comprises an additional cross-section positioned to one side of the opening cut (22) and the longitudinal overlap region (18) and extending into a direction perpendicular to the region of longitudinal overlap (18). 2. Wrapped packaging (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening cut (22) is U-shaped, S-shaped or V-shaped. 3. Wrapped package (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer shell (14) additionally comprises two additional opposing cuts (26) spaced from the ends of the opening cut (22) forming the flap opening (24) and forming a continuation of the opening cut (22). 4. Wrapped package (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the two additional opposing cuts (26) extend at an angle of between 0 and 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region (18) and wherein the opposing cuts (26) terminate at opposite longitudinal ends (16a, 16b) of the overlap region (18). 5. Wrapped package (10), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening cut (22) is positioned between 5% and 25% of the distance along the length of the longitudinal overlap region (18 ) from one end of the package. 6. Wrapped package (10), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse width of the overlap region (18) is between 3 mm and 10 mm. 7. Wrapped package (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opposite ends (16a, 16b) of the outer shell (14) are sealed together along the longitudinal overlap region (18). 8. Wrapped package (10), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal overlap region (18) extends across a front wall of the package. 9. Wrapped packaging (10), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging (10) contains two or more consumer goods in contact with each other along an interface, in which the region of longitudinal overlap (18) covers the interface between the consumer goods at one end of the package and where the opening cut (22) is provided across the interface so that the two or more consumer goods can be separated from each other as a result of opening the outer shell (14) by removing the longitudinal overlap region (18). 10. Method of producing a wrapped package (10) as defined in any one of the preceding claims, the method characterized in that it comprises: providing a filled package comprising a container (12) filled with a pack of smoking articles; wrapping an outer shell (14) in one direction around the carton and overlapping the opposite first and second ends (16a, 16b) of the outer shell (14) to form a longitudinal overlap region (18) extending throughout a first side of the package; sealing the ends of the outer shell (14); and providing an opening cut (22) in the outer shell (14) extending transversely the entire distance through the longitudinal overlap region (18) to define an opening tab (24), wherein the outer shell (14) comprises yet an additional cross-section positioned to one side of the opening cut (22) and the longitudinal overlap region (18) and extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal overlap region (18). 11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that a first part of the opening cut (22) is formed at the first of the opposite ends (16a) of the outer shell (14), a second part of the opening cut (22) is formed at the second of the opposite ends (16b) of the outer shell (14) and wherein the opposite ends (16a, 16b) of the outer shell (14) are superimposed on each other so that the first and second parts of the opening cut (22) are recorded together to form the complete opening cut (22). 12. The method of claim 10, characterized in that a plurality of spaced apart aperture cuts (22) are provided in a continuous sheet of sheet material to form the outer shell (14) and wherein the continuous sheet is cut transversely through the midpoint of each of the opening cuts (22) to form discrete outer shells (14). 13. Method for removing the outer shell (14) from a wrapped package as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises gripping the opening tab (24) formed by the opening cutout (22); pulling the opening tab (24) toward the longitudinal overlap region (18) to tear the longitudinal overlap region (18) away from the remainder of the outer shell (14); and removing the remainder of the outer shell (14) from the carton once the longitudinal overlap region (18) has been separated from the outer shell (14).

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