EP2741971A1

EP2741971A1 - Packaging comprising two coupled layers

Info

Publication number: EP2741971A1
Application number: EP12762679.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sophie Caron; Nicolas Gres; Oliver SCHEMBRI; Sebastien Bouline
Original assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
Current assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
Priority date: 2011-08-12
Filing date: 2012-08-10
Publication date: 2014-06-18
Also published as: MX2014001655A; RU2014109368A; JP2014521573A; ZA201401722B; GB201113868D0; CN104039662A; WO2013024412A1; US20140170272A1; BR112014003208A2

Abstract

Packaging (1) in which first and second layers (11, 12) are coupled to one another and arranged with built-in areas of weakness (21, 22). Part of the first layer (11) exposed outside of the packaging (1) has a built-in in area of weakness (21) and part of the second layer (12) arranged within the packaging (1) has a built-in area of weakness (22). The built-in areas of weakness (21, 22) are arranged such that breaking the first layer (11) at the built-in area of weakness thereof(21) enables the first layer (11) to act on the second layer (12) to break the second layer (12) at the built-in area of weakness (22) to thereby open the packaging (1).

Description

PACKAGING COMPRISING TWO COUPLED LAYERS

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to packaging

Background to the Invention

It is known to package consumable products by placing a number of the products side- by-side to form a stack and enclosing the stack in a tubular packet formed from a wrapper of flexible material. This type of packaging is used for a variety of consumable products such as biscuits and confectionery items, including gum pellets. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaging 10 of chewing gum pellets 12. The dashed lines of the chewing gum pellets 12 indicate the positions of the chewing gum pellets 12 within the packaging 10. A packaging blank 14 is folded circumferentially about the stack so that one side edge 14a of the packaging blank overlaps another side edge and is held in place by means of adhesive or otherwise bonded to form a seal. The packaging blank is longer than the stack products so that the ends of the packaging blank extend beyond the ends of the stack. Each end of the packaging blank is folded to provide end closure flaps which overlie their respective ends of the stack to form an end wall region 18. The flaps are usually held in place by means of adhesive or otherwise bonded so that the packaging blank forms a sealed, tubular packet for the confectionery pellets. Sometimes a second, inner wrapper is provided which is folded about the product in a similar manner to the main or outer packaging blank before the outer packaging blank is applied. This is referred to as "double wrapped". However, in many cases only a single packaging blank is used, which is referred to as "single wrapped". In some cases, each product in the stack is also individually wrapped.

Other food and confectionery items are also provided in the form of pellets, pastilles, tablets or the like and are suitable for packaging in the manner described above. For example, hard boiled sweets, candies, chocolates, toffee or mints may be provided in the form of pellets or pastilles as can many other types of candy both hard and soft.

The terms gum and chewing gum as used herein include bubble gum. For use in packaging consumable goods, the packaging blank is usually fabricated from a sheet of material that is substantially gas and moisture impervious and overlapping portions of the packaging blank are adhered to one another so that the packet is fully sealed. Although for certain food and confectionery products, a hermetically sealed package is not desirable. Suitable packaging blanks can be made from a variety of materials including polymeric materials, metallic foil, and paper. Often the packaging blank will be formed from a laminated sheet of material having two or more layers of material.

To assist a consumer in gaining access to the packaged products, it is common practice to provide a tear guide in or on the packaging blank which assists a consumer in tearing the packet along a predetermined line. One known form of tear guide is a tear strip which is attached to an inner surface of the packaging blank and is made of a material which is stronger than the packaging blank. An end of the tear strip is exposed in the finished packet so that it can be grasped by a user and pulled to tear the packaging blank along the line of the strip. Often the tear guide will be positioned to that it circumscribes the packet at or close to one end. A conventional tear strip arrangement is shown at 20 in Figure 1 , with the dashed lines of the tear strip 20 indicating the position of the tear strip on the inside of the packaging.

Use of a tear strip is disadvantageous as it requires the manufacture and storage of an additional component, i.e. the strip, as well as an additional process step of applying the strip to the packaging blank. This adds to the overall cost of manufacture. In addition, due to the nature of the materials used, packaging blanks that are gas and moisture impervious are often quite tough and can be difficult to tear in a predictable manner using a tear strip. A further drawback with the conventional packaging arrangement is that the packet often cannot be re-closed so as to effectively retain and protect, at least to some degree, the remaining contents. This is a particular issue where the user will typically remove only one or a few of the products at a time and will wish to safely retain the remaining products for later consumption.

There is a need for an alternative packaging arrangement which overcomes or at least mitigates the disadvantages of the prior art arrangements.

There is also a need for an improved method of opening a packaging arrangement which overcomes, or at least mitigates, the disadvantages of one or more of the known methods.

Summary of the Invention In an example embodiment, the present invention provides packaging comprising first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the packaging and a built-in in area of weakness at part of the second layer arranged within the packaging, wherein the built-in areas of weakness are arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to break the second layer at the built-in area of weakness to thereby open the packaging.

The packaging may comprise a layer of a metallic foil, for example as the first layer. The packaging may comprise a second layer of paper, for example as the second layer. The metallic foil may be an aluminium foil. The packaging may comprise a layer of polymeric material, for example a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The layer of polymeric material may comprise the outermost layer of the packaging. The layer of polymeric material may be laminated to the metallic foil, for example to provide the first layer and the outermost layer of the packaging.

The first and second layers may be laminated, with the first and second layers coupled to one another with a bond across part of their area. The first and second layer layers may be glue laminated.

The first and second layers may be coupled to one another at a first coupling area, the first coupling area extending to meet the built-in area of weakness of the first layer, but not the built-in area of weakness of the second layer. The first and second layer may be coupled to one another at distinct first and second bonding areas. The packaging may comprise an area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another. The area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another may be partially bounded by a portion of the built-in area of weakness of the first layer. The area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another may be partially bounded by a portion of the built-in area of weakness of the second layer.

The packaging may comprise end walls and one or more side walls. The packaging may comprise end walls, with the one or more side walls running between the end walls. The end walls may be of generally equal size, and be arranged opposed to one another in generally parallel alignment.

The packaging may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs around the majority of, for example the entirety of the outside of the packaging, such as in the form of a partial or complete loop around the outside of the packaging. The built-in area of weakness of the first layer may lie on the side wall. The built-in area of weakness of the first layer may be provided as a line of weakness, or two corresponding lines of weakness, for example parallel lines of weakness. The built-in area of weakness of the first layer may comprise a tear guide. The packaging may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the second layer is defined in an end wall of the packaging. The built-in area of weakness of the second layer may lie along one or more edges of the packaging, for example two, three or four edges of the packaging. The built-in area of weakness of the second layer may form a closed loop on the end wall, or may circumscribe the end wall at its perimeter. The built-in area of weakness of the second layer may form a rectangular shape with dimensions 7 to 13mm wide by 15 to 25mm long, for example.

The packaging may be arranged such that breaking the first layer and second layer at the built-in areas of weakness forms a separable portion of the packaging. The separable portion may comprise a cap, for example a cap comprising an end wall of the packaging. The packaging may be arranged such that the first and second layers are coupled in the separable portion, for example only in the separable portion. The packaging may be arranged such that separating the separable portion opens the packaging by exposing an opening at an end wall of the packaging. The opening at the end wall of the packaging may be formed by removal of the end wall of the packaging. The cap may comprise portions of the first and second layers from the end wall, and a portion of the first layer only from the side walls. The packaging may enclose a plurality of products, for example each of corresponding dimensions. The packaging may enclose a stack of products in side-by-side arrangement. The packaging may comprise end walls corresponding to the dimensions of individual products stacked therein, and may comprise one or more side walls corresponding to the length of the stack. The products may each comprise characteristic dimensions of 5mm by 10mm by 20mm, for example within a generally cuboidal envelope

The built-in area of weakness of the first layer may lie on the side wall at a separation from the end wall of at a distance along the packaging corresponding to the dimension of one product along the length of the stack. The built-in area of weakness may lie on the side wall at a separation from the end wall of at a distance greater than the dimension of one product along the length of the stack, for example two, three or more times. The built-in area of weakness may lie on the side wall at a separation from the end wall of greater than 2mm, for example greater than 5mm. The built-in area of weakness may lie on the side wall at a separation from the end wall of less than 15mm, for example less than 10mm. The built-in area of weakness may lie on the side wall at a separate from the end wall of 7mm.

The built-in area of weakness of the second layer may define an opening area of the packaging, corresponding to the dimensions of the product or products within the packaging. The opening area may be slightly larger then a cross-sectional area of one of the products, where the cross-sectional area is taken in a plane of the product which aligned generally parallel to the opening area. The opening area may be dimensioned so that it has an area that is less than 1.5, or 1.4, or 1.3, or 1.2, or 1.1 times the cross sectional area of one of the products. The opening area may be dimensioned so that one product only can pass through at a time. The packaging is for example arranged such that the first built-in area of weakness is defined to lie on the side wall at least the distance there-along corresponding to the size of one of the products enclosed in the packaging. For example, the built-in area of weakness may be defined to lie on the side wall aligned at the point where the first and second products enclosed in the packaging meet.

In an example embodiment, the present invention provides a packaging blank, comprising first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and a built-in in area of weakness at part of the second layer, wherein when formed as packaging around a product the built-in areas of weakness lie with the part of the first layer comprising the built-in area of weakness exposed outside of the packaging and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer within the packaging, such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to break the second layer at the built-in area of weakness to open the packaging.

The packaging blank may comprise a layer of a metallic foil, for example as the first layer. The packaging may comprise a second layer of paper, for example as the second layer. The metallic foil may be an aluminium foil. The packaging may comprise a layer of polymeric material, for example a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The layer of polymeric material may be laminated to the metallic foil, for example to provide the first layer and the outermost layer of the packaging.

The first and/or second built-in area of weakness may comprise a laser score. The first and/or second built-in area of weakness may comprise a die cut. The first and/or second built- in area of weakness may comprise a scored and/or perforated area.

The first and second layers may be coupled to one another at a first coupling area, the first coupling area extending to meet the built-in area of weakness of the first layer, but not the built-in area of weakness of the second layer. The first and second layers may be coupled to one another at distinct first and second coupling areas. The packaging blank may comprise an area in which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another. The area in which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another may be bounded by the built-in area of weakness of the first layer. The area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another may be bounded by the built-in area of weakness of the second layer. The area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another may comprise a strip across the packaging blank. The strip may run across the packaging blank from one edge to another. The first and second layers may be coupled by bonding, for example by glue. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another is bounded by the built-in area of weakness in the first layer and a parallel built-in area of weakness in the second layer.

The packaging blank may be generally rectangular.

The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from one edge to another. The built-in area of weakness of the first layer may be provided as a line of weakness, or two corresponding lines of weakness, for example parallel lines of weakness. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank in a straight line. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank parallel to an edge of the packaging blank. The built-in area of weakness of the first layer may comprise a tear guide.

The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the second layer runs across the packaging blank from one edge to another. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the second layer runs across the packaging blank in a straight line. The built-in area of weakness of the second layer may be provided extending as a straight line from one edge of the packaging blank. The built-in area of weakness of the second layer may be provided extending from an edge of the packaging blank and parallel to the built-in area of weakness in the first layer of the packaging blank.

The width of the strip across which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another is for example less than 15mm, for example less than 10mm, for example 5mm. The width of the strip across which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another is for example greater than 2mm. The built-in area of weakness of the second layer runs across the packaging blanks for example less than 15mm from the edge of the packaging blank, for example less than 10mm, for example 5mm from the edge of the packaging blank. The width of the strip across which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another may for example be equal to the separation of the built-in area of weakness from the edge of the packaging blank. The packaging blank may be provided with adhesive at its periphery, to enable edges of the blank to be sealed to one another during formation of packaging from the packaging blank. The adhesive may be provided at the periphery of only one layer, for example the first layer.

The present invention further provides a packaging blank according to any of the example embodiments described above, in combination with an item or arrangement of items to be packaged. The arrangement of items to be packaged may comprise a stack of confectionery items, or a stack of gum pellets.

In an example embodiment, the present invention provides method of packaging, comprising:

providing a packaging blank comprising first and second layers coupled to one another; providing a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and a built-in in area of weakness at part of the second layer; and

forming the packaging blank around an item or arrangement of items to be packaged; wherein the forming positions part of the first layer comprising the built-in area of weakness exposed outside of the packaging and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer within the packaging, with the built-in areas of weakness arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to break the second layer at the built-in area of weakness to open the packaging.

The step of providing the built-in areas of weakness may be performed before the forming step, or alternatively may be performed there-after. The step of providing the built-in area of weakness may be split into sub-steps of providing one the built-in areas of weakness before the forming step, and providing the other of the built-in areas of weakness after the forming step. The step of providing the built-in areas of weakness may be performed partially before and partially after the forming step, for example with one or more area of weakness being added or expanded after the forming step. The step of providing a built-in area of weakness may comprise a laser scoring step. The step of providing a built-in area of weakness may comprise a die cutting step. The step of providing a built-in area of weakness may comprises scoring and/or perforating operations.

The packaging blank may be that according to any of the example embodiments described above.

Brief Introduction to the Figures For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 2 shows a perspective view of packaging according to an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the packaging of Figure 2 with a built-in area of weakness in a first layer thereof partially broken;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the packaging of Figure 2 with a built-in area of weakness in a first layer thereof completely broken, and the resultant tear guide removed;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the packaging of Figure 2 with a built-in area of weakness in a second layer thereof broken to open the packaging;

Figure 6 shows a schematic plan view of the a packaging blank according to an example embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows schematic plan view of the packaging blank of Figure 6, illustrating an area over which the first and second layers are coupled to one another; and

Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view of the packaging blank of Figure 6, illustrating an area over which adhesive is provided to enable sealing of the packaging formed from the packaging blank.

Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

Figures 2-5 show a package 1 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. The package 1 comprises generally tubular packet which encases a stack of products (not shown in Figure 2 but see 100 in Figure 5).. The tubular packet is formed from a packaging blank of flexible material which is folded about the stack and sealed in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 1 and as described above. Accordingly, the tubular packet has a side wall region 3 which encircles the stack of products, the ends of the tube being closed by means of end wall regions 4 constructed from folded flaps (not shown). In the present embodiment, the products 100 are chewing gum pellets which are shaped like small pillows having a rectangular outer periphery. As a result, the side wall region 3 is rectangular in lateral cross-section, and has opposed front 32 and rear 34 faces and opposed side faces 36, 38. The package 1 is formed by folding a packaging blank around the stack of products to be packaged. Figures 6-8 illustrate a suitable packaging blank 2, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. The packaging blank 2 is shown in Figure 6 as a generally rectangular two-layered blank, comprising an outer, first layer 1 1 and an inner, second layer 12. The first and second layers 1 1 , 12 are a laminated construction, and in example embodiments comprise a metallic foil layer and a paper layer respectively. The first and second layers 1 1 , 12 are coupled to one another, for example by adhesive. Coupling the layers facilitates handling of the packaging blank during wrapping the products in the packaging. Figure 7 shows, as the hatched area, the portions of first and second layers 1 1 , 12 which are coupled. In the un-hatched area 33 the first and second layers 1 1 , 12 are not adhered to one another. I n both Figures 6 and 7 the top left corner of the second layer 12 is schematically shown as folding up out of the plane of the blank 1 , to illustrate the laminated nature of the blank 2, but it is to be understood that in the example embodiments of the blank 2 the corner of the first and second layers 1 1 , 12 are coupled to one another at this region, in accordance with the hatched area on the second layer 12 shown in Figure 7.

Figures 6 and 7 each show a built-in area of weakness in both first and second layers 1 1 , 12. A built-in area of weakness 21 is provided in the first layer 1 1 , and a built-in area of weakness 22 is provided in the second layer 12. Figure 8 shows the first layer, with hot melt adhesive region 35 used when the packaging blank 2 is sealed around the stack of products 100 to hold the packaging together.

The built-in areas of weakness 21 , 22 are provided to facilitate opening of the package, and to do so in a way which enables a degree of re-closing of the package after one of the stack of products 100 has been removed. The built-in area of weakness 21 in the first layer 1 1 is exposed on the outside of the packaging 1 when the packaging blank 2 is formed around a stack of products 100 to provide the packaging 1. The built-in area of weakness 21 is arranged to provide a tear guide that runs around the side wall 3 of the packaging 1 across the front 32 and rear 34 faces, and side faces 36, 38. Tearing the packaging along 1 the built-in area of weakness 21 in the first layer 11 is initiated by lifting the edge of the tear guide, as shown in Figure 3. Breaking the built-in area of weakness 21 all around the side wall 3 leaves a strip of the second layer 12 uncovered, as shown in Figure 4. The built-in area of weakness 22 of the second layer is positioned so that when the packaging end flaps are folded over the perimeter of an end wall 4 of the packaging 1 is circumscribed by the built-in area of weakness 22. This is illustrated schematically in Figures 2-4, where of course the built-in area of weakness 22 of the is second layer is not visible in the closed packaging 1 due to being under the first layer and the end flap folds. With the built-in area of weakness 21 of the first layer 1 1 broken, a cap 40 at the end of the packaging 1 can be removed by pulling thereon, for example in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 4. Pulling on the first layer 1 1 in the region of the cap 40 causes the first layer 1 1 at the end wall region 4 to act on the built-in area of weakness 22 in the second layer 12, enabling breakage of the second layer 12 at the built-in area of weakness 22. Removal of the cap 40 from the rest of the packaging 1 uncovers an opening extensive over the whole end wall region 4.

The side wall 3 the of open packaging 1 retains its original, pre-opening length when the packaging 1 cap 40 is removed, with the open end of the packaging 1 having a side wall portion made up of only the second layer 12 at region 3a, as shown in Figure 5. The region 3a corresponds to the area at which the first and second layers 1 1 , 12 in the packaging blank 2 were not adhered to one another. After removal of the cap 40 and dispensing of the product 100 positioned at the open end of the packaging 1 the region 3a can be rolled over, or folded to close the packaging 1 , which is useful to retain the rest of the stack of products 100 in the packaging 1. With a conventional tear strip that opens the packaging on its side wall, closure of the packaging is more difficult until two or more products have typically been dispensed from the opening. The embodiments shown herein however retain the tear guide in the same side-wall position on the packaging as the conventional tear strip, meaning that consumers perform a familiar first step in opening the packaging. Following the removal of the tear guide it would be natural for consumer to attempt to pull off the cap to allow access to the product in the packaging. As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the products 100 are chewing gum pellets which are shaped like small pillows having a generally rectangular outer periphery. The typical dimensions of this product are 20mm wide by 10mm high by 5mm deep along the packaging. These dimensions may vary by up to one or two millimetres according to product specification or manufacturing variation. The packaging 1 may accommodate 10 or 12 gum pellets, closely wrapped therein. The second layer is in contact with the products 100 at one or more of their edges. As can be seen in Figure 5 the packaging 1 as opened at the end wall 4 provides an opening that generally corresponds to the dimensions of the product 100 within the packaging 1 , as the products 100 are aligned in a stack. Typically, a small amount of clearance is provided around to prevent excessive friction during dispensing of the products 100 and to take into account a degree of variation in product dimensions within the manufacturing tolerance of the products 100. The opening in the packaging 1 is slightly larger then a cross-sectional area of one of the products 100, where the cross-sectional area is taken in a plane of the product which aligned generally parallel to the opening area. In this way the opening area is set so one product 100 only can pass through at a time. The packaging blank can be made from any suitable foldable material such as paper, metallic foil and/or one or more polymeric materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) or orientated polypropylene (OPP). As described above, the packaging blank is made from a laminated material having a first, outer layer and a second, inner layer. The built-in areas of weakness formed in the layers are offset from one another. This arrangement means that there is at least one layer which remains intact to maintain the integrity of the formed packaging prior to opening. In one embodiment, the packaging blank has a layer of aluminium foil and a layer of paper positioned inwardly from the foil. The packaging may also have a further layer of a polymeric material, which may be a thermoplastic material such as PET laminated to the outside of the aluminium foil to provide a composite first layer. In other embodiments, the packaging may comprise PE/OPP or OPP/OPP laminate structures. The built-in areas of weakness can be formed using any suitable method such as by scoring. One method is to produce the line of weakness by laser etching. The wavelength of the laser can be selected so that it is absorbed by one layer, e.g. a paper layer and reflected by another layer, e.g. a metallic foil layer so that the built-in area of weakness is formed in the paper layer only within. The built-in area of weakness may be continuous or discontinuous, using e.g. a pulsed laser or suitable die cutters. The embodiments of the packaging blank described above may be prepared before wrapping of products to produce the packaging, but the ability to laser score inner layers means that scoring of one or both of the first and second layers may be performed after the packaging has been formed from the packaging blank. Furthermore, although a single packaging blank has been described in isolation, the packaging blank may be provided initially on a roll or sheet for later separation during formation of the packaging.

The packaging can be printed on to provide a consumer with guidance and instructions for opening. For example, the packaging can be printed on to provide the user with an externally visible indication of where the opening region and/or the built-in area of weakness of the first layer are located. The printing may be applied to the outermost layer. Alternatively, if the packaging has an outermost layer which is transparent, the printing may be applied to an adjacent layer so as to be visible through the outermost layer. As with the step of forming the built-in areas of weakness, the printing steps may be performed on the blank before the packaging is formed, or on the formed packaging.

In the embodiments described so far, the packaging is designed for use with gum pellets having a generally rectangular outer profile. As a result, the side wall regions of the tubular packets also have a generally rectangular outer profile when viewed in lateral cross section and define two pairs of opposed faces all of which are generally planar. However, this is not essential in all embodiments of the invention and the outer profile of the side wall region can vary depending on the shape of the products being packaged. It will be appreciated that whilst the position of the built-in areas of weakness areas indicated in the Figure 2, 3, 6 and 7 by means of dashed lines, where the packaging is made from a laminated material, the lines of weakness are formed in only one of the layers at any given position on the packaging, so that the integrity of the packaging is maintained until it is first opened. The packaging in the embodiments shown in Figures 2-5 can be constructed using any of the materials and methods shown and described in relation to Figures 6-8.

It can be seen that the packaging in accordance with the invention provides a simple and cost effective packaging that is easy to open and which can be effectively re-closed. The packaging, packaging blank, and methods described above can be applied to the packaging of any suitable products but is particularly suitable for use with consumable products, including confectionery products such as gum pellets, when arranged side-by-side in a stack. Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Packaging comprising first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the packaging and a built-in in area of weakness at part of the second layer arranged within the packaging, wherein the built-in areas of weakness are arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to break the second layer at the built-in area of weakness to thereby open the packaging and wherein the packaging comprises end walls, with the one or more side walls running between the end walls, with the built-in area of weakness of the first layer formed in a side wall and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer formed in an end wall.

2. The packaging of claim 1 , wherein the first and second layers are coupled to one another at a first coupling area, the first coupling area extending to meet the built-in area of weakness of the first layer, but not the built-in area of weakness of the second layer.

3. The packaging of claim 1 or 2, comprising an area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another so that the first and second layers are coupled to one another at distinct first and second bonding areas.

4. The packaging of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another is partially bounded by a portion of the built-in area of weakness of the first layer and partially bounded by a portion of the built-in area of weakness of the second layer.

5. The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs around the majority of the outside of the packaging in the form of a partial or complete loop around the outside of the packaging.

6. The packaging of any preceding claim, arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the second layer forms a closed loop on the end wall.

7. The packaging of any preceding claim, arranged such that breaking the first layer and second layer at the built-in areas of weakness forms a separable portion of the packaging.

8. The packaging of claim 7, wherein the first and second layers are coupled in the separable portion.

9. The packaging of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first and second layers are coupled only in the separable portion.

10. The packaging of claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the separable portion comprises a cap including an end wall of the packaging, and wherein separating the separable portion opens the packaging by exposing an opening at an end wall of the packaging.

1 1. The packaging of claim 10, wherein the cap comprises portions of the first and second layers from the end wall, and a portion of the first layer only from the side walls.

12. The packaging of any preceding claim, enclosing a plurality of products stacked in side-by-side arrangement and arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer lies on a side wall thereof at a separation from and end wall thereof at a distance along the packaging corresponding to the dimension of one product along the length of the stack.

13. A packaging blank, comprising first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and a built-in in area of weakness at part of the second layer, wherein when formed as packaging around a product to provide a package with end walls and one or more side walls running between the end walls the built-in areas of weakness lie with the part of the first layer comprising the built-in area of weakness exposed outside of the packaging and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer within the packaging, such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to break the second layer at the built- in area of weakness to open the packaging, and the built-in area of weakness of the first layer is formed in a side wall and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer is formed in an end wall.

14. The packaging blank of claim 13, wherein the first and second are laminated, and coupled to one another with a bond across part of their area.

15. The packaging blank of claim 13 or 14, wherein first and/or second built-in area of weakness comprise a scored and/or perforated area.

16. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first and/or second built-in area of weakness comprise a laser score or a die cut.

17. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first and second layers are coupled to one another at a first coupling area, the first coupling area extending to meet the built-in area of weakness of the first layer, but not the built-in area of weakness of the second layer.

18. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the first and second layers are coupled to one another at distinct first and second coupling areas.

19. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 18, comprising an area in which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another.

20. The packaging blank of claim 19, wherein the area in which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another is bounded by the built-in area of weakness of the first layer, and/or bounded by the built-in area of weakness of the second layer.

21. The packaging blank of claim 19 or 20, wherein the area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another comprises a strip across the packaging blank that runs across the packaging blank from one edge to another.

22. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 21 , wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from one edge to another.

23. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer is provided as a line of weakness.

24. The packaging blank of claim 23, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank in a straight line.

25. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank parallel to an edge of the packaging blank.

26. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer comprises a tear guide.

27. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 26, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the second layer runs across the packaging blank from one edge to another.

28. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 27, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the second layer runs across the packaging blank in a straight line.

29. The packaging blank of claim 28, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the second layer extends as a straight line from one edge of the packaging blank.

30. The packaging blank of claim 29, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the second layer is provided extending from an edge of the packaging blank and parallel to the built-in area of weakness of the first layer.

31. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 30, arranged with an area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another bounded by the built-in area of weakness in the first layer and a parallel built-in area of weakness in the second layer.

32. The packaging blank of claim 31 , wherein width of the strip across which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another is less than 10mm and greater than 2mm.

33. The packaging blank of claims 32, wherein the width of the strip across which the first and second layers are not bonded to one is equal to the separation of the second built-in area of weakness from the edge of the packaging blank.

34. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 33, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the second layer runs across the packaging blanks less than 10mm from the edge of the packaging blank.

35. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 34, provided with adhesive at its periphery, to enable edges of the blank to be sealed to one another during formation of packaging from the packaging blank.

36. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 35, wherein the first and second layers are be coupled by bonding, for example by glue.

37. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 36 of generally rectangular shape.

38. The packaging blank of any one of claims 13 to 37 comprising a layer of a metallic foil, for example as the first layer and comprising a second layer of paper, for example as the second layer.

39. The packaging blank of claim 38, comprising a layer of polymeric material laminated to the metallic foil to provide the first layer.

40. A packaging blank according to any one of claims 13 to 39 in combination with an item or arrangement of items to be packaged.

41. The combination of claim 40, wherein the arrangement of items to be packaged comprises a stack of gum pellets.

42. A method of packaging, comprising: providing a packaging blank comprising first and second layers coupled to one another;

providing a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and a built-in in area of weakness at part of the second layer; and

forming the packaging blank around an item or arrangement of items to be packaged to provide a package with end walls and one or more side walls running between the end walls; wherein the forming positions part of the first layer comprising the built-in area of weakness exposed outside of the packaging and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer within the packaging, with the built-in areas of weakness arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to break the second layer at the built-in area of weakness to open the packaging, wherein and the built-in area of weakness of the first layer is formed in a side wall and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer is formed in an end wall.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of providing the built-in areas of weakness is performed before the forming step.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of providing the built-in area of weakness is split into sub-steps of providing one the built-in areas of weakness before the forming step, and providing the other of the built-in areas of weakness after the forming step.

45. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of providing the built-in areas of weakness is performed partially before and partially after the forming step, with one or more area of weakness being expanded after the forming step.

46. The method of any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the step of providing a built-in area of weakness comprises one or both of: a laser scoring step and a die cutting step.

47. The method of any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the step of providing a built-in area of weakness comprises scoring and/or perforating operations.

48. The method of any one of claims 42 to 47, wherein the packaging blank comprises that of any one of claims 13 to 39, or wherein the method of packaging provides the combination of claim 40 or 41 , or produces the packaging of any one of claims 1 to 12.

49. Packaging, a packaging blank, a combination, or a method substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.