EP3132697B1

EP3132697B1 - Pouch for a cigarette paper booklet

Info

Publication number: EP3132697B1
Application number: EP15181527.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Björn Urban
Original assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
Current assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
Priority date: 2015-08-19
Filing date: 2015-08-19
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-19
Also published as: EP3132697A1; WO2017029185A1; ES2733074T3

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a pouch for a cigarette paper booklet.

BACKGROUND

Cigarette paper for hand-rolling cigarettes is available in booklets that contain a plurality of individual paper sheets. For reasons of comfort the booklets are stored in cigarette paper dispensers which are generally known in the art. A cigarette paper dispenser usually comprises a box containing a stack of cigarette papers and a folding top cover coupled to the box by a hinge. Each of the cigarette papers can be retrieved separately from the box through a slot through which a free end of the top one of the cigarette papers extends.
EP 1 651 066 A2 , for example, discloses a cigarette paper dispenser for storing and supplying small sheets of cigarette paper for self-made cigarettes. Said cigarette paper dispenser comprises a box containing at least one stack of small sheets of cigarette paper. The top layer of said stack extends through a slot that is allocated to the stack and is located on the top face of the box. A flap top cover which covers the slot located on the top face of the box in the closed state is hinged to the box. The small covering sheet of the stack, i.e. the small sheet placed on top in the new state of the cigarette paper dispenser, is embodied in a manner that is different from the other small sheets of the stack. The flap top cover is fixed, preferably glued, to the box in the new state of the cigarette paper dispenser such that said flap top cover cannot be lifted up.
It is generally desirable for smokers to protect their cigarette papers from moisture, splash water, dust and dirt. The cigarette paper dispensers known in the art are usually made from blanks of thick paper or thin cardboard which are folded according to complex patterns. These materials can only offer limited protection. Producing a cigarette paper dispenser from other materials in the same manner, however, would make the manufacturing process more complicated and increase the production costs because not many suitable materials can be folded like paper or carton and other production methods like plastic moulding require expensive machines. Irrespective of that, the lids of the known dispensers usually do not provide an all-round coverage of the dispenser. GB 2 208 350 A shows a tobacco pouch including a first compartment for storing tobacco and a second compartment for storing a packet of cigarette papers. The packet is inserted through a first slot, and the papers are sequentially obtained through a second slot. The first slot is closed by an adhesive strip. US 1 637 229 A and GB 101 786 A disclose cigarette paper booklets from cardboard that shall improve the protection of cigarette papers from external influences such as e.g. from moisture, rain and perspiration. US 2005/011906 A1 and US 2014/091103 A1 disclose containers for wipe-type products, such as e.g. facial tissues or wet wipes, comprising a flexible wrapping with an opening.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to better protect the cigarette papers contained in a cigarette paper booklet at reasonable costs.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a pouch for at least one cigarette paper booklet comprising at least one stack of cigarette paper sheets is provided. The overall dimensions of the pouch are adapted to the overall dimensions of the ar least one cigarette paper booklet. The pouch is made from or coated with a splash-proof material. The pouch provides a compartment for accommodation of at least one cigarette paper booklet. The pouch comprises a flexible wrapping being made from or coated with a splash-proof material and being permanently closed on all sides except for an opening on an upper side of the pouch. The pouch further comprises a splash-proof rigid lid. The rigid lid comprises a rigid frame being permanently coupled to the wrapping along a circumference of the opening in a splash proof manner. The rigid frame is further configured such that a top sheet of each of the at least one stack of cigarette paper sheets can extend from the cigarette paper booklet through the opening and the rigid frame and can be retrieved without rearranging the at least one cigarette paper booklet in the pouch in an open state of the rigid lid. There is further a rigid top cover for covering the opening. The rigid top cover is coupled to the frame. The coupling between the top cover and the frame is splash-proof in the closed state of the rigid lid (top cover firmly coupled to frame).
The top cover is releasably coupled to the frame and can be removed such that the opening is accessible and closed again for covering the opening in a splash-proof manner. In other words, the rigid lid is re-closable and always provides a splash proof sealing once it is closed.
In an aspect, the rigid cover can be coupled to the rigid frame by a hinge. The rigid top cover is then pivotable/rotatable about the hinge for opening and closing the rigid lid and thereby the pouch. When the top cover is closed, the rigid cover is splash-proof which means that the entire pouch is splash proof.
The rigid top cover can also be a separate component that can be fully removed from the rigid frame for opening the rigid lid. A latching mechanism can then be provided for firmly closing the lid again by coupling (latching) the top cover to the frame.
In another aspect, the top cover can be coupled by a thread to the frame. The top cover and the frame may then be coupled in form of a screw closure or screw coupling. The rigid frame may then have a corresponding thread or other means (for example protrusions etc.) for coupling the top cover and the frame in splash proof manner in a closed state of the lid. In still another embodiment, the top cover and the frame may be coupled by a snap fit in the closed state.
The pouch and, in particular the wrapping of the pouch closely surrounds the paper booklet since its overall dimensions are adapted to the overall dimensions of the paper booklet(s). This means that the pouch is only dedicated to the one or more paper booklets (or only one, two or more stacks of paper sheets) and is not intended to accommodate anything in addition, like loose tobacco. Due to its splash-proof material the pouch protects the paper booklet effectively from splash water, moisture, dirt and dust. It is to be noted that water, dirt, etc. cannot reach the paper sheets through the slots in the upper portion of the pouch through which the individual paper sheets are accessible since the rigid top cover of the pouch - in its closed position - covers the only opening in the wrapping (i.e. also the slot or slots in the paper booklet). However, since the rigid top cover is releasably attached to the rigid frame, the user can open and close the top cover as often as he/she wants to retrieve a paper sheet and to protect the paper booklet afterwards, respectively.
The splash-proof wrapping is generally more flexible than the rigid lid (i.e. the rigid top cover and the rigid frame). In the context of this description, the term "rigid" implies that the rigid lid is at least more rigid and/or stiff than the wrapping.
There is further a latching mechanism for coupling the rigid top cover to the rigid frame in a closed state. The latching mechanism generally provides that the rigid top cover is firmly and tightly attached to the rigid frame in the closed state of the lid.
The latching mechanism can comprise protrusions arranged at the rigid top cover and corresponding recesses in the rigid frame. Alternatively, the latching mechanism can comprise protrusions arranged at the rigid frame and corresponding recesses arranged ate the rigid top cover. The protrusions and the recesses can engage with each other when the rigid top cover is in the closed state. This aspect generally prevents that the pouch opens unintentionally and also improves the splash proof sealing between the top cover and the frame.
The rigid top cover can further comprise a top plate and at least one peripheral wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the top plate and towards the rigid frame in a closed state of the lid. The rigid frame can then comprise a base plate and at least one peripheral wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base plate and towards the top cover in a closed state of the lid. This peripheral wall of the top cover and the peripheral wall of the frame can be arranged close to or even in contact with each other in order to improve the tightness of the rigid lid when the lid is closed.
In another embodiment, the rigid top cover can comprise at least two peripheral walls, for example an inner peripheral wall and an outer peripheral wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the top plate and towards the rigid frame in a closed state of the lid. The rigid frame can also comprise at least two peripheral walls, for example an inner peripheral wall and outer peripheral wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base plate and towards the top cover in a closed state of the lid. The peripheral walls of the top cover and the peripheral walls of the frame can be arranged close to or even in contact with each other in order to improve the tightness of the rigid lid when the lid is closed. In other words, the peripheral walls of the top cover and the peripheral walls can advantageously overlap when the rigid cover is in a closed state. This further improves the tightness.
In an embodiment, the inner and the outer peripheral walls of the top cover can reside between the inner and the outer peripheral walls of the frame in a closed state of the lid. This further improves the tightness of the rigid lid.
The rigid frame can be permanently attached to an outer surface of the wrapping by a permanent adhesive or welding.
In the embodiments using a hinge, the hinge can advantageously be formed by a weakening line. This provides that the hinge is inherently splash-proof. A peripheral wall on the frame and/or on the top cover can then be omitted along the hinge. This relates to the fact that the hinge itself is configured splash-proof and does therefore not require an additional peripheral wall.
A maximum diameter of the opening in the wrapping can be equal to or slightly greater than the length of a slot in the cigarette paper booklet.
A dimension of the rigid top cover is advantageously greater than the width (extension in the longitudinal direction a cigarette to be made with the paper) of a paper of the stack of papers.
The splash-proof material of the wrapping can be polyethylene (PE) and/or oriented polypropylene (OPP). The wrapping can be made of a single layer or a laminate of multiple layers.
A blank for manufacturing the wrapping for the pouch can comprise three adjacent and contiguous rectangular portions. The blank further comprises a cut-out for the opening. The cut-out is located in the middle portion of the blank located between two of the other portions of the blank. The opening is dimensioned such that paper sheets can be retrieved from the cigarette paper booklet through the opening.
The paper booklet can only be a stack of paper sheets, a stack of paper sheets including an open tray partially encompassing the stack of paper sheets or a box entirely encompassing the stack of paper sheets except for a slit for retrieving separate paper sheets from the stack inside the box, for example. Accordingly, the term booklet does not necessarily imply that there are additional walls around the stack of paper sheets inside the compartment.
The paper sheets in the stack of paper sheets are advantageously interleaved. This provides that a subsequent paper sheet is at least partially pulled out of a slot/slit when the preceding paper is removed.
The wrapping for the paper booklet can be permanently closed and sealed on all sides except for the opening that can be accessed by opening the rigid top cover of the lid.
The lid, and in particular the rigid frame of the lid can be attached to an outer side of the wrapping by a permanent adhesive or welding.
Permanent adhesives are adhesives that cannot be repeatedly released and resealed without significant loss of adhesion strength. The same applies to welding.
Preferably, the wrapping for the paper booklet is advantageously permanently sealed on all sides except for the opening (cut-out). Such a configuration ensures that the possible entry sites for water, dirt etc. are reduced.
A method of manufacturing the pouch described above from the blank described above comprises the step of sealing the attachment zones of the blank (attachment portions of the first/upper portion and the corresponding attachment zones of the bottom portion(s)) with each other. The sealing can be performed by welding or gluing, for example, without the need of additional components for forming the pouch.
According to a very simple, quick and effective way of manufacturing the pouch, the paper booklet can be placed on the inner side of the upper portion of the blank of the wrapping such that the slot(s) of the paper booklet coincide(s) with the opening. For closing and sealing the wrapping around the paper booklet, two half bottom portions extending from opposite sides of the upper portion can then be folded around respective folding lines/areas so that the attachment zones of the upper portion come to rest against the corresponding attachment zones of the bottom portions. Also corresponding attachments zones of the half-bottom portions can come to rest against each other. In a next step, the respective portions are permanently sealed/attached to each other in the attachment zones. In a further step, the rigid lid can be permanently attached to the upper portion of the wrapping along a circumferential edge of the opening. This can be done by a permanent adhesive or welding etc.
A cigarette paper dispenser comprising the pouch described herein, preferably manufactured as described herein and from the blank described herein, preferably further comprises a cigarette paper booklet that is accommodated in the compartment of the pouch.
The paper booklet may include only a single stack of paper sheets or several stacks of paper sheets. The compartment of the pouch can then have a slot for each stack of paper sheets so that a paper sheet can be retrieved from any of the stacks without the need of rearranging the paper booklet in the pouch. If the compartment of the pouch comprises more than one stack of paper sheets and a corresponding number of slots for retrieving the paper sheets of each of the stacks, there can be an additional sealing/welding or seam in the upper portion of the pouch and between the slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects and characteristics of the invention ensue from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of cigarette paper dispenser including a pouch and a cigarette paper booklet accommodated therein in an open state of the rigid top cover;
FIG. 2 is a top view on the cigarette paper dispenser of FIG. 1 in a closed state of the rigid top cover;
FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional and exploded view of the cigarette paper dispenser along line A-A indicated in FIG. 2, and
FIG. 4 is top view on a blank to be used for the wrapping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The cigarette paper dispenser 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a pouch 10 and a cigarette paper booklet 12. The pouch 10 comprises a flexible wrapping 14 surrounding the paper booklet 12 (except for an opening 32) and a rigid lid 16.
The paper booklet 12 contains a plurality of individual cigarette paper sheets that can be retrieved separately from the paper booklet 12. The paper booklet 12 may be a paper or cardboard box fully surrounding a stack of paper sheets except for one or more slit(s) 22, 24 through which the individual paper sheets 26, 28 can be retrieved. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the paper booklet 12 is a so-called double booklet, i. e. two stacks of paper sheets are held in a single box. Of course, the paper booklet 12 itself (i. e. not the paper sheets contained therein) may also be made from other materials than paper or cardboard.
The wrapping 14 surrounding the paper booklet 12 can be made from or coated with an at least splash-proof material like polyethylene (PE) or oriented polypropylene (OPP), for example. The wrapping 14 thereby provides a compartment for the paper booklet 12 which is fully closed on all sides, except for an opening 32 formed in an upper portion 30 of the wrapping 14.
The rigid lid 16 includes a rigid top cover 18 and rigid frame 20 which are coupled to each other by a hinge 34. The top cover 18 can be rotated about the hinge 34 for opening and closing the rigid lid 16. The hinge is configured as a weakening line between the rigid top cover 18 and the rigid frame 20. In the present embodiment, the hinge 34 comprises two parts, i.e. the hinge 34 is configured as a double hinge. Along the hinge 34, the top cover 18 is permanently coupled to the frame 20.
In another embodiment (not shown), the rigid top cover 18 can also be a separate component that can be fully removed from the rigid frame 20 for opening the rigid lid 16. A latching mechanism can then be provided for firmly closing the lid 16 again by coupling (latching) the top cover 18 to the frame 20.
In still another embodiment (not shown), the top cover 18 can be coupled by a thread to the frame 20. The coupling may then have the form of a screw closure or screw coupling between the top cover 18 and the frame 20. The rigid frame 20 may then have a corresponding thread or other means (for example protrusions etc.) for coupling the top cover 18 and the frame 20 in a splash proof manner in a closed state of the lid.
In still another embodiment, the top cover 18 and the frame 20 may be coupled in form of a snap fit.
The rigid lid 16 is provided with a latching mechanism consisting of protrusions 36 on the top cover 18 and corresponding recesses 38 provided in the rigid frame 20. In the closed state of the rigid lid 16 (top cover 18 closed), the protrusions 36 engage with the recesses 38 thereby keeping the top cover 18 in the closed position. This prevents unintentional opening of the top cover 18 and improves tightness. The top cover 18 is of course only releasably closed in the closed state and can be opened if sufficient force is provided. The protrusions 36 can extend from an outer peripheral edge of the top cover 18. The corresponding recesses 38 can be arranged within the outer peripheral wall 50 of the rigid frame 20.
It is to be noted that the wrapping 14 does not contain any additional compartment for tobacco, a lighter, matches or the like. Rather, the overall dimensions of the wrapping are adapted to the overall dimensions of the paper booklet 12, so that the wrapping 14 snugly surrounds the paper booklet 12.
The rigid top cover 18 further comprises a top plate 46 and two peripheral walls 42, 44 extending substantially perpendicularly from the top plate 46. There is an outer peripheral wall 42 and inner peripheral wall 44. The inner peripheral wall 42 is circumferentially encompassed by the outer peripheral wall 44. The top cover 18 further comprises a small handle 54 for grasping the rigid top cover 18.
The rigid frame 20 comprises a base plate 48 (or a base ring) and two peripheral walls 50, 52 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base plate 48. There is an outer peripheral wall 50 and an inner peripheral wall 52. The inner peripheral wall 52 is circumferentially encompassed by the outer peripheral wall 50. The outer peripheral wall 50 is omitted along the hinge 34. The inner peripheral wall 52 is omitted along the slots 22, 24 of the paper booklet 12.
The rigid lid (i.e. the rigid top cover 18 and the rigid frame 20) are made of a rigid material as for example plastic or thermoformed paper pulp.
FIG. 2 is a top view on the pouch 10 of FIG. 1 in a closed state of the rigid top cover 18 (i.e. in a closed state of the rigid lid 16). In the closed state, the rigid top cover 18 snuggly fits on the rigid frame 20 thereby closing and sealing the pouch 10 in an entirely splash-proof manner.
FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional exploded view of the pouch 10 along line A-A indicated in FIG. 2. The rigid top cover 18 comprises the top plate 46 and two peripheral walls 42, 44 which extend substantially perpendicularly from the top plate 46. The rigid frame 20 comprises the base plate 48 and two peripheral walls 50, 52 which extend substantially perpendicularly from the base plate 48. The base plate 48 is rather a ring (not circular) around the opening 32 provided in the upper part 14-1 of the wrapping 14. It can be seen that the inner peripheral wall 44 and the outer peripheral wall 42 of the rigid top cover 18 have dimensions and a distance from each other which are chosen such that they fit between the outer peripheral wall 50 and inner peripheral wall 52 of the rigid frame 20. In the closed state of the rigid top cover 18, the inner peripheral wall 44 can contact/touch the inner peripheral wall 52 of the rigid frame 20 and the outer peripheral wall 42 of the rigid top cover 18 can contact/touch the outer peripheral wall 50 of the rigid frame 20. The upper edges of the peripheral walls 44, 42 of the top cover 18 can extend beyond the upper edges of the peripheral walls 50, 52 of the rigid frame 20. This means that the upper edges of the peripheral walls 44, 42 and peripheral walls 50, 52 at least partially overlap each other. In the overlapping area (not visible in this exploded view) the peripheral walls of the lid and those of the frame can be in mutual close contact. This provides an increased sealing and an improved tightness. Furthermore, in the closed state of the lid 16, the outer peripheral wall 42 of the top cover 18 is circumferentially encompassed by the outer peripheral wall 50 of the frame. All this improves the sealing and tightness of the lid 16.
From the cross-sectional view in FIG. 3, it becomes also apparent that the wrapping 14 is sealed entirely along attachment areas A (left and right from the cigarette paper booklet 12) but also along the bottom side. The wrapping 14, or more specifically, the blank to be used for the wrapping 14, may have three adjacent and contiguous rectangular portions 14-1, 14-2 and 14-3. The first portion 14-1 forms the upper part of the wrapping 14 and also comprises the opening 32. The second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3 together form the bottom part of the wrapping and at least partially overlap along the attachment area A, which has the form of a seam from left to right.
FIG. 4 is top view on a blank to be used for the wrapping 14. The blank comprises three adjacent rectangular and contiguous portions 14-1, 14-2 and 14-3. The first portion 14-1 forms the upper part of the wrapping 14 and contains the cut-out for the opening 32. The second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3 together form the bottom part of the wrapping 14. The second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3 may be referred to as half-bottom portions. The portions can then be attached/sealed along attachment zones A along the edges of the blank. The dashed lines delimit folding or bending areas B arranged between the first portion 14-1 and the second portion 14-2 and the third portion 14-3, respectively, about which the second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3 can be bent or folded backwardly in order to envelop/wrap a cigarette paper booklet (not shown).
In other embodiments, there can be additional sealings/weldings or seams (attachment portions A) on the blank. Along any additional attachment portions A or seals, the portions of the blank can then also be permanently coupled/attached to each other by welding or a permanent adhesive or the like.
During manufacturing, the paper booklet 12 can be placed (for example upside3-down) on the upper portion 14-1. In order to build the compartment around the paper booklet 12, the second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3 may be folded around the folding lines/areas B. After the step of folding, the attachment zones A are sealed with each other. The sealing is performed in a manner so that the resulting sealing connections of the attachment zones A are at least splash-proof.
In a further step, the rigid to cover 16, or more specifically the bottom side of the base plate (base ring) 48 of the rigid frame 20 can be attached to the upper side (opposite to the cigarette paper booklet 12) of the upper portion 14-1 of the wrapping 14. The base plate 48 of the rigid frame 20 can then be attached to the upper portion 14-1 of the wrapping 14 by a permanent adhesive or by welding.
Although the invention has been described hereinabove with reference to specific embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments and no doubt further alternatives will occur to the skilled person that lie within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

A splash-proof pouch (10) for at least one cigarette paper booklet (12) comprising at least one stack of cigarette paper sheets, the overall dimensions of the pouch (10) being adapted to the overall dimensions of the at least one cigarette paper booklet (12), the pouch (10) providing a compartment for accommodating the at least one cigarette paper booklet (12), the pouch (10) comprising
- a flexible wrapping (14) being made from or coated with a splash-proof material and being permanently closed on all sides except for an opening (32) on an upper side of the pouch (10) and

- a rigid lid (16), wherein the rigid lid (16) comprises
- a rigid frame (20) being permanently coupled to the wrapping (14) along a circumference of the opening (32) in a splash proof manner and the rigid frame (20) being configured such that a top sheet of each of the at least one stack of cigarette paper sheets can extend through the opening (32) and through the rigid frame (20) and can be retrieved without rearranging the at least one cigarette paper booklet (12) in the pouch (10),

- a rigid top cover (18) being coupled to the frame (20) and configured to releasably close the rigid lid (34).
The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the rigid top cover (18) is permanently coupled to the frame by a hinge.
The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid lid (16) further comprises a latching mechanism for coupling the rigid top cover (18) to the rigid frame (20) in a closed state of the rigid lid (16).
The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 3, wherein the latching mechanism comprises protrusions (36) arranged at the rigid top cover (18) and corresponding recesses (38) arranged at the rigid frame (20).
The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 2 the preceding claims, wherein the hinge (34) is formed by a weakening line.
The splash-proof pouch (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid top cover (18) further comprises a top plate (46), an inner peripheral wall (44) and an outer peripheral wall (42) extending substantially perpendicularly from the top plate (46) and towards the rigid frame (20) in a closed state of the rigid lid (16) and the rigid frame (20) comprises a base plate (48), an inner peripheral wall (52) and outer peripheral wall (50) extending substantially perpendicularly from the base plate (48) and towards the rigid top cover (18) in a closed state of the lid.
The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 6, wherein the inner peripheral wall (44) and the outer peripheral wall (42) of the rigid top cover (18) reside between the inner peripheral wall (52) and the outer peripheral wall (50) of the rigid frame (20) in a closed state of the lid (16).
The splash-proof pouch (14) according to claim 6 or 7, inasmuch as dependent on claim 2, wherein a peripheral wall (50) of the frame is omitted along the hinge (34).
The splash-proof pouch (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid frame is permanently attached to an outer surface of the wrapping by a permanent adhesive or welding.
The splash-proof pouch (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the splash-proof material of the wrapping is polyethylene (PE) and/or oriented polypropylene (OPP).